Just in case anyone needs it – and of course we hope you don’t – the list of pharmacy opening times over the Easter holidays can be found at http://rb.gy/myb64d.
Northwick Park Hospital: Most Improved in London
Northwick Park Hospital has been ranked the most improved in London and one of the fastest improving in the country.
London North West University Healthcare (LNWH) has been named the most improved trust in the capital, and the seventh most improved nationally since April 2025, according to the NHS’s new national oversight framework.… more >>>
St Mary’s Hospital
A report today by BBC that St Mary’s Hospital is crumbling, and there’s a survey to help shape the replacement.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjwz2y3ye7po for more information.
The survey mentioned is at https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/st-marys-development.
Non-Alcohol Wipes Danger
UKHSA and MHRA have issued a reminder not to use the following four non-sterile alcohol-free wipes:
- ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
- Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
- Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
These products were all withdrawn from sale last year. However you may still have some in your first aid kit or bathroom cabinet – if you do, then please dispose of them in your household rubbish.… more >>>
Patient Engagement Event
Some may be interested in this upcoming drop-in event …
Seasonal Wishes
To everyone here, all BPV members, staff & patients of Barnabas MC …
However you celebrate
may you have an enjoyable and relaxing Christmas
and a healthy & happy 2026
Christmas & New Year Pharmacy Opening
As is usual, NW London NHS has published the list of pharmacies which will be open over the holidays. The list for the whole of London can be downloaded here.
Norovirus
As well as flu, there is a lot of the Winter vomiting bug, Norovirus, around. This bug is very infectious, and there is no treatment, and no vaccine, for it – so you need to be aware and take care to avoid it.
The symptoms are essentially vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you have the virus you must:
- stay at home and isolate yourself
- get plenty of rest
- drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
- carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
- give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
- eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
- avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks as they can make diarrhoea worse
- not make baby formula weaker
- not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
- not give aspirin to children under 16
Yes, basically you have to sit it out!… more >>>
Flu Advice
Given the current high rates of flu around, here’s advice from the NHS …
If you have symptoms of flu: coughing, sneezing or fever – help stop the spread.
- Stay home if you can and wear a mask around other people.
- Look after yourself, rest, keep warm take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.
Getting Help During Resident Doctors Strike
Resident doctors have announced strikes from 07:00 Friday 14 November to 07:00 Wednesday 19 November.
During this time services will be very busy. Please help the NHS help you by calling NHS 111 or visiting NHS 111 Online for advice.
Hospital services will be affected:
- If it’s not an emergency, please stay away from your local hospital: NHS 111 can direct you to the right place for care
- In an emergency, always call 999
- If you have an appointment, you will be contacted if it needs to be rescheduled.