22 October 2023:
SWF GPs merged whilst NHS England groans. Strike talks being held?
On 16 October, Greenwood and Wyncroft Practices merged operationally. Both separate IT systems were connected, allowing staff to use one system for both surgeries. Both sites continue to operate exactly the same for patients. The advantages are shared working across the sites between staff, and increased flexibility for patients.
- Will Consultant and Junior Doctors strike again? These disputes must be settled. Junior and specialist English doctors announce talks with Government in coming week. The estimated £1billion+ cost of NHS to provide cover could have been better spent settling the disputes?
- Three Mid-Essex hospitals have 186,683 people awaiting treatment; 89,500 have waited 18+ weekswith 11,000+ waiting more than a year.
- NHSEngland continues planning for industrial action throughout Winter 2023-24.
- Patients’ waiting lists grow and lengthen. Gaps in staffing and services are increasing. NHS staff are increasingly stressed and some are leaving.
SWF GP Practices continue running Covid booster and flu vaccination clinics by invitation, so vaccines’ supplies are available. Please don’t ask about this unless you’ve received an invitation. Anyone eligible for a Covid vaccination can book an appointment at Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS (www.nhs.uk) or call 119 free of charge. Adults and some maternity patients eligible for free flu vaccinations can also get them from some pharmacies; details are atFlu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk) . Children can get flu vaccinations: 6months-until start primary school from GPs; primary and secondary school children at school; details atChild flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk) . PLEASE GET VACCINATED IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE. IT’S AS NECESSARY AS EVER.
All students should use a condom if having sex to protect against record levels of Gonorrhoea and all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Diagnoses of STIs have soared recently and 15-24-year-olds are most likely to suffer. Students should get a free test before having sex with a new partner. Gonorrhoea cases increased by over 20% to more than 82,500 in 2022, with the largest rise for 19 & 20-year-olds. Among 15-24-year-olds in 2022, 400 STIs were diagnosed every day.
Tuberculosis (TB) cases rose by 7% in the first half of 2023, with 2,408 notifications; progress towards elimination of TB has stalled. TB is curable and preventable and remains a serious public health issue. The UKHSA news release is at Tuberculosis (TB) cases continue to rise in England in 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
UKHSA guidance Brucella canis: information for the public and dog owners – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) is about Brucellosis which can be transmitted from dogs to humans. It’s mainly found in dogs imported from Eastern Europe so dog breeders and owners of imported dogs may be at higher risk.
UKHSA at Cover of vaccination evaluated rapidly (COVER) programme 2023 to 2024: quarterly data – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) shows the continuing downward trend for uptake of Routine Childhood Vaccinations. This is very serious. Parents should ensure their children are fully up to date with immunisations by checking their child’s red book and contacting their GP if they are unsure.
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 