Latest news with #MichaelGregory
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS urges at-risk people to take up COVID vaccine in spring roll-out
The NHS is encouraging at-risk people to come forward for the Spring COVID-19 vaccine, as figures published yesterday (May 8) show more than 340,000 people in the North West have taken the jab. Data from the health service shows staff the region have now delivered 343,133 jabs since the rollout kicked off on 1 April 2025. More than three million vaccines have been delivered nationwide, with the service delivering 9.7 million invitations to those eligible. Those at the highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch COVID includes those aged over 75 and over, and the immunosuppressed. READ MORE: Where doomed Soviet spacecraft could strike tomorrow as it crashes back into Earth READ MORE: Pensioners banned from 'bucket list' £3,600 cruise due to little known passport rule They may have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases, including COVID-19, and receiving the vaccine reduces the chances of getting seriously unwell, according to the NHS. Appointments are available at pharmacies and GP practices and will continue to run until Tuesday 17 June 2025, with staff delivering the vaccine to elderly care homes and any eligible housebound patients. With just under six weeks to go until the offer ends, the NHS is reminding those at highest risk to come forward for their free vaccination and top up their protection. Those eligible can book their appointment now through the NHS website ( the NHS App or by calling 119. As well as booked appointments, there are thousands of walk-in appointments available every day, with a full list of local locations available on the NHS walk-in finder. Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, is encouraging anyone not yet vaccinated to come forward as soon as possible. He said: 'I'm so pleased that hundreds of thousands of people in the North West are already protected from the virus, which can make some people incredibly unwell and needing hospital care. "Although we're enjoying the warmer weather, we are still seeing cases of COVID-19 and it's so important for those most likely to become unwell to protect themselves with the vaccine when offered it by the NHS. 'If you're eligible but not yet had your Spring vaccine, please book an appointment or attend a local walk-in site as soon as you can.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Yahoo
Rockford man arrested after police find drugs in car during traffic stop
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford man, previously accused of bringing drugs into the Winnebago County Jail, has been arrested after police said drugs were found in his car during a traffic stop this weekend. According to the Rockford Police Department, Michael Gregory, 22, was arrested Saturday at 6:55 p.m. after officers stopped a car at Ridge and Bell Avenues. Police said over five grams of MDMA (Ecstasy) and 100 grams of cannabis were found during a search of the vehicle. Gregory was sentenced to 6 months in jail in April for manufacturing or delivering drugs after officials said they caught him with MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in January. He faces new charges of Manufacturing/Delivery of Ecstasy, Manufacturing/Delivery of Cocaine, and Driving on a Suspended License. The other occupant of the car, Quintavius Simpson, 37, was taken into custody for outstanding arrest warrants, including a February drug possession charge. He is also in court for a 2024 retail theft charge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hospitals hit by superbug 'storm' as health chiefs urge ill people to isolate for 48 hours
Hospitals in the north west have been hit by a 'storm of norovirus infections', the NHS says, as the number of beds taken up by patients with the virus across England reached a record high last week. In the north west, an average of 72 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus over the last two weeks. More than double the same period last year (31). Across the country, an average 1,160 patients a day were in hospital with the virus last week – a 22% surge on the previous week (948) and more than double the same period last year (509). READ MORE: "I trusted him": Top dance coach, 63, branded 'monster' by partner he strangled and suffocated in hotel READ MORE: 'I was at a routine appointment, then my doctor saw something sinister' NHS England North West's Regional Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory said: 'Cases of norovirus are still high and continue to rise nationally. It is half term and we're hoping this will provide a break. However, it's important we all take steps to avoid passing on the infections. "The bug remains high in settings like hospitals and care homes, and can be more severe in older adults, younger children and those who are immunocompromised. 'Please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others as you can still pass on the virus. 'NHS 111 is an excellent option for healthcare support and advice on non-emergency health problems. It can direct you to the most appropriate local treatment, whether that's your GP, a pharmacy, a callback from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. However, in an emergency, such as when someone is seriously ill or injured, people should still call 999 or visit A&E.' Dr Gregory also emphasised the importance of handwashing and other simple ways to prevent the spread of norovirus – commonly called winter vomiting bug. 'I'd like to remind everyone to practise good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning up after illness, or before preparing food,' he added. Norovirus symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, usually resolve within two to three days, but the virus can pose a greater risk to vulnerable groups, such as young children and older adults. The latest national NHS England data shows flu cases in hospital have continued to fall but are still putting pressure on front-line services, with an average 1,755 patients with flu in beds last week, including 87 in critical care, down 14% on the week before (2,039). There were 22 children on average in hospital with RSV each day, up 83% from 12 the week before and 144% higher than nine last year. The number of patients with Covid rose slightly on the week before, up 3% from 952 to 984. Pressure on hospital capacity remained high last week with 95.4% of adult beds occupied, and a total of 97,152 patients in hospital each day. Delays discharging patients to settings like social or community care continued to have an impact on capacity, with almost 1 in 7 beds (13,767) taken up by patients who did not need to be there. Emergency services are continuing to respond to high levels of demand with 94,356 ambulance handovers, but thanks to the hard work of staff time lost to ambulance handover delays was down a fifth on the same period last year (18,688 hours vs 23,494.) NHS staff have faced one of the most challenging winters it has ever had with huge demand, high numbers of people in hospitaland pressure from winter viruses. Health professionals at NHS England North West are calling on the public to visit the webpage on norovirus for useful information, including symptoms, how to treat it, and how to stop it spreading.
