Gateshead LINk
Making the Transition to
HealthWatch
In the White Paper 'Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS' (July 2010), the government stated their aim to "strengthen the collective voice of the patients and public". One way in which they are doing this is by the creation of local HealthWatch to replace LINks.
Gateshead LINk is currently in transition and working towards the establishment of HealthWatch in October 2012. Local HealthWatch will be a new independent consumer champion whose job will be to gather and represent the views of the public. Some of the things that HealthWatch will do will be the same as the LINk including:
promoting involvement
obtaining views
monitoring health and social care services
making reports and recommendations
carrying out Enter & View visits
There will be some new and different responsibilities for local HealthWatch which will include:
providing information to support patient choice
serving as representative on local Health & Wellbeing Boards
providing members of the public with access to NHS complaints advocacy (from 2013)
HealthWatch Online Launched
An online community has been set up by the Care Quality Commission to get feedback from people about the development of HealthWatch.
The community has been created to gather views about setting up HealthWatch. It is open to anyone. Through the on-line community people can feed in their views about HealthWatch and influence how it is set up.
If you would like to register to join the community and you haven’t already, please email healthwatch@nunwood.com
You will then receive an email asking you to register.
Join Gateshead LINk online today! its Free
fill in your online form here
download LINks explained leaflet (easy read version)
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What's New
Healthwatch in Gateshead – Consultation with local groups, organisations, and interested people 1st May – 29th June 2012
Gateshead Council have to make one contract to deliver our local Healthwatch. They are consulting people about how they might do this. They are holding discussion groups across Gateshead to encourage local people to talk about how they do it.
Discussion Groups will be taking place on the following dates;
Weds 16th May, 2pm-3.30pm, Birtley Hub, 16, Harraton Terrace, Birtley DH3 2QG
Thursday 17th May, 10am-11.30am
Older People’s Assembly, 65 High Street, Felling,
NE10 9LU
Mon 21st May, 10am-11.30am, Crossroads, The Old School, Smailes Lane, Highfield, Rowlands Gill, NE39 2DB
Tues 22nd May, 10am-11.30am, Gateshead Carers Association, 11 Regent Terrace, Gateshead
Weds 30th May, 2pm-3.30pm, GVOC, 5/6 Gladstone Tce, Gateshead, NE8 4DY
Fri 8th June, 10am-11.30am, Angel Court, Waverley Rd, Gateshead
Tues 12 June, 2pm-3.30pm, Wrekenton Methodist Church, Springwell Avenue Gateshead, NE9 7JL
Mon 25th June, 2pm-3.30pm, Blaydon Library, The Precinct Wesley Court, Blaydon, NE21 5BT
If you would like to attend a Discussion Group please book a place by contacting Maria Newman 0191 4332659 or Sue Johnson 0191 4332444.
Click on the apple above to access a copy of
accompanying consultation document ‘Developing a model to deliver Healthwatch in Gateshead’ .
If transport or child-care is a problem (in order to attend) the council may be able to help.
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Gateshead Carers:
Carers Assessment, Bridging the Gap in Gateshead
Gateshead Carers has produced a report exploring the duties and obligations of local
authorities around carers assessments under legislation and guidelines.
Access the report by clicking on the image above.
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Northern Areas Neurological Alliances
Directory of Services for people with a neurological condition. The directory has been designed for people living or caring for someone with a neurological condition. The directory aims to signpost to information about neurological conditions and about statutory, independent and voluntary services in the North East. Click on the image above to access the nenp website.
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Patient access to Electronic Health Records - survey
The government has announced that they want everyone to have access to their GP-held electronic health record by the end of this parliament. They have launched the '3 Million Lives' campaign to promote the widespread adoption of telehealth and telecare by patients, particularly those with long term conditions. 2020health, an independent not-for-profit think tank, has launched a survey that will contribute to a research report on patient attitudes to the Electronic Health Record. Click on the image above to access the survey.
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Gateshead LINk Roadshows
Gateshead LINk hit the road in March and April 2012, experiencing wind, rain and sleet, as well as record temperatures!, to promote their ongoing Health and Social Care Questionnaire, deliver information about the upcoming transition from LINk to Healthwatch and have some fun!
The LINk roadshow visited a variety of areas including Teams, Blaydon, Whickham, central Gateshead, Springwell, Saltwell Park and Birtley between 26th March – 13th April providing health checks, free smoothies and fruit bags, information stands and face painter and magicians for the kids. Local organisations providing information stands included Gateshead Community Network, Stroke Association, Smoking Cessation, Gateshead Carers, NECA, Domiciliary Care Services and PCT PALS. Gateshead LINk staff engaged with local people to find out their opinions about health and social care services in Gateshead and raise awareness of the impending creation of Local Healthwatch. The roadshows contributed to the completion of Gateshead LINk’s ongoing Health and Social Care Survey. Over 500 local participants have now taken part in the survey. Those taking part could fill in the survey on paper or online at the roadshows by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/yourhealthyoursay
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New tool to ensure families are involved in best interest decisions
A new resource has been developed for parents who feel that they are not being appropriately consulted about the welfare of their loved ones.
Ambitious about Autism, Mencap and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation worked with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors to develop the tool, following concerns that many professionals are failing to appropriately consult with families, as required under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
In its latest report into deaths of people with a learning disability in NHS care, Mencap found that many health professionals are failing to abide by the Act and ignoring crucial advice from families.
A leaflet is now available which will support parents who have concerns that they are being excluded from decisions that social care or health professionals are making about their adult son or daughter. These may be decisions about where the person lives, what care they are getting, how they spend their time or medical treatment.
Parents will now be able to use two template letters which are intended to help family members who have not been involved, or are concerned that they will not be involved in the best interest decision-making process in the future.
Alex Rook, solicitor at Irwin Mitchell says: "If an individual lacks the mental capacity to make a decision for themselves, that decision must then be made in their best interests in accordance with the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
"The Act requires all professionals, including those from local authorities and the NHS, to consult with family members when an adult lacks the mental capacity to make the relevant decision themselves. The law on this is clear.
We want families to know their rights."
Parents can download the leaflet at www.irwinmitchell.com/MCAletter
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An Introduction to Person Centred Planning with Children
The Dryden Centre, Thursday 24th May 2012
Come along for a whistle stop tour of the values, tools and
principles of person centred planning, an interactive and fun morning facilitated by Skills for People;
Explore the values of person centred work
Learn some tools to use in your everyday work and life with children
Sign up for more training in the future
To book a place contact Michael Gallagher;
By email on MichaelGallagher@Gateshead.gov.uk
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Interpreters Needed
Do you speak fluent English and one of these languages:
Czech
Slovak
Would you like to assist people in communicating with health and social care professionals?
Newcastle Interpreting Service are looking for freelance interpreters with the skills and personal qualities to provide personal, confidential and accurate interpreting for clients who have limited English proficiency.
Interested? Contact : NIS@newcastle-pct.nhs.uk
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Step out for stroke family focused event that is Happening at Saltwell Park in Gateshead on Saturday 26th May, This event is organised to raise awareness of Stroke, Please come and Support if you are able too, but also please make other people aware of this event in your organisations, further details about this event and entry forms for the walk can be found on our website www.stroke.org
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Getting Better Together
A Public Consultation on Acute Health Services for Children
The
consultation for the local health economy and aims to ensure that there are sustainable high quality health services for acutely sick children in the future in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
visit www.sotw.nhs.uk/yoursay/consultations
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The Gateshead Supported Volunteers Programme (GSVP)
The Gateshead Supported Volunteers Programme (GSVP) supports people 16+ with a learning disability to get involved in volunteering in Gateshead.
The programme which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, offers people the opportunity to take part in an OCN Level 1 qualification called the ‘Gateshead Volunteers Award.’ Volunteers are then matched with a Buddy who will support them to volunteer in an organisation that matches their interests.
The aim of the programme is that the person will go on to volunteer independently once Buddy support is withdrawn.
The Gateshead Volunteers Award will be running again from:
- Friday 22nd June 10-2pm (then every Friday for 9 weeks)
The training offers people the opportunity to meet new people and covers units such as an introduction to volunteering, team work, diversity and an introduction to the local community.
Learners are also given the opportunity to plan their own group ‘one off’ volunteering opportunity.
If you know of anyone who has a learning disability, would like to take part in a Level 1 qualification and would like to volunteer with support then please get in touch!
Contact Emma Price on:
(0191) 478 4103 or email on emmaprice@gvoc.org.uk
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Citizen’s Advice in Primary Care Free Home Visiting Service
Are you unable to get to the Advice Centre due to ill health or caring commitments? If so the Gateshead Advice Centre can visit you at home. They provide free, independent and confidential advice on a whole range of issues including: debt, employment, welfare benefits, family issues, housing & community care. Please ask a member of staff at your GP practice for a referral. Citizen’s Advice Bureau and NHS South of Tyne & Wear working together to provide advice in your own home. Gateshead Advice Centre, the Davison Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG (0191 4785100).
TyneAdvice Line – The Citizen’s Advice Telephone Service
Now available in your area 0844 2451288 – the first step for getting help with your problem. Type Talk callers use 08444 111445. For information online see www.adviceguide.org.uk Calls are 5p per minute from BT landlines – others providers or calls from mobiles may be considerably more expensive. The service will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm to deal with enquiries for anyone who lives or works in Gateshead. It can help with a range of problems to include: Debt, Welfare benefits, Housing, Community care, Employment, Discrimination, Family law. It can also help with more general enquiries such as neighbour disputes, wills and probate, consumer and parking fines.
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Independent Complaints Advocacy Service
The role of the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service is to support people who want to make a complaint about their NHS-funded treatment or care. It is a free, confidential and independent service designed to help people understand their rights and make informed choices.
When you contact ICAS you will be supported throughout the complaints process by an experienced advocate who understands how the NHS complaints process works. In fact, since ICAS was set up in 2002 it has helped around 30,000 people nationally to make a complaint.
ICAS in the North East and Cumbria are pleased to announce the launch of a text messaging service to enable more people to contact the service. This is an obvious benefit to anyone with a hearing impairment, or those who may prefer this means of initial contact. The number is 07595 654102
There is a ‘downloads’ section on the ICAS website (www.carersfederation.co.uk/contact-icas/) where leaflets can be found, along with British Sign Language (BSL) information.
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 ‘Submit your health & social care issues and concerns to Gateshead LINk’
Gateshead LINk now has an Online Form where anyone can submit an issue/concern, relating to the delivery of health and social care services in Gateshead, to Gateshead LINk. The information will be forwarded to the Gateshead LINk Steering Group who will look at the development of any trends in specific areas and make recommendations as a result.
Gateshead LINk
Annual Report 2010-2011
Gateshead LINk has published its Annual Report for 2010-2011, click on the above image to access a copy.
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Download a copy of the Gateshead LINk e-bulletin
for 14 May 2012
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Our Gateshead Website
A Voice for Gateshead Online
OurGateshead.org aims to be the source of information about community and voluntary groups in Gateshead.
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Don’t forget to register your Gateshead group with GVOC
GVOC provides support and advice to voluntary and community organisations in Gateshead. This service is delivered in a number of ways: click here to find out more. Register FREE today and receive support for your Gateshead voluntary/community group. Click on the logo above to access membership form.
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Patient Opinion
Your story can change the
NHS.
Tell people what happened
See what others are saying
Find out how patients are changing the NHS
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DoH Youtube Channel
This is the Dept of Health channel on Youtube. It links to videos about the department, the NHS and care issues.
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CQC Guide to Whistleblowing
The CQC has published a quick guide for health and care staff about whistleblowing.
Click above to access a copy
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Bust the JARGON!
Fed up of hearing jargon, and confused about the terms used relating to health and social care in Gateshead. Download our easy to use
Jargon Dictionary
and cut out the jargon talk.
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VONNE Briefing Sheets
VONNE has produced 2 new briefing sheets on the new health and wellbeing boards and links with JSNAs. Click above to access them.
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Having Trouble Finding Health Information in Other Languages?
A searchable database of quality approved health information in other languages. The database holds over 1,700 resources. You can search via 'keyword' or 'language'.
Lanuages include Farsi, Bengali, Sylheti, Dari, French, Turkish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, Amharic, Punjabi
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the next
Patient, User, Carer, Public Involvement (PUCPI) Meeting
is
Monday 14th May 2012,
10am-12noon, Team View, TVTE,
Gateshead
for more info contact
Gillian.Mason@sotw.nhs.uk
more dates here
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the next Local Engagement Boards are:
6th July 2012, 10am-12.30pm, Gateshead Old Town Hall
more dates here
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Gateshead Advice Centre
Gateshead Advice Centre offers you free, quality advice :
- confidential
- independent and impartial advice
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HealthTalk Online
Healthtalkonline is the award-winning website of the DIPEx charity. Healthtalkonline lets you share in more than 2,000 people's experiences of health and illness. You can watch or listen to videos of the interviews, read about people's experiences and find reliable information about conditions, treatment choices and support.
Click here
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Have Your Say at Gateshead LINk's Blog
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Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme
You may be able to claim a refund under the 'Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme' (HTCS) of the cost of travelling to hospital or other NHS premises for NHS-funded treatment or diagnostic test arranged by a doctor or dentist.
visit NHS Choices Website
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Moneysavingexpert.com
A recent poll by MoneySavingExpert.com found that people suffering from mental health issues are almost five times as likely to have severe debts as everyone else. A new 40 page booklet, supported by among others Mind, Rethink and CAPUK, has now been made available for people with mental health problems. It deals with how to handle debts, working with banks, debt counselling and whether to declare a condition. There is also a checklist to help with cash management and reducing outgoings. The booklet is available free from MoneySavingExpert.com
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Safe, Sensible, Social Grants
NHS South of Tyne and Wear are giving £50,000 in small grants of up to £5,000 on behalf of the NHS Trust, South of Tyne & Wear. Does your group have ideas or projects around tackling alcohol related health, crime or educational issues?
If so don’t hesitate!
Contact Victoria@gvoc.org.uk for applications assistance or call Victoria Clark on 0191 4784103. Don’t delay decisions made in a matter of weeks.
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Department of Health Live Consultations
Current consultations from the DofH
click here
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NECS provide an inclusive, accessible and innovative community counselling and ‘crisis intervention’ service to families and individuals across Gateshead. The service is preventative, lessening the impact on traditional healthcare organisations and interventions help prevent family breakdown
First time on the net?
Need some pointers on using computers and the internet?
access
bbc connect website
for lots of activities, video guides and printable pages on the site to help you get started and feel more confident.
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Gateshead Health NHS Trust Foundation Website
here
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The Limbless Association provides information and support to the limb-loss community. We aim to support people of all ages and backgrounds through a variety of existing programs and services
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Check out the BBC's Disability Website Ouch!
www.bbc.co.uk/ouch
BBC Ouch Disability website
delivers a feature length column to explain the government's proposals to replace the DLA with personal independence payments
click here
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