Flu Fighter is an annual campaign set up by the Department of Health and NHS Employers, supported by the Social Partnership Forum. The aim of the campaign is to deliver the seasonal flu vaccine to NHS staff. In the lead up to winter, the time when you are most likely to contract the flu virus, flu fighter clinics were held for all staff across the ambulance service. The flu fighter clinics were widely advertised and staff were provided with information about the flu vaccine. Over 60% of Trust staff have had their flu jab so far this year. This is a significant increase on the 40.5% achieved in 2012/13. James Wenman, Clinical Development Manager at SWASFT, said: âIt is really important that we protect our staff from flu â not only to ensure we can continue to provide a good service â but in turn it helps us to protect our patients from flu. âLast year, South Western Ambulance Service vaccinated 40.5% of its front line staff. This year we have achieved a staggering 61.6%, which is equal to 1545 of our front line staff. This number is still expected to increase, with further flu fighter clinics still being offered across the Trust. âWe are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by the National Flu Fighter Campaign. More importantly we would like to thank our staff for their cooperation.â The awards ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday 19 February 2014. For more information about flu and what you can do to combat it visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx
