Health

Patients are urged to have their say on the Department of Health's consultation on registering with a GP of their choice.

At the moment, patients have to live in a GP catchment area before registering with the surgery but the Government is looking to change this so people can choose a GP practice that suits them.

A new advocacy worker is joining Meadow House Hospice to boost help and advice for patients and families.

Manager Jackie Grove said: "We have a carers' support group, but this dedicated worker can help with anything from advice on benefits to liaising with social services. We want people to give us feedback on what they need." To contact Meadow House with suggestions ring: 020 8242 5921 or log on to: meadowhousehospice.org.uk.

Despite continued denials by health officials over potential Accident and Emergency department closures, Ealing Hospital could be stripped of major services under drastic measures being considered by NHS London.

According to a leaked document obtained by the Gazette, Ealing Hospital could potentially lose its A&E, maternity unit and children's services department if measures to address the £5billion NHS London funding shortfall are implemented.

And with more than 100,000 people each year being admitted to A&E, acute services stretched beyond their capacity and the imminent closure of Ealing's stroke and trauma units, health campaigners claim this will have a catastrophic effect on patients in the borough.

Ealing hospital health officials have denied rumours that the emergency department will close under drastic measures being considered by NHS London.

According to a leaked NHS London document, six A&E departments in North West London could be closed or downgraded in a bid to address the £5billion NHS funding shortfall.

People are invited to give blood and help save a life. Blood donor sessions will be taking place at Ealing Town Hall, Elizabeth Cantel Room, New Broadway, Ealing on Monday 1 and 2 February.

A noodle bar owner has been fined £18,000 after Ealing Council officers uncovered serious breaches of hygiene regulations.

Andy Ly, 42, owner of Coco Noodle Bar in The Mall, Ealing, pleaded guilty to six hygiene related offences at Ealing Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 7.

Ealing is set to become a 'biking borough' and will receive £25,000 as part of a 2010 campaign to get people cycling.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has teamed up with Transport for London (TfL) to offer 12 London boroughs extra support and help in a bid to encourage people to use the 2.4million 'cycleable' journeys in outer London.

Former veteran war journalist and star of Strictly Come Dancing, John Sergeant, officially open the £1.5m CT Scanner and Digital Room at Ealing Hospital.

Mr Sergeant, who lives in Ealing, had an illustrious BBC career spanning three decades, as well as being ITN's political editor before his retirement in 2003. He was shown round the state-of-the-art equipment by specialists.

A charity supporting older people in the borough is giving practical tips on how to stay warm and safe in the winter months.

Age Concern Ealing is advising the elderly to wear several thin layers of clothing, thermal underwear and hats and gloves when going out.

A man sustained head injuries after being knocked down by a car outside Ealing Hospital.