Dental services in Berwick

Dental services in Berwick

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With the MyDentist practice in Castlegate closing at the end of September 2022, we have been hearing concerns from patients in Berwick about the provision of NHS dental services.

NHS England has given us the following messages for residents of Berwick and the wider area.

  • NHS England is acutely aware of the difficulties patients are experiencing in accessing NHS dental care following the closure of the practice in Berwick.
  • NHS England is looking at short term solutions to increase access for patients requiring urgent dental care whilst it works on the longer-term solution of securing a new NHS provider in Berwick, both of which are dependent on the availability of the dental workforce.
  • Berwick has not been forgotten and NHS England is trying hard to find alternative dentists or services to fill the gap. This includes approaching dentists in other parts of the county to see if they can offer any additional capacity.
  • In the meantime, the best advice is to use NHS111 for urgent or emergency treatment. If after clinical triage, your dental problem is not assessed as being clinically urgent, you will be asked to contact an NHS dental practice and/or given self-care advice until an appointment can be offered.
  • When contacting an NHS dental practice it is important that you tell the practice up front what the problem is so that they can determine the urgency of the dental need. NHS England is asking dental providers to prioritise those patients in greatest need into their available appointment slots.
  • NHS dental providers will soon be required update the NHS website with availability of NHS provision as part of some recently announced reforms.
  • Other changes to come out of the dental contract reform programme include making it easier for practices to use the skills of dental therapists and hygienists to undertake some of the work currently done by dentists. This will free up dentist time to focus on patients with more complex treatment needs.
  • The frequency in which you need to attend a dentist for a check-up is based on your oral health – if your teeth and gums are healthy, you may not need to attend as often and this could be up to two years for those with good oral health.

Here at Healthwatch Northumberland we will continue to monitor the experience of patients in the area, make NHS England aware of ongoing issues and press for positive outcomes.

If you would like to tell us about your experiences of dental services please get in touch.

 

A new way for outpatients?

A new way for outpatients?

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A new way for outpatients? Have your say

 

Survey deadline extended – there’s still time to share your views with us on outpatient services – both existing care and plans for future changes to some appointments.

 

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospitals in Northumberland and North Tyneside, is looking at how it might change outpatient appointments.

Potentially this might replace some or all routine follow up appointments that would normally have been planned and would allow you to contact your clinic if you have any concerns.
Northumbria Healthcare has asked us to find out your views about this and to understand what would be important to you to make follow up care better.

If you have regular outpatient appointments now, or have ideas how a previous appointment could have been improved,

As a thank you for your time you can be entered into a prize draw for £50 shopping voucher.

This survey has now closed

Drop-in for fishermen and families

Drop-in for fishermen and families

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We’re pleased to be holding a drop-in session with the Fisherman’s Mission in the Harbour Office at Amble Quayside on Monday 26 September, 1.00pm – 3.00pm. The session is for active fishermen, former fishermen and fishing families. Tea and coffee will be provided and the local GP practice will be offering free health checks to visitors.
For more information please contact Peter Dade on 07917 754259 or email PeterDade@fishermensmission.org.uk.
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Share your views about GP referrals

Share your views about GP referrals

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Have you or your loved one struggled to get a GP referral for tests or treatment?

Healthwatch England has been hearing from the public about how hard it can be to get a GP practice referral to another NHS service, and they would like to hear about your experiences.

GPs are the first point of call for many health issues and the gateway to specialist support. But with many GP surgeries stretched thin and under pressure, NHS decision-makers need to understand if people are finding it difficult to get the right help.

Examples of services your GP can refer you to include:

  • Scans or tests for a diagnosis of a condition or health issue
  • Mental health support
  • Surgery for knees, hips and eyes
  • Support like physiotherapy for back pain or arthritis
  • Non-urgent heart problems
  • Wellbeing services, like smoking cessation or diabetes management.

The impact of delayed referrals

GP referrals affect people of every age group, every background, and every region across the country. Some of the things patients have said include:

  • People feel like their symptoms are dismissed
  • They have to try multiple times before they’re successful
  • They are left in the dark about how serious their condition is.

Share your views

As the independent champion of health and social care services, we want to hear your experiences of trying to get specialist NHS support, like physiotherapy, talking therapies, hospital scans and consultations.

By sharing your story, we can use your feedback to help the NHS better understand your challenges and improve how people access the care they need.

Find out more about GP referrals

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What you told us: July 2022

What you told us: July 2022

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Our ‘at a glance’ monthly reports provide a summary of who we have been hearing from and what you have told us. What you tell us helps us build a picture of what is working well and where there are issues in the NHS and social care services we use here in Northumberland. In many cases, we can get a quick response to your enquiries.

Some issues are already being looked at by other organisations and we pass on your comments and concerns to them so that they have as much feedback as possible from those using services.

There are some issues that we look into in more detail and set aside time and resources to investigate further and put together recommendations for change.

Healthwatch Northumberland feedback report July 2022

 

 

 

All change! Join us at our AGM 2022

All change! Join us at our AGM 2022

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You’re invited to join us at our AGM 2022, which this year will be in person at Northumberland College in Ashington.

This year we’ll be hearing about changes being made in health and social care services, from those leading the change. Our guest speakers will talk about integration of services and the increasing use of digital in care.

We will be giving an overview of our work over the past year as your local health and social care champion and we’ll also hear from health and social care students from the college about why they have chosen to work in the sector.

The event is on Wednesday 19 October starting at 10.30am. After the event there will be a light lunch provided. This will be a chance to chat with our team, our speakers and other guests which will be a mix of service providers, members of the public and health and social care students from the college. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

If you’d like to submit a question in advance please get in touch.

 

This event has now passed

 

Watch our Asthma+Lung UK online event

Watch our Asthma+Lung UK online event

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Thank you to everyone who came along to our online event with Nick Powell from Asthma+Lung UK on Friday 12 August.

Nick gave a presentation about the work of Asthma+Lung UK and the support available both nationally and locally for people living with asthma, COPD, mesothelioma and other lung conditions. There was also a chance to ask questions at the end.

If you didn’t get the chance to join the session you can watch the recording of the presentation below.

Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events.

What is monkeypox?

What is monkeypox?

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Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine

A small number of people in the UK have recently been diagnosed with monkeypox. Most of these cases are in London and the risk of getting it is still currently low.

Although anyone can get monkeypox, most cases in the UK have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men. If this is you, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and what to do next.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral infection, which is spread by very close contact with an infected person.

Initial symptoms:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and back ache
Swollen glands
Chills
Exhaustion
Joint pain
A rash usually appears one to five days after your first symptoms. This can be on any part of your body, including your face, hands and genitals. You may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom.

Usually symptoms are mild enough to not require hospital admission but can last up to four weeks.

What should you do if you think you have monkeypox?

You should call a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blister, anal pain or bleeding from your bottom and have either:

  • Been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past three weeks
  • Had one or more new sexual partners in the past three weeks
  • Been to West or Central Africa in the past three weeks

Before visiting the clinic, you should call first and tell the person you’re speaking to if you suspect you have monkeypox.

You can also call NHS 111 if you’re unable to contact a sexual health clinic.

What should you do if you think your child has monkeypox?

You should call your GP if your child has a rash with blisters and has either:

  • Been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past three weeks.
  • Been to West or Central Africa in the past three weeks.
  • Call the surgery before you visit and tell the person you speak to if you suspect your child has monkeypox.
Do you need to self-isolate if you have monkeypox?

While you have symptoms, you can pass monkeypox onto other people. You should stay home and avoid close contact with other people, particularly young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.

Children should also stay at home and avoid close contact with other people.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced detailed advice about how to isolate safely at home.

You should self-isolate at home until:

You have not had a high temperature for at least 72 hours.
You have had no new blister in the past 48 hours.
All your lesions have scabbed over.
You have no lesions in your mouth.
Any blisters on your face, arms and hands have scabbed over, all the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath.
If you meet all the points above, you may be able to stop self-isolating, but you should seek medical advice first.

You should also continue to avoid close contact with young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people until all the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath.

It is not known whether monkeypox can be transmitted through genital secretions, and so it is recommended to use condoms for 12 weeks after your rash has scabbed over and fallen off.

What should you do if you are a close contact of someone with monkeypox?
If you are a close contact of someone with monkeypox and you have symptoms you should isolate for 21 days. If you test positive you will need to continue to isolate.

If you do not have symptoms you do not need to self-isolate, but you should follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA):

Contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic if you develop a fever or any of the other monkeypox symptoms.
Avoid skin to skin contact with others.
Refrain from sexual or intimate contact.
Avoid international travel if possible.
Let any health or care staff know you’re a close contact before you attend any appointments.

Is there a monkeypox vaccine?

Yes. Monkeypox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox. The smallpox (MVA) vaccine should give a good level of protection against monkeypox.

The UKHSA and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is recommending the use of the smallpox vaccine as part of our response to the rise in cases of monkeypox in the UK.

Currently, the NHS is offering smallpox vaccines to people are most likely to be exposed to monkeypox. This includes:

  • Healthcare workers who are caring for and who are due to start caring for a patient with monkeypox.
  • Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Your clinician will advise vaccination for you if you have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend ‘sex on premises’ venues (staff who work in these premises may also be eligible).
  • People who have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox. You should receive a single dose of the vaccine as soon as possible, ideally within four days of contact, but it can be given up to 14 days after.
  • If you’re at risk of exposure, your local NHS services will contact you and offer you a vaccine. You can also check the website of your local sexual health service for more information.

Go to GOV.UK to find out more about the vaccine and possible side effects.

Further information about monkeypox

GOV.UK: general monkeypox information
Latest GOV.UK updates on monkeypox in the UK
NHS: general monkeypox information
Terrence Higgins Trust: monkeypox in the UK
UK Health Security Agency: Protecting you from monkeypox
Groundswell: monkeypox

 

Looking for information about health and care?

Find advice and information to help you stay well and make decisions about your health and social care support.

Have your say on Northumberland’s Family Hubs

Have your say on Northumberland’s Family Hubs

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Northumberland’s Children’s Centres will relaunch as Family Hubs in Autumn 2022 and residents are being asked for their views to help shape the plans.

The Children’s Centres currently provide a wide range of support services for children aged 0-5 and their families. As Family Hubs, this support will be rolled out to all young people extending the age range to 0-19 and to 25 for anyone with additional needs.

The Hubs will be in the heart of their communities, with midwives, health visitors, early years and mental health professionals, youth workers, and a host of other services – including relationship, parenting, and financial advice – brought together into a one-stop-shop that meets the needs of family life for young people of all ages.

Family Hubs will build on lessons learned during the pandemic and will offer online and virtual services too, so that support can be accessible in the right way, and the right place, at the right time.

 

Things I wish I had known before my loved one went to live in a care home

Things I wish I had known before my loved one went to live in a care home

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Hearing feedback from relatives of those in care homes, we know that the process of moving into a care home can be a very isolating and upsetting time. There are many different emotional and practical aspects to consider.

Sometimes decisions and choices have to be made very quickly. Even when there is more time to plan, there can be smaller, unexpected issues that arise and make you think ‘I wish I had known this before my loved one went to live in a care home’.

This list was put together by people who attended our care homes forums in 2021 and 2022. It is a simple list of things to think about and comes from their experiences of having a loved one living in a care home.

There will be other things which we have not thought of and if you have more ideas and tips, please let us know and we will add them in.

Things to do

  • Provide more socks than you think will be needed – with recognisable patterns
  • Provide slippers – two pairs at least
  • Keep a supply of clothes at your home to top up/replace items as needed
  • Label everything – clothes and other items – with your loved one’s name. They may change rooms but not their name!
    – iron in labels for clothes and shoes in addition to the home’s own labelling
    – use indelible marker to write name or room number on TV remotes and ornaments
  • Check if you can you use your own bed linen and/or curtains
  • Ask if you can move in small items of furniture. A small side table that sits against a wall gives a nice focal point for ‘knick knacks’ without taking up space
  • Think about things that brighten a room immediately – pictures, trinkets, lamps, throws, cushions, but nothing too valuable or fragile in case of breakages/loss
  • Put a favourite picture of your loved one when they were younger in a prominent place
  • Buy a spare remote control for the TV
  • Think about a small Christmas tree and decorations. Ask family and friends to send cards directly to the person in the home so they feel part of the celebrations.
  • Supply games, picture books etc. to help with visits
  • Take scented drawer liners which add a nice touch to a room

Things to know

  • Labelling is very important but things will disappear, move around the home and reappear – both in and out of your loved ones room
  • Remember to say hello to other residents – you are in their home
  • Care home tea is usually very milky!
  • Care homes can be very warm – wear layers
  • Are meal times protected – is visiting not allowed at this time or can you visit to help your loved one eat?
  • Find out the arrangements for Christmas – are you able to visit or take your loved one out of the home?
  • Leaving your coat and handbag in the car or in the manager’s office, so that you can slip out, can make leaving after a visit less stressful for you and your loved one.
  • Does the home arrange ‘virtual’ visits – who does them and how is your loved one supported to interact with the call?
  • It might be reassuring to ask what a ‘typical day’ looks like for your loved one
  • Visiting can be upsetting so it can be an idea to have someone to talk to afterwards or have a relaxing activity planned

Get in touch

If you’d like to speak to us about your experiences of care homes, care home visiting, information about care homes in Northumberland, or would like to know more about our forums, please get in touch.

 

Download the list as a PDF