Local doctor warns “nobody is invincible” after swine flu left him fighting for his life

A leading chest physician has admitted he “put patients at risk” and “absolutely should have known better” after he failed to have the flu jab last year.

Dr Peter Hockey, who ironically is a Consultant Chest Physician at Lymington New Forest Hospital in Hampshire, was left seriously ill in his own hospital with the deadly swine flu virus last winter. Ten months on from his hellish ordeal, Peter, who is also Deputy Medical Director at South Central Strategic Health Authority, is not yet fully recovered; as well as feeling “angry and slightly embarrassed” he still suffers from breathlessness and severe tiredness. As the flu season begins Peter is on a mission to educate people about the devastating effects flu can have and get as many people as possible to have the flu jab.

Peter recalls: “I woke up shivering, shaking, feverish and coughing a week before Christmas. Thanks to caring and astute colleagues the diagnosis of swine flu was rapidly established after admitting me to hospital.

“I’ve lost almost a year of my life to flu. I infected a pregnant colleague and put her unborn baby’s life at risk. I spent three weeks in a hospital bed over Christmas, feeling very scared, as I watched news reports about young people dying of swine flu. I then spent five months at home, struggling to even get out of bed, let alone think about going back to work. What makes me so cross, is the fact that my illness was completely preventable.”

Only half of those under 65 years old who the NHS considers ‘at risk’ protected themselves with a flu jab last year. Peter was among the 197,284 people under 65 years old in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with health conditions, such as asthma, who left themselves defenceless against the virus. Of the 602 people who died with flu in the UK last winter, 70% were young and middle aged, between15-64 years old.

Peter reveals: “As a doctor and someone with asthma; I was offered the vaccine more than once, but didn’t bother. I thought it was something for patients, not clinicians and was completely ignorant to the fact I was putting my life and my patient’s lives at risk.

“I was fit and healthy and thought flu was a virus that could be quite nasty for elderly people, but which younger people could fight off in about week. I now know younger people, with existing health conditions, are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than older people. Nobody is invincible; there is a good reason why medical experts recommend we have certain injections.

“The flu jab is free to people with existing health conditions, completely safe and the best protection against the virus. If you don’t have the jab you are putting your patients, colleagues, friends and family at risk. Whether you’re NHS staff caring for patients or working in a busy office, we all have a personal responsibility to protect ourselves and others.

“If I could roll back the clock I would. I never want to repeat the year I’ve been through and wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Needless to say I was first in line for the flu jab this year.”

If you have any of the below conditions, are pregnant, a carer or over 65 years old, contact your local GP surgery to book an appointment to have your free flu jab. All NHS staff should also have the vaccine. This year’s vaccine protects against both seasonal flu and swine flu and it does not contain a live virus.

• Chest complaints or breathing difficulties including, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema (COPD).
• Heart problems
• Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
• Liver or kidney disease
• History of stroke or a transient ischaemic attack
• Diabetes
• Neurological conditions e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• A problem with, or removal of, their spleen e.g. sickle cell disease.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

For further information, to arrange an interview with Peter or set up a filming opportunity contact Sarah Eastman, Communications Officer, NHS South of England, on 01635 275613.

Local figures for vaccine uptake by individual Primary Care Trust are available on the Department of Health website www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_127111.pdf

NHS South of England comprising South Central, South East Coast, and South West Strategic Health Authorities