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As the weather turns colder and we close our windows and turn on our heating, there’s an invisible danger that can leak into our homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that you cannot see, smell or taste – but it can kill. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/18/how-to-protect-your-home-and-family-from-the-invisible-danger-of-carbon-monoxide/

Taking charge of your health can be overwhelming, particularly when you are not sure who or where to turn to. But there are things you can do to help you feel confident about how to look after your health and those you care about. Ready to feel good and stay well? This National Self-Care Week, … Continue reading Take charge of your health this Self-Care WeekProtect yourself from flu this week 🦠

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued a yellow cold weather warning for the East of England, in effect from 12PM on 17/11/2025 until 8AM on 22/11/2025. 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

Leadership at Mid &South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs our hospitals at Broomfield, Basildon & Southend, has been rated inadequate after staff morale was found to be among the lowest in the country, there were “persistent" safety failures and it had a poor behavioural culture. We have sent the following question to the Trust, … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

The UK Health Security Agency has published new early-season data showing that this year’s flu vaccine is offering strong protection, even as a new flu subclade drives an unusually early start to the season. Encouragingly, the vaccine is estimated to be 70–75% effective for children aged 2 to 17 and 30–40% effective in adults, helping reduce hospital attendances … Continue reading Latest evidence confirms strong flu vaccine protection

Leadership at Mid &South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs our hospitals at Broomfield, Basildon & Southend, been rated inadequate after staff morale was found to be among the lowest in the country, there were “persistent" safety failures and it had a poor behavioural culture. We have sent the following question to the Trust, copied … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

As the colder months set in, many of us start to feel the effects - sniffles, coughs, sore throats and winter bugs. But did you know your local pharmacy can help you manage many of these without needing a GP appointment? In our latest blog, Essex community pharmacist Bhavesh Patel explains how pharmacies can support you and … Continue reading Trusted advice, closer to home: how pharmacies are supporting winter health

THANKS TO DONORS!: Crouch Vale Medical Centre has Wheelchairs again. If you need one for an appointment ask at Reception – and PLEASE return it! We’re very grateful to SWF Town Council for a grant to bring award-winning mental health sessions to the Town; arrangements being made.   Another Resident Doctors’ strike for five-days from … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5PYJg2xu84 We've launched a new video to help you understand what happens during breast screening and why it matters. Whether you're waiting for your first invitation or haven't been for a while, this short film takes you through every step of the process. Why breast screening is so important Breast cancer is the most common … Continue reading New video to help you feel confident about breast screening