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Overdose awareness: knowing when to get help An overdose can happen when someone takes more of a drug or medicine than their body can safely process. It can also happen when different drugs are taken together. Alcohol can cause overdose too, which is often called alcohol poisoning. An overdose can happen to anyone. It may be linked to prescribed medicines, illegal drugs, or medicines that have been prescribed to someone else. An overdose can be life-threatening, so getting me

A new NHS service is offering some women the option to test for high-risk HPV at home. The NHS is beginning to roll out self-testing kits in England for women who have not attended cervical screening after receiving invitations. This could provide an easier way to take part in the screening programme that helps prevent cervical cancer. Around 4 million women in England are not on track with cervical screening. What is HPV self-testing? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very com

Healthwatch Southend attended a special meeting of Southend City Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss the future of Norton Place. Norton Place is seen as an important local health facility for many people in Shoeburyness and nearby areas. Since the possible closure was announced, we have heard concerns from residents, especially older people, people with disabilities and others who rely on the services provided there. The committee explained that it can

Patient information: Parking charges From the 31st of July 2026, parking charges will increase at Southend, Basildon, Broomfield and Orsett Hospitals. If you are travelling to one of these hospitals by car, please be aware of the updated tariffs before you park. There is a free parking allowance of up to 20 minutes. The hospital car parks use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), so paper tickets are not currently issued. Before leaving, it is advisable to visit a pay po

Important update: Old Mid and South Essex Hospital Phone Numbers to Be Switched Off from 31 August 2026 Patients are being reminded that all old telephone numbers for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust hospitals will be permanently switched off from 31 August 2026. After this date, the old numbers will no longer work. Callers will not hear a recorded message, and calls will not be redirected to the new numbers. The Trust introduced new main hospital switchboard numbers

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, also known as Leukemia or CLL, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Yearly in the UK, 3,800 to 4,700 people, by population size, around 10–15 people in Southend may be affected annually. Signs and symptoms It usually develops slowly and is more common in people over the age of 40. There is currently no cure, but treatment can help manage the condition, extend life, and support a better quality of life. Symptoms can be subt

With GP surgeries and some services running reduced hours over the May bank holidays, it’s important to plan ahead and know where to go for help. Many common illnesses like; colds, sore throats, and minor injuries, can be treated at home. Keeping a simple health kit with pain relief, cold remedies, stomach treatments, first aid supplies, and a thermometer can help you manage symptoms quickly. Always follow medicine labels and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure. Make sure to or

Today is World Hearing Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about hearing loss and the importance of ear and hearing care. Around 90 million children and young people aged 0–19 worldwide are affected by hearing loss. Many causes such as earwax build-up, untreated ear infections, or vaccine-preventable illnesses could be avoided or significantly reduced if detected and treated early. However, many children live with undiagnosed hearing loss for long periods of time. When

Cervical Screening Week is a good time to talk about how cervical screening can help stop cervical cancer before it starts. Cervical screening is also called a smear test. It is not a test for cancer. The test checks for HPV (human papillomavirus). Some types of HPV can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. If these changes are found early, they can be treated and it can prevent cancer. In England, women and people with a cervix aged 25–64 are eligible for cervical screen

Help Shape Mental Health Services in Southend NHS Mid and South Essex integrated care system want to hear from local people about their experiences of community mental health services. Whether you’ve used these services yourself or supported a friend, family member, or loved one, your feedback is incredibly important. By sharing your experiences, whether good, bad, or somewhere in between, you can help make sure mental health services reflect what really matters to the people

Staying Well This Festive Season The festive period is a busy time, but it’s important to look after your health. Cold weather can make some health problems worse, especially for older people, young children, and anyone with a long-term condition. Keep warm, wear layers, and drink hot drinks. GP practices and many pharmacies have reduced opening hours over the bank holidays. This means you may not be able to get help as quickly as normal. If you take regular medicine, order y

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

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

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.

Many Southend residents are waiting for an ADHD diagnosis or treatment. The NHS in mid and south Essex has shared some information.

The NHS in mid and south Essex has shared the following advice and guidance for those fasting this Ramadan.

As of Monday 3 February, patients are no longer able to access the NHS App on older mobile devices.

The ‘Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger’ campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.

NHS Mid and South Essex has shared the following advice on where to go to seek help when you need it.

NHS Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust is gradually introducing a new digital platform for its patients called Patients Know Best (PKB).