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. 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. They will continue to explore the optimal way of working to maximise focus on the considerable challenge that the Berkshire West health and social care system faces." The 4 CCGs in Berkshire West are South Reading, North and West Reading, Newbury and Wokingham CCGs. The other three CCGs are believed to have been in favour of the merger. The Berkshire West CCGs carry out much of their work through a federated common staff but are still 4 separate legal entities with their local governing bodies and small local establishments. Like the United Kingdom itself the Berkshire West CCGs are struggling to find the right balance between, on the one hand, local engagement, accountability and freedom to address local problems and, on the other hand, efficiency and common standards.

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. Given that the Royal Berkshire Hospital Foundation Trust shows an unsustainable situation in years 4 and 5 of its five-year plan, this must mean major change at the the hospital. The CCGs say, " this will require a major reconfiguration of pathways and care models which may ultimately lead to structural changes to existing provider organisations within this five year period.". These matters will be discussed at the Governing Body meeting on Wednesday 3rd September 9.30-12.30 at the Museum of Rural Life in Craven Road.

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. The reasons for the potential merger include the external financial pressures in the local health economy; a shortage of GPs coming forward to take on active roles within the Governing Bodies, including our own; and a reduction in the statutory requirements if the merger proceeds i.e the requirement for one Governing Body meeting instead of four bi-monthly." South Reading has a rather different pooulation to the rest of Berkshire West with a younger population, more people from black and minority ethnic groups and areas of severe deprivation. It is a matter of concern that the particular interests of South Reading might not be well protected in a merged CCG.

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.

Pembroke surgery has announced a long-discussed move to have several smaller practices share facilities in a "chambers" arrangement on Craven Road. The move will take 2-3 years. There are great advantages for patients in having small practices co-located with shared facilities but the one advantage that could be lost is locality. Colocated practices could share specialist nurses and technical infrastructure, and also clinical expertise. Whereas large practices are able to conduct audit reviews and continually assess and maintain standards this is much harder for the small practice. Kennet and London Street surgeries could be involved. No doubt the proximity to the Royal Berkshire Hospital emergency department will raise the possibility of diverting cases better suited to primary care to the new chambers on Craven Road.

A poll of patient reaction to their place of care has put Berkshire Healthcare FT well ahead of the national average. The survey asked about patient approval of cleanliness, food and hydration, privacy, dignity and wellbing and also condition appearance and maintenance. Berkshire Healthcare FT was well ahead in each category.

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. Out of fourteen authorities approved to go ahead with their Better Care Fund plans eight have been asked to resubmit.

Macmillan Cancer Support - a source of support for all those afffected by cancer - providing information and advice, funding specialist nurses. With NHS support publishes comprehensive assessments and details for cancer treatment centres.