The worst of the heatwaves are over? No days are forecast for over 25* for the next fortnight. We hope there’ll be no more tragedies in the seas, rivers and other water. We also hope there’ll be no more derailments. Plans for future heat health risks are essential. May and June saw 2,877 excess deaths from heatwaves. Data for July and August awaited.
UKHSA has declared a national outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning after two people died and 474 patients fell ill with the bug. It’s believedthe outbreak is linked to imported eggs used where people eat out at small cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses, not eggs cooked at home. Some cases date back up to a year. About a third needed hospital care. Don’t eat undercooked food.
The Measles outbreak continues but is slowing. Parents should get children vaccinated and check children’s vaccination status. In 2026 to 17 August 970 English measles cases have been confirmed, exceeding the 2025 total of 959. London has seen 51%of the cases. 2 children have died of measles in 2026. Essex remains in danger.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports have restarted. In week 35 to 27 August:
- Flu activity increased and is circulating at baseline levels;
- COVID-19 activity increased across some indicators and is circulating at baseline levels;
- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remained low and is circulating at baseline levels.
Pregnant women, and children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August 2026), and children in a clinical risk group aged from 6 months to 17 years can book now for flu vaccinations that begin on 1 September. All other eligible cohorts – including people aged 65 and over, people who are immunocompromised or their close contacts, adults with certain long-term health conditions, care home residents and carers – can book now and select an appointment date and time from 1 October. SWF GP invitations will be sent out.
As last year, 2026 COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to those:
- aged 75 or over (including those who are 75 by 31 January 2027);
- aged 6 months to 74 years with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment;
- live in a care home for older adults.
You will get a GP invitation. Appointments will be from 1 October. If eligible you can book online or using the NHS App. Vaccinations will also be available at walk-in sites, community pharmacies and in care homes.
CQC, the NHS regulator, reports a “disconnect between senior leaders and front-line service” in Essex mental health trust, EPUT. Inspectors looked at EPUT’s long stay or rehabilitation mental health wards for working-age adults; child and adolescent mental health wards; and, community health inpatient services. A warning notice was issued for long stay or rehabilitation mental health wards. The Lampard Inquiry continues examining the deaths of more than 2,000 people treated at NHS-run mental health units in Essex between 2000 and 2023.
‘The Big Conversation on Care’ provides the opportunity to say what we want and expect from a future National Care Service. We’ll arrange a SWF consultation.
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SWF Health & Social Care Group 