Consultation about the proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon, is extended further to Thursday 11 April 2024. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available locally. Please complete the online consultation survey 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/ .
On 19 March we presented submission to the Public Inquiry Hearing about local community-based health services. We presented: Memorandum submission-inquiry-hearing-re-community-services-inc-st-peters-cherry-trees-19mar24-vf.docx (live.com) ; Slides https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fswfhealthsocial.files.wordpress.com%2F2024%2F03%2Finquiry-hearing-re-community-services-inc-st-peters-19mar24-vf.pptx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK . The recording of the meeting is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSqW0r0vRPw our submission starts at 35:30.
Consultants have accepted a fresh pay deal. But English Junior Doctors have an extended mandate for industrial action and can strike until 19 September. We need a fully functioning NHS. Talks must be held, everyone negotiate realistically, and settlements be agreed.
Public satisfaction with the NHS has dropped again, to a new record low. https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/03/31/satisfaction-in-nhs-falls-further/ . The public was least satisfied with A&E and dentistry.
Pharmacy First; https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/launch-of-nhs-pharmacy-first-advanced-service/ . With huge pressures on GPs, ambulances, A&Es and hospitals, wherever possible start by consulting your pharmacist, except for life- or limb-threatening emergencies.
SWF’s GPs start delivering Spring Covid Booster vaccinations in April. Our article on 18 February https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/02/18/an-update-from-swf-health-social-care-group-44/ included full details.
Mid & South Essex NHS has elevated levels of Norovirus, particularly with the over-65s. This bug causes diarrhoea and vomiting. If you get it, rest, have plenty of fluids, and wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection. Until two days after your symptoms stop, stay home, don’t visit hospitals and care homes, and don’t return to work, school or college. Hand gels don’t kill Norovirus so wash hands with soap and water. Use bleach-based products to clean surfaces to stop the virus spreading.
Flu, Covid and respiratory infections remain high, although Covid and Flu rates are falling.
Mid & South Essex hospitals’ long waiting lists are falling eg Dermatology down to 150 from 1500 high.
The Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnosis was another shock. We wish Her Highness well. Speaking about cancer and serious conditions is difficult and brave. Many others have been stimulated to get checks and talk about their diagnosis and journey; more cancers are being caught earlier when they’re easier to treat.
We’re frustrated the public inquiry into mental health deaths in Essex has been further delayed. The terms of reference haven’t been agreed by the Government so the Chair’s unable to start hearing evidence. Reassurance about the safety and efficiency of Essex’s mental health services is long overdue.
Tick Bites’ annual awareness campaign says 4% of ticks are infected by Lyme disease, and rarely by tick-borne encephalitis. These spider-like, non-flying creatures feed on blood, and live in woodland, moorland, grassy areas and gardens. They climb onto humans as they brush past. Safe removal needs fine-tipped tweezers or tick-removal tools from pharmacies, vets and pet shops. Symptoms may include a circular or oval-shape rash, usually appearing within 1-4 weeks, but sometimes after up to 3 months; see: https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/04/03/tick-bites-lyme-disease/
Travel-associated infections, which can be severe, are approaching pre-pandemic levels. Travellers should consult GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, or travel clinics 4-6 weeks in advance for advice and treatments. https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/04/04/travel-associated-infections/
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 