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As we conclude our "Invincible Feeling, Invisible Danger" email series, I want to remind you of the broader support available to maintain your cardiovascular health.  NHS Health Checks If you're aged 40-74 and haven't been diagnosed with a pre-existing condition, you're entitled to a free NHS Health Check every five years. This comprehensive assessment:  Checks … Continue reading Beyond blood pressure

Peter Blackman, Chair, SWF & Social Care Group, said: “Huge thanks to Emily Cramb for producing a 1st Class report. We don’t think such a study has been done before. We believe in best places for healthcare services. As many such best places should be local. But some have to be in centres of excellence to … Continue reading Independent academic report into “Accessibility to Healthcare Services in South Woodham Ferrers (SWF), the Dengie & Maldon” published by SWF Health & Social Care Group

Essex Recovery Foundation are inviting young people aged 16–24 across Essex to take part in a short, confidential survey about experiences and exposure to drugs and alcohol. This is your chance to have your voice heard and advise ECC on support needed for young people in your community. You can scan the QR code in the … Continue reading Children & Young People’s Needs Assessment – Your support required

Planning a holiday abroad? This guide provides essential information to help you travel safely and minimise health risks. Whether you're planning a beach break, visiting family overseas, or embarking on a backpacking adventure, it’s worth thinking ahead so that you have the best time possible. Before you travel Ensure any underlying health conditions are stable … Continue reading The essential travel checklist to keep you and your family healthy on holiday

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have extended the existing Amber heat health alert for the East of England. The alert is now in effect until 9AM on 2 July 2025. Many of us enjoy the sunshine, especially here in beautiful Essex. But when high temperatures last for several days, it’s important to take simple steps to stay safe and … Continue reading Amber heat health alert extended

overnment Announcement about HealthwatchYou may have seen in the news this weekend the announcement that the Government is planning to streamline patient safety bodies and bring patient voice functions 'in-house'. This affects Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch. This was an unexpected announcement which has raised many questions.Please be assured that at Healthwatch Essex, we are … Continue reading An update from Healthwatch Essex

A taskforce will urgently review maternity and neonatal services in ten hospital trusts, including our hospitals at Broomfield, Basildon and Southend, alongside immediate actions to improve care. By December 2025 it will recommend further improvements and inform a new national maternity and neonatal action plan. The NHS plans in the next ten years to DNA … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

When autumn comes, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the 'Autumn Booster'. Current vaccines provide good protection against severe disease and hospitalisation. … Continue reading Who’s eligible for the 2025 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Autumn Booster’?

A tan may look good, but it’s a sign of skin damage. Sunburn and even a tan is a sign of over-exposure to UV - that’s physical damage to your skin caused by UV. Premature skin ageing is another sign of damage.

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued an Amber heat health alert in effect from 12PM on 27/06/2025 until 6PM on 01/07/2025 across the East of England. Many of us enjoy the sunshine, especially here in beautiful Essex. But when high temperatures last for several days, it’s important to take simple steps to stay safe and look after yourself. Some people, like … Continue reading Amber heat health alert