Feeling the pinch in your pocket and trousers? Here's how to live more healthily without breaking the bank

Hints and tips for healthy living in an age of austerity

No doubt this festive season has taken its toll on both your pocket and waistline.

Not only have we all spent far too much on presents, food and festivities – at a time when we are all having to watch the pennies – but all that indulgence can have a big impact on our health too.

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Improving Dementia Care in South West hospitals

Hospitals in the South West are working to improve standards of care for patients with dementia.

A regional Expert Reference Group made up of hospital clinical leads for dementia, patients and carers, the voluntary sector and service commissioners have developed a set of eight standards to drive improvement.

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Prepare ahead of cold weather to stay healthy

The NHS in the South West is urging people to prepare for winter and be aware of the health risks associated with the colder months.

The risks are particularly important for older people, families with young children and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions but everyone can benefit from following some simple tips.
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RECORD LOW ON MIXED SEX ACCOMMODATION IN THE SOUTH WEST

Fewer patients in the South West than ever before are staying in mixed sex accommodation.

Figures released today show that since April 2011, when monthly collection of mixed sex accommodation became mandatory for all acute hospitals in the region, the number of reported breaches in the South West has fallen by 65 per cent. There were 277 reported breaches in April 2011, compared to just 97 across the entire region in September 2011 – a drop of 180.
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NHS South of England launched

Strategic health authorities joined as part of NHS reform

NHS South of England officially came into effect today, made up of three former strategic health authorities – NHS South Central, NHS South East Coast and NHS South West.
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Living Well With Dementia Across The South West: Second Annual Summit Showcases Progress

Professor Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia, will be joined by one of the nation's favourite poets as well as doctors, nurses, voluntary group members and people living with dementia at the second annual conference highlighting latest progress in dementia care across the South West.
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Primary Care Trusts Work Together to Deliver NHS Reforms

PRIMARY Care Trusts in the South West are streamlining their management teams as part of new cluster arrangements to take forward the Government’s NHS reforms.
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Cancer Patients to Benefit from New Cancer Drugs Fund

A £200 million a year Cancer Drugs Fund that will give patients greater access to cancer drugs that their doctors recommend for them was launched today by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley. Read More ...