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Source: Benfleet Primary Care Network You may have read about the temporary closure of The Hollies Surgery in Benfleet. There are a small number of Southend residents registered at the practice, so we wanted to share some important information from the NHS. This may be useful for family and friends who are patients of the practice. Telephone lines are being restored, and patients will be able to contact the surgery in the usual way from 8am today (12 November 2025) Face-to-f

Use the NHS website ( https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/ ) to search for a dentist near you. The site also provides information on which dental practices currently accept new patients, whether they off er urgent appointments, and how others have rated the service. While this is a good starting point for finding a local dentist, people often tell us that these records are only sometimes kept updated, so you should contact the practice directly for more informati

In 2024 the NHS reported there were 2,197 people diagnosed with ADHD living in Southend, 976 were aged 17 or younger and 1,221 were adults 18+. What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a higher-than-average level of hyperactive behaviour and difficulty maintaining attention in conversations, learning, or other situations over extended periods. A person with ADHD may also experience: Impulsiveness (acting w

What is it? You and Your General Practice is a national patient charter developed by NHS England to help patients understand: What they...

New research from Healthwatch England shows that too many men are missing out on the NHS Health Check, which is essential in preventing...

Taking paracetamol during pregnancy has hit the news recently. Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines & Healthcare...

The NHS in Mid & South Essex wants to make sure mental health crisis services work better for everyone. By sharing your experience,...

Join as much or as little as you’re able—your contribution matters. Do   you or someone you care for live with a disability or long-term...

Mid & South Essex Hospitals have announced changes to parking at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals. When you enter the hospital...

The Government has announced plans to end the current model of local Healthwatch services and bring their functions together with those...

Healthwatch Southend is pleased to share its Annual Report for 2024-25. We are set up by an Act of Parliament to: give you free,...

The NHS in Mid and South Essex is asking residents to share their travel experiences when getting to and from hospital appointments. Take the short survey here.

Pride Month is a celebration of identity, diversity and equality. It’s also a reminder of the challenges many LGBTQ+ people still face – particularly when it comes to mental health.

Every three years Southend City Council has to prepare a statement of what services are needed from community pharmacists (a chemist in...

The NHS in mid and south Essex is inviting local people to share their views on adult vaccinations through a short anonymous survey. It takes just 5 minutes to complete.

The NHS in Mid and South Essex have issued an update on the status of ADHD prescribing arrangements in our area.

If you've been sent an invite for your Spring COVID vaccination, make sure to book in on the NHS website, or visit your local walk-in centre.

The NHS in Mid and South Essex are working to improve blood testing services in Southend, as well as the whole of Mid and South Essex.

The Vision and Eye Research Institute (VERI) aims to reduce blindness in our communities. They are looking to onboard community champions...

Southend City Council wants to hear from you about your use of community pharmacies (high street chemists). Complete the survey here today.