Please note: SWF Health & Social Care Group continues to engage with this Trust about the inadequate leadership found by the latest CQC report.To read the full update, click here
Changes to the childhood vaccination schedule from January 2026
The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated to help give children even better protection against diseases. Changes include protecting children against some diseases earlier and adding vaccines that protect against more diseases. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/30/changes-to-the-childhood-vaccination-schedule-from-january-2026/
Why taking medicines as prescribed and asking for help matters
Treating serious health conditions, like high blood pressure (hypertension), may mean taking prescribed medicines to keep you well and prevent future risk to your health. Even if you feel fine – or you’re experiencing side effects – stopping or skipping medicines can make your condition worse. In our latest blog, Clinical Pharmacist Sofiea Azad explains … Continue reading Why taking medicines as prescribed and asking for help matters
Your NHS is closer than you think this winter – 24 hours not in A&E
As winter pressures increase and local NHS services experience higher demand, we are asking everyone to play their part by using services wisely. Please remember: A&E is for life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries only. NHS services work best when everyone chooses the right option for their needs, helping ensure emergency teams can focus on those who … Continue reading Your NHS is closer than you think this winter – 24 hours not in A&E
Flu surge reaches Essex and the use of GP online service triple
Welcome to our NHS Mid and South Essex news round up. This regular email series brings you the latest local news on innovations in healthcare, changes and improvements to services and how the NHS is helping local people in need. Read the news update now
What is the MMRV vaccine and is my child eligible?
From 1 January 2026, the MMRV vaccine will be introduced into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. When your child will be offered this vaccine depends on their date of birth. The MMRV vaccine helps protect children against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). Children are offered 2 doses when they are 12 … Continue reading What is the MMRV vaccine and is my child eligible?
An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group
More important things about healthcare have happened this week; new and updated items follow first. Data for week 50 8-14 December shows: influenza increased a bit more nationally and a lot locally and is at medium levels. COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) showed mixed trends and … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group
Pharmacy Opening times
An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group
More important things about healthcare have happened this week; new and updated items follow first. Data for week 49 1-7 December shows: influenza increased further and is at medium levels. COVID-19 showed mixed trends and is circulating at baseline levels. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels. Norovirus … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group
Resident doctors’ industrial action: 17–22 December
As Executive Medical Director working across mid and south Essex, I wanted to provide you with an update on the forthcoming industrial action by resident doctors and, importantly, to reassure you about the plans in place locally to minimise disruption to patient care. The British Medical Association has confirmed that resident doctors will be taking … Continue reading Resident doctors’ industrial action: 17–22 December
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