A free chickenpox vaccination will be offered for the first time to children across England on the NHS from January 2026.

• Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
• Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
• The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work

Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.

From January next year, GP practices will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) - the clinical term for chickenpox - as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents will not need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.

The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Chickenpox vaccine - NHS

Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK

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💉 Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinics – Book Now!

Protect yourself this autumn! 🍂

We’re now taking bookings for our Flu & COVID clinics at Stratton Medical Centre:

📅 Saturday 11th October 2025
📅 Saturday 25th October 2025
📞 Call: 01288 270342  (10am - 12 noon, 2pm - 4pm)

At Holsworthy Surgery:

📅 Saturday 4th October 2025
📅 Saturday 18th October 2025
📞 Call: 01409 255224  (10am - 12 noon, 2pm - 4pm)

At Hatherleigh Surgery:

📅 Saturday 14th October 2025
📅 Saturday 28th October 2025
📞 Call: 01409 255224  (2pm - 5pm)

✅ COVID Vaccine – Autumn 2025 Eligibility

• Adults aged 75+

• Care home residents (older adults)

• Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months+

📲 Eligible patients will get a text in September with details on how to book.
Texts will go out in batches, so don't worry if yours doesn’t arrive straight away.
📞 No mobile? You’ll be contacted by phone or letter.

🛑 Note: This is a change from 2024. Those aged 65–74 and people in clinical risk groups are not eligible for COVID vaccination this autumn unless immunosuppressed.

💉 Flu Vaccinations – From October 2025

(Exact start date TBC by NHS England)

Eligible for flu vaccine:

• People aged 65+

• People aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups

• Residents in long-stay care homes

Stay healthy this autumn — get protected! 💪

The weather is set to hot up again next week.
We have a helpful reminder on the UV levels and also a blog full of info produced by the UK Health Security Agency The World Health Organization UV index measure levels of UV radiation to help advice when you need to apply sunscreen.
The UV Index indicates the risk of sunburn and runs from 1 to 20.
The highest level recorded in the UK is usually 8, but only in Southern England. The UV Index is much higher abroad, in sunnier climates.

It's important to get a balance because some UV exposure is healthy as it helps our bodies make Vitamin D.

For the full blog on UV levels and tips please visit https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/27/what-you-need-to-know-about-uv-ultraviolet-radiation/

Plus tips on health impacts in the heat.

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/11/heat-health-what-you-need-to-know-for-summer-2025/

Sunscreen and sun safety - NHS

#skincancerawareness #summer #ultraviolet #UV #uvprotection #StaySafeInTheSun #heatwave

Using Technology to Help Us Help You -  Introducing Brave AI Assessment Tool  - For Cornwall Patients ONLY.

Nobody likes an unexpected trip to hospital. That’s why we’re using a new digital tool to help keep you safe and well at home.

This tool uses data to help identify people who might be at risk of becoming seriously unwell. If you’re identified, we’ll get in touch to invite you for a personalised assessment.

Our goal is simple: to support you early, so you can stay where you’re happiest—at home, doing what matters to you.

Want to learn more? Speak to a member of staff or visit:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/digital-neighbourhoods/

Patient FAQs – Brave AI Risk Assessment Tool

Q1. Who or what is Brave AI and Bering Ltd?

Brave AI is a digital risk assessment tool created by Bering Ltd, a medical AI software company based in London. Bering is an NHS-approved supplier, building health and care systems to support better patient outcomes.
🔗 Visit Bering Ltd

Q2. How does the AI tool work?

Brave AI uses existing data from your GP records to assess your risk of going into hospital unexpectedly within the next 12 months.
It works by spotting patterns in anonymous data using a secure algorithm, then generates a personalised risk score.

Q3. What difference will it make?

It helps GPs identify patients who may be at risk of becoming seriously unwell.
That means they can offer earlier support and personalised care to help people stay well and avoid hospital.

Q4. Are other GP practices using it?

Yes. Brave AI is being rolled out to over 130 surgeries in the South West, following a successful pilot in Somerset.

Q5. What about patient confidentiality?

• The tool only uses data already held by your GP practice.

• The information analysed by the AI is anonymous.

• Only authorised health and care professionals can see identifiable patient data.

• All access is tightly monitored and controlled by your GP practice.

• The tool meets strict NHS standards through the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).
  🔗 More about DTAC

Q6. Can I opt out?

Yes. If you don’t want your data included in the Brave AI review, ask your GP practice to remove you.
Please note: the national data opt-out does not apply to risk assessments done as part of your care.
You’ll always have the choice to decline any assessment or support offered after being identified.

Q7. Is the tool looking for certain health conditions?

No. The tool doesn’t focus on specific conditions.
It uses a whole-person approach, assessing both physical and mental health risks based on your existing records.

Q8. What care or support might I be offered?

If you're identified as at risk, your GP practice will contact you for a personalised, holistic assessment.
This means looking at:

• What matters to you

• Your lifestyle, support network, and preferences

• Whether digital tools feel right for you

Your personalised plan may include:

• Devices that monitor heart rate, oxygen or blood sugar

• Wellbeing trackers and regular check-ins

• Peer support with others facing similar challenges

All care and support will be tailored to your needs.

Want to find out more?

Speak to your GP practice team or visit:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/digital-neighbourhoods/

Dear Patients,

💻 Supporting Patient Care with Heidi AI: What You Need to Know

At Ruby Country Medical Group, we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and efficient care to all our patients. As part of our ongoing efforts to embrace safe and effective innovation in the NHS, we are now using Heidi AI to assist our GPs during some consultations.

🧠 What is Heidi AI?

Heidi AI is an AI-powered digital assistant designed to help clinicians document medical consultations more accurately and efficiently. It listens securely in real time during your consultation and produces a structured clinical summary that the GP can review, edit, and approve before it is added to your medical record.

It is important to note that Heidi is a support tool — your GP remains fully in control of your consultation and your clinical decisions.

🔍 How Does Heidi Work?

During your appointment, the GP will activate Heidi on their device (computer or tablet). Heidi listens to the conversation and generates a written summary of key clinical points such as:

• Your presenting problem (reason for visit)
• Relevant medical history and symptoms
• Clinical findings and observations
• Diagnoses, treatments, and next steps

This summary is not saved automatically. The GP has the final say and reviews, edits, and confirms the information before it is stored in your official patient record.

🔐 Is Heidi AI Safe and Secure?

Yes — safety, confidentiality, and data protection are top priorities.

• ✅ Heidi does not record or store your voice.
• ✅ All information processed is done so in accordance with NHS data governance standards and UK GDPR.
• ✅ The technology is approved for use in clinical settings and complies with NHS Digital’s data protection requirements.

Your medical record remains under the control of your GP at all times. Heidi simply provides a first draft, saving time on manual documentation.

👩‍⚕️ Why Are We Using Heidi?

Clinical documentation is a vital part of safe healthcare — but it takes time. On average, a GP spends 30–40% of their day typing up notes, often outside of appointment hours.

Heidi AI helps to:

• Free up GP time during and after consultations
• Improve the quality, consistency, and clarity of medical records
• Support more patient-focused conversations
• Reduce admin burden and GP burnout
• Allow GPs to concentrate on what matters most — you

❓Will It Change My Appointment?

In most cases, you may not even notice a difference. Your GP will continue to lead the consultation, just as before. Heidi runs discreetly in the background. You may see your GP reviewing or confirming notes at the end of your appointment, which helps ensure everything discussed is captured accurately.

We will always inform you if Heidi is being used in your appointment and you can ask questions or opt out if you have any concerns.

🗣️ What If I Don’t Want Heidi Used?

We understand that patients have different levels of comfort with technology. If you would prefer not to have Heidi involved in your consultation, you are welcome to let your GP or reception team know. It will not affect your care in any way.

📞 Have Questions?

We’re happy to help. Please speak to a member of our team or ask your GP if you’d like more information about how Heidi AI is used at Ruby Country Medical Group.