10:55am Saturday 31st October 2009
By Mark Stead
HOSPITAL workers in York have begun receiving protection against the spread of swine flu to ensure they stay healthy enough to treat patients.
Vaccinations aimed at protecting NHS staff from picking up the bug as it continues to grip the country are now being issued by York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
It comes as the pandemic’s second wave saw suspected swine flu cases reach a new peak in York. York Hospital has now treated 16 people confirmed to have the flu since it first struck the UK, while 17 patients have been admitted with symptoms of the illness in the last two weeks.
Staff at the Wigginton Road site and the trust’s other bases began receiving the protective jabs this week, and although the vaccinations are being done on a voluntary basis, managers are urging workers to take the opportunity to defend themselves.
“I would encourage all our staff who have direct patient contact to have the swine flu vaccine,” said Mike Proctor, the trust’s deputy chief executive.
“Vaccination is important in protecting staff, patients and their families. Also, as winter approaches, it is vital that we do all we can to reduce the pressure brought about by staff absence.”
The vaccination programme is now being rolled out throughout the UK, concentrating on people with health problems considered to put them most at risk.
Meanwhile, GPs and hospitals across North Yorkshire are asking people with flu-like symptoms to think carefully before attending because of increasing pressure on the NHS.
Consultations for these symptoms have virtually doubled in the last two weeks, and Dr Phil Kirby, NHS North Yorkshire and York’s associate director for public health, said: “For most people, flu is a mild illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or hospital.
“If they are worried they might have swine flu, which is still a mild illness for most people, they should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service, which can provide antiviral medicine if required.
“I would appeal to anybody with flu-like symptoms to think twice before deciding to go to their GP or local hospital and to get help from a ‘flu friend’ or the pandemic flu service first.”
The service is available by phoning 0800 1513 100 or by logging on to direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
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