Over 1,000 NHS staff roll up their sleeves to protect vulnerable people

Chairman John Schofield with immuniser Laura Birch

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Over 1,000 NHS professionals from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have rolled up their sleeves to protect people from flu – including several of the Trust’s most senior leaders.

Staff from Pennine Care provide community and mental health services across several boroughs of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale.

Many of the people they see on a daily basis are vulnerable - including those with a long-term condition or a weakened immune system, older people and young children.

For these people, flu can lead to severe infections, complications and even death.

Up to one in four healthcare professionals may become infected with flu, even during a mild flu season – so encouraging every single member of staff to have their vaccine is a key priority for Pennine Care during the winter months. It also helps to ensure that staff remain fit for work and are protecting their colleagues and loved ones.

Every year, Pennine Care’s flu campaign is supported by a dedicated steering group and campaign – and this year’s theme is ‘The power to protect people from flu begins with you!’

For the first time this year, the campaign has gone social – with staff posting their ‘flu selfies’ on Pennine Care’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/penninecareNHSFT

A number of vulnerable service users from across Greater Manchester have also expressed their thanks to staff who have had their vaccine, by taking part in a short online video. Among them are sisters Ellie (10) and Mia (7) from Milnrow who both have asthma.

Pennine Care’s bosses are throwing their full support behind the campaign. Chief Executive Michael McCourt, Executive Director of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Ian Trodden, Medical Director Henry Ticehurst and Chairman John Schofield have all had their flu vaccine and are encouraging staff across the Trust to follow their example.

Michael McCourt said: “We are committed to delivering the best possible care to patients, people and families in our local communities and encouraging our staff to have a flu vaccine is just one of the ways we achieve this.

“I would personally like to thank every member of staff who has already had their flu jab for doing their bit to protect the 1.3 million service users we are responsible for. By having it, they are also helping protect their colleagues and their family. My father is 90 and my 10 year old son has asthma, so I have the flu vaccine every year to protect them.”

Ian Trodden, who is also the executive lead for the flu campaign, said: “In addition to my Board-level responsibilities, I’m also a practicing clinician. This means I have regular contact with vulnerable service users who have a type of lung disease known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

“I’ve always felt a personal responsibility for protecting the health of my patients, colleagues and family and I continue to take this responsibility seriously, meaning I have my flu vaccine every year.”

A flu vaccination is also available free of charge to members of the public who are in an ‘at risk’ group, such as those who are aged over 65, pregnant, or who have a long-term condition.

Further information is available at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/who-should-have-flu-vaccine.aspx