Health and care feedback Dec 2022

Health and care feedback Dec 2022

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Health and social care feedback December 2022

Thank you for continuing to tell us about your views and experiences on NHS and social care services last month. What we hear helps us build a picture of what is working well and where there are issues in NHS and social care services, and is passed to those providing services to help with decisions about local care.

Below is our ‘at a glance’ report for December 2022, which gives an overview of the main issues we heard about during the month and some examples of feedback.

Healthwatch Northumberland feedback report December 2022

Health event for Amble fishermen

Health event for Amble fishermen

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Health events for Amble fishermen and families

Well Up North Primary Care Network (PCN), as part of its health equity drive for the people of North Northumberland, has joined forces with the SeaFit Programme, along with Healthwatch Northumberland and Amble Harbourmaster to deliver a new health equity pilot programme  ‘Health at the Quayside’ for the fishing community of Amble (past and present), and their families. The SeaFit Programme is run jointly by The Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society.

Dr Saul Miller, Clinical Director of Well Up North says ‘We are really excited to be bringing together those like ourselves who want to help improve the health of fishing communities along the north Northumberland coast. If this initiative proves successful it will make waves all around the British coast given the many fishing communities there still are and their known health difficulties.’

The first event will take place on the 25th January from 1pm to 3pm at Coquet House, Amble, NE65 0AP. There will be a range of free services for retired and active fishermen from health checks, physiotherapist, mental health support, Prostate Cancer UK, a GP, pharmacist and a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Healthwatch Northumberland will also be on hand to listen to the fishermen’s experiences of local health services.

Karen Gibson, Health Inequality Project Lead for the PCN states “This pilot programme is designed to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our fishermen. Working in the fishing industry is one of THE most challenging jobs.  Work-related injuries are high within this industry and time spent at sea means it can be difficult to access appropriate healthcare.  We also know that there is anxiety within the community in relation to requirements for the ML5 medical certificates coming into play in November 2023. There will be plenty of information available on this, along with our healthcare team providing on the spot support.  We are very much looking forward to working collaboratively with our partners in this pilot. Healthcare in a place based setting in the heart of the fishing community in Amble.

Carol Elliott, SeaFit Manager, says “The SeaFit Programme has been running for the past four years, taking health and wellbeing services to various ports throughout the UK.  We are delighted to see the interest that is growing from PCNs and other healthcare providers. This means we are able to connect more fishermen with much needed health and wellbeing support through the Fishermen’s Mission and the Seafarers Hospital Society.

Further dates throughout the year are:  Wed 29th March, Wed 31st May, Wed 26th July , Wed 27th September, Wed 29th November. Keep an eye on our events page for details.

For further information about welfare support please contact the Fishermen’s Mission Area Officer Peter Dade 07917 754259

For further information about the SeaFit Programme please contact Carolelliott@fishermensmision.org.uk or call 07486 319621

 

This event has now passed

Are you struggling to access health services this winter?

Are you struggling to access health services this winter?

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With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones.

The NHS is facing added pressures this winter. This means that it can be more challenging for people to receive the care they need.

Feedback from the public can play a vital role in helping health and social care services understand what is working and spot issues affecting the care of local people.

This is why we have launched a campaign to get more people to share their experiences of care this winter.

If you or a loved one have used GPs, hospitals, pharmacies, care homes or other support services this winter, we want to hear about your experience.

Every experience matters

Have you faced challenges or delays accessing health and care services this winter? If you have, we want to know how this has affected your health and wellbeing.

Have you found accessing NHS services easy? Are there any aspects of the care you got that you really valued?

Your positive or negative feedback can help services hear what is working and spot issues affecting care for you and your loved ones.

Have your say

Please share your experience and help us make NHS decision-makers aware of what needs to change to improve access to care.

We’re completely independent and impartial, and anything you say is confidential.

Share your story

You can also provide feedback on care by giving us a call on: 03332 408 468

Tell us about your Covid booster

Tell us about your Covid booster

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We’d like to hear your experiences of getting a Covid-19 vaccination in autumn/winter 2022.

Delivering the vaccination programme continues to be a massive task for the NHS and its partners and the way the services work has changed over time.

Your feedback will be shared with them to understand what is working well and what could be done better. All information you give us will stay anonymous.

Please how it went when you booked your appointment, what it was like when you visited the vaccination centre, and how things might be improved for the future.

Latest coronavirus information

This survey is now closed.

New care facility for Rothbury

New care facility for Rothbury

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A new care facility in Rothbury will open in January 2023

 

 Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust says – 

We are very pleased to let you know that work which will enable both NHS community hospital and residential care to be delivered from Rothbury Community Hospital is now complete.

The health and care partnership, which is the first of its kind, between Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd (part of People First Care), will deliver this care for the residents of Rothbury and surrounding villages. This partnership is an excellent example of integrated healthcare being delivered in the local community and of the person receiving care being at the centre of decision-making.

The inpatient ward at the hospital has been transformed into a homely residential care home with the provision of flexible NHS beds. Residents and patients will be able to access the facility from Tuesday 10 January 2023.

The flexible NHS bed provision will be available for patients who need longer-term recuperation and rehabilitation and end-of-life care. A team of district nurses, GPs and nurse practitioners will provide clinical support alongside healthcare currently delivered in the community and in peoples’ homes.

A huge amount of planning and hard work has gone into this and we thank all involved for their dedication, determination and patience. We are sure that both NHS patients and care home residents will receive compassionate and high-quality care and that this facility is very welcomed by Rothbury and the surrounding communities.

The care facility has 12 en-suite bedrooms and residents and NHS patients will enjoy home-cooked food which will be prepared on site. The refurbished day room and lounge provides space for patients to relax, socialise and do various activities. There is also a laundry room. The space is homely and welcoming, which is very important as most people accessing the facility will be elderly and vulnerable. There is already a strong interest from the local community.

View a virtual tour of the new care facility for Rothbury

A detailed review of the NHS provision will be done at three and six-month intervals. They will include the number of admissions to health beds, reason for admission, length of stay, if patients are unable to access the health beds, including their reason for needing admission, and feedback from staff and patients. The trust can then make any changes that are required.

A range of people and groups from the local community have been instrumental in the development of this model of care. We would like to personally thank every single person who has been involved in enabling this pioneering model of care to become a reality – those in the local community, those who work in our trust and colleagues from Rothbury Cottage Care.

 

 

Tell us your views and experiences of health and social care services in Northumberland

 

What you told us: November 2022

What you told us: November 2022

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What you told us November 2022

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.

Often, we can get a quick response to your enquiry or signpost you to the right service. 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, to help them make decisions and improvements to 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.

Read our feedback report for November 2022

 

Tell us about the services you and your family have used.

Online event – ME Association

Online event – ME Association

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Join us for our next free online event on Friday 13 January, 1pm-2pm, to hear from Russell Fleming, Communications Manager at ME Association. This is the rescheduled date for the cancelled event in December.

Russell has had ME/CFS for 22 years but in recent years has been able to return to work for the national charity.

The ME Association provides support and information to those affected, training and advice to health and social care professionals and funds medical research in the hope that one day there will be effective treatments and even a cure. It also provides advice and support around Long Covid due to its many similarities with ME.

We will hear an overview of ME and Long Covid, management techniques and support available nationally and locally. There will also be a chance to ask questions.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: bit.ly/ME-Association-event-Jan-23

This event has now passed

The power of your feedback

The power of your feedback

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It’s easy to think that the feedback you give us doesn’t make a difference. We want to show you how this isn’t the case. Read some examples of how you helped the Healthwatch network and Heathwatch England make positive changes in care services.

1. Improving support for Long Covid patients thanks to you

We analysed the stories people shared with us about Long Covid throughout the pandemic. Although small in number, they told a powerful story.

You shared your stories with us, and, as a result, real change happened.

Here’s how:

You told us your GP didn’t understand Long Covid, often dismissing your symptoms.

We raised these concerns, and, as a result, the NHS is improving Long Covid resources for healthcare professionals to help them better diagnose symptoms and provide support.

Additionally, the NHS is investing in a new training programme to increase doctors’ and nurses’ knowledge of the tests, treatments and rehabilitation available for Long Covid.

What else?

You told us there wasn’t enough support for Long Covid mental health.

We raised these concerns and in response the NHS is now taking several steps to improve how services work together to support psychological and cognitive issues.

Oh, and one more thing:

You told us that not everyone was getting treated the same when it came to their Long Covid symptoms and it seemed unfair.

We passed this on to the NHS, who have now committed to improve this and understand why some groups are underrepresented when it comes to using Long Covid services.

Share your experience of NHS and social care services

We want to know more about the care you and your loved ones have received during the pandemic – both the good and the bad. Help your local NHS and social care services understand issues that are affecting care for you or a loved one.

Tell us your experience

2. The experience of waiting

You told us that you or your loved ones weren’t getting the help and information you needed while waiting for care – making you feel anxious, ignored and forgotten about.

We listened to you and set out recommendations to NHS England to change this.

Our key recommendations have led to commitments from the NHS to:

  • Improve communications with people while they wait, making sure they don’t feel lost or forgotten.
  • Make it easier for patients to update the NHS when there are changes in their condition.
  • Improve the support for people while they wait, such as better access to pain management, physiotherapy, and mental health support.
  • Provide support with transport and accommodation where patients need to travel for care.

The NHS has told us that people waiting over two years for care have directly benefited from our recommendations.

One of the key changes that have been made is around people having their transport and accommodation costs covered when offered quicker care away from their local hospital.

Without your feedback, we couldn’t have provided NHS England with these recommendations, and the option to be seen quicker could have been limited to only those who could afford it.

3. How your experiences have shaped NHS improvements around GP appointments

In March 2021, we looked at almost 200,000 people’s experiences of trying to access GP services. You told us that it was hard to book an appointment and you weren’t satisfied with the communication.

These barriers were especially difficult for people with disabilities, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those on lower incomes.

With this feedback, we called on NHS England to take a formal review of the ways people access GPs to make sure they work for everyone. Your experiences informed every stage of the NHS’s review.

We’re pleased that the NHS’s report recognised improvements needed to be made. However, whilst we’ve highlighted a critical issue, even more must be done to ensure you can see a doctor regardless of where you live or your ethnicity.

4. The impact your feedback has made on NHS Dentistry

During the pandemic, more of you than ever got in touch with us to report problems seeing an NHS dentist. This problem certainly isn’t new and one we will continue to  raise. The impact this has been having on people’s lives has been heart-breaking to see. Many of you have told us you’ve been left feeling frustrated, ignored and, most importantly, in pain.

Thanks to your feedback, we were able to share your experiences with the Chief Dental Officer’s team at NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.

MPs have used your experiences in debates in the House of Commons and Westminster Hall, to highlight the significant issues people are facing. They have made it clear that they see access to dentistry as a critical problem that needs urgent action.

Whilst the NHS announced £50 million of extra funding for dentistry in January – we know it’s a fraction of what’s required. However, it is a sign that the NHS and Government are listening and responding to the need for action.

What’s new?

On 19 July, NHS England announced some changes to the dental services contract.

This included improved pay for dentists, to encourage them to take on more complex cases; flexibility around who will be able to provide treatment; and the ability to reallocate unused capacity to other dental practices.

We can’t yet say how much impact these changes will have, and a lot more needs to happen before everybody who needs an appointment can get one, but these are the first steps.

We won’t stop campaigning for your right to an NHS dentist.

Change takes time, but with your help, we will continue shining a light on the issues that matter to you.

Whether good or bad, it’s really is important that you share your experiences with us. Remember, your feedback is helping to improve people’s lives. So, if you’re ready to tell your story – we’re here to listen.

NHS strikes: key information

NHS strikes: key information

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NHS England has published the following information regarding the upcoming strikes

Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

GP services are not impacted by this strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

On days where there is strike action, patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).

Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.

Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS 111 online or through the NHS 111 helpline, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport.

The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.

Frequently asked questions

What is happening?

Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the Government over the 2022/23 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action. As a result members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) are striking on the 15 and 20 December 2022, and members of the GMB, Unite and Unison (ambulance staff) are striking on 21 December 2022 and members of GMB (ambulance staff) are striking on the 28 December 2022.

The NHS wants to see a resolution as soon as possible, but pay is a matter for the Government and the trade unions.

 What if I need urgent or emergency care?

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.

What do strikes mean for NHS services in my area?

Not every hospital and ambulance service will be affected by strike action. You can check which Trusts are affected on the NHS England website. 

What if I have an appointment on a strike day?

Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned, unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment even if your Trust is affected by strikes.

Will emergency care be affected on strike days?

Emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal.

Will GP services be affected on strike days?

GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.

When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled?

The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a letter or phone call, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.

Is there anything I should do now?

No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes?

No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.

What should I do if I need an ambulance?

On strike days, patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.

For all other health care needs support will be available through NHS 111 online, via the NHS 111 helpline or at your local GP or pharmacy.

The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.

What is considered an emergency?

Patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, or there is risk to life. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate.

How long will services be impacted?

The nurses strikes on 15 and 20 December 2022 will last for 12 hours and the ambulance strikes on 21 and 28 December 2022 will last for 24 hours. However patients should be aware that it may take slightly longer for services to return to normal.

Share your experiences of gout

Share your experiences of gout

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Do you have gout? Share your views and experiences

 

Researchers at Keele University need help to develop a new way of advising and supporting people with gout to change their lifestyle.

Who can take part?

Over 18s who have been told by a healthcare professional that they have gout.

What’s involved?

A single hour-long interview with a researcher, either over the phone or via Microsoft Teams. You will be asked your thoughts and opinions about how lifestyle affects gout, and what help people with gout might need to change their lifestyle. You will be offered a £20 shopping voucher as a thank you for taking part. For more information please contact researcher Lorraine Watson by email: l.watson@keele.ac.uk or by calling: 0756 269 7147.