Whether it’s the post-Christmas blues, or the short daylight hours, many of us can feel a bit ‘down’, particularly after the weather we’ve been having. We can all do with a boost from time to time and a visit to your local library might provide the answer. ‘Reading Well Mood-boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction’. There are general mood-boosting books, as well as those recommended for people who have cancer (although the books themselves may not be about cancer, but have been rated as uplifting). For further details about the Reading Well scheme follow this link or visit your local library and pick up a flyer.
Category Archives: Health
A Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing
NHS England, in partnership with Age UK, has published a revised version of A Practical Guide to Healthy Ageing. The guide is particularly relevant for people aged around 70 years who may be suffering from mild frailty. It covers key areas including preventing falls, staying well in winter, eye and foot care and mental well-being. The revised version includes cognitive ageing, oral health, bereavement and social isolation, with suggestions on when to seek medical advice and support. Free copies of the guide can be ordered by services and older people by calling 0300 123 1002 quoting reference HA2, or via the DH orderline Also listed on our ‘Publications’ page on the Information Hub’
What protection do whistleblowers have?
Following our forum meeting on November 26th which suggested ways in which the principles of the NHS are being undermined, members expressed concern about how the the NHS could be protected. The presentation also highlighted the role whistleblowers play in alerting others to concerns about the NHS. But, what are the consequences for the individuals involved. Do they receive any protection?
The Care Quality Commission is currently seeking your views on its plans for the new role of Public Guardian, which aims to support whistleblowers. See our ‘Have Your Say‘ page for details, before December 9th 2015.
What is happening to the NHS?
Update
We had a an eye-opening meeting on Thursday November 26th when we found out what is happening to the NHS and the ways in which its principles have, and are, being undermined by successive governments. Following the showing of the DVD about the NHS -‘The Sell Off’, which exposed some of the covert strategies which suggest that the NHS is being privatised by the back door, there was a lively discussion about how patients could try to rescue the NHS.
Are you keeping an eye on your elderly neighbours?
People are being urged to help the frail and elderly this winter. This is a key message of the NHS ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign. Keep a watchful eye on elderly neighbours and relatives, and encourage them to stay warm and visit their pharmacist at the first sign of a cough or cold and to get their flu jab. Find out how some of Britain’s favourite and best known TV stars and celebrities have backed this year’s NHS winter campaign. Age UK is also running the ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign, which highlights that over a million older people say they haven’t spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month.
Could you help people with sight loss experience how the internet could enhance their lives?
Are you able to help people with sight loss explore the options of getting on-line? Imagine how being able to access the internet could enhance their lives. Could you share your knowledge and enthusiasm to help people engage with technology? The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) needs volunteers to show people how to use a computer, tablet or smart phone to get on-line.
Volunteers with great communication skills, patience and an interest in everyday computing technology are needed to support local blind and partially-sighted people who are feeling isolated from the benefits of these technologies, which we take for granted.
Dementia services in Harrogate and District gain Regional Award for Innovation
Congratulations to the dementia services in Harrogate and District which have been awarded the Yorkshire and Humber Dementia Quality Award, for the innovative approach that the local NHS has taken to make improvements for patients, their families and carers.
Remap – aids and equipment for people with disabilities
Remap is a charity which produces aids and equipment for people with disabilities where there are no suitable commercial alternatives. This service is provided free of charge to the client, and is delivered entirely by volunteers.
Could you be a good neighbour?
Good Neighbours’ schemes are being rolled out across North Yorkshire to offer practical support to people living in rural areas.
Good Neighbours schemes are so-called because they offer low-level help to older and vulnerable people within a community, are volunteer-led by local residents (i.e. neighbours), and contribute towards a greater quality of life for all in rural areas.
Dying without dignity report
End of life care could be improved for up to 355,000 people a year in England, according to a report published recently by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The report highlights tragic cases where people’s suffering could have been avoided or lessened with the right care and treatment, as they approached the end of their lives.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman makes final decisions on complaints about the NHS in England, including where there is a dispute about what happened. The Ombudsman service identified a range of issues with end of life care from its casework. Continue reading