Tamworth Blog

Stethoscope - Pic: Wenzday01

Tamworth Residents are being asked for their view on the local health services provided throughout the town.

Health Chiefs from South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust  want to hear what you think.  What’s working well?  Where can the services being provided be improved?

The Chief Executive of SSPCT and his team of directors will be holding a drop in session at Glascote Heath Health Centre (Caledonian, Glascote Heath.  Click here for map) on Monday December 7 between 12 noon and 1pm.

If you have a view, questions or any general feedback, you are invited to drop in to meet the directors and have your say.

The team will respond to as many issues raised as they can on the day but will also take more complicated issues to the PCT for further investigation and report back to those who raised the issue.

Chief Executive Stuart Poynor said:

“We’ve held a number of drop-in sessions in the past and have been able to take forward many of the issues raised.

“I look forward to meeting the residents of South Staffordshire to hear how we can work together to improve the quality of services for the whole community.”

In addition to the public drop-in sessions, the PCT is also introducing a number of measures to make it easier for people to provide independent feedback on their experience of local services and will be undertaking a programme of visits to existing community and voluntary groups.

Break the Chain

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust have launched their ‘Break the Chain’ campaign which is aimed at reducing the transfer of infection and viruses to patients throughout the region.

The ‘Break the Chain’ campaign was launched during National Infection Prevention and Control week, last week (October 19 through 23) and aims to reduce preventable infections by improving amongst other things, the hand hygiene of health workers, visitors and staff.

As part of the campaign the PCT will improve Sir Robert Peel Hospital to promote and highlight the importance of clean hands within the Hospital.  New Hand Sanitisers will be placed in the main entrance and all waiting rooms, along with posters and literature educating visitors and staff about the need to sanitize using the alcohol rubs.

Carrie Felgate, PCT Provider Services Lead Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, said:

“We now have a great opportunity to put our own stamp on infection prevention and control through Break the Chain campaign.

“By reminding our healthcare workers to Break the Chain of infection, we can prevent the spread of infection and diseases and help tackle healthcare associated infections.”

The introduction of this scheme has also led to recognition from Health Minister Ann Keen who said:

“I would like to congratulate South Staffordshire PCT Provider Services on the fantastic work they have done to help drive down infection rates in South Staffordshire.

“England now has the most sophisticated monitoring system in the world, which has helped reduce MRSA infections by over 70% and C. difficile infections by over 30%.

“The hard work of NHS staff, together with our strategy for reducing infection, are continuing to deliver real improvements in clean, safe care for patients.”

Hand sanitization is important to reduce infections like MRSA which are preventable within the hospital environment, this scheme aims to drive down infections even further.

Pint of Lager. Pic Andrew Mason

Tamworth residents are being urged to ‘re-think your drink’ this week as a part of Alcohol Awareness week organised by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust.

The week has been designed to support the governments ‘Know Your Limit’ campaign which is urging people to take stock on how much they are drinking by keeping a drink diary this week.  Figures show that over a quarter of us in the West Midlands are drinking above the guidelines for lower risk drinking.

South Staffordshire PCT’s Interim Director of Public Health, Dr Aliko Ahmed said:

“We’re fully supportive of the ‘Know Your Limits’ campaign. In addition to complementing the PCT’s existing work stream aimed at reducing alcohol related harm, the campaign will also help raise awareness to the people in South Staffordshire on how alcohol can affect their individual and family health.”

To fall into the lower risk drinking category as recommended by the Chief Medical officer men should drink no more than 3-4 units per day and women no more than 2-3 units.  A table showing the unit strengths of some common drinks is below:

To find out more information about the Know Your Limits campaign visit the website.

Drawing the Syringes - Pic: Johnny Klemme

Those that fall into high risk groups will soon be offered a vaccination against Swine Flu in an attempt to protect the vulnerable and those at risk of infection or transmitting the infection.

South  Staffordshire Primary Care Trust along with local GP’s will soon be sending out letters notifying those who qualify for the vaccination that they are able to schedule their inoculation.  Those clashed as high priority were mapped out by Health Secretary Andy Burnham in the summer, these are (in order):

• Individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups

• All pregnant women, subject to licensing considerations on trimesters

• People in regular contact with immunocompromised

• People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risks groups

If you fall into any of the above categories you will receive a letter from either the PCT or your GPs office, inviting you to have the vaccination.

John Wicks, Flu Director, South Staffordshire PCT said:

“Swine Flu is generally mild for healthy people, but for pregnant women and those with health problems it can be more serious.

“The vaccine has had to pass stringent tests before being granted a licence by the European Medicines Agency and this means that we are very confident that the new vaccine is low risk.

“Just as soon as we receive supplies of the vaccine in South Staffordshire we will write directly to people within the key groups, prioritising the most vulnerable first, letting them know how and where they can receive their vaccination.”

South Staffordshire PCT have worked with experts who have advised the above groups receive the vaccination first as these are affected people in these groups.

Whilst children have been disproportionately effected, many make a full recovery, this has lead experts to suggest only children in the “at risk” groups receive the vaccine.

Medical staff though will be offered the vaccine as a prevention exercise.

Lifestyle Services

The Lifestyle Services provided by South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust are being expanded to offer more Tamworth residents the chance to kick start a new healthier life style.

The 35 strong team which was introduced in March 2009 already offer advice and encouragement on a one to one or group level basis to help people to look at their lifestyle, working on a step-by-step basis to make changes that fit the individual, their lifestyle and keep them motivated.

Pauline Evans, Acting Lifestyle Service Manager, South Staffordshire PCT said:

“Living a hectic life in a modern world often means you are snacking or eating fast food, struggling to find time to be more active, smoking and regularly drinking more alcohol than you know is good for you.

“This can cause life threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

“Eating healthily, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking and doing just a small amount of activity, that fits your busy life, will help you to look and feel better, give you more energy, reduce your stress levels and put you in control of your life – as well as help you to live a longer and healthier life.

“We all know that these life changes seem difficult to make, but they don’t have to be – which is why the PCT is offering you a Life Style Advisor, free of charge.”

The team are now taking referrals directly from patients and the public, as well as from their GPs.

To find out more about the Lifestyle Service call 01827 306190 or visit the PCT website or visit your GP and ask for a referral to your Lifestyle Advisor – and take the first step towards a healthier life and living longer.

Parents of Tamworth are urged to remain cautious with their children returning to school and to remain vigilant about the threat of Swine Flu.

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust have asked that parents remain cautious as their children return to school and continue the fight against the virus.

Over the past months, the number of Swine Flu of cases have decreased but authorities believe that with children returning to school, they will soon rise again.

John Wicks, Flu Director at South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust said;

“We have plans in place for a much bigger second wave of Swine Flu, which will potentially see more cases than in the first wave. So we are appealing to teachers and parents to remain vigilant to help stop the spread of Swine Flu now the schools have gone back.

“People who have any symptoms of Swine Flu can spread the virus if they mix with other people and although Swine Flu is relatively mild for most people, it can lead to complications for anyone with existing medical conditions.”

Parents and teachers are advised to keep their eye on anyone who develops flu like symptoms, these include high temperatures, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or vomiting.  If anyone experiences these then they should STAY AT HOME AND NOT VISIT THEIR GP.

People with these symptoms should first check their symptoms online at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk, or by phoning 0800 1513 100, and call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1513 513 to hear the latest advice.

Swine Flu is spread from person to person and people can follow simple steps to stop the spread of the virus. Always use a tissue to catch sneezes and throw away used tissues, where germs can linger, and wash hands frequently.

Two Tamworth based health workers last week clinched individual awards in the South Staffordshire Patients’ Choice – Quality and Excellence awards.

Peripatetic clinical psychologist Rachel Golding who was unable to attend the award ceremony, was awarded the Individual Excellence award.  Rachel works with young autistic children and adults as a consultant based at Tamworth’s Hockley Centre, but also covering Uttoxeter, Burntwood, Lichfield and Burton on Trent.  Rachel who has been working in the area for over 20 years has touched the lives of many families working in the diagnostic assessment unit of the Communication and Social Development Assessment/Advisory Service (CASDAS).

The small team assess and diagnoses autism in youngsters aged between five and 18-years-old, working with both the individual and the families affected.

Katy O’Sulivan, mother of an autistic patient who Rachel helped nominated her for the award. She said:

“She has given us, and my son, a life. I genuinely had a child who was in his bedroom from morning til night and was very scared of the world and scared to go outside – and she has absolutely changed that for us.

“The role was meant to be a part-time one but she’s come round to our home at 7pm to drop off a specific book she wants us to read or thinks will help.

She has given us an understanding of our son.

“We have so much to thank you for and you have completely changed our lives. You’re an absolutely wonderful person and you really deserve this.”

Imad Soryal receiving his award

Another Tamworth healthworker though was also awarded at last Wednesday’s (September 9) ceremony.

Dr Imad Soryal who practices at the towns Sir Robert Peel Hospital was presented the Clinical Excellence award and was described as “always putting his patients first” and “going above and beyond” his expected duties.

Speaking of this award Dr Soryal said:

“I’m not used to being honoured in this way for what I do for a living. I owe everything to the patients. I am a product of Staffordshire: I trained here and am now a consultant here and I’m very fortunate.

“What’s important for me is working on a model that is centred around the patient, not the clinician.

“My patients are my key priority and it is a privilege to know that vulnerable people put their trust and faith in me and the team to look after them whilst they are in hospital.”

The Patients’ Choice – Quality and Excellence Awards which was launched by the South Staffordshire PCT launched in April, received nearly 100 nominations from patients and the public in South Staffordshire. The event was staged at Staffordshire County Showground and was presented by television presenter Michael Collie.

Baby Shaking awarness lessons

A new partnership between South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust and Torc Vocational Centre in Glascote, Tamworth aims provide support and advice to new parents about the dangers of rough handling and shaking of babies to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Stop that Shake – Babies Break! is an innovative project that will see the production of a DVD to educate future parents on the dangers associated with the rough handling of babies.

The project, which has received £7,500 of funding from the Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) and NHS West Midlands Innovation Fund, will see the DVD that covers all aspects of the syndrome, from cause, consequences, risks and prevention factors for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

During the production of the DVD the team consisting of project leaders will be working with multiple agencies Janine McKnight, Specialist Community Public Health Practitioner for South Staffordshire PCT and Alison Mennell, Health Tech Project Co-ordinator, of Torc, will also be working with safeguarding teams, police, paediatricians and students from Torc Vocational Centre.

Speaking of the new project Janine McKnight said:

“Shaken Baby Syndrome is the most common cause of traumatic death in children under one year and too often parents and carers are not aware that rough handling and shaking babies can be very dangerous.

“Our multi-agency approach will consider a life skill teaching method by involving students in the production of a DVD as an earlier pre-pregnancy educational intervention. This is based on the theory of tell me and I will forget, show me and I might remember, involve me and I will understand.”

This 12-month project will result in a DVD and will initially be piloted in five Tamworth senior schools.  It is hoped that all who see the DVD will benefit with the knowledge on how to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Alison Menell added:

“We expect students, parents, clients, professionals and teachers who will see the DVD to benefit from the project.”

In addition to funding Janine and Alison, who is also a nurse and midwife, will be given professional leadership support and enjoy project management training from QNI and West Midlands Innovation Fund team to develop their unique project.

This afternoon we have received some information from the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust on the Swine Flu Vaccine that was announced by Health Secretary Andy Burnham yesterday (Thursday August 13).

As detailed in Andy Burnham’s speech, there are four priority groups:

• Individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups

• All pregnant women, subject to licensing considerations on trimesters

• Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer

• People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risks groups.

Once the vaccine is licensed, these groups will be prioritised and more details will be released on how to receive the immunisation.

As more information is made available, we will make it available to you through the blog.

Dr Imad Soryal who has been nominated for the Clinical Excellence Award

Dr Imad Soryal, a Neurology Consultant at Tamworth’s Sir Robert Peel Hospital has been nominated for the Clinical Excellence Award in the Patient’s Choice – Quality and Excellence awards being held by the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust.

The popular consultant who has been a Doctor for 25 years said:

“This means a great deal to me. I feel very humbled and honoured to be nominated by my patients and colleagues.

“My patients are my key priority and it is a privilege to know that vulnerable people put their trust and faith in me and the team to look after them whilst they are in hospital.

“For me it is very often the little things that we can do for patients that make the most difference.”

The awards which have been organised by the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust are a way patients can nominate those in the area who have contributed to the health and well being of patients throughout the region.

Dr Soryal will discover on the 9 September at the Awards Ceremony if he has seen of challenges from other medical staff around South Staffordshire for the inaugural award.