Flu jab for NHS Trust chief executive

The chief executive at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has received his flu jab to help encourage his staff to get protected against flu this winter.

Around 4,600 staff work for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in both clinical and non-clinical areas. The Trust provides community, mental health and learning disability services to the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Chief executive Steven Michael is leading the Trust in encouraging staff to get the flu jab so they can continue to provide the vital services and protect all those they come in contact with.

Staff across the Trust are able to get their flu vaccination at a number of specially arranged clinics without disrupting their daily routines and appointments.

The NHS as a whole encourages frontline staff to get vaccinated – not only to reduce the risk of flu being passed on to service users but also to ensure services can continue to run smoothly and efficiently throughout the winter months.

Speaking about the flu vaccinations Steven Michael said, "Getting the flu jab like I’ve done is the best way of avoiding flu at the same time as protecting our family and the people we care for. The process is virtually painless and takes just a few seconds. For most people flu is simply unpleasant, however for some it can be much more serious and globally seasonal flu accounts for between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths. Trust staff provide vital services to our local communities therefore it is essential that all frontline staff get themselves vaccinated."

As well as frontline health staff, its is also recommended that you have the jab if you are; over 65, pregnant, have a serious medical condition, live in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility, a main carer or a social care worker.

The Trust encourages local people to speak to their GP or other health professional about the vaccination.