My 6-year-old son recently asked me 'What do you most enjoy about work?', which I thought was quite an insightful question to ask. My answer was, 'I really enjoy being a part of something that helps keep people healthy'.  Clearly, this didn't inspire him to ask any further questions as he went on to tell me about his favourite Christmas present (a lockable money tin)! It did, however, inspire me to reflect on our journey over the last 12 months and what the future holds for the Immunisation Management Service.

Using the 'Fika' concept, our podcast series seeks to engage with people carrying out interesting and innovative work within the health and care ecosystem, through a relaxed informal chat. This week John O'Connell is joined by Adrian Jonas, Chief Analyst for the North West Region, NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Thank you. As we approach the end of the UK Disability History Month (18 November – 18 December 2021), Kate Toomey, Chair SCW Disability Network, thanks the networks’ members for their powerful contributions in celebration of this milestone.

Our Improving Immunisations Uptake Team has developed a 'Top tips for Health Visitors' guide to encourage open conversations with families about immunisations, including those families who may have concerns. 

Our Director of Quality and System Performance and registered nurse, Liam Williams, shares his thoughts on getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the personal and community benefits.

The pandemic shone a light on the health and care workforce and the difficulties being faced in recruiting and retaining staff. These gaps will have a direct impact on patient care and population health. This is despite all the goodwill in the world amongst existing staff who are facing burnout after 18 months of pandemic strain.

For this year’s Black History Month, Gus Mbudaya spoke to BME ally Luke Whewall. They talked about his heritage and growing up in Zimbabwe, his move to the UK at the turn of the century, and the path that led him to SCW, an organisation that he describes as ‘walking the walk’ when it comes to equality and diversity.

Lung cancer is one of several cancers whose symptoms are the focus of the next phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign. Launched by NHS England & Improvement working with Public Health England, this phase of the campaign went live in August 2021. 

David Ibbotson, Operations Director for the NHS Immunisation Management Service, reflects on the success of the national vaccination programme as we commence the start of the winter vaccination campaign (COVID-19 boosters and flu). He sums up the programme milestones and describes how the learnings will benefit the ongoing rollout of invitations.