Staff at the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust are determined this winter to achieve England’s highest rate of employee seasonal flu vaccinations.

The vaccinations, which are available free of charge to all front line employees of the NHS, enable staff to not only protect themselves from this year’s strain of the flu virus, but also their families, colleagues and patients.

Stephen Eames, chief executive said: “We’re really motivated to get behind the flu fighter campaign once again. The team here at our Trust have been really involved and proactive with the campaign, and are determined to increase the amount of people taking up the vaccination in 2016/17.

“The entire Trust Board has had their vaccine and we encourage all of our frontline NHS staff to have theirs. Not only is this a quick and simple procedure, with little or no side effects, but it can also save lives. The vaccination will protect our employees this winter, and also their families, colleagues and patients.”

Daniel Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Employers organisation, said:

“North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust is among those organisations in the UK that are leading the way for a change of perception around NHS employee flu vaccinations.

"More than a million people use the NHS every 36 hours, many who are vulnerable to flu, so it’s great to see the majority of NHS staff can find the time in their busy days to seek out these voluntary vaccinations.”

For more information about the national NHS flu fighter campaign, including myth busters and frequently asked questions, visit: www.nhsemployers.com/flu

Alternatively, get involved with the flu fighter conversation on Twitter @NHSFlufighter or

#flufighter.