Author: swfhealthsocial

The BBC reports that: Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed the text of a legally binding treaty designed to better tackle future pandemics. The pact is meant to avoid the disorganisation and competition for resources seen during the Covid-19 outbreak. Key elements include the rapid sharing of data about new diseases, to … Continue reading WHO agrees legally binding pandemic treaty

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new campaign to help keep antibiotics working and tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. New attitudinal research by UKHSA highlights that almost half the UK population (42%) are concerned about how the issue affects them. Yet, over half (54%) are either unsure there’s … Continue reading Campaign to keep antibiotics working and tackle antibiotic resistance

One day, a saliva test may help "turn the tide" on prostate cancer, UK scientists claim. It analyses men's DNA to work out who was born with the greatest risk of developing the disease. Targeting them for prostate biopsies and MRI scans discovered some aggressive cancers that would otherwise have gone unnoticed. However, the test has not yet … Continue reading Saliva test may “turn the tide” on prostate cancer

Cancer pill gave me 'four years of extra time'. According to the BBC, Linda Kelly, 67, has advanced breast cancer which has spread to her bones and chest wall, but says a new pill has given her extra years of life and time to travel with her husband. "It does let you have a normal kind … Continue reading New pill to extend life from breast cancer

A scheme to help GPs provide care and advice to patients without them joining long NHS hospital waiting lists is being expanded in England, the government has said. GPs will work more closely with specialists to access expert advice quickly for patients with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, menopause symptoms and ear infections. Backed … Continue reading GPs to keep millions out of hospital

Scientists believe they have found a new effective antibiotic for gonorrhoea in a clinical trial.Gepotidacin can treat and clear the sexually transmitted infection just as well as existing antibiotics and appears to be able to tackle some emerging drug-resistant 'superbug' strains too according to The Lancet. Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs in the UK … Continue reading Clinical trial identifies potential new antibiotic for gonorrhoea

Did you know that in mid and south Essex alone, an estimated 88,000 people have high blood pressure without knowing it?  High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms, yet it's one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes. The truth is, you can feel completely … Continue reading Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger: Take control of your blood pressure today

🚨 Have you used healthcare services for South Woodham Ferrers, Dengie and Maldon patients? If so, we want to hear from you about your experience accessing these services. We’re collecting your experiences in a new survey with the University of Warwick to inform the local NHS and other authorities. 📝 Please take this anonymous survey … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

How long does it take to get from places like Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) to appointments at Broomfield, Basildon, Southend or specialist hospitals, on public transport, or in a car which must be parked? How easy is it to use local health services like GPs, pharmacies and dentists? How long is the … Continue reading New research to survey accessibility of Healthcare Services in Maldon, The Dengie and South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) Area

Testicular torsion: A medical emergency  I'm writing to share urgent health information that requires immediate action if recognised. Testicular torsion most commonly affects boys aged 10-18 and requires emergency medical attention. Local data shows that on average more than one boy or young man loses a testicle each month in mid and south Essex due … Continue reading Important health information for young males and parents