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, have been extended for another two weeks to 4 April 2024, recognising the huge interest in this vital subject. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available locally. We’ve compiled and submitted our evidence to the public inquiry session on Tuesday 19 March. It will be published on our website after the hearing. 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. By 4 April please complete the online survey on the NHS’s consultation details 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.
Flu vaccination remains a critically important public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality in those most at risk including older people, pregnant women and those in clinical risk groups. It helps the health and social care system manage winter pressures by helping to reduce demand for GP consultations and likelihood of hospitalisation. Vaccinating health and care workers also plays an important role in helping to prevent transmission of flu, protecting themselves and those they care for.
UKHSA sets out guidance for the 2024 to 2025 season at National flu immunisation programme 2024 to 2025 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) . This confirms that there are no changes to the eligible cohorts for the coming year. However, based on the evidence that flu vaccine’s effectiveness can wane over time in adults JCVI have advised moving the start of the programme for most adults to the beginning of October. This is on the understanding that the majority of the vaccinations will be completed by the end of November, closer to the time that the flu season commonly starts. It is preferable to vaccinate individuals closer to the time when the flu virus is likely to circulate (which typically peaks in December or January), as this will provide optimal protection during the highest risk period. As flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults, the Committee agreed that the children’s programme should continue to start in September as early as delivery and supply allows. No change in the timing of the offer for the maternal programme was advised.
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. More is at Marketing campaign launches to drive up childhood vaccinations – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .
Measles continues spreading. Reduced immunity means this horrible, highly contagious disease is rising. In the last week 52 confirmed cases bring the total English cases since October to 730. 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/
Further HIV progress is needed among heterosexual women. For International Women’s Day 2024, Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s Chief Medical Adviser, warns that more awareness is needed to encourage women to take up HIV testing amid slow progress in tackling transmission.
Despite a significant fall in cases among gay and bisexual men between 2019 and 2022, heterosexual groups are not following the same trajectory. Since 2021, progress has slowed in reducing HIV transmission among heterosexual women, with cases rising by 26% from 447 to 564 in 2022.
The UKHSA’s latest survey into those living with the virus, Positive Voices, also revealed concerns specific to women, with higher levels of stigma compared to some other groups. The survey found it was more common for women (14.1% compared to 8.8% in men) not to share their HIV status with anyone.
UKHSA is calling on everyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation, to use condoms, get tested, and take PrEP (a prescription drug taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV) if you’re eligible, to protect you and your partners’ health. 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 