STAFF at the Royal Oldham Hospital are lining up to receive their flu vaccine as services prepare for a difficult winter.

More than half of staff at Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s four hospitals and community services have received their vaccination after warnings that the UK could be on track for its worst flu season in years.

Australia has had its worst season in a decade with more than double the number of confirmed flu cases compared with 2016. The situation there usually gives the UK an idea of what is to come.

The winter period is the busiest season at the trust and staff having their flu jab helps to avoid staff sickness, which can place extra pressure on services, as well as protecting vulnerable patients.

Prof Matt Makin, medical director at North Manchester General Hospital, alongside his director leadership colleagues, all want to emphasise the importance of staff having their flu jabs.

He said: “Several months ago we were advised by our virologists and infectious diseases specialists how bad a flu season they have had in Australia, including I am sad to say the avoidable deaths of some young people and children.

“That is why we can’t stress enough how important it is for health professionals to get their flu jab.

“Getting the flu jab is the best way of ensuring you are protected against getting the flu, but also the best way to protect patients, as in some cases the flu can be passed to patients from staff. If we take care of our own health it follows that we will be taking care of our patients’ health.

“By having the flu jab staff are making sure they are able to provide the best care to their patients while at the same time avoiding staff sickness.”

For information about the flu vaccination visit nhs.uk.