Former dentist swaps fillings for phobias as Louth-based hypnotherapist

FROM spiders to flying, phobias may seem insignificant to some, but to those affected by irrational fears these supposed small problems can often leave a lasting impact.

However, help is at hand in the form of an ex-dentist who has swapped his retractable chair for a comfortable leather couch, as he attempts to treat restless residents in overcoming their daily worries.

At your service: Hypno- therapist Steve Mason working with a client.

Send in your nominations to praise tireless efforts

WHO is your unsung hero?
Who goes out of their way to give you a helping hand?

Who spends hours of their spare time ensuring that a sporting group can run every week – or is committed to supporting a crucial service within our community?

Or who quietly cares for a neighbour?

We are seeking your nominations to reward the volunteers in our area as we launch North East Lincolnshire Volunteer Awards 2011.

LINks members and The Productive Ward work together to improve patient care

LINks groups and the Productive Care national QIPP (Quality Innovation, Productivity and Prevention) workstream have been working together to improve the quality of care for patients.  

We have jointly developed a new publication for LINks members that provides valuable information about the Productive Ward (also known as the Releasing time to care) programme, the benefits that the programme is bringing to patient safety and a set of powerful actions that LINks members can take to ensure these benefits are happening in their local trusts.

Walkies your way to better heart health

OWNING a dog could lead the way in tackling poor heart health in northern Lincolnshire, according to experts.

Heart Research UK is highlighting the benefits having a canine companion could have on your heart – either by reducing stress levels or increasing the amount of exercise you take. 

DOG THERAPY: Healing-based group Klever K9s enjoy the health benefits of owning and training their dogs.

'Private care has saved me money'

THIS disabled pensioner is one of 1,600 adults living in North East Lincolnshire who are dependent on regular home support from carers.

When North East Lincolnshire Council stopped subsidising the cost of adult social care and introduced means testing in April this year, the hourly rate of 70-year-old Peter Greenfield's care went up from £6.75 to £11.24.

Switched provider: Peter Greenfield has changed to private care.

'We need to alter health behaviour'

"YOUR NHS needs you."

That is the message from doctors in North East Lincolnshire as they urge people to live healthier lives to lessen the financial burden bad habits have on the local NHS.

 

 


The North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, which will be replaced by the North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), must make up to £22 million in savings by 2014.

LINk monthly meeting

Next week sees this month's LINk meeting welcome Jacqui Wood from Scope to talk about her work for the disability charity and Kate Webb from the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence to tell us about what CHRE does.

The meeting will take place at Corpus Christi Community Centre on Tuesday 18th October 2011 from 2-4pm.  We hope to see you there.  

Remember, there are no commitments or requirements to attend our monthly meetings, all you need is yourself!

For more information on our past or upcoming monthly meetings, please click here.

If in doubt, get voice changes checked out

This is the message being sent out to anyone worried they may have throat cancer, as part of a major new health campaign.

'Don't delay': Bill Goodhand, who enjoys gardening, has suffered from throat cancer and would like to raise awareness of the condition.

Bill Goodhand, who was diagnosed with the disease last year and is now in remission, is joining the drive to urge anyone concerned about their health to go and see their doctor before it is too late.

Inhaler breathing new life into our futures

MEET Lauren Setterfield – a cystic fibrosis sufferer whose future is full of hope thanks to "revolutionary" new treatment that will transform her life until a cure for the devastating disease is found.

For four years, the 20-year-old, of Barcroft Street, Cleethorpes, has taken part in clinical trials for an inhaler which helps combat chronic lung infections that, because of her condition, are an everyday burden.

SISTER ACT: Lauren Setterfield and her sister Robyn, right, with the inhaler that will improve their lives. Picture: Abby Ruston

Are you prepared for Winter?

The Winter Planning Campaign has been working hard in North East Lincolnshire to make sure that if this winter involves a repeat of the extreme weather we experienced last year, the vulnerable and elderly people of North East Lincolnshire won't be so isolated.

The scheme will be launched tomorrow, Friday 7th October, at the Grimsby Minster (previously known as St. James' Church)from 10am - 12.30pm.  There will be a raffle of a 'stock up, stay in' hamper containing daily essentials in case of being snowed in and a 'Name the Polar Bear' competition.

Council refuses to reduce ‘ridiculously high’ care charges

CARE charges for elderly and vulnerable people in North East Lincolnshire will not be reduced – despite the council's leader branding them "ridiculously high".

In June, the newly-elected Labour administration promised to conduct a review into the charges for home care and day centres which had been introduced under the Fairer Contributions System.

'NOT SURPRISED': Peter Greenfield, 70, now uses private day care after seeing his hourly rate for home visits go up from £6.75 to £11.24. He said: "I'm not surprised the council has not been able to reduce the charges." Picture: Rick Byrne

As reported, the changes, which were introduced in April, saw some service users hit with massive increases to their care bills.

Get your flu vaccine while stocks last

Dr Robert M Jaggs-Fowler is suffering from the effects of flu...

WHILE you have been luxuriating in the pleasant early autumn weather we have been blessed with over the past week or two, I have been doing a little personal research on your behalf.

Over the course of 10 days, I have been exploring the personal effects of having a high fever, sinusitis (snotty nose), pharyngitis (sore throat), laryngitis (hoarse voice) and bronchitis (chest infection).