London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Ealing Hospital, Central Middlesex in Park Royal and Northwick Park in Harrow, is urging staff and patients to get their flu vaccinations amid warnings of a difficult winter ahead.
The trust said vaccination uptake remains worryingly low across north-west London, echoing national concerns that public reluctance could put extra strain on the NHS. Last year, only one in five resident doctors in the trust received the flu jab. More than 80% went sick during the peak season, leading to staff shortages across wards.
Dr Shriti Pattani, the trust’s flu lead, said the experience in Australia should serve as a warning. “Flu migrates from Australia across the globe every year, so it is a good indication of what we can expect by the time it reaches our shores this winter,” she said.
Australia is enduring its second-worst flu season in a decade, with cases starting earlier than usual, a ninefold increase in Influenza B infections and hospitalisations well above average.
Trust chief executive Pippa Nightingale said: “Our staff are under a lot of pressure moving into winter, so it is important we do all we can to minimise sick leave – for both colleagues and patients’ sake.”
