MMR Vaccination
Parents in England are being urged to ensure children get MMR jab amid uptake drop.
With just 84.5% f 5-year-olds having had both doses of MMR, vaccination levels are at their lowest since 2010-11. Uptake of other key jabs is also too low.
Guardian report at https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/29/parents-in-england-urged-to-ensure-children-get-mmr-vaccine-amid-uptake-drop.
“We are General Practice” Campaign
NHS North West London has a campaign to explain how general practice is changing and why you may see a different clinical expert in future – depending on your need.
General Practices are busier than ever, so it is important we use the whole team to support patients and provide the right care at the right time.… more >>>
Measles
Received from NW London NHS …
… more >>>Measles cases are rising in London, and can make your child seriously ill. Vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.
Parents need to:
- Book a GP appointment, if your child needs to catch up on their vaccinations
- If you are unsure about your child’s vaccination status, check their red health book or check with your GP
For more information click on the link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
New Unit at Northwick Park Hospital
Northwick Park Hospital has been awarded money by the government to build a new 32-bed unit.
Further details inthe hospital’s press release at https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk/news/hospital-to-build-new-unit-8670 and a BBC report at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66249118.
Shingles Vaccination
Eligibility for Shingles vaccination is being extended.
From 1 September the shingles vaccination is being made available to around 900,000 more patients in England.
Essentially anyone over 50 who is immunosuppressed, and everyone over 65 (who have not already been vaccinated) becomes eligible.
There’s an NHS press release at https://rb.gy/o2xxc and more detailed information at https://rb.gy/x03sh… more >>>
High Levels of Abuse of Doctors
There was an article in the Guardian this past week reporting on a survey conducted by the Medical Protection Society. The survey questioned almost 1000 doctors and found 56% of them had either directly experienced or witnessed abuse by patients (or their relatives). This included physical abuse (which is probably at least common assault) and verbal, including racial, abuse.… more >>>
Primary Care Complaints
From 1 July the process for making a complaint about NHS primary care services is changing …
Pressures on A&E
Received this from NW London NHS re current pressures on A&E.
… more >>>Some of you will already be aware, but our A&Es are under particular pressure at the moment. We are seeing a significant increase in health issues related to the hot weather and the very high pollen count in the area.
Community Musculoskeletal Services
Another from NW London NHS …
… more >>>Do you use community Musculoskeletal (MSK) services? This includes podiatry, lower limb, foot and ankle services; orthopaedic and spinal services; rheumatology services; MSK pain management services and MSK physiotherapy services. If you do, we want to hear from you.
MSK conditions are to do with your joints, bones and muscles and sometimes associated tissues such as your nerves.