Parents urged to vaccinate children during summer holidays as measles continues to spread in the North West

THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) North West is today urging parents to prioritise vaccine catch up appointments during the summer break, with latest data showing continued high levels of measles cases amid fears of a further surge once the new school term begins.

Measles activity has increased since April 2025, and the UKHSA is continuing to oversee the public health risk assessment and working with NHS North West and local partners on the response.

The latest monthly update on measles cases in England, published today, shows that an additional:- 145 measles cases have been reported across the country since the last publication on:- 3 July 2025.

Cases continue to predominantly be in children under the age of 10 years, with London and parts of the North West driving the increase most.

The latest measles epidemiology report on the UKHSA Data Dashboard, released today, reports that between:- 1 January and 28 July 2025, the North West has recorded 111 confirmed measles cases, representing 16% of England's total of:- 674 cases. This makes it the second most affected Region after London (which has:- 322 cases, 48% of the total).

The North West appears to be experiencing ongoing measles transmission, particularly affecting children aged 10 and under.

There has also been a global increase in measles cases, including:- in Europe, over the last year. UKHSA is concerned that holiday travel and international visits to see family this summer could lead to rising measles cases in England when the new school term begins.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, said:- "The summer months offer parents an important opportunity to ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date, giving them the best possible protection when the new school term begins. It is never too late to catch up. Don't put it off and regret it later. Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like:- ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain, with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life long consequences. 2 doses of the:- measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems can't have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them."

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning at NHS England; North West, said:- "The MMR vaccine remains the best way to protect children from measles, which is highly contagious and can be very dangerous in some cases. As the summer holidays continue, people may start travelling and visiting family and friends who could be vulnerable; such as:- babies, toddlers and the elderly so it's more important than ever that children are protected. Measles is a preventable disease, and 2 doses of the vaccine are enough to give lifelong protection from:- measles, mumps and rubella, so please take up the offer of vaccination if your child has yet to have one, or both of the vaccines."

The 1st MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn 1 year old, and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old.

Around 99% of those who have 2 doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe.

Anyone, whatever age, who has not had 2 doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.

For more information on:- measles, mumps and rubella, see the UKHSA resource online at:- Gov.UK.

Student Nurses brighten up Dementia Ward with Inspiring Meadow Mural

STUDENT nurses on placement at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) have brought joy and creativity to Meadowbank, an assessment and treatment ward for people living with dementia, by painting a meadow themed mural.

The wall art, which will evolve week by week to reflect the activities and achievements of patients, is already having a positive impact on service users, staff and families.

The idea was led by student nurses:- Andrew, Jade, Amy, Kayleigh, and Chelsea, who are currently completing their placements on the ward from the:- University of Chester and Edge Hill University. Inspired by artwork they saw on:- Cherry Ward, at Bowmere Hospital, they wanted to bring something meaningful to brighten up the space and create something interactive for patients and families.

The result is a vibrant mural where service users can contribute by adding elements like flowers or hand-painted leaves that represent joyful moments and personal achievements.

Andrew said:- "We hope the artwork helps patients and families reflect on the good things happening on the ward. It's a visual reminder of the progress being made and brings a real sense of pride and celebration."

Jade added:- "Even while we were painting it, people were stopping to comment on how nice it looked. It really lifts the mood. It's something people can look forward to."

Evidence from NHS supported initiatives shows that arts engagement improves emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, social connection and reduces loneliness and anxiety.

Amy commented on how the process was therapeutic:- "When your mind is busy, art gives you something to focus on. Taking a moment to look at the detail in the meadow mural brings a sense of calm."

Andrew added:- "When we did the leaf painting activity, there was a real buzz in the room, people were laughing, engaging, and enjoying the sensation of paint"

The mural has not only transformed the environment, but has also helped unite the team around a shared sense of purpose.

Ward Manager Tracey said:- "This group of students have brought something really special to Meadowbank, they have worked really well as a team and numerous staff have spoken about how the students have breathed new life into the ward. Students bring fresh ideas from their studies and experiences, and it's important that we give them the time and support to put those ideas into action. The students hope that others wards across the trust will be inspired to adapt something similar. They all agreed, now that we will become staff nurses, we want to support future students to bring their own ideas to life too."

With the students now set to begin their careers as staff nurses across the trust, Meadowbank will continue to bloom on the mural they helped bring to life.

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