DISPOSABLE vapes cause litter problems, are a fire hazard and appeal too strongly to children, according to local councils in England and Wales reports the BBC. The Local Government Association has called for them to be banned by 2024.  Single use varieties have surged in…

DANIEL Robinsons are set to take on Princess Alexandra in charity football match. Full details below.

HARLOW Labour is set to propose a motion for more defibrillator points across the town. It will be heard next week (Thursday July 20th). Proposed by Councillor Chris Vince (seconded by Councillor James Griggs): “If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest,…

ULEZ signage will be banned from Essex County Council-owned land when Sadiq Khan’s planned expansion of the scheme rolls out to the county’s borders next month reports the Local Democracy Reporter. The move was part of a motion approved by the authority’s cabinet yesterday (July…

THE British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that they will be taking continuous industrial action from 7am on 13 July until 7am on 18 July. We are working hard to minimise disruption to our services as far as possible. Please be assured that you can…

A GROUP of ‘expert by experience’ volunteers are helping to raise awareness of personality disorder, to improve care and support others with a diagnosis. The Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service Development Collaborative (SDC) contribute and work on ideas to shape our services for people…

ALL secondary school pupils in England will be offered a free flu vaccine from September for the 2023/24 season, the government has confirmed. Over 3 million pupils in secondary school years 7 to 11 will be offered the vaccine as a nasal spray through their…

IF a defibrillator (AED) is used within three to five minutes of cardiac arrest the survival prospects of the patient increase from 6% to 74% The recent news that all secondary schools will be equipped with a defibrillator is very welcome, they provide a vital…

THIS WEEK (Wednesday 5 July) marks the 75th birthday of the National Health Service, and three quarters of a century of essential health services being provided free for all those who need them. In 1948, infectious diseases including tuberculosis and polio were the biggest killers,…

TRACY Reed credits the NHS for the life-changing opportunities it has provided her over the last 42 years. Tracy, who is the clinical lead for end of life care, said: “Sometimes it is in our DNA to be a nurse and care and support people,…

THE Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is inviting members of the public to join its Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is an opportunity to reflect on achievements and challenges of the last year and goals for the future. There will also be the…

THE Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has celebrated its amazing people this week with two special award ceremonies. Colleagues enjoyed the Long Service Awards on Monday (26 June) and the This is Us: Our Amazing People Awards on Tuesday (27 June); both of which…

AN inquiry investigating deaths of mental health patients in Essex has been given extra powers, in a victory for campaigners reports the BBC. Health Secretary Steve Barclay told Parliament that the probe would be placed on a statutory footing. It means the inquiry can force…

THERE will be a major expansion in training places for health staff in England, under a “historic” 15-year plan to fill NHS staffing shortages reports the BBC. It includes more university places for medical and nursing students and a greater emphasis on apprenticeships with the…