​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​News​

GPs in Southwark are encouraging people to stop smoking by highlighting the range of help available from the NHS to support those keen to quit.

Don't ignore your invitation for a smear test – it could save your life.

Pharmacy-led 'virtual clinics' in Southwark and Lambeth have helped reduce the rate of stroke by 25% for patients considered at greatest risk.

As of 26 February 2019, residents in South East London can access this new 111 service.

Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – speak to your local pharmacy team for help and advice.

Young people in Southwark now have access to free mental health and emotional well-being support through Kooth – a new online counselling service.

People in Southwark are being urged to put aside their fears and 'get tested' to help the fight against cancer.

GPs in Southwark are encouraging women and people with a cervix to attend their free NHS smear test to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Children in Southwark are being encouraged to halve their sugar intake under a new campaign to improve the long-term health of the borough.

Appointments with a GP or nurse are available from 8am to 8pm every day, including over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

A number of pharmacies in Southwark are open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. See the full list of opening hours.

We are working with NHS Lambeth and NHS Lewisham CCGs to review the interpreting and translation service for patients in GP surgeries, dentists and opticians.

Read the new position statement relating to FreeStyle Libre® Flash Glucose Monitoring

Conditions over the winter months can be seriously bad for our health, but there are plenty of things you can do to help you and your family stay well this winter.

Congratulations to our Medicines Optimisation team, which was Highly Commended at this week’s HSJ Awards at the O2 arena in London.

NHS Southwark CCG hosted a public drop-in session at London Bridge station last week (14 November) to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance.

People in Southwark are encouraged to 'face their fear' by talking to their doctor about the potential symptoms of lung cancer so it can be diagnosed as early as possible.

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts you and your family at risk – that’s the message from GPs in Southwark.

Help us help you stay well this winter by getting your free flu vaccination if you are eligible.

People in Southwark are being encouraged to talk about how they are feeling to help remove the stigma around mental illness.

People with diabetes in Southwark can now seek help and support through a new diabetes education booking service - Diabetes Book & Learn.

If you're worried about an urgent medical concern, you can get help and advice online using your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Southwark’s 28,000 smokers are being supported to quit for good this Stoptober – with their own Personal Quit Plan.

The South East London Area Prescribing Committee, of which NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group is a member, has published an updated interim position statement relating to FreeStyle Libre® Flash Glucose Monitoring.

Community based care was in the spotlight at NHS Southwark CCG's annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday 30 August.

GPs in Southwark are encouraging young people to take part in the Asthma Rap Challenge.

Adults across Southwark are being encouraged to take a few minutes out of their day to find out their heart age with a free online test.

One in 10 children and young people in London have asthma, but less than half of these have an asthma management plan or know how to use their inhaler correctly.

People in Southwark can help save lives by signing up to become organ donors – and by sharing their decision with their families.

The bank holiday weekend (25-27 August) is often a time for rest and relaxation, but if you are injured or become ill unexpectedly, the NHS is still on hand to help.

The six south east London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have awarded a new contract for an Integrated Urgent Care (IUC) service to London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

​A traditional ground breaking ceremony took place on Friday 20 July to mark the first official day of construction of a new health centre in Dulwich.

NHS Southwark CCG invites anyone with an interest in local healthcare services to attend their Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Change4Life campaign is encouraging families in the UK to make healthier choices. There are themed months throughout the year, and this summer Change4Life is encouraging families to get active. Kids need to be active for 60 minutes a day.

Healthwatch Southwark launches a campaign to encourage people across the country to share their experiences to help make health and care better for their communities.

Construction work has now begun on the new health centre at the site of the old Dulwich hospital. We are now looking how we can improve the services provided at the new health centre, including general practice services.

Local care networks involve health and social care providers, voluntary sector services and local people working together to improve care by addressing all of a person’s needs.

The NHS in Southwark is partnering with the Greater London Authority on The Mayor of London Civic Innovation Challenge, the Mayor’s flagship innovation programme.

This week marks Men’s Health Week with a focus on men and diabetes. Men are more likely to get diabetes than women. They will also have more complications, including amputation of feet or limbs and even death.

Dr Jonty Heaversedge said: "The reality is that we are all living longer and that brings its own challenges in terms of deteriorating health. There is a steady growth in long-term conditions, such as COPD, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

As part of national Patient Participation Group Awareness Week, we have created some top tips to develop strong and vibrant PPGs, and to encourage more people to become involved and have a better understanding of how surgeries work.

The NHS in Southwark is looking for local people to help its engagement with patients and service users.

A brisk 10 minute walk every day can make a big difference to your health. Brisk walking is simply walking faster than usual, at a pace that gets your heart pumping.

New partnerships called ‘Local Health and Care Record Exemplars’(LHCRE) will be introduced giving health and care staff better and faster access to vital information about the person in their care.

The next Southwark Patient Participation Group (PPG) network meeting will take place on 6 June 2018.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 14-20 May 2018 and this year the focus is on stress.

Construction work of a new health centre is set to commence at the Dulwich Community Hospital site located in East Dulwich Grove, following financial close being reached on 1 May 2018.

Some women aged between 70 and 79 are being offered the opportunity for a breast screen. The offer of a screen comes after some women did not receive an invitation for a final screen, as part of the routine NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Bank Holidays are a busy time for your GP practice and local hospitals, so to ensure that everyone can receive the right care and treatment, it is important to know where the best place is for you to go for your health needs.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, aimed to highlight the importance of early diagnosis in tackling one of the most prominent forms of cancer.

A free, confidential mental health service is available to help people affected by the 2017 London terrorist attacks in Westminster, Finsbury Park, London Bridge and Parsons Green.

Congratulations to Southwark's Local Care Networks who received an award for their engagement work around care coordination, supported by NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Following formal consultation NHS Lewisham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has decided to close the NHS New Cross Walk-in Centre on Saturday 31 March 2018.

Health and care organisations across south east London can now share information more quickly and securely.

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and local GPs support the call for women to get savvy with the symptoms.

Southwark community leaders are working together with NHS Blood and Transplant to increase the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic blood and organ donations in the borough.

Easter is early this year - and not far away! Remember that your GP surgery will be closed on Bank Holidays, so it's wise to make sure you have your health needs covered.

More than 3,000 people in Southwark have suffered a stroke - remember FAST to help you spot the tell-tale signs

Healthcare professionals across south east London are urging women to go to their smear test appointments when invited to combat a decline in attendance.

Health services are under significant pressure both in hospitals and in the community.Please only use health services if you really need to and manage minor conditions such as a cough or cold at home.

A community summit is being hosted by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Neil Coyle MP on 16 February, to encourage blood and organ donation within the black and South Asian community of Southwark.

Local doctors are calling on parents to 'look for 100 calorie snacks, and only two a day max' to continue the battle to reduce childhood obesity in the borough.

GPs and nurses in Southwark want to raise awareness of the availability of extra GP and nurse appointments in the borough, available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

By being prepared and knowing where to get help and advice when you need it, being ill need not spoil your fun this Christmas.

Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have today announced the appointment of Andrew Bland as their single Accountable Officer. The appointment will formally take effect on 1st April 2018.

Some pharmacies will open on the Bank Holidays over Christmas, find out which ones and what their opening hours are:

Doctors in Southwark want to raise awareness and encourage self-testing for HIV this World AIDS Day, 1 December 2017.

NHS Southwark CCG has scored full marks in a new national assessment of patient and community engagement by NHS clinical commissioning groups.

With bugs and infections on the rise, Southwark patients should bear in mind that antibiotics may not always be the answer this winter

Residents in Southwark are encouraged to help elderly and vulnerable members of their family and neighbours stay well this winter.

NHS Southwark CCG and Southwark’s two GP federations, Improving Health Ltd (IHL) and Quay Health Solutions (QHS) have been selected by the Health Foundation, an independent charity, to be part of a £3.5 million improvement programme.

A new Stop Smoking London Helpline service, funded and supported by 30 London boroughs including Southwark, has been launched.

Don't put off having a flu vaccination – it's free because you need it.

We're joining more than 100 organisations across London in hosting a wide range of activities and events that promote health and wellbeing during Healthy Living Week 2017.

The CCG will be making changes to prescribing guidelines for selected over the counter medicines, anti -malarial medicines and selected travel vaccinations.

We're supporting the Healthy London Partnership and NHS England London campaign #AskAboutAsthma, to help improve the lives of those in Southwark living with asthma.

The range of services available to patients in Southwark will expand with the introduction of clinical pharmacists in GP practices.

Patients registered with a Southwark GP are reminded that appointments are available over the Bank Holiday weekend (26-28 August), 8am to 8pm, through our extended primary care service.

As the summer holidays draw to a close, parents and children are starting to prepare for the return to school. If you have a child who suffers from asthma, you would be advised to think about this too, amid the business of new uniforms, bags, etc.

We are now able to publish the summary report into the effectiveness of our extended primary care service and our response to its recommendations.

NHS Southwark CCG and Southwark Council are seeking feedback on their draft mental wellbeing strategy

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week runs from 1-7 August 2017. Breastfeeding has benefits for mums and babies alike.

The CCG's Annual General Meeting takes place on Thursday 31 August 2017.

Healthcare services commissioned by NHS Southwark CCG have been rated ‘good’ overall by NHS England for the second consecutive year.

On Monday 17th July, Change4Life launched a national 10 Minute Shake Ups programme with Disney, Sport England and schools to help get the nation's children active.

Residents and professionals in Southwark are invited to attend a special meeting to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation within the borough.

Everyone who lives and works in Southwark is being invited to join a new citywide movement that aims to get everyone in the capital talking about mental health and wellbeing, and taking action to make London the happiest, healthiest city in the world.

NHS England (London) has announced its new Medical Director for Primary Care and Digital Transformation - Chair of NHS Southwark CCG, Dr Jonty Heaversedge.

NHS Southwark CCG is asking for patients' views on whether some medicines which are available over-the- counter without a prescription, and selected travel vaccinations, should no longer be routinely prescribed by local GPs.

More than 47,000 Southwark GP patients have now signed up to GP Online services .

The local NHS is holding a series of events for the public to hear about health and care services locally and across south east London.

Grange Road Practice will close on 30 June. The CCG has written to all patients to tell them where their nearest practices are and how to register.

Get support, information and advice if you've been affected by events in London Bridge and Borough Market

Most of the problems you will come up against are simply an everyday part of growing up. Almost all babies, toddlers and children will get the most common childhood illnesses like chickenpox, colds, sore throats and ear infections.

The CCG is pleased to announce the appointment of an HIV Clinical Champion to support practices and federations in raising the profile of HIV in Southwark.

King's College Hospital is looking for people from Southwark to join its Council of Governors.

Residents in Southwark are reminded that GP appointments are available on Bank Holiday Monday (May 29), 8am to 8pm, through our extended primary care service.

Got a cough that won't go away? Is breathlessness making simple tasks difficult? If you have any respiratory symptoms that are causing you concern, get them checked out straight away.

Londoners are invited to share their views on how they want to use technology to access NHS services and improve their health and wellbeing.

There have been some changes to the lay membership on the CCG's Governing Body from April 2017.

Guy's and St Thomas’ Charity is developing two programmes of work as part of a focused new approach to tackling major health issues in Lambeth and Southwark, and is calling on anyone with ideas to help shape them.

Residents in Southwark are reminded that GP appointments are available every day over Easter, 8am to 8pm, through our extended primary care service. See also Easter opening times for Southwark pharmacies.

In Southwark, your local NHS is keen to identify and treat anyone at risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB).

A simple screening test for bowel cancer saves lives. Residents aged 60-74 years old will receive one in the post.

Well done to the CCG's Engagement Team, who were finalists in two categories in the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA) 2016.

Southwark has more 'Antibiotic Guardians' than any other London borough, new figures have revealed.

Awareness campaigns are running this month for two cancers which typically affect people over 50 – prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.

NHS Southwark CCG is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Nebel as a Lay member on its Governing Body.

Southwark Council appoints Professor Kevin Fenton as Director of Health and Wellbeing

NHS Southwark CCG has launched a film for people with learning disabilities. The film is about why it is important to have a health check every year and what it will be like.

Following a comprehensive tendering process, KPMG LLP was awarded the external audit contract for NHS Southwark CCG

Professor John Moxham stepped down as a member of NHS Southwark CCG's Governing Body at its meeting on 12 January 2017.

Southwark residents registered with a local GP surgery can now book or cancel appointments, access their medical records and order repeat prescriptions online.

Change4Life have developed the Be Food Smart app – with a simple scan families can see what’s in their food and drinks, along with some handy hints and tips!

Save money, lose weight and sleep better this New Year by giving up alcohol for the month of January.

Finding the right treatment for you, at the right time and place just got that much easier.

Pharmacy opening hours in Southwark over the Christmas and New Year period

Extra GP and nurse appointments are now available in locations across Lambeth and Southwark in the daytime, evening and at weekends.

Christmas is just around the corner, so now is the time to make simple preparations to help you and your family should you become unwell over the festive season.

Two GP surgeries in Peckham will be relocating to new premises where they will continue to provide GP practice services for their patients now and in the future.

We're very proud that colleague Helen Williams was the recent winner of the Healthcare Exemplary Award at Thrombosis UK's 2016 Patient Awards.

Watch our video which explains what we are doing to improve the care people receive locally.

This year, the NHS has extended its programme of flu vaccinations to cover children up to school year three.

Local residents are invited to share their views on how children can be supported to lead healthier lives as part of a London-wide campaign The Great Weight Debate – a London conversation on childhood obesity.

Southwark Council's Planning Committee has given the go ahead for a new healthcare centre and community secondary school to be built on the Dulwich Community Hospital site. The committee approved the plans at its meeting on 11 October 2016.

We welcomed patients, residents, partners and stakeholders to our annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday 29 September 2016.

Between May and June 2016, Southwark CCG, supported by our sexual health commissioning team, based at Lambeth Council, worked together to consult on proposals to change how people living with HIV access advice and counselling services.

Young people going to college or university this autumn are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) due to the MenW bug, one of the most aggressive and deadly strains of meningitis.

A highly innovative programme to develop leadership skills across primary care in Lambeth and Southwark has had a substantial impact on new models of care in the area, says an independent evaluation published this week (6 September).

190,000 children and young people in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark will see their local health services transformed by an innovative change programme funded by Guy's and St Thomas' Charity.

NHS commissioners in Lambeth and Southwark joined with Healthwatch colleagues for a joint event to discuss how to improve the quality of support for people when they leave hospital.

Details of the next meeting to carry out duties in relation to the joint commissioning of general practice services in Southwark.

Important patient information about a suspension of services at St James Church Surgery.

Southwark GPs and nurses are encouraging local people to find out the truth about diabetes and what it's like to live with the condition during Diabetes Awareness Week, which runs from 12-18 June.

Details of the next meeting to carry out duties in relation to the joint commissioning of general practice services in Southwark.

The consortium of community organisations responsible for the regeneration of the Dulwich Community Hospital site is launching a second pre-planning consultation regarding the site’s future.

As we head into the long bank holiday weekend, GPs in Southwark are asking local residents to use NHS services wisely if they need medical help or advice.

Local GPs are helping to raise awareness of dementia and how to get advice and support as part of Dementia Awareness Week.

Good relationships help us to live longer and happier lives with fewer physical and mental health problems. Supportive connections we share with friends, family and our community are critical to our health and wellbeing.

A new asthma toolkit is being developed to support health professionals and schools in Southwark to provide better care for children and young people asthma in London.

As we head into the long bank holiday weekend, GPs in Southwark are asking local residents to use NHS services wisely if they need medical help or advice.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. However, if diagnosed in the early stages, it's highly treatable.

Find out which Southwark pharmacies are open over Easter and where else to get health advice.

Are you 16-18 and live or study in Southwark? If the answer is yes, we need you to help us understand what is important to you when it comes to using local chlidren and young people's services.

Southwark residents will be some of the first in the country to be offered places on the world's first programme to stop them developing Type 2 diabetes.

Residents invited to give feedback on initial ideas for Dulwich Community Hospital site in East Dulwich.

A proposal by four Southwark GP practices to merge into one partnership has been approved by healthcare commissioners, creating London's biggest GP practice.

NHS organisations all across the country are joining together this month to raise awareness of bladder and kidney cancer symptoms.

NHS organisations in Southwark and Lambeth have joined forces to improve patient care by sharing electronic patient records through a new secure system.

GPs in Southwark are encouraging local residents to get 'heart smart' throughout February to reduce their risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in support of National Heart Month.

A New Year message from CCG Chair, Dr Jonty Heaversedge.

If you live in Southwark and would like to improve your mental health and wellbeing, a range of free courses and workshops are available at the Southwark Wellbeing Hub.

Aylesbury estate residents are invited to a free health and wellbeing fair on Saturday 23 January 2016.

Smokers across the borough who are looking to quit can pick up a free ‘quit card’ from their local pharmacy or GP practice to help them find the right support to stop smoking in 2016.

Southwark parents are encouraged to get 'sugar smart' by using a new app to give families the knowledge and tools they need to help them cut down on sugar.

More appointments are now available for Southwark residents in the daytime, evening and at weekends, following a funding boost from the local NHS.

Find out when pharmacies are open in Southwark over Christmas and New Year.

A 24-hour mental health telephone support line has been launched to help people who are experiencing mental distress. The line is for patients, carers and anyone who needs advice, help and assistance.

New mobile and online service launched to help people in Southwark to understand where they should go for treatment, especially when they need health care in a hurry, late at night, or at the weekend.

The first ever World Antibiotic Awareness Week runs from 16-22 November and GPs in Southwark are asking local people to think twice before going to the GP for antibiotics, particularly over the winter period.

Cold weather does not have to go hand in hand with illness. That's the message from Southwark GPs who are calling on local residents to prepare for winter and follow advice on how to stay healthy.

Pharmacists across Southwark are reminding residents about the range of services available in local pharmacies during Ask Your Pharmacist Week this November.

Local GPs in Southwark are joining NHS organisations across the country to raise awareness about self care and why it's important to choose well when accessing local health services.

Movember, the month formerly known as ‘November’, launches its 2015 campaign encouraging men and women to sign up and grow a mo or commit to MOVE to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.

The new health centre, which is set to be built on land currently occupied by Dulwich Community Hospital, is likely to open in 2019.

It's flu season again. Find out how to protect yourself and your family.

More detail on ideas for improving health services in south east London has been released, and the public are being invited to give their views.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Find out what symptoms to look out for and how to check your breasts.

Find out how to reduce your added sugar intake for a healthier lifestyle in this monthly column from our Chair, Dr Jonty Heaversedge.

GPs in Southwark are encouraging local residents to consider the role that offering support may play in combating suicide.

Smokers in Southwark are being urged to join Stoptober, the country's 28-day mass quit attempt.

Find out which Southwark health services you can use over the August bank holiday.

Around 26,000 calls are made to NHS 111 in south east London every month. And if you’ve used it, NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wants to know what you think of the service.

The next meeting of our Primary Care Joint Committee will take place on 29 September 2015.

World Breastfeeding Week 2015 is once again supporting and empowering women to breastfeed. Whether women are working in the formal, non-formal or home setting – the week is all about women's right to breastfeed anywhere and everywhere.

The Primary Care Joint Committees of south east London CCGs and NHS England will meet in public to discuss the planning, commissioning and contracting of general practice services at 6pm on Thursday, 6 August 2015.

One in three women who get breast cancer are aged 70 and over. Find out more about prevention, screening and how to spot signs and symptoms.

Get tips and advice on how to stay safe and healthy during the hot weather.

Since its launch in April 2015, nearly 2000 people have used NHS Southwark CCG’s new Pharmacy First scheme. Hay fever, headache, raised temperature and cold and flu were the top reasons for people seeking advice.

This year national Diabetes Week runs from 15 June and reminds people with diabetes that they are not alone.

The major challenges facing health and social care in south east London have been outlined in an Issues Paper released by the area’s health commissioners.

Find out how the CCG is taking greater responsibility in the design, shaping and commissioning of local general practices, in a joint commissioning arrangement with NHS England.

Local residents are being encouraged to play a part in shaping healthcare provided at their GP practice by joining their local patient participation group (PPG).

Find out which health services are open over the bank holiday.

NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group’s new campaign ‘It’s okay to ask about medicines’ launches this week in a bid to tackle unnecessary medicine waste.

GPs in Southwark are asking residents to help increase dementia awareness by spreading the word that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

GPs in Southwark are supporting Mental Health Awareness Week this month which runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May.

A review of some of the developments in local health services since NHS Southwark CCG was formed two years ago.

With Easter just around the corner, NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging local patients to think before visiting their A&E department over the four day weekend.

April is bowel cancer awareness month. GPs at NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) want to reassure residents that there really is no reason to feel embarrassed to talk to them about your bowels.

An opportunity to give your views on care at King's Hospital ahead of a Care Quality Commission inspection.

When you’re pregnant, you need to take supplements to provide your baby with enough vitamin D for the first few months of its life. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, which is essential for keeping bones healthy throughout life.

Wednesday 11 March marks No Smoking Day and is the perfect opportunity for smokers across Southwark to set their goal and quit smoking.

NHS England has launched a consultation on draft revised guidance for NHS Continuing Healthcare Redress.

Most people will experience heartburn at some point in their life – but if it happens most days for three weeks or more it's time to get some advice. If you're taking medicine and it isn't helping, you should see your doctor.

February is Heart Month and GPs at NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging residents to take on the British Heart Foundation ‘Heart Month Challenge’ to make one small change, every day.

The local NHS in Southwark has announced today that the planned health centre in Dulwich will be a new build. The proposal is to build the new centre in the south east corner of the current Dulwich hospital site.

Interested parties are invited to take part in a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) consultation for Southwark. The consultation provides an opportunity to help shape the future of pharmacy services in Southwark..

Drinking alcohol is something most people do because it makes them feel good, but if the amount of alcohol you are drinking isn't kept in check it can soon become a problem.

In the run up to the festive period NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group is reminding local people that A&E is for serious emergencies only. Alternative services are available.

From Monday 19 January 2015 the King's hospital Denmark Hill site going completely smoke-free. Smoking within the hospital grounds will not be permitted for patients or visitors.

This December, we are supporting Bowel Cancer UK's campaign urging men to 'Be Brave, Don't Shave' and help beat bowel cancer with Decembeard, the national campaign calling on men to lay down their razors and grow a beard.

NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging anyone who thinks that they are at risk from HIV to get tested this World AIDS Day, Monday 1 December 2014.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia; this is particularly true for older people.

From 11 November 2014, when patients in Peckham, Dulwich and Camberwell need to see a GP urgently a new service will be available for them.

Anyone passing through Peckham Square on 7 November will notice a family of seven-foot tall yellow figures with various ailments. The giant statues are part of an NHS campaign to raise awareness of alternative services to A&E.

Movember - the worldwide moustache growing phenomena with comic appeal – returns this month with a serious message for men's health.

Today Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the Government's Better Care Fund. After rigorous assessments and assurance testing over the past few months Southwark has been given approval without conditions.

The Stoptober challenge returns this month. The 28-day stop smoking challenge saw nearly a quarter of a million people in England and Wales sign up to Stoptober last year, pledging to stop smoking for 28 days.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. One in eight women in the UK will be affected in their lifetime and around 50,000 women are diagnosed every year.

NHS Southwark CCG is pleased to present its Annual Report for the year 2013-14. The Annual Report describes the achievements the CCG has made within health and social care commissioning over the past year.

It’s Sexual Health Awareness Week from 15 to 21 September, and this year we’re talking about emergency contraception. Not everything in life always goes according to plan, and that includes contraception.

Next month, September 10, marks International Suicide Prevention Day. In England & Wales, suicide is the leading cause of death for 20-34 year olds, and the leading cause of death in men aged 20-49.

Summer has arrived and although most of us love the warmer weather, the change in temperature can bring along many health risks.

Residents in Southwark going through a tough time or struggling with mental health issues can now access a new, confidential online mental health and emotional wellbeing support service.

As part of World Hepatitis Day NHS Southwark CCG is encouraging people to Think Again about viral hepatitis. In Southwark it is estimated that 2,694 people are chronically infected. However, viral hepatitis is preventable and treatable.

National CCG survey results announced today show that NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group has strong relationships with local patients, its GP practice members and wider stakeholders.

NHS Southwark CCG is raising awareness of sickle cell and thalassaemia as part of the national campaign. Sickle cell and thalassaemia are inherited blood disorders which affect your red blood cells.

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long there are health risks. There are lots of ways to make sure you are protected but it's important to look out for the people who are most vulnerable.

Southwark GP leads have elected Dr Jonty Heaversedge as the new Chair of NHS Southwark CCG. He will be taking over from the current Chair, Dr Amr Zeineldine, who is stepping down having come to the end of his two year tenure.

NHS Southwark CCG is raising awareness as part of Carers Week in June. This year the campaign is about 'Carers Quest' – the greatest new drive to reach out to carers in the UK.

Next week the NHS across the country is raising awareness of PPGs. All GP practices should have a group and it’s a chance for you to work with your surgery to deal with issues that affect you and other people in your area.

Diabetes can sometimes feel like an uphill battle – but with the right help, information and care you can still get the most out of life.

During Falls Awareness Week (16 – 22 June), NHS Southwark CCG is raising awareness of what you can do to prevent a fall, and what you should do if one happens.

We are delighted to announce that the King’s College Hospital 3DFD team won the national BMJ Diabetes Team of the Year award. The Guy's and St Thomas' A&E team were also runners up in the emergency medicine team of the year.

Most people find it hard to talk about death - but during Dying Matters Awareness Week we're being challenged to speak openly about dying, death and bereavement. We're encouraging everyone to take steps to make their end of life experience better.

This year's theme for mental health awareness week (12-18 May) is anxiety, one of the leading causes of mental ill-health in the world. the UK the number of cases of anxiety is growing, with over 8million people diagnosed in 2010.

Each year 'remember the person' is the recurring theme for dementia awareness week. Dementia can affect thinking, communicating and doing everyday tasks. But with the right support it's possible for someone with dementia to get the very best out of life.

Southwark residents will see better access to GP care with the help of a £1million investment to support local plans for improvements. This forms part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund, worth £50 million nationally.

A diabetes programme in Lambeth and Southwark has been recognised for its work to improve diabetes care. A London Assembly report commends the CCGs for prioritising diabetes locally and for working together to achieve greater change.

In England, bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer. Screening plays an important part in the fight against bowel cancer because the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance it can be cured completely.

Dr Amr Zeineldine: "Since I started this job I have seen many improvements in the way the NHS works. As we approach our first birthday, I wanted to share some of our key achievements over the past year."

NHS Southwark CCG is celebrating NHS Change Day on Monday 3 March 2014. Our pledge as a CCG is to work better together with other organisations so local people have better outcomes from their health and care services.

Wednesday 12 March marks No Smoking Day and is the perfect opportunity for smokers across Southwark to set their goal and quit smoking. Remember – it’s never too late and support is available.

During February the 'Not always A&E' campaign continues in south east London. You will have seen posters on buses, bus stops and billboards. Have you read the leaflet explaining the alternative services available?

This month across England we are talking about breast cancer and women over 70. In England, around 5,400 women aged 70 and over die from breast cancer each year – so never assume that you’re past it.

NHS Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth and Southwark CCGs have produced an information guide for parents and carers of children under 5 to help them understand more about the common childhood illnesses and what to do if their child is ill.

GP Practices are open for normal working hours over the Christmas and New Year period except for Bank Holidays (25 and 26 December 2013 and 1 January 2014).

If you are worried that your local pharmacy might not be open over the festive period, fear not, Southwark pharmacy Christmas and New Year opening hours are available here.

Anyone passing through Peckham Square on 10 December will notice a family of seven-foot tall 'Yellow Men' with various ailments. The giant statues are part of an eye-catching NHS campaign to explain that people should only go to A&E when it is neccessary.

The NHS has today issued a call for 100,000 people to sign a pledge saying they will look in on an elderly friend or neighbour this winter. Each winter thousands of people in England die as a result of cold weather.

This week is Alcohol Awareness Week so GPs in Southwark are encouraging local people to thinking about how much they are drinking and the warning signs to look out for.

Southwark residents and the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have joined forces to come up with ideas to improve health services.

Next week is Self-Care Week running from 18 - 24 November. This year’s theme is “Self-Care for Life – Take Control”. GPs in Southwark are joining the campaign to raise awareness of how individuals can take control of their health and wellbeing.

Every year, around 16,600 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer. Around 7,500 people die from bladder or kidney cancer in England each year, but this needn’t be the case. Knowing what to look out for saves lives.

The excellent work of Young Diabetes Connections and the Southwark and Lambeth Community Diabetes teams was recognised last week at the Quality in Care Awards, when the services received Commendations from the judges.

As winter approaches, it’s now time for those at greatest risk from flu to protect themselves and their families, and get flu safe with a free flu jab.

It has been confirmed today that the dissolution of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) and the organisational changes that follow this will go ahead as planned.

With an estimated 14,000 ‘hidden’ carers in the borough Southwark Council and NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group have created a range of initiatives to identify and support people who look after family or friends who are ill, frail or disabled.

NHS Southwark CCG agreed plans for improving health services in and around Dulwich. Based on what local people told the CCG during a three month public consultation, the CCG plans to develop a new centre to provide improved community health services.

NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the local doctors leading the organisation have signed up to Mencap’s learning disability Charter. Showing their dedication to getting it right for people with learning disabilities in Southwark.

Next week is National Learning Disability Week (19 - 25 August) so NHS Southwark CCG is supporting Mencap to raise awareness and celebrate the superheroes in the families they work with.

On Thursday 8 August 2013 at 12 midday, NHS Southwark CCG will be hosting a special event to share the evaluation of responses from the recent ‘Improving Services in Dulwich and the Surrounding Areas’ consultation.

NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging local people to think about lung cancer as part of the national Be Clear on Cancer campaign running throughout July.

NHS Southwark CCG is calling on local people to stay safe in the heat as temperatures reach record highs in London.

If the recent publicity following Angelina Jolie's diagnosis of a BRCA gene fault has raised concerns about the risks to you, or the women in your family, then support is available locally from the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service

Give your views on plans to improve health services in Dulwich and the surrounding areas - before 31 May 2013!

We are currently reviewing this service and are interested in your views and want to hear about your experience.

From 28 February 2013 - 31 May 2013 we are consulting on our proposals to improve health services in Dulwich and the surrounding areas.

GPs and other frontline health professionals formally take on responsibility for planning and buying health services for Southwark people on 1 April 2013.

The new NHS Southwark Clinical Commissioning Group is developing its approach to improving out of hospital health services and is keen to hear your views.

If you or a member of your family becomes unwell over Easter and needs to see a GP, your practice will be open for some of the holiday break and at other times you can use the GP out-of-hours service.