One strike may be settled. But what about others? Last opportunity for Covid & Flu vaccinations. Beware Viruses. Other news.
Will Consultants accept their new pay offer? The Royal College of Nurses is “appalled” so much money has been offered to the “highest earners” and wants new pay talks for nurses. Worse still, talks with Junior Doctors have broken down and they will strike at the worst possible times, from 0700 on 20 December to 0700 on 23 December and 0700 on 3 January to 0700 on 9 January. So the NHS will be crippled in the crucial days up to Christmas and its busiest time at the start of the New Year.
NHSEngland is proved right to continue planning for industrial action throughout Winter 2023-24. “Our worst fear has come true” say the hospital managers. 7.7million patients on waiting lists, joined by more because of further industrial action, say: “these disputes are causing us harm; get in a room and don’t come out until you’ve settled”.
You have until 15 December to get Covid and Flu vaccinations. SWF GPs are inviting those who remain eligible for NHS vaccinations to attend surgeries during the week. Anyone eligible for a Covid vaccination can book an appointment atBook, 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 starting 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.
The Winter vomiting and diarrhoea virus Norovirus is widespread. It’s very contagious and can be caught from infected people and through touching contaminated surfaces such as toilet flush handles. Most people recover in a few days, but some become very ill. Cases of other seasonal viruses, including Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a nasty cold and cough are also rising.
In October 2023, there were 75,000 GP appointments in the East of England where patients didn’t attend. This cost the NHS more than £7m and deprived others of an appointment. Please do everything you can to inform your surgery if you can’t make an appointment. Text message reminders confirming appointments are increasingly sent.
Local hospitals report that around 30% of people attending A&Es don’t need treatment and aren’t admitted. Patients should consider other NHS services as alternatives to visiting GP surgeries or emergency departments. You can use NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk, via the NHS App or call 111, if you have an urgent medical problem and you aren’t sure what to do. Pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor. If you’re in a life-threatening emergency, you should call 999 or go to A&E. 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/
We wish you a Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2024.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 