Flu can be extremely dangerous for the very old, the very young and those with weakened immune systems and it’s therefore vitally important to try to prevent its spread.
That’s why the flu fighter awards, run by NHS Employers, recognise and celebrate NHS trusts and social care organisations from across the country for their commitment to fighting the spread of flu among frontline staff in health and care.
At a special ceremony in Manchester on 25 March, winners from NHS trusts, individuals and care organisations all scooped awards for their hard work in encouraging frontline staff to get their flu jab to protect themselves and those around them.
The awards took place at the Midland Hotel and will be the last run by NHS Employers. The frontline healthcare worker flu vaccination campaign will become part of NHS England’s and Public Health England’s winter campaign from 2019/20.
Over the past eight years, the NHS Employers flu fighter campaign has helped English trusts to double their vaccine uptake rates among frontline healthcare workers from 34.7 per cent in 2010/11 to 68.7 per cent in 2017/18.
The latest flu vaccination uptake figures from Public Health England show that 70.3 per cent, or 739,187 frontline healthcare workers, have been vaccinated so far this flu season (2018/19) – the highest uptake to date.
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
Best flu fighter care campaign – HC-One Ltd
Most creative flu fighter campaign – Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Most innovative flu fighter campaign, sponsored by Abbott – South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Most improved flu fighter campaign – King’s College Hospital
Flu fighter champion – Kathy Robinson, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Best flu fighter team, sponsored by NDL – Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals
Best use of the seven elements – Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
