LINk Christmas Event

The LINk’s Christmas meeting will take place 2-4pm on Tuesday 20^th December 2011 at Corpus Christi Community Centre.  

Come along for a mince pie and a cup of tea with LINk staff and members! 

There will be a few stalls giving information and advice on how to stay healthy and happy this Christmas.

Perfect way for children to seize the day

THE children of St Andrew's Hospice and their families forgot their worries when Santa Claus dropped in with a bag of presents at their annual Christmas party.

Held at Grimsby Golf Club, children who face a daily struggle were given a Christmas bash to remember with games, music, dancing and Disney.

CHRISTMAS CHEER: Youngsters and staff enjoy the St Andrew's Children's Hospice Christmas party held at Grimsby Golf Club. Pictures: Ray Corke

Haemophilia gene therapy shows early success

By James Gallagher Health reporter, BBC News 

Just one injection could be enough to mean people with haemophilia B no longer need medication, according to an early study in the UK and the US.

Six patients were given a virus that infects the body with the blueprints needed to produce blood-clotting proteins. Four of them could then stop taking their drugs.

Doctors said the gene therapy was "potentially life-changing".

Other researchers have described it as a "truly a landmark study."

Cig-nalling the start of a healthy alternative to smoking tobacco

SHOPS in Grimsby are among the first in the country to stock a new range of electronic cigarettes.

Vapestick e-cigarettes, described as the healthy alternative to smoking tobacco, have until now only been available in big cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

'A credible alternative': Jaz Dhaliwal with the new Vapestick. Buy this photo at www.thisisphoto sales.co.uk/grimsby

But now, the product has been brought to North East Lincolnshire by local distributor Jaz Dhaliwal.

Depressed? Don't suffer in silence

MENTAL health professionals are urging people suffering with anxiety and depression to talk it out rather than suffer in silence.

Experts working in North East Lincolnshire want to highlight the fact that depression and anxiety problems are more prevalent than people might think and can affect any person at any time – and are more apparent in areas of social deprivation.

DON'T SUFFER ALONE: Ready to give you a warm welcome at Open Minds are co-ordinator Michelle Hardy (left) and service manager Kristina Fletcher. Buy this photo at www.thisis photosales .co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

 
One in four people suffer with a mental health problem and health professionals at Open Minds, an organisation working with people who have depression and anxiety, are keen to get people talking more openly.

It took them two hours to get me into hospital

EMERGENCY response times are always a talking point. After the Grimsby Telegraph printed a story about one father's experience of waiting one hour 19 minutes for an ambulance, others came forward to share their experiences. Reporter KATIE BLACKBURN talked to them.

AN IMMINGHAM couple's frightening ordeal came flooding back after reading an article in the Grimsby Telegraph.

BRINGING BACK MEMORIES: Pauline Plaskitt, of Immingham, who suffered a stroke in August last year and had to wait more than two hours to be taken to hospital by ambulance. Picture: Abby Ruston

For Malcolm Plaskitt, 63, and his wife Pauline, 64, memories from more than a year ago, when Pauline suffered a stroke at her home, were fresh in their minds after reading about delayed responses from the area's ambulance service.

Mr Plaskitt was shocked that someone else had suffered an experience similar to his when he complained to East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).

Winter Planning Campaign

Did you know the North East Lincolnshire Winter Planning Campaign has a blog too? 

To keep up-to-date with all the latest news on the preparations for winter, give them a follow here.

If you would like to get involved and help support vulnerable people in your area of North East Lincolnshire, contact Penny or Vicky on 01472 315347.

Get your daily dose of 'sunshine'

 AS THE gloomy winter days set in and the sun's rays get weaker, our opportunity to build up and maintain our body's store of vitamin D plummets.

Vitamin D is rightly called the sunshine vitamin because the action of sunlight on our skin converts pre-vitamin D into a form our body can use.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone, and does some pretty important jobs for us, not least helping us to use the calcium we eat to keep our bones healthy. Without enough vitamin D, toddlers can develop rickets – this used to be a thing of the past, but in recent years there have been several hundred children treated.

Surgery moves forward following directors’ dispute

PATIENTS will be "at the heart" of everything the new lead GP and her staff at Grimsby's Ashwood do.

Dr Reeta Singh has bought out her former partner directors of Ashwood, which is based at Weelsby View Medical Centre, after a dispute arose between them.

  NEW STRUCTURE: General practitioner Reeta Singh is back as the managing partner at the Ashwood Surgery, Weelsby View Medical Centre, Grimsby. From left, Dr Sanjay Kumar Gupte, Anne Redding, Carolyn Sibson, Amanda Ladds, Reeta Singh, patient Billie-Mae Wren, Jo Short and Dr Omar Qureshi. Picture: Abby Ruston

As reported, Dr Singh had to temporarily leave Ashwood for one month when the issue with her partner directors – a doctor and two nurses – came to a head in July.

Volunteer Awards: I will be nominating - why not do the same?

"VOLUNTEERING is so important to North East Lincolnshire – without people who are willing to give up their time to help others, there would be many projects that simply would not be able to continue."

That's the message from Lynda Tappin, who won an accolade at last year's Grimsby Telegraph's Volunteer Awards, and is keen to stress how important volunteers are.

Helping others: Lynda Tappin, who won a Volunteer Award in 2010.

Funding

Are you worried about keeping warm this winter?  The Hardship Fund has some funding available for part-funding (usually up to 50%) of heating or insulation measures that will have a positive impact on clients whose health is affected by cold and damp.

For more information or to see if you fit the criteria, please see below.

Code of conduct to be drafted for care workers

By Alison Holt Social Affairs Correspondent, BBC News

A code of conduct and minimum standards of training is to be drawn up for health care assistants and care workers who look after the elderly in England.

The government said the new standards are likely to focus on communication, confidentiality, nutrition and hydration amongst other things.

The announcement follows growing concerns about the training and quality of care provided by some care workers.

NHS cancer figures contradict David Cameron and Andrew Lansley's claims

The prime minister and health secretary have criticised the NHS on cancer, but new figures suggest the service is a world leader

Denis Campbell, health correspondent
guardian.co.uk, Monday 7 November 2011 18.48 GMT

Andrew Lansley and David Cameron, who have used criticisms of the NHS record on cancer to justify a planned shakeup. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/PA

David Cameron and Andrew Lansley's repeated criticisms of the NHS's record on cancer have been contradicted by new research that shows the health service to be an international leader in tackling the disease.

Grimsby's Pink Rose suite leads the way for breast cancer care thanks to new equipment

GRIMSBY'S Pink Rose Suite is simply the best – and that's official.

The facility at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital now has two new ground-breaking enhancements to its diagnosis and treatment equipment – which consultant Leslie Donaldson says puts the unit "a long way ahead of most others in the country".

STATE OF THE ART: Consultant breast surgeon Leslie Donaldson with a breast scan image from one of the new mammography machines.

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).

Give blood to help save more lives

PEOPLE in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to give blood this winter as more road accidents and seasonal cold and flu put a strain on supplies.

From September, vital blood supplies see a sudden drop because fewer people are able to donate due to general illness becoming more prominent in the autumn and winter.

 

'NOTHING TO IT': Janice Smith gives blood under the care of Ann Smith, NHS donor carer.

But at the same time, the need for emergency blood increases as there are more accidents, such as car crashes and falls, during the colder weather.

LINk Monthly Meeting

This month saw the LINk visited by the George Hardwick Foundation.  Sally Bemrose, LINk Governing Body member, and her colleage Jacqui McHardy, gave a presentation on the services offered by the North East Lincolnshire Carers Centre.

It was a very interesting and informative talk which gave a real insight into the life of carers and the services which exist to support them.  To check out the presentation, click here.

For more information on the North East Lincolnshire Carers Centre, click here.

Next month's meeting takes place on Tuesday 18th October from 2-4pm at Corpus Christi Community Centre, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LJ and our guest speakers will be from Scope and the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

Carers who care for one another

"THIS group is absolutely fantastic and provides a real lifeline for all of us."

Since 1994, Jasmine Best, of Scartho, has helped care for her mum, who has a range of medical conditions.

THERE FOR EACH OTHER: Members of the Carer's Friendship Group celebrate their second year anniversary. They meet at the Yarborough Hotel, Grimsby, every Monday. Picture: Michelle Adamson.

And one organisation is there to support her – The Carers' Friendship Group, which is celebrating its second anniversary.

LINk Monthly Meeting

It's our LINk monthly meeting tomorrow, so why not pop along to find out what we do?

We meet at Corpus Christi Community Centre, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7LJ at 2pm.

This month, 20th September, features Sally Bemrose from the George Hardwick Centre speaking about her work with carers and Andrea Bratley telling us all about Equality Duty.

So why not come along for a cup of tea?

Don't be embarrassed – it could save your life

HEALTH professionals are urging women not to be embarrassed when it comes to their gynaecological health ... as it could one day save your life.

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month, which is being supported by local health experts in Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals.

RAISING AWARENESS: Sharon Tyler advises women to get checked out by their GP if they have any symptoms.

The aim is to get women talking about the disease so they know what classic signs and symptoms to look out for in order to get the quick diagnosis that is crucial in beating all cancers.

Sexual Health Week, 12-18 September

Welcome to the Facts of Life

At FPA we know that talking to your children about growing up, relationships and sex can be tough.

Some parents find it easy. But many mums and dads don’t. What should I tell them at this age? Will I know the answer? I’m embarrassed to talk about it.

Worries can stop you from talking at all or you answer a few questions but don't know how to carry on.

Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right place. At FPA we want to give mums and dads across the UK the confidence and information to talk to their children about the facts of life.

Health Myths - 10 things we're told will make us happier and healthier

Excellent news for women over the age of 50 hit the headlines today – clinical evidence that one alcoholic drink a day can help keep women over the age of 50 not only happy, but healthy well into old age.

In a study obviously based on the idea of a little of what you fancy does you good, US researchers from the Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston studied 14,000 nurses from 1976 onwards and found that women over the age of 50 who treated themselves to one alcoholic drink daily for between five and seven days a week enjoyed a healthier old age than those who abstained or drank heavily.

For everyone else, however, it’s back to an apple a day. But how much good does that apple really do? Here are 10 widely believed health claims - are they truth or myth?

Community get chance to Eng-Age

IT'S Question Time …

Older people in North East Lincolnshire will get the chance to have their say at a BBC Question Time-style forum.

AWAITING YOUR VIEWS: Gearing up for a forum are members of the Eng-Age older people's forum. From left, Martin Reed, Tim Mickleburgh, deputy chairman Jane Hyldon-King, Ian Brocklebank and chairman Ray Oxby. Picture: Abby Ruston

To celebrate Older People's Day, the volunteer group Eng-Age has organised an event for the elderly, with topics such as transport and health.

Essential items checklist launched for OAPs if winter bites deep

OLDER people won't be feeling the bite of cold weather as much this winter, thanks to a new campaign.

A scheme to help elderly and isolated people in North East Lincolnshire prepare for the winter will begin on October 7.

STOCKING UP: The West Marsh Over-50s Club is backing a scheme to help elderly people prepare for winter. From left are club members Rita Weare and Lilly Hezzell, with Pat Wilsea, the Older People's Community Champion, and Martin Wakefield from Care Plus. Picture: Rick Byrne

Goodbye and good luck!

The LINk members and staff bid Hayley a fond farewell.  

Hayley has worked for the LINk for a year and a half as the LINk and Healthier Communities Administration Assistant.  A firm favourite with both volunteers and colleagues, Hayley will certainly be missed.  

Hayley, with tutor Becky, as she receives her NVQ certificate.

Immunisation figures are in need of a boost

PARENTS in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to check their children's vaccinations are up to date before school starts next week.

Last year, only 85 per cent of children in the borough had their pre-school boosters – 10 per cent below the World Health Organisation's recommendation.

GET YOUR JABS: Raj Medical Centre GP partner Dr Marcia Pathak wants to encourage parents to bring their children in for vaccinations, as uptake in the area is alarmingly low. Picture: Abby Ruston

Now health experts within the NHS are calling on parents to help reduce the risk of childhood diseases such as mumps and measles spreading.

Group reminds local ladies of importance of cervical screening

AS EASTENDERS character Tanya Branning comes to terms with being diagnosed with cervical cancer, local ladies are being reminded of the importance of cervical screening.

The North East Lincolnshire Cancer Collaborative is hosting a series of events to raise awareness of the importance of smear tests in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer.