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For the latest local health and care information, visit the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.

From 1 July 2022, Clinical Commissioning Groups will cease to exist.

Commissioning functions and information that has previously been held by West Essex CCG is transferring to the new NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB. Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB will become the new data controller. Contact us if you have any questions about the use of data (including patient data) by the new ICB. There are no changes to how you access NHS frontline services in west Essex as part of these changes.

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Expanded flu programme to focus on most vulnerable groups first

Expanded flu programme to focus on most vulnerable groups first

GPs and community pharmacists across west Essex have welcomed plans to extend the flu vaccination programme to those aged 50-64 who weren’t previously eligible for a free jab.

The flu vaccination programme has been expanded to protect more people as we head into winter with potential risks from both flu and COVID-19.

However to protect the most vulnerable in society the flu vaccinations will first be only available to all those aged 65 and over, people with certain long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.

Residents in the area aged 50 to 64 who are not in a clinical risk group will be offered the vaccine later in the winter season when more stock becomes available. This could be in November or December 2020. In the meantime, residents are being asked to be patient. This will allow GPs to focus on vaccinating those most vulnerable first.

Rob Gerlis, Harlow GP and Chair of West Essex CCG, said: “I’d like to say thank you to staff at all our practices at this time, who are working so hard to ensure all the additional people eligible for the flu vaccine this year will get it in a timely manner. We are pleased to be able to expand our flu campaign this year.

“However, we would ask you to wait until we have vaccinated the very vulnerable, young and elderly, then we will be ready and able to vaccinate those aged over 50. We will have more information after 1 November. Let’s work together to support the NHS this wintertime and keep our patients safe and well.”

When available, people who fall into the new category will be contacted with more information.

Until then it is important that those who are eligible do take up the offer of a flu vaccine. Flu is more than just a bad cold. Some people may need to stay in bed for a few days but for others who are more vulnerable it can lead to more severe illness, can worsen existing illness and can lead to pneumonia or bronchitis. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital, or even death.

This year, more than ever before, it is important for patients at risk to have the flu vaccination due to the potential risk of COVID-19, said Rob.

He added: “Flu vaccination offers important protection against flu, saves lives and helps to reduce the pressure on the NHS in the busy winter months. Expanding the programme is welcome but it is important that those usually at higher risk are protected first as they are likely to be more seriously affected by flu.”

Practices and pharmacies are following strict guidance and social distancing measures to make sure that it is safe for you to come for your vaccination. When you are offered your vaccine, please take the opportunity to gain this valuable protection for yourself and your community.

Public invited to virtual Board and AGM on Thursday 30 July, 2020

Public invited to virtual Board and AGM on Thursday 30 July, 2020

NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is inviting members of the public to its next Board and AGM meetings which takes place Thursday 30 July, 2020.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Board and AGM meetings will be held virtually over Microsoft Teams. Members of the public will be able to join and observe the meeting by clicking on the link on the West Essex CCG website at the time of the meeting. There will also be an option to dial in.

The Board Meeting in public will start at 9.30am and finish ay 12pm, after which the meeting will be closed to the public and guests asked to end the meeting or hang up the phone. Members of the public are not able to participate in the decision-making process, but will be able to submit questions in advance that will be put to Board members at the end of the meeting. To submit a question email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The AGM will be held between 3pm and 4pm and attendees will be able to hear from the chief officer, chair and finance director. Again, members of the public can submit questions in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Peter Wightman, Managing Director at West Essex CCG said: “People will be able to hear about what we have achieved over the last year, our plans for the coming year and how they can engage and work with us.  We are very keen to hear from our residents across Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford so please do email us with your questions.”

To join the Board meeting in public at 9.30am, please click on the link or use the dial-in details below:

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+44 20 3321 5208   United Kingdom, London (Toll)

Conference ID: 994 004 112#

View the Board papers.

To join the AGM between 3pm and 4pm, please click on the link or use the dial-in details below:

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

+44 20 3321 5208   United Kingdom, London (Toll)

Conference ID: 648 460 503#

View the AGM agenda.

Staying safe in the heat

Staying safe in the heat

Over the next few days we are expecting a significant increase in temperature. Although most of us welcome the summer sun, high temperatures can be harmful to your health. The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm.

Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. They may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection. Many people are now working from home.

However there are actions you can take to keep yourself safe from excessive heat.

There are some easy tips you can follow to stay safe in hot weather, including how to keep your home cool. You can also find out who is at greatest risk of ill health from the heat, how to recognise when you or someone’s health may be affected, and what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell as a result of the heat here.

You can also help others who may be affected by the heat. These are:

  • Stay cool at home - look out for others safely by following COVID-19 guidance
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • Slow down when it is hot
  • Go indoors or outdoors, whichever feels cooler
  • Self-isolate at home if advised to do so
  • Use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance if others not in your household are there
  • Be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illness. These include heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Find out more on how to stay safe in a heatwave .
You can also get an easy read guide of information on how to keep yourself safe in a heatwave.

If you need non-emergency medical help visit NHS111 online

For free medical advice for any non-emergency 24 hours a day use NHS111 online https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-111-online or call NHS 111

Advice and guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Government website. https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Public Health England has also put together a checklist for identifying and managing indoor overheating

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