SWF VIRTUAL PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING ABOUT PROPOSED CLOSURE OF ST PETER’S HOSPITAL, MALDON, 1830-2000 ON TUESDAY 5 MARCH. PLEASE DIARISE THIS VITAL MEETING; THE FUTURE OF OUR LOCAL HOSPITAL SERVICES ARE AT STAKE. Details will be on our website asap.
English Junior Doctors striking again. St Peter’s, Maldon, to close? Pharmacists help more. Respiratory illnesses remain high. Measles incident worsening. Spring Covid vaccinations.
English Junior Doctors are striking from 24-28 February. Did you watch ITV’s ‘Breathtaking’ 3-part drama about the horrific first year of the Covid pandemic? A chilling reminder of the courage of NHS staff dealing with the unknown killer. Our forthcoming documentary film tells the harrowing story of an Essex death, a widow, and carers who did their best for them. Have we forgotten this bravery? Or that it’ll be needed next time and is needed now in the aftermath? Clapping doesn’t pay their bills; what are frontline health and welfare staff worth? Please hold talks and everyone negotiate realistically.
Consultations about the proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon, continue until 21 March. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available in our area. We’re submitting evidence to a public inquiry hearing on 19 March. We’re arranging a virtual public meeting about this for SWF from 1830-2000 on Tuesday 5 March. You will have gone, or you’re likely to go, to appointments, treatments and investigations at St Peter’s. These community primary services must remain available locally. Other further away places, including Broomfield Hospital, are already overwhelmed and don’t have additional capacities. Details about the consultations are at: https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/02/12/mid-and-south-essex-residents-are-invited-to-attend-events-to-share-their-views-on-proposed-changes-to-nhs-services/ .
Use Pharmacy First; Walk in, make appointment, be referred by GP receptionist, NHS 111 and emergency care practitioners, for additional seven common conditions: Sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, Impetigo, Shingles, women’s uncomplicated urinary tract infections; get a private consultation and treatment, which can include prescription antibiotics or antivirals where necessary. Govani Chemist and Village Pharmacy are doing this now and Rowlands Pharmacy expects to do so from March. Full details at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/launch-of-nhs-pharmacy-first-advanced-service/ . With the huge pressures being experienced by GPs, ambulances, A&Es and hospitals, wherever possible please start by consulting your pharmacist except for a life- or limb-threatening emergencies.
Covid, Flu, respiratory infections and Norovirus in England remain high. These illnesses last longer and recoveries take longer. If you’re ill 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/ .
Measles continues to spread and is a national incident. Reduced immunity means this horrible, highly contagious disease is rising. Complications include: pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures and there are a few deaths. Book two doses of MMR vaccine with GPs for children at 1 year-old and 3 years-&-4 months; catch up any time. GET EVERYONE VACCINATED; 1 in 5 unvaccinated children with measles are admitted to hospital.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has announced its advice to Government for the COVID-19 vaccine programme in spring this year. This advice has been accepted by Minister Caulfield. More details when future space allows. 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 