Amherst PPG

20/02/2026

Find out more about what our Health & Wellbeing Coach Service.

18/02/2026

Our response to the MHRA’s call for evidence on regulating AI in healthcare, based on a UK-wide patient survey.

17/02/2026

Everyone has a chance of developing dementia, but simple lifestyle changes could help protect your brain and reduce your risk.

Dr Harry Pritchard, Alzheimer’s Society Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, has dedicated his career to studying the link between cardiovascular health and dementia.

In a recent report, he highlights five key lifestyle steps everyone can take to protect their brain:

1. Keep blood pressure under control - High blood pressure strains your arteries, including those in the brain, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

2. Maintain a healthy weight - Obesity raises the chance of diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic inflammation, all linked to dementia.

3. Manage blood sugar levels - Poorly controlled diabetes can damage brain blood vessels, allowing toxins to harm nerve cells.

4. Quit smoking - Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces oxygen to the brain, but stopping can reduce risk to near non-smoker levels.

5. Stay physically active - Regular exercise improves heart and blood vessel health, helping deliver blood to the brain and lowering dementia risk by up to 20%.

Dr Pritchard is also a proud member of our Dementia Run Club, part of our AJ Bell and Great Runs partnership, using running to raise awareness and support brain health.

Great North Run
Great Manchester Run
Great South Run
Great Birmingham Run
Great Scottish Run
Great Bristol 10k & Half Marathon

17/02/2026

We are seeing a rise in measles cases in parts of England.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from serious illness.

We’re encouraging parents to check their children are up to date with their vaccinations. Check your child's red book or speak to their GP practice.

More information: http://nhs.uk/mmr

17/02/2026

Did you know you can view messages about your care in the NHS App?

The NHS App is a simple and secure way to receive messages from your trusted health care providers.

Turn on notifications for the NHS App to stay up to date.

Find out more: https://f.mtr.cool/pqcosdbjjw

17/02/2026

📱 Text 'Let's Chat' on 07312 263368 – a quick way to reach Kent Health Visiting Service for quick advice on anything that's bothering you.

Find trusted guidance for you and your child from pregnancy to starting school at Kent Baby:
🔗 https://family.kentcht.nhs.uk/baby/

17/02/2026

16/02/2026

16/02/2026

Important update

🚌 The park and ride for Maidstone Hospital and the West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre will not be running Monday 16 - Friday 20 February.

The Tunbridge Wells park and ride runs as usual next week, Monday - Friday.

▶️ Park and ride information, including timetables and maps: www.mtw.nhs.uk/park-and-ride

▶️ Information about alternative public transport options in Kent: www.kentbusinfo.co.uk/

13/02/2026

13/02/2026