Staff at Pennine Acute Trust get their ‘flu jab in to protect patients

Marian Carroll, Director of Nursing for The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (seated) with Angela Barratt, occupational health advisor

Hundreds of staff and volunteers working at hospitals run by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have started receiving their seasonal ‘flu vaccination in efforts to protect themselves, their patients and their families in preparation for winter.

The Trust’s annual staff seasonal flu vaccination programme is well under way in an effort to vaccinate as many of its 9,000 hospital staff and 900 volunteers as possible.

Clinical and non-clinical staff including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, community health care professionals, support staff, receptionists, managers, catering and clerical staff and Trust volunteers, are being encouraged to have their free flu jab over the coming weeks.

Marian Carroll, Director of Nursing for The Pennine Acute Hospital Trust, helped launch the Trust’s staff flu vaccination campaign.

She said: “Even a mild flu season can contribute to more than 2,000 deaths each winter across the country – the majority of which could be prevented if these individuals, particular those in high risk groups including pregnant women, elderly people and those who have a serious medical condition, had been vaccinated.

“As NHS staff, I believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure our patients are safe. We have a crucial role to play in preventing a serious flu outbreak and helping to ensure that everyone understands the importance of the flu vaccination programme here across our hospitals. As clinical NHS staff I believe we all play an important role in promoting the need for both our colleagues and those in our care to get vaccinated.

“Influenza is dangerous, highly contagious and largely preventable. You can carry and pass the virus on to others without having any symptoms yourself, so even if you consider yourself healthy, you might be risking the lives of others. The flu vaccination is safe, highly effective and is being offered free to all our staff. Our link nurses will be busy visiting wards and clinical areas throughout October and November to offer the vaccination to front line staff. We will also offer vaccinations in our occupational health departments for all staff wishing to have their flu jab.”

If you think you need a seasonal flu vaccination, check with your GP or local pharmacist. Most GP surgeries organise special vaccination sessions for patients. Simply contact your GP to arrange a convenient appointment and get your flu jab. It’s quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the virus.

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu