NHS LINCOLNSHIRE REACHES 1000+ TWITTER FOLLOWERS
Over 1,000 people are following NHS Lincolnshire on Twitter.
More people are using the popular social networking site to keep up to date with news on health services across the county.
NHS Lincolnshire tweets its latest news stories, current health issues, online surveys, tips for staying healthy and much more.
Gary James, Chief Information Officer was delighted that the organisation's Twitter profile was proving popular.
"We continue to look at new and innovative ways to communicate with people living in Lincolnshire. Twitter is just one tool we use to keep people informed about our local health services. We always welcome feedback and would love to hear how the public would like us to share information with them."
GOOD LIFE GUIDE IMPROVES LIVING FOR OVER 50s
The second edition of The Good Life Guide has been published for Lincolnshire's over 50s following the success of the 2008 edition.
Paid for by the Health and Well-being Fund, the publication contains important information and advice to people of retirement age and over.
The guide gives handy tips on a range of topics including how to live a healthier lifestyle, making your home safer and crime prevention. NHS Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police and Age Concern have all contributed to its development.
John McIvor, Chief Executive for NHS Lincolnshire said "The second Good Life Guide has been put together in response to comments and suggestions from the public. The updated version now includes information on managing long term medical conditions as well as trading standards welfare benefits, preventing door-step crime, advice about healthy eating, exercise and falls prevention. We want people to use this guide to live a safer, healthier and independent lifestyle."
The guide is available by calling 01522 782172.
ENDS
FUTURE OF STROKE AND HEART SERVICES DISCUSSED
Key decisions about the future of stroke and heart care for patients in Lincolnshire were discussed at the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting yesterday.
NHS Lincolnshire and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust outlined proposals for the development of specialist centres in the region where local residents will receive vital assessment and treatment during the early stages of suffering a stroke or heart attack.
The plans were presented to the Health Scrutiny Committee with feedback from patients, carers and stakeholders.
The Committee were confident in the plans and supported the development of these services in Lincolnshire.
Specialist stroke centres will work from Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, meaning that patients will get the most appropriate care within three hours of a stroke developing.
These services will improve the recovery of patients suffering from this type of stroke and they will spend less time in hospital than they currently do.
The network of local hospitals across Lincolnshire will provide support and provide general stroke services and rehabilitation closer to home.
Improvements in emergency heart treatment will also be established at a new specialist centre in Lincoln County hospital by the middle of 2011.
Patients will be able to have highly specialised treatment to restore blood flow through the arteries at the very early stages of developing a heart attack.
At the moment only a few patients across the East Midlands are able to receive this treatment and providing this service in Lincolnshire will be a major improvement for patients.
Martin McShane, Director of Strategic Planning and Health Outcomes for NHS Lincolnshire said: "We are delighted that our proposals have been well received by Lincolnshire's Health Scrutiny Committee. The plans which have been developed around feedback from patients, carers and stakeholder groups will transform the way patients in Lincolnshire are cared for. We will continue to work closely with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS East Midlands to implement these changes to ultimately save lives."
Cllr Mrs Christine Talbot, Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire, said:
"The committee have closely followed the development of these proposals and are confident that a great deal of stakeholder engagement has been carried out, and that this will continue to take place. These services will represent a significant improvement to the treatment of cardiac and stroke patients in Lincolnshire and we're keen to follow their progress."
MORE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT FOR MUMS
Mums and families across the county are being offered more breastfeeding advice and support than ever.
Dedicated health professionals and qualified breastfeeding peer supporters continue to promote breastfeeding as the cheapest and healthiest feeding option for mother and baby.
Twenty six BreastStart groups across Lincolnshire provide personal advice from trained mums who have been awarded with the nationally recognised La Leche support certificate.
Skilled health professionals and mums staff Gainsborough's new Baby Cafe in a relaxed environment offering reassurance and advice to pregnant women.
Julie Cantwell, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator from Lincolnshire Community Health Services said: "Research proves that both mother and child benefit from breastfeeding. Babies are protected against such illnesses as childhood diabetes, obesity or asthma and mothers can be protected against breast or ovarian cancer."
"We would encourage pregnant women to ask their midwife for information and take advantage of the BreastStart groups and Gainsborough's Baby Cafe. Sharing experiences with other women makes breastfeeding less daunting and easier to overcome concerns."
"Thanks to the investment from NHS Lincolnshire we will continue to improve services for pregnant women and their families to improve the health of new borns."
ENDS
NHS Lincolnshire celebrates long serving staff at the Annual Public Meeting.
The Annual Public Meeting is taking place on Monday 14 September 2009 at Lincolnshire Oak Hotel, East Road, Sleaford, NG34 7EH and is open to members of the public, local organisations, partners and stakeholders.
The event commences at 5pm with Chairman, Richard Childs presenting Long Service Awards to staff who have shown excellent committment to the NHS.
Following a short refeshment break, Chief Executive, John McIvor and Richard Childs will open the Annual Public Meeting at 6pm with a presentation about the past year, achievements and future priorities.
Director of Finance and Contracting, Andrew Spring is presenting the Annual Accounts for 2008/09 and Richard Childs will close the event with a speech about local health services in Lincolnshire.
Chief Executive, John McIvor said anyone is welcome to join the meeting. "Our Annual Public Meeting is a great way for people who are interested in health services to find out more about NHS Lincolnshire, how money is invested and what our priorities are."
Copies of the Annual Report, Annual Accounts (can also be viewed at www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk) and information on local health services will be available at the meeting.
Swine Flu
The public should carry on as normal unless they display symptoms of Swine Flu, this applies to everyone including schools and the workplace
No Symptoms, No Problem
* Anyone who has been in contact with someone clinically assessed as having Swine Flu is not infectious, unless they themselves have symptoms
* Anyone who thinks they have Swine Flu must not just turn up at A&E, their GP or at Lincolns walk in centre. Instead they should:
1. Check their symptoms by:
* Visiting www.nhs.uk
* Calling the national Swine Flu information line 0800 1 513 513
* Or contacting: NHS Direct 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
2. Anyone who still thinks they have Swine Flu and might need antiviral medicines should call their local GP who will be able to provide an assessment over the phone.
* People should be identifying their Flu friends now. Flu friends can be relatives, neighbours and friends who will be able to collect the antiviral medication from one of the designated collection Centres during the opening hours published, so that the symptomatic person does not have to leave home
* Everyone should continue with good respiratory hygiene Remember to 'Catch it, bin it, kill it': Always use a tissue to catch your sneeze, throw away used tissues and regularly wash your hands
Countywide leisure centres offer sexual health advice for Men’s Health Week - 12 June 2009
Men are proving to be less forthcoming than women when using sexual health services in Lincolnshire.
A reluctance to contact their GP, local contraceptive clinic or STI screening service with sexual health issues has prompted the local NHS to take their services to the men.
Eight leisure centres across the county will promote sexual health services throughout Men’s Health Week, 15 - 21 June, in addition to offering discounted rates and promoting good health.
Men will be able to find out more about::
• Chlamydia testing - Ordering a self test kit from www.doyouhaveit.co.uk
• C-card scheme - Free condoms for under 25s from venues across Lincolnshire
• Positive Health - Advice and support for HIV/Aids, sexual health promotion and outreach services for men
• Full clinic locations and services - including STI tests, treatment, partner notification, contraceptive advise, counselling services
Caroline Sherriff, Patient and Public Involvement for Sexual Health Services said: "Typically, women are more likely to use local sexual health services than men. By providing information about the range of sexual health services on offer, we hope more men will use them in the future.”
Lincolnshire Community Health Services has joined forces with the district councils to support this initiative during men’s health week.
Men’s Health Week is an annual event which aims to improve men’s awareness of health and related services and how to use them effectively.
NHS Lincolnshire monitors local impact of Swine Flu level 6 - 11 June 2009
NHS Lincolnshire is continuing to monitor the situation closely following the recent announcement that the World Health Organisation has raised the alert level for Swine Flu to Phase 6.
Phase 6 reflects the global extent of Swine Flu and is put in place when there is a certain level of geographical spread of confirmed cases worldwide and the change in level does not reflect the severity of the virus. Within the UK we have not seen widespread activity, although there have been a small number of outbreaks, which have been mainly school related.
NHS Lincolnshire, along with the rest of the health community and partner agencies, has been preparing for the risk of a pandemic flu for the past five years and has comprehensive plans in place to respond to this evolving situation.
Dr Mandy Bretman, Director of Public Health and Partnerships for NHS Lincolnshire, said: “Currently, the small numbers of confirmed swine flu cases reported in the region have only shown mild symptoms and we do not have evidence of widespread community transmission. However, we will continue to be vigilant and review our position as appropriate - in line with any local, regional and national developments - to ensure the public’s health is our highest priority.”
The public are being asked to keep good respiratory and hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs in light of swine flu.
• Catch it - Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
• Bin it - Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.
• Kill it - Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.
• Make sure your children follow this advice.
People who have travelled back from any of the affected areas and experience flu like symptoms should take the following steps:
1. Stay at home
2. Check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk if possible.
3. Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice.
4. If you have taken these steps and are still concerned, call your GP. Or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 they will give you advice on your symptoms and the next steps you should take.
5. Do not go into your GP surgery or local accident and emergency department unless you are advised to do so or you are seriously ill, because you might spread the illness to others. Ask a flu friend to go out for you.
New hospital receives a wealth of artwork for show at new building
Over thirty pieces of artwork have been submitted for display at the new Johnson Community Hospital.
Artwork is an important aspect of the hospital, providing signage to aid people with reading difficulties whilst enhancing the look and feel of the building to create a more welcoming patient experience.
Before the hospital opened on 1 June, local artists were invited to create a piece of work that fitted into the existing themes of coastal, farmland, woodland, skies and Welland.
A number of pieces will be selected for display within the new hospital, for the enjoyment of patients, visitors and staff.
Simon Temple, Hospital Matron, said: “We are so pleased to have received such a variety of pieces. They include traditional pictures of flowers and woodlands to photographs submitted by the charitable organisation “Sense” from their clients and some more abstract pieces such as a bowl.”
“This represents a good cross section of the community offering us a wide range to choose from. I look forward to judging the pieces on 11 June with the rest of the panel,” he added.
The panel consists of:
Chair of the Lincolnshire LINk
Johnson Community Hospital Matron
Member of League of Friends
Exhibitions Secretary for the Spalding Arts and Crafts Society
Open days at new Johnson Hospital give community a first look
People from the South Holland community are invited to take a first look inside the new Johnson Community hospital before it opens its doors to patients on 1st June.
This will be the first time members of the public have had the opportunity to see the impressive £24 million pound hospital.
Guided tours of the building will take place from the main reception on 14 and 22 May during 13.00 - 16.00 and 17.00 - 20.00 and 23 May 09.00 - 13.00. People are welcome to turn up and join an accompanied tour.
The hospital design and the services to be delivered have been largely influenced by the community who have also carefully considered ecolology and environmental issues.
Surrounding wildlife has been preserved and car use is being discouraged through cycling facilities and bus services. These measures together with economical lighting, heating and ventilation have created a hospital fit for future generations of this rural community.
The hospital will provide a modern, clean and welcoming environment, replacing the old buildings which were no longer fit to provide modern healthcare and allowing all services to be delivered from one site.
Sally Brown, Outpatients Sister for Lincolnshire Community Health Services is also looking forward to starting work at the new hospital.
“The new hospital will be a great place to care for patients. It has a very relaxed feel to it and I would encourage people to come and take a look around.”
Simon Temple, Hospital Matron said: “Patients receiving care at the new hospital will do so in an environment that has been specifically designed to create a relaxed atmosphere to make their stay as comfortable as possible.”