Posts

Sick child and thermometer

Healthier Together

/in , /by

The Healthier Together website is full of useful health advice for parents, carers, young people and health professionals. All of the information has been approved by clinicians so it’s a great place to go for reliable advice.

Topics include common illnesses in babies and children, when to keep your child off school/nursery, support for young people and a guide to how the NHS works.

Healthier Together

If you need some help finding local health and care information or support, please get in touch.

Eating Distress North East (EDNE) logo

Online event: Eating Distress North East

/in , , /by

Join us for our next free lunchtime event on Friday 14 April, 1pm-2pm, to hear from Maria Lavelle of Eating Distress North East (EDNE), who will talk about the early identification of eating disorders and how best to support those who have one.

She will cover how to recognise signs, symptoms and potential triggers of an eating disorder; practical strategies for working with people with eating disorders; and increase your knowledge of local support services in Northumberland and the North East of England.

This session is suitable for anyone living or working in Northumberland. There will be a chance to ask questions after the presentation.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event.

If you would like to tell us about your experience of accessing support for an eating disorder or would like help finding local support services please get in touch.

This event has now passed

Where to find hearing loss services

/in /by

Audiology services for residents of Northumberland

When accessing audiology appointments there are five general appointments open to patients:

  • First hearing assessment
  • Hearing aid fitting
  • Re-assessment of hearing & fitting
  • Repairs (booked appointments only)
  • Troubleshoot appointments

Consumables (batteries, replacement tubing, tips, cleaning wires) are all available upon request and this can be done in the following ways:

  • Online
  • Telephone: 0191 223 1043
  • Post a request for replacements making sure you include a return address and clearly state what you need, to: The Audiology Department, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

Please note there is currently no drop-in provision for repairs OR consumables.

Appointments may be offered at these sites

  • Alnwick Infirmary (reduced repair service – we recommend a postal request)
  • Battle Hill Health Centre, Wallsend (no repair service)
  • Benfield Park Healthcare & Diagnostic Centre (no repair service)
  • Corbridge Health Centre
  • Cramlington, Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure Centre (some appointments may be diverted to North Tyneside)
  • The Freeman Hospital
  • Morpeth NHS Centre (no repair service & reduced capacity currently, may be diverted to Cramlington)
  • North Tyneside General Hospital
  • Union Brae Surgery, Berwick

The contact number for all locations is: 0191 223 1043.

Email: tnu-tr.audiology@nhs.net

 

Tell us your experiences of accessing audiology services

Laptop, cup of coffee and logos for the Limbless Association and Healthwatch Northumberland

Online event – Limbless Association

/in , , /by

Join us to hear from Tania Spurling from the Limbless Association on Friday 10 March, 1pm-2pm via Zoom. Tania will talk to us about having a limb amputated, tips to help manage and how we can help others living with their loss of a limb. We will also hear what support is available from the charity and there will be a chance to ask questions.

The Limbless Association is the largest civilian limb loss charity in the UK. As a national charity, working with amputees and sector professionals for over 39 years, the Limbless Association offers both practical and emotional support for amputees throughout their pre and post-amputation journey.

This session will provide an overview of the Limbless Association’s services and support available for amputees, their families, friends, and professionals. Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: bit.ly/Limbless-Association-March-2023

This event has now passed

Are you struggling to access health services this winter?

/in , , /by

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

NHS stay well this winter

How to stay well this winter

/in , /by

Winter conditions present an increased risk to our health, especially if you are older or have a long-term health condition such as heart or kidney disease, asthma or diabetes.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. Here are some tips to help you stay well this winter.

Top tips to stay well from the NHS

  • Make sure you get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccination if you are eligible.
  • Keep warm by wrapping up, wearing lots of layers of thin clothes.
  • Stay active by moving around indoors, avoid sitting for more than one hour. Keeping active can also support your mental health.
  • Keep the heat in by drawing your curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block draughts. Try and heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C and keep your windows closed at night. Make sure you’re getting the help you’re entitled to with heating costs.
  • Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to keep warm in bed – but don’t use both at the same time.
  • Have at least one hot meal a day. Eating regular meals and drinking hot beverages can help you keep warm.
  • Look after your mental health by speaking to someone – a friend, family member or healthcare professional, like your doctor – if you are feeling down. Check out the NHS website for support on where to get urgent mental health support.
  • Make sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water:
    • When you get home or into work;
    • After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough; and
    • Before you eat.
  • If you get ill, rest and keep warm, drink lots of liquids, have at least one hot meal each day and take the tablets you have been recommended by a healthcare professional.

If you get ill

  • If you think you need medical help right now, call 111 by phone or use NHS 111 online.
  • If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999.
  • If it’s less urgent contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Look out for others

  • Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather.
  • Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they can’t go out.
  • If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from the cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
  • Make sure they get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast.
  • If you’re concerned about someone’s health or safety, call NHS 111 for health advice, or 999 in an emergency.

Download the NHS stay well this winter leaflet

Download the NHS stay well this winter easy read leaflet

Need more advice?

Read more tips on keeping well this winter at the NHS website.

 

Tell us about your Covid booster

GP

Share your experiences of GP referrals

/in , , /by

Have you been referred by your GP practice to a specialist for tests, diagnosis or treatment? Or have you expected or requested a referral but didn’t get one? We’d like to hear about your experiences to help the NHS understand what is working and what could be better.

The survey will only take a few minutes of your time and any information you share will be anonymised.

What is a GP referral?

It’s when a GP or other medical professional at a GP practice sends you to a specialist at a hospital or community clinic for further tests, diagnosis or treatment. Your GP could make a referral for many reasons, such as a hip replacement, MRI scan, physio, mental health services, endoscopy and more. A referral can happen during a phone or face-to-face appointment.

Tell us about your experiences

Royal Osteoporosis Society online event

Online event – Royal Osteoporosis Society

/in , /by

Join us on Friday 14 October, 1pm-2pm, to hear a presentation from Janet Boyd, a volunteer from the Royal Osteoporosis Society.

In this free, online public event Janet will provide an overview of osteoporosis, including signs and symptoms, risk factors, effects of osteoporosis and how to maintain good bone health.

We will also hear about local and national Royal Osteoporosis Society services, including support for people with osteoporosis and their carers, how to access advice and information and opportunities for volunteering. There will be a chance to ask questions.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event: bit.ly/ROS-October-22

Long Covid

What is Long Covid?

/in , /by

Healthwatch England has shared some useful information about Long Covid including the common symptoms and when to get support.

After contracting COVID-19 it can take up to 12 weeks for your symptoms to disappear and for you to make a full recovery from the virus. For some people, COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone. Symptoms that go on longer than 12 weeks are known as ‘Long Covid’.

The chances of having long-term symptoms are not linked to how ill you were when you first got COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of Long Covid?

There are wide-ranging symptoms making it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Everyone’s condition and symptoms are slightly different.

The main symptoms are the same as COVID-19:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Changes to the sense of taste or smell
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscle ache
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Memory Loss
  • High temperature
  • Sore throat

Additional symptoms fall into one of three main categories:

Physical symptoms

  • Joint pain
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Breathlessness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Tinnitus or earache
  • Feeling sick, diarrhoea, stomach aches or loss of appetite

Cognitive issues

  • Memory problems
  • Concentration problems (‘brain fog’)
  • Depression and anxiety

Fatigue

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Low energy
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Needing a lot more sleep than normal

When should I contact my doctor?

Advice from the NHS suggests you contact your doctor if you are worried about continuing symptoms more than four weeks after having COVID-19.

To contact your GP surgery, you can:

  • Visit their website
  • Call them
  • Use the NHS app

Your doctor will need to rule out other causes for your symptoms and may wish to conduct some tests before reaching their diagnosis. These tests can include blood tests or an x-ray.

How will I know if I have Long Covid?

Unfortunately, there is currently no standard test for Long Covid. People suspected of having Long Covid are diagnosed by ruling out the more common causes of their symptoms.

What causes Long Covid?

Long Covid is a relatively new condition, so we don’t know very much about its causes yet. Several different things are likely to cause such a wide range of symptoms in people.

Who is most likely to get Long Covid?

We have only recently started tracking Long Covid. However, over 1.8 million people in the UK have symptoms for more than four weeks.

The condition is most common in:

  • 35 to 49-year-olds
  • Women
  • People with underlying health conditions which limit their normal activity levels
  • People working in health, social care or education
  • People who are living in poorer areas across the country.

Treatment and support

Find out what treatment options are available on the NHS and what support you can get to help you manage your symptoms.

Read about your options

 

Visit our Covid-19 Information Page

 

Out of hours healthcare

Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

/in , /by

Health issues unfortunately don’t leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

Where you can go to get help out of hours

The NHS pledges to provide services at a time that’s convenient for you. They have produced guidance on how best to access services out of hours that can be found in full online – NHS out-of-hours services.

  • Phone NHS 111
    This service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a service that provides medical advice as well as the details of the services closest to you that help you deal with your need following a medical assessment.
  • Visit your local pharmacy
    Your pharmacist will be able to help you with a number of issues. How your pharmacy can help
  • Visit your nearest NHS walk in centre
    If you need treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes you can visit your nearest NHS walk-in centre, urgent care centre or minor injuries unit. These are not suitable for treating long term conditions. To be seen at one of these services you do not need an appointment, or to be registered. You may be referred to one of these services by NHS 111, or you can just walk in.

When to visit an urgent care centre

Take a look at the NHS guidance on when to visit an urgent care centre (walk in centre) to find out if this is the right service for your health needs.

Find out more

Should I go to A&E?

Accident and Emergency departments are for serious or life-threatening emergencies and should not be used as an alternative to a GP appointment. You should go to your nearest A&E if you require urgent medical attention.

For example if you’re experiencing:

  • loss of consciousness
  • chest pain
  • breathing difficulties
  • fits that are not stopping
  • severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • severe allergic reactions
  • severe burns or scalds
  • stroke
  • major trauma

Not all hospitals have an A&E department. Use the A&E service search to find your nearest A&E department or read the guidance in full from the NHS to find out more about when to go to A&E.

Out-of-hours medicines

Running out of your medication during the holidays or over the weekend can be a big worry. If you run out the medication you need outside of your GP practice’s normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few steps you can take to get an emergency supply.

Where you can get medication from will depend on whether you already have a prescription or whether a prescription is needed. Take a look at the guidance from the NHS to find out more.

Find out more

Events

Blyth Wellness event

Prudhoe Healthy Living Week

/0 Comments/in /by

We are taking part in Prudhoe Community Partnership’s ‘Prudhoe Healthy Living Week’, which runs from Monday 25 April until lunchtime on Saturday 30 April at Prudhoe Community Hub (61 Front Street). Local organisations will be offering activities and information about physical and mental health support throughout the week, and we will be there on Tuesday 26 April from 10am until 3pm. Hope to see you there!

Public Coronavirus Question Time

/0 Comments/in /by
Health and council leaders in Northumberland are to host their first ever online coronavirus public question time.
While case numbers have steadied, they’re still too high in the county, and following the recent introduction of a national lockdown, leaders will be answering residents’ questions on Wednesday 18 November, at 5pm.
The panel for Wednesday’s broadcast will include:
  • Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of the Council
  • Liz Morgan , Director of Public Health
  • Daljit Lally, Chief Executive
The broadcast, the first of its kind in the region, will look at the current Covid-19 picture in Northumberland, what the national lockdown means for the county, and answer queries or concerns people have.
People can submit their questions to the council via a simple online form 
While council and health bosses might not be able to answer every question, the aim is for the public broadcast to become a regular event and cover the most commonly-asked issues.
Residents will be able to watch the broadcast live on the council’s Facebook page 
Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “We know the impact this pandemic has had on all our lives and the hard work everyone has put in to stay safe and drive numbers down.
“People have already made huge sacrifices, and many feel exhausted by the strain that it has caused. We have a duty to support our communities to continue all their hard work to get infections under control, and we’re in a good position to build on that.
“The situation is changing almost daily so this is a great opportunity to find out the very latest information from a number of experts, as well as hearing about some of the questions that affect you and your communities – whether you work in, live in or visit our county.
“We know this public question time approach has been well-received in other parts of the country and we’d really encourage people to let us know questions they might have which we can address during our first broadcast.”

Diabetes UK – Let’s Talk About Feet webinar

/0 Comments/in /by

Join the Diabetes UK North of England team for a free webinar full of practical advice around good foot care for people living with diabetes. Checking your feet at home is so important, now more than ever, and this webinar will show you how to.

There will be talks from podiatrists Donna Welch and Colette Jones, and Diabetes UK volunteer Andy Lavender, who will share his foot care experiences.

To register visit: https://footcare.eventbrite.co.uk. Email: evie.kinghorn@diabetes.org.uk if you have any queries.

Our Review of the Year and AGM

/0 Comments/in /by

Our Review of the year and AGM will take place online on Wednesday 21 October, from 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Find out about our work and how we made a difference to people in Northumberland over the last 12 months.

As the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care says ‘People should have phone or video consultations with their doctors unless there is a clinical reason not to’, and that there had been a ‘hugely positive’ response to virtual appointments during the coronavirus pandemic, we will also have guest presenters talking about technology in NHS and social care services. We’ll explore how the coronavirus crisis has accelerated the move to online appointments and consultations, what has worked well and not so well, and what we can expect in the future.

You can ask a question in advance or at the Q&A session in our webinar.

Register for the Healthwatch Northumberland Review of the Year

Diabetes and Moving More

/in /by

The North of England Diabetes UK team presents a webinar for people living with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes, taking an informal and relaxed look at the basics of getting more active. You will hear from Neil Gibson (Physical Activity Insight Advisor at Diabetes UK) and George West (Diabetes UK volunteer living with type 1 diabetes).

This webinar is free and registration is simple.  If you have any queries, Email evie.kinghorn@diabetes.org.uk

Registration

www.diabetes.org.uk

Care Homes – keeping in touch with loved ones

/0 Comments/in /by

People are telling us they are worried about care homes continuing to be closed to nearly all visits.

They understand it is safer for residents and staff and the extra efforts made to maintain the quality of life in the homes.   But after 6 months, people say they can see the effect on their loved ones, and their own, health and wellbeing.

It seems the situation may go on for some time yet.

Sharing good practice could help make this difficult time a bit better.   If your relative, loved one or friend lives in a care home we would like to know what is being done to keep you in touch day to day and on special occasions like birthdays.

We would like to know your experience of:

  • Using video calls (FaceTime, Zoom etc) or telephone calls. Does the home support these?  How many times a week and how long?  Does a member of staff help your loved one with the call?
  • Socially distanced visits. Does the home support ‘window’ visits.  How many times a week and how long?
  • How does the home keep you informed about how your loved one is getting on (apart from necessary issues about their care or health). Eg manager updates, photographs, videos
  • Does the home have a programme of group and 1 to 1 activities? Has your loved one taken part?
  • Has the home asked you what, within the current restrictions, would make this time easier?
  • What, within the current restrictions, would make it better for you and your love one?
  • When restrictions are eventually eased (not totally lifted) what would help you and your loved one?

The forums will take place via Zoom. Read our guide on how to use Zoom.

If you would like to take part please contact Laura Kane: laurak@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk, or call 03332 408468.

If you can’t make the forum and would like to tell us your story, or would rather speak to one of our team in confidence please get in touch.

 

Children and Young People’s Services

/0 Comments/in /by

Are you a voluntary or community organisation working with young people? If so, we’d like you to join us for an open discussion on children and young peoples services, particularly around mental health services.

The forums will take place via Zoom. Read our guide on how to use Zoom.

If you would like to take part please contact Laura Kane: laurak@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk, or call 03332 408468.

Find out more about our other online forums

 

Cancer services: Join our online forum

/0 Comments/in /by

If you, or someone close to you, have used cancer services in the last 12 months, we’d love to hear about your experiences at our online forum.

Lead Cancer Nurse, Amanda, from Northumbria Healthcare, and Jo from the Northern Cancer Alliance will be there to answer your questions.

You can join us as a cancer patient or carer or as someone who works with people using cancer services, or just if you have an interest in local services and support.

For those who aren’t able or would rather not attend, questions for Amanda, Jo, or Healthwatch Northumberland can be sent via text to: 07413 385275 anytime before 12 August.

The forums will take place via Zoom. Read our guide on how to use Zoom.

If you would like to take part please contact Laura Kane: laurak@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk, or call 03332 408468.

Find out more about our other online forums

 

Laburnum Surgery closure – online forum

/0 Comments/in /by

NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has made the decision to close Laburnum GP Surgery in Ashington.

The CCG’s primary care commissioning committee made the decision, last week, to end the contract of Laburnum Medical Group following inspections carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and ongoing investigations carried out by the CCG, which identified issues with the quality of care provided.

The practice, which provides healthcare for 2400 patients from Ashington and the surrounding areas, including Wansbeck, Morpeth, Newbiggin and Bedlington, will close by the end of July.

Patients at the practice have been written to and allocated another GP at a nearby surgery.

We are holding an online forum for patients to discuss any concerns they have about the closure of the surgery and their ongoing healthcare.

To register please email: laurak@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call: 03332 408468.

The forums will take place via Zoom. Read our guide on how to use Zoom. If you would like help setting up Zoom on your device please ask.

 

Read more about the closure of Laburnum Surgery

Find out more about our other online forums

 

Share your experiences – join our online forum

/0 Comments/in /by

As we will be unable to get out and about across the county to meet with and listen to people for a while, we’re holding some public online forums, and we’d like you to join us. If you are unable to take part but would like to tell us about your experiences of these services, Caroline and Lesley will be available by phone, text and email each Wednesday between 3.00pm and 4.00pm to listen, answer any questions and help with providing information about services.

The forums will take place via Zoom. Read our guide on how to use Zoom.

Whilst some of our forums are on specific issues and services, this one is a chance to tell us about any health or social care service you’ve used in the last 12 months. That could be hospitals, GPs, care homes, NHS 111, mental health services, maternity services or dentists and pharmacies.

If you would like to take part please contact Laura Kane: laurak@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk, or call 03332 408468.

Find out more about our other online forums