THIS WEEK (21 - 27 APRIL) IS EUROPEAN IMMUNISATION WEEK

The Department of Health is participating in European Immunisation Week (21-27 April). The aim of this week is to increase immunisation coverage by raising the importance of immunisation. Within Trafford schools, immunisation services are offered by our School Nursing Immunisation Team. This small team of nurses, supported by their School Nursing colleagues, offer Mantoux tests and BCG vaccinations to reception age and year 7 pupils on a selective basis. These sessions are run in clinics and health centres after school so that parents can attend with their children. All year 10 pupils are offered booster immunisations of Diphtheria, Tetanus and inactivated Polio, plus a second MMR if required. The uptake rates for these immunisations are good. As a consequence, Trafford has, in the past two years, experienced lower levels of mumps infections in the older age groups than some other boroughs. For those children and young people who have not attended immunisation sessions offered in schools and clinics, alternatives such as home visits may be arranged. This means, for example, that we are able to continue to have one of the highest levels of immunisation uptake in the country for children in care. A national development from September 2008 is the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls age 12+ years with a catch-up programme planned in the future. This vaccine has proved effective against the viruses responsible for a high percentage of cervical cancers. It is expected that this vaccine will be available locally to girls via their school nurses at sessions organised with schools.

TRAFFORD'S VISION FOR 2021 REFRESHED

Trafford's community strategy that sets out a blue print for the future has been revised. The strategy 'Trafford 2021: a blueprint', launched in 2006 was refreshed following extensive consultations. These were aimed at testing whether the vision and priorities were still relevant. Six clear priorities emerged from these conversations. These were safety and reassurance; strong and diverse economy; stronger well connected communities; positive environmental impact; better homes and health and improved quality of life for all. Visit www.traffordpartnership.org for more details of the strategy.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON PROFESSIONAL AND CLINICAL GOVERNANCE

We are in the midst of consultation on A Framework for Professional and Clinical Governance Within the Multi-Agency Trafford Children and Young People's Service, which is available on the CYPS website, Consultation ends on 5 May 2008. Staff will be able to make their views on the draft framework through submitting written comments on a Response Form, which is on the CYPS website.

Chris Pratt - Corporate Director Trafford Children and Young People's Service

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