Health News November 2009
A merry dance
Some deft footwork was on display at a tea dance for the over 50s – back due to popular demand.
The event for older residents was held at the Queensbridge Sports and Community Centre, Holly Street, on 30 October.
The dance followed on from extremely successful events held earlier in April, and during the summer, as part of the Council’s Annual Festival for Older People.
Those attending danced the afternoon away and had the opportunity to make new friends and socialise, as well as enjoy a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake. Cllr Nargis Khan, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said:
“Hackney Council is committed to enabling older residents to lead healthy, active and independent lives. This is one of several such activities the Council organises throughout the year and which participants have told us they enjoy.”
Look out for more tea dances in the New Year.
16 November 2009
Mental health views
Three Hackney residents have been elected to represent the area as part of the Members Council for the East London NHS Foundation Trust.
Matt Jones, David Kofoworola Adeolu and Anne-Marie Farrugia were elected to join the 45-strong Council last month. Their roles will involve liaising between residents and the Trust to help it understand better what local people need from mental health services.
16 November 2009
Backup’s birthday
A forum that gives people with disabilities a say in the way services are shaped in the borough has celebrated its first birthday.
Funded by the Council, Disability Backup has over 250 members and meets monthly to cover topics such as housing, transport and access. Managers from across the Council are also invited to attend to discuss their services and get ideas about how they can be improved.
The celebrations took place at City Edge, Mare Street, where members shared home-made food and took part in a prize draw. One member said: “I like the access to information and advice. I’ve learnt so much being part of this group.”
Catherine Love, Disability Backup coordinator, added: “The energy and dedication that members have shown during this first year is fantastic.”
The Forum is now looking at priorities for next year. For info, call Catherine on: 020 7275 0088 ext 209; or visit: www.dbu.org.uk
16 November 2009
Big Do
More than 150 people attended the annual Big Do event for people with learning disabilities in Hackney.
The event, on 29 October at the Petchey Academy, was planned and organised by people with learning disabilities, Council and NHS staff, service providers and Hackney People First.
There were presentations and workshops on the work being done to support Government plans to transform social care for adults, changes that aim to give people more choice and control over their care services in the future.
Activities during the day-long event included boccia, a Paralympic sport similar to boules, and workshops on voting, employment, individualised budgets and housing.
Changes to adult social care was also the topic for those who attended an event at Ocean in Mare Street aimed at people with hearing disabilities. Organised by the Council and local organisation Deaf PLUS, information was also on offer about breast cancer care for both sexes.
For info about social care changes in Hackney call: 020 8356 6262; or visit the Transforming Adult Social Care page.
16 November 2009
Toys through time
Antiques Roadshow toys expert Bunny Campione was the guest of honour at the opening of Homerton Hospital’s latest exhibition on October 21.
The world of toys is the theme of the 30th art exhibition held at the hospital, produced with help from the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. ‘Hidden Treasures’ is a collection of photographs of toys from the basement of the museum. The hospital’s arts curator, Shaun Caton, said:
“Hidden Treasures is a photographic journey through the store room cupboards and cabinets beneath the museum – a visual record of some extraordinary objects and items related to the history of childhood.”
The exhibition, at the hospital’s education centre, consists of 64 colour photos, with subjects ranging from ancient Roman and Syrian grave goods, to dolls and other toys. There are also images of Victorian porcelain feeding bottles and inhalers.
The exhibition will run until end of the year and is open to the public.
More information
For further details email: shaun.caton@homerton.nhs.uk
2 November 2009
Don’t forget about seasonal flu
Elderly residents and those with long-term health conditions are being urged to get their free seasonal flu jab.
Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the jab every winter, as are younger people with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and serious kidney and liver disease.
Every year, there are approximately 8,000 seasonal flu-related deaths in the winter months in England and Wales.
Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The virus, which is different from swine flu (H1N1), changes every year, as does the vaccine, so, it is important that those at risk ensure they receive the jab to protect themselves.
The seasonal flu jab does not protect against swine flu. A vaccine is due to be made available later in the winter.
Residents who believe they are eligible for a seasonal flu jab should contact their GP.
2 November 2009
Second double ‘excellent’
Homerton Hospital has received a double ‘excellent’ rating for the second year running in its annual health check – the only acute hospital in London to retain this rating.
The Care Quality Commission awarded an excellent rating to Homerton both for the quality of services it provides to patients and its record of sound financial management.
The health check examines all NHS services across the country and scores them against a number of national targets and standards.
Homerton is one of only a few trusts to receive an ‘excellent’ rating in both categories – quality of services and financial management. The Trust has scored ‘excellent’ for use of resources for the past three years.
Nancy Hallett, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “These are again terrific results, which reflect an outstanding effort from all our staff to improve services for our patients, whilst at the same time, working efficiently and effectively to build up a sound financial base for the future.
“Foundation Trust status now allows us the freedom to use our resources in a way that ensures a direct benefit to our patients. Additionally, we have invested over £10 million into new facilities for IVF treatment and the mother and baby centre, which is soon to open.”
2 November 2009
Building’s historic status
A Hackney health centre is celebrating its new Grade II listed status with a public tour of the building.
St Leonard’s Health Centre in Kingsland Road received the listing from English Heritage last month.
The free tour, which starts at 7pm on 23 November, will offer visitors the chance to learn about the history and architecture of the building. St Leonard’s Hospital grew out of the infirmary at the St Leonard Shoreditch Workhouse.
Over the years much work was done to the building, which was even condemned in 1934.
St Leonard’s Health Centre is now run by the City & Hackney Teaching Primary Care Trust.
For more info or to book a place call Lisa on: 020 8806 4003; or visit: www.hackneysociety.org.
2 November 2009
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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