Press releases

Recruitment to the NHS Islington Shadow GP Commissioning Consortium Board’

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:57:00 GMT

We are looking for an outstanding individual to serve as a Lay Representative on the newly formed NHS Islington Shadow GP Commissioning Consortium Board.

The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and the joint NHS Haringey and NHS Islington community health services alliance have formed an exciting new organisation, called Whittington Health

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:35:00 GMT

As of today, 1 April 2011, The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and the joint NHS Haringey and NHS Islington community health services alliance have formed an exciting new organisation, called Whittington Health.

Dr Yi Mien Koh appointed chief executive for Whittington Health

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:21:00 GMT

Dr Yi Mien Koh has been appointed the first chief executive of Whittington Health. She will be joining the organisation on Monday 28 March 2011 as The Whittington Hospital becomes an integrated care organisation merging with community health services from Islington and Haringey on Friday 1 April.

Minister for Public Health visits Islington

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:23:00 GMT

On Tuesday 25th January the Minister for Public Health, Anne Milton, made a visit to the Bemerton Children’s Centre in Islington. The Minister was there to discuss the Health Visiting Programme in Islington and the soon to be launched Health Visitors’ Implementation Plan.

NHS Islington and the Whittington to open Urgent Care Centre

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:22:00 GMT

NHS Islington and The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust are pleased to announce the development of an Urgent Care Centre based at The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, which is due to open on 31 March 2011. The service will be open daily, 8 am to 10 pm and will be made up of local GP’s and nurses who will provide urgent care for people primarily living in Islington and West Haringey, or those visiting the area. This will work as part of a fully functioning, 24 hour, seven day a week, emergency department.

It’s a New Year and time to get healthy!

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Healthy eating isn’t all about living on tofu and lentils. It doesn't have to be boring or difficult. Knowing what is good for you is the first step.

Consultation about Orthotics and biomechanics services

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Over the last few years we have been moving community services in the borough to make better use of our NHS buildings, to give some services that are working in cramped conditions more space, and to put services that need to work closely together in the same building.

The NHS Islington Website- Your One Stop Shop for all health information!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:11:00 GMT

Do you want to know more about health services in Islington? It is time to get online and take a visit to the NHS Islington website. The NHS Islington website is a useful resource for Islington residents to find out more about the local NHS services that are available to them such as how to register with a GP, where local dentists and pharmacists are located and an A-Z of health services.

NHS Islington Health Services open over the Christmas and New Year period

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:00:00 GMT

As Christmas nears closer and holidays are finally insight this doesn’t mean that the nasty viruses around this time of year will be taking a holiday too! So make sure over the Christmas and New Year period you are geared with the information of the opening times for your local GP, pharmacist and dental surgery.

NHS Islington Health Stars shining success

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:45:00 GMT

The Annual NHS Islington Health Star Awards were held last Thursday night whereby the nominated staff were awarded their trophy and given a well deserved moment of acclamation.

NHS Islington Mental Health First Aid Champion Award!

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:09:00 GMT

NHS Islington has been awarded a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Champion award as recognition for “demonstrating exemplary leadership in increasing mental health literacy in our community”. This is for the evaluation of the Mental Health First Aid training completed at the beginning of this year.

End violence against women and children campaign

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:06:00 GMT

To coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November 2010) and the following 16 days, a communications campaign is taking place to raise awareness with the public, patients and health professionals of the ‘End violence against women and children campaign’ taking place. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the different types of violence that can take place towards women and children and where help can be found.

NHS in Islington - Who are We?

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:04:00 GMT

The NHS in Islington plays an imperative role in the health care provision for Islington residents, but how much do we exactly know about the NHS and the skill base that makes up the Primary Care Trust? The NHS in Islington is responsible locally for all aspects of the NHS outside of hospitals, except for services for people who are seriously mentally ill.

NHS Islington and The Association for Research into Stammering in Childhood (ARSC) Joint Statement

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:16:00 GMT

The Association for Research into Stammering in Childhood (a leading national charity) and NHS Islington have announced an exciting proposal to refurbish the Pine Street premises in Islington to house the Michael Palin Centre.

Have your say on about Pharmacy services in Islington!

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:11:00 GMT

Have you had your say yet about what pharmacy services would you like to see developed in Islington? On the 19th October this year NHS Islington launched a consultation on pharmacy needs in the borough. The consultation runs until the 20 December and aims to find out people’s views on current and future pharmacy services in Islington. The consultation will be used to produce a final pharmacy needs assessment to be published in February 2011.

Community projects celebrate partnership success

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:08:00 GMT

Community projects working hard to make Islington a better place have been celebrated at the Islington Compact Awards.

Breastfeeding Welcome in Islington

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:14:00 GMT

Did you know that most mothers – including Islington mums - stop breastfeeding before they want to? One of the reasons given for this is that they felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, even though all mothers have a right to breastfeed wherever they like.

It’s Self Care Week- take control today!

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:08:00 GMT

Self Care Week 2010, 15 -21 November 2010, aims to get people, especially those with a long term condition, to take control by learning about how they can look after their own health better. Self care is how you take medicines, treat minor ailments, and seek help when you need it as well as keeping fit and healthy and if you have a long term condition; it’s about understanding that condition and how to live with it on a day to day basis.

World Diabetes Day - 14 November

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:58:00 GMT

November 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD) and is a world wide campaign that is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of diabetes, its effect and to engage with those who are affected by it.

Look after your lungs – get checked out and get it off your chest

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:26:00 GMT

A new health campaign is being launched in Islington, which has some of the highest rates of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (a respiratory disease caused by chronic inflammation of the airways and resulting in increasing, disabling breathlessness) both in London and nationally.

Get something to smile about? Visit an NHS dentist in

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:44:00 GMT

NHS Islington is responsible for making sure everyone who lives in Islington has access to dental services and that dentists deliver high standards of care to patients.

It’s Ask Your Pharmacist Week!

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:38:00 GMT

November 8-14 is ‘Ask your pharmacist week’ and NHS Islington is using this as an opportunity to raise the profile of our community pharmacists and the vital role they play in providing health care to the residents of Islington.

Annual Public Health Report 2010 published

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:58:00 GMT

NHS Islington and the London Borough of Islington have just published and released their 2010 Public Health Report. This year the report focuses on the inequalities gap in life expectancy in Islington, looking at what more needs to be done to close the gap.

World Stroke Day 29th October 2010

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:54:00 GMT

In support of world stroke day on 29th October 2010 and to raise awareness of the seriousness of a stroke NHS Islington held a number of Health Checks in the borough in the week leading up to Stroke Day. These Health Checks took place in the community to give the residents of Islington a chance to learn more about their own health and any potential risk they may be at.

World Stroke Day - Friday 29 October

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:11:00 GMT

Today is World Stroke Day (Friday 29 October).

Do you know a Health Star in Islington?

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:30:00 GMT

NHS Islington is appealing to the public for help to find Islington’s Health Stars for its annual staff awards. The awards scheme has been set up by NHS Islington so staff who have made a big difference to the health of the borough can be publicly thanked.

Freshers Fair

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:25:00 GMT

Throughout late September and October NHS Islington was on location at the local Islington Freshers’ Fair to talk to students about the NHS in Islington and the services available to them such as how to register with a GP, local pharmacy care and where to find a dentist, along with information on other services such as PALs (Patient Advice and Liaison Service).

World Mental Health Day in Islington

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:56:00 GMT

October 10 saw the Islington borough congregate to raise awareness of Mental Health illnesses for World Mental Health Day.

New £7.6m Cancer Drugs Fund available for patients in London

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:56:00 GMT

From 1 October, patients with cancer in London will be able to benefit from a new £7.6 million fund that will enable them to access new cancer drugs, if recommended by their doctor.

NHS Islington Celebrates front line staff throughout Black History Month

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:45:00 GMT

This October Islington is celebrating Black History Month with the theme for 2010 being health. This year the activities and celebrations have focused on the positive difference black communities have made to the health and wellbeing of others and NHS Islington has been taking a look at some of their frontline staff and profiling the wonderful work they are doing in the Islington Community.

Championing the achievements of older people

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:47:00 GMT

UCLH’s work with older people, including new weekly art workshops, was celebrated during an awareness day this month.

Breast Aware this October!

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:59:00 GMT

This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect opportunity to remind yourself of the importance of being breast aware and attending breast screening. For women, breast cancer is a concern and with one in nine women diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime, it is a cancer that has affected many people’s lives in different ways.

It’s Seasonal Flu Time Again!

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:56:00 GMT

As we brace ourselves for wintry weather, we should also be taking precautions against the seasonal flu virus that comes with the cold and wet.

Have you had your NHS health check?

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:46:00 GMT

NHS Islington is offering FREE Health Checks giving you an indication if you are likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or stroke within the next ten years. The check takes 20-30 minutes and involves asking some simple questions about your lifestyle, taking measurements such as weight, height and blood pressure and a blood test to check your cholesterol. After the check you can discuss the results with a health professional and formulate a personalised plan to improve your health.

Winter health services guide is here!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMT

NHS Islington's guide to health services this winter will soon be distributed to health settings and public buildings across Islington, and is available to download now on our website - http://www.islington.nhs.uk/winter-services-2010.htm.

Mayor congratulates NHS Islington on keeping fit

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:08:00 GMT

NHS Islington has received a certificate from the London Mayor, Boris Johnson commending NHS Islington for signing up to the NHS Cycling Strategy and promoting healthier and more sustainable travel in London.

Are you registered with a GP?

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:03:00 GMT

No? Now is the time!

Your local GP or (or family doctor) is there to look after you and your family’s health. Your GP practice offers a range of services that include health checks; advice and support for stop smoking, dietary advice, and can offer vaccinations for children and adults.

GP Out of Hours Service update - 26 August 2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:45:00 GMT

The Consortium of PCTs that commission Out of Hours services (NHS Camden, NHS Islington, NHS Haringey and NHS City and Hackney) has confirmed that they will not be entering into a new three year contract with CAMIDOC. This decision was taken jointly by the four PCT members of the Consortium.

Cancer and cardiovascular models of care have been published

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:50:00 GMT

The proposed models of care for future cancer and cardiovascular service provision in London are available for comment.

Baby Friendly is best for NHS Islington and Islington Council

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:58:00 GMT

This month NHS Islington and Islington Council’s Children’s Centres have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment as the first step towards gaining international recognition from the UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund) Baby Friendly Initiative. Furthermore Islington’s Food Strategy states that the whole of Islington is committed to achieving ‘Baby Friendly’ status, ensuring that Islington is working together to make this the best place to live for mothers and their babies.

Love your gut!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:52:00 GMT

August 23-29 is National Gut Week- a timely reminder that we should all be looking after ourselves and eating well. With a significant portion of the population suffering from gut based diseases in their lifetime, your digestive health can play a big role in your general wellbeing and how healthy you feel.

Public views sought on North London specialist eating disorders service

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:17:00 GMT

An NHS Trust has launched a consultation on bringing together all of its services into a single specialist hub, and introducing a new outreach service for eating disorders patients in Camden and Islington.

Islington Health Panel - Have your say!

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:34:00 GMT

NHS Islington is responsible for improving the health of Islington residents and making sure you have access to high quality health services when you need them. We manage and deliver local community services and buy (commission) other services such as hospital, GP and dental services, on your behalf. Every day thousands of Islington residents use local NHS services. Your feedback can help us improve the services we deliver or buy on your behalf.

GP Out of Hours service

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:02:00 GMT

The Consortium of PCTs that commission Out of Hours services (NHS Camden, NHS Islington, NHS Haringey and NHS City and Hackney) has confirmed that they will not be entering into a new, three year contract with CAMIDOC. This decision was taken jointly by the four PCT members of the Consortium.

NHS Islington top PCT for helping more people to quit smoking for the second year running!

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:02:00 GMT

NHS Islington is the top PCT in London to help their residents to quit smoking for the second year running. Recent figures release by NHS London demonstrate that the Stop Smoking Service has successfully helped 2386 residents give up the smoking habit once and for all, which is 186 more than the target set.

Health awareness day for Islington's Somali residents

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:59:00 GMT

On Wednesday 28 July, NHS Islington held a Health Awareness Day for the Somali community within Islington. Organised by NHS Islington’s Stop Smoking team, the event was designed to raise awareness of local health services, offer information about a range of health issues and encourage people from local communities to become trained Community Smoking Advisors.

New iCope website

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:57:00 GMT

NHS Islington has launched the new iCope website- a free and user friendly service helping to guide you through some tough times either with a friend or family member or, yourself. The website has a range of information and advice on common mental health problems and supporting your well being. Visitors to the site can read information on various mental health conditions, where to get help, self help and friends and family advice.

Outcome of NHS Islington Board meeting – Finsbury Health Centre

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:52:00 GMT

Today (Thursday 22 July 2010), NHS Islington’s Board formally considered and discussed a report from Islington Council’s Health and Wellbeing Review Committee on the future of Finsbury Health Centre.

NHS Islington world class commissioning panel report 2010

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:37:00 GMT

NHS Islington has today published its report from the world class commissioning assurance process for 2010.

NHS Islington Healthcare 100 top employer - again!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:25:00 GMT

The HSJ and Nursing Times have released their final list of top 100 healthcare employers in the country. For the second year running, NHS Islington has made it into the top 100 list, coming in as the second top Primary Care Trust.

Ritchie Street Neighbourhood Health Centre launches

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:23:00 GMT

A new GP practice is now open in Islington, offering extended opening hours and a walkin service where no appointments are required.

New sexual and reproductive health centre opens in Islington

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:23:00 GMT

The Archway Centre, a new integrated sexual and reproductive health service, opens in Islington on Tuesday 29 June. NHS Camden Provider Services’ has spent almost a year refurbishing a snooker hall and laser-quest game arcade on a former brownfield site in the heart of Archway. Black walls and graffiti-art have been replaced with stylish interiors and sustainable features such as energy-efficient sun pipes. Visitors will benefit from touch-screen self-registration services, a children’s play-area and a buggy store.

Islington Breast Screening Moves into the Digital Age!

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:50:00 GMT

From 28th June 2010, Islington women will be able to benefit from a new digital mammography unit that has been developed at the Whittington Hospital for breast screening. The investment in this new digital facility will improve early detection of breast cancer in a permanent home.

Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Week

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMT

From the 7-13 June, throughout Cervical Screening Awareness Week, health professionals in Islington are urging women between the ages of 25 – 64 years to take advantage of the free cervical screening test being offered to them.

100 Hour Pharmacy - Market Estate, N7

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:39:00 GMT

An application to open a 100 Hour Pharmacy at the location of Market Estate N7 has recently been made.

Finsbury Health Centre update - NHS Islington Chief Executive

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:17:00 GMT

A statement from NHS Islington's Chief Executive, Helen Pettersen regarding the status of the review of Finsbury Health Centre.

Changes in Primary Care Update

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:12:00 GMT

Lord Darzi's Healthcare for London review showed that the current approach to delivering care in the capital wouldn't meet the needs of Londoners. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said we must find a new way of meeting these same challenges.

2009/10 Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Launched

Fri, 21 May 2010 09:07:00 GMT

On Thursday 20th May the 2009/10 Islington Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) was launched at the Business Design Centre by NHS Islington and Islington Council. The event included presentations from Sarah Price, Director of Public Health at NHS Islington and John Foster, Islington Council Chief Executive.

International Nurses’ Day - 12 May 2010

Wed, 19 May 2010 09:05:00 GMT

On Friday 14 May a group of Islington nurses held an event to celebrate Nurses’ Day (IND )2010. A stall was erected in the N1 Centre in Angel, where the nurses provided free blood pressure checks, advice and information. In the four hours the stall was open, the nurses took over 120 blood pressure tests, and many more people were there to ask advice and questions- generating significant interest and awareness of the role nursing staff play in our community.

Asthma Awareness Week

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:27:00 GMT

Throughout the first two weeks of May, NHS Islington held a series of Asthma road shows to raise awareness of the symptoms of Asthma and the importanceof treatment, especially in children.

NHS Islington appoints two new Non-executive Directors

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:23:00 GMT

NHS Islington is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Russell Gilbert and Dr Sorrel Brookes as non-executive directors to the Board of NHS Islington.

Diabetic Retinal Screening Service

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:28:00 GMT

In November of last year the Peer Review External Quality Assurance (EQA) temporarily suspended the Camden and Islington Diabetic Retinal Screening Service. Since this time we have been actively working to address the concerns that had been raised so as to commence our recall process for patients identified as in need of a further review.

April- Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:25:00 GMT

April’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. More than 60 people in Islington are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year and it’s the third most common cancer in the UK, after lung and breast cancer. The good news is that, if caught early, 9 out of 10 cases of bowel cancer can be treated successfully.

NHS Islington enters new era of communication and wants your

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:46:00 GMT

NHS Islington is entering a new phase with its communications to the residents of Islington. The borough demographics are extremely diverse and has a younger population compared to the national picture, with considerable population churn among adults under 45 years of age. With these numbers in mind there is the need to particularly address the communication needs and habits of our younger population and those who look beyond the traditional means of communication. The utilisation of new media types such as video blogs and twitter are being integrated into our communication streams.

New GP practice opens in Islington

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:46:00 GMT

A brand new NHS Islington GP Led service has officially opened its doors to patients. Ritchie Street Neighbourhood Centre is located at 34 Ritchie Street in a refurbished premises and houses the Angel Medical Service and Ritchie Street Health Centre. The health centre has a full complement of attached staff including a health visitor, community matron/district nursing service, palliative nursing care, dieticians, community midwife, psychologist, counsellor, primary care mental health service, and adult and child psychology services as well as a pharmacy.

Future provider for Out of Hours GP services announced

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:38:00 GMT

Following a rigorous tendering process, NHS Islington are able to announce that Camidoc have been awarded preferred provider status to supply out of hours GP services to all local Islington residents as Summer 2010.

NHS Haringey & Islington rise to the Nursing Times challenge

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:56:00 GMT

NHS Haringey & Islington provider services picked up the award for best health economy at the recent Nursing Times Challenge event.

Your guide to local health services in Islington 2010

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:54:00 GMT

NHS Islington has recently published its 2010 ‘Your guide to local health services’. This guide is sent to every household in Islington to keep you up-todate and informed about local health services and ways to keep well. Copies have also been sent to many health and community settings in Islington, such as GP practices and libraries.

NHS Islington fighting domestic abuse

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:51:00 GMT

The first Islington Conference on Domestic Abuse was held in February, supported by
NHS Islington, Whittington Hospital, Cambridge Education @ Islington and the Islington
Safeguarding Children board.

On board for No Smoking Day 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:32:00 GMT

Islington’s smokers were encouraged to ‘break free’ yesterday (Wednesday 10 March 2010) as NHS Islington’s stop smoking team toured the borough on a double-decker bus to mark national No Smoking Day.

New Electronic Patient Records for Londoners

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:10:00 GMT

By the end of March, London residents will receive letters about a new electronic patient record and how it will help deliver faster, safer care. By March 2011, records will be created for all Londoners who wish to have one.

NHS London and HPA report surge in winter sickness virus

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:24:00 GMT

Cases of the winter sickness bug Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, are showing a significant increase in London. Since the beginning of the year a total of 244 suspected cases of the virus have been reported in the capital rising from 42 in December.

NHS Islington and Islington Council Launch Food Strategy

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

With obesity having been described as the “biggest single public health challenge of the 21st century” NHS Islington and Islington Council are taking action. It is predicted that obesity will rise to almost nine in ten adults and two thirds of children by 2050 and crude estimates of the numbers of overweight and obese adults (aged 16-64) in Islington suggest that there are approximately 28 000 obese adults in Islington with 50,000 adults being overweight.

A profile of NHS Islington Head of CAMHS, Clive Blackwood

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:54:00 GMT

The Children Services Team at NHS Islington are working hard to provide the best mental health services to the children of the borough and have a highly dedicated, committed and experienced team on board. A recent recruit to this team is Clive Blackwood who has taken on the role as Head of CAMHS at NHS Islington. Clive takes us through the journey of how he became involved in working within children services and how his past experiences have helped his role within the Islington community evolve to the one it is today.

February is National Heart Month

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:46:00 GMT

February is National Heart Month – a campaign run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and it is time to raise our awareness about the high levels of heart disease in Islington and what you can do to prevent this.

New Director of Strategy and Commissioning for NHS Islington

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:58:00 GMT

NHS Islington is pleased to have recently appointed Lynelle Hales as the New Director of Strategy and Commissioning.

NHS Islington fighting child obesity statistics

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:51:00 GMT

One third of children in England are overweight or obese and NHS Islington is taking this matter very seriously and has a team in place to address the issue. Working closely with key stakeholders, NHS Islington has allocated significant investment and a large number of projects to tackle this problem.

NHS Islington calls for feedback on Continuing Healthcare

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:48:00 GMT

NHS Islington wants to improve services for people who need NHS continuing healthcare. We are therefore consulting local people about our proposal to close the two NHS continuing healthcare beds in St Pancras Hospital to new patients and provide the care that new patients would need in other settings.

NHS Islington reappoints Non-Executive Director

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:30:00 GMT

NHS Islington is delighted to announce the reappointment of Anne Weyman OBE as a non-executive director and Chair of Audit. Anne has served as an NHS Islington Board member since April 2002.

Something to smile about

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:54:00 GMT

There are many things we can all do to help us improve our dental health, such as cutting down on sugar, brushing our teeth more effectively and stopping smoking. Alongside these things, it is also important for you to visit a dentist regularly.

Simmons House Adolescent Unit Official Opening

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:13:00 GMT

NHS Islington is proud to announce the opening of the brand new Simmons House Adolescent Unit. The unit was officially opened on Wednesday 20 January by Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury, Chairman Environment Agency. The event included presentations from clinicians at Simmons House, ex-patients and their parents, as well as the NHS Islington Chair, Paula Kahn.

Pioneering survey on quality of life and death kicks off in Islington

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:07:00 GMT

To improve the care for the terminally ill, researchers are about to start a pioneering survey in the London borough of Islington. In this study (called the QUALYCARE study) relatives and friends of Islington residents who have recently passed away are invited to share their experiences about the care their close one got in the last stages of life. This will help find out more about the quality of care given towards the end of life.

Islington Health Trainers Service Launch

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:58:00 GMT

Simmons House Adolescent Unit - Official Opening

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:13:00 GMT

1 in 4 with mental health issues- Islington lends a helping hand.

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:06:00 GMT

Helping people to have good mental health is a top priority for NHS Islington. A newPsychological Therapies and Well-being Service was set up in September 2009 to provide help for people with common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. This January, NHS Islington has launched a new self-referral phone line for the service.

NHS London calls for feedback on patient rights- time for your say Islington Residents!

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:16:00 GMT

A consultation proposing new patient rights under the NHS constitution is currently underway and NHS London is urging people to register their views online.

Drink Smart this Christmas - Top tips for keeping on the straight and narrow

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:09:00 GMT

As the festive season approaches us rapidly we can easily find ourselves over-indulging at the many end-of-year parties that take place. It can sometimes be hard to avoid this, so here are some useful tips to help you drink smart this Christmas.

NHS Islington’s Health Stars are a shining success

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:50:00 GMT

The stars of NHS Islington’s health service were announced at a special awards ceremony last Thursday (10/12/09). Trophies and certificates were presented to NHS Islington’s Health Stars in recognition of their outstanding contribution to improving the health of local residents.

NHS Islington appoints new Medical Director

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:44:00 GMT

NHS Islington is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Andy Watts as the new Medical Director for the PCT.

NHS Islington appointment text messages

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:35:00 GMT

NHS Islington has entered into an exciting era in the way they now communicate with their patients. Recent issues with the postal service have prompted NHS Islington to start using text messages to remind patients’ of their appointments, an innovative move that will pave the path for future communications and cementing the PCT in the world of new technology.

NHS Islington Smoking Team breaking down boundaries

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:33:00 GMT

With smoking one of the biggest health issues in the borough, NHS Islington is taking action. In 2008, estimates of smoking prevalence in adults ranked Islington sixth highest out of all London boroughs, with 27.5% of the adult population expected to smoke, higher than the England average of 24.1%. This equates to about 44,500 adult smokers in Islington in 2009 and the NHS Islington smoking team is ready to tackle these numbers head on.

MEDIA ALERT & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - World Aids Day

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:19:00 GMT

World AIDS day, held on the 1st December every year, is a chance to raise public awareness and break down some of the stigma and prejudices that surround HIV and AIDS. The 2009 theme will focus on the reality of HIV and challenge the discrimination faced by millions of sufferers, and to end the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.

Winter health services guide is here!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:44:00 GMT

NHS Islington has launched its 2009 'your local health services this winter'. This leaflet will help residents know what services are available to them over the winter period, including Islington pharmacy bank holiday opening hours.

Swine flu vaccination programme begins in Islington

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The swine flu vaccination programme has now begun in Islington and is being administered by local GPs. The first batches of vaccine are being offered to people who are most likely to become seriously ill if they catch swine flu.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY EVENTS THIS OCTOBER IN ISLINGTON

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:24:00 GMT

World Mental Health Day is a unified effort to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness. Each year thousands of people cross the world raise awareness and funds for mental health causes. In 1992 World Mental Health Day was started by The World Federation for Mental Health and it has continued to be celebrated each year on the 10th October.

NHS Islington is delivering quality health services for local people

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:16:00 GMT

The rating awarded to the PCT is based on assessments conducted throughout the year with the trust being examined on how they have performed against the targets and standards that the Government has set out for the NHS.

NHS Islington top PCT in using its resources for 2008/09

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:59:00 GMT

Each year, the Audit Commission assesses how well PCTs manage their resources and deliver value for money for their local residents. Use of Resources (UoR) is a new methodology introduced in 2008/09 to assess organisations’ arrangements and has been developed to support a new way of assessing local public services. It replaces the Auditor’s Local Evaluation or ALE assessment and is seen by the Audit Commission as more demanding than its predecessor as it is broader and has a greater focus on outcomes.

Help Find Islington's 2009 Health Stars

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Nominations are open for the annual NHS Islington Health Stars Awards, which highlight and reward the hard work and dedication of the most deserving staff working for, or alongside, NHS Islington.

Popcorn, goody bags…and free Chlamydia testing

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:24:00 GMT

It costs the NHS an estimated £100 million a year to treat the long-term health implications of Chlamydia, which can include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ectopic pregnancy and infertility. It has been estimated that 10-20% of untreated infections result in PID further highlighting the need to raise the profile of this disease and how important it is to be screened. NHS Islington is working closely with the youth from the Islington Borough to combat the increase of this disease and raise the profile of safe sex practice.

Announcement of Islington GP Led Health Centre to Local Bidder

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:15:00 GMT

NHS Islington is committed to providing accessible healthcare to all residents and visitors who require it, whenever they require it. GP led health centres will provide full GP services for patients who choose to register with the practice and will also offer services for patients who are not registered at the new practice who “walk in” and require care that doesn’t warrant them attending hospital accident and emergency services.

NHS Islington’s Board meeting Thursday 24 September 2009, 9.30am

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:06:00 GMT

NHS Islington wants to be as transparent as possible in letting its public and patients know exactly how their local health services are being run. To this extent, details of September's meeting of the board have been published.

Don't underestimate seasonal flu - remember to get your annual seasonal flu jab

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:52:00 GMT

The best way for Islington residents to avoid seasonal flu is to get immunised. In addition, people can protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible.