Jabs to avert ‘killer winter’

WHISTON Hospital staff have warned that a killer winter could on the way for Halton’s 22,000 over-65s as they urged residents to have their annual flu jab.

Medics said 2017-18 could be among the worst season for flu deaths in years based on how countries in the southern hemisphere of the world have been hit.

Their #WhatsYourReason campaign, is calling on NHS employees from doctors and nurses to midwives and chief executive Ann Marr to consider why they should have the vaccine.

A St Helens And Knowsley NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust (STHK) spokeswoman said that from contact with vulnerable and seriously-ill patients to daily life with their own families, healthcare staff have been asked to show how easy it can be to transmit the virus, and why it is vital to protect everyone have contact with.

She said the flu season that has just passed in the southern hemisphere where winter takes place during June to August has hit hard with an estimated 156% increase in the number of reported cases in Australia alone.

At least 288 flu-related deaths have been reported in Australia with over-85s and children between five and nine years old hit hardest.

The spokeswoman said flu is particularly dangerous for patients with longterm health conditions, those with an acute illness, pregnant women, young children and the over-65s.

She added that Whiston and St Helens hospitals ‘performed exceptionally well’ last year and more than 80% of staff had their flu jab, making the sites the second best performing trust in the country, but that it remained essential for staff to be vaccinated each year as the effects last about six months and strains can mutate between seasons.

Sue Redfern, STHK director of nursing, said: “In Halton, there are over 22,000 people over the age of 65 years.

“There are over 7,000 children in the borough under the age of five. “These are people that due to their age and the greater risks of them becoming ill, our staff come into contact with on a daily basis.

“We must do everything we can to protect them and ourselves.

“In these critical winter months, it is vital that the hospitals are prepared and our staff are able to look after the patients who need us most.”

She added: “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.”