9 February 2012
Accident & Emergency - NOT Anything & Everything
NHS Lincolnshire PR 488 09/02/2012 [For Immediate Release]
Accident & Emergency - NOT Anything & Everything
Dr Martin McShane, Director of Commissioning Development and QIPP for NHS Lincolnshire said: "In Lincolnshire about 200,000 people visit A&E a year. But local research shows that one in ten people are using A&E inappropriately and could have gone elsewhere for treatment.
"Before turning up at A&E think, is it really a life threatening emergency? Could you visit a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre, call your GP or go to your nearest pharmacy for expert health advice.
"If you need medical help fast or you're not sure which NHS service you need, people in Lincolnshire can call NHS 111. The telephone service will assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate service, whether it is GP out of hours, your local minor injuries unit, your nearest pharmacy or providing health care advice.
"Should you need an ambulance one will be sent immediately, just as if you have called 999. Best of all, the number is free to call from mobiles and land lines."
Visit http://www.lincolnshire.nhs.ukfor a handy guide on the getting the right care first time.
26 January 2012
LCHS NHS TRUST BOARD MEETING – Tuesday 31 January 2012, at 1pm Royal Oak Boardroom, Bridge House, The Point, Sleaford, NG34 8GG. The Board for Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust will be meeting at 1pm.
The regular Customer Care and Finance Reports will be considered by the Board, in addition to, Community Foundation Trust and Emergency Preparedness.
Dr Don White, Chairman for Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust said: "Our monthly Board meetings provide the public with an opportunity to find out more about the organisation, the services we provide and how well we are performing. The public are very welcome to attend and listen to the discussions.”
The next meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 28th February 2012.
3 January 2012
NHS TRUST SEEKS YOUR VIEWS ON FUTURE PLANS
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) is launching a consultation exercise.
The Government has recently set out its vision for NHS organisations. By 2014 all NHS Trusts like LCHS will either become Foundation Trusts, or become part of existing Foundation Trusts such as those providing hospital or mental health services.
LCHS is inviting views on its future plans as it works to become an NHS Foundation Trust from April 2013.
The organisation which provides community healthcare services across the county, supporting people to stay out of hospital and working to keep people healthy, is undertaking the four month consultation from Monday 16 January to Thursday 16 April 2012.
A series of events have been organised around the county to give people a chance to find out more about the proposals which are part of LCHS’s move to become a Community Foundation Trust, and have their say.
Foundation Trusts recruit members and governors to influence and scrutinise the organisation’s performance.
Dr Don White, Chairman for LCHS said: “We welcome anyone to join us at one of the ten events taking place in Lincolnshire. It’s an opportunity to find out more about the services we provide and how to get involved in shaping them for the future.
“Becoming a Foundation Trust will enable us to be more flexible and responsive to local people’s needs. We want our patients, carers, staff and the general public to respond to our plans for the future.
“The proposals set out a number of priorities to improve our services, the recruitment of members and governance arrangements – this is what we want your views on.
“Our patients won’t notice any obvious change in our services. Teams of nurses and therapists will continue to care for people at home and in the community. People living with cancer, respiratory problems, heart conditions, diabetes, leg ulcers or the effects of a stroke will still be cared for by our staff. Families will continue to receive support from health visitors, school nurses, sexual health teams, smoking cessation and weight management advisors.”
You can share your views in a number of ways. Meet us in person at one of the consultation events, complete the feedback form within the consultation document and return in freepost envelope, respond online at www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk or arrange a meeting with your community group or organisation.
Anyone with special requirements such as interpretation or a BSL signer are asked to inform us before hand by contacting the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0845 602 4384. Consultation documents are available on request from this number too.
Spalding
Wednesday 1 February, 6.30pm - 8pm
Business and Conference Centre, Spalding Grammar, School, Priory Road, Spalding, PE11 2XH
7 December 2011
FLU RISK FOR 12,372 PEOPLE WITH COPD
The NHS in Lincolnshire is calling for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have not yet had their flu jab to make an appointment.
COPD is an umbrella term for a number of respiratory conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which prematurely age the lungs.
Over 12,000 people in Lincolnshire are diagnosed with the condition and are more at risk of developing serious complications from flu.
Every year the flu jab is offered to people with long term conditions to protect them from the three most prevalent strains of flu circulating that winter.
Dr Tony Hill, Director of Public Health for NHS Lincolnshire said: "People should not underestimate the dangers of flu. It is a highly infectious illness and people with long term conditions such as COPD can become seriously ill and may require hospital treatment if they catch flu.
"The jab is available for free at your GP surgery and I would strongly advise anyone who has not yet had the jab to contact their GP surgery to make an appointment as soon as possible."
Dr Keith Prowse of the British Lung Foundation said:
“People with lung conditions such as COPD are particularly at risk of being hospitalised if they get flu so it is essential that they protect themselves. We urge anyone who is living with a lung condition to visit their GP and get the jab or call the British Lung Foundation helpline 08458 50 50 20.”
Four groups of people are more 'at risk' of developing serious complications from flu and are entitled to a free jab. These comprise pregnant women; people with long term conditions - such as COPD; carers and people over 65 years old.
Good hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread of germs. Use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique - catch coughs and sneezes with a tissue, dispose of the tissue after one use, and clean your hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel.
5 December
HIGHLY COMMENDED HEALTHY TAKEAWAY PROJECT EXPANDS
An innovative local project to reduce salt, saturated fat and calories in popular Indian dishes is expanding to include a further 20 restaurants within Lincolnshire.
The health by stealth pilot was highly commended by judges in the Health Service Journal's (HSJ) Best Social Marketing Project Award category.
A local chef working closely with five restaurants in Boston, Lincoln, Grantham, Metheringham and Sleaford made changes to their menu by offering an alternative healthier option to customers, without compromising on taste.
Some dishes have reduced their fat content by over half and consumer testing has shown that customers can’t tell the difference.
The project was a joint venture between NHS Lincolnshire, Trading Standards East Midlands and Lincolnshire Trading Standards Team, Social Change UK and Cook Connect Ltd, supported by Food Standards Agency, Department of Health and National Social Marketing Centre.
Joanne Hart, Social Marketing Co-ordinator for NHS Lincolnshire said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for the work we have done with our key partners to support people to make healthier lifestyle choices. It has proved so successful we are now working to recruit a further 20 restaurants on board.
"This project really is innovative because we are trying to change the behaviour of those who supply the food, rather than directly targeting consumers to ask them to cut down or cut out.
“Most people already know that takeaway food can be unhealthy and we need to look at ways we can make it easier for people to eat more healthily but still enjoy takeaway food.”
Consumers and restaurants can find out more about the project at www.healthiertakeaways.co.uk
11 November
THOUSANDS RAISED FROM HOSPITAL BALL
The 2011 Johnson Community Hospital Ball has been deemed a great success, raising a total of £2200.00 for the Hospital League of Friends.
The third annual event was held in July to raise money for the local charity.
Simon Temple, Head of Clinical Services and Sally Brown, Matron for Planned Care personally presented the League of Friends with a cheque.
Mr Temple from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust said: "This year's event was a great success, hospital staff and members of the public enjoyed a three course meal and music at the Castle Sports Complex. I am delighted that we managed to raise so much for the Hospital League of Friends, a whooping £1572 more than last year.
"On behalf of the Ball Committee, I would like to thank all those who joined us for the event and supported the cause. Plans are already underway for the next annual ball scheduled for 7 July 2012."
Councillor Angela Newton, Chairman for The League of Friends also commented: "The League of Friends are grateful to receive these proceeds that have been donated. We will continue to do all we can to assist the hospital in every way."