News

The serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere continues and worsens. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Link to current information is at Current Drug Shortages List - Drugs.com . Please don’t blame pharmacy or GP staff; it isn’t their fault. We are aware that Kingsway Surgery ran out of … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

The latest NHS Essex news round up is below. We would like to draw attention to the move of the Minor Injuries Unit on Monday 2 November from Orsett to Thurrock. This will continue to be a very helpful alternative to visiting A&Es for those conditions it will continue to deal with at the times … Continue reading NHS Essex news round up

Group A streptococci (GAS), also referred to as strep A, are common bacteria. Some of us carry strep in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause infections, some mild and some more serious. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/09/what-is-group-a-strep-and-how-do-you-catch-it/

Early signs suggest that flu season may be starting earlier this year. According to our winter virus surveillance data, flu activity throughout September has been higher than in the same period over the past 4 winters. While levels remain at baseline, meaning still relatively low overall, the upward trend if it continues in the coming … Continue reading Are we seeing an early flu season? What we know so far about this year’s strains

Rates of COVID-19 continue to fluctuate throughout the year, and people have asked how the most common current lineages – or groups of genetically similar viruses – compare to previous COVID-19 variants. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/08/should-we-be-worried-about-the-current-covid-19-variants-2/

Sunday 4 October 2026 - new and updated items first The serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere continues and worsens. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Link to current information is at Current Drug Shortages List - Drugs.com . Please don’t blame pharmacy or GP staff; it isn’t their … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

The latest update from our hospitals includes:£1million investmentCDC OpeningOrgan donation Carers Badges Read the update now

A new post, “How to avoid freshers’ flu at university, and spot the warning signs of meningitis” has just been published on the UK Health Security Agency blog.‘Freshers’ flu’ is a common name for a collection of cold viruses that typically spread rapidly when students arrive at university. It’s unpleasant but rarely serious, though sometimes … Continue reading How to avoid freshers’ flu at university, and spot the warning signs of meningitis

Please find below the new timetable for September to December 2026 Other support available Drop In during opening hours to weigh baby/ child Drop In during opening hours for advice/ Early support Drop in during opening hours to access Children’s Community Wardrobe- free pre-loved clothes for 0-4 year olds Infant feeding support groups Call us … Continue reading Chelmsford Family Hubs: Sept – Dec 2026 timetable

Welcome to the NHS Essex news round up. This regular email series brings you the latest news on how the ICB is making health services better for people in Essex. Find out about our work on prevention, bringing care closer to home and reducing health inequalities. Read the round up now