27 August 2023:
Holidays are ending. NHS Summer Stresses, with patients routinely stuck in hospital corridors, are indistinguishable from Winter Pressures:
- The Junior doctors’ 11-15 August strike put services at tipping point.
- Consultant Doctors struck from 24-26 August.
- NHSE is planning for industrial action continuing during Winter 2023, in constant discussions to maintain lifesaving services. We reported public guidance in our article in the last Focus Issue 1058.
- These strikes delay more patients. Patients are waiting longer for treatments. Gaps in staffing and services are increasing. NHS staff endure ever-more stress. These disputes must be settled by negotiations immediately.
The horrific Lucy Letby case raises questions about NHS management. We have our statutory inquiry into Essex’s mental health services. Most healthcare workers do everything to deliver top quality patient care. Is there a damaging management culture in some places, where corporate reputation and organisational pressures trump whistle blowers and evidence identifying serious concerns needing open investigation?
National norovirus and rotavirus report, week 32 report: data up to week 30 (30 July 2023) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) shows many more Norovirus cases than usual for summer. Laboratories report them 70% higher than average. If you’re sick with Norovirus avoid visiting hospitals and care homes; don’t return to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Hand gels don’t kill Norovirus; handwashing with soap and warm water is best. Use bleach-based cleaners on surfaces to stop the virus spreading. See Norovirus: What to do if you catch it and helping to stop the spread – UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk) .
Encouraging news about living-with-Covid, future preparedness, and arrangements for the Autumn & Winter 2023/24 Flu & Covid vaccinations were in our report in Focus Issue 1058 of 18 August.
Low risk Covid variant EG.5, ‘Eris’ cases have increased steadily since February. UK hospitalisations are increasing, particularly for 85+ year-olds, without more people needing intensive care. The English Dashboard on 24 August reports increases to 65 Deaths with Covid on death certificates and 2,241 patients admitted to hospital with Covid in the last weeks. Latest SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 was identified on 18 August 2023 based on international transmission with significant mutation of the viral genome. There is one confirmed UK case. UKHSA is monitoring this closely through its routine surveillance and will publish analytical results when available.
As students start anew at Universities and Colleges, around 1 in 8 aren’t protected from Meningitis, a common illness for them. Students are urged to be vaccinated against Meningitis and other diseases before the new academic year begins. Meningitis can cause long-term disability, serious health complications and takes lives. Read about this at: Around 1 in 8 new students unprotected against meningitis – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Shingles vaccination programme is changing in the next decade. Eligibility for Immunocompromised people from 50 years old will be added steadily to the existing 70+ year olds. During the same ten years Eligibility for Immunocompetent people will be extended from the present 70+ to 60+ year olds. Shingles vaccination programme: changes from September 2023 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Public health news items are on our website and in weekly e-newsletters. SWF Library provides online services where staff help with internet access. For welfare information and subscription to our newsletter contact uson swfhealthsocial@outlook.com , or leave voicemails on 01245 322079 https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/
SWF Health & Social Care Group 