Health News November 2008
Baby it's open to you
The popular Roundabout Nursery at Homerton hospital is opening its doors to even more children from the local community.
Opened in 1991, the nursery originally only looked after employees’ babies and young children, but is now offering its services to local families who need nursery support.
Manager Margaret Bingham-Crisp said: “We cater for children from three-and-a-half months to five years and are open from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, every week.
“We have built up a very good reputation with our NHS clients who have brought their children here and we have grown to adapt to needs such as flexible hours. We also offer extremely competitive charges to parents.
“Our staff are committed to providing high quality child care, which has helped us to maintain a ‘good’ Ofsted rating since 2004.”
A series of open evenings will take place over the next few months so parents can come in and see the facilities and meet members of staff.
More information
For more information, call Margaret Bingham-Crisp on: 020 8986 2135 or email: roundaboutnursery@homerton.nhs.uk
Safer hospital for all
A new police base next to Homerton hospital’s A&E department was officially opened this month.
Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, and Acting Borough Commander, Superintendent Alun Goode, cut the ceremonial ribbon on 12 November. It was the main event at the hospital’s Safety Awareness Day when the public had an opportunity to visit the centre and get advice from experts.
The new base can house up to 18 constables and community support officers working their patrol beats in the streets surrounding the hospital. There is also a direct link with security officers working in the hospital, allowing an instant response if needed.
Les Green, the local Security Management Specialist for Homerton, said: “We have been enthusiastic supporters of this innovative scheme. It now means we have an increased police presence on the hospital site as a highly visible back-up to our own security team, which consists of nine security officers by day and six by night. We are building a high reputation in the NHS for our ongoing efforts to make the security of our patients, staff and visitors a top priority.
“This new initiative will only enhance this reputation.”
Jivers flock to fun day
Over 200 older people flocked to the Petchey Academy for an afternoon that included hand-jiving and massage.
The 8th annual City and Hackney Older People’s Reference Group (ORPG) event, was opened by the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Ian Rathbone.
David Woodhead, the CHPCT’s Head of Healthy Communities, introduced a range of discussion workshop sessions. Then everyone got to let their hair down, handjiving with the London Swing Dance Company.
Stallholders were also on hand to offer advice, information, and in the case of a stall dedicated to massage, a bit of pampering.
The OPRG is a consultative group, helping to ensure that health and social services meet the needs of those who use them. If you are interested in finding out more, call: 020 7241 5906; or write to: Age Concern Hackney, 22 Dalston Lane, E8 3AZ.
Choice is the way forward
Learning disabilities took centre stage at an event bringing together service users, their carers, Council, CHPCT and voluntary sector staff.
The 8th annual Big Do saw more than 100 people discuss issues such as a new Government move to allow individuals with learning disabilities more choice over the way they receive support.
There was also an interactive sensory workshop, panel discussion, and election of service user representatives to the Partnership Board, which works to ensure people with learning disabilities have a better quality of life.
Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I am delighted that the Big Do continues to provide a valuable forum for service users. The Government is putting people first in proposing improved ways of how councils deliver adult social services.”
The event took place at the Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, EC2.
Star Services
Homerton hospital joined only a handful of NHS Trusts around the country when it received a double ‘excellent’ rating from the Healthcare Commission.
East London NHS Foundation Trust (Mental Health) also got a double ‘excellent’ score. Quality of service for patients at Homerton, and sound financial management were praised by the Commission, which examines all NHS services and scores them against national targets and standards.
Trust Chief Executive, Nancy Hallett, said: “These are fantastic results and reflect an outstanding effort from all our staff to improve services for our patients, while working efficiently and effectively to build up a sound financial base for the future.”
Further improvements to the hospital also got under way last week as building work began on a new Mother and Baby Unit.
Nancy added: “The foundations are being prepared for what will be a key part of our services for the women and babies in the future.”
The East London NHS Foundation Trust’s services and use of resources were both awarded the highest rating by the Healthcare Commission. Trust Chief Executive, Dr Robert Dolan, said: “I would like to acknowledge the contribution of everyone in the Trust. We will continue to build on this work and listen to service users and carers to develop services which really support people and make a difference.”
Better for babies
A scheme to help the borough’s most vulnerable new mums and their babies has been a huge success, according to a report on its first year.
In the past 18 months, the Reducing Infant Mortality Programme has helped cut emergency admissions for new babies, and the number of women going to hospital too soon. It has also boosted early booking rates for and attendance at antenatal care, as well as encouraging more mums to breast feed.
Funded by the borough’s strategic partnership, Team Hackney, the programme aims to tackle Hackney’s infant mortality rate, which is higher than average for London, especially among Black African and Caribbean communities.
Women referred to the programme – co-ordinated by a consultant midwife at Homerton hospital, Jane Walker – have access to a named midwife. They can also get support from a ‘bump buddy’ – a mother who provides pregnancy advice; and a ‘birth buddy’ to accompany them during labour. Birth buddy coordinator, Juliana Sherriff, said: “An experienced birth supporter is worth her weight in gold.”
Juliana has nearly 50 on her list, with at least one working on the Homerton labour ward every day.
Liz Simon, a mother of three, has accompanied 60 women through labour since July. She said: “They phone me on my mobile and I meet them at the delivery suite. It’s very rewarding. Sometimes it’s hours – 24 hours. I like to be there until the delivery.”
More information
Read a full report at: www.teamhackney.org/children-and-young-people. To sign up, call the Hackney Maternity Helpline on: 020 8510 5955.
See off the flu before it arrrives this winter
Are you over 65, or do you suffer from heart problems, diabetes, kidney disease or a condition that makes you vulnerable to catching winter bugs?
If so, you are entitled to a free jab to protect against flu.
Many people still die from influenza every winter but the vaccine is easy to get and most people suffer no side effects. The jab is available from your family doctor and most pharmacists in the borough.
Remember, flu isn’t just a bad cold – symptoms include fever, chills, severe headache and aching muscles.
If you are unlucky enough to be struck down by flu, you can visit your GP, local pharmacist or the Primary and Urgent Care Centre based in the A&E department at Homerton University Hospital.
You can also call NHS Direct for advice on: 0845 46 47 or visit: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
Handy lesson for life
Children at Southwold Primary School in Clapton put their ‘hands up for Max’ as part of a campaign to encourage youngsters to see washing their mitts as fun rather than a chore.
The initiative, a partnership between the CHPCT and Learning Trust, uses animated character Max, alongside art competitions and stickers to encourage children to think about washing their hands.
Handwashing is one of the best and simplest ways to prevent the spread of infection, yet 71 per cent of teachers said children didn’t always remember to do so.
Dr Jose Figueroa, from the CHPCT, said: “Young children are particularly at risk of catching and passing on infections such as stomach bugs or respiratory infections like colds and flu which are spread easily.
“We hope that all children, parents and teachers enjoy meeting Max and improving their hand washing technique!”
The aim of Global Hand Washing Day last month was also to highlight the fact that of the120 million children born in the developing world each year, half will live in households without access to proper sanitation. For further details visit: www.globalhandwashingday.org.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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