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New Northumberland MSK and pain service announced

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NHS Northumberland CCG has announced changes to musculoskeletal services in the county – please see their statement below. Healthwatch Northumberland would like to hear from people across all parts of Northumberland who use these services currently, about the service they are receiving and how they are affected after 1 July when the new service begins. To get in touch please visit our Contact Us page.

 

NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is pleased to announce, following a comprehensive procurement process, that Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) has been awarded the contract to provide a new musculoskeletal and pain service in partnership with Connect Health.

The term musculoskeletal condition (MSK) includes well over 200 disorders affecting joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues. Some of the most common conditions that would be seen in the new MSK and pain service include back pain, sprains and strains, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.  The new service is for patients in Northumberland aged 16 and over with MSK or pain issues where all other conservative treatments have been considered.

Commenting on the new contract, Dr John Warrington, Director for Planned Care for the CCG said: “The successful bid was of a high standard with some exciting developments that will enhance the care of Northumberland patients.”

As part of the procurement process, the CCG carried out a period of engagement to provide patients and GPs with an opportunity to comment on how the new service should be designed.

John continued: “We know from our engagement with patients that they want quicker access to appointments and referrals, and we recognise the positive impact this has on patients’ diagnosis and treatment. The new service will ensure all patients across the county have equal access to high quality NHS services. The bid forms a partnership between Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation and Connect Health. Connect Health has successfully been awarded many NHS contracts throughout the country and will bring their tried and tested systems to Northumberland. We are keen to work with both organisations, who also have the potential to offer innovative developments to further improve care for Northumberland patients.”

MSK problems are the most common reason for repeat appointments with a GP, comprising up to 30% of primary care consultations nationally. In recent years, as the number of elderly people in the community has increased, the number of people with MSK conditions has also risen. The new service, which will be called Joint Musculoskeletal and Pain Service (JMAPS), will improve access for patients and provide them with the opportunity to choose care based on their desired outcomes and personal preferences.

Nicky Moon, Deputy Director for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the preferred bidder and together with Connect Health, we are looking forward to delivering the best possible service for the people of Northumberland. We are currently working with staff on the implementation plan. Our experience of providing MSK services over previous years gives us a fantastic foundation on which to build and we know we have a dedicated and highly skilled workforce ready to deliver this new service.”

Professor Andrew Walton, Executive Chair for Connect Health said: “I am delighted that Connect Health will be able to support the population of Northumberland in the delivery of a robust and innovative Joint Musculoskeletal and Pain Service. Here at Connect Health, we are confident that we will be partnering with a really enthusiastic team at Northumbria Healthcare who advocate the same patient-centred values that we do. We will demonstrate our commitment to improving the lives of people living with musculoskeletal problems and persistent pain and I’m truly excited about how we can be creative with how we deliver this.”

The CCG will now work with the Trust and Connect Health to ensure the service is up and running by July 2019 and those patients using existing services experience a seamless transition.

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Healthwatch Northumberland Quarterly Report July – September 2018

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People who live in Northumberland and who use health and social care services tell Healthwatch Northumberland about their experiences throughout the year. This report shares the themes which emerged from 1 July to 30 September 2018. The next report will cover October to December 2018.

We receive feedback and enquiries from:

  • Talking to people at local community events
  • Telephone calls, emails and social media
  • Surveys
  • Focus groups on specific issues

We are open to all feedback about health and social care services but respondents to our Annual Survey identified five priorities for specific focus these are mental health services, dementia care services, home care, GP services and access to services.

Between July and September 2018 we had 59 individual pieces of unsolicited feedback and we spoke to 170 people at 32 engagement events.

Read the Report

Events

Listening Event – Annual Survey 2020 Amble

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We will be running our annual survey 2020 during February and March this year, asking you about the NHS, health and social care you received in the last 12 months – it might be a new year but your experiences from 2019 still matter. Health services include hospital services, GPs, dentists, pharmacists, mental health and ambulance services. Social care is care in the home or in a residential or nursing care home.

This event is the Bridge Project Employability Hub so if you’re there it would be great if you have a couple of minutes to talk to us.

By telling us about the care you received and what’s important to you, you can help us set our work for the coming year so that we can be more effective on your behalf.

Let us know what went well and what could be improved and together we can help make care better for everyone in Northumberland.

If you can’t come and see us at one of our events you can share your views via the online survey or get in touch to ask for a postal copy with freepost return.

Health Inequalities – Newcastle University

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This is a free, public event from Newcastle University which will explore inequalities in health and unequal access to healthcare.

This event involves four speakers talking about current research in the area – learn more about how we are all ageing unequally, and put forward your opinions to direct the future of research into unequal ageing. A free lunch will follow the event.

All are welcome but places are limited so booking is essential.

See the full programme and book here

 

Community Information Morning Hexham

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Our umbrella organisation Adapt (NE) holds these quarterly Community Information Mornings for the benefit of the local community.

Anyone can pop in to this free event and pick up advice and information about health, wellbeing, transport, money and things going on in your area. A mix of organisations come along each time and this month you can find out more about Tynedale Hospice at Home, Northumberland Cancer Support Group, Alzheimers Society and of course Healthwatch Northumberland, Macular Society plus help around Attendance Allowance from Northumbria Healthcare.

We will be asking about your experiences of NHS, health and social care experiences of 2019 for our Annual Survey which runs throughout February and March.By telling us what went well and what could be better, you can help us be more effective on your behalf and influence positive changes for people in Northumberland,

Join us for a cuppa and a piece of cake in the Resource Room – just through the door from Cafe @ Burn Lane, Hexham.

 

 

Coffee Thursday

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Coffee Thursday is a free, monthly pop-in coffee morning, where you can take time out for a cuppa and a biscuit and have a chat, when you’re having a tough time. Health Trainer Donna will be there to meet you, listen and give support on lots of issues that can get us down – health, money, relationships – or point you in the direction of someone who can.

It can really help to say things out loud and get them off your chest if you’re feeling fed up, stressed, worried or overwhelmed.

If you feel it would help to talk to someone in a non-judgemental, safe space, then Coffee Thursday might be just what you need. You can stay for as long as you like.

Not sure it’s for you? Call in and see what you think. Everyone is welcome at this free monthly pop-in coffee morning.

 

Happening between 10.30am and 12.30pm Coffee Thursday dates for 2020 are:

Thursday 30 January

Thursday 20 February

Thursday 26 March

Thursday 23 April

Coffee Thursday

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Coffee Thursday is a free, monthly pop-in coffee morning, where you can take time out for a cuppa and a biscuit and have a chat, when you’re having a tough time. Health Trainer Donna will be there to meet you, listen and give support on lots of issues that can get us down – health, money, relationships – or point you in the direction of someone who can.

It can really help to say things out loud and get them off your chest if you’re feeling fed up, stressed, worried or overwhelmed.

If you feel it would help to talk to someone in a non-judgemental, safe space, then Coffee Thursday might be just what you need. You can stay for as long as you like.

Not sure it’s for you? Call in and see what you think. Everyone is welcome at this free monthly pop-in coffee morning.

 

Happening between 10.30am and 12.30pm Coffee Thursday dates for 2020 are:

Thursday 30 January

Thursday 20 February

Thursday 26 March

Thursday 23 April

Cancer Patient Event: Rothbury

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Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Morpeth

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Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Seaton Delaval

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Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

We will be there asking you about your care experiences from 2019 for our Annual Survey 2020. Your feedback will help us work more effectively on your behalf and can help make improvements for everyone.

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Ashington

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Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm. The Healthwatch Northumberland team will be there with an information stand and will be inviting you to tell them about your care experiences over the last 12 months.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Healthwatch Northumberland Meet and Greet Alnwick

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At our ‘meet and greet’ sessions you can meet our team of board members and staff and find out more about what we do as independent champion for health and social care users. The meet and greet takes place before our bi-monthly board meetings, which are held at a different venue in Northumberland, and we invite local residents who have an interest in health and social care services, community groups and health professionals along for a cup of coffee and chance to find out more about our work.

If you live or work in the Alnwick area we’d love to see you. Please let us know in advance if you hope to join us – email: info@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call: 03332 408468.