Welsh Ambulance Service scoops ‘Most Improved Flu Fighter Campaign’ award
Tuesday, 01 April, 2014
Ruth Warden from NHS Employers (from left), Giuliana Christmas, Trust’s Occupational Health Lead, Emergency Medical Technician Gavin Pickett, Liam Crowther the Trust’s Quality and Nursing Directorate, Aileen Evans, Assistant Director of Nursing
The Welsh Ambulance Service has been recognised for its commitment to help staff reduce the spread of flu.
Last week, the Trust collected the award for Most Improved Flu Fighter Campaign in the Flu Fighters Awards 2014 hosted by NHS Employers in Cardiff.
In October, the Trust embarked on a mission to vaccinate as many operational staff as possible.
As a result, the uptake of thevaccination was trebled, from 10 per cent in 2012-13, to 30 per cent in 2013-14 (see Notes for Editors).
It was the first time ever that staff were vaccinated in-house, thanks to funding from Welsh Government.
Six nurses were trained to deliver vaccinations to staff across Wales, so that staff had the option of being vaccinated in-house in addition to visiting a flu clinic or their local GP.
Vaccinations were free of charge at a range of times and locations to suit all operational staff, including Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, Ambulance Car Service volunteers, Community First Responders and members of St John Ambulance.
The offer was also extended to office-based staff, including in the Trust’s three Clinical Contact Centres and at NHS Direct Wales.
Julie Hamer, Nursing Quality and Clinical Practice Lead at the Trust, said: “Vaccinations are vital to protect staff, their families and patients, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to flu.
“They also reduce sickness absence of staff, so that patients get the best level of care during the busy winter period.
“Historically, the uptake of the flu vaccination by our staff has been low, so to see that figure treble in a year is fantastic.
“It was a significant move forward to be able to administer flu vaccinations to our staff in-house, and we are thrilled to have been recognised in this way.”
Flu is a highly infectious viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes.
It causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and sore throat.
For the majority of people who catch it flu is unpleasant, but for some it can lead to chest infections, severe complications and even death.
Elwyn Price-Morris, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, added: “We see thousands of patients every year whose age or poor health means flu could have a serious impact on their lives.
“This year the Welsh Ambulance Service went the extra mile to keep its staff healthy and its patients safe, and those efforts have paid off.
“Thanks must go to all staff who were vaccinated, and congratulations to the team who secured this coveted award.”
The Trust’s flu team collected their award at Cardiff’s Temple of Peace and Health, where Public Health Wales hosted its annual flu meeting.
Dean Royles, Chief Executive of the NHS Employers organisation, added: "The Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s efforts paid off brilliantly and their work will inspire others to deliver these important vaccinations.
“Support to have the vaccine is spreading and this helps stop the spread of flu itself - protecting staff, their families and patients."
