Press releases

NHS workers across the vaccination centres in Hampshire have said a big ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who have helped roll-out the programme.

The hearings for the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Stage 2 Review will begin at 10:30 on Thursday 4 March 2021. They shall start with a statement from the Chair of the Review – Mr Nigel Pascoe QC.

Work has begun on a new multi-million pound redevelopment to move Andover Health Centre Medical Practice to a brand new, purpose built wing on the site of Andover War Memorial Hospital.

Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, hundreds of people are giving up their time to volunteer at Covid vaccination centres to help NHS staff make the process as efficient as possible.

The NHS in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has offered a first vaccine dose to all of the top four priority groups, and is now moving on to those aged 65-69.

Wessex Cancer Alliance is urging people to go to their GP if they have any concerns about their health which may be signs of cancer.

In February 2020, NHS Improvement published an Investigation Report, written by Nigel Pascoe QC in relation to Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Vaccines will be offered to the remaining ‘high priority’ groups in the Alton area within the next week or so.

Across North Hampshire, patients with Covid-19 who do not need immediate hospital attention but are at high risk of developing serious symptoms are being given pulse oximeters to use at home to reduce the risk of serious deterioration.

The Covid vaccination programme is now well underway in Hampshire and the NHS is delighted that people have already been able to receive the jab.

The NHS in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are urging people with liver disease to take up the offer of having their free flu vaccine to help protect themselves.

Having liver disease weakens your immune system and may limit the type of medications you can take for flu symptoms.

Flu can also worsen liver diseases or increase the rate of rejection and drug toxicity if you have had a liver transplant.

Just over a third of patients with liver disease have had their flu vaccination so far, which is why the NHS is urging you to take up the offer as soon as possible.

Dr Caroline O’Keeffe, GP in Hampshire, said: “I encourage all people with liver disease to get their flu vaccine.

“Liver disease weakens your immune system which means you are more likely to get flu. Having liver disease can also limit the type of medication we can use to treat flu, which makes flu much more unpleasant for you get it.

“It’s really important for you to be protected this winter.”

Watch a video of Dr Caroline O’Keeffe explaining why it’s important to get the flu jab

Patients can get their vaccines from their GP practice or local pharmacy.   

While the covid vaccination programme has started, it’s important to note that currently those aged 80 and over, people in care homes and frontline health and care workers are being prioritised for it.

If you have liver disease, it’s important to continue to get your flu jab and not wait for your covid vaccination invitation.

Everyone is reminded not to contact their surgeries about the covid vaccination – it is being given strictly by invitation only.

Leaders across the NHS in Hampshire and Isle of Wight have called on the public to support the NHS by staying safe and using the right service.

Three vaccination centres and a further number of local vaccination services, which are run by local GP surgeries working together, and a hospital hub will be launched across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in January as part of the largest vaccination programme the NHS has ever undertaken.