Sunday 30th July 2023:
On Monday 17th July we held our AGM and Annual Meeting. The 2022-23 Annual Report was accepted and the principal officers were re-elected. There followed a productive discussion about the academic Survey of some healthcare services in South Woodham Ferrers and the Dengie. The papers from the AGM, the Annual Report are now available on our website in the Activities and About Us section along with a recording of the whole proceedings at https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2023/07/16/the-swf-health-social-care-group-public-meeting-agm-2023/ . The academic report is also available on the website at https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/health-welfare-social-care-assessment-of-the-dengie-south-woodham-ferrers-pcn-jun23.pdf . The meeting decided that there were a number of issues to be taken forward and further meetings with our Dengie colleagues and the Primary Care Network staff will be arranged. In addition to some interesting findings the academic work contains a lot of demographic and health data about our area, which are highly suitable for reference.
JUNIOR DOCTORS in England are due to strike again on 11th – 15th August, and HOSPITAL CONSULTANT DOCTORS will strike on 24th & 25th August. The Government has announced final offer Public Sector pay increases imposed without negotiations and says there won’t be any more pay talks. How helpful is that? Latest reports say the NHS in England has an all-time record 7.47m waiting list with around 177,000 people waiting for treatment from our Mid & South Essex hospitals. Unresolved strikes will only increase the numbers waiting and the times they wait. These disputes must be settled immediately. That will only happen if both sides will talk.
Recent heatwaves in Southern Europe have highlighted the climate dangers to life and health. The heat has not impacted here yet but we aren’t fully prepared for such eventualities and they do affect people’s health.
Whilst many infectious diseases are at low levels in the summer there are growing worries about an alarming rise in cases of measles which could lead to large outbreaks. The UK’s Consultant Epidemiologist says: “Measles can be a serious infection leading to complications especially in young children and those with weakened immunity. Measles spreads very easily but is preventable.” Vaccination has largely eradicated measles but take up of MMR vaccine has fallen to the lowest for a decade. Full vaccination with 2 MMR doses gives 99% life-long protection. We publish public health news items on our website and in our weekly e-newsletter. If you don’t have online services, you can use the SWF and other Libraries where staff will help you access the internet. For health and welfare information and subscription to our newsletter contact SWF Health & Social Care Group on swfhealthsocial@outlook.com or leave a voicemail on 01245 322079
https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/
SWF Health & Social Care Group 