News

Throughout the year, many of you have shared your views on local NHS services. We are now sharing a final set of surveys for 2025 and would welcome your feedback if you are able to take part.  Whether you have used a service yourself, supported someone else, or decided not to take up care, your … Continue reading Have your say on local NHS services in mid and south Essex

New and updated items follow first. We hope you’ve had a Happy and Healthy Christmas New national data will not be published until 8 January 2026. Local data recently published shows 40 out of 1,850 beds (2.1%) were occupied by flu patients in the three Mid & South Essex Foundation Trust (Basildon, Chelmsford & Southend … Continue reading An update from SWF Health & Social Care Group

Local NHS leaders are encouraging people across mid and south Essex to check whether they are eligible for routine cancer screening, following a powerful message from His Majesty The King about his own cancer journey and the importance of early diagnosis. In a recent national address, The King spoke openly about his experience of cancer … Continue reading The King’s message: check your cancer screening

Chelmsford District timetable January - March 2026Download

Please note: SWF Health & Social Care Group continues to engage with this Trust about the inadequate leadership found by the latest CQC report.To read the full update, click here

The NHS childhood vaccination schedule has recently been updated to help give children even better protection against diseases. Changes include protecting children against some diseases earlier and adding vaccines that protect against more diseases. Read the new post: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/30/changes-to-the-childhood-vaccination-schedule-from-january-2026/

Treating serious health conditions, like high blood pressure (hypertension), may mean taking prescribed medicines to keep you well and prevent future risk to your health. Even if you feel fine – or you’re experiencing side effects – stopping or skipping medicines can make your condition worse. In our latest blog, Clinical Pharmacist Sofiea Azad explains … Continue reading Why taking medicines as prescribed and asking for help matters

As winter pressures increase and local NHS services experience higher demand, we are asking everyone to play their part by using services wisely. Please remember: A&E is for life-threatening emergencies or serious injuries only. NHS services work best when everyone chooses the right option for their needs, helping ensure emergency teams can focus on those who … Continue reading Your NHS is closer than you think this winter – 24 hours not in A&E

Welcome to our NHS Mid and South Essex news round up. This regular email series brings you the latest local news on innovations in healthcare, changes and improvements to services and how the NHS is helping local people in need. Read the news update now

From 1 January 2026, the MMRV vaccine will be introduced into the routine childhood immunisation schedule in the UK. When your child will be offered this vaccine depends on their date of birth. The MMRV vaccine helps protect children against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). Children are offered 2 doses when they are 12 … Continue reading What is the MMRV vaccine and is my child eligible?