Sunday 4 February 2024
It’s been very cold, windy, and now it’s warmer. More people are ill. Disputes remain unresolved. NHS experiences worse pressures. National measles incident declared, STIs soaring. St Peter’s, Maldon, to close?
On 26 January, our local NHS urged people to use services wisely as Mid & South Essex health services are experiencing major pressures. A&Es, ambulances, GPs and community welfare services are over-stretched. Only call 999 or attend A&E for serious, life- or limb-threatening conditions. Health advice is on the NHS website; for expert advice and low-cost medicines visit pharmacies; GP practices have a range of medical staff to assess and treat; use www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 for free 24/7 help when it’s urgent but not life-threatening.
The proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon, is accompanied by a consultation exercise from 25 January to 21 March. The site isn’t safe or fit for purpose. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available in our area. We’ll publish details of the consultation process on our website in the coming week and include a summary in Focus Issue 1070.
The measles’ outbreak is spreading rapidly and is now a declared national incident. Reduced immunity means this horrible disease is rising again. Measles’ symptoms are: high fever, sore red-and-watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, small white spots may appear inside mouths; a blotchy red or brown rash usually appears a few days after the initial symptoms, typically on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. It’s harder to see the rash on darker skin. It’s highly contagious with R-number 15-20, spread with coughs and sneezes. Patients are infectious until at least 4 days after the rash appears. Complications include: pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures. Babies, young children and pregnant women are more at risk. Between 2020-2022 23 children and adults died from measles or related infections. 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine should be given to children at 1 year old and 3 years & 4 months. Book jabs with your GP Practice; catch up any time. GET EVERYONE VACCINATED; 1 in 5 unvaccinated children with measles have to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Sexual health services in England are ‘at breaking point’, say local councils with responsibility for running the clinics. Since 2017 STIs (sexually transmitted infections) have soared. Gonorrhoea and syphilis are at record highs. Chlamydia is the most common diagnosis. Many new cases are younger gay, bisexual and heterosexual people. Condoms are “the best line of defence”.
More strikes to come? Consultants have rejected their pay offer. Junior doctors remain in dispute. Nurses and other welfare workers are furious. Patients are suffering badly. Everyone providing and using health services are highly stressed. Government has lead responsibility for our health and welfare. Hold talks and everyone negotiate realistically without pre-conditions, be willing to compromise, and stick at it until settlements are reached.
Covid, Flu, respiratory infections and Norovirus have hit a new high for this winter in England. 2,226 hospital beds were taken up by flu patients last week, up 70% in a month. 84 were in critical care beds. 688 English hospital beds were taken by people with Norovirus, the ‘winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug’. 3,701 English hospital beds were taken by patients with Covid, of whom 1,013 were treated primarily for Covid and the others had been admitted for another reason. These illnesses last longer and recoveries take longer. If you’re ill please don’t spread your germs and follow the guidance about how to look after yourself at https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/01/03/nhs-services-are-under-severe-pressure-please-choose-wisely/ . 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 