SWF Health & Social Care Group held its 2024 virtual AGM and public meeting on 29 August.The Agenda, 2023-24 Annual Report & Appendices, and the keynote recorded interview with Mid & South Essex Integrated Care Board’s recently retired Interim Chief Executive are at https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/2024/09/01/the-swf-health-social-care-group-public-meeting-agm-2024/ .
Since our independent academic assessment of the SWF & Dengie Primary Care Network (PCN) published in June 2023, the development of our PCN has grown at pace. Our report formed the basis of the PCN’s initial agenda. Our PCN has great understanding of the six GP Practices and of SWF’s and the Dengie’s communities. It has clinical directors, a manager, digital lead, clinical pharmacist, 5 first contact physiotherapists, 3 emergency care practitioners, a health and wellbeing coach, 4 care coordinators and 3 social prescribers. These practitioners are supporting many patients of our GPs using their prevention and treatment specialist skills.
NHS 111 is now the single national means of support for people experiencing a mental health crisis in the community. 111, already well known, is now the single national point of contact for all urgent physical and mental health needs, for people of all ages.
The Paralympic Games has put the spotlight on the abilities of the competitors. We all have our disabilities, be they visible or invisible. This is a chance to renew the path to equal accessibility for us all, whatever our strengths and weaknesses.
The new academic year comes with timely reminders for students of all ages. One theme is “If we’re not vaccinated, we’re not protected”. With reduced levels of immunity so many dangerous infections are rising. Children 0-5 years old need all their vaccinations. Freshers and returning students need to be up to date with vaccines to protect against meningitis, measles, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which commonly causes warts. The winter programme of Covid, Flu, RSV and other adult vaccinations starts soon. We and those we care for need to be up to date with vaccinations; if not, or in any doubt, we must contact our GP.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a major cause of respiratory illness. Brand new vaccinations have launched to protect infants by vaccinating pregnant women (from 28 weeks) via midwifery services, and older adults aged 75-79 by invitations from GPs.
September starts Flu vaccinations for pregnant women, nursery and school children up to year 11, and all children from 6-months up to 18-years in clinical risk groups. Parents of children 2-3 years old should book with their GP. School children will be offered vaccinations at school. Most children get this with a quick and painless nasal spray. October will bring the start of the adult winter Covid & Flu vaccinations for people with long term conditions, everyone 65+ years old and pregnant women.
UKHSA is warning about concerning rises in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea and syphilis, along with overall increases in all STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Condoms are the best defence; if not used with new or casual partners, free testing is recommended, through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or postal self-sampling kits. 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 