Health News
What a reception
A new reception at Hackney’s innovative Crossroads Centre, run by the City and Hackney Alcohol Service has been officially opened by Diane Abbot MP.
The reception is the first point of contact for people who have an alcohol related problem. Centre Director, Patricia Salt, said:
“It takes a lot of courage to seek help for a drink problem. So it’s important that people’s first impression is a good one, as they are more likely to return and engage in treatment if they feel welcomed and understood.”
Hackney Alcohol Service was set up in 1994 and since then has successfully treated over 2,000 people.
Guests at the opening ceremony on 23 July were able to hear first-hand accounts from people who had accessed treatment using the centre.
More information
Call the service on: 020 8525 1313, or visit the Crossroads Centre at: 2 Westgate Street, E8.
Closer to health
Plans to modernise GP surgeries across the borough will give patients access to a wider range of services, close to home.
The City and Hackney Primary Care Trust (CHPCT) has already started to redevelop and refurbish surgeries across Hackney. The programme will see some surgeries combined to ensure practices have the space and facilities to offer a greater range of services. Although this means the number of surgeries will decrease, there will be more GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the borough, as practices expand and develop.
Each surgery will be linked to one of four new Primary Care Resource Centres – which received wide support during a public consultation in 2006 – due to be built by 2012.
Once operational, over 98 per cent of residents will live within half a mile of a GP and all patients will be able to keep their existing doctor.
The extra services offered at the centres may also see patients experiencing shorter travelling times by avoiding hospital appointments.
On offer
- General Practice with convenient opening hours
- Diagnostic tests including ultrasound and audiology
- Maternity services
- Community dental services
- Urgent care centres providing advice and treatment for all patients on a walk-in basis
- Primary mental health care including easier access to counselling and psychology
- A range of information and advice services including benefits advice
Beating the bugs
Homerton Hospital’s record for controlling killer bugs is steadily improving, according to the latest figures.
With MRSA, it has seen a year-on-year reduction from 20 cases in 2005-06, to 17 in 2006-07, and nine last year.
Figures released by the Health Protection Agency also showed the hospital has seen a dramatic fall in the number of cases of Clostridium difficile. In 2006-07, 154 cases were reported. This year saw a total of 61.
Dr John Coakley, the hospital’s Medical Director, said: “We are very pleased with the ongoing improvement we are seeing at Homerton in combating hospital acquired infections.
“These improving results reflect the hard work and dedication of our infection control team and also all staff who remain ever vigilant.”
Page updated: 5 Aug 2008