Healthwatch City of London October Newsletter

Our upcoming events 

Join us to find out directly what’s happening with health and social care in the City 

Our Annual General Meeting will be taking place on Friday, 18 October between 10am and 12pm at St Giles Cripplegate, Fore St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DA. Our guest speakers are Court of Common Councillor Mary Durcan, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director for Women’s Health. You will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to both our speakers.

We will also be giving an overview of our successes from last year and talking about our upcoming priorities and how they impact you. 

To provide even more information on what services are available in the City a number of other organisations will be joining us from 9.30am with information stalls so you can hear directly from local health services and organisations. 

Refreshments will be provided both before and after.

To register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthwatch-city-of-london-annual-general-meeting-tickets-1010407314477

Join us at our Patient Panel series 

Our Patient Panels are here to give you the information you need on Health and Social Care in the City. We invite in experts that are able to share and highlight important issues in the City that may directly impact you. If you have a particular issue or topic that you would like to hear about, please let us know by emailing us at info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk

Understanding Diabetes and how to access services with Diabetes UK

Join us and Diabetes UK on Thursday, 21^st November, from 10:30am to 12pm on zoom. Diabetes UK will be helping you to gain a better understanding of diabetes, how it can affect your health and how to navigate the NHS when you have or are caring for someone that has diabetes. The services you can access directly in the City will also be highlighted. 

In north east London there are over 129,000 people living with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose level is too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes and whilst the symptoms can depend on the type of diabetes you have, the common symptoms include 

• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night 
• Being really thirsty 
• Feeling more tired than usual 
• Losing weight without trying to 
• Genital itching or thrush 
• Cuts and wounds take longer to heal 
• Blurred vision

Taking care of your health if you are diabetic is very important so please do join us to hear more. 

For more information on the signs and symptoms and complications of diabetes, please visit the NHS website.

To register to our Patient Panel on diabetes, visit Understanding Diabetes and how to access services with Diabetes UK | Healthwatch Cityoflondon

If you would like to hear any information on particular topics, please let us know by emailing us at info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk

Launching our campaign for a North East London Men’s Health Strategy 

We have spoken before about the importance of a Men’s Health Strategy for North East London. Evidence shows that men are less likely to seek help in regard to their physical and mental health. We are keen to further understand what resources and services in the City are needed to enable men to seek help. More importantly we would like to see an holistic approach to men’s health across NEL.

We will be launching our campaign on Thursday, 28 November from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Golden Lane Community Centre where you will here from those in your community about Men’s Health and the importance that a Men’s Health Strategy has to create change. 

More details on the event will be announced soon, you can register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1036674349887/?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training with the London Ambulance Service (LAS)

We recently held our second CPR training session with the LAS, which went into how to carry out CPR, how to use a defibrillator and how to provide basic lifesaving support. 

The session was oversubscribed and with many residents inquiring about the training session, we are planning to hold another CPR training session early next year. We are also exploring how we get access to additional training  as we know demand is high. 

We will keep you informed when the session will be held, for up to date information on all of our events, you can check out our events page on our website, Events | Healthwatch Cityoflondon

Save the date for our festive lunch 

We know it’s early to be talking about it, but we will be holding a festive buffet lunch on Thursday, 12 December from 11:30am to 2pm to celebrate the holiday period.  We are hoping to get some local carol/festive singers along  to add to the atmosphere.  We can’t wait to catch up with all of you, our lunch will be a great chance to spend time with your neighbours and those in your community, make sure to invite your friends, family and neighbours. 

Our Projects 

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALs) Project

One of our volunteers has been working on a project looking at the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) in hospitals used by city residents. PALS is a service that is mandated within the NHS. Each trust is required to have PALS that provides the following services based on the NHS website:

• Help with health-related questions
• Help resolve concerns or problems when using the NHS
• Tell how to get more involved in one’s own healthcare
• Provide information on:
  • The NHS
  • The NHS complaints procedure
  • Support groups outside the NHS

Our report explores PALS within ten NHS trusts that provide healthcare services to residents of the City of London and will be published in October. Have you had any experience with PALs? It would be good to hear about how well it worked or how you feel it could be improved. 

An update on our Digi Apps project 

We are currently finalising our Digital Apps project, in which we have explored the ways in which you can access your care and information using your digital devices. We received a large number of responses to our survey and have had interesting and lively focus group sessions. Most notably we have heard the significant number of barriers and obstacles that you and those you care for have had to go through to access health services and information. 

We hope the report will be published in time for our AGM and we look forward to sharing our feedback and recommendations. 

For all of our publications, you can visit our website, https://www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk/news-and-reports

Recent Neaman Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG) 

A few of our Board members recently attended the Neaman Practice’s PPG meeting, where patients have the opportunity to meet with the Practice managers and staff to discuss any updates at the Practice and concerns and feedback that patients have. 

At the meeting, topics of staffing, patient access, advice regarding vaccinations, home visit criteria and general improvements. 

The Neaman Practice has appointed a Business Manager, Mr Khurran, who will start in November, three new registrars have been recruited and with the Primary Care Network (PCN), for the Neaman Practice’s social prescribing service, there will be a new learning disabilities staff member, and a new nurse. Sinead Downes has been promoted to Operations Manager.

Regarding, patient access, Dr Amy Hillier said the practice was trying to make it easier for patients who do not have access to book an appointment online.  

The Practice acknowledged the difficulties with the text messaging system currently in place, they have been looking at two new messaging systems, and is now applying for funding for ABTRACE.

They will also be making improvements to the waiting room, with the Practice purchasing, chairs with arms in the waiting rooms, weighing scales and couches for examinations. It is also looking into a two-way intercom system for the first and second floor waiting rooms for better communication to and by patients. 

It was noted by one of our Board members that, they had noticed a big improvement in the service provided by the Neaman’s reception staff.

Reduced text messages from your GP Practices 

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has recently restricted the number of text messages that GP Practices are able to send out. We are concerned that this may cause a disruption to patient information and communication between GP Practices and patients. 

We are currently in discussions with the ICB in order to change the restrictions on the number of text messages that GP Practices can send out and will keep you updated on the outcome. 

Vaccinations this winter 

Staying well in winter

Staying up to date with your vaccinations throughout your life is the best way to protect you and those around you from serious diseases.

Whether you’ve been invited to get your latest Covid-19 vaccine, it’s time for you or your child to have the winter flu vaccine, or you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine, you can find all the information you need by visiting the NHS North East London vaccination hub: https://northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations

Here you will find helpful information on what vaccines you can get, why they are important and how to book so that you can stay well this winter.

Viruses such as flu and Covid-19 can spread easily in winter. Flu and Covid-19 vaccines are offered to those most vulnerable each year to stop people becoming seriously unwell from these viruses, so it’s important to get your vaccinations if you are invited, to make sure you are protected. Getting vaccinated also helps to keep those around you who might be vulnerable safe too.

From 1 September this year, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine will be offered to those most vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus, which can lead to severe infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis developing. The RSV vaccine will be offered to:

• People aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024. Those turning 75 after 1 September will also be offered their RSV vaccine.
• Pregnant women over 28 weeks, to help build protection against RSV which helps keep their baby safe in the early months of their life and when they are most vulnerable to RSV.

It’s okay to have questions about vaccinations. If you have any concerns about vaccinations, please do speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor who will be able to help you.

The Neaman practice will contact patients directly if they are eligible for the RSV vaccine and  the NHS will text eligible patents for flu and covid vaccinations. Chauhan and Richmond Road will both be offering Covid vaccinations

We have heard that Chauhans are already fully booked, and we are conscious that many of you may find it hard to get to Richmond Road. We will be speaking to the ICB about more local appointments. Do let us know if you are struggling to get appointments.   

#Askaboutasthma and help children and young people with asthma live their best lives 

London’s #AskAboutAsthma campaign highlights the simple changes to children and young people’s care that will make a big difference to how they experience their asthma. Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition affecting children and young people. 1 in 11 children and young people are affected by the condition, which is around 3 in every London classroom. Many have badly managed asthma, with more than 20,000 admitted to hospital every year in England. Over 4% of these have such a severe episode that they are admitted to intensive care. 

According to the NHS, through the following four asks and actions, people can help children and young with asthma live their best lives:

• Get an asthma action plan in place.
• Understand how to use inhalers correctly.
• Schedule an asthma review every year and after every attack.
• Consider air pollution and its impact on lung health – every asthma conversation should include indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Champions who wish to get involved in the campaign can access materials and information here, https://www.transformationpartners.nhs.uk/askaboutasthma-2024/#campaign-aims

Whooping cough vaccines: A century of good science and bad

A hundred years ago, whooping cough killed more than one in every hundred children born in Europe. Eighty years ago, two women in Grand Rapids, Michigan, developed the vaccine that stopped it. Fifty years ago, their whooping cough vaccine was at the centre of a scare that ushered in the modern antivaccine movement.

The story of the whooping cough vaccine is a story of good science, bad science and of the limitations of science when applied to anything as complicated as human beings. The lunch time talk will be presented by David Miles, an infectious disease immunologist who has worked mostly on diseases of childhood in Africa and the vaccinations that protect them as well as tutoring on the MSc online course at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is also the author of the book How Vaccines Work.

This event will only take place in-person at Barbican Library from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, to register visit: Whooping cough vaccines: a century of good science and bad Tickets, Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 12:30 PM | Eventbrite

Innovative practices from Barts Trust for stroke care 

The Royal London Hospital has become the first in Europe to use an innovative balloon guide catheter (BGC) called EMBOGUARD in clinical practice.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-saving procedure that removes blood clots from the brain during a stroke, restoring blood flow and preventing significant brain damage. Initial studies suggest the advanced balloon guide catheter tool achieves faster and more effective clot removal compared to standard base catheters usually used.

Dr Dr Levansri Makalanda, Lead Consultant for Interventional Neuroradiology at Barts Health NHS Trust has stated that “timely and effective treatment of stroke patients is critical to reducing lifelong disability or dependency.”

The Royal London Hospital’s Stroke Mechanical Thrombectomy Network is the largest 24/7 service of its kind in the UK, serving more than eight million people across South and East England. Since its expansion in 2020, the service has experienced a 300% increase in patient numbers, performing 256 thrombectomy procedures in 2021 alone. 

Get support with your hearing aids at the Neaman practice

You can get support from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), which is the National Charity who support people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. 
They hold monthly session at the Neaman Practice that offers the following services: 
•    New batteries and ear mould retubing
•    Advice and support on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids
•    Information on hearing loss
•    Signposting to other services

The sessions are held the third Wednesday of the month between 2pm - 4pm. 
To book email sharon.james@rnid.org.uk or Text or WhatsApp 07551 063742 or Phone 020 3227 6044.

New services for Adults who are Autistic in City and Hackney

Adult Social Group

This is a social group for adults who are autistic aged 25 and over who want to make friends and socialise. You will have the opportunity to chat and do activities, like fun board games together. There will also be snacks available. 

It will run on fortnightly on, Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm in person 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Linden Family Hub, 86-92 Rectory Rd, London N16 7SH.

Drop in sessions

There will also be drop-in sessions for anyone who would like to have a chat or receive some advice on services in Hackney or City. 

These run every Monday, from 10am to 1pm, they are running up until December, in-person at 139 Bowling Green Walk Corner of, Pitfield St, London N1 6AL. 

They are offered online by request, please email to book. You can email Annabelle at Annabelle@resourcesforautism.org.uk to book or if you have questions regarding these services. 

Cervical Cancer Screening 

Three-quarters of women would use cervical screening home testing kit

Healthwatch England has published a new report exploring women’s barriers to cervical screening and solutions to increase uptake.

Their poll of 2,444 women hesitant about cervical screening found that almost three-quarters would use a home testing kit if it was available free on the NHS.

There was hesitance from women about attending cervical screening appointments based on the pain, fear and misconceptions that they had. 

Healthwatch England believes a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help the NHS meet its ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.  Healthwatch England calls on the NHS to adopt self-testing, sensitive handling of appointments by screening professionals, drop-in clinics, and increased awareness to boost uptake among all women.   

You can hear from Healthwatch England’s Chief Executive Louise Ansari on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour interview, (from 19mins onwards).

The Eve Appeal: Raising awareness for vulva cancer 

The Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer research charity has found that in the YouGov survey, less than 1 in 3 people have heard of vulval cancer and nearly 8 in 10 women have never checked their vulva for signs of cancer. Only 4% of women regularly check for vulval changes – compared to 37% of women who regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer. 

Vulval cancer may be less well-known, but it’s not as rare as you might think. Over 1,400 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year, and rates increased by 18% in the UK between 1993-1995 and 2017-2019. While it’s most common in women over 60, it can affect anyone with a vulva at any age, and since the 1990s 67% more 25-49 year olds were diagnosed with it and 101% more 50-59 year olds.
The Eve Appeal wants to make checking for vulval changes as normal as checking for signs of other cancers. They are launching the ‘Self-check First’ text reminder service. A monthly text reminder to check your vulva for any changes and a ‘how-to’ guide to support you in your self-checking journey. 

To find out more, you can visit their website: https://bit.ly/3Z83uWp