Healthwatch City of London Bulletin 35
Neaman Practice update
As previously reported in our bulletins we have been working very closely with the Neaman Practice following some of the concerns you have raised with us. We are pleased to report that we are really encouraged by the progress that is being made. Members of our Board attended the Neaman Practice Patient Participation Group earlier this week.
In the meeting, which was attended by the Neaman Practice Management, Dr Chor and Dr Ugwu our recent letter outlining a number of issues we felt need to be addressed formed the agenda for the meeting. It is clear the matters we raised with them have been taken extremely seriously. All the issues raised are being responded to and have an appropriate action plan in place for resolution. The phone system does remain a problem, but they are working with their provider to resolve the issues.
We are meeting the Practice again today (20th May) and will let you know of any updates in next weeks’ newsletter.
If you do have a complaint to make, you can do so by following the Practices’ complaints procedure and completing their on-line form. It helps the practice to know what you are finding difficult because unless they know they are not able to make things right. To help us help you please do get in touch with us at info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk Your complaint will remain anonymous if you so wish.
How are we performing? Complete our Survey.
Today we are launching our Annual Survey to help us better understand how you see us and if we are achieving our goals.
How are we doing? Do you know what we do? What more would you like to see from us? How can we help you? Let us know by completing our survey and you will help us understand how you see us and how effective you think we are. You can also let us know where you think we should focus our efforts more and where you think we have been successful.
You can complete the survey by using the link below or give us a call and we can complete it over the phone.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HWCoLcommunityannualsurvey or call 020 3745 9563.
Long COVID rehabilitation services
City & Hackney COVID Rehabilitation Service (City & Hackney CoRe) is a multidisciplinary service to support people with ongoing symptoms following COVID-19 infection that do not require further investigation or medical management. They aim to help people to develop skills and strategies to support recovery and lessen the impact of living with ongoing symptoms that impact on their daily lives.
Treatment may include a combination of any of the following:
- Group programmes – including an introductory session, 6-week course and standalone workshops.
- Supported use of apps and websites such as Living With COVID and Your COVID recovery
- Signposting to community services
- Individualised treatment with any combination of physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy
- Onward referral to English National Opera Breathe Programme (ENO Breathe)
The service is based at St Leonard’s and runs virtually/face-to-face appointments as required.
Referrals to the service is via GP only.
To be eligible you must:
- Have had suspected or confirmed acute COVID-19, irrespective of whether you were hospitalised.
- Adults over 18 years old
- Must have City & Hackney GP
Listening to City Carers event – Friday 21 May
We are holding our next Listening to City Carers event this Friday between 11:00 – 12:00 (joining details below) The City of London Corporation has listened to feedback from carers, residents, and community organisations in the City around the current service provision available to carers. They are now exploring whether some higher level of support may be required as an add-on service and are researching into whether a pilot service can be delivered this year and to explore and evaluate how this can work in a sustainable way if it is needed long term.
Jordann Birch (Partnership and Engagement Assistant) will be joining our call on Friday 21 May to discuss with us all our thoughts and ideas about what additional support you think would be needed in a practical sense that you would like to see as part of a pilot service. The conversation will be informal but some pointers to think about ahead of the call include:
- What additional support would be helpful to you as a carer? Individuals have suggested in other feedback things like practical help to access other services or helping to complete forms etc.
- If you could introduce 3 additional elements into the current carers provision in the City, what would they be and why?
- In a pilot service to provide higher levels of support, what do you think this would look like? How would you like to see it?
Note: When we refer to ‘carers provision’ we are discussing the services for carers provided through City Connections (Age UK) in the City.
Joining details:
https://zoom.us/j/94726863167?pwd=eUc0R1BqMzR6NWZIM1VzRGZPVElrZz09
Meeting ID: 947 2686 3167 Passcode: 510073 Dial in: 0203 481 5237 United Kingdom
Further easing of COVID restrictions now in place
From 17 May restrictions across the Country eased.
From Monday you can socialise indoors in a group of up to six people or two households, including for overnight stays. Up to 30 people can meet outside. Pubs, theatres, and other venues can open indoors. Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open for people on holiday. Read the guidance on what you can do on the Government website.
Vaccination availability
Vaccinations are now available if you are aged 34 or over, of if you will turn 34 before 1 July 2021. You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service.
Regular rapid self - testing
To continue to stop the spread of COVID 19 now lockdown is easing, it is important to take twice weekly tests. About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Anyone in England who does not have symptoms can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus.
Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus. If all those with positive tests self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. The government is urging everyone to take these tests, even if you have had the vaccination. Follow the link to a guidance video and instructions in different languages COVID-19 self-test help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How do I get regular rapid tests? There are two ways.
Go to a test site.
You can go to a rapid lateral flow test site to get a rapid test.
If you go to a test site:
- you may need an appointment, so check before you go.
- a trained helper might be able to help you do the test.
- you will get a text or email with the result when it is ready.
Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site
Get a test to do at home.
You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local pharmacy or test site:
Here is a link to the pharmacy sites in North East London where you can collect the test packs
You can get a pack of 7 tests sent to your home. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK
If you do tests at home, you will need to report your results online or on the phone.
Tell us if you experience any difficulties.
Let us know how useful you have found the information we provide on COVID 19, the test and trace system and the vaccination programme.
We have devised this really short survey to find out your views.
Upcoming Healthwatch City of London Events.
One of Healthwatch City of London’s purposes is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. To ensure we hear about and know of your concerns we run regular events. Ideally, we would like to hold them face to face, but because of the current pandemic we are restricted to Zoom events.
Please see a list of our events below with joining details.
Listening to City Carer’s event – Friday 21st May: An opportunity for Carer’s to provide feedback on their experience of Health and Social Care.
Overview: This week we will be joined by Jordann Birch, Partnership and Engagement Assistant Public Health from CoL who will discuss what support carers need that is currently not being met. This group is for all unpaid carers who live in the City of London. We would love to hear from young carers too, if you know a young carer, please let them know about this forum.
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Joining details:
https://zoom.us/j/94726863167?pwd=eUc0R1BqMzR6NWZIM1VzRGZPVElrZz09
Meeting ID: 947 2686 3167 Passcode: 510073 Dial in: 0203 481 5237 United Kingdom
Healthwatch City of London Drop-in session – Thursday 27th May
Overview: An opportunity for residents, workers, and students to raise issues about their experience of Health and Social care with the staff of Healthwatch.
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Joining details: https://zoom.us/j/92041262576?pwd=dDBwYnM1bzB0VGVRR3R6ZG5BcDJGZz09
Meeting ID: 920 4126 2576 Passcode: 166020 Dial in: 0203 901 7895 United Kingdom
The Herbert Protocol: has someone vulnerable gone missing?
It is traumatic when an elderly family member goes missing, especially if they have dementia. Beyond calling 999 it can be hard to think of lots of important information to provide the police with to help them with their search. The Herbert Protocol is an early intervention and risk reduction scheme to help find vulnerable people who might get lost or go missing.
It was first implemented to help those living with dementia who live in care homes. 18 months after this initiative was launched, the protocol was broadened for those with dementia who live independently in their own homes.
Using the Herbert Protocol, anyone looking after a vulnerable person who at risk of going missing is encouraged to complete a form and record vital details. The information captured on this form is intended to help care workers, partner agencies and the police find the missing person. Collating all this information prior to any incidents will save precious time; and saves you from the frustration of being asked questions when all you want the police to do is be out looking for your mum or dad.
You can read more about the scheme on their website.
Culture Mile. Imagine Fund Ideas Feast
Join an online event, on Wednesday 26th May at 7pm, with the Culture Mile who will be sharing what’s been happening in Culture Mile in the last year as part of the Imagine Fund. City Carers community founder Shirley, will be joining in the grantee discussions.
To read more and sign up visit the event website
Latest Covid-19 statistics for the City of London.
The joint City and Hackney Public Health Intelligence Team produce regular statistics on Covid-19 levels and vaccination uptake data in the City. The site is updated regularly and accessible at. https://hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-data
Keep up to date with the latest advice
HWCoL are constantly updating our advice and information pages. Please make sure you visit them regularly.
Get in touch with Healthwatch City of London.
Visit our website for more information, news and events, have your say about your care, and spread the word about Healthwatch City of London.
www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk email: info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Tel: 020 3745 9563 Facebook: facebook.com/CoLHealthwatch Twitter: @HealthwatchCoL
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