The main story has been, is, and will be the ‘tidal wave’ of flu and winter illnesses. Mid & South Essex’s health and care system, like the rest of the country, has been, and is experiencing unprecedented pressures due to rising seasonal illnesses, increased hospital admissions and demand for ambulances. The first two full weeks in January are usually the worst.
Mid & South Essex hospitals are restricting visiting due to high rates of seasonal infections being treated there. Patients there for other reasons are being discharged as quickly as possible to save them picking up infections post-operatively and after treatment. Regional hospitals have 5-times more flu patients than last year.
Our Ambulance Service is at the highest alert level because: there’s a huge spike in demand, driven by increased respiratory illness; many hospitals are at capacity; and ambulance crews are stretched to the limit. Please think carefully about using 999. Many patients will be treated quicker by your GP, use 111, or take yourselves to hospital. Arriving by ambulance doesn’t mean you’ll be seen quicker. Priorities are always patients with urgent and immediately life-threatening conditions.
The NHS is:
Increasing capacity: Opening additional beds and extending clinic hours where possible.
Prioritising urgent cases: Ensuring patients with the most urgent needs are seen first.
Collaborating across services: Working closely with local councils, care homes, and community health providers to manage patient flow and provide home care.
You can help: Please use NHS services wisely by:
Choosing the right service:
Visit your local pharmacy for advice and guidance on minor illnesses or symptoms that do not involve flu. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can offer help and recommend appropriate treatments.
For urgent medical advice, visit NHS 111 Online or call 111. This service is available 24/7 and can guide you to the best care for your needs.
Only call 999 or visit A&E for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding.
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Support loved ones:
Check-in on vulnerable family members and neighbours to help them access the care they need.
National booking for flu and Covid vaccinations closed in December. You may still be able to get them from a pharmacy.
Norovirus cases of diarrhoea & vomiting are double the average and increasing. If you get it: stay home for 48hours after symptoms clear; wash hands with soap and warm water; don’t prepare food for others; drink a lot to counter dehydration.
English Hospices are getting £100m over two years to improve end-of-life care. Another £26mpa continues to go to hospices for children and young people.
There’s a dangerous shortage of donated blood. Townsfolk give generously at SWF’s blood donation sessions. Please keep going. Please consider starting to donate your precious blood https://www.blood.co.uk/ .
Details will be announced shortly for a virtual Town meeting to Help Build a Health Service Fit for the Future.
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. With best wishes for 2025. Perhaps New Year’s Resolutions about our personal health would help?https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk/
SWF Health & Social Care Group 