EN GAG E CELEBRATING 72 YEARS OF THE NHS - THE NHS RESPONSE TO COVID - Mid Essex CCG
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T H E L AT E S T N E W S F R O M M I D E S S E X C C G ENGAGESUMMER EDITION J ULY 2020 CELEBRATING 72 YEARS OF THE NHS THE NHS RESPONSE TO COVID
WELCOME CON TE NTS 4 celebrating 72 years of the NHS Welcome to the summer Thank your heroes EXTENDED 2020 issue of Engage, for everyone living in Braintree 6 the nhs response District, Chelmsford City and to covid Maldon District. The response so far GP HOURS Since I wrote the introduction to our spring edition at the 9 volunteers end of February, our lives Hundreds of volunteers make changed almost completely. a difference in Mid and South Essex Protecting one another from the COVID-19 coronavirus 10 TEST AND TRACE has been the priority for Patients in mid Essex can still residents. Helping to keep you safe access appointments with a Meanwhile, making sure there is capacity to treat people 14 mental health with severe COVID-19 symptoms and anyone else needing Meeting your needs GP or nurse in the evening or urgent clinical care has been the main focus for the NHS. You can read more about that from me later in this edition. 16 gold-standard on a Saturday or Sunday We are hugely grateful to everyone who has taken steps to LGBTQ+ care stay safe and to the host of volunteers who have supported people at greater risk from the virus who have been unable 23 safer sleeping To book please contact your own GP to leave their homes. For new parents surgery or call 01245 398055* There is more good news to share too, about supporting our communities and the way we have been reshaping GP-led *Phone line only open Saturday and Sunday services, which I write a little about later in this issue. Stay safe this summer. Consultations will take place via telephone or video. Where a Dr Anna Davey Page 4 Chair, Mid Essex CCG face-to-face appointment is required, Follow me on Twitter this will take place at the North @Chair_MECCG Chelmsford Health Centre Page 6 Page 23 OPENING TIMES: Monday to Friday, Engage is just one of the many ways that you can keep informed Keep in touch by following us 6:30pm to 8:00pm We want everyone about our work. Connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, on social media: Saturday and Sunday, in mid Essex to Live Well Twitter and our website midessexccg.nhs.uk for regular updates. @MidEssex CCG 8:00am to 8:00pm You can also share any feedback on Engage by emailing: MECCG. /CCGMidEssex get-involved@nhs.net with ‘CCG Engage feedback’ in the subject. Mid Essex CCG North Chelmsford NHS Healthcare Centre Sainsbury’s, 2 White Hart Lane, 3 Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5EF. JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
The NHS at 72: a time to remember, reflect and say ‘thank you’ On July 5 it will be 72 years since the NHS started work. Over the last few months, the NHS has The following day, 5 July and the been through perhaps anniversary of our NHS, let’s say thank you together. its greatest test so far. 5pm: Join a one-off clap for carers – the biggest yet, because this We will continue to deal time it is to say thank you to everybody with the many challenges 5.05pm: Raise a glass, mug or cuppa to thank each other – our brought about by the friends, family and neighbours – for looking out for us, helping the COVID-19 pandemic for vulnerable, or simply doing the right thing and staying at home the foreseeable future. Afterwards: Stay outside for a socially distanced chat to your This year’s anniversary will be neighbours, or reach out to someone who is lonely, isolated or one of remembrance and thanks. stuck in another household to let them know they are appreciated. We want to remember those who have died during the pandemic and say thank you to all the people and organisations who have supported us during these Let us know who is getting difficult times. your thanks In the run-up to 5 July you can say a personal thank you to someone who has been a hero Don’t forget to share TWITTER – find us at: for you during the pandemic with the template opposite or one you your thank yous and NHS Mid and South Essex can download from the Together images with your local Health and Care Partnership Coalition website. Colour it in, add NHS on our social @MSEEssex_HCP the name of someone you’d like to thank – nurses and doctors, NHS Basildon and Brentwood posties and delivery people, CCG @BB_CCG or maybe your mum, dad or a FACEBOOK – search for @MidSouthEssexHCP on NHS Castle Point and Rochford neighbour – and display it in your CCG @CPRCCG window. Facebook or in Messenger, as well as your local CCG NHS Mid Essex CCG Then, on the evening before the and hospital: @MidEssexCCG NHS anniversary, 4 July, we are encouraging people to put a light @BasildonBrentwoodCCG NHS Southend CCG in your window, too – perhaps an @nhscprccg @SouthendCCG LED candle, lamp or a torch. All NHS Thurrock CCG the lit windows will commemorate @CCGMidEssex @Thurrock CCG the people we have lost. (If you @ThurrockCCG want to use a candle, please don’t Mid and South Essex NHS leave it unattended.) @southendccg Foundation Trust @MSEHosipitals @MSEHosipitals National and local landmarks will also be lit up in blue as part of our collective nationwide memorial. 4 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 5
The NHS response Mental health services in mid and south Essex have for their illness. Where possible, appointments will continue to be Coronavirus in mid so far to coronavirus remained available, though offered using remote services there have been fewer face-to- such as a video or phone and south Essex facts and face appointments to reduce consultation. the risk of spreading the virus. in mid and south Essex The people with the most urgent and severe mental health needs figures are being prioritised while direct What is access to online support has remained available to everyone. An average of 136 We have all found COVID-19 Working alongside local the three main sites run by our Vital support for all these COVID-19 patients a day have authorities to identify and local hospital trust – Basildon, been in our local hospital beds ourselves in protect our most vulnerable Broomfield and Southend – efforts has come from our between 22 March 2020 and 14 local communities – from you, unprecedented residents through Operation has substantially increased its your friends and neighbours. COVID-19 is an infectious June 2020. times due to the Shield is something that will intensive care capacity. This Volunteers have come forward disease caused by a newly The highest daily leave a positive legacy for our included buying additional impact of COVID-19 communities. It has helped show ventilators to care for the most to deliver medicines and food to discovered coronavirus strain number was 276 people who are most vulnerable that first emerged in China late on 8 June, with the 10 days (coronavirus). It is how we can work together in the seriously ill patients and retraining to the effects of COVID-19. They last year. Several coronaviruses before this article was written perhaps the greatest future to support our residents’ staff to deliver intensive care. have worked side by side with are known to cause respiratory showing a much lower average needs across health and social other partners such as Essex infections in humans, ranging challenge the health care. Recently retired clinical staff from the common cold to more of 62 patients with coronavirus. Police, Essex Fire and Rescue service has faced in its have been invited to return to and the British Army to help severe diseases. One of the first things to happen work and the NHS has enlisted 72-year history. in response to the outbreak medical and nursing students to rapidly redesign our buildings to The number of confirmed accept more patients. The most important symptoms COVID-19 patients was our GP practices’ speedy work in frontline care. Colleagues of coronavirus (COVID-19) are occupying critical care beds Locally the NHS has well- adoption of digital consultations, from local private hospitals and rehearsed procedures in place from telephone triage and use facilities have been redeployed to As our response to the recent onset of: averaged 34 over the to respond to major incidents. coronavirus pandemic continues, • a new continuous cough same March-June period and of email to video consultations. work among NHS teams. we are now starting to see the • a high temperature We have been using our full peaked at 78 on These have meant people do not number of hospital admissions • a loss or change to your emergency preparedness plans 20 April. The last 10 days have to go to their GP surgery in And some private hospitals come down. So, we have begun sense of smell or taste. as part of the greater Essex before writing saw the average person, and clinical staff can work have opened up their facilities to reschedule both inpatient Resilience Forum alongside number of COVID-19 patients remotely if needed. to NHS patients so the most planned surgery and postponed The severity and duration of local government, police and fire in critical care fall to 9. urgent treatments such as cancer outpatient appointments symptoms for people who services from the start. Digital consultation in general surgery can still take place. within the three main hospitals have COVID-19 can vary. Most practice isn’t new, but its use This is helping to keep those at at Southend, Basildon and people who get infected have This has seen our hospitals, had been fairly limited prior greatest risk away from the main Broomfield. These will be mild symptoms, and in general GPs, community services, local to COVID-19. Now every GP hospital sites where COVID-19 rescheduled and prioritised symptoms are expected largely authorities, voluntary sector, surgery in mid and south Essex is patients are being treated. according to clinical need and to disappear within 7 days of first charities and the independent offering remote consultation, with length of wait. experiencing them. sector all united. With great more than 25,000 appointments Working as a team, local NHS speed they have worked together already held this way. Surgeries community services set up new For the moment, we continue to Most people who get COVID-19 to change and re-align how we are also working together in wards and beds at our community ask that people go to their GP will not need to go into hospital. provide services to meet our the communities they serve to hospitals in Brentwood and surgery or hospital for planned Others may need monitoring as residents’ immediate needs provide care for people suspected Braintree in just a few days. care only when really necessary. an inpatient and a small number during this pandemic. of having the virus at a single These extra beds are for People in need of medical help will need treatment in intensive clinic away from others. patients requiring ‘step-down’ should continue to contact their care. The scale and depth of the steps and rehabilitation bed care after surgery, use the online service at taken are exceptional. The NHS Meanwhile, our hospitals have a stay in one of the three acute 111.nhs.uk or call 111. has put a wide range of measures reorganised outpatient services hospitals. The additional capacity in place to ensure people stay and planned surgery, again is vital in helping hospitals to free GP surgeries and the 111 service as safe as possible while we to offer telephone or video up the space to treat the most ill will initially assess patients over maintain essential health services consultations where needed patients. the phone or online to make for those who continue to need and free up capacity to care sure they are cared for by the them outside of COVID-19 care. for COVID-19 patients. Each of right person, in the right place 6 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 7
A message from Hundreds of volunteers our Clinical Chair make a difference in mid and south Essex Health and social care services It is essential that we learn from have had to change and adapt the times we are living in and As Dr Davey wrote, the “It’s so humbling to see the Jennifer said: how they work quickly and embed any positive changes in speed with which volunteers districts within mid and effectively to respond to the how local residents get the best have stepped in to help us “The work took me right back to pandemic. The way people have possible care and support to south Essex have a wealth of voluntary organisations make some major changes to my nursing days from 20 years accessed local health and care lead fulfilling, independent lives. health and care services in the ago. I met some amazing people services has also changed. To help us learn, it is important and dedicated volunteers community. Their commitment and was treated as one of them that we capture information who support their local from the very first day. The public and willingness to help, often with In the past few months GP about how new services are communities. Since the start dropped off food and snacks as something they’ve never done practices across mid and south being received as the local NHS of the COVID-19 pandemic well as the odd treat – I found that before, has been just brilliant!” Essex have carried out more than continues to adapt, respond and there has been an even so lovely.” 25,000 video consultations. Local reshape to current challenges. greater sense of pride in Changes have been made in hospitals have begun to offer volunteering, with hundreds community hospitals across mid Volunteering had such a positive virtual consultations with patients We have recently undertaken a of people lending an extra and south Essex so more patients impact for her that Jennifer is now where safe and appropriate to survey to better understand how can be cared for. Volunteers considering a change in career. hand. do so. Digital tools have also we can continue to support local from all walks of life have been She said: “I was disappointed helped identify and support the people and communities during The COVID-19 pandemic has had helping get things ready – and when my volunteering came to Hello – Dr Davey again! most vulnerable people in our the coronavirus pandemic and an impact on everyone, young whether they have been moving as I enjoyed it … so much so, community. beyond. The results of this survey and old, across the entire world. in fact, that I’ve made the decision As well as chairing NHS will be analysed and, alongside equipment, cleaning and setting Here in Essex, volunteers have things up, they have all played to change jobs. Who knows, Mid Essex CCG I’m a New smartphone tools like the insight from our three local shown that, when faced with the an important part. I may even end up working practising GP in our NHS App help people to order Healthwatch organisations, we back at Brentwood Community challenge of a national crisis, repeat prescriptions from their will gather some key themes and For some people, volunteering Hospital!” area. With coronavirus own home. Other new apps actions that will inform our next people come together and can achieve amazing things. is a regular part of their lives, but in the news headlines are also now available to help steps. A report will be available others have got involved for the The list of organisations and every day, we have all support those with particular on the CCG’s website in due Professor Mike Thorne is first time as a result of the impact partners working with us at this conditions such as diabetes course. challenging time is huge. St had to adapt how we (MyType1Diabetes and DigiBete), Independent Chair of the Mid and of COVID-19. South Essex Health and Care John’s Ambulance, Essex Fire live, work or study at a which means many people can Finally, I would like to say a big Partnership. He asked us to pass Jennifer usually works as an and Rescue, the Territorial Army, rapid pace. get support in different ways. thank-you to the many volunteers on his sincere thanks to all of the Ofsted registered childminder, the military veterans’ disaster who have been supporting local amazing volunteers on behalf of but her business was seriously response charity Team Rubicon People visit their GPs for a people through this difficult affected by the pandemic, so she and many Councils for Voluntary everyone working in the NHS in range of different reasons. time, and who continue to do took the St John’s Ambulance Service (CVS) that be found Essex. Sometimes issues that affect so. When faced with a crisis like COVID-19 Care Module training across mid and south Essex are a person’s health may be coronavirus, it is really incredible Prof Thorne writes: in the hopes she could help. Soon just some of them. caused by non-medical matters to see people come together and after, she was asked to volunteer such as loneliness, worry, make such a difference. “Volunteers are often the unsung at Brentwood Community If you’d like to find out more unemployment or debt. A new heroes in our communities, and Hospital. about volunteering in your area, role, called a ‘social prescriber’, We appreciate your ongoing we want to make a special effort you can start by visiting the or Link Worker, has come to support in tackling coronavirus so to say thank you. Volunteers from National Council for Voluntary GP surgeries. Link Workers much. Stay safe! all kinds of backgrounds with a Organisations website to find a give people confidence to seek range of valuable skills have come volunteering opportunity near appropriate support in the together to support the NHS, local you. www.ncvo.org.uk community and make positive Dr Davey authorities and providers as we changes for their wellbeing. deal with coronavirus. 8 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 9
NHS Test and Trace NHS Health at Home The NHS test and trace service aims to help How do I ask for a test? control the coronavirus You can ask for a coronavirus test online. The service will ask you: rate of reproduction (or To maintain social distancing and prevent the spread • how you want to get the test – you may be able to choose between ‘R’ rate), reduce the risk of driving to a regional testing site or getting a home test kit of the coronavirus, you are advised to stay at home infection and save lives. as much as possible. While you are at home it’s • for details such as your name, mobile phone number and address still easy to get NHS help and support using your We all have an important role to play in helping to How NHS Test smartphone, tablet or computer. The NHS Health at Home webpage has information letting you know limit the spread of the virus across Essex and If you have been identified and Trace will how to access a number of NHS services. beyond. as having symptoms of the contact you Contact your GP: Most GP surgeries can be contacted online. The NHS test and trace service COVID-19 infection You will receive an email, text You will be able to tell your GP about your health using an online form or by speaking to someone online. This is called an online aims to: message or phone call. Text consultation. messages will come from “NHS • ensure that anyone who You need to go home straight away and self-isolate for 7 days from when you first showed symptoms. Tracing” and calls will come Order repeat prescriptions: Did you know you can order shows symptoms that may repeat prescriptions online, without needing to go to a GP surgery mean they have COVID-19 from 0300 0135000. Anyone you share a home with will need to self-isolate for 14 or pharmacy? You can collect a prescription yourself, or ask a can quickly get a test for the You’ll be asked to sign in to the friend, relative or volunteer to collect it for you. You could also virus days from the day you showed symptoms. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they also need to stay at NHS Test and Trace contact speak to your pharmacy about delivering your medicine to your • help trace recent close home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of tracing website at https:// home, rather than needing to collect it. contacts of anyone who tests how far into the original 14-day isolation period they are. contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk (you The NHS App also allows you to set and change which pharmacy positive for coronavirus should be sure you are logging your prescription is sent to, so you could pick one that will deliver There is a risk that other members of your household or others that • if necessary, tell people into the right site and never your medicine. you have been in close contact with over the previous 2 weeks who have been in contact with give any financial information to have been exposed to the virus, but it is possible that they have not. Manage long-term conditions: While staying at home, someone carrying COVID-19 the service). it’s important to keep managing any physical or mental health that they must self-isolate at Each of you should follow the Government’s isolation guidance: conditions you may have. The NHS Apps Library has a wide variety home to reduce the virus’s www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at- If you cannot use the contact of apps and online tools that can help with this, covering different spread home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-forhouseholds-with- tracing website, NHS Test and conditions and categories like diabetes, pregnancy and maternity, possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection Trace will phone you. and mental wellbeing. Here are some links to information Maintain your mental and physical wellbeing: about testing for coronavirus and From health communities and forums to eating what to do if you’re contacted by and indoor exercise resources, there is plenty the NHS Test and Trace service. Protecting yourself and others from coronavirus If your symptoms get of online support out there that can help you • Ask for a test to check if you worse, visit the NHS take control of your health from home. have coronavirus 111 online coronavirus • What your test result means service or call 111. If you need an NHS service, Wash your hands Cover your Avoid touching Avoid close try to do it online first. If you • NHS Test and Trace: if you’re frequently and mouth and nose your eyes, nose contact cannot get what you need this contacted after testing positive thoroughly, for at with a tissue when and mouth with with people who are way try asking a friend or least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based you cough or sneeze and then throw this unwashed hands sick, sneezing or coughing Call 999 if you feel family member to help you, • NHS Test and Trace: if you’ve hand sanitizer if soap tissue in the bin and very unwell or think or speak to your GP been in contact with a person and water aren’t wash your hands. surgery on the phone. who has coronavirus available. Alternatively, cough there’s something or sneeze into Find out more at: your elbow. seriously wrong. nhs.uk/health-at-home 10 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 11
An update from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Keeping Essex active Undoubtedly our It’s a challenging yet Improved services As the trust continues to adapt lives have changed and care and use new technology-driven exciting time for your approaches to care for patients in the past few local hospital trust, With about 15,000 staff, the remotely, it’s clear that the months, but we still hospitals can now do more and pandemic has played a key role in which is now one of go further in delivering excellent accelerating changes to the way need to think about the largest trusts in care to local communities across healthcare reaches patients. physical activity. the country following mid and south Essex. The new, As routine outpatient larger trust size will bring more a merger on 1 April opportunities for development, appointments restart, many As we adjust to new ways of of the telephone and virtual living and people spending more this year. research, networking and consultations that have been time at home, it could have a innovation, plus more specialist The newly taking place in order to reduce significantly negative impact on care region-wide. formed organisation is now called Mid and South Essex NHS Staff The MSEFT team know that happy staff mean better care ” footfall to the hospitals will stay in place. Tom Abell, who is Deputy Chief Executive at MSEFT, said: the county’s physical activity levels. Keeping physically active and well is being championed at the highest possible level, with the Active Essex’s Active at Home webpage holds tips and guidance for your mental wellbeing, gentle inclusive exercise videos and ideas to keep the whole family engaged Prime Minister and Chief Medical Foundation for patients. So, the trust is also in moving more. Officer for England stating jointly: Trust or focused on ensuring its premises MSEFT offer vibrant base from where “Right now, exercise On this page you will find Tom Abell for short. hospital staff can develop and is one of the best things downloadable booklets you can It takes in It’s hard to believe we are build their careers. They will have moving into the reset phase you can do to help share with people who can’t acute hospital sites at Broomfield access online resources. in Chelmsford City, southern plenty of opportunities to work and restarting some of the fight diseases like the across the different sites and services that were paused. coronavirus and other Basildon and Westcliff-on-Sea share best practice, building new in Southend Borough, plus health conditions.” friendships in the process. COVID-19 has been tough, For additional information, community hospital sites such but we’ve also discovered guidance and ideas please as Braintree, Brentwood and A high proportion of Essex ways to create more residents are inactive, meaning visit www.nhs.co.uk/live-well/ Maldon. efficient and effective exercise that contains gentle COVID-19 services using digital they do less than 30 minutes of exercises to adopt during the day MSEFT is determined to provide physical activity each week. Experts the best health services for its The strength of the new technology. The merger recommend we should ideally be whilst at home. local population. organisation has been of our three hospitals has aiming for to 150 minutes (two and demonstrated that we are The Keep Essex Active YouTube Regular physical immediately tested with the a half hours) a week of moderate stronger together. channel also features free coronavirus pandemic. It has physical exercise, at least as workouts delivered throughout the activity is one of the most been a very challenging time and We are also incredibly energetic as walking. important things you can day by top Essex instructors. staff have worked above and grateful for all the support do for your health and we beyond to care for all patients. we have had from local Introducing regular physical With an easy colour-coded Many frontline medical staff have activity as part of our everyday hope that together we can businesses and our local timetable released each Sunday, all keep Essex active. undergone refresher training so community. The warmth, lives will help us to support and you will be able to see what they can support critical care kindness and generosity maintain our wellbeing and offer activities are going on to suit your clinicians in caring for very ill we have received has really us immediate and long-term needs; from tai chi and yoga to COVID-19 patients. helped to keep us all going. health benefits. The physical HIIT and an “abs blaster” workout. activity partnership for our county, All activities are saved to the Active Essex, wants to continue channel to create a library of to help our communities become sessions for everyone to continue more resilient through being to enjoy. active. 12 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 13
Mental health – focused on meeting your needs Now more than ever, it’s If you working in a Mental health crisis? important to reflect on health or care service Help is on hand our feelings and mental Essex Partnership University A crisis mental health phone line wellbeing. The past NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is has launched across Essex. The three months have seen offering a new service for people 24-hour service run by EPUT most people’s worlds working in Essex-based health offers immediate and specialist and social care. If you need support to adults experiencing turned upside down support with managing stress and mental health crisis. as they cope with the emotional difficulties in relation to coronavirus pandemic. the COVID-19 pandemic, phone Anyone in need can dial 111 at 01375 898837 or email to epunft. any time and select the option Unusual events like this can have staffpsychsupport@nhs.net. The for mental health crisis (option a big impact on our mental health. service is available seven days 2). Callers will be connected to Children’s mental But help is on hand. Even through trained staff at EPUT who can the pandemic peak, local services per week, 8am–8pm. provide timely and appropriate health and wellbeing to support your mental health support and advice. For many children this is a continued to be available. Most Online support Talking therapies with worrying and unsettling time, with The service is free from UK are being provided in an online with SilverCloud Health in Mind landlines and mobiles, and aimed routines and school turned upside or telephone format at present, to down, it’s natural that some of our meet social distancing guidelines. SilverCloud is a flexible self-help Health in Mind provides access at people aged 18 and over so younger people need some extra But if someone needs face to face programme you can access at to a wide range of talking therapy they can access support when support. Children’s mental health support, it can be arranged. home, in a coffee shop or on treatments for adults with common they need it most. services are provided by the the go using a computer or a mental health problems. Health Emotional Wellbeing and Mental There are a range of ways to smart device – all you need is an in Mind is part of the national Health Service (EWMHS). support you and your family’s internet connection. This means initiative Improving Access to mental health, whether that’s you can easily fit your sessions Psychological Therapies (IAPT). A child or young person can responding to a crisis or working around your normal daily routine. contact the service directly. Any on preventing mental health Treatment sessions may be by parent/guardian or professional from becoming an emergency. The programme consists of digital phone, online, in groups or face- such as a teacher, school nurse or Here are some of the ways cognitive behavioural therapy to-face. Treatment options are GP can contact us on the behalf you can get help. (CBT), which medical evidence based on Cognitive Behavioural of the young person shows can have a positive impact Therapy (CBT) which is a on low mood and anxiety. structured therapy where you you will be set goals you want to reach SilverCloud is free, to anyone who and work on changes you can Contact details: lives or works in mid Essex. For make to patterns of thoughts and more information or to sign up behaviours to help you attain your In-hours mental health visit: www.me.silvercloudhealth. goals. 0300 300 1600 (Essex SPA) com/signup/ If you think you would benefit from Out of Hours Mental Health our service the first step is to talk 0300 555 1000 to the team to find out how they (Mental Health Direct Line) can best help you. Visit: www.nelft.nhs.uk/ www. midessexccg.nhs.uk/ services-ewmhs to find out livewell/mentalhealth/health- about online apps like Kooth, in-mind Big White Wall and MiLife. 14 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 15
Local GP surgeries delivering Pride in Practice was developed gold-standard LGBTQ+ care by the LGBT Foundation in response to the worries of Surgeries that sign up to Pride in Practice receive many LGBTQ+ people about personalised and ongoing support from the LGBT accessing health services for fear Foundation through dedicated account managers of experiencing discrimination and access to resources. As well as the 11 gold or even hostility on the grounds of their sexual orientation, awards, one silver and three bronze awards have In the previous edition of Engage we told you about gender identity or trans status. also been awarded in mid Essex. two GP practices in mid Essex that received an award The foundation support’s NHS’s commitment to changing this from the LGBT Foundation for Excellence in LGBT situation by helping health Healthcare. We are pleased to say that 13 more GP providers become more aware of The 15 practices are: surgeries have stepped up to meet the needs of their the needs of LGBT communities and how to best address them. • Blandford Medical Centre,Braintree (Gold award) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients. Claudia Carvell, Business • Coggeshall Surgery (Gold award) These practices across “I would encourage all mid Essex fantastic service they deliver. Development Manager for Pride in Practice, said: • Fern House Surgery, Witham (Gold award) Braintree District, practices to sign up for the Pride I think it’s great that my surgery Chelmsford City and Maldon in Practice scheme once we are undertakes such vital training. • Beauchamp House Surgery,Chelmsford (Gold award) through the current challenging “This is a fantastic accomplishment District have all received for each of the 15 GP practices times, as my practice found it of “For many people visiting the GP • The Writtle Surgery (Gold award) awards from the Pride in who’ve achieved a Pride in real benefit to us as well as our can be a daunting experience, Practice programme for especially if you identify as LGBT. Practice award, meaning that patients. I hope everyone has a • Burnham Surgery (Gold award) making services more Knowing that the GP has taken more LGBT people than ever can safe and happy Pride Month.” accessible to LGBTQ+ training, to better understand the have confidence that their identity • Rivermead Gate Medical Centre, Chelmsford (Gold award) people in their communities. Planned and delivered by the needs and the concerns of the will be recognised and considered And 11 have further cause to LGBT Foundation, Pride in LGBT community is fantastic and as part of their GP appointments. • Whitley House Surgery, Chelmsford (Gold award) be proud as they are the first Practice is an evidence-based makes it a more approachable in the county to receive the programme open to all GP place.” “As Pride month approaches, • Baddow Village Surgery, Chelmsford (Gold award) surgeries in mid Essex, the first there’s never been a better time Pride in Practice Gold Award area of the UK outside Greater Dr Michael Brady, National for GP practices to take part. • North Chelmsford Health Centre (Gold award) – the highest possible rating Manchester where it has been Advisor for LGBT Health, NHS We’ve also recently launched available. our Pride in Practice Training • Beacon Health Group – Danbury Surgery, Mountbatten offered. The programme is England and NHS Improvement, endorsed by the Royal College of said: “Now more than ever it is Academy, a training and House Surgery and Moulsham Lodge Surgery (Gold award) Dr Anna Davey, Chair of NHS General Practitioners and other vital that we address LGBT health accreditation service designed to Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning • Longfield Medical Centre,Maldon (Silver award) clinical bodies, and measures inequalities. Pride in Practice promote LGBT inclusion at home, Group and a GP partner at how well surgeries meet the is a great example of primary at work and in the community.” a Braintree District surgery • Chelmer Village Surgery, Chelmsford (Bronze award) deemed outstanding by the LGBT requirements of the Equality care services taking the lead to improve the care and experience Jacquie Russell from OutHouse Foundation, said: “I’m really Act 2010 and regulatory bodies. • Stock Surgery (Bronze award) of LGBT patients. Through better East, a local LGBT charity in proud that so many colleagues Essex said: in local surgeries have proved Most importantly, the programme monitoring, staff training and the • Tollesbury Surgery (Bronze award) their commitment to giving our supports surgery staff to support provided by the LGBT “OutHouse East support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and strengthen relationships with Foundation, practices are able advocate any training that ensures gender questioning residents the LGBT patients and more to both identify inequalities and that our LGBTQ+ community best standard of care. We know confidently support their needs. address them. have a great standard of health that even unconscious bias is care. As Dr Anna Davey stated, something to be wary of so I am Jack, a Witham resident “I applaud all these practices registered at one of the Gold for their efforts in ensuring they ‘unconscious bias’ is something delighted we can show we are a that needs to be aware of’ so we safe place for everyone to discuss Award practices, said: “I’ve been deliver LGBT inclusive care and using Fern House Surgery since I look forward to seeing more would like to see more surgeries their health with us. across Essex working towards moved to the Witham area. services taking up this initiative.” In this time I have been a high standard of care and we continually impressed with the will in turn support in any way we can.” 16 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 17
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Guest editor’s column: inclusion in Witham Supporting LGBT communities across Essex What was it about Pride Why is it important that This work combined with in Practice which inspired our GP surgeries are strong partnerships with other you to champion for an recognised for excellence organisations and individuals LGBT ambassador? in LGBT healthcare? has enabled us to build a strong, cohesive and influential “Pride in Practice, to me, set a bar “I think that it is absolutely voice for Essex residents. and I just was so impressed at the paramount that GP surgeries effort involved. After working in are recognised for excellence in We currently offer a variety healthcare and local government, LGBT healthcare, as healthcare of service ourselves, which I am too familiar with how hard is a basic right for all of us. include a counselling service, overseen by a coordinator We also have agreements in it is to introduce anything that Your sexuality or gender should and a clinical supervisor. We place with Metro (HIV support), challenges how things are done never affect the level of care you currently have 10 counsellors Next Chapter (a domestic (or not done). I was just blown receive so all surgeries need to With Jacquie Russell, who volunteer their services to abuse charity) and Cara (centre away by the hard work and step up and I am so glad they Chief Executive of us, all seeing between up to for action on rape and abuse) persistence of everyone involved have support to carry this out.” Outhouse East four clients each. who are based in our centre and also the honesty. supporting our community. We run two weekly youth We caught up with “We need to step up to meet the What other plans have groups, one in Colchester and We would like to build on our needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual you got to celebrate LGBT Outhouse East is a Councillor Chelsy Jay, one in Basildon, with 10 to 25 current services to become and transgender patients and this inclusion in Witham? small charity providing young people attending each all-inclusive of any support a member of Witham is how we are going to do it. session. More than 55 young needed, ensuring stability for Town Council, to I find that approach really “Developing a remit for our group vital support and our community and ourselves forward-thinking and I respect it.” people have registered with us is very exciting! For the first time guidance to lesbian, to access support when needed – so please get in contact if ask about plans for in our town’s history we have a you need support or want to gay, bisexual, trans or and we also offer a specific celebrating LGBT What will be the main designated LGBTQ+ collective young people’s counsellor get involved! being given the opportunity to gender questioning service and one-to-one support inclusion following the role of Witham’s LGBT influence what’s on the local town (LGBTQ+) people in too. town becoming the first ambassador? council’s agenda. That really is so big. Essex. to have a GP surgery “The initial role was to essentially The charity started 40 years In addition to these awarded the gold Pride gather residents of Witham who “We hope to get a laundry list of ago as the Colchester Gay services we offer: identify as LGBTQ+ and create a issues and areas we want to work in Practice accolade. ‘safe space’ where the community on, see improvements in etc, and Switch board and today we • Saturday socials can connect. This is why the of course, we want to have our deliver Essex-wide LGBTQ+ Witham LGBTQ+ Network [a first Witham Pride in 2021! awareness training to public, • a support group for parents private Facebook group] was private, and non-profit agencies whose children are established. across the county. transitioning running (Colchester base) “Most importantly the LGBTQ+ In 2018/19 we delivered 82 Ambassador is the go-between, sessions to more than 1,300 • two Trans support groups. giving the opportunity for an people, focused on tackling conscious and unconscious • a women’s craft group official voice for the first time to speak on behalf of the bias and building awareness LGBTQ+ community within the of the specific issues faced Town Council. It’s a massive step by members of the LGBTQ+ forward.” community at work, in health For more information please visit our website and throughout their lives. www.outhouseeast.org.uk. You can also email us on info@outhouseeast.org.uk or call 01206 871394 18 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 19
Summer health Hay fever is not a long-term medical condition and treatment Some drinks can increase dehydration, including those – our guide to staying safe is only required for a few months each year so it can be managed containing alcohol or caffeine such as tea, coffee and cola when the heat arrives without medical input. There are lots of different medications drinks. Drinks high in sugar have a similar effect – so stay clear of available, most of which are all these. available to buy from your For those reluctant to drink water, community pharmacy. The summer months are finally upon us and most of us why not try homemade ice lollies welcome the sunshine and warmer weather. But not only The NHS in mid Essex spent made with watered-down fruit must we remember to follow COVID-19 guidance, it is around £150,000 last year paying juice or squash, or adding fruits also important to remember the various health problems for antihistamines, eye drops such as lemons and limes to your summer can bring that might affect you or your family. and nasal spray medications on bottled water? prescription. Yet antihistamines Although you may not feel Don’t let your summer be ruined by sunstroke, dehydration can be bought for as little as particularly hungry in the heat, or hay fever. Advice on avoiding the worst of their effects £1.99 for 30 tablets and eye drops don’t stop eating. Perhaps try to is all covered in our guide to summer health. for as little as £4.99. This is why, have smaller, more frequent light If sunscreen is applied too thinly, when you only need them now meals and incorporate lots of the amount of protection it gives and again, it is better to buy over fruits and salad which are full of is reduced. Areas such as the the counter instead. water and will help hydrate you. back and sides of the neck, HEATWAVE HAY FEVER For more advice on managing hay temples and ears are commonly fever symptoms visit missed, so you need to apply it AND VERY www.allergyuk.org. SUN SAFETY generously and be careful not to HOT WEATHER Hay fever can be miserable for miss patches. so many people as the different Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes There are some easy ways to blossoms and allergies run KEEP We all know sunscreen is before going out in the sun to important but using the right one stay safe when the heat arrives. through the whole summer HYDRATED can be a little confusing. The allow it to dry. More is better and There’s currently no cure for don’t forget to reapply sunscreen • Look out for others, especially NHS’s general advice is a sun hay fever and you unfortunately at least every two hours, and older people, young children Everyone is at risk of dehydration protection factor (SPF) of at least cannot prevent it. However, immediately after swimming or and babies and those with in hot temperatures which is why 15 to protect against UVB and you can do things to ease your sweating, or if it has rubbed off for underlying health conditions it’s always important to keep at least four-star UVA protection. symptoms when the pollen count example by towel drying. hydrated, but during hot weather Of course, the best protection • Close curtains on rooms is high including: from the sun is staying out of it at For more sun safety tips visit that face the sun to keep it’s even more important to • Take care and follow local • putting Petroleum Jelly around drink plenty of fluids like water – the hottest parts of the day, from www.nhs.uk. indoor spaces cooler and 11am to 3pm. safety advice if you are going your nostrils to trap pollen especially for the elderly or if you remember it may be cooler into the water to cool down • wearing wraparound have a health condition such as Most people also don’t apply outdoors than indoors sunglasses to stop pollen diabetes. enough sunscreen. Due to the • Avoid physical exertion in the • Drink plenty of water as getting into your eyes huge range of different products hottest parts of the day sugary, alcoholic and available including lotions, caffeinated drinks can make • showering and change your • Wear light, loose fitting cotton mousses, sprays and gels it you dehydrated clothes after you’ve been clothes is always best to check the outside to wash pollen off • Never leave anyone in a individual product for advice on • Make sure you take water with • staying indoors whenever closed, parked vehicle, how to apply. you if you are travelling possible especially infants, young As a general guide, adults children or animals • keeping windows and doors should aim to apply around two shut as much as possible teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re • Walk in the shade, apply • vacuuming regularly and dust just covering your head, arms and sunscreen and wear a hat if with a damp cloth neck or two tablespoons if you’re you have to go out in the heat, covering your entire body while and try to keep out of the sun • buy inga pollen filter for the air wearing a swimming costume. between 11am and 3pm vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a special HEPA filter 20 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 21
BUGS SPRAINS AND AND BITES STRAINS PRICE stands for protection, Safer sleeping – advice for new parents rest, ice, compression and Like sunburn and sand between When the weather is nice it is the elevation. your toes, insects and bites perfect opportunity to put down are a pretty unpleasant part of the TV remote and head outdoors Protection – protect the affected summer. Most insect bites and for some fun and games. Being area from further injury – for stings are not serious and will active is good for your overall example, by using a support. get better within a few hours wellbeing. It builds confidence, or days. There’s lots of help social skills and improves Rest – avoid exercise and reduce It’s more important than ever to follow available from www.nhs.ukk and concentration and learning. It your daily physical activity. Using you can also buy creams for also helps us maintain a healthy crutches or a walking stick may #safersleep advice itching and antihistamines from weight and aids sleep. help if you can’t put weight your pharmacy to have at home on your ankle or knee. A sling in case you need them.and you may help if you’ve injured your With families isolating at home, having a young can also buy creams for itching shoulder. baby can feel overwhelming, especially if they and antihistamines from your wake during the night. Parents with young babies pharmacy to have at home in Ice – apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes may also have specific concerns about the risks case you need them. every two to three hours. A bag of posed by coronavirus. frozen peas, or similar, will work well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel The Lullaby Trust is an excellent There is also specific advice to so that it doesn’t directly touch source of advice and support to follow during the COVID-19 crisis your skin and cause an ice burn. help keep your baby safe. Some including symptoms your baby of their top tips are below. may exhibit and what medical Compression – use elastic advice you need to take in each compression bandages during the • Continue to breastfeed your instance. More information is day to limit swelling. baby if you are doing so available on the Lullaby Trust’s TIPS for sharing Elevation – keep the injured body • Continue to follow safer Safer Sleep webpage the new baby love However, with being active and part raised above the level of your sleep advice to lower the www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer- playing sports there is more risk of heart whenever possible. This risk of sudden infant death sleep-advice/. • Stay in touch with family sprains and strains from tripping may also help reduce swelling. syndrome (SIDS) over the internet with If you have questions about FaceTime, WhatsApp, and falling. Most minor sprains safer sleep contact The Lullaby A community pharmacist can offer • If you show symptoms of Skype, Zoom or other apps. and strains are relatively minor Trust information line on self-care advice on managing coronavirus (COVID-19) try and can be treated at home with 0808 802 6869 or email • Take lots of pictures and sprains and strains and advice not to cough or sneeze on self-care techniques, such as info@lullabytrust.org.uk. videos of your newborn to on the short-term use of over your baby If you are worried about paracetamol or PRICE therapy. share with family and friends. a bite or sting then the counter medicines until you • If your baby is unwell with a recover from your injury. cold or fever, don’t be • If you are feeling seek advice from your community pharmacist, tempted to wrap them up overwhelmed and you GP or call NHS111. more than usual. Babies are increasingly anxious, need fewer layers to lower it is important to talk about their body temperature this with your Health Visitor. • Always seek medical advice if you are worried about your baby – either linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other health issue 22 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE 23
Involving you in our work As a technophobe myself Looking forward, I know that With Nathalie I have certainly found the the Communications and Wright Lay Board last 13 weeks challenging Engagement team at Mid Essex Member-Patient and overwhelming but also CCG and their colleagues at and Public educational and inspiring. our four partner CCGs in the Engagement south of the county are working Both my seven-year-old and tirelessly to ensure that our elderly relatives in their 80s patients and public receive as have been using technology much accurate information as Hello there and to stay in touch with their possible. welcome. Firstly, I hope friends and loved ones. Most people I have spoken to have We are investigating how we you are all keeping safe mentioned that they have had can support ‘virtual’ patient and well in this current more ‘virtual’ engagement and involvement in the form of video communication during this meetings and calls until meeting climate. It may seem period than ever before. in public is possible, and maybe like a while ago that even after that for people who CORONAVIRUS Hopefully, this has allowed find it difficult to get to meetings we were all in touch so us all to understand and in in person. I just wanted to make fact appreciate the world of sure that we are all technology in its positive form. Please let us know if you have a story of how communication STAY ALERT TO THE aware of the different To me, there is nothing better through technology has had ways we can continue than face-to-face meetings and an impact for you in these engagement, to understand past 13 weeks, and look after communicating and people’s emotions and their yourselves! engaging. general ‘vibe’ on a subject. However, until we get back RISK OF INFECTION to the ‘safe’ environment Nathalie without coronavirus infection risk, we may wish to take this opportunity whilst we have the time to understand the online world. My 84-year-old auntie who is housebound is now ‘online’ and fascinated that she can order her prescriptions and book appointments. Her comment Remember it’s critical to keep washing was simply, “Nobody told me it was that easy!” your hands regularly for 20 seconds. She has also been able to The next CCG Board For more ways to stay safe go to gov.uk/coronavirus contact the NHS responder meeting will be held number and received phone virtually via Microsoft calls and deliveries from Teams on 30 July. If you volunteers in the community. would like to attend please I hope this level of community email meccg.get- care will continue. involved@nhs.net for the details of how you can attend. 24 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
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