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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

 

Rothbury Community Hospital update

Rothbury Community Hospital update

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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has given an update on work which will enable a new model of care to be delivered from Rothbury Community Hospital:

 

The pioneering strategic health and social care partnership between ourselves and Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd, which is part of People First Care, will see a package of community care being available for the residents of Rothbury and surrounding villages. The work, which will take up to four months to complete and is being delivered and managed by Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd, will involve transforming the inpatient ward at the hospital into a homely residential care home with the provision of flexible NHS beds.

It is hoped that the community health and social care facility will be opened by November.

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

The clear admission criteria we have for both services should give confidence in the care that will be provided whether someone is in an NHS or resident care bed.

Stark lessons learnt from the last two years include that healthcare provision needs to be flexible if it is to be sustainable and that the focus should not be on beds, but on what is going to enable patients to get better and recover as quickly as possible and the best use of our staff and resources. It is clearly evidenced that medically fit people should not be in hospital beds.

It is fantastic that we are able to be part of a partnership which offers holistic care for people. We are also mindful that this is a new model of care so 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. We can then make any changes that we need to.

This is the first time that Rothbury has had a residential care home within the village. Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd want to make the environment as homely as possible. The 12 rooms will all be en-suite and residents and NHS patients will enjoy home-cooked food which will be prepared on the site and have access to a day room. There will also be a laundry on site.

The same contractor that originally built Rothbury Community Hospital is undertaking the building work so they have extensive knowledge of the building and we have every confidence in their ability to ensure the facility is of excellent quality.

Other positives include there now being another local employer in Rothbury and supporting the local economy. It is hoped that most of staff recruited will be from the local community and full training will be provided. There will also be a day centre and Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd is also looking to provide home care subject to demand and recruitment. They will start advertising various posts from July.

We are committed to making this partnership work for local residents as we appreciate that people have had to wait for a very long time for a solution. We would like to thank residents and all stakeholders for their patience, feedback and support.

 

Tell us your experiences of using health and social care services in Rothbury and across Northumberland.

Key Milestone for care at Rothbury Hospital

Key Milestone for care at Rothbury Hospital

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Key milestone for introduction of new model of care at Rothbury Community Hospital

An important step has been taken in the development of a new flexible care model for patients in Rothbury.

Plans by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to provide a package of community treatment, NHS beds and much-needed residential care from Rothbury Community Hospital have now been confirmed.

NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which plans and commissions the county’s healthcare, approved the new model at its recent board meetings before the proposals were also presented to Northumberland County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 5 April.

Earlier this year, the trust announced that it had created a new strategic partnership with a care provider, Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd, part of local family care business People First Care, which will mean it can provide a flexible number of beds to meet the needs of people in Rothbury, while continuing to deliver extra support for people’s health and care needs in their own home.

As part of the scheme, Northumbria Healthcare is committing to utilising NHS beds within this facility – with numbers moving up and down flexibly to meet patient needs – which aligns with initial work in other parts of Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Marion Dickson, the trust’s executive director for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said “We are really excited about this innovative model of care and are looking forward to getting started, as we believe this is very much the way of the future given the blend of hospital and care home beds alongside care for people in their own homes.

“Our plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic so it is great that we are now pushing on with the backing of our commissioners in Northumberland as well as the local authority.”

Rothbury Cottage Care Ltd will operate a 12-bed unit in partnership with the trust for people needing respite care, rehabilitation services, longer-term recuperation or end-of-life care. This facility will be supported by a wider team of district nurses, GPs and nurse practitioners.

Rachel Mitcheson, service director for transformation and integrated care at the CCG, said “We have been working with colleagues at the trust on the Rothbury plans for a number of years now and we are well aware of how important it is to get this right for the community.

“Our board has now backed this proposal as we believe this approach will ensure the best provision for patients in Rothbury and surrounding areas, as it provides a mix of important health and care services.”

The progress has also been welcomed in by community representatives in Rothbury.

Katie Scott, coordinator of the Save Rothbury Community Hospital Campaign, added “After the independent panel directed the NHS, four years ago, to work with local people on reopening the beds, we have kept up a constant dialogue with the NHS team.

“We are pleased the CCG approved this proposal and we are happy with the scrutiny that Northumberland county councillors have undertaken.”

Cllr Steven Bridgett, county councillor for the Rothbury Division, added “I am pleased that the proposals put forward by Northumbria Healthcare in relation to Rothbury Community Hospital have been endorsed by both the CCG and Northumberland County Council’s health scrutiny committee.

“It is my view that they are indeed in the best interests of the residents of this area, but we now need to see some progress on the ground and this facility opened as soon as possible. It has been five-and-a-half years since we lost the use of beds in the hospital and now that we have some firm proposals regarding the future use of the beds, residents quite rightly need to see some swift action and this facility opened as quickly as possible.”

 

New scheme for NHS care in Rothbury

New scheme for NHS care in Rothbury

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Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is developing a new flexible care service for patients in Rothbury that will see community treatment, NHS beds and much needed residential care for people in the area.

The trust has created a new strategic partnership with a third-party care provider People First Care which will allow the NHS to deliver a flexible number of beds to meet the needs of patients in Rothbury, while continuing to provide extra support for people’s health and care needs in their own home.

As part of the scheme Northumbria will commit to taking NHS beds within this facility – with numbers moving up and down flexibly to meet patient needs – which aligns with initial work in other parts of Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Under the plans People First Care will operate a 12-15 bed unit for people needing respite care, rehabilitation services, longer-term recuperation or end of life care. This facility will be supported by a wider team of district nurses, GPs and nurse practitioners.

Northumbria Chief Executive Sir James Mackey said “This is a really exciting development and I’m pleased that we’re able to announce these plans after so much hard work. The last two years have been incredibly challenging for all health and care services but it’s very rewarding to see the end result.

“The trust has been working incredibly hard to develop our ambition for hospital care in Rothbury but like every organisation in the health and care sector our focus for the past two years has been on managing the covid19 pandemic. While much work has already been done this has disrupted some of our planning but also taught us valuable lessons on the flexibility we need to cope with future challenges.

“We believe this model not only delivers the right level of NHS care, but also adds much-needed additional residential care home beds for the community. We’re confident that this unique and innovative approach can be a real success in Rothbury and we are committed to making it work.

“We know that much more NHS care should be delivered to people in their own homes where they are most comfortable and better able to recover. In the covid-era we’re also aware of the benefits of reducing the risks of spreading infections and creating unnecessary contacts for vulnerable, older patients.

“Our priority at all times has been to offer the best care to everyone in the area and it’s increasingly apparent that a flexible approach to beds, staffing and patient care is the best solution.

“Our focus is not on the number of hospital beds but how best to deliver care effectively and safely in community settings. The Trust already has a very strong community team supporting people right across the county.”

Cllr Steven Bridgett, County Councillor for Rothbury says “We have been waiting for a sustainable health and care bed solution for Rothbury for some years and I am pleased that the model outlined to me today is progressing with a view that this will be opened in the Spring.

“I have been in regular contact with the Trust and feel that they have listened to the concerns of the residents of Rothbury & Coquetdale and developed a solution that not only deals with the need for flexible healthcare beds but also adds to this a wider care solution that has been missing from this community for some years. Our focus is now on delivering this.”

Katie Scott, Coordinator of the Save Rothbury Community Hospital Campaign Team, said “Since the closure of the ward, we have fought for an integrated facility with GP surgery, step-up, step-down, end-of-life, and respite beds. In April 2017 we produced our ‘Coquetdale Cares – the Community’s Vision’. We have worked tirelessly to keep the health needs of our community in the minds of the NHS. The proposal that we have seen today looks like it is our vision, but with ‘a cherry on the top’!

“The team are delighted that residential care is at last coming to our community. We welcome the proposal and hope that the new facilities will be available very soon. We would also like to thank the community for the continuing dialogue, which has enabled us to report regularly to the NHS on real suffering and real need. Our only regret is that so many people, including Maurice Cole, a key member of the Campaign Team, did not live to benefit from the proposed new facilities at Rothbury Community Hospital.”

It is hoped the new model will be up and running by spring/summer 2022 and Northumbria will work with Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group to finalise the proposal as soon as possible to ensure there is minimal delay in getting the service up and running.

Events

Listening Event – Annual Survey 2020 Rothbury

Listening Event – Annual Survey 2020 Rothbury

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We are 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.

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.

Cancer Patient Event: Rothbury

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.

CCG Meeting in Public: Rothbury

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The NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) governing body is holding a meeting in public, where it will consider future arrangements at Rothbury Community Hospital. The CCG is responsible for the planning and buying of healthcare for Northumberland.

If you would like to submit a question for the meeting, or would like to confirm your attendance, please contact: Melody Price on 01670 335185 or email: melodyprice@nhs.net.

Read more about the consultation on services at Rothbury Community Hospital.

Annual Survey Drop In – Rothbury

Annual Survey Drop In – Rothbury

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We will be in Rothbury on Friday 22 February with our annual survey. Come and meet us at The Jubilee Hall (Simonside Room), between 10.00am and 12.00pm and share your experiences of health and social care over the last 12 months.

You can share your thoughts and experiences as a patient or as a carer. Your feedback will help us set our work priorities for the coming year. Knowing what is important to you helps us to work more effectively on your behalf. We can also look at trends and themes year on year, seeing what has changed and what remains important to people.

You could also be in with a chance of winning one of three prizes when you take the time to tell us about your experiences.

Thank you for your support and we hope you can call in to see us.

Dental Services in Rothbury – Listening Event

Dental Services in Rothbury – Listening Event

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Following the closure of the Coquetdale Dental Surgery we are holding two events jointly with NHS England to understand the impact the closure has had for people in the different areas covered by the practice and to help with the development of services in the future. Please come along and talk to us if you can.

We are also holding an event in Hadston on Thursday 5 April at the Youth and Community Centre, between 10.00am and 1.00pm.

 

If you cannot attend one of these events and would like to leave feedback about dental services in these areas please contact us.

Rothbury Drop-in Session

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Following on from the changes to primary care services in Harbottle, the recent relocation of GP services in Rothbury and the closure of a dental practice, we are keen to hear how these arrangements are working for local people. Please get in touch to share your experiences of health provision in the area, either positive or negative.

The Healthwatch Northumberland team will be in the Cheviot Room at The Jubilee Hall in Rothbury on Friday 26 January from 12.00pm – 1.00pm, to talk to local people about their views and experiences and we invite you to call in for a chat if you use health services in the area. This is a drop-in session so no need to book, just call in any time between 12.00pm and 1.00pm.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it that day. Give us a call on 03332 408468 or leave feedback via the website.