Luton and Dunstable University Hospital

24/08/2026

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in advance.

To find out how to do this, including via the NHS App, visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription

20/08/2026

Our students are the future of healthcare!

Jorden, Clinical Education Facilitator for the BLMK Health and Care Academy/T-Levels, said: “Best of luck to those students who have received their GCSE results today. Have you considered participating in the wide range of programmes the BLMK Health and Care Academy has to offer?

“At present, we offer a virtual programme and are a placement provider for Health and Social Care L3, T- Level Health and T-Level Digital students. If this is something that may be of interest to you, we would love to hear from you!”

Please visit our website to find out more: www.bedshealthandcareacademy.org/

20/08/2026

Good luck to all those receiving their results today!

Why not consider a career in the NHS? We have so many different roles available to suit your skills and interests. The Health and Care Academy Virtual Programme showcases the vast array of careers available in the NHS and boosts your application for Health and Social Care careers at college and university.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit www.bedshealthandcareacademy.org

19/08/2026

A father whose child was born at just 25 weeks gestation is taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D), where his son was cared for.

Barry Knowles’ NICU journey began in May 2024 when his son, Joseph, was born at just 25 weeks.

He said: “Whenever I think about the staff at the L&D, I genuinely smile. They played such a huge part in saving my son’s life, and no amount of money could ever repay them.”

Barry will be raising money for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, with funds going towards Family Integrated Care to improve the family room and accommodation available to parents whilst their babies are in NICU.

Read the full story on our website: www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/news/father-takes-on-three-peaks-challenge-to-raise-money-for-nicu-babies-and-their-families

18/08/2026

On 24 July, the first 'Stepping On Up' transition event took place, facilitated by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity in partnership with Tokko Youth Hub.

The event provided some of our paediatric patients the chance to learn more about the transition to adult services at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, whilst enjoying lots of opportunities to take part in climbing and gym activities.

It also provided an opportunity for our patients to meet other young people with similar health conditions and to build relationships and support networks.

Dr Maidment, Lead Paediatric Clinical Psychologist and Lisa, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Transition Clinical Nurse, played a key role in organising the event.

Dr Maidment said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many young attendees and their families and see such a positive response throughout the day. Thank you all for getting involved.”

Lisa added: “Seeing so much enthusiasm from our patients and families and having all the support made the day a real success. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the event possible."

This event was generously funded by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) and we are grateful to Tokko Youth Hub for hosting this pilot event.

15/08/2026

Silvia works as a Neonatal Governance Lead at the L&D.

“I am an international Registered Nurse who started working at the L&D in 2016. I began my nursing career in Elderly Medicine, but shortly afterwards I moved into Neonatal Care which has always been my passion.

“I have continued to develop my skills and progress in my career and am currently a member of the Senior Leadership Team in my role as Neonatal Governance Lead.

“ is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible team that I am part of at the L&D. They work tirelessly to give every baby the best possible start in life, while supporting families throughout their neonatal journey. It is a chance to celebrate our achievements, reflect on the impact we make, and inspire future generations of neonatal nurses.”

15/08/2026

Today is , a chance to recognise the vital work, skill, and dedication of neonatal nurses in caring for preterm and ill newborns, as well as supporting their families. To celebrate, we are hearing from several of our neonatal nursing colleagues.

Karen, Head of Nursing for Children’s Services, said: “I want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate every single one of our neonatal nursing colleagues. 1 in 7 babies born need support from our neonatal team - their exceptional care, compassion, and expertise is invaluable to our most premature and sickest babies, and their families. Their commitment makes a huge difference to the lives of those we care for.

“Neonatal nursing is a highly skilled and rewarding profession that goes far beyond clinical care. It requires expertise, patience, empathy, and a commitment to supporting babies and their families through some of life's most emotional and uncertain times. To our neonatal nurses - your compassion, dedication, and professionalism are truly exceptional and inspire everyone around you.”

“Thank you for everything you do, every day, to ensure our youngest patients receive safe, high-quality, and family-centred care they deserve.”

15/08/2026

Luton residents, please take note of the below updated posts from the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue service.

⛔️ UPDATE 5.45pm Saturday 15 August
We’ve put a new post up with the latest update and a video. Check it out.

🚒 UPDATE 12.45pm Saturday 15 August

Thanks to the incredible efforts of fire crews on site in tackling the blaze, we have stood down the major incident declared earlier and will begin scaling down the fire service presence on scene.

There is still smoke and we expect that will continue to be the case for a number of hours - if nearby residents are affected, please close windows and doors.

Road closures and evacuations are still in place but are being reviewed regularly by emergency services on scene.

A full fire investigation will take place once the fire is fully extinguished and it is safe to do so.

Thank you to everyone for their support, for listening to messages, staying away, and for our wonderful partners over the border who have supported us Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

—-

⛔️ UPDATE 11am Saturday 15 August

Crews have surrounded the fire and are using water jets to apply large amounts of water to tackle and contain it.

Currently on scene we have 10 fire engines, three aerial platforms to tackle the fire from above, two water carriers and an incident command unit.

Residents affected by smoke in the area are encouraged to keep their windows and doors closed.

Please avoid the area. The following roads still remain closed:
Selbourne Road junction with Arundel Road
Selbourne Road junction with Maidenhall Road
Arundel Road junction with Wingate Road
Selbourne Road junction with Wingate Road

Firefighters have worked incredibly hard in challenging circumstances to extinguish the fire and it is anticipated the fire service will be on scene for the rest of the day.
All people are accounted for.

Resources from Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire have supported with this incident and we appreciate help from these neighbouring services during this time.

—-

💦 UPDATE 10.15am Saturday 15 August

Crews are working hard to tackle the incident. Please keep windows and doors closed if you’re affected by smoke, and please avoid the area to make it as easy as possible for our resources to access.

People in the area may be experiencing be experiencing low water pressure or no water. This is as a result of this fire and our crews needing lots of water to try and firefight.
Affinity Water is aware and please visit its website for the latest information

—-

🚒 UPDATE 8.40am Saturday 15 August

The fire service has declared a major incident following a fire at a commercial building in Selbourne Rd, Luton.

Residents in the following wards will probably be affected by smoke and we are asking them to please close their windows and doors:
Limbury, Saints, Dallow, Biscot, Farley Hill.

We have 10 fire engines on scene plus specialist vehicles and officers. Firefighters are working very hard to tackle a fire in a bathroom showroom in a commercial building.

Properties in Wingate Road have been evacuated.

—-

❗️UPDATE 7.30am

Our fire control room is super busy - please don’t call 999 to report this fire - we are aware and we have multiple fire engines on scene dealing with the fire in a commercial building.

There is a lot of smoke - please close windows and doors if you are nearby.

——
6.20am Saturday 15 August

We are at the scene of a large fire in Luton.

Please avoid the area of Selbourne Road and Wingate Road and if you are in the area, please keep your windows and doors closed owing to smoke.

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

This results day we wanted to take the opportunity to make you aware of the BLMK Health and Care Academy which provides students between the ages of 14 to 18 with a dynamic and flexible programme of learning, to champion the needs of each and every individual that demonstrates an interest in pursuing a clinical or non-clinical career in healthcare.

Abigail, Clinical Educator within the BLMK Health & Care Academy said “Good luck to everyone receiving their results today. I hope your results take you one step closer to the next chapter you’ve been working towards. If your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, don’t be disheartened. Progress isn’t always about getting everything right first time - it’s about learning, overcoming challenges and continuing to move forward. Even the smallest step forward is still progress.

“A special mention to our Academy students, whether you’ve joined us through our virtual programmes or placement opportunities, we feel privileged to be part of your career journey. We’ve seen your commitment, enthusiasm and growth, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you.

“For those of you considering a career in health and social care, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and start your Academy journey today!”

Visit: www.bedshealthandcareacademy.org