Issue: 133 Thursday 27 October 2022 FeaturedSeasonal COVID-19 vaccinationsMore than 11 million people have now come forward for their life-saving COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine. While most of the population have already been vaccinated against the virus, immunity reduces over time. Everyone aged 50 and above, people with health conditions putting them at greater risk, pregnant women, care home residents, and frontline health and care workers are being offered the chance to get an autumn booster. Those eligible can book online or phone 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose. Flu vaccinationsApproximately 33 million people are eligible for a flu vaccine. You can find information on eligibility and how to book an appointment on the nhs.uk website. You can also book an appointment through your GP practice, or by visiting one of the many thousands of participating community pharmacies. The National Booking Service is also trialling for the first time the ability for people to book their flu vaccine online at around 300 participating sites. Latest newsMonkeypoxIt is estimated that just half of those eligible for a monkeypox vaccination have come forward. Our new monkeypox vaccination service finder enables people to find their nearest site and provides information on how to book. In line with UKHSA guidance, those at greatest risk of exposure are eligible. Polio in LondonWe have launched a polio booster vaccination for all children aged 1 to 9 years living in London. This is in response to a vaccine-derived polio virus being detected in London sewage and will help stop the spread of the virus. Stepping up winter preparationsRapid response teams to help people who have fallen at home and 24/7 ‘care traffic control centres’ are among new plans to prepare for winter. We are preparing earlier and more extensively than ever before for winter – with plans already well underway to create extra bed capacity in hospitals and in the community, as well as increasing the number of call handlers working in NHS 111 and 999.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive Boosting GP workforce ahead of winterMore than one thousand GP assistants will be recruited to practices to offer increased admin support. This additional support has already successfully reduced the time GPs spend on tasks such as writing letters. GP assistants will be trained to do blood pressure checks, heart rate and blood tests as well as arranging appointments, referrals and follow-up care for patients. Local areas will also recruit up to 1,250 digital and transformation leads across the country to help improve access to primary care. High street pharmacists treating more peopleMore than 100,000 patients were seen by their high street pharmacist in just one month according to new NHS figures. Pharmacists are helping people get the quick care they need as well as easing pressure on GP teams facing record demand. Laser beam brain surgery to treat epilepsyA world-leading fibre optic laser therapy will shortly be available for people suffering with epilepsy, who have not responded well to other forms of treatment. The treatment targets the part of the brain that is causing the seizures without the need for invasive surgery. Ending new cases of HIVEngland is on course to become the first country in the world to stop new cases of HIV before 2030 by offering a full range of HIV drugs. Through a series of national deals, people currently being treated for HIV and those receiving preventative treatment will be able to receive the latest HIV drugs wherever they are in England. Having access to the latest medications will improve treatment and reduce transmissions. This includes the first long-acting injection for HIV, and drugs that replace daily tablets with less frequent doses for eligible patients. Helping young people with their mental healthWe are urging students starting or returning to university to seek mental health support as soon as they need it, and not to wait until Christmas when they return home. New data shows record numbers of young people are accessing support. Delivering rapid life-saving checks for babies and childrenA national genetic testing service will diagnose and potentially save the lives of thousands of severely ill children and babies — within days rather than weeks. The new service will rapidly process DNA samples of babies and children who become seriously ill in hospital or who are born with a rare disease, such as cancer.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive Recruitment drive for tens of thousands of nursesChief Nursing Officer, Dame Ruth May has called on anyone looking for a life-changing career to consider becoming a nurse. Our ‘We are the NHS’ campaign highlights the range of nursing roles available, featuring real life patients sharing their stories of how nurses from across the health service helped them on their journey to recovery. Acoustic monitoring technology in care homesCare homes for people living with dementia are piloting acoustic monitoring technology to help improve how residents are cared for during the night. The project is part of the National Innovation Collaborative which brings together teams to share learning and accelerate the use of innovative digital technologies that enable healthcare to be delivered to people at home. Get involvedYour views and ideas are neededWe are asking you to support our programmes by becoming a patient and public voice partner. By sharing your experiences, you can make a real difference to the way we deliver services. Partners include patients, service users, carers, families and other members of the public. Current opportunities:
To find out more or to apply for any of these opportunities visit our Involvement hub opportunities page. Other useful resourcesWe have a range of bulletins covering cancer, mental health, learning disabilities, nursing, primary care and other topics. |