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Thomas Andrew Porteus, MBCS
HealthTech
MBCS
Thomas writes to inform, inspire, and equip practice leaders and health professionals navigating change, drawing on two decades of hands-on work across the UK health system.
With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare and technology, Thomas is a trusted voice on practice operations, digital transformation, and patient engagement. A seasoned expert in supporting primary care and NHS practices, he brings deep insight into the real-world challenges—and opportunities—of delivering better care through smarter systems. Whether advising on workflow redesign, digital tools, or service innovation, Thomas combines strategic thinking with a practical understanding of what works on the ground.
Recently contributed to:
Hearing about a case of meningitis in your community, workplace, or university can be worrying. However, it is important to remember that most people who hear about a case have not been exposed in a way that puts them at risk. Meningococcal disease, the bacterial infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemia, spreads through close and prolonged contact with respiratory secretions. This means that risk is usually limited to people who have had very close contact with the affected person. Understanding what counts as exposure, and what steps to take, can help you respond calmly and appropriately.
Vaccination has transformed the prevention of meningitis in the UK. However, not all forms of meningococcal disease are covered by routine vaccination programmes for every age group. One of the most important strains still seen in the UK is meningococcal group B (MenB). While babies are routinely vaccinated against MenB, many teenagers and adults are not. As a result, some people choose to access the MenB vaccine privately, particularly if they feel they may be at increased risk. Understanding what MenB is, who may benefit from vaccination, and how private vaccination works can help you decide whether it is right for you.
Recent reports of meningitis cases in the UK have highlighted the importance of recognising the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia early - particularly among students and young adults.
I have always thought of blood pressure as something that gets checked occasionally, usually at a GP appointment or pharmacy visit. It is quick, useful, and then mostly forgotten about until the next time. But recently I decided to try something different. I bought a wearable blood pressure band so I could track my readings more regularly and understand how my daily life affects them. Here is what it has been like using one in real life.
If you get hay fever, you probably don’t need reminding when pollen levels are high. You can feel it. The scratchy throat on the morning commute. The streaming eyes halfway through a meeting. The sudden need to check whether you packed antihistamines before leaving the house. Pollen levels shift quickly. They change with the weather, the season and where you are in the country. A warm, dry, breezy day in one region can mean something very different in another. That’s why we’ve created the Patient.info pollen map – to give you a clearer picture of what’s happening where you live. Open in a new window