With winter now looming I would encourage those at risk of complications if they fall ill with seasonal flu to get their free jabs.

Public Health England figures show 15,969 people died from flu in England last year. It is vital that those at risk – such as over 65s and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma – get the vaccine.

There was a “significant rise” in people seriously affected by flu in Sunderland during last winter and it must be said that our dedicated NHS staff did an absolutely magnificent job in challenging circumstances.