Health News - October to December 2011
New Age New You
Winners of the New Age Games finals received a bonus prize - free tickets to the Olympic or Paralympic games.
More than 150 residents, aged 50 and over, attended the event at Clissold Leisure Centre on 2 December. Awards were given to those who had shown the greatest level of improvement, commitment and community spirit during the New Age Games, which is a year round programme offering free sports and activities for over 50s. Find out more
12 December 2011
Queen to honour HCC
Hackney Community College (HCC) is to be honoured by the Queen for its mental health support service.
The college won a prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for a scheme that helps students with mental health needs back into education and employment. HCC was the
only London college, and one of only three further education institutions in the UK, to receive the award.
From supporting around 50 people at its start in 1997, the service now assists more than 4,000 students and prospective learners with mental health support.
Georgina, who had suffered from serious mental health issues, received guidance from the service.
She said: "The college has given me unbelievable support and has helped change my life."
12 December 2011
NHS urges residents to choose appropriate health services
NHS East London and the City is urging residents to choose the right service if they need treatment or advice this winter.
Alwen Williams, Chief Executive of NHS East London and the City, said: "You have choices about the health services you use. When you are unwell or injured please make sure that you choose the service that best fits with your illness or injury."
If unsure of where to go, the trust recommends calling 24-hour hotline, NHS Direct, or visiting its website. GP practices will be closed between 25-27 December and 1-2 January, but treatment for minor illness and injury will still be available at many pharmacies.
Emergency number 999 is reserved for those so sick that their life is at risk, those who cannot move, or for those where it would be dangerous to move.
More information
For more information, call: 0845 4647; or visit: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
12 December 2011
Patients offered more say on care services in the borough
Patients are being offered the chance to evaluate health services in the borough via a new website.
Rate Our Service allows residents to give their feedback on services including GPs, dentists, hospitals, opticians and pharmacies.
Nicola Benjamin, chair of Hackney LINk, which will be collating the data, said: "You just need to go to our website, find the service you've used and then give it a quick rating between one and five stars against 10 short questions.
"If you don't have access to a website we will soon be launching rating cards in pharmacies and GP surgeries throughout the borough and you can always give us a call and we'll take your rating directly."
For more info on Rate My Service, call: 020 7241 4443; or visit: www.hackneylink.org.uk
12 December 2011
Having a ball
A Hackney charity has unveiled a series of greeting cards based on its famous fund-raising dance marathons.
The cards depict imaginary scenes from Headway East London's annual danceathon, which sees participants bopping away for eight hours to raise money for people affected by brain injuries. The designs were initially painted as murals by charity members and volunteers. All money raised from the sale of the cards will support activities at Headway House. For more info, call: 020 7749 7790; or email: support-us@headwayeastlondon.org
28 November 2011
Fight against HIV
The Speaker of Hackney praised a new HIV centre at Homerton hospital during a visit to find out more about its development.
Cllr Fajana-Thomas said: "The creation of an HIV centre will be a fantastic addition to the care that is offered for HIV patients, where I hope treatments will advance."
Work is set to begin on the centre next autumn. Once completed, it will play a crucial role in supporting the sexual health team, based at the hospital, that provides a range of services for people with HIV, including antenatal care and psychological support.
The Speaker also presented a £850 cheque, raised by Council and NHS staff for the centre, adding to a further £4,500 donated by the previous Speaker.
People across the borough can show their support for those living with the illness with a range of events to mark World Aids Day on 1 December.
East London HIV charity, Positive East, is holding a fundraising night, while Mildmay hospital, which offers care services for people with HIV, is raising money for its medical unit in Shoreditch.
Dr Jose Figueroa, from NHS East London and the City, said: "HIV is a treatable condition; people who are diagnosed early can live healthy lives and reduce the risk of passing the infection on to others. If you've had unprotected sex it's important to have an HIV test."
There are 1,352 residents in the City and Hackney, between the ages of 15 and 59, currently accessing care for HIV.
For more information
For more info on Positive East, call: 020 7791 9386; or visit: www.positiveeast.org.uk. For more on Mildmay, call: 020 7613 6321; or go to: http://ditchaidsday.tumblr.com/
28 November 2011
Sport activities for over-50s
Older residents are in their last phase of training ahead of the 6 December final of the New Age Games.
The event, which also offers taster sessions, aims to encourage sporting activity among residents aged 50 and over. Attendees will be able to try out different sports such as archery, badminton, fencing and aerobics.
The New Age Games Final and taster sessions take place on 6 December, from 11.30am to 3pm, at Clissold Leisure Centre, Clissold Road, N16.
More information
For more info, call: 020 8356 3897; or email: david.toombs@hackney.gov.uk
28 November 2011
Light a candle for a loved one
A Candle-lit remembrance service is to be held for deceased family members and friends at St Joseph's Hospice on Mare Street.
The annual 'Light Up A Life' event gives visitors a chance to remember loved ones who have died by dedicating a candle and card to them.
During the service, a 'Tree of Remembrance' holding the candles will be lit and the cards can be viewed on the hospice's memory wall.
Kavin Ashby, who has attended the event for the past 13 years in memory of his wife, said: "It brings great help to people who have lost someone in the year or in the past, as Christmas is always a hard time.
"The service is very moving and brings together all types of people for a wonderful evening in the hospice."
Light Up A Life 2011 takes place on 1 December, 7pm, at St Joseph's Hospice, Mare Street, E8.
More information
For more info, call: 020 8525 6000; or visit: www.stjh.org.uk
28 November 2011
Cooking up a feast
A group of brain injury survivors built an outdoor wood fired oven at the Towpath Café, on Regent's Canal, as part of a rehabilitation project.
Members constructed the oven from materials donated by Allen Build Contractors and were trained by E5 Bakehouse staff to make a pizza.
Over 100 people attended its inaugural opening on 24 October, which saw them plough through 60 pizzas in just three hours. More than £500 was raised for the brain injury charity Headway East London from the event.
The project is part of its occupational programme, which aims to engage brain injury survivors with social networking, learning and community building skills. The longer term goal is to build a community kitchen in Hackney to encourage healthy eating and a sense
of community.
Headway member Howard said: "It's an open pizza oven, so it's really unique and that must entice people to think about pizza. You've got to come back for another one. or two. or three."
Guest Meg Hillier, MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, added: "This is a fun way to raise Headway East London's profile. It's also really important for people who are finding difficulty getting into employment to have the opportunity to build confidence and skills."
14 November 2011
Increased awareness for dementia
An advertising campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the early signs of dementia.
Families are being urged to look out for symptoms, such as memory loss, anxiety and confusion, among their elderly relatives. They are then advised to contact their GP.
According to the charity Alzheimer's Society, there were an estimated 1,435 people living with the condition in Hackney in 2010.
Many of the borough's NHS services for older residents with mental health problems are based at the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) for Older People in Hackney Wick. The service supports those with the illness, their carers and families.
The borough's Alzheimer's Society also offers advice, group meetings, social events and a befriending project.
Sue Grant, Befriending Manager at the society said: "Volunteers visit people with dementia in their homes."
14 November 2011
Free breathing tests to spot early signs of lung disease
Homerton hospital is offering free breathing tests to help spot early signs of a form of lung disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an irreversible lung illness that causes serious breathing problems and kills around 30,000 people a year.
Early diagnosis can slow the progression of the smoking-related disease and diagnosis can be made by having a simple breathing test.
On 16 November, health care professionals will be offering tests to measure lung capacity at Homerton hospital, Homerton Row, E9, from 10am to 3pm; and Morrison's supermarket, 47-49 Stamaford Hill, N16, from 11am to 3pm.
More information
For more information call Homerton hospital on: 020 8510 5555.
14 November 2011
Volunteers wanted for dust mite induced-asthma trial
Volunteers are needed for a new allergy and asthma study being conducted at Homerton hospital.
Adults affected by house dust mite-induced asthma are being asked to take part.
Participants must be over 18 years of age, have had asthma caused by house dust mites for at least a year and must regularly use inhaled asthma medication.
Anyone taking part in the trial will have to visit the hospital 13 times from now until spring 2013, and will be provided with asthma medication throughout.
Dr Raja Rajakulasingam of the hospital's allergy clinic said: "The aim of the trial is to investigate if an allergy vaccination taken with a specific house dust mite allergy tablet can reduce asthma symptoms and daily intake of asthma medication."
For more information call: 020 8510 7643; email: michelle.joyce@homerton.nhs.uk, or visit: www.mitestudy.co.uk
14 November 2011
Championing the NHS
Champions are being sought to promote the NHS as part of a new project to help improve health services.
The borough's health trust is looking for volunteers who are passionate about their local NHS and willing to speak out on behalf of others.
The feedback these Local Patient Champions (LPCs) collect would then be used to further improve health services in the area.
The project aims to build and strengthen partnerships with a range of organisations, as well as to find out what really matters to patients.
NHS East London and the City is the first trust to trial this scheme and national patient champion Ashley Brooks will be on hand to support the volunteers throughout. He said: "There are many patients' groups, forums and charities, some organised by the NHS and others that are independent.
"An issue these groups face is the opportunity to feed back positive messages and influence the NHS. The LPC role is a unique way of helping these conversations have a platform that is currently hard to find."
Caroline Alexander, from NHS East London and the City added: "The NHS in East London is dedicated to putting patients' views at the heart of everything we do."
The champions are expected to take up their role by next February.
For more information, email: ashley.brooks@elc.nhs.uk
31 October 2011
AIDS charity launches confidential on-line service
The Terrence Higgins Trust has created an online support service for people living with HIV.
'MyHIV' offers confidential text and video support, one-to-one and group advice, accredited information and online tools to help people manage their condition.
So far, more than 2,000 users have registered on the site, discussing issues such as the experience of being newly diagnosed, treatment options and disclosing HIV status to partners.
The site's new action group also aims to influence HIV policy in the UK and explore ways to promote awareness and reduce the potential stigma around the syndrome.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation built the site alongside the HIV and sexual health charity.
Around 69,000 people are diagnosed with HIV and accessing care in the UK. It is now the nation's fastest growing incurable health condition, according to the trust.
For more info, visit: www.myhiv.org.uk/
31 October 2011
Hospice in hairdresser appeal
St Joseph's Hospice is on the hunt for a volunteer hairdresser to cater for its female patients.
The Mare Street hospice - which already offers manicures and complementary therapists - wants to also provide a hairdressing service half a day a week.
This could be run by an individual or group of people, from a salon for example, sharing the commitment.
Jodie Bacon, staff nurse at St Joseph's, said: "So many of my patients on the ward have said what they'd really like more than anything else is a nice hairdo. It really can make such a difference to them emotionally.
"Imagine how you feel when you've had a hair do, then multiply it by 100 and you'll have an idea how it feels for a lady who's terminally ill and has just got her hair back after chemotherapy."
To find out more, call: 020 8525 6000.
Free flu jab for the vulnerable
Residents at risk of developing complications from seasonal flu are being urged to take advantage of a free jab.
The vaccine is available to the over 65s, pregnant women, carers, those living in residential or nursing homes, people working in frontline health or social care, and those with long-term health problems.
Individuals who have conditions such as respiratory, neurological, heart, kidney or liver diseases are particularly vulnerable.
Seasonal flu peaks every year, usually between September and February but GPs in Hackney are already seeing high numbers of people consulting them with flu-like symptoms.
These include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. Flu is caused by viruses and not bacteria so antibiotics don't work.
The most likely viruses that cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced to fight them. Seasonal flu claims around 8,000 lives a year in England and Wales.
For more info, talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist, or visit: www.nhs.uk/flu
31 October 2011
Note to health
Gillett Square was the scene of celebrations for World Mental Health Day including performances, films and art activities.
The 8 October event set out to challenge common misconceptions about mental health by encouraging people to talk about issues more with friends, families and colleagues.
Visitors watched films at a temporary outdoor cinema, listened to poetry and live music, and watched hip hop dance performances.
The activities were jointly funded by the Council and East London NHS Trust, and supported by the local primary care trust.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health and Community Services, said: "It is important to recognise that mental health issues are common and affect a large number of people.
"People should not feel afraid to discuss their problems and take advantage of the wide range of support offered in the borough."
World Mental Health Day takes place every October, this year's theme was a call for more investment in mental health services globally.
For more on support services for people with mental health problems call: 020 8356 6262; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/mentalhealth-2
17 October 2011
Hackney DAAT makes SMART move
A new abstinence focused self-help group has launched to help people with alcohol and drug addictions.
Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART) encourages service users to find their own reasons for change, and try cognitive behaviour therapy to aid their recovery.
SMART was launched in the US nearly 20 years ago. So far there are 89 groups operating in the UK.
Each one is led by local professionals and facilitators, supported by addiction advisors and a national board of specialists. Attendees work through four main themes together: enhancing and maintaining motivation to abstain; coping with urges; problem solving; and lifestyle balance.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: "SMART groups have been successful elsewhere, and represent yet another way in which those with substance abuse problems in the borough can - with the support of their local Drug & Alcohol Action Team - help themselves to lead a life of abstinence."
More info: Hackney's SMART group meets at the Elizabeth Fry Centre, Tudor Grove, E9, between 2-3.30pm, every Friday.
17 October 2011
Power to the People
An annual event to empower people with learning disabilities returns to the borough this month.
The Big Do promotes active participation, while providing a forum to share views.
The day of activities is organised by and for people with learning disabilities, and is supported by the Council, local NHS, advocacy charity Pohwer and service providers.
It features employment workshops; health checks; light exercise classes; boccia games; arts; budget advice; and information on Council services.
The day will be capped off by a live show from Access All Areas, a theatre company featuring people with learning disabilities. Carers are also welcome.
Stephanie Linden from Pohwer said: "This is a chance for people with learning disabilities to speak up and have their voice heard about services in Hackney.
"They will be inspired by what they can achieve and how they can improve the quality of their lives.
"We are extremely grateful for the continued support of Hackney Council for this event," she added.
The Big Do takes place from 1-7pm on 26 October at Petchey Academy, Shacklewell Lane, E8.
For more info, call: 0300 456 2361, or email: j.foley@pohwer.net
17 October 2011
Making a difference
The Speaker of Hackney has thrown her support behind a charity that supports blind and partially sighted people in Hackney.
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas praised the work of BlindAid at a central London event held to mark its work.
She met residents who had lost their sight, as well as mayors and civic dignitaries from the 11 other inner London boroughs the charity operates in.
It runs a network of home visitors who provide practical help with tasks such as reading, plus offering advice services and opportunities to socialise.
Cllr Fajana-Thomas said: "Social isolation is a problem for many and for people living with sight loss it can be particularly difficult to overcome.
"BlindAid's home visitors make an important difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people in London and it is a pleasure to join the charity's staff, supporters and service users today."
BlindAid was formerly known as the Metropolitan Society for the Blind and the charity's roots go back as far as the early 19th century.
For more, visit: www.blindaid.org.uk
17 October 2011
Residents back adult social care services
Residents have given Hackney's adult social care service the thumbs-up, according to latest survey results.
The Council's adult social care department is responsible for providing care and support to adults and older people across the borough.
More than 740 service users were questioned, with over 76 per cent of respondents measuring their social care-related quality of life as 'good'. This considered areas of care such as having control over their own lives, food and drink, comfort and cleanliness of the home, feeling safe, social contact, spending time doing things of value or enjoyment and self esteem. The figure was 85 per cent for people with learning disabilities.
Sixty-two per cent of respondents were satisfied with overall services. Those with learning disabilities rated their satisfaction levels as 97 per cent.
The Council also scored well in providing good access to information, with 70 per cent of respondents saying that facts on services were easy to find.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health and Community Services, said: "Our adult social care service is one the Council's most important as it deals with some of the borough's most vulnerable residents."
He added: "The results indicate that they feel the Council is helping them to experience a good quality of life."
For more information about adult social care in Hackney, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/adults-and-older-people
3 October 2011
Tobacco machines stubbed out
The sale of tobacco products from vending machines has been banned by Government.
It is now illegal for pubs, clubs, restaurants and other vendors to sell tobacco using the automatic dispensers - regardless of the buyer's age. Advertising on the machines has also been prohibited.
Machines must be removed or taken out of operation by having payment slots blocked, products removed and advertising covered.
The law applies throughout England, and businesses flouting the law may be fined up to £2,500 if they are found guilty of selling tobacco from a vending machine.
The penalty is raised to £5,000, with a possible six-month jail term if the machine also displays advertising.
Under-16s was the age group most likely to use the automatic vendors, according to research that spearheaded the ban.
Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said "Our trading standards team has written to businesses to remind them of their obligations, and we urge anyone with an installed cigarette vending machine to act in plenty of time to ensure it is removed or taken out of action."
For more information, contact the trading standards team on 020 8356 4929.
3 October 2011
Fashion and football raise money for hospice
More than £20,000 has been raised for two hospices through a Vintage Midnight Walk on Hackney's streets.
A procession of 150 men and women donned fascinators, feather boas and other 1940s-style wear for St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney and Richard House Children's Hospice, Beckton. The fashionable fundraisers paraded from Kingsland Road Shopping Centre, through to Shoreditch, Old Street and the City.
St Joseph's Hospice, which provides a broad range of free services to enrich the lives of patients and their families, has also secured a year-long partnership deal with east London football team Leyton Orient FC.
Residents at the hospice, such as Roy Russell have already received a visit from some players from the team and Orient are lining up a number of activities to raise money for St Joseph's. These will include a primary schools penalty shoot out, with the final being held at the Leyton Orient home ground at The Matchroom Stadium, as well as some matches being dedicated to the hospice in the hope of raising money for and awareness of the charity.
Michael Kerin, chief executive of St Joseph's Hospice, said: "We're immensely grateful to the Football League for their support of the hospice and are really looking forward to working with Leyton Orient and their fans through the season.
"We see this partnership as a valuable way of telling more people about the care, support and advice we provide patients and their families across east London as well as a vital source of extra income to enable us to continue to provide that care."
For more information, visit: www.stjh.org.uk
3 October 2011
Page updated: 18 Jan 2012
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