Health News July to September 2011
Changes to dementia services
NHS East London and the City wants residents' views on proposals to change services for people with dementia in Hackney.
The aim is to put more resources into being able to support people in the comfort of their own homes, rather than a hospital ward.
To achieve this, the primary care trust is proposing to close under-used in-patient wards in Hackney and other parts of East London and, instead, provide services from a single base at Mile End Hospital, in Tower Hamlets, freeing up funds in the process. There will be no change to in-patient services for people with complex advanced dementia who need a longer stay however.
Marie Gabriel, Chair of NHS East London and the City, said: "Many people with dementia are now assessed early, diagnosed and then receive specialist support at home, rather than having to go to hospital. We want to continue to develop more modern and efficient services for people with dementia.
"People with dementia and their carers have told us they prefer to receive care and support out of hospital, and that being supported to live at home improves their mental health and wellbeing.
"We need people who use these services - carers, local people, NHS staff, community organisations - and other organisations with an interest in these services, to tell us what they think of the proposals."
The consultation, 'Older People, Modern Services', will run until 30 November.
More information
For more information, call: 0800 389 3093; email: consultation@elc.nhs.uk; or visit: www.towerhamlets.nhs.uk/dementiaconsultation
19 September 2011
Carers centre given £110k
City and Hackney Carers Centre has received a £110,000 grant from a trust that dates back to medieval times.
The cheque was presented to staff at the charity's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 6 September by City Bridge Trust. The centre in Tyssen Street, Dalston, supports carers with an advice service on a weekly session or drop-in basis, as well as home visits to give emotional and practical assistance. The project aims to identify and support
50 additional older carers each year.
More than 70 guests attended the AGM, which saw food and giant-sized games on offer for carers needing a respite from their daily routine. Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, took the opportunity to officially announce that the centre is one of the nominated charities she will fund-raise for during her year in office. She said:"I'm hoping to raise as much as possible for such a good cause. I am also actively trying to raise the profile of the organisation by making people aware of the good service it provides."
The centre is run by staff who speak several different languages including Bengali, Urdu, and Turkish to represent the borough's diversity.
19 September 2011
Homerton hospital opens its doors to more volunteers
Homerton hospital is calling for more people to apply for its volunteering scheme.
Residents have until 3 October to sign up to the Homerton Helpers project and to take on roles such as directing visitors and assisting at mealtimes on the wards.
Dawn White, the volunteer project lead, said: "It's been fantastic to see people of all ages and all sections of the community wanting to get involved. In our first recruitment drive, we had over 700 enquiries and have placed 100 volunteers across the hospital.
"Everybody has been impressed by the commitment of our Homerton Helpers team. We know from patient feedback what a difference they're already making to people's time with us. We have now begun our new recruitment drive and welcome interest from potential volunteers."
To find out more call: 020 8510 5579; or email: volunteering@homerton.nhs.uk
19 September 2011
Health experts launch advice sessions
A panel of health experts are set to hold advice sessions across the borough to help people suffering from incontinence problems.
Homerton hospital's continence team - made up of physiotherapists and nurses - will be handing out information on the types and availability of treatments, exercises, products and medicines as well as face-to-face information.
Nearly 14million people in the UK experience problems with bladder control and 6.5million have bowel problems.
One in 12 children in the UK struggles with bedwetting, daytime wetting, constipation and soiling.
The team will be in the Matthew Duncan seminar room, Homerton hospital, on 20 September, 2-4pm; John Scott Health Centre, Manor House, on 21 September, 1-3pm; and at the front entrance of Homerton hospital on 23 September, 10am-2pm. The advice days form part of Continence Awareness Week (19-23 September).
For more info, visit: www.homerton.nhs.uk/pelvicfloor; or www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/
19 September 2011
Pooling resources
The Council has announced free swimming sessions for disabled residents and their carers to celebrate one year to go until the Paralympic Games in 2012. Find out more
5 September 2011
Disability backup forum is relaunched
Disability Backup has returned thanks to a new host organisation, Age UK Hackney.
The forum, which gives residents with disabilities a say in the way services are shaped in the borough, closed in March after its previous host organisation, Hackney Family Backup, closed.
Team members continued to run the network, until a partnership with Age UK Hackney was established in July. Project worker, Carol Davis, from Age UK Hackney, said: "We are delighted to be working with Disability Backup and supporting its members' efforts to achieve equality for disabled people in Hackney."
Disability Backup is a user-led body for disabled people living in Hackney.
Funded by the Council, the forum gives service users the opportunity to influence change in the borough and be consulted about issues affecting them.
More information
For more information, call: 020 7241 5908; or email: caroldavis@ageukhackney.org.uk
5 September 2011
The art of good health
A new Homerton hospital exhibition created by brain injury patients celebrates the 'humour and humanity of an otherwise unseen group', according to curator Shaun Caton.
'Eureka!' features a display of experimental pieces made in art workshops over the past year by people who have been treated at the hospital's Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.
Classes are offered to patients with brain injuries as part of multi-disciplinary therapeutic treatment.
Shaun praised the ingenuity and vision of the show's artists. He said: "The art works are vivid collages, abstract paintings, intricate drawings and wonderful mixed media works, which evoke memories and stimulate the imagination."
Homerton encourages art therapy in the hospital by maintaining an extensive collection of contemporary art, hosting regular exhibitions with major museums, and forming creative partnerships with the local community.
All the works in this latest exhibition are for sale with proceeds helping to fund the art workshops. The show runs until 18 November.
For more info, email: shaun.caton@homerton.nhs.uk
22 August 2011
Disability 'webinars' launched
A series of web seminars are being launched for residents with disabilities who are striving to live more independently.
The Council, in partnership with new media firm SunnierDays, will stream live 'webinars' every two weeks throughout September and October. Each session aims to profile inspirational real-life stories, useful resources, and practical suggestions that could lead to positive changes in disabled residents' quality of life.
SunnierDays founder Martyn Sibley, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, will host the webinars. Themes are set to be on independent living, including securing employment or benefits, and accessible housing; as well as accessing local leisure facilities; planning and taking holidays; and making the most of newly introduced personalised care packages.
The sessions are funded by the Council as part of its Transformation of Adult Social Care programme. Martyn said: "Being a Hackney resident I can bring local knowledge to my content. The benefits of the project are to Hackney's disabled people, its health care sector and everyday people because inclusion benefits communities."
SunnierDays webinars are due to take place on 7 and 21 September, and 5 and 19 October at 2pm each day. For more info on how to join in, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/disability-webinars.htm
22 August 2011
Homerton hospital launches patient feedback survey
Patients being treated or cared for at Homerton hospital are being asked to comment on their experiences.
Some will receive the NHS National Patients' Survey through their letterbox over the coming weeks. The annual survey is an important guide for the hospital; feeding back opinions on food standards, cleanliness and how patients feel they are communicated with by staff.
Chief Nurse Charlie Sheldon said: "Unfortunately, in recent years, only a relatively small number of our patients who were contacted actually responded to the survey or filled it in completely.
"We are keen to know more from our patients about whether or not we are getting our services right. We urge those patients who get this year's survey to fill it in and send it back. This will help us to get better and improve the experience for all patients in future."
22 August 2011
Fertility advice sessions open
Free fertility information sessions are now being held at Homerton hospital.
Among the advice available will be help for individuals and couples wanting to know more about the causes and treatment of infertility, improving fertility, and egg and sperm donation.
There will also be talks with videos and slides. The sessions are set to take place in the hospital's main lecture theatre at 6.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. For more info, visit: www.homerton.nhs.uk/fertility
22 August 2011
Healthy fry-up
More than 70 GPs and health professionals took advantage of a guided tour of a new addiction treatment hub.
Open days at the Elizabeth Fry Centre, in Tudor Grove, E9, were held last month to showcase facilities including counselling rooms and a dedicated women's service.
Medical professionals also took part in workshops examining the complex needs of some of the centre's clients. It is hoped these events will help practitioners when making client referrals.
The centre brings several addiction services together under one roof: Lifeline, Hackney's drug abuse support and treatment provider; the Grove Alcohol Recovery Centre; the Health Enhancement and Recovery Team; and Westminster Drug Project's intervention programme, which provides services for those in the criminal justice system. Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: "The opening of this new centre demonstrates our commitment to the provision of quality addiction treatment in Hackney. Not only will the centre be able to help those with drug or alcohol abuse problems, but it will also support those presenting multiple needs."
The Government funded centre opened in April. It is managed by the Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team, and takes clients via their GP or self-referal.
A series of open evenings for people who work, or come into contact with, people with drug or alcohol issues are being held at the centre from this September till May 2012. The next event takes place on 26 September, from 6pm to 7.30pm.
To book a place, or for information about other open days, call: 020 8356 2179.
8 August 2011
Clapton launches £7.3m care scheme
A new £7.3million housing scheme creating 40 homes and a variety of care services for older residents has opened in Clapton.
Overlooking the River Lea, Century Court aims to help older residents maintain their independence in purpose built flats, while providing everyday assistance with activities like cooking and dressing. A hairdressing service, small shop, function room and café are also on site.
Many of these services will also be available for older non-residents in the area.
The scheme is open to residents aged over 55 - or over 50 with learning disabilities - who need 10 or more hours a week of personal care.
Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, officially opened the centre on 14 July. It is managed by the Council and charity Outward, and was developed by housing association Newlon with joint funding from the Government.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: "Helping people live independently is a major objective for the Council, and schemes like Century Court enable this by allowing people with varying levels of need to be supported under one roof. It is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership work."
8 August 2011
Smoke-free area in Clissold
Clissold Park's new play area is to become smoke free, following an initiative from the Hackney Tobacco Control Alliance (TCA).
The play area, paddling pool and skate-park are set to display no smoking signs, and residents are being asked to take notice and act to protect the health of children and young people. If successful, the initiative could be rolled out across other park play areas in the borough.
Caroline Millar, chair of the Clissold Park User Group, said she was 'delighted' with the news. She added: "With so many children and families coming to the park for fresh air and exercise it is good to know that the air really will be fresh and there will be no more old cigarette butts in the sandpit."
8 August 2011
Bonds that can't be broken
A trainee police officer has spent time learning about City and Hackney Mental Health Services and its clients.
Thomas Boutler (right, with Andrew Horobin) spent four days with service users and staff at their Homerton Row headquarters, as well as taking part in home visits and attending an emergency clinic at Homerton hospital.
He said: "Often service users feel negative about the police because we may have to get involved when they are sectioned. But their bond of trust with the professional teams in City and Hackney has enabled me to hear their experiences at first hand. I learned a lot about various mental health issues, and how to read signals. This knowledge will allow me to respond with more experience to situations that might arise in the future. I admire the depth of work and the responsibility these teams have. Like the police, they care about what they do."
8 August 2011
Dementia discussed
A new play to be performed at a local theatre is looking at how dementia affects sufferers, carers and families.
'Dementia Diaries' at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, N1, explores responses to and preconceptions about dementia. Told through the interweaving monologues of an Anglo-Polish family and their Polish carer, the play - by Maria Jastrzebska - focuses on strained relationships within a family struggling to look after someone with the disease. Developed with help from clinicians and nurses, critics have praised the drama's at times surreal humour and its insight into what life can be like for carers.
There are over 820,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, a number forecast to rise, according to Alzheimer's Research UK.
Caused by a gradual death of brain cells beyond normal aging, dementia leads to the loss of memory, understanding, judgment and language.
'Dementia Diaries' runs from 12 to 14 July.
For more info call: 020 7704 2730; or visit: www.rosemarybranch.co.uk
4 July 2011
Help to stop smoking
City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health has trained 23 staff as smoking cessation advisors.
They will provide psychological support to smokers with mental health difficulties to help them quit tobacco, taking them through the thought processes of giving up and supporting them to make informed decisions.
Life expectancy for people with chronic mental illness is shorter than those without. The initiative aims to improve the physical health of this group by showing the harmful effects of smoking and offering treatment.
Kate Organ, Lead Pharmacist at the unit, said: "I have seen first-hand the benefits of this service. One individual's facial complexion, after just two weeks of quitting, changed from a greyish matt to full of colour and radiance. He also reported increased energy levels and easier breathing."
The project was a collaboration between the mental health centre - run by East London NHS Foundation Trust - and City and East London Tobacco Control Alliance.
More information
Pharmacists and GPs can advise those who want to quit. For intensive support, group sessions are available. For info call: 0800 169 1943.
4 July 2011
Don't wait for symptoms
NHS East London and the City is urging more people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), following a rise in diagnoses in London.
Results from the Health Protection Agency found a one per cent increase in people across the capital being identified with an STI. The East London trust that covers Hackney said the rise means more people are getting tested and treated for infections. However, work continues within communities to help people make safe decisions about sex, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of STIs, and to encourage access to testing, it added.
Dr Jose Figueroa, Deputy Director of Public Health for NHS East London and the City, said: "Many STIs, like chlamydia, have no signs or symptoms; sometimes symptoms don't appear for weeks or months; or they go away even though you still have the infection. Therefore you can pass it to others without realising it. STI screening is free, confidential and should be part of your health routine especially if you practice unsafe sex or when you change partners."
He added: "Using condoms is still the most effective way of avoiding STIs and a wide range of condoms are available free from GPs, sexual health clinics, community pharmacies and many young people friendly settings."
For more info visit: www.sho-me.nhs.uk
4 July 2011
Breath when you're singing
It may not necessarily be easy on the ears, but singing can be very good for the lungs, according to a team of health experts.
On 6 July, vocal coach Phoene Cave, and local health care specialists will be explaining that a bit of crooning can strengthen breathing. As well as receiving singing lessons, residents can also have their lung capacity tested to identify problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema at the St Joseph's Hospice event.
Claire Davey, Physiotherapist at Homerton hospital, said: "Tests can measure the capacity of each individual's lungs and is important in helping us to assess any damage.
"It has also been found that singing can help people with breathing if they have a chronic lung condition."
Resources in Hackney for chronic lung conditions delivered by Homerton hospital include support network Breathe Easy Group, pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise and education programmes run at sites across the borough. The event takes place at St Joseph's Hospice, Mare Street, E8, on 6 July, 1.30-3.30pm.
For more info call: 020 8525 6000.
Page updated: 11 Oct 2011
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