At a recent meeting of the South Reading CCG Council of GP Practices the member practices failed to support the proposed merger of all four Berkshire West CCGs with a sufficient majority to allow the necessary change of constitution. South Reading NHS CCG has issued the following statement: "The 4 CCGs have decided to withdraw from the process to apply to create a single CCG by April 2015.

Roy Lilley, a prominent commentator notes that In the UK the number of all types of nurses per 1,000 head of population has gone from 2010 - 10.1, 2011 - 9.5 and 2012 - 8.8. How could this possibly be consistent with a move from hospital to community care - which surely will require more nurses?

In its final five-year plan as submitted to NHS England the Berkshire West CCGs outlline their plans to transform treatment. This will involve efforts to treat a greater proportion of patients out of hospital using new serivces, new technoloigy and new care pathways.

Dr Elizabeth Johnston, retiring chair of the South Reading NHS CCG, has announced a proposed merger of the 4 CCGs in Berkshire West - South Reading, North and West Reading, West Berks, Wokingham. In her report, Dr Johnston says, "Discussions are currently taking place to review feasibility and practicalities of a proposed merger of South Reading CCG with its neighbouring CCGs, namely Wokingham, North & West Reading and Newbury and District.

Pembroke surgery has announced that it will be among the first in the country to offer televideo consultations. Patients who are interested should call at reception and ask for the informative leaflet. The consultations involve the use of the patients computer with video camera ("webcam") and software which is installed at no expense to the patient. The software provides for secure transmission so as to maintain the privacy of the consultation.