The Government has launched its national consultation Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future . Full details are at NHS England » Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future . Everyone is encouraged to contribute and there’s an online survey to start this off. In November a ‘workshop in a box’ will be provided to enable SWF Health & Social Care Group to run our own public engagement event for the Town as part of the consultation’s local engagement programme. This is described as a ‘once in a generation opportunity to set the NHS on a path for the future’.
When you read this we’ll know if the Budget has brought a significant boost of funding to the NHS. The NHS recognises this must be accompanied by fundamental reforms to increase productivity.
Neighbourhood Health Centres are being trialled, bringing primary medical care together with a wide range of other services including dental, sexual health, urgent care and diagnostics.
As part of the UK package of investment announced on 14 October 2024, a new agreement was signed between NHS England, the devolved health services, UK Government and Eli Lilly for a study in Greater Manchester on the real-world benefits of weight loss treatments, and to fund the development of innovative models of delivering them. At the recent Livewell Chelmsford meeting we heard about Essex County Council’s plans to address obesity, which is one of the biggest public health issues we face. Hopefully such programmes will link with the Greater Manchester project which seems to have Government support. Fast and processed food are major contributors and things must be done about them and our consumption of them.
Recent reports of buses not turning up in SWF as timetabled led to people missing hospital appointments. It was heartening to read that some of our District and County Councillors are trying to get other bus services re-routed to include SWF. In 2025 our group is looking to undertake another of our research projects into accessibility to all medical services in our area.
UKHSA, the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England have launched their “Get Winter Strong” campaign. Everyone is encouraged to ‘Smash’ and ‘Wallop’ flu and COVID-19 this winter. The weekly National Flu and COVID-19 surveillance report has restarted. The latest report says:
- Covid cases where tested up 17.8% at 3,496 week to 9 Oct; Deaths with Covid on certificate up 22.1% at 199 week to 11 October; hospitalisations up 6% at 2,622 week to 28 September.
- Flu cases tested positive rising to 3.8% with hospitalisations at 0.5%.
- Other respiratory illnesses [Adenovirus, Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Parainfluenza, Rhinovirus & RSV] tested positive all rising.
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 