Boditrax
West Street Surgery is delighted to announce that our Boditrax Machine is up and running. A Boditrax machine is a body composition analysis system commonly used in gyms, health clubs, medical practices, and wellness centres. It uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to measure and track different aspects of body composition by sending a very small electrical current through the body. What’s great is that once you have registered and downloaded the Boditrax App results will be pinged to your phone immediately. For more information visit our Boditrax web page.
A Boditrax scan can typically measure:
Body weight
Body fat percentage
Muscle mass
Visceral fat (fat around your internal organs)
Hydration/water levels
Bone mass
Basal metabolic rate (BMR)
Metabolic age
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Segmental muscle fat analysis (arms, legs, trunk)
Being able to track changes over time is a great motivator for:
Fitness progress monitoring
Weight management
Nutrition planning
Health and wellbeing assessments
Supporting lifestyle change programmes
Research
West Street Surgery is currently taking part in a number of new research studies, including the Autism GP Diagnosis Study. This study is exploring whether GPs can assess autism as effectively as specialist clinicians. If successful, the findings could help reduce waiting times for future autism assessments and improve access to earlier support. Please note that this is a research project only. Participation will not replace a formal clinical assessment or provide access to specialist services or treatment.
For more information about our current research visit our Research Active Practice Page
Vazkepa
Health technology assessment (HTA) agency NICE has finalised its guidance on Amarin’s Vazkepa, clearing the path for GPs to start prescribing the drug in up to 425,000 NHS patients at high cardiovascular risk because of raised triglyceride levels. In the upcoming weeks West Street Surgery hopes to receive the green light for prescribing.
NICE unlocks use of Amarin’s Vazkepa in 425k NHS patients | pharmaphorum
Apprenticeships
West Street Surgery is incredibly proud of our apprentices and the dedication they have shown throughout their training. We currently have three apprentices within the practice (two receptionists and one administrator) who have all worked exceptionally hard while balancing their studies with supporting our patients and team every day.
We are delighted to share that two of our apprentices have recently completed their qualifications with distinction, an achievement that reflects their commitment, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Our third apprentice is preparing to take her final exams this May, and we wish her the very best of luck. We look forward to celebrating all of their achievements and recognising the valuable contribution they make to the practice.
West Street Surgery and Active Lifestyles Collaboration
West Street Surgery is delighted to announce a new collaboration with Active Lifestyles, Leisure Services, Central Bedfordshire Council — the first collaboration of its kind.
The West Street Surgery partnership reflects the NHS vision for neighbourhood working by bringing care closer to where people live and supporting healthier, more resilient communities. In line with the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and neighbourhood health guidelines, this collaborative approach strengthens prevention and delivers more joined-up, person-centred care.
By tailoring support to local needs and improving access to Active Lifestyle Programmes, this partnership will demonstrate how neighbourhood-level working can help people live more active, independent lives for longer while contributing to wider efforts such as the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme.
Our new programme, West Street Surgery Wellness, is designed to support patients who are concerned about their health, struggling to become more active, or unsure where to begin. Patients will be referred directly from our GP practice. However, this is more than just a referral — the programme offers a tailored package exclusively for West Street Surgery patients, providing a collaborative approach that ensures access to the best free local programmes available to support their health and wellbeing.
We are hoping to empower our patients to take positive steps towards improving their physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence in leading more active lives, and create lasting, healthy habits with the support of both healthcare and community services.
Our new programme, West Street Surgery Wellness, is designed to support patients who are concerned about their health, struggling to become more active, or unsure where to begin. Patients will be referred directly from our GP practice. However, this is more than just a referral — the programme offers a tailored package exclusively for West Street Surgery patients, providing a collaborative approach that ensures access to the best free local programmes available to support their health and wellbeing.
We are hoping to empower our patients to take positive steps towards improving their physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence in leading more active lives, and create lasting, healthy habits with the support of both healthcare and community services.
Over the next few weeks we will be finalising our programme and will update our patients as soon as we have more information.
West Street Surgery is the first GP Practice in Central Bedfordshire to have a Boditrax Kiosk. Located in reception the scanner will provide our patients with a wealth of health information. For more information visit our Boditrax health and wellbeing page.
