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Relocation of Brockwell Surgery, Cramlington

Relocation of Brockwell Surgery, Cramlington

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Valens Medical Partnership has announced proposals to relocate the Brockwell Surgery in Cramlington to a new build on the site of the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (also known as NSECH), 2.2 miles away from the current surgery.

The new surgery would be in a separate building from the main hospital, on the ground floor of a new health and education centre of excellence. This would be a fit-for-purpose, high-specification, modern healthcare facility providing a full range of primary care services and support. The new build is due to be completed by autumn 2023.

The existing surgery building, which is owned by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is too small to expand to the size that would be needed to meet future patient needs and there isn’t another local site that is suitable.

Patients are being asked for their views on the new surgery. You can have your say in the following ways:

  • Complete the online survey or ask the reception team for a paper copy – closes at midnight on Thursday 31 March (extended from the original date of 22 March). This can be filled out anonymously if you wish.
  • Attend a drop-in engagement session on Wednesday 9 March between 5.00pm and 7.00pm  at the Cramlington Community Hub (ground floor café area) Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington, NE23 6YB. You don’t need to register, just come along.
  • Come along to an online engagement session hosted by Healthwatch Northumberland on Monday 21 March, at 1.00pm or 6.00pm.  If you’d like to come along please email: helenb@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk and we will send you the Zoom link.
  • Write to the practice management team at Brockwell Surgery, Northumbrian Road, Cramlington, NE23 1XZ or email: norccg.valensmedical@nhs.net

 

Find more information and Frequently Asked Questions at the Valens website.

If you would like to speak to us about the proposed relocation please get in touch.

This piece of work has now finished.

Covid-19 booster vaccines

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NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group has put together a series of short videos to answer some of the questions you may have about the Covid-19 booster vaccine.

The CCG is responsible for the planning and buying of local NHS services for people in Northumberland.

In the videos, Richard Hay, Head of Planning and Operations at Northumberland CCG talks about who, how and when you can get a booster vaccination and whether the flu jab will be given at the same time. He also answers some questions about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Click on the questions below to watch the videos:

Can I still get my COVID-19 vaccine?

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster jab?

When can I get my COVID-19 booster jab?

How do I get my COVID-19 booster jab?

What vaccine will I get for my COVID-19 booster jab?

Where can I get more information about the COVID-19 vaccine?

Can I get my COVID-19 booster at the same time as my flu jab?

Why am I being told not to contact my GP about my COVID-19 vaccine?

 

For the latest information and FAQs visit the Northumberland CCG website.

Visit our Covid-19 Information Page

Proposed changes at Felton and Widdrington surgeries

Proposed changes at Felton and Widdrington surgeries

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Changes are planned at the Felton and Widdrington surgeries and patients have 12 weeks to give their views and ideas on the proposals. If you are a patient of either surgery you should have received a letter and an information sheet explaining the proposals and how you can share your views.

Healthwatch Northumberland is supporting the surgeries by holding two online engagement sessions via Zoom for patients who would like to discuss any concerns or ask a question.

The sessions will take place on Wednesday 9 June at 2.00pm-3.00pm and Thursday 17 June at 6.00pm-7.00pm.

This is an opportunity to give your views on the following:

  1. The proposal to merge both Felton and Widdrington surgeries
  2. The practice’s plan for a new surgery in Felton and the permanent relocation to these premises at a later date
  3. The potential temporary relocation to Widdrington Surgery should the practice need to move out of Felton, before the new build is complete.

Please email helenb@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk if you wish to attend and an invitation will be sent.

If you can’t make these sessions there are other ways you can get in touch:

  1. Write to the practice manager and mark it ‘Engagement Feedback’ – the address can be found at the top of your letter.
  2. Contact the practice manager by email at Felton.Surgery@nhs.net or Widdrington.Surgery@nhs.net with the title ‘Engagement Feedback’
  3. Ask the reception team at either practice for a feedback form. This can be filled out anonymously if you wish. You do not need to give any personal information if you choose not to.
  4. Contact Healthwatch Northumberland, the statutory independent champion for patients on 03332 408 468 (local call rate) or email info@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk.

The surgery will write a report based on this feedback in the late summer. The report will form part of the formal application to the Primary Care Commissioning Committee which will meet in August to decide if the proposals can go ahead.

Engagement how has now ended.

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

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Improving Access to Psychological Therapies is a national programme offering primary care talking therapies to those experiencing common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The local service in Northumberland is called Talking Matters Northumberland (TMN) and it offers services to those over the age of 16.

TMN offers approved therapies for a wide range of difficulties including depression, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, health anxiety, panic disorder, stress, sleeping problems, bereavement/loss and relationship difficulties.

This survey is for Northumberland residents who have used these services or may need them in the future. The results of the survey will help NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group to understand what is working well and what needs to improve.

The deadline for responses is 11 June 2021.

Complete the survey here

 

Kooth Q&A

Kooth Q&A

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Providing information about local health and care services is part of the core work of Healthwatch Northumberland, and mental health services for children and young people is one of our key priorities.

In June 2020 NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) commissioned Kooth, a free online mental health support service for young people aged 11-25 years.

Watch this video to find out more.

We were therefore delighted to host an online seminar on 10 March 2021 with Malcolm Connelly, Engagement Lead at Kooth who told us about how the service works and how parents, carers and professionals can signpost young people to it.

Below are the questions from the audience and Malcolm’s answers which include links to the Kooth site and how to contact Malcolm for more information.

If you or a young person you know have used Kooth, we would like to hear about your experience. Share your feedback with us.

Q&A

How can parents check the suitability of Kooth?

There are demos available to see what the site looks like from a user’s perspective however the content will look different depending on the age of the child. A demo can be arranged by emailing Malcolm Connelly (mconnelly@kooth.com). There is also information on the Kooth website and Malcolm has put together a parents’ information letter.

Kooth follows strict safeguarding guidelines and young people will only speak to trained counsellors when using the platform. Any discussion is via pre-moderated threads.

How can I get resources to share to promote Kooth?

If you work for an organisation which supports children and young people, get in touch with Malcolm to add your details to his database of contacts. There are also A4 posters and wallet size cards available. Visit the Kooth Promotion Hub to find resources to promote Kooth.

Do you promote Kooth to schools and youth groups?

Yes, Malcolm does presentations in schools and for youth groups although it is more difficult at the moment with restrictions. Malcolm is currently only able to offer virtual presentations but is hoping to get back into schools later in the year.

What does Kooth mean?

During initial discussions about what to call the platform, a group of young people took the word ‘uncouth’ and flipped it to the more positive ‘Kooth’.

What is the adult equivalent of Kooth?

Qwell. This is currently only available to teachers and support staff in Northumberland.

Is there any data to show the positive impact that Kooth is having on young people and what are the recurring themes?

Monthly and quarterly reports are sent to the CCG which commissions Kooth, however these have to be requested and authorised for anyone else who would like to see them.

Is there any reason for Kooth starting at 11 years old?

This age was agreed with the CCG and is relevant as it is the start of secondary school. Around the age of 11 or 12 children are old enough to understand more and benefit from the support service. Gillick competency is assessed (more details here).

Is Kooth safe for autistic people?

Kooth is a safe space but we understand some young people may struggle with the text-based service and are constantly working to make Kooth fully accessible for all.

You mentioned face-to-face interventions. How does that work?

This is not currently available in the North East.

Are you getting into schools at the moment with the current restrictions?

Yes, but not as much as usual. Malcolm is hoping to get back into schools regularly by September.

 

Find out more about the support available for children and young people in Northumberland.

Digital mental health support for young people

Digital mental health support for young people

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Young people aged 11-25 years living in Northumberland can now access a digital mental health support service.

Kooth.com has been commissioned by the NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group to provide a safe, confidential and anonymous way for young people to access emotional wellbeing and early intervention mental health support.

Once registered, Kooth can be accessed on any internet device. Users can complete a daily journal, set goals and seek support through self help resources and peer to peer support. There is also professional help available through qualified counsellors.

Fully trained and qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners are available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year, to provide accessible out-of-hours emotional support.

There’s also a Kooth online magazine with helpful articles, personal experiences and tips from young people and the Kooth team.

Join Kooth here or watch this video to find out more.