Our Annual Report for the financial year 2019-20 is out now. Have a look to see what we’ve been up to, what people told us about their experiences of NHS, health and social care and how we made a difference to people in Northumberland.
Healthwatch Northumberland Annual Report 2019/20.
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Introduction
As a listening organisation working across Northumberland, Healthwatch Northumberland wants to hear what people like about health and social care services and what can be improved. We act on what people are saying, sharing their views with those who have the power to make change happen. We also help people find the information they need about services in their area and record this as ‘signposting’.
We receive feedback from people living in Northumberland about their experiences throughout the year. This report shares a summary of the feedback collected from October to December 2019. The next report will cover January – March 2020.
This quarter we received feedback and enquiries from:
We are open to all feedback about health and social care services. Responses to our Annual Survey helped us to identify three specific Areas of Focus which we are prioritising in 2019/20:
The report aims to increase understanding of:
Between October and December 2019, we received 26 pieces of feedback through talking to people at local engagement events, telephone calls, emails, our website, surveys and feedback forms and other sources. Alongside this, we signposted 17 people to services. Altogether we had 39 different recordable interactions this quarter.
This report explores who Healthwatch Northumberland is hearing from across the county, presenting a summary demographic information of those who got in touch. Demographic information includes location, gender, age, and whether the respondent is sharing their own health and social care experience or speaking on behalf of a friend or relative.
We also look at whether the feedback is negative or positive, with specific reference to the service type (e.g. primary care, secondary care, mental health, social care), as well as whether the feedback relates specifically to quality of care or access to services.
As independent champion for people who use health and social care services, we receive feedback about what is working well for people and what could be improved, and share these views with those who have the power to make change happen. We also help people find the information they need about services in their area and record this as ‘signposting’.
The report below shares a summary of the feedback collected from July to September 2019.
This quarter we received feedback and enquiries from:
• Telephone calls, emails and social media (52%)
• Postal surveys and feedback forms (5%)
• Talking to people at local engagement events (43%)
Summary for feedback received between July and September 2019.
Healthwatch Northumberland is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We are a listening organisation working across Northumberland, interested in what people like about services and what can be improved. We act on what people are saying, sharing their views with those who have the power to make change happen. We also help people find the information they need about services in their area and record this as ‘signposting’.
People who use health and social care services tell Healthwatch Northumberland about their experiences throughout the year.
This report shares a summary of the feedback collected from April to June 2019. The next report will cover July to September 2019.
This quarter we received feedback and enquiries from:
• Telephone calls, emails and social media (611%)
• Postal surveys andfeedback forms (24%)
• Talking to people at local community events (11%)
• Through meetings and third parties (3%)
Areas of Focus
We are open to all feedback about health and social care services. Responses to our annual survey helped us to identify three specific areas of focus which we are prioritising in 2019/20:
1. General Practitioner Services (GP Services)
2. Mental Health Services, including dementia care
3. Access to Services
Aims
The report aims to increase understanding of:
Who Healthwatch Northumberland is hearing from
What people are saying
The general sentiment of comments
What people are experiencing
What is working well?
Where there are areas for improvement
Read the April to June Report in full
Healthwatch Northumberland is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We are a listening organisation working across Northumberland,to find out what people like about services and what can be improved. We act on what people are saying, sharing their views with those who have the power to make change happen. We also help people find the information they need about services in their area and record this as ‘signposting’.
People who use health and social care services tell us about their experiences throughout the year. This report shares a summary of the feedback collected from January to March 2019. The next report will cover April to June 2019.
This quarter we received feedback and enquiries from:
We are open to all feedback about health and social care services. Responses to our Annual Survey helped us to identify three specific areas of focus which we are prioritising in 2019:
The report aims to increase understanding of:
Read the January to March Report in full
Our latest annual report was published this week. The report documents our activity over the past year; where we’ve been, who we’ve heard from and how we’ve made a difference to people who use health and social care services. We will be talking more about the report at our Conference on 16 October in Blyth, so please put that date in your diary – more details to follow soon.
We will have hard copies of the report available very soon so please get in touch if you would like one in the post. You can download and read the report here.
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.
As independent champion for people who use health and social care services, we listen to your experiences of using these services. This report shares the themes from the feedback we received between 1 October to 31 December 2018.
We receive feedback and enquiries by:
Healthwatch Northumberland is 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 October and December 2018 we had 98 individual pieces of unsolicited feedback and we spoke with approximately 530 people face to face. We attended flu clinics at GP practices in Tynedale, North Northumberland and Castle Morpeth, talking to a wide range of older residents and those with long term conditions and learning disabilities. We were at Morpeth, Berwick, Prudhoe, and Widdrington libraries during Library Week. We also attended “Winter Warmer” and SEND events, the Carers’ Rights
Day at Berwick and spoke at the Belford Parish Council and the Belford Practice Patient Participation Group.
Read the October to December 2018 report in full.
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:
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.
Each month we’ll be holding drop-in sessions in all five local council areas of the county. These drop-in sessions are a chance for residents to tell us about their experiences of NHS and social care services and use our Signposting and Information Service. Just call in or if you’d prefer to make a specific appointment for one of the sessions, please get in touch.
Come and see us at The Hub, Cramlington, NE23 6US (next to Concordia Leisure Centre) on the first Wednesday of the month, 11.00am – 1.00pm.
Please join us for our next online care home forum on Monday 9 May, 10.30am-11.30am.
At our previous forums we have heard how visiting restrictions in care homes have affected people living there and their relatives, more recent experiences of visiting as an ‘essential care giver’ and discussed things ‘we wish we had known’ when our loved ones moved into care homes to help us produce some future guidance to support others.
At our next forum we will be joined by Alan Curry, Senior Manager – Commissioning Northumberland County Council who will try to answer any questions on Northumberland care home visiting alongside the current national guidance.
To register for a space please email: info@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call us on 03332 408468.
Free, online public event to hear from Nellie Allsop from the National Autistic Society who will provide a brief overview of autism and the support available in Northumberland.
Nellie will share an overview of what autism is, drawing on her personal and professional experiences. She will also provide information on how autistic people and their families can access support, both locally within Northumberland and nationally.
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/National-Autistic-Society-event
Venue: Cramlington Community Hub, Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington, NE23 6YB
Are you blind or partially sighted and live in Northumberland?
Do you want to get a broader picture on the support available to you in your area?
Do you have questions or concerns that you would like to raise to care and support representatives and providers in your area?
Come along to Northumberland Sight Loss Council’s upcoming ‘Living with Sight Loss’ VI forum!
Healthwatch Northumberland has commissioned a study to better understand the support available for people living with sight loss in the county and aims to identify where the gaps lie in the support available.
This event will help inform this study and will provide the opportunity for visually impaired people to share their experiences of using eye health and care services. The event will also be a great way for you to find information about your local eye services and what support is available to you.
Speakers will include:
Derry Nugent – Project Coordinator Healthwatch Northumberland
Julie Boyack – Chief Officer, Vision Northumberland (formerly Northumberland County Blind Association)
Northumberland & Tyne & Wear Local Optical Committee
Representatives from Hospital Eye Services
Northumberland Sight Loss Council members
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the event, please get in touch with Eamonn Dunne by email: eamonn.dunne@pocklington-trust.org.uk or call 07812 981 876.
Come and see us at Alnwick Fish Market! We’re working with Northumberland County Council to assess pharmacy services in the county and want to hear from you.
Most of us use pharmacy services at some time or another. By telling us how you and your family use these services you can help make improvements for everyone in your community.
What you tell us about how you use your local pharmacy will help the council to write a local Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which will help to ensure that your local pharmacy provides the service you need both now and in the future.
You can also leave feedback about any NHS or social care service you’ve used, or ask a question about local services and support. We’ll have some great giveaways to hand out too.
Or tell us about using pharmacies online: bit.ly/PharmacyNorthumberland2022
Leave feedback on any NHS or social care service you’ve used in the last 12 months
Come and see us at Hexham Market! We’re working with Northumberland County Council to assess pharmacy services in the county and want to hear from you.
Most of us use pharmacy services at some time or another. By telling us how you and your family use these services you can help make improvements for everyone in your community.
What you tell us about how you use your local pharmacy will help the council to write a local Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which will help to ensure that your local pharmacy provides the service you need both now and in the future.
You can also leave feedback about any NHS or social care service you’ve used, or ask a question about local services and support. We’ll have some great giveaways to hand out too.
Or tell us about using pharmacies online: bit.ly/PharmacyNorthumberland2022
Leave feedback on any NHS or social care service you’ve used in the last 12 months
Come and see us at Morpeth Market! We’re working with Northumberland County Council to assess pharmacy services in the county and want to hear from you.
Most of us use pharmacy services at some time or another. By telling us how you and your family use these services you can help make improvements for everyone in your community.
What you tell us about how you use your local pharmacy will help the council to write a local Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which will help to ensure that your local pharmacy
provides the service you need both now and in the future.
You can also leave feedback about any NHS or social care service you’ve used, or ask a question about local services and support. We’ll have some great giveaways to hand out too.
Or tell us about using pharmacies online: bit.ly/PharmacyNorthumberland2022
Leave feedback on any NHS or social care service you’ve used in the last 12 months
Come and see us in our gazebo outside Morrisons in Blyth! We’re working with Northumberland County Council to assess pharmacy services in the county and want to hear from you.
Most of us use pharmacy services at some time or another. By telling us how you and your family use these services you can help make improvements for everyone in your community.
What you tell us about how you use your local pharmacy will help the council to write a local Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, which will help to ensure that your local pharmacy provides the service you need both now and in the future.
You can also leave feedback about any NHS or social care service you’ve used, or ask a question about local services and support. We’ll have some great giveaways to hand out too.
Or tell us about using pharmacies online: bit.ly/PharmacyNorthumberland2022
Leave feedback on any NHS or social care service you’ve used in the last 12 months
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!
Join us on Friday 8 April for this free, online public event to hear from Helen Mayne who will provide a brief overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition and the UK’s biggest killer. Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity which campaigns for change, fund research to find a cure and support people living with dementia.
Helen Mayne, Alzheimer’s Society’s local services manager, will join us to give an overview of what dementia is, how it can affect people and what support Alzheimer’s Society can provide for people in Northumberland who are living with the condition.
This will include an outline of their recent expansion to services and what it means for people who receive a diagnosis.
There will also be a chance to ask questions.
Register now at the link below and we will send you a link to join closer to the event.
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
