March was packed with important developments. April will be equally busy. This article reports the most important news, see final paragraph for ways to get more information.

Winter illnesses have peaked. Whilst flu is decreasing, Respiratory illnesses and Covid are increasing again. Recently Norovirus reached the highest since records began in 2014 and remains high. Most healthy people recover from Norovirus in a few days, but vulnerable people and young children may get serious problems. It spreads easily; just a few viral particles can infect someone, including by close contact with someone with the virus, or eating food prepared by someone with it. It also sticks on surfaces. You can catch Norovirus twice.

If you have Norovirus:

• Stay home; don’t return to work or school until two days after the vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped
• Drink plenty
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water; disinfectants don’t work well against the virus; nor do alcohol hand gels
• If you’re concerned – eg if a child can’t keep fluids down or the illness doesn’t stop after a few days – seek medical advice.

NHS England is being abolished. It will be brought into the Department of Health. This is to free up more money for frontline services. It’s expected to take around two years. 50% of the 14,400 NHS England staff and the 3,500 Department of Health staff go. This move gives government more control and accountability for the promised service improvements.

The English GPs ‘strike’ has been settled. During the next yearpatients will get to book more appointments online and request to see their usual doctor. Red tape and targets will reduce, freeing doctors to see more patients.

English Community pharmacies are considering starting to work to rule unless a new NHS contract is agreed. Action could involve reducing opening hours and cutting services. Pharmacies have a vital role as the NHS shifts away from hospitals and back to the community; we need them more than ever.

The NHS has issued a follow up survey about their 10 year plan consultation at (1) Project: Your priorities for change | Change NHS focusing on patient choice, how to support staff to care for patients, and using technology to improve people’s experiences of the NHS. Please have a look at this and share your views, so that the eventual plan is shaped by the voices of those who actually use services.

GPs are inviting eligible people to book spring Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS national booking system https://www.nhs.uk/…/vaccina…/book-covid-19-vaccination/ is open to 7.5 million eligible people, including everyone aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system. UKHSA’s latest report on UK infectious diseases shows rises in endemic and vaccine-preventable infections. Such diseases caused 20%+ hospital bed usage, costing £6bn in 2023-24. This winter has shown us how reduced immunity has brought record infections. We must get our vaccinations.

Since September 2023 the Mid & South Essex dental access initiative has delivered over 23,500 Urgent Appointments. Public health news is on our website and in weekly e-newsletters. SWF Library provides online services and help with internet access. For health & welfare information and subscription to our newsletter, email swfhealthsocial@outlook.com, or leave voicemails on 01245 322079.