We will be meeting between 6.15pm and 7:45pm on Wednesday, 28th January 2015 in the Reading Community Learning Centre 10, Eaton Place, RG1 7LP (see Agenda for directions) . There will be a talk and discussion led by Karla Vickers of Reading Borough Council on the implementation of the Care Act 2014 in Reading, as well as news and discussion about health care locally.

The Care Quality Commission, quality regulator for the NHS, has placed Priory Avenue surgery, a Caversham practice part of the North and West NHS CCG, in special measures after judging it inadequate on a number of counts. The practice has been given an inadequate rating and must produce and execute a plan to remedy its failings. GP services are under pressure nationally and especially in the Thames valley. Here, the high cost of living and accommodation, makes the area expensive for training or newly-qualified doctors.

Monitor, the body that assesses and licences NHS hospitals has placed the Royal Berkshire Hospital on notice to improve its computer data handling, its governance and its financial plannng. In addition its progress in making the improvements demanded by the Care Quality Commission in June 2014 will continue to be monitored. In a notice issued on 12th December 2014, Monitor recorded a number of undertaking made by the Royal Berkshire Hospital in response to earlier criticism.

At this time of year there is usually an outbreak of tinsellitis. You may notice sparkly matter on the scalp, neck or elsewhere. There may be a momentary irritation but this should not be lasting. Should you feel an urge to shout, "Bah! Humbug!", cover your mouth until it passes. Infection takes place mainly through the eye, and young people are particularly susceptible. The active element is often found on ceilings, pine trees or draped over electronic equipment. It is generally harmless and will not last long into the New Year.

A childrens' clinic, mainly for under-fives, will operate in Broad Street Mall from 4pm to 8pm every day except Bank Holidays through the winter up to Sunday 12th April 2015 to relieve pressure on the Royal Berkshire Hospitals A&E department. Access is by booked appointment on 07766 418 168 from 9am daily until Sunday 12th April. For full details see the South Reading CCG website.