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ICB update following meningitis incident in Kent

Updated: 19 March 2026

Local Advice for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

There is no current increase in meningitis cases in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and the overall risk to people locally remains very low. However, it is still important to stay protected and be aware of symptoms.

Ø  Check your child or young person’s vaccinations

  • MenACWY vaccine
    • Routinely given in Years 9 and 10.
    • If missed, young people can have it for free through their GP up to age 25.
    • Contact your GP practice if you are unsure about vaccination status.
  • MenB vaccine
    • Given routinely to babies.
    • There is no national catch‑up programme, but the vaccine is available privately.
    • Availability may be limited nationally as areas with active cases (e.g. Kent) are being prioritised. Local pharmacies should be able to advise.

Ø  Know when to get help

  • If you are worried about symptoms or someone becoming increasingly unwell: call NHS 111.
  • If symptoms are severe or worsening quickly: call 999.

Ø  Keep an eye out for symptoms

Although meningitis is uncommon and does not spread easily, symptoms can develop quickly. Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Symptoms can worsen quickly - keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Do not wait for a rash.

Early Symptoms (can look like flu):

  • Fever, vomiting, headache, muscle or joint pain, cold hands and feet, feeling unusually tired or unwell

Later symptoms of meningitis

·         Severe sleepiness/difficulty waking, stiff neck, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion/delirium, seizures (fits).

Symptoms of Septicaemia (sepis)

·         Fever with shivering, severe pain in muscles/joints/limbs, very cold hands/feet, pale/blotchy/mottled skin, rapid breathing, stomach cramps/diarrhoea, red or purple rash that doesn’t fade with pressure (glass test), difficulty walking/standing, severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness.

Ø  Don’t panic – the risk in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is low

  • Meningitis is not like COVID-19; it does not spread easily or widely in the community.
  • Close contacts of any local case would be contacted directly by public health teams and provided with antibiotics or a vaccine if required.

Ø  Local support and reassurance

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, NHS services, schools, and public health teams are working together to monitor any concerns and ensure rapid action if needed. At this time, no extra measures are required locally beyond staying informed, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and recognising symptoms early.

 

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Important Information for all patients of Charlton Medical Centre

Instances of abusive and bad behaviour are a growing concern within our GP practices across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

 

We are appealing to everyone to please remember the pressures our healthcare professionals are facing and to be respectful and kind when speaking to them.

 

Abusive behaviour is never acceptable, and it will not be tolerated. It is upsetting and demoralising and only serves to deepen the problem.

 

Sadly, we hear far too regularly that our staff face abusive and bad behaviour whilst they are trying to do their jobs. This has a negative impact on their ability to do their roles to the best of their abilities and can have a knock-on effect on family and friends too.
 

We understand frustrations, but please be aware that demand for appointments, consultations, and waiting lists have all increased. To try to manage this, the hours worked by our staff have also increased to manage this demand.

 

Every patient who gets in touch with their GP practice is triaged and signposted to the most appropriate service or treatment for them.

This might mean seeing someone face-to-face, whether that is a GP or another healthcare professional who can help with the issue. It might also mean advice over email or signposting to another service such as community pharmacy.

Using all these different ways to see and advise patients has helped General Practice to manage the increasing number of people who need help.  

For those seeking help, please help us by providing as much information as possible when you get in touch. This helps the practice to provide you with the right service in the right timescales.  

Please also bear in mind that our local healthcare system remains incredibly busy, and we are providing the best service we can, given the demand.

We can all do our bit to help to use health and care services appropriately, to treat everyone with respect, and to protect our NHS.

Please remember our NHS services rely on the sheer hard work and dedication of our teams. Please consider this when you next contact the practice.

NHS Friends and Family

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Page last reviewed: 20 March 2026
Page created: 09 November 2023