Health News December 2009
All aboard
A Government minister helped cut the ribbon at the official opening of a unique Hackney health service on 3 December.
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls MP, held the ceremonial scissors at Hackney Ark with seven-year-old Rebecca Middleton-Davies. They were joined by Paralympic swimmer, Dervis Konuralp, Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, and families who use the innovative facility.
Hackney Ark, E8, is a ‘one-stop shop’, launched in March 2008 to support all disabled children and young people, aged up to 19, in Hackney and the City. The joint venture by the Council, NHS City and Hackney Community Health Services, and The Learning Trust offers a range of 31 different healthcare, education and social care services.
Mr Balls said: “This is a fantastic example of integrated service for children and families, with staff working from health, education and children’s social care all under one roof. I was really impressed with what I saw walking through this fabulous new building and speaking to front-line staff.”
Mayor Pipe added: “This centre was designed in close consultation with the families and young people it serves and they remain instrumental in its running, helping ensure it continues to provide the highest possible levels of support.”
More information
Hackney Ark is in Downs Park Road, E8. Call: 020 7014 7000
14 December
Help at the hospice
ST Joseph’s Hospice is looking for volunteers for its new multi-service centre for East Londoners.
Finding Space, based on Mare Street, will provide an information service, professional advice, support groups, complementary therapists and creative projects for people facing the end of their lives, as well as offering assistance to their families, friends and carers.
The facility will rely heavily on volunteers, as well as skilled practitioners, when it opens fully early next year.
Raksha Dattani, volunteer services manager, said: “People who currently volunteer say they enjoy the friendship and companionship they gain.
They feel valued and enjoy being able to help other people. There are opportunities to learn new practical skills, which can help enhance your CV.
“Helping at St Joseph’s is easy: there are tasks to suit everyone whatever their skills. You choose the number of hours you commit and we can help with practical concerns like travel expenses.”
St Joseph’s will be holding introductory volunteer events on 28 January and 4 February.
30 November 2009
New homes with 24-hour care
A new Hackney housing scheme for people with a specific brain disorder is the first of its kind in London.
Overbury House, Homerton, will offer wheelchair-accessible flats and 24-hour care for residents following a refurbishment by Family Mosaic housing association. The project was carried out in partnership with the Council and funded by the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency.
The scheme focuses on sufferers of Korsakoff’s Syndrome, which is caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the brain relating to prolonged, heavy alcohol consumption.
Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, visited Overbury House on 18 November to view the refurbishments and meet residents and staff.
The initiative forms part of the Council’s Supported Housing with Care programme, which aims to provide older and vulnerable people the opportunity to live at home for as long as possible.
30 November 2009
Praise for language project
A partnership project between local health and education services has come runner-up in a prestigious national award.
The Children’s Integrated Speech and Language Therapy Service (SLT) was honoured in The Guardian’s National Public Service Awards in the children and young people category.
Judges praised the project for ensuring Hackney children and young people can easily access support services for their language and communication needs.
The service, developed by NHS City and Hackney and The Learning Trust, is available in schools, children’s centres and early years settings and helps around 3,500 children and young people.
30 November 2009
Give malaria a miss
Residents planning to travel to an African country for the festive season are being encouraged to protect themselves against malaria.
African community groups have been working with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to target people who may be heading to a country where malaria is common.
Holiday-makers are advised to consult their GP or travel clinic and follow the advice given before travelling. Visitors should also be aware of malaria symptoms, such as flu-like illnesses and nausea.
Martha Osamor, from the Nigerian Organisation of Women, said: “Why ruin your holiday and expose you and your family to malaria? If you’re going abroad this winter it’s extremely important that you take appropriate drugs and other preventative measures to reduce the risk of bites.”
Professor Peter Chiodini, who heads the HPA’s Malaria Reference Laboratory, added: “People who were born in places where malaria is rife, but who now live in the UK do not have immunity. Malaria is a serious illness that can lead to death, so it is very important that people plan their trip in advance and take anti-malarial medicine.”
In 2008, around 60 per cent of all malaria cases in this country occurred after UK travellers returned from visiting friends and family in Africa.
30 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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