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NHS Croydon Health Services – Continuing our Care During Strike Days
A number of trade unions have announced national strikes in the run-up to Christmas in the ongoing pay dispute with the government. We recognise the rights of staff to strike, however the majority of union members did not vote for industrial action at our Trust in Croydon.
Our services will be running as normal during strike days, and we would encourage patients to attend their planned appointments, unless we have contacted you to reschedule.
It is really important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases, when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
We would ask people to only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
If you feel unwell or need advice please go to 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111, free from any landline or mobile, so that trained advisors can help you get the care you need quickly.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.
For more information: https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/trust-news/continuing-our-care-during-strike-days-4525
Trading Standards – Be Aware of DVLA Scams
Fake emails purporting to be from DVLA are being used to lure people into giving away their bank details.
The latest dodgy DVLA email tries to create a sense of urgency with the subject line: ‘Vehicle Tax Status – Unpaid!’ and uses the Gov.uk logo to appear genuine. The email goes on to say:
‘Dear [your email address]. Your bank has declined twice the latest Direct Debit payment. If you will not update your information, your vehicle is no longer taxed.’
The email includes a link, which states: ‘In order to continue to the payment page please use the following link.’
If you click on this link, malware could be downloaded onto your device, or you may be taken to a website that asks for your personal data.
Please remember to report any scam to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.
If you have actually been the victim of a trader or scam such as the above and need help, or you require consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 0808 223 1133
Planning Report – December 2022
To find out the latest news on what is being planned in your local area, check out our latest Planning Report with up-to-date information on Planning Applications including developments in:
- Addiscombe Road
- The Glade
- Gladeside
- Hanbury Mews
- Orchard Avenue
- Orchard Rise
- Shirley Avenue
- Wickham Road
- Woodmere Avenue and Woodmere Gardens.
Also, take a look at the MORA Planning App, which gives you an easy way to track all the current and recent planning applications within the MORA area. It’s simple to use and free for you to access.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Update on Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A Strep
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year.
UK health officials are advising schools on how to combat Strep A infections.
Since Covid restrictions eased, there are more opportunities for infections like this to spread. Cases have been increasing in recent weeks.
While most people do not get extremely sick, the highly contagious bacteria that causes the infection can cause serious illness and complications.
What is Strep A?
It’s a bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.
Many people carry it harmlessly without even knowing, but they can spread it to others who might become ill.
How can you get it?
People can catch it through close contact and from coughs and sneezes.
Outbreaks can sometimes happen in places like schools and care homes.
What are the symptoms?
Most often, symptoms are mild – a sore throat or a skin infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
But Strep A can cause a range of things – and some of them are more serious.
One is scarlet fever, which mostly affects young children and, again, needs antibiotics.
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious.
Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include:
- a sore throat,
- headache,
- swollen neck glands,
- fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
- On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
- Someone who has scarlet fever may have what doctors call a strawberry tongue – because its appearance looks a bit like a strawberry.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
How dangerous is Strep A (GAS) and am I at any increased risk of this disease?
It can be a serious illness, but if treated promptly with antibiotics, it is less of a threat. After at least 24 hours of antibiotics, it is generally thought to no longer be contagious.
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
What should you do if you have symptoms?
Contact your GP and get medical advice straight away if you believe you or your child have symptoms of either GAS or iGAS.
Strep throat should be different from a regular sore throat, as the pain can come on quickly.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said:
It is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.