Video has impact to promote jab drive
PATIENTS and families at Whiston Hospital have urged NHS staff to have their seasonal flu jab in a hard-hitting video.
A Whiston Hospital spokeswoman said the #protectyourself campaign video highlights the importance of staff protecting themselves.
She said flu is particularly dangerous for patients with long-term health conditions, acute illness, pregnant women, young children and the over65s. The film features some of the most vulnerable patients treated in the hospitals including a patient receiving chemo- therapy for breast cancer, a baby born 10 weeks early in the special care baby unit, a man recovering from a stroke and a young boy with cerebral palsy.
Last year 80% of staff at Whiston and St Helens hospitals had their jabs but the vaccines last about six months and virus strains can vary between seasons.
Sue Redfern, St Helens And Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust director of nursing, said: “This year, our patients and their families take centrestage to really get across how important it is to protect your- self from what can be a deadly virus.
“The message is that their loved ones are vulnerable enough without having to fight flu on top of everything else.
“Our staff are extremely proactive in getting their flu jab ● each year, but we never rest on our laurels and want as many as possible to protect themselves and their patients.”
To watch the film visit https:// www. facebook. com/ sthknhs/ or Vimeo channel: https:// vimeo.com/186261555