Launch screenings of our film, ‘The Impact of Covid on Dying, Death & Bereavement’ have started. The one in SWF is at 6.30 for 7pm on Friday 14 June. If you’d like to attend please apply for seats to swfhealthsocial@outlook.com .
The last available date said Covid cases are increasing again; hospitalisations remain stable. Only 42% of people over 75 have received their Spring booster vaccination; if you’re due one please book usingthe NHS national booking system . With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s important those at highest risk who are eligible get their vaccine to top up immunity. This programme runs until 30 June. Flu and respiratory infections remain stable at low levels.
The outbreak across the country of E.coli is most likely linked to a nationally distributed food item. Tests are being undertaken to track down the source. If you get severe symptoms of bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever call 111 or contact your GP surgery. The total number of cases in England reported on 6 June was 81.
UKHSA says there are more increases in STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Gonorrhoea and Syphilis cases have doubled in the last decade. The best way to avoid STIs is to use condoms “consistently and correctly” with new or casual sexual partners.
The independent health think tank The King’s Fund reports that in 2024/25 the main financial challenge facing NHS organisations , NHS leaders and their staff is how they balance their books while protecting patient safety, given many organisations are having to achieve significant efficiency savings. The survey of NHS leaders carried out by the NHS Confederation shows that many NHS organisations are having to meet high efficiency targets of 5% and beyond, with some as high as 11%. This is the tightest financial position NHS organisations have faced in years.
The Royal College of Nursing reports that more than 1 in 3 (37%) nursing staff working in typical hospital settings delivered care in inappropriate settings, such as corridors, on their last shift. The report shares the results of a survey of almost 11,000 frontline nursing staff across the UK. The report calls for mandatory national reporting of patients being cared for in corridors, to reveal the extent of hospital overcrowding, as part of a plan to eradicate the practice.
The General Election is on 4 July. Pre-election restrictions mean there are less government and public sector data and bulletins until after that. We’ll do our best to keep up to date with developments. English Junior Doctors first talks since 2023 with the government about their year+ long pay dispute have been postponed due to the Election. In frustration the Junior Doctors are striking for 5-days from 0700 on 27 June to 0700 2 July. This is an issue to ask election candidates about, along with others above..
The proposed closure of St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon, Consultation has ended. We’re lobbying to keep investigative and outpatient services available locally, and see a significant improvement in the quality and outputs of inpatient services. The independent report with the findings will be finished in June. Due to the enormous response it will take longer than originally planned to consider all the findings and compile a comprehensive business case. With the General Election on 4 July this matter will be delayed at least until the Mid & South Essex Integrated Care Board meeting on 12 September. Election candidates should be asked about this issue. Information about progress will be given at significant stages.
Latest travel health advice – including a reminder to Hajj pilgrims – is that as people venture outside of the UK, UKHSA aims to make everyone aware of the guidance and resources available to them. The Travel Health Pro website has information on health risks in countries across the world and is a one-stop shop for information to help people plan their trip abroad.
Latest operational statistics confirmed that there’s been an exceptionally busy Spring in urgent and emergency care services – with more A&E attendances in April than any of the peak winter months, and both attendances and emergency admissions running around 10% higher than last year. The NHS and UKHSA are investigating the causes for this growth and whether there are measures that can be taken in response.
In the meantime NHS England reports GP Practices provided 25% more patient contacts in April 2024 compared to the same month in 2019 before the pandemic. We observe sadly that demand for appointments with GP Practices has increased faster since Covid.
The long-running public inquiry into what has been called the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS has heard its final evidence. It’s thought tens of thousands were infected with HIV and hepatitis between 1970 and 1991 after being given a contaminated drug or blood transfusion. The inquiry has reviewed thousands of documents and heard testimony from 370 witnesses. It plans to publish its formal conclusions and recommendations in the autumn. 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
SWF Health & Social Care Group 