A study by Public Health England covering the years 2010-2012 has put Reading 81st out of 150 local authorities for early deaths and 10th out 15 comparable local authorities. So "could do better". More details can be seen here where you can also find out what to do to protect yourself.

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.

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.

Pembroke surgery has announced that it will be among the first in the country to offer televideo consultations.

Pembroke surgery has announced a long-discussed move to have several smaller practices share facilities in a "chambers" arrangement on Craven Road.

A poll of patient reaction to their place of care has put Berkshire Healthcare FT well ahead of the national average.

Public Finance magazine has reported that Reading is now one of only six local authorities allowed to go ahead to health and sociall care integration in 2015.

For those needing treatment for cancer there is now a very informative web site produced by the Macmillan charity and the NHS.