‘Let’s keep our elderly healthy’ says Emily

Emily Thornberry MP with Mrs Crick and Mr Lee. Mrs Crick and Mr Lee are residents of Queen Elizabeth Court sheltered accommodation unit.

Thursday 3rd November 2005

Emily Thornberry used a visit Queen Elizabeth Court sheltered accommodation unit to highlight how important it is that our elderly residents ask for the health care they are entitled too. Emily said:

‘There are free flu jabs available to those over 65 and their carers. Flu claims 3,000 to 4,000 lives each year, so I would urge all of Islington’s elderly residents to visit the doctor and get their jab.’

October was breast cancer awareness month. Emily raised the issue of Breast cancer with residents. She said:

‘I know this is an embarrassing subject but breast cancer kills. Our local facilities are world class. All urgent breast cancer referrals to St Barts and UCLH are seen within 2 weeks, but women need to make sure they get screened regularly.’ 

Editors Notes:

To check if you are eligible for a free flu jab call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (sic). You can also recieve a free flu vaccination if you fall into the following groups in accordance with the Department of Health's influenza immunisation program 2005/2006:
·        All those aged 65 and over

·        All those aged over 6 months in the following clinical ‘at-risk’ groups:

- Chronic respiratory disease, including asthma

- Chronic heart disease

- Chronic renal disease

- Chronic liver disease

- Diabetes

- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment

·        Those living in long-stay residential and nursing homes or other long-stay facilities

·        Those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. Vaccination should be given at the GP’s discretion.

·        Healthcare workers in the NHS are being encouraged to take up vaccination, especially those employees directly involved in patient care.

BBC website on Breast Cancer Awareness Month - http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/awareness_campaigns/oct_breastcancer.shtml

The latest breast cancer waiting times can be seen here: http://www.performance.doh.gov.uk/cancerwaits/

Photos show Emily Thornberry MP with Mrs Crick and Mr Lee. Mrs Crick and Mr Lee are residents of Queen Elizabeth Court sheltered accommodation unit.

More information on Queen Elizabeth Court is here: http://www.libraries.islington.gov.uk/inform/published/138/139.html.