ST PETER’S HOSPITAL CLOSURE INQUIRY. MORE STRIKES? VACCINATIONS. FALLING WAITING LISTS.
Consultation about the proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon, is extended to 4 April 2024. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available locally. Please complete the online consultation survey at: https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/02/12/mid-and-south-essex-residents-are-invited-to-attend-events-to-share-their-views-on-proposed-changes-to-nhs-services/ .
On 19 March, our Chairman presented our submission at the Public Inquiry Hearing about local community based health services. NHS decision makers heard evidence directly from local residents, community groups and leaders as part of the consultation. We presented: Memorandum submission-inquiry-hearing-re-community-services-inc-st-peters-cherry-trees-19mar24-vf.docx (live.com) ; Slides https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fswfhealthsocial.files.wordpress.com%2F2024%2F03%2Finquiry-hearing-re-community-services-inc-st-peters-19mar24-vf.pptx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK . The recording of the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSqW0r0vRPw our submission starting at 35:30.
English Junior Doctors overwhelmingly voted to extend their mandate for industrial action so they can strike up to 19 September. Covid highlighted courageous NHS staff facing the unknown killer. Is this forgotten? They’re needed in the aftermath? What are health and welfare staff worth? Talks must be held, everyone negotiate realistically, and settlements be agreed.
Pharmacy First; details at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/launch-of-nhs-pharmacy-first-advanced-service/ . With huge pressures on GPs, ambulances, A&Es and hospitals, wherever possible start by consulting your pharmacist, except for life- or limb-threatening emergencies.
SWF’s GPs will start delivering the Spring Covid Booster vaccinations in April. Our article on 18 February at https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/02/18/an-update-from-swf-health-social-care-group-44/ included full details for this.
Flu, Covid, Norovirus and respiratory infections remain high. Flu vaccination is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. UKHSA’s guidance for 2024 to 2025 is at National flu immunisation programme 2024 to 2025 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . There are no changes to the eligible cohorts. As vaccine’s effectiveness can wane the programme starts in October.
NHS England has launched a campaign to combat falling protection and support increased uptake of immunisations among children aged 0-5 and highlight the serious risk childhood diseases pose if children aren’t vaccinated. More is at Marketing campaign launches to drive up childhood vaccinations – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
Measles, the horrible, highly contagious disease continues spreading.as immunity falls. Complications include: pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures and some deaths. Book two MMR vaccine doses with GPs for children at 1 year-old and 3 years-&-4-months; catch up any time. GET EVERYONE VACCINATED; 1 in 5 unvaccinated children with measles are admitted to hospital.
Vaccination for Whooping Cough shows a 13.6% fall since 2017. It’s vital pregnant women get this vaccine from GPs, between 20-32 weeks, and for their babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old in the 6-in-1 vaccine. 2024 is forecast to be a bumper year after a worrying rise in English casesy.
Tuberculosis (TB) cases, Scarlet fever and invasive Group A streptococcus (iGAS) are rising.
Beware earlier onset of Hay Fever because of Climate Change, with longer, higher pollen concentrations, and wider spread. https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/23/will-climate-change-make-the-effects-of-pollen-worse/
Anglia Ruskin University hopes to expand its Medical School to help NHS’s Long Term Workforce Plan. Dame Priti Patel MP and Stephen Robinson, Chelmsford City Council Leader, agree. Essex needs 300 new doctors a year to keep up with demand and retirements.
Mid & South Essex hospitals’ long waiting lists are falling eg Dermatology down to 150 from 1500 high. Public health news is on our website and in weekly e-newsletters. SWF Library provides online services and help with internet access. For health & welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com , or leave voicemails on 01245 322079 https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/
SWF Health & Social Care Group 