News

UK Health Security Agency has launched genomic surveillance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a bid to monitor drug resistance, tackle harder to treat viral strains, and detect outbreaks sooner. The technology will allow a better understanding of treatment outcomes to inform national treatment programmes as well as transmission patterns to stop ongoing transmissions in populations … Continue reading Whole genome sequencing service launched to help tackle hepatitis C

UKHSA warned on  World TB Day 24 March of an increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases in England. Provisional data published earlier in the year shows cases rose by 13% in 2024, making it a serious public health threat. 81.5% of all TB notifications in 2024 were in people born outside the UK, but there was an increase … Continue reading An increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases in England

A new technique enables ultra-powerful MRI scanners to identify tiny differences in patients’ brains that cause treatment-resistant epilepsy New MRI scans enable life-changing surgery for epilepsy – UKRI

Travel offers exciting adventures, but it's important to protect your health wherever you go. While casual sexual encounters during holidays are common, protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is more crucial than ever - especially with rising trends in antibiotic resistance. Why protection matters when travelling When enjoying holidays overseas, practising safer sex is … Continue reading Travel health and the growing risk of antibiotic-resistant STIs like gonorrhoea

We're working to improve blood testing services across mid and south Essex and your feedback is important to us. Have you recently had a blood test in our area? If so, we'd really value your thoughts in our short survey, which takes around 10 minutes to complete. Why are we asking?Our community-based blood testing service … Continue reading Have you recently had a blood test? We need your views . 🩸

The working group established to review proposed changes to community hospital services has now submitted its recommendations to NHS Mid and South Essex (27 March 2025). Led by James Halden, the group was formed in October 2024 after decision-making was paused due to significant community feedback on the original proposals. The review focused particularly on service … Continue reading Working Group Submits Recommendations for Community Hospital Services

NHS England is being axed On 13 March the Prime Minister announced that NHS England will be abolished. The organisation which oversees England’s health service will be brought into the Department of Health. This brings England’s NHS back under “democratic control” and is designed to free up more money for frontline services. This process is … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

A number of these free courses are being held in SWF at our new Community Hub (the Bereavement & Loss ones and the Mindfulness & Mindset ones).

To read the latest Healthwatch Essex bulletin, please click here

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) was set up to protect health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. We prepare for future threats to prevent health and socioeconomic impacts and although there are hundreds of pathogens that can cause disease in humans, we now are in a better position than ever thanks to increased development … Continue reading Priority Pathogens: The disease families which require urgent scientific research