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People living in Fylde and Wyre will hear about the progress made to change the face of local NHS services when health bosses go on the road next month.

Leaders at NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will also detail plans to deliver more health services in the community, rather than in hospital.

The events, taking place across the area over four days, will update local people about the CCG’s progress so far in keeping the promises made in its 2030 Vision for Health and Care in Fylde and Wyre, which was published three years ago after a major public engagement exercise.

Feedback will also be sought about how the CCG should measure the quality of community health services in the future.

The events, which are free to attend with tea and coffee provided, will take place on:

• Wednesday 22 February 2017 at Thornton Methodist Church, FY5 5HQ, from 2pm to 4pm;
• Thursday 23 February 2017 at YMCA Lofthouse Building, Fleetwood, FY7 6JL, from 10am to noon;
• Monday 27 February 2017 at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, Wesham, PR4 3AL, from 2pm to 4pm;
• Tuesday 28 February 2017 at St Annes United Reformed Church, FY8 2AE, from 10am to noon.

CCG chief nursing officer Jennifer Aldridge, the executive lead for engagement, said: “We highly value the voice of our public when making decisions about how we deliver health services locally.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in shaping the future of the local NHS and I would urge as many people from Fylde and Wyre to come out and speak to us.”

For more information, call 01253 956400 or visit www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk

Anyone wishing to attend the events should notify the CCG by calling the number above or emailing [email protected]

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 152,000 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 fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/choice
• The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient: 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.

People in Fylde and Wyre who use testing meters to monitor blood sugar levels are to be given the latest available technology.

GP practices and diabetic clinics are bringing in new testing meters for patients which are fully compliant with new national standards.

Enhanced features include better suitability for some patient groups such as those with a visual impairment, ease of use and better levels of support for people to manage their own condition.

The new meters have upgraded information storage functionality which means they are compatible with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency requirements.

Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer at NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The new meters provide more accurate results along with easier usage, improved data storage and cost savings too.

“There is a range of meters with varied functionality available to fit in with patient requirements.

“Patients using the existing meters should continue as normal until otherwise directed by their GP or other healthcare professional.”

The need for a new meter for existing diabetics will be assessed by a healthcare professional and, if required, a letter will be sent inviting the patient in to collect their new meter and to be shown how to use it.

These meters will be provided free of charge from GP surgeries or diabetic clinics.

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 152,000 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 fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/choice
• The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient: 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.

People living across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are being encouraged to have their say in how the health and wellbeing of local people could be improved.

Working together, health and care organisations across the Fylde Coast are developing a ‘Self-Care Strategy’, which will set out an agreed approach to supporting local people to maintain good health and wellbeing.

Through a number of agreed priorities and actions, it will aim to reduce the number of Fylde Coast residents developing long-term conditions and support those living with such complaints to stay as fit and well as possible.

However, health and care bosses want local people to shape the way forward and play a role in developing the strategy by completing a short survey.

Cllr Amy Cross, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health at Blackpool Council, said: “We really want to support individuals, families, carers and communities to develop the knowledge, skills and self-confidence required to self-care. With the right support, information and education, people can be empowered to look after their own health, backed up by access to health and social care services when they need them.

“Self-care isn’t just about knowing how to treat minor ailments or complaints. It is also about the day-to-day things that we can all do to stay fit and healthy. With that comes accessing the range of support available in your local community to help you stay well before your health deteriorates to the point of needing public services.

“We want to understand how people currently feel about the support available, the things which prevent them from being able to self-care and any good ideas they may. I’d really encourage as many residents as possible to take part in the survey.”

Thornton GP Dr Tony Naughton, who is also Clinical Chief Officer for NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, added: “As a GP I often see people whose ailments could have been avoided if they had better knowledge of how to look after themselves or more confidence in their ability to self-care.

“Times have changed and there is a real desire for people to have control of their own lives and their own wellbeing.

“We want this to continue and we want to help people get there as much as we can, so we are very interested to see the results of this survey.”

The work is all part of the ongoing Fylde Coast vanguard programme, in which organisations across the area are working together to tackle a number of challenges which the local health and care system faces over the coming years.  A growing elderly population, more people living with long-term conditions and thus requiring a greater range of services over a longer period of time, plus inequalities in life-expectancy between different areas of the Fylde Coast are just some of these.

The survey can be completed online at www.yourcareourpriority.nhs.uk/self-care and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Alternatively, paper copies can be obtained by calling 01253 956594.

The survey will close on Friday 20 January 2016.

Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends, but it is easy to lose that festive cheer when too much booze leaves you with a huge hangover.

Health bosses on the Fylde coast have put together some helpful hints to make sure your Christmas party season is as enjoyable as possible – and urged people if they do have a hangover to look after themselves in the appropriate way.

As a diuretic drug, alcohol removes fluids from the body, which can cause dehydration and it is this that causes many hangover symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and sickness.

Speaking on behalf of NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Groups and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Thornton GP Dr Tony Naughton said: “In all honesty the best hangover cure is not drinking in the first place.

“But we know that is unrealistic, certainly at a time of year when people are keen to celebrate, so there are a few things you can do to limit the suffering.

“It is best to take actions to reduce the risk of a hangover before than attempt to cure it once it occurs.

“So please follow these handy hints and if you do end up with a hangover, please look after yourself at home and don’t put extra pressure on the hospital or your local doctor at a time when demand will already be on the increase.”

In order to reduce the risk of a hangover it is important to be aware of how much you are drinking and try to keep your body rehydrated.

Revellers are urged to:

• Limit the amount you drink on a single occasion;
• Drink slowly;
• Eat food that is high in carbohydrates, such as rice or pasta;
• And alternate your alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic drinks – but avoid fizz as this speeds up the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol;
• Hydrate yourself before bed by drinking a pint of water and keep a glass by your bed to sip during the night.

However if you do get a hangover, the main treatment is to rehydrate the body to help it deal with the painful symptoms. You can also:

• Use over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to help with headaches and muscle cramps;
• Replace lost fluids by drinking water and other bland liquids such as soda water or isotonic drinks;
• Try some bouillon soup – a thin vegetable-based broth. This is a good source of minerals and vitamins which is easy on the stomach.

Dr Naughton added: “Whatever you do, don’t go for the ‘hair of the dog’. It just doesn’t work. If anything, if you have a hangover, give your body a couple of days to recover.”

Notes:

• Think! Why A&E? is a joint campaign between NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG, NHS Blackpool CCG and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Self care – Minor illnesses, ailments and injuries can be treated at home. Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains can be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.
• Pharmacy – Pharmacists offer a range of health services. As well as dispensing prescriptions and other medicines, your pharmacy can provide free confidential expert advice and treatment for a variety of common illnesses and complaints, without having to book a GP appointment. You can find your nearest pharmacy by visiting the ‘services near you’ section of nhs.uk.
• NHS 111 – This is a free telephone service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You should call 111 if you urgently need medical help or information, but your situation is not life-threatening. When you dial 111, you will be directed to the best local services to make sure you get fast and effective treatment.
• Walk-in or same day centres – These centres provide consultations, guidance and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as emergency contraception and sexual health advice. There are two centres on the Fylde coast, (locations can be found at whyaande.nhs.uk) both operating seven days a week from 8am onwards.

GP surgery – If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, make an appointment with your GP. They provide a range of services by appointment, and when absolutely essential, can make home visits. If you need to see a GP outside of the surgery’s normal opening hours, telephone the surgery and your call will be forwarded to the GP out-of-hours service.

Fylde and Wyre children and young people with learning disabilities are to benefit from a new NHS service.

Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust will deliver the service on behalf of NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The service, developed following feedback from local parents, is open to children and young people aged 18 or under with a moderate to severe learning disability who present with challenging behaviours or mental health issues that cannot be met by existing services.

Following a referral into the service by family doctors, patients will receive a holistic assessment by a care co-ordinator and a personalised care plan designed in collaboration with family members.

Families will receive help with parenting programmes and specialist interventions including for anxiety, challenging behaviour, sleep and toilet training.

The service will also provide consultation and training for other professionals working with children and young people with learning disabilities in Fylde and Wyre.

Fylde and Wyre CCG chief operating officer Peter Tinson said: “This service has addressed a gap that previously existed in local health services and will provide a service to meet the needs of local children and young people now and in the future.

“We estimate that in Fylde and Wyre there are around 720 children and young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities, many of whom will benefit from this service

“We are pleased to be able to harness the skills and expertise of Lancashire Care in bringing this service forward as we work to improve the health and wellbeing of our local population.”

Tracey Hartley-Smith, Team leader in the Children and Adolescents Mental Health Service at Lancashire Care, said: “We are delighted to offer this service in Fylde and Wyre and ensure there is sufficient local capacity to meet the needs of children and young people in this area.

“We bring a high level of experience and expertise in caring for children and young people with learning disabilities. Our team consists of specialists that include senior practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and social workers. It’s our goal to improve outcomes for children and young people with learning disabilities and their families.”

Notes:

Learning disability is not a mental illness or dyslexia. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. It is estimated that 1,198,000 people in England have a Learning Disability (2 percent of the general population.)

There is a difference in having a learning disability and having profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). People with PMLD need full-time help with every aspect of their lives, including eating, drinking, washing, dressing and toileting.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines a learning disability as ‘a state of arrested or incomplete development of the mind’. One of the most commonly used definitions in the UK is that contained in the Valuing People and Valuing People Now strategies. This states that a learning disability includes the presence of:

• A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with;
• A reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning); which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.

Colin Davenport with wellbeing support worker Rachel Haworth

A former Lytham golf club captain says a new community-based health service is ‘the best thing that has ever happened’ to him.

Colin Davenport,81, a retired RAF corporal and former Poulton Town football club player, is one of hundreds of patients to benefit from the new extensive care service being rolled out across the Fylde coast.

After initially launching at Lytham Primary Care Centre and Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre in Bispham, health chiefs in the area are ready to further roll out the service for hundreds more patients in the Wyre and South Shore areas.

Extensive care makes sure people over 60 with two or more long-term conditions receive more coordinated support closer to their home and less in hospital.

Colin, who was referred into the service by his GP to help his recovery from a stroke 10 years ago, said: “The whole thing is great. It is there to try to keep you out of hospital and make sure everything is all right.

“It is the best thing that has happened to me.”

And yet more patients will soon have access to the service when it launches at Wyre Civic Centre in Poulton-le-Fylde and South Shore Primary Care Centre in Lytham Road, Blackpool.

On top of the knock-on effects of his stroke, Colin also has a pacemaker and suffers from shortness of breath while out and about.

A strong personal drive borne out of his sporting background and an RAF-ingrained stiff upper lip attitude helped him to recover some of his lost freedoms following the stroke.

And now, thanks to extensive care, Colin has the help of a dedicated team to manage his health conditions on a daily basis.

Extensive care provides proactive support to patients like Colin to better understand and manage their conditions in order to dramatically reduce the need for unplanned hospital visits.

Patients who are eligible for extensive care will be offered a referral into the service by their GP.

The dedicated team supports Colin – who lives with his partner Rita Fletcher in East Cliffe, Lytham – and other patients with all of their health and care needs so they no longer have various appointments with different professionals.

Patients are allocated their own wellbeing support worker, who they meet with on a regular basis, to develop a long-term plan for their health. This includes setting a number of achievable goals which are all geared towards improving their health and wellbeing.

Dr Andrew Weatherburn, clinical lead for the extensive care service, said: “We have already seen massive benefits to patients using the service and now we are very excited to expand it further across the area to benefit more people.

“By bringing together health and social care professionals into one harmonised team we are able to look at what is best for every aspect of a person’s health and wellbeing in the long-run as opposed to just treating individual conditions.”

Since joining the extensive care service, Colin has been able to work with wellbeing support worker Rachel Haworth to get more active as a result of the goals he set himself.

Colin said: “Firstly I wanted to get some weight off and I have done that. I also wanted to understand why I was getting short of breath and that is now improving.

“Working with Rachel and the team has helped me to understand my conditions, which has helped me to manage them, overcome them and control them a lot more.

“Extensive care helps me to keep moving forward. I can just make a phone call and there is always someone there to help me and that is the main thing.

“It has helped me 120 per cent. The people who are responsible for this are fantastic.”

Extensive care is set to launch at South Shore Primary Care Centre on 11 April and at Wyre Civic Centre on 18 April.

Anybody who feels that they or somebody who they know could benefit from the extensive care service should speak to their GP.[/column]

Anyone who notices blood in their urine must act fast and see their GP – that’s the message from a new bladder and kidney cancer campaign.

Residents of the Fylde coast have an increased chance of beating bladder and kidney cancer if they act quickly.

The national ‘Be Clear on Cancer – Blood in Pee’ campaign, which is running from Tuesday, February 16 to Thursday, March 31, is being backed by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Fylde and Wyre CCG.

Residents are being advised that if they see blood in their pee – even if it’s just the once – they should take action. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year.

These cancers can affect people of all ages but are most common in people over 50 years of age. People who smoke, who work in the resin industry and who use hair dye as hairdressers are also at an increased risk.

Uro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists from the urology department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Helen Bright, Melanie Fluss and Denise Lonican, say if you spot blood in your urine you must act quickly.

The urology team has treated approximately 40 people in the last year for bladder cancer alone.

Helen said: “If you have blood in your urine, go and see your GP. You will be fast-tracked to our service.

“We will do a cystoscopy which involves using a local anaesthetic and a thin tube with a light to look inside the bladder.

“Most bladder cancers are diagnosed while they are still only in the bladder lining (early stage). These early bladder cancers can often be cured or controlled with minor surgery or treatment into the bladder. If bladder cancer is left untreated it has the potential to spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, lungs or liver.”

Denise is the newest member of the team. She previously worked as a urology nurse practitioner and is planning to create a ‘one stop’ service. This will involve counselling the patient post-cystoscopy, doing the pre-operative assessments and arranging a date when they will come in for their treatment.

Patients are supported by Helen, Denise and Melanie throughout their hospital treatment.

Denise said: “There are lots of different treatments. Some are very low key and some are much more invasive.

“We also see people who don’t have blood in their urine. They have usually been referred to us from other routes.”

Melanie said: “People might think blood in their pee is something and nothing but please don’t ignore it.

“If investigations show a kidney cancer, this can be removed. Most people can live a normal life with one kidney.

“The chances are it’s not cancer but people need to get it checked out.”

Denise, Helen and Melanie cover all aspects of urology including bladder, prostate, kidney, testicular and penile matters.

Helen said: “There is always a potential for cancer to come back which is why we keep monitoring our patients.

“We continue to follow up patients for a long time so that if it does come back we can treat it early.”

Melanie explained: “At first we look in the bladder every three to four months and, after a patient has had a longer time without a recurrence, they get annual follow-ups.”

Helen said the team’s work was tough but enjoyable: “It’s a hard job mentally because we are dealing with cancer patients and their distress and anxiety but it’s also very rewarding to be able to support and guide them.

“It is a privilege to get people through their diagnosis and to help them live beyond cancer.”

 Other bladder cancer symptoms include cystitis (a urinary tract infection) that is difficult to treat or comes back quickly after treatment and pain when urinating. Additional kidney cancer symptoms include pain in the side, below the ribs, that doesn’t go away and weight loss.

Dr Tony Naughton, Fylde and Wyre CCG’s clinical chief officer, said: “It’s a really simple message, but such an important one – if you notice blood in your pee please see your GP straight away and they will be able to set you on the right path.

“It may well not be serious but if it is the cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed the better.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, a Blackpool GP and Chief Clinical Officer at NHS Blackpool CCG, said: “Cancer is a challenge for Blackpool and is one of our health priorities.

“The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcomes. Blackpool CCG is currently working on the Fylde coast cancer strategy where prevention, raising awareness and early detection and diagnosis feature heavily.

“Be Clear on Cancer goes a long way to raise awareness nationally and so it is important that people in Blackpool particularly take notice of its message.”

For further information on kidney and bladder cancer go to nhs.uk/bloodinpee

NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG is calling on Armed Forces veterans to share their experience of mental health services and help improve future care across the area.

The CCG is helping to promote a national survey to help improve the care available for veterans as they move from military to civilian life.

The survey is a chance for veterans to share their experiences and views of existing mental health services and to understand the reasons why some people have not sought or received support and treatment.

In addition to seeking views from veterans, family members and carers, as well as staff and organisations that are providing treatment and support in this area are all able to take part.

The NHS currently provides 12 mental health services across England specifically for veterans. They enable specialist staff to care for ex-forces personnel with mental health needs, direct them to the most appropriate service and give them effective treatment.  With new contracts due in the next year, this is an opportunity to develop future services that take account of current experiences.

Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer for Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “We are keen to hear from as many local veterans as possible as we look to utilise this national survey to help understand and shape local services.

“We know the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, especially for those veterans who have experienced traumatic scenes on foreign battlefields, so it is essential we can help them in any way possible.”

Dr Jonathan Leach, chairman of NHS England’s Armed Forces and their Families Clinical Reference Group, said: “While mental health awareness is improving, we can do more to identify issues not just with post-traumatic stress disorder, but with wider problems linked to anxiety and depression.

“We are asking for feedback from veterans, their families and NHS specialists so that the right care and support is available early and easily for those who need it.”

It is hoped that thinking about their experiences will help veterans to start breaking down some of the stigma when it comes to talking about mental health issues.

One veteran to benefit from the care delivered by NHS staff was Tony Stubbs, who served three years in the Army and was struggling after his time in the military ended. He was referred to the Military Veterans’ Service, which looks after people in the Lancashire area.

Mr Stubbs said: “I’d be dead by now if the Military Veterans’ Service hadn’t helped me stop drinking and then helped me deal with my mental health problems.

“Now I am well, back on speaking terms with most of my family, helping other veterans as a peer mentor, studying at college and looking to get a paid job.”

Mr Stubbs is one of four veterans who recently trained as a community reporter as part of a pilot, commissioned by NHS England, to explore the barriers that veterans experience in accessing mental health support.

For further details on the survey, visit: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/survey/veterans-mental-health-services

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 152,000 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 fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/choice
• The NHS Constitution sets out your rights as an NHS patient: 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.
• For more information about the CCG and how to get involved log onto fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk

People living on the Fylde Coast are invited to give their views on how NHS money should be spent across the region at a series of events this week.

NHS Blackpool and NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will work in partnership with the six other CCGs in Lancashire – Lancashire North, East Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, West Lancashire, Chorley and South Ribble and Greater Preston – to develop a consistent approach to health commissioning across the county.

In order to ensure polices are consistent and offer a fair approach across the county, a working group consisting of representatives from each of the CCGs, along with Public Health consultants and other health representatives has agreed to review and wherever possible develop joint polices across Lancashire.

Members of the public are invited to attend one of three public forums on Thursday to learn more about the proposals and give their views on them. The forums will take place at:

• 10am to noon, Solaris Centre, New South Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1RW
• 2pm to 4pm, Thornton Little Theatre, Fleetwood Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 3SZ
• 6pm to 8pm, The Eco Pod, Queen Elizabeth II Park View Playing Fields, Park View Road, Lytham, FY8 4JE

All comments received at the forums will be fed back to the CCGs and the working group as part of the development process. The CCGs do not intend to completely change the current policies, but update them to reflect changes to national guidance.

For the majority of patients this will mean little or no change to the services they can access.

Further opportunities for public involvement and feedback, including surveys and additional public forums or focus groups on individual clinical policies will be made available as they are developed and available for discussion.

More information about this work can be found at http://www.fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/policy-harmonisation.

Notes:

• NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are the organisations responsible for planning and buying health services in their areas to meet patients’ needs. This is known as ‘commissioning’.
• NHS Blackpool CCG is taking part in this consultation process. However, it will be at the discretion of the CCG’s Governing Body to adopt the Lancashire wide Statement of Principles or any resulting clinical policies.