Protecting our people, patients and communities this flu season
Our staff play a vital role in protecting the people we care for, support and work alongside. Getting vaccinated helps reduce the risk of flu spreading to vulnerable patients, colleagues, families and the wider community.
Last year, 53% of our frontline staff received their flu vaccine, one of the highest rates among similar Trusts. We’re grateful to everyone who took part. This year, we’re asking even more colleagues to get vaccinated so we can provide the strongest possible protection for those who rely on us.
This year’s vaccine is for flu only. It is a well-established vaccine that has been used safely for many years. Most people experience no side effects, or only mild and short-lived effects.
Flu can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, babies, pregnant people and those with long-term health conditions. Last winter, around 3,800 people died from flu in England. Flu vaccination also prevented an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths.
Vaccination is one of the most effective public-health measures available. By getting your flu vaccine, you’re helping to protect yourself, your colleagues, and the people and communities we serve every day.
How to get your flu vaccine:
There will also be drop-in clinics and roving vaccinators across NHS sites. Keep an eye on the Intranet for details.
Let’s work together to protect patients, support colleagues, and stay healthy this winter. Make sure you get your flu vaccine.
From 5 January 2026, CNTW is relaunching its Smokefree Policy, supporting healthier, safer environments for patients, staff and visitors.
People who use mental health services are more likely to smoke and experience smoking-related illness. Supporting people to stop smoking is a key part of compassionate, holistic care. This relaunch focuses on support, consistency and kindness, not enforcement alone.
Smoking or using tobacco products is not permitted on any CNTW site.
Smoking indoors is against the law.
Staff must not escort service users to smoke.
Smoking materials must be removed on admission and not returned during leave.
Staff are expected to support the policy respectfully and consistently.
On-site tobacco dependence treatment, including vapes or NRT, within 30 minutes of admission.
Advice from trained staff and clear patient information.
Community support via NHS Better Health or smokefreecommunity@cntw.nhs.uk
Staff support available at quitteam@cntw.nhs.uk including a free refillable vape.
See Intranet for more information.