[column]People living on the Fylde Coast have been asked to give their views on what is good and what could be improved about where they live.

Healthier Fylde Coast – a partnership of local organisations working together to improve health and wellbeing – has launched the ‘Your Community Neighbourhood Plan’ survey to better understand people’s perceptions about where they live.

There are 11 neighbourhoods across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre covering populations of between 30,000 and 50,000. GP practices, community health services, councils, the voluntary sector and local residents work together within neighbourhoods to improve health and care.

Bosses at Healthier Fylde Coast want to use the information gathered from the survey to help the neighbourhoods develop their own individual plans for how to make improvements to the communities they serve.[/column][column]

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, accountable officer for NHSBlackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said:“If you live in Blackpool, Fylde or Wyre we want to hear your views about yourcommunity.

“We also want to ask how the organisations within your community, such as GPs, social care and councils, can work together to improve health and wellbeing in your community.

“I would urge everyone in the area to complete the survey and be a part of real change for your local area.”

To complete the survey, visit http://bit.ly/surveyNHS18

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[column]People living in Fylde and Wyre are invited to seelocal NHS decision-making in action next week.

The next meeting of the NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Governing Body will take place at the NHS Wesham Offices in Derby Road, from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 20 November 2018.

The role of the Governing Body is to oversee the work of the CCG and ensure arrangements are in place to allow the organisation to effectively carry out its duties.

Members of the public are invited to attend andobserve the meeting and can also submit any questions they want to be asked inwriting in advance of the meeting. There will also be an opportunity during themeeting to ask questions about any item on the agenda.[/column][column]

Mary Dowling, chair of the CCG’s Governing Body, said: “The CCG Governing Body makes some very important decisions and we encourage people to come along and be part of it.

“We believe it is important to hold meetings across Fylde and Wyre, not just at our Wesham offices, to give everyone an opportunity to come and see how we make these decisions.”

Questions can be submitted via http://www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/contact-us. Alternatively, people can write tothe Governing Body secretary at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, Derby Road, Wesham, PR43AL.[/column]

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Notes:

• NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is the organisation responsible for planning and buying health services in the area to meet patients’ needs. This is known as ‘commissioning’.
• Led by family doctors (GPs), the CCG currently serves a population of 176,000 people across approximately 320 sq km of coast and countryside. The majority live in the urban towns of Fleetwood, Thornton, Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham and Lytham St Annes, but a significant proportion live in rural villages.
• The CCG receives a set amount of money from the government and is committed to spending this wisely for the benefit of local people.
• Giving you more choice is a priority of the modern NHS. More information is available at www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/choice 
• The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient: www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspx
• There are many ways to get involved in health service developments, including joining our Influence membership scheme or your practice’s patient participation group.

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It’s World Diabetes Day and to mark the occasion health and care organisations across Lancashire and South Cumbria are celebrating the success of a flagship NHS diabetes prevention programme which is helping prevent Type 2 diabetes, with more than 7,000 people being referred to the programme.

The national Diabetes Prevention Programme, a partnership between NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, is a free programme available to people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The initiative offers tailored, personalised help to support people to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, including education on lifestyle choices, advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is the first ever nationwide Type 2 diabetes prevention programme and the largest undertaking of its kind in the world for those at risk of

These figures are being released to further increase awareness of the risk that diabetes poses to people living in the region.  It is estimated that nearly 200,000 people are currently at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; which can lead to other serious conditions including strokes, heart disease, limb amputation and early death.

Diabetes and its complications cost over £6 billion every year to treat and one in six patients in hospital has diabetes. Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes which is closely linked to obesity and yet is largely preventable by eating healthily, being more active and losing weight.

ClareHowarth, head of the North at Diabetes UK, said: “There are 12.3 million peopleat risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by a variety offactors, some of which are out of people’s control. However, we know that threein five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by makinghealthier choices, helping everyone understand their own risk of developing thecondition − and how to reduce it − and securing early diagnosis for those athigh risk.”

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The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free local service for those who are at risk of type 2 diabetes. The Programme is designed to stop or delay the onset of the disease through a range of personalised lifestyle interventions, including education on lifestyle choices, advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

Dr Kieran Murphy, Medical Director, NHS England (Lancashire and South Cumbria)said, “Many people are at high risk of pre-diabetes but are probably completely unaware of it. This is because the condition often develops gradually without any warning signs or symptoms.

“We are delighted with the results that we are seeing locally thanks to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council Director for Public Health, said: “Preventing diabetes is a key priority in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition which is affecting many people but that is also largely preventable.”

“Organisations are working in partnership across Lancashire and South Cumbria to put people in control of their health by giving them the tools, information and support they need to make changes to their lifestyles that can significantly reduce their risk of the disease and the potential complications associated with it like stroke and kidney failure.”

Dr Murphy added “This world diabetes day we are calling on all of those who are at risk of developing diabetes to speak to their GP practice around taking part in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.”“The theme of world diabetes day this year is family, we have evidence that taking part in the diabetes prevention programme can help the entire family become more fit and healthy.  You can check to see if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes at diabetes.org.uk/risk.”

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A new breast screening unit at Palatine Leisure Centre, in Blackpool, has opened its doors to women in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre and Preston.

The unit, which can screen up to 50 women a day, replaces a 20-year-old service at Whitegate Drive Health Centre, Blackpool. It has disabled access including a lift, state-of-the-art mammography equipment and car parking facilities.

The service is appointment only and runs five days a week.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is commissioned by NHS England to provide a breast screening service to eligible women between 50-70 in North Lancashire and South Cumbria.  The programme currently serves an eligible population of approximate 134,000 women.

UHMBT has delivered the service across North Lancashire at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary since 1991 and South Cumbria at Westmorland General Hospital and Furness General Hospital since 1999.

Alison Webb,Head of Department for Breast Screening, said: “The equipment at WhitegateDrive had reached the end of its lifespan. [/column][column]

“The new GE Senographe Pristinamammography system has cutting edge technology designed to ease anxiety and increase comfort of women whilst having a mammogram. There are also technological advances that enable a much improved experience for our mammographers.”

Patient feedback has included:
“The new unit is much more comfortable.”
“I feel I have had a better experiencein the new unit.”

Fylde Coast GP NeilHartley-Smith said: “It’s great that such a crucial service for local women isreceiving this much-needed investment.

“As with any cancer, early detection is vital to the successful treatment of breast cancer and in many cases the disease can be completely curable when found at an early stage.

“As always, I would urge all women who are invited for breast screening to make every effort to attend.”

An official opening is planned in thenext few months.

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Dr Amanda Doyle OBE has this week been appointed by NHSEngland as the accountable officer for NHS Fylde and Wyre ClinicalCommissioning Group (CCG). This is in addition to her existing appointment asaccountable officer for NHS Blackpool CCG and means that she is now the jointaccountable officer for the Fylde Coast CCGs.

Dr Doyle, who has been a GP for more than 20 years, has been working as the Fylde and Wyre CCG interim accountable officer since September following the retirement of Dr Tony Naughton.

Dr Doyle said: “I am delighted to have been appointed. Inthe short time I have worked at the CCG I have been impressed by the dedicationand professionalism of staff, as well as the strength of the links it has withits partners, including clinicians, patients and the public. There is a highlevel of commitment across all sectors to making a difference to people’shealth and wellbeing.  We have a great team; together we can reallyimprove health and healthcare across the Fylde Coast.”

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NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG chair, Mary Dowling, added: “Amanda is a great asset with a huge amount of energy and experience. She is joining us at a time when we are seeking to join-up services as much as possible, and I am confident that through her leadership we will be able to further improve care and people’s experiences of that care.”

NHS Blackpool CCG chair, Roy Fisher, continued: “We congratulate Amanda on her appointment with Fylde and Wyre and have every confidence that her leadership of the two CCGs will make a real difference to health and wellbeing on the Fylde Coast.”

While the two Fylde Coast CCGs will remain as separate statutory bodies, under Dr Doyle’s leadership they are working more closely together, reducing duplication wherever possible.  A joint accountable officer for the two CCGs is an essential first step on the journey to further integrate health and care across the area as part of Healthier Fylde Coast. Healthier Fylde Coast is a partnership of local organisations working togetherto improve health and wellbeing across the area.

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Big White Wall, the digital mental health and wellbeing service available free to all people using a Fylde and Wyre postcode, was presented with the Tech4Good award for its outstanding social impact mission at the Investor Allstars 2018 ceremony.

Now in its 16th year, the annual event celebrates the achievements of investors and entrepreneurs that are shaping the future growth and impact of the European digital economy.

Investor Allstar 2018 winner, Big White Wall, received the Tech4Good award at the London ceremony for its founding mission to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the UK and beyond.

Dr Kath Greenwood, a Poulton GP who is the clinical lead for mental health at NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Big White Wall is an excellent resource that can be accessed free of charge by anyone using a Fylde and Wyre postcode. It is also available in some other areas of Lancashire.

“I’m delighted to hear the service has won this award which is very well deserved. The service provides on line support manned and  monitored 24 hours a day, by trained counsellors, as well as many self help resources and a peer support network. It is a responsive service but completely anonymous to ensure patients safety.

“I would recommend it to anybody in Fylde and Wyre who has mental health problems as an extra support tool they can use, at any time of the day or night, and be sure that somebody will get back to them. It is especially useful if somebody is on a long waiting list and needs some more immediate support.”

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Liam Black, executive chair of Big White Wall, said: “Being shortlisted for this award in 2017, and then announced as the winner this year is a phenomenal achievement for us, and one that we are extremely proud of.

“It is fantastic to be named alongside some of the most innovative companies in the technology sector that are shaping and changing the way that technology is used for the better. Our social mission is clear, we want to transform mental health services in the UK and beyond.”

Big White Wall is active in helping shape policy that supports transformative models of healthcare through digital offerings. Its social mission is to transform mental health services in the UK, improving the wellbeing of thousands of people, with investment from Impact Ventures UK allowing the business to scale in activity and bring innovative solutions to reach even more people.

Big White Wall is accessible to 15 million people in the UK and is widely commissioned across the NHS, employers, universities and the military. The service gives its users access to 24/7 professionally moderated online peer support and can provide online 1:1 therapy as part of its offering. Thus far, Big White Wall has reported that 95% of users have seen overall improvements in their wellbeing.

Big White Wall is the first digital mental health service to be registered by the CQC, and in 2016 received a coveted ‘Good’ rating. In addition, is influenced and evidenced-formed in alignment with NICE guidelines, enabling Big White Wall’s online therapy segment of the service to achieve outstanding recovery rates for depression and anxiety.

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Have you experience of mental health service in Lancashire and South Cumbria?  Do you care for someone who has used mental health services?

Your help is needed to shape the future of mental health services in Lancashire and South Cumbria, the first step is to come to one of our listening events.

The listening events will be led independently and aim to give an opportunity to listen to people that use services and the people who care for them.  We want to find out which bits you think need to improve and what you think ‘good’ services would be like – all of your ideas, feedback and experiences will be used to develop future plans for mental health services in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

A Fylde Coast event will be held on Wednesday 14 November from 4pm to 6pm at Blackpool FC Hotel and Conference Centre in Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ.

To book your place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-listening-event-in-blackpool-fylde-coast-tickets-51402201368

Alternatively you can contactus to book your place, or to find out more:

• By phone – 01253 951611
• By email – [email protected]  

We will reimburse for travel expenses (motor mileage or rail/bus travel costs) if this is required. If you need further support to get to the events please let us know when you make your booking.  

Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria is a partnership of organisations working together to improve services and help the 1.7 million people in Lancashire and South Cumbria live longer, healthier lives.

Find out more at www.healthierlsc.co.uk

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-listening-event-in-blackpool-fylde-coast-tickets-51402201368

Former South Ribble Council chief executive Mike Nuttall has joined the Governing Body at NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Mr Nuttall has been appointed as lay member for governance, overseeing crucial areas such as financial management, audit, remuneration, risk, managing conflicts of interest and ensuring management and assurance systems are in place and regularly reviewed.

The football fan and Preston North End season ticket-holder has taken the role following the retirement of Paul Olive from the CCG, the organisation that plans and buys health services for the 176,000 people living across the Fylde and Wyre boroughs.

He said: “I have more than three decades of experience within local government and the public sector and was keen to put this to use within the local NHS.

“I have seen a lot of exciting and innovative work being done at Fylde and Wyre over the past few years so I’m delighted to come on board.

“I have lived and worked in Lancashire all my life so have a really good understanding of the opportunities the area has to offer as well as its challenges.

“Coming from a non-NHS background I think this is a perfect opportunity for me to experience a new way of working but also to offer a new way of looking at things.”

A qualified accountant, Mr Nuttall spent 20 years as a director of finance in local government. As part of his new role he will chair the CCG’s audit committee and play a key role in preparing the annual accounts.

CCG chair Mary Dowling said: “I am delighted to welcome Mike to the CCG.  He will build on Paul Olive’s work and play an important role in maintaining and improving our governance arrangements.”

People living on the Fylde Coast have been encouraged to promote self-care by taking a selfie.

From November 12 to 18 the national Self Care Week campaign will encourage people to do something to promote their own health and wellbeing.

Self Care Week is an opportunity to promote self-care, which is one of the most effective tools in the promotion of prolonged good health and wellbeing.

The week-long campaign will be supported by local NHS organisations and local councils across the Fylde Coast and they will encourage people to ‘choose self care for life.’

In the build-up to the week, residents who already lead a healthy lifestyle, whether that’s physically or mentally have been asked to help inspire others.

If you do anything that helps your mental or physical health you can be an inspiration to those that need a little encouragement. Whatever it is you do, take a quick photo and share it using #selfcareselfie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, a Fylde Coast GP who is also accountable officer of the two CCGs, said: “Self-care is a vital element to prolonged and sustained health and wellbeing.

“The Self Care Week campaign provides healthcare providers and our partners with an opportunity to shine a light on this issue and encourage people to do things to improve their health. There are an almost limitless amount of things you can do to improve your health and I would encourage everyone to get involved with this campaign.”

Self care encompasses a broad range of subjects, from healthier eating and increased activity to improved physical health to book groups and knit-and-natter groups to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

There are thousands of opportunities on the Fylde Coast through various groups, clubs and services; many of which are listed on the FYi Directory. During Self Care Week, organisations will promote the activities and work with health professionals to promote the benefits of leading a self caring lifestyle.

They will be used to show the vast range of opportunities available. Who knows, your selfie could help change someone’s life.

For more information about Self Care Week, visit www.fitterfyldecoast.nhs.uk.

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People living across the Fylde Coast have been invited to have their say on a proposed new NHS policy for the reversal of sterilisation in both men and women.

It comes as part of work by the NHS across Lancashire to standardise policies to ensure a consistent and fair approach; update current policies in accordance with national guidelines and best clinical practice; and to make sure it is using its limited resources to maximum effect.

Along with the other six Lancashire and South Cumbria clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre CCGs have asked the public to let them know what they think of the proposals.

Full details of the changes can be found within the policy. People are invited to read the revised draft policies and to complete a survey. [/column][column]

Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, a Fylde Coast GP who is also accountable officer for NHS Blackpool CCG and interim accountable officer for NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “We need to ensure this is done in an open, fair and transparent way while also taking into account the limited resources we have.

“A key role for the CCGs is to develop clinical policies that help us make decisions about the use of those limited resources.

“I would encourage any resident with an interest in these policies to visit the CCG websites and have their say.”

To view the proposed policy and complete the survey, visit https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/our-priority-areas/reviewing-clinical-policies/current-clinical-policy-reviews/sterilisation-reversal-males-and-females  

The survey will close on Friday 2 November 2018.

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