News

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have updated the cold weather warning for the East of England to an amber alert. This alert has been extended and is now in effect from 12PM on 02/01/2024 until 12PM on 08/01/2024. Cold weather can have serious health implications, particularly for older people and those with heart or lung conditions. … Continue reading Amber Cold Weather Alert extended for the East of England

IMPORTANT HEALTH SERVICE WARNING FOR MID & SOUTH ESSEX ISSUED 1130 TODAY . https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/news/important-update-supporting-the-nhs-in-mid-and-south-essex-during-high-demand/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR11Yw5fEThvaKx3ob_JOLxLbbtq37jgnEkFeCJSFy4kiEBrdudvVLY5cmw_aem_quz_11v3OUmG8j01mH0f2A    It's all because of the seasonal illnesses, increased hospital admissions and demand for ambulances. We've been warning about this in recent weeks in our weekly newsletters and articles  https://swfhealthsocial.co.uk

31 December 2024 The East of England Ambulance Service has moved to the highest escalation alert level in response to high demand across the region this week. This is in line with many other ambulance services across the country. https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/newsroom/eeast-moves-to-highest-alert-level-from-winter-pressure

Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is restricting visiting because of the high rates of seasonal infections being treated in Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals. And patients there for other reasons are being discharged as quickly as possible to save them picking up those infections post operatively and after other treatment. https://www.mse.nhs.uk/visiting-arrangements?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Q37n3pO0xlLq7q0DouSQnwP9CbVxS2qG6qUU-wvcBcWJe4EJJ7i3RVZE_aem_xc_9C3iiRt4UvN6tzLytQQ

Inevitably not much has changed during the last week. We hope you had a lovely Christmas and were germ free. Unfortunately a lot of people have been ill. Our neighbouring hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich had full A&Es on Christmas Day. Their Chief Executive visits every year and usually there’d be up to 100 empty … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

Over the past week, we have seen an increase in the rates of COVID-19, flu, and other seasonal illnesses circulating in our communities. These viruses can spread rapidly, especially in close contact settings, but there are steps we can all take to keep ourselves and our loved ones well: Stay home if you are unwell … Continue reading Reducing the spread of winter illnesses

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a yellow cold weather warning for the East of England, in effect from 09:00 on 01/01/2025 until 09:00 on 04/01/2025. Cold weather can have serious health implications, particularly for older people and those with heart or lung conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to heat your … Continue reading Yellow cold health alert issued for the East of England

Hospitals hit by 'tidal wave' of flu and winter illness. NHS England data shows an average of about 1900 hospital beds were occupied by flu patients last week, up 70% on the previous week. This is over three times higher than this time last year. Hospitals are struggling to stop the spread of the virus … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

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Norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug," is highly contagious and can cause uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Here’s how you can take care of yourself and reduce the spread: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Rest at home to recover and avoid visiting hospitals, GP surgeries and other public … Continue reading Norovirus – What you need to know and how to look after yourself 🦠