Emma Foody MP raises NHS winter pressures and importance of vaccinations.
Cramlington and Killingworth MP Emma Foody raised the importance of vaccinations in the House of Commons following her recent visit to the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
Speaking during a statement on NHS winter pressures, the MP stated “Recently I visited Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in my constituency in Cramlington. I met with staff where they shared their concerns with winter pressures.
“Every year they closely track the flu seasons in Australia given that the patterns that emerge there are often what follows here, and they are extremely concerned about what we are going into this winter.
“What steps have the Department taken, or are taking, to ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated ahead of this winter?”
In response the Minister of State for Health commented “We are working very closely with the UK Health Security Agency to do exactly that to make sure we are aware week on week on the movement of different diseases and viruses through the system.
“We will continue to publicise that campaign and anything that Hon Members can do to support the campaign to get people vaccinated and make sure they support themselves and their loved ones will be greatly received by the entire system and is something everyone can be part of”.
Following the question, Ms Foody commented:
“Vaccinations can be lifesaving, are the best defence against viruses, and keep people out of hospital during the winter months, when the NHS comes under additional winter pressure. They really are the best defence again things like flu and Covid-19.
“I want everyone to try and keep safe this winter. To help protect yourself, your loved ones and the NHS, I would encourage anyone to check if they’re eligible for a vaccine. Information can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/”.