Healthwatch Round Up - 14 November 2024
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up (IRU).
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#TeamHealthwatch
We've had another exciting week, not only have we been to join other Healthwatch colleagues for the Healthwatch England Annual Conference, but we're counting down the days to the NHS Fit for the Future event next week!
Healthwatch Stockport is supporting NHS colleagues in Stockport to host a public listening event at the Guildhall on 19 November 2024, and we're thrilled to say that this is now fully booked. Final planning and arrangements are underway.
What's Your Experiences of Health & Care Services?
We're continuing with our request for feedback around local health and social care services. If you use GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community or care services, we (Healthwatch Stockport) want to hear your experiences - good, bad or in-between to help to improve the quality of care for us all. At the moment, we're particularly keen to gather your feedback around the following areas:
Your Experience of Local Eye Care Services: Are you happy with the eye care you’re receiving – what's working well and what do you think could be improved? All feedback will help us to recommend improvements to commissioners and eye care providers and services.
Hospital Appointment Systems: Tell us your experiences of the hospital booking systems and how information about your appointments is provided to you.
You can contact us by:
Feedback centre (on our website)
0161 974 0753 or text 078710 89100 (text service only)
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Have Your Say: GP Care For Trans & Non-Binary
Details from Healthwatch England
Could you help us learn more about trans and non-binary people’s experiences of GP care?
Everyone should have care that meets their needs. But research into trans and non-binary people’s care experiences, while limited, shows they often face challenges when navigating both gender-affirming and other care. Healthwatch England are running a survey to better understand these challenges and how to tackle them. Share your experiences of GP care, good or bad, with the Healthwatch team.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support from us and Healthwatch England.
New measures aim to improve NHS performance
The Government has announced steps to improve the performance of the NHS, including a league table so that the public can see the best and worst performing NHS providers.
Louise Ansari chosen to guide government's 10-year plan for health
Healthwatch England Chief Executive, Louise Ansari, has been selected by the government to join the 11 advisory groups which will feed into its 10-year plan for health.
What is SAD, and how can you manage it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Breast & Cervical Screening Invitations Via NHS App
Details from Healthwatch England
Women will receive breast and cervical screening invitations via the NHS App, in moves announced this week by NHS England. This is a major drive to boost uptake and save thousands of lives.
From next month, the NHS will begin to roll out a new “ping and book” service, alerting the phones of women to remind them they are due or overdue an appointment, with new functionality being developed to enable millions to book screening through the NHS App next year.
The plans partly meet a recommendation that Healthwatch England made to NHS England in September, that access to cervical screening be improved with a variety of invitation reminder and booking methods, including the NHS App.
Eligible women will first receive a notification through the App to remind them to book a screening, followed by an email/text if they don’t respond, and then a letter if neither of the first two reminders have been responded to.
- Women registered as female with a GP are automatically invited for mammograms for the first time between the ages of 50 and 53 and then every three years until they're 71.
- For cervical screening, women registered as female with a GP are automatically invited six months before their 25th birthday, then every three years until they're 49, then every five years until they're 64.
- The NHS currently requires trans or non-binary people who change their GP record marker from female to male, to 'opt in' to screening by informing their GP surgery.
Change NHS: Have You Shared Your Feedback?
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
Everyone in England is invited to share their views on how NHS services can be made better – so, Stockport, have your say! This feedback campaign has been described as the “biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS.”
To share your experiences, views and ideas visit change.nhs.uk. The website will be live until early next year, and via the NHS App. If you’re sharing feedback as a representative of an organisation, the NHS has asked you to complete the organisation questionnaire.
Local Services Scoop Three Awards!
Details from Mastercall
Massive congratulations to both Mastercall and Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance (GMUPCA) who've scooped three awards between them at the Urgent Health UK Awards 2024!
Mastercall were thrilled to pick up two awards:
- Social Impact Gold Award
- Operational Quality and Safety Initiative Bronze Award
Based in Stockport, Mastercall are a social enterprise patient-centred healthcare organisation, helping support the NHS to deliver their strategy for ageing well/living well. They help prevent hospital admissions wherever possible and safe to do so, by providing placed based care in the heart of the community.
Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance (GMUPCA) achieved 'Gold' for Technological Innovation. Bardoc, gtd healthcare, Mastercall, Salford Primary Care Together & Wigan GP Alliance make up the GMUPCA. In addition to core ‘out of hours’ services, the GMUPCA delivers the Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) for all 10 localities across Greater Manchester.
A huge accolade for both! Please read the attached press releases for full details.
Mental Health Bill Introduced in Parliament
Details from Healthwatch England
The Government introduced its Mental Health Bill to parliament, which will amend the Mental Health Act 1983 to strengthen the voice of patients and ensure that detention is only used when, and for as long as, necessary. Among the proposals in the Bill are:
- The introduction of statutory care and treatment plans: plans will be tailored and shaped to individual needs and will make clear what is needed for a patient to progress to discharge.
- The end of the use of prison cells to place people experiencing a mental health crisis: patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.
- Updates to Community Treatment Orders, which disproportionately impact black people: new standards so CTOs are only used when they are necessary and proportionate.
- Ending the inappropriate detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities: The act will be amended to place a limit of 28 days for which they can be detained unless they have a co-occurring mental health condition.
- Improvements to representation and advocacy: patients will be given the right to select a person to represent their interests, and greater access to advocacy services when they are detained.
- Changes to the nominated person role: The Bill will strengthen the rights of families and carers through changes to the Nominated Person role. Clinicians will be required to consult with those close to the patient when making decisions around their care where appropriate, or where the patient wishes. This change recognises the critical role that families and carers can play in keeping patients safe.
Healthwatch England will be monitoring the progress through parliament and keep you updated on changes to the proposals.
Read more on the Government website
Get Involved: Patient Safety Partners Needed
Details from NHS England (NHSE)
NHS England is looking for 'patient safety partners' to join NHS England’s National Patient Safety team and regional teams. Patient safety partners are an important voice for patients and communities and ensure that the patient, service user, carer, or family member perspective is at the forefront to improve patient safety.
NHSE wanted to share the opportunity and are keen to have people apply from as many different communities and backgrounds as possible, to enhance the diversity of perspectives in patient safety.
NHS England » Current opportunities to get involved
NHS Helping You to Stay on Your Feet This Winter
Details from NHS England
Although not every fall results in serious injury, it can still impact a person’s wellbeing, quality of life and sense of independence. There are a number of reasons why someone may fall, these include things like weak muscles or poor balance, health conditions like Dementia, the side effects of medication or even trip hazards in the home.
As Winter approaches, the risk of falls increases because of wet leaves, snow, rain and ice all making the ground slippery. In Greater Manchester, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) received 31,452 falls-related calls in 2023 – with 40% of those occurring during the Winter months.
This year, the NHS is running an advice campaign. Check out the hashtag on their socials #PreventingFallsThisWinter
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AI Tech Will Help Doctors Detect Lung Cancer Sooner
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
If you missed last week's Round Up, you will have also missed that hospitals in Greater Manchester are to begin using new AI (artificial intelligence) powered technology! This tech can detect up to 124 findings on chest radiographs, helping healthcare professionals locate diseases, including lung cancer, quicker.
The technology has gone live at Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester NHS Foundation Trust and at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust so far.
November is actually Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Find out more about the signs and symptoms, including prevention on NHS website and via MacMillan Cancer Support website.
BHA Launch 'Your Guide to The Menopause' Guide
Details from BHA
BHA for Equality (formerly Black Health Agency) is excited to announce the launch of Your Guide to the Menopause, an inclusive and empowering resource created for Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic women.
This guide was developed in collaboration with minoritised ethnic women, aiming to educate, inform, and empower those navigating menopause.
Inside, you’ll find insights on symptoms, treatment options, menopause in the workplace, relationships and more. The guide also includes practical tools—like journaling prompts, self-care activities, and expert tips—designed to help anyone going through menopause or supporting someone who is.
Download *Your Guide to the Menopause* for free: www.thebha.org.uk/menopause
For added support, explore our menopause-friendly recipes, complete with downloadable recipe cards: www.thebha.org.uk/recipes
Service Overview: Meals on Wheels UK
Details from Meals on Wheels UK
The Meals on Wheels UK map, has been launched. This online map is completely free and is designed to help individuals and professionals across the UK easily find Meals on Wheels services.
How this map can benefit you:
- For adults in the UK considering Meals on Wheels, their carers, and the wider public:
Use the map to find providers that deliver directly to your area and access valuable information on the services available. - For Meals on Wheels providers, health and social care professionals, commissioners, and policymakers: The map serves as a hub for information, helping you connect with other providers, refer adults to services, and make data-driven decisions to improve service delivery.
If relevant to your audience or organisation, we encourage you to consider adding a link to our website on your website. This will help even more people access the services they need.
Service Overview: New project Boosts Employability Skills in Stockport
Details from Groundwork
This year, almost two hundred Stockport residents have taken part in a programme to engage and support them towards independence, personal growth and future employment. The Working Well: Support To Succeed Programme is delivered in Stockport by Groundwork Greater Manchester and has been commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Who is the programme supporting?
The programme is supporting vulnerable people who are unemployed and experiencing significant personal challenges, such as social isolation, addiction, poverty, and homelessness, by helping them to build trust, overcome anxieties, and build skills to help them work towards a brighter future.
What does the programme entail?
Through one-to-one support, participants can access a range of activities including gardening workshops to money management courses, as well as support accessing housing, healthcare, technology, skills training, and even a driving licence.
They can also access specialist employment coaches who can help them to overcome barriers to employment and support them with job applications, interview techniques, and access to the Working Wardrobe to pick up clothing suitable for a job interview.
Where is the programme located?
Support To Succeed is delivered from the new Groundwork Centre, on Princes Street, Stockport, which opened earlier this month. To access support:
visit Groundwork Greater Manchester - Get Support,
Email greatermanchester@groundwork.org.uk
0161 220 1000
Greater Manchester Mental Health Update
Details from Healthwatch Manchester
The 24/7 Mental Health Helpline number provided by Greater Manchester Mental Health has been changed to 0800 953 0285. Please ensure you update any advice documents/literature you have to this number.
Have Your Say: Severe Mental Health Experiences
Details from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
The Stockport Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee is carrying out a review to explore the opportunities and challenges experienced by people with severe mental health conditions. Their goal is to help services in Stockport, not just health services, learn from people's experiences and contribute to an action plan to better support those facing mental health challenges.
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with a severe mental health condition (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, personality disorder, or major depression), please complete the questionnaire, it takes approx. 15 minutes.
The questions cover different aspects of life that can impact health and wellbeing. You can choose which questions to answer and skip any that don’t apply/ those you don’t wish to answer.
Have Your Say: Stockport Digital Inclusion Survey
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council and the Digiknow network are asking for you to share what being online means to you with a chance to win a laptop! This survey will help to inform how, together, they can provide digital support, engagement activities and resources to improve the lives of people in Stockport.
Click here to start the survey
Reminder: Stockport to ‘Get Winter Strong’
Details from Stockport Council
Eligible Stockport residents are being urged to ‘Get Winter Strong’ by having their vaccinations as soon as possible. Vaccines give the most effective protection against common viruses that can cause serious illness for those at higher risk. In Stockport, this year’s vaccination programme is underway, including for protection against Flu, Covid and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Flu vaccines: If you're eligible, you can get your vaccine from your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if aged 18 or over). Pharmacy appointments can be booked online: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination/
Protect against Covid: Adults aged 65+ with long term health conditions and those who are pregnant are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID also. To book a COVID vaccine:
119 (ask for a translator if needed)
www.nhs.uk/bookvaccine. A BSL service is available: signvideo.co.uk/nhs119/.
To find a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic:
gmintegratedcare.org.uk/covid-vaccine-walk-in-clinics
0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020.
Get both your Flu and Covid vaccines: This year there is the option of booking a combined appointment to have both the Flu and the Covid vaccines at the same time.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine: The RSV vaccine is new for this year. This virus causes coughs and colds and can be dangerous for older people and young babies. That’s why this vaccine is recommended for adults aged 75-79 and those who are pregnant (from 28 weeks). GP practices and maternity services are providing the RSV vaccine.
Pop-up vaccine centres next week:
22 & 29 November
8am – 1pm - Quba Masjid M19 2QD
2pm – 7pm - Cheadle Mosque, SK8 3NP
21* 28 November:
8am – 1pm - Merseyway, Mersey Square
2pm – 7pm - Aldi, Stockport Road, SK3 0LX (*not on 21 November)
21 November:
2pm – 7pm - Lidl, Councillor Lane, SK8 5DU
In Stockport, for more information on staying healthy:
Stockport Council Support For Financial Difficulties
Details from Stockport Council
A few weeks, back we shared that Stockport Council is contributing £250,000 to support residents facing the greatest financial difficulties this Winter, including enhanced support for pensioners. We thought to share a reminder.
Alongside the £250,000 Council funding, the Council has also received over £2 million in national Household support Funding from the UK Government. This means Stockport residents have a range of support, including:
Family Support Vouchers: If your child is in receipt of income-based free school meals, or early years equivalent, or your family receives Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, you should've received a Family Support Voucher (worth £90 per eligible child), which can be exchanged for cash to support household bills. In addition, vouchers will be provided to care leavers and households with Special Guardianship Orders.
Crisis Support: The Cost of Living Adviceline is for residents in financial crisis, including crisis payments, food bank referrals, benefits advice. Call Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm, 0161 474 2140.
One Stockport: The One Stockport initiative was launched to connect, unite and support Stockport’s communities. They'll work with Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partner organisations to deliver the Household Support Fund to those most in need. This will be done through:
Working with our trusted partners like Age UK Stockport, Disability Stockport and Signpost for Carers to target support to individuals including:
- Disabled people.
- Pensioners.
- Unpaid carers.
- Those with mental ill health or complex needs.
- Women who have experienced physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
- Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
- Families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Those in receipt of out of work benefits.
Food Banks: The fund will help keep food banks stocked to meet demand. It will also support initiatives offering long-term help, such as essential items for vulnerable children, beds, and school uniform assistance. For more information, visit cost of living online hub
Pensioner support: The council is establishing a Pensioner Assist Network with assistance from partner organisations, helping pensioners access the support they're entitled to, such as Pension Credit. 3,300 people in Stockport are entitled to pension credit but are not claiming it! Make sure that it’s not you or a family member missing out.
Pension Credit, worth £3,400 per year on average, gives extra money to help with living costs if residents are over State Pension age and on a low income. With changes to Winter fuel payments this year, Stockport Council are urging pensioners to check their eligibility. Support is available from their Resident Advice and Support Team and our Cost-Of-Living Hub.
Strengthening support for families: Following feedback from local residents during Challenge Poverty Week, Stockport Council has reinforced their commitment to addressing inequality ensuring all policy decisions consider their impact on low-income residents. Further details will follow.
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Reminder: Greater Manchester Foster Care Fortnight
Details from One Stockport
Stockport has joined the rest of the region to raise awareness of the vital support our foster carers give to our children and young people and to thank them for the brilliant role they play in their lives.
Taking place until 17 November, Foster Care fortnight encourages residents to foster with their local council. The campaign will focus on debunking most common misconceptions through events and social channels. You can also find out more about starting your fostering journey and how to become part of Stockport’s fostering community. The following events are happening in Stockport:
15 November, Fostering information drop in, Merseyway Shopping Centre, 11am - 2pm
11 December, Fostering and supported lodgings information sharing event, Stockport Town Hall, 6pm - 7pm
Follow the campaign on Facebook, X and Instagram or their website or call 0300 303 0321.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Event 2024
Details from Stockport LGBTQ+ Network
Join the Stockport LGBTQ+ Network for their 2024 Transgender Day of Remembrance event. The event will be dedicated to honouring and remembering those Transgender people who lost their lives to violence over the past year, followed by a celebration of Transgender culture.
20 November, gathering 7pm, starts 7:30 pm
Disability Stockport, 23 High Street
Scope To Provide Local Energy Advice Sessions
Details from Scope
Scope, the disability equality charity, is launching a new Community Disability Energy Service Team, in partnership with gas distribution network Cadent.
At Scope, they know life costs more for people with disabilities and not all can reduce their energy or water usage. Scope want to make sure that our disabled community know what options are available and can access to all the support they're entitled to.
The team of energy advisors will be delivering free, face to face sessions, providing practical support with reducing energy costs, energy efficiency, guidance on tariff switching, discounts and grants. They'll also be raising awareness on the importance of gas safety and can supply free carbon monoxide detectors to keep residents safe at home.
Community Disability Energy Advice | Disability charity Scope UK or ask in your Scope shop.
They'll be visiting the local places across Stockport to offer drop in advice sessions:
15 November, 10am - 12pm - Mottram Street Pantry
20 November, 10am - 12:30pm - Open Pantry Hanover Towers
29 November, 10am - 12pm - Mottram Street Pantry
30 November, 12pm - 2pm - Brinnington Community Hub
Reminder: SPARC's 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Details from SPARC (Stockport Progress And Recovery Centre)
SPARC will be hosting an event to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. All of their members; friends and family and supporters are invited to their 1984 themed party:
21 November, 3pm - 6pm.
There will be music, memories, refreshments, raffle tickets and crafts to purchase (cash only), and more. If possible, please use public transport, walk or cycle to the event as parking is limited. Alternatively, there's a public car park on Meyer Street (a short walk away).
01614299744
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Reminder - Job Opportunity: Signpost For Carers
Details from Signpost For Carers
Signpost for Carers are now recruiting for passionate and dynamic Chief Executive who will consolidate the recent success of the organisation.
As Chief Executive of Signpost you will lead a dedicated team who provide pivotal services to carers in Stockport helping to support them in living healthier more fulfilled lives. You will be providing strategic oversight of contractual services for the Local Authority and responsible for developing and undertaking specific projects which are funded by a number of partners.
Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will be the figurehead of the organisation ensuring maintenance of its day to day functions, including the management of a community building, while working tenaciously to grow in order to improve the lives of more carers across communities in Stockport.
Please see the attached job advert and application pack for full details.
About Signpost
Signpost Stockport for Carers provides a wide range of practical and emotional support to those with an unpaid caring responsibility in Stockport. We have a varied offer for carers of all ages, starting with our young carers at six years old.
Training: Be One Mindset Course
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
There are places available on the Be One Mindset personal development course. This is for residents living in Brinnington, central Stockport, Edgeley, Marple, Heaviley and High Lane.
See the attached poster for details.
Reminder: Could You Drive For Stockport Car Scheme?
Details from Stockport Car Scheme
Stockport Car Scheme are always looking for volunteer drivers to take passengers with poor mobility to various places, whether it's a social group or visiting friends or family, medical appointments or shopping.
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Volunteers can give a few hours each week, either on a regular basis or it can vary
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Stockport Car Scheme pay all out of pocket expenses and pay 45p per mile to cover petrol and wear and tear.
For more information:
0161 472 2812
info@stockportcarscheme.org.uk
Visit the Stockport Car Scheme website
Training Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses including those from from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
For Men to Talk
‘For Men To Talk’ November 2024 Meetings
GMCVO
GMCVO eBulletin (November 2024)
Stockport Council
Information and Signposting
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm or email info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Visit our Information and Signposting directory
Do you have a health or social care experience you want to share – how did your last appointment with your GP or dentist go? Are you happy or frustrated with the service you received – let us know so we can work with local services to influence better commissioners and better outcomes for you and your family.
