NHS Kent and Medway

14/10/2026

Lung cancer screening is launching in Maidstone and Tonbridge Wells soon 💙

The programme is aimed at current and former smokers, aged between 55 and 74 and you will be contacted if you are eligible.

🔗Find out more: www.lungcheckskm.nhs.uk

Our lung cancer screening team have been at Tunbridge Wells Hospital today talking to patients and visitors as we get ready for the launch of our screening programme later this month.

🫁 The programme will offer lung health checks (and CT scans where needed) to eligible people aged 55–74 who have ever smoked.

This aims to detect lung cancer earlier and improve outcomes for our communities.

Those eligible for the screening programme will be contacted via their GP once the service starts.

Find out more: www.kentandmedwaycanceralliance.nhs.uk/lung-cancer

NHS Kent and Medway
Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance

13/10/2026

🍂 Top up your protection this autumn and winter. If you’re eligible, get your flu vaccine and get your .

Flu can make some people seriously ill, which is why the NHS offers a free flu vaccine every year to those at higher risk. 💙

💉 If you’re eligible, you can get vaccinated at your GP surgery or a pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.

Frontline health and social care worker? You can get your flu vaccine through your employer.

10/10/2026

It's okay not to be okay 🩵

“…not all cancer patients need psychological support from professionals, some need to just know how to manage their feelings.” Tracey Squire, KMCA’s MacMillan User Involvement Manager.

The Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website includes information about managing the emotional impact of cancer and the support services available to you. Find out more: https://www.kentandmedwaycanceralliance.nhs.uk/its-okay-not-to-be-okay-managing-with-cancer

08/10/2026

The NHS booking system is now open for eligible people to book their flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

Vaccines are safe and effective. They're offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and Covid-19.

Find out if you’re eligible.

Kent County Council Medway Council

08/10/2026

Pharmacists can assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for seven common conditions, without you needing to make an appointment with a GP.

You can also get contraception advice, including the emergency pill, from a pharmacy.

No appointment is necessary and private consultations are available. Pop into your local pharmacy today 🩵

Find out more www.kmhealthandcare.uk/pharmacy

07/10/2026

NHS Kent and Medway has been selected as one of the first areas in England to take part in the new Steps to Safety programme.

The programme aims to improve support for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence by helping GP practices connect people with specialist support services more quickly and easily.

We'll be working with local partners across Kent and Medway to develop the programme, with services expected to begin from early 2027.

Domestic abuse and sexual violence can have a significant impact on people's health and wellbeing. Steps to Safety will help strengthen access to support for adults, children and young people affected by abuse. 💜

06/10/2026

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. It can cause a number of signs and symptoms.

It's important to check your breasts regularly so you know what's normal for you.

For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/

How confident are you about checking your breasts for signs of breast cancer? Almost a third (29%) of women in England who regularly check their breasts, don’t feel confident to notice a change.

So together, we’re making sure more women get the information they need to spot the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and know where to go if they notice something unusual.

And if you want to get into the habit of checking your breasts, it’s as simple as TLC:

- Touch your breasts or chest
- Look for changes
- Check anything new or unusual with your GP

05/10/2026

Neighbourhood health is designed to feel easier to navigate and more joined‑up for local people, with professionals working together across organisations to provide coordinated support 💙

Read more about how care coordinators work in a neighbourhood health team 👇

🔗 https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/neighbourhood-health

Behind every great neighbourhood team is someone helping to connect the dots. 💙

Care coordinators help people navigate health, care and community services, making sure they receive the right support at the right time.

For East Kent Primary Care Network Care Coordinator Sally Simkiss, that means bringing together GPs, community nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers and social care colleagues around the people who need them most.

"What people need is not always what they can explain on the phone," said Sally. Through home visits, she spots issues that forms and appointments can miss, helping people stay safe, well and independent at home.

From arranging clinical support and medication reviews to helping with paperwork, housing issues and everyday practical challenges, care coordinators often become the link between multiple services, ensuring people never have to face complex situations alone.

"The most rewarding part is seeing people regain confidence and independence," Sally said. "Sometimes the biggest difference is not a major intervention but knowing someone is listening and acting."

It's a powerful example of neighbourhood health in action, with professionals working together around the person, not the organisation.

👉 Read more about the difference care coordinators make in local communities: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/community-health-online/we-are-the-link-that-keeps-patients-connected/

01/10/2026

Winter vaccination bookings are now open!

Thousands of eligible people can book from today (1 October).

If you’re eligible, book your flu and Covid-19 vaccinations now for the best protection this winter. 💙

Book your flu vaccination or Covid-19 vaccination online, through the NHS App or by calling 119 for free. You can also contact your GP practice for a flu vaccination.

01/10/2026

Stoptober starts today! You are doing the best thing you can for your health by quitting smoking - and you don't need to do it alone. There are plenty of ways to get support, find more information at https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/quit-smoking