DO YOU GO TO ST PETER’S HOSPITAL, MALDON? MANY SWF PEOPLE GO THERE. YOU’RE LIKELY TO NEED THOSE SERVICES ONE DAY. ST PETER’S IS CLOSING.
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 locally. We’re submitting evidence to a public inquiry on 19 March. Our SWF virtual public meeting about this was held on 5 March. You’ll have been, are, or will be, going there for appointments, treatments and investigations. These community services must remain available locally. Further away places, including Broomfield Hospital, are already overwhelmed and don’t have additional capacities. Let us have your views by 17 March on swfhealthsocial@outlook.com . Until 21 March the NHS’s consultation details and online survey 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/ .
Junior Doctors struck from 24-28 February. ITV’s ‘Breathtaking’ drama about the horrific start of Covid was a chilling reminder of courageous NHS staff dealing with the unknown killer. Our forthcoming film tells the harrowing story of an Essex death, a widow, and carers who did their best. Is this bravery forgotten? We’ll need them next time. They’re needed now in the aftermath? What are frontline health and welfare staff worth? Talks must be held, everyone negotiate realistically, and settlements be agreed.
Pharmacy First; including forSinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, Impetigo, Shingles, women’s uncomplicated urinary tract infections; get a consultation and treatment, which can include prescription antibiotics or antivirals. SWF’s pharmacies are doing this. Details at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/launch-of-nhs-pharmacy-first-advanced-service/ . With the huge pressures on GPs, ambulances, A&Es and hospitals, wherever possible start by consulting your pharmacist first, except for life- or limb-threatening emergencies.
As vaccine rates fall, NHS England has launched a campaign to support efforts to increase uptake of immunisations among children aged 0-5 and highlight the serious risk childhood diseases pose if children aren’t vaccinated.
Measles continues spreading. Reduced immunity means this horrible, highly contagious disease is rising. In the last week 69 confirmed cases bring the total English cases since October to 650. Complications include: pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures and some deaths. Book two MMR vaccine doses 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.
Vaccination for Whooping Cough shows a 13.6% fall since 2017. It’s vital that pregnant women get this vaccine from GPs, best between 20-32 weeks, and their babies when they’re 8, 12 and 16 weeks old as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. 2024 is forecast to be a bumper year after a worrying rise to 553 English cases in January.
Tuberculosis (TB) cases rose in England by 10.7% in 2023. This bacterial lung infection linked to deprivation is treated with antibiotics; symptoms include: cough lasting over 3-weeks; high temperature; drenching night sweats; loss of appetite; weight loss. See TB cases rise in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
Beware earlier onset of Hay Fever because of Climate Change. Lengthening higher pollen concentrations, and wider spread, are possible. See https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/23/will-climate-change-make-the-effects-of-pollen-worse/ 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 