Healthwatch Round Up - 16 January 2025
Welcome to this week's Healthwatch Stockport Information Round-up!
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Handy 'What to Know This Winter' Advice
In December, the Healthwatch Stockport team published a handy booklet sharing tips, advice and important information to help you and your loved ones through the Winter months. Our booklet is available digitally, or in a printed version. Many hard copies are available in pharmacies and local community venues and businesses across Stockport. To ask for a copy, contact:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Get Involved: 'Share for Better Care Week'
Public feedback about NHS and social care support helps services spot problems, identify what's working well, and areas for improvement. However, 60% of people across England have never given feedback on care.
To raise awareness of the impact of your feedback, we'll be celebrating our annual 'Share for Better Care Week', from 24 February - 2 March. Organised by Healthwatch England and the Care Quality Commission, the campaign encourages more people to share their feedback to drive improvements in health and care.
Whether you work in the NHS or social care or receive support from them, you can play your part by asking others share feedback on care with us here at Healthwatch Stockport. We'll share more details soon so watch this space and follow our socials.
Healthwatch Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
Please see the latest news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
‘Seen on time, no bother’ – What’s your vaccination experience?
With NHS data showing that over 12 million people have been vaccinated since last October, we look at what patients think about the experience.
Pressures on A&E – new NHS performance data
New figures published today by NHS England show that A&E units continue missing their target to see 95% of patients in four hours. Read Healthwatch England's comment.
What should I do if my GP removes me from their list?
GP practices very rarely remove patients from their list. If you are removed from a GP practice, you may need to register with a new one.
Check out our website for more news, advice and informative articles.
Healthwatch Stockport’s Information & Advice Service
Do you run a local community group or coffee morning? If so, we would love the opportunity to come and talk to your group about the Information & Advice service we offer. Ger in touch soon to book us in!
If you would like further information or to book a session, please contact Claire:
0161 974 0753
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Healthwatch England: Annual Report Published
The 2023 – 24 annual report outlines how the public’s stories have changed care for the better, and the work being done to make sure that the health and social care system puts patients at its very heart.
Last year, over 400,000 people shared their experiences of care with Healthwatch nationally and locally. In Healthwatch England's annual report, they show how stories like these have helped to: Influence reform, Highlight where change must happen, Show the way forward.
NHS 111: Get Health Advice Quickly
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
January marks one of the busiest times for the NHS. People need help with everything from coughs and colds to post-holiday illnesses and winter injuries.
NHS Greater Manchester is reminding everyone that NHS 111 is the easiest way to get health advice quickly, 24 hours a day. This could include signposting to a pharmacy, arranging a GP appointment or emergency dentist, or where necessary, advising what urgent treatment options are available.
You should still ring 999 if you experience:
- signs of a heart attack like pain like a heavy weight in the centre of your chest
- signs of stroke such as your face dropping on one side
- difficulty breathing
- life threatening injury
Having a small supply of basic medicines, such as paracetamol, plasters, and indigestion remedies, is another way to manage minor illnesses or injuries at home, with community pharmacy teams able to offer advice on what to have at home.
Additionally, please check out Healthwatch Stockport's Winter advice booklet for tips, tricks, advice and more to help you stay warm and well.
Reminder: Flooding Support For Stockport
Recently, some parts of Stockport have seen the heavy rainfall resulting in flooding. We’re thinking of those affected by the flooding. Please ensure you take care of yourselves and others. If you need support or advice, there is help available to you.
www.gov.uk/help-during-flood - What to do before and after a flood
thefloodhub.co.uk/household/ - all round advice including when buying a home
www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/flooding - Stockport Council advice and how to report a flood
Is your Community Space affected? If your community space / place where you host activities is affected, let Sector 3 know and they'll try to match you with a suitable temporary location.
Do you need help with the clean up / supporting affected residents? If you'd benefit from the help of volunteers, Sector 3 can put an urgent call out via the Volunteer Hub
Have Your Say: Type 2 Diabetes Care
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
When someone is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes they should be offered a series of face-to-face education sessions, to help them manage their condition.
NHS Greater Manchester want to hear if you were invited and attended these sessions, and if so, what you thought of them. They'd also like to hear from you if you chose not to attend, so they can design future sessions that better suit your needs. There are several ways you can share your views:
Send a text or video (including BSL) via WhatsApp on 07786 673762;
Register to attend one of their focus groups or drop-in session, by clicking the link:
You have until 2 March to share your views.
Have Your Say: Dermatochalasis Commissioning Statement Review
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
NHS Greater Manchester has added the review of the Dermatochalasis Commissioning Statement to its website's ‘Get Involved’ page. They're inviting everyone to review and share your feedback before 7 February.
What is Dermatochalasis? A condition causing excess eyelid skin, which can impact vision or eye health. Surgery is offered only when health problems arise, not for cosmetic reasons.
They’re recommending changes to:
- Expand eyelid problems eligible for surgery.
- Refine criteria for surgery approval.
Read the evidence review and current commissioning statement online.
Have Your Say: Cancer Patient Experience Survey
The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey aims to understand the experiences of cancer care across England by asking for patients to give feedback on the care they've received.
This feedback is used to understand where care is working well and how NHS cancer services can be improved at a national, regional, and local level.
The survey details were sent to those people who are eligible. If you were invited, don’t miss the opportunity to take part and share your experiences as the survey closes soon.
For more information, please visit www.ncpes.co.uk
Change NHS: Don't Forget to Have Your Say
Details from Healthwatch England and NHS
Everyone 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.”
Next time you stop to make a cuppa – complete your feedback in their survey:
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.
Warm Spaces Across Stockport
Details from Stockport Council
Warm spaces will remain open throughout the Winter and offer free WIFI, hot meals and drinks. They also function as central hubs, providing information and guidance to signpost residents to further support. All of Stockport’s libraries act as warm spaces too.
Find a full list and view our warm spaces on Stockport Council's interactive map.
Have Your Say: Help Improve ADHD Services
Details from NHS Greater Manchester
Join a Lived Experience Group: Online sessions will run on these dates:
28 January 2025, 6pm -7pm
25 February 2025, 6pm -7pm
Help shape the future of ADHD services! For more details or to register, visit:
https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/childrens-adhd-services/
Call or WhatsApp: 07786 673762
Service Overview: START Feeling Better in 2025
Details from Stockport Council
Anyone in Stockport who wants to make a change to improve their health can contact START. START offer free and confidential advice and can help you get the support that's right for you whether you want to:
- lose some weight
- stop smoking
- cut down on alcohol
- reduce/stop using drugs
- get more active
Complete the form on www.healthystockport.co.uk
0161 474 3141
Assisted School Meals
Details from Stockport Council
National research shows that many families eligible for free school meals may not be receiving them. Stockport Council is aiming to ensure that families get the support they need. To do this they will carry out an eligibility check and an assisted enrolment service where Council Tax and/or Housing Benefit is currently in award.
If a child qualifies for a free school meal, this could save the family around £400 per year. Stockport Council will be contacting families who may be eligible by letter with further information shortly.
Support for Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Violence
Details from NHS Pennine Foundation Trust
The Greater Manchester service, the Pathfinder Partnership, is now providing much-needed support for survivors of sexual abuse and violence who have additional and complex mental health needs. It is one of just six projects nationally funded by NHS England’s £20 million funding boost for sexual assault and domestic violence services.
Join their Greater Manchester's Sexual Violence and Abuse Pathfinder 1st Year Event on Tuesday 21 January, 10am - 3.30pm. The Mechanics Centre, 103 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD.
Shaping Lives. Together.
Details from NHS Pennine Foundation Trust
The NHS Pennine Foundation Trust have worked in partnership with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust on a new Greater Manchester CAMHS campaign. 'Shaping Lives. Together' launched on 1 January 2025.
There’s a new website, which you can find here, and a six-month media campaign with audio adverts across digital, radio and podcasts; and digital adverts on Guardian online, Facebook, Instagram, Google search, and major news publishers.
Have Your Say: Stockport SEND Survey
Details from PACT
PACT have launched a survey for parents and carers of children & young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). They'd like your views on how well local services identify children's and young people's needs. If you have more than one child with SEND and your experience varies, complete separate surveys.
The GM Health & Care Champion Awards are back!
Details from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Nominations for the Greater Manchester Health and Champion Awards opened on Tuesday 14 January.
Back for their sixth year, the Awards recognise our paid and unwaged workforce in health and care services across Greater Manchester. They are organised by NHS Greater Manchester, with support from the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Categories include Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement, along with Green Initiative of the Year, a new category for 2025.
Get Involved: Breast Cancer Care for Muslim Women
Details from NIHR (National Institute of Health Research)
A researcher from the University of Manchester is looking to speak with women of Muslim faith and their families to understand their views of breast cancer and clinical trials. The opportunity is open to anyone:
- Aged 18 years and over
- Undergoing treatment or have completed treatment for breast cancer
- Muslim faith and who'd like to make a difference to the future care of Muslim women.
How it works:
The study will involve a 45-60 minute interview in a convenient location (person's home, private space in a community centre or hospital you attend) or online using Teams. If needed, an interpreter can be present.
For more information about this study, contact Lorraine Turner:
0161 918 2446
Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) Event
Details from EPEC
Find Your Voice with Beechwood Community Choir!
Details from Beechwood
Are you ready to make 2025 the year you discover the joy of singing? Whether you’re a seasoned singer or a complete beginner, Beechwood welcome you to be part of their Community Choir! All three workshop sessions, including all materials are £10.
Starts on 21 January at 7pm
Bridgehall Community Centre, Siddlington Avenue, SK3 8NR
beechwoodcommunitychoir@outlook.com
Les on 07947 315669
Parent Carer Forum SEND Information Day
Details from PACT
PACT will be hosting their upcoming Stockport Parent Carer Forum SEND Information Day later this month. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other parents, carers and families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Tuesday 28 January, 9am - 3pm
Alma Lodge Hotel, 149 Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 6EL
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
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’ w/c 13 January 2025 Meetings
GM Aging Hub
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
Integrated Care Partnership Update: 10 Jan 2025
Pennine Care Partner Update
Pennine Care Partner Update - January 2024
Starting Point
Stockport Digital Champion Update 13th January 2025 - Big Energy Saving Week
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.
