Page 5 - WMPF Federation Dec2018-flip_Neat

welcomed by our national Federation chair,
John Apter, who pointed out that officers Force will pick up the
were struggling to meet demand as they
cannot say no, he said, arguing: “What we tab for winter flu jab
were expected to do more with less.
As the service of last resort, the police

need is an honest conversation with the Last year the Force lost almost 10,500 does not give you flu! A few people have a
public about the police service they want, working days over the winter seasonal illness slight adverse reaction to the vaccine which
and immediate investment from the period due to flu, chest infections and colds. may result in a slight rise in temperature and
Government to ensure we can provide it.” This year, National Institute for Health a skin reaction at the site of the injection,
I couldn’t agree more. So, let’s hope and Care Excellence (NICE) is recommending but this is short lived and much less serious
that is a New Year’s Resolution on the the quadrivalent flu jab, effective against than having the flu itself.”
Home Secretary’s horizons as he enjoys his four strains of seasonal influenza. To take advantage of this scheme, just
Christmas break. And therefore, as part of the Force’s visit your GP or nearest pharmacy, have your
Meanwhile, I would just like to thank commitment to the wellbeing of officers and vaccine and then claim back the cost
you all for your efforts to protect our staff, this year it is re-directing savings from through submission of the receipt through
communities this year. I appreciate many of its salary sacrifice schemes to fund a the My Services Portal.
you will be working over the festive period programme of vaccinations for anyone not Please note – the cash back amount
but, all the same, I wish you all a happy eligible for a free NHS flu jab. available from the Force is £7. The
Christmas and best wishes for 2019.” Tina Cook, head of wellbeing and part of vaccination is available from ASDA pharmacy
People and Organisation Development, for £7 and therefore there would be no cost
explained: “We are conscious that many of to the individual. You can use an alternative
Your magazine our officers and staff come into contact with pharmacy if you wish but the refund is
capped at £7.
frail, vulnerable and unwell members of
society, who are themselves more likely to be Operating a cashback scheme means
This will be the last printed edition of
your magazine. From the February/ at risk from infectious diseases due to poor that you can get the vaccination at a location
and time to suit you, and get the money
March 2019 edition, it will only be nutrition, lifestyle or personal care. back into your account within a few days of
“This means that the level of risk is
produced in a digital format with copies increased. We also recognise that the more submitting your claim.
being emailed directly to all members. people we have in Force who have protection If you have already paid for the
“This is something we have been through the vaccination, the more contained vaccination, you can still claim your cost back
considering for some time,” says Chris and less likely to spread any virus is likely to (£7) via the portal. The offer is available until
Cooper, member services team leader at be. We encourage everyone who is eligible 31 December to any officer of member of
West Midlands Police Federation, “We for a free jab to access it through their GP, staff who would normally have to pay for
feel that sending out the magazine where possible, but other options are their flu jab.
electronically will ensure we reach more available through chemists. For more information about the
members and, of course, it is much more “We would also like to dispel some vaccination, and the benefits, please take a
environmentally friendly in terms of common myths about the flu vaccine – it look at the NHS seasonal flu vaccine website.
saving paper and so on.”
The magazine will be produced six Stay safe
times a year, alternating with the
bi-monthly Federation ezine, so that Officers have been issued with some l Don’t consume excess alcohol on an
members will receive updates at least seasonal advice from the West Midlands evening when you’re on earlies the
once a month. Police Federation conduct team. next day - keep in view your fitness to
Members are also advised to log on In addition to wishing officers a happy drive and work the next morning
to the new Federation website – and relaxing Christmas and New Year, l Drink sensibly - if you’re out in a
polfed.org/westmids – where all latest members of the Conduct and Performance group, look after each other
news affecting officers will be posted Committee have also advised them to keep l Don’t give your personal mobile out to
along with the views of Federation themselves out of trouble. any member of the public you’ve met
officials locally and nationally. “Every year we get asked why do we via your day job/role as a police officer
The website also features an circulate something like this, and every year - on duty or off duty
informative advice and regs section, one or more officers get arrested over the l Don’t go out socially with any
information on the Group Insurance festive period,” they say in their annual member of the public you’ve met via
Scheme and Member Services – Christmas message. your day job/role as a police officer
including offers and deals, retirement “So, again, a bit of advice to help keep l If you find yourself in a difficult/
seminar dates and competitions – and a your festive period festive and to avoid challenging domestic/family situation
diary showing forthcoming events such anyone meeting the on-call Fed rep and - walk away and, finally
as Federation roadshows and Branch solicitor.” l Don’t use social media while under the
Council meetings. The circular gives the following advice: influence of alcohol - think before you
l Don’t drink and drive hit ‘post/send’.
l Don’t use your warrant card to travel It also asks those who are working to
Please note our phone number is now on public transport unless it’s to and stay safe but adds: “For those of you
from work - and not while you’re under
0121 752 4900 the influence of alcohol fortunate enough to have a few days off –
enjoy.”

www.polfed.org/westmids federation December 2018/January 2019 05