Public Health North East

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Regional Director’s Update

As you will have noticed, one public health issue has been dominating the headlines around the world for the last couple of weeks – swine flu.

Viruses are notoriously unpredictable and we still don’t know if this one will result in a full blown pandemic, either in the short term or longer term.

It is important to remember that the term pandemic refers to global spread rather than the virulence of any particular virus.

So far, most patients presenting with flu-like symptoms appear to have a mild form of the illness that responds well to antiviral drugs.

The number of cases in the North East is very low but we will not be surprised to see more in the region.

We are monitoring this changing situation closely and have already activated initial plans to deal with a possible pandemic.

All NHS organisations in the North East have well-rehearsed plans and are well prepared for any situation that arises.

That includes the rapid distribution of antiviral drugs, should it become necessary.

In the meantime members of the public can help to prevent the spread of infections including colds and flu by taking simple hygiene measures.

Always use a paper tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands with soap and water.

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned, stay at home. Check your symptoms online at http://www.nhs.uk/ if possible or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

If you have taken these steps and are still concerned call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Professor Stephen Singleton
Regional Director of Public Health

Welcome to the monthly e-bulletin produced by Public Health North East. It is designed to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the region. Please send details about any public health-related events to simon.p.mills@dh.gsi.gov.uk.

Bid to increase screening rates

Women in Newcastle are being invited to attend focus groups to discuss how more of them can be encouraged to attend life saving screening for breast and cervical cancer.

Screening saves lives as it can catch changes in cells which may lead to cancer, or cancer itself at an early, treatable stage.

New public health chief
Professor Sue Milner (pictured) is the new director of public health for Northumberland Care Trust and Northumberland County Council.

She has worked in public health for 25 years - 18 of them in the North East - and brings a wealth of experience both in NHS practice and academia.

Hidden ‘cost’ of booze

More than a third of drinkers in the North East are unaware of the calorie content of their favourite tipple.

A survey by the Government’s Know Your Limits campaign found that 36% did not know that a glass of white wine is equivalent to a bag of crisps.

New TV ad urges action
Change4Life’s new TV commercial launched last month urges families get up and about more in an effort to cut levels of obesity.

Results from a massive survey of families involved in the campaign show that almost three quarters (72 per cent) of children are not getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity outside of school.
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Skin tips for steel workers

As the summer approaches steel giant Corus has turned to local health professionals in a bid to help protect their workers from the harmful effects of the sun.

Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Community Services is giving advice on skin cancer prevention and making employees more aware of the dangers of sun damage.
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The ‘truth’ about tobacco

An innovative theatre production focusing on how the tobacco industry promotes cigarettes to young people is returning to Newcastle.

Following a successful pilot last year, Newcastle Primary Care Trust - working in partnership with Newcastle City Council - have arranged for theatre group Gibber to visit 16 secondary schools across the city.

Benefit going unclaimed

Health experts are raising awareness of a disability benefit for older people which can help to improve their quality of life.

Many ill or disabled older people in Northumberland are failing to claim a social security benefit which they are entitled to.

Hot Stuff!

An operational fire station is not an obvious place to find young people preparing healthy meals - but that is exactly what has been happening near Durham.

Ten teenagers took part in the Hot Stuff! project at the headquarters of Durham Fire and Rescue Service at Framwellgate Moor.

Tuning in to breakfast options

Radio presenter Graham Mack and the rest of the TFM Breakfast Show team dropped in to the recently revamped Life Store in Middlesbrough for a little culinary advice.

After presenting their show they heard about and tasted healthy breakfast options and recipes given by the staff at the store.

Living with cancer
People with cancer are being invited to attend a series of free sessions to help them improve their quality of life.

A seven-week programme called ‘Living with your cancer’ has been developed for sufferers across the North East.

Health Protection 2009

Health Protection 2009 will again be held at Warwick University from September 14 – 16.

The event showcases the latest scientific research in preventing infectious diseases, protecting against radiation, chemical and environmental hazards as well as preparing for potential or emerging threats.

Living and dying well

Two health organisations from the region are among the first 100 to join the new national coalition for living and dying well.

Both North East Strategic Health Authority and Public Health North East have signed up.