Welcome to NHS Barking and Dagenham
Free dental check-up
This month and right through December, Barking and Dagenham residents who haven’t been to the dentist in more than two years can get a free check-up. Just quote ‘November check-up’ when booking your dental appointment, or take along the free voucher (pdf) which you can download here.
A regular dental check-up dramatically reduces your chances of developing serious health problems like mouth cancer. It’s quick, painless and will give you a much better chance of avoiding serious complications.
To find your nearest dentist, visit www.nhs.uk or call freephone 0800 38 95 360.
NHS Barking and Dagenham Oral Health Promotion Officer, Jeanette Shaw, said; “Mouth cancer is a serious and growing problem. It kills one person every three hours in the UK. However, like a lot of diseases, early detection and treatment dramatically improve your chances of surviving the illness. Regular dental check-ups will not only help you to keep your teeth in top shape but they’ll increase the chance of anything nasty being identified before it takes hold.”
Symptoms of mouth cancer include an ulcer that does not heal, or red or white patches in the mouth that do not heal within three weeks. If you have any of these symptoms you should see a dentist immediately.
Please note that only the initial dental check-up is free. Any treatment arising as a result of the check-up will be subject to normal charges. Only people who have not been to the dentist in more than two years are eligible for a free check-up. To claim a free dental check-up call your dentist and quote “November check-up” when booking your appointment, or download the pdf voucher.
Next meeting of the joint committees of primary care trusts
The meeting on 24 November will discuss the Health for north east London review of health services, and will decide how to consult the public on changes designed to improve health care. For information about the meeting, please download a leaflet (pdf).
Seasonal flu vaccine available now
Every year seasonal flu claims thousands of lives, but if you are in an 'at-risk' group you can get vaccinated for free at your doctor's surgery.
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If you are aged over 65 you should get in touch with your GP or practice nurse to arrange a seasonal flu jab. You should also consider having the seasonal flu vaccination if you have:
- a heart problem
- a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis and emphysema
- kidney disease
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
- liver disease
- had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- diabetes
- a neurological condition, e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- a problem with, or the removal of, your spleen
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Paid and unpaid carers are also eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine, so that they stay healthy and able to take care of those they look after. If you are pregnant and in an at-risk group, you can still have the seasonal flu jab.
The seasonal flu vaccine only lasts for twelve months so if you were vaccinated against seasonal flu last year you will need to be vaccinated again this year.
For more information on the seasonal flu vaccine click here
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Last updated: 04 November 09
A swine flu vaccine is now available for people who are at risk of becoming severely ill if they catch the virus. Having the vaccine will help to protect you against swine flu and help stop it spreading to the people around you. |
Who can get the vaccine?
For most people the symptoms of swine flu are mild. However, a small number of people are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch the virus. The people identified by the Department of Health as being at greater risk are;
1. Individuals aged between six months and up to 65 years who would normally have an annual seasonal flu jab (examples include people with breathing difficulties, heart trouble or cancer patients);
2. Pregnant women;
3. Household contacts of people with low immunity against viruses (examples include people who live with a cancer patient or someone suffering HIV AIDS);
4. People aged 65 years and over who would normally have an annual seasonal flu jab.
If you believe you fall within one of the priority groups listed above, you may be entitled to the vaccine.
How do you get vaccinated?
If you are registered with a GP and fall within one of the priority groups you will be notified by letter how you can receive your vaccine.
If you are not registered with a GP and would like to receive the vaccine you should register immediately with a GP in Barking and Dagenham and inform them of your belief that you require the swine flu vaccine. To find out how to do this contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 389 5360 or visit www.nhs.uk
For more information on the immunisation programme, click here.
For more information on swine flu, click here
NHS Barking and Dagenham is considering the creation of a large new community health facility close to Dagenham East tube station and we seek the input of local people in the development of our plans. We have launched a public consultation into the possible creation of the facility