NHS North East London

30/10/2026

Pregnant? Give yourself and your baby protection from flu this winter. 💙

Flu can make you more seriously unwell during pregnancy, which is why getting protected is so important.

The free NHS flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy and helps protect both you and your baby during their first few months of life.

💉 You can get your vaccine through your maternity team, GP practice or a participating pharmacy.

One little tick off your maternity to-do list that helps protect you both. ✅

Speak to your midwife or local NHS team about getting your flu vaccine.

29/10/2026

Measles is spreading - is your child fully protected?

Measles is not just a rash. It spreads very easily and can make children seriously unwell.

The MMRV vaccine helps protect against measles as well as mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

Is your child behind on their MMRV vaccine?

If you’re not sure if your child is up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice to find out.

29/10/2026

Check out the latest Taking Control of Cancer podcast to discover how patients helped shape a new approach to breast cancer care at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Hear what truly patient-centred care means, and how women with breast cancer are being supported to live well. 🎧⬇

North East London Cancer Alliance

When the new breast cancer centre of excellence at St Bartholomew’s Hospital was being designed, patients were not just consulted. They were involved from the start, helping to shape the kind of care that women actually need and want. That is not how things usually work in healthcare, and it makes a real difference.

In the second of three episodes recorded at the centre, Steve Bland is joined by Amie Murphy, the centre’s lead nurse for breast cancer, and Helen Nicholson, a patient who sat on the Patient Advisory Group that informed the centre’s design. Together they talk about what it means to truly put patients at the heart of cancer care, and what living well with breast cancer looks like today.

🔗 Find out more: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/taking-control-cancer

🎧 Subscribe and be ready to listen:
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4z9t50u
Apple: https://bit.ly/3W4253F
Amazon: https://bit.ly/4yAFvNG
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WKWFuC

28/10/2026

Victoria Derbyshire says, “I didn’t think I’d get to grow old with my partner”.

Breast screening can find cancer before you can see or feel it.

Anyone registered with a GP as female, aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday, is invited for NHS breast screening every three years.

Aged over 70? You will no longer receive automatic NHS breast screening invitations, but you can still request screening every three years. 💗

Women over 70 in north east London can arrange an appointment by calling the screening hub on 020 3758 2024.

Please share this information with someone who may find it helpful.

26/10/2026

Does your child attend a special educational setting in north east London? They can now be offered a free NHS eye test at their school or college.

We know that getting to eye appointments isn’t always easy. Children with special educational needs may also be more likely to need support with their sight and can find it difficult to tell someone if their vision has changed.

The new service brings eye care directly into your child’s school or college, in familiar surroundings and with the test adapted to their individual needs. They don’t need to be able to read or speak to have their eyes checked.

The team will check your child’s sight and eye health, and support is available if they need glasses. Parents and carers are also welcome to attend the appointment.

If your child is offered an eye test through their eyecare team at school or college, we encourage you to take up the offer.

SeeAbility

26/10/2026

Children from Reception to Year 11 are offered a free NHS flu vaccine, usually at school. This is given as a quick and painless nasal spray.

If you’re worried the children’s flu vaccine contains pork gelatine, you can ask for an alternative.

The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illness and also makes it less likely that flu will spread to friends, family and the wider community.

Parents and carers: please complete the consent form when it arrives.

23/10/2026

Did you know that menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55? It can happen earlier for some.

Menopause may be a natural stage of life, but everyone’s experience is different.

Symptoms can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, work and daily life.

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and help is available.

Women’s Health Hubs in north east London provide expert care for a range of women’s health conditions, including menopause.

Speak to your GP practice about the support available.

21/10/2026

💉 Are you eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine this winter?

In his latest column for the Romford Recorder, Havering GP Dr Narinderjit Kullar explains who can get their flu vaccine for free and why it’s important to get protected each year.

Flu can be much more serious than a bad cold, particularly for people with certain health conditions. If you’re eligible, you can get your NHS flu vaccine from local participating pharmacies and GP surgeries.

Visit the comments to read the full article ⬇️

20/10/2026

Last year there were over 1,400 cases of breast cancer diagnosed in north east London.

It’s important not to ignore the invite for your breast screening. Philomena shares her story to help others understand the importance of attending when invited.

It’s also important to get to know what is normal for your breasts. Checking regularly can help you notice changes sooner. 💗

Look out for a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit; changes to the skin, size or shape of a breast; ni**le discharge; an inverted ni**le or rash; or sores on your chest.

If you notice an unusual change, contact your GP practice as soon as possible.

19/10/2026

Are your little ones protected against flu?

Flu can be horrible and sometimes serious for young children. The free children’s flu vaccine is the best way to protect them and others from flu.

Children aged 2-3 can get their vaccine at your local pharmacy or you can speak to your GP.

Help keep your children happy, healthy and protected this winter. 💙