Category Archives: Health

Is the NHS really going to sell our medical records!

NHS care.data scheme

NHS care.data scheme

Members of the the Forum, and visitors, packed the meeting room today to attend a presentation on the Government’s care.data scheme, given by Professor Justin Keen from Leeds University. He described the progress of the scheme to date, its aims, proposed benefits and some of the controversies surrounding it. Forum members were keen to hear about what would be happening to their medical records and this controversial topic certainly stimulated a lot of questions both during and after the presentation. A very informative and worthwhile meeting.

Please see the next post for further details about the care.data project, or click here for detailed information. If you wish to opt-out of the project click  caredata_opt-out form for a form to print or alternatively click here for further advice.

Crisis talks postpone Government’s medical records data project

 

NHS care.data scheme

NHS care.data scheme

The government has announced that the implementation of its care.data project has been postponed until the Autumn, following concerns expressed by the Royal Colleges, charities, private companies, patients and the British Medical Association that there has been inadequate public notification and that many people do not understand the implications of the scheme. There are concerns that NHS England has failed to inform patients about how the data collected will be used, and by whom. Nor has the right to opt-out of the scheme been publicised adequately.

On June 27th the British Medical Association voted in favour of an opt-in policy. 

Continue reading →

Are you a Dementia Friend?

Dementia friendsDementia Friends have received increasing publicity recently ….. perhaps you’ve seen the television advertisements. The project was started by the Alzheimer’s Society and is supported by NYCC. The project aims to increase the public’s awareness of dementia and highlights how individuals can help people suffering from dementia to live well. To find out more, visit one of the Alzheimer’s Society drop-ins at Harrogate library or watch and interact with this on-line video.

 

Advice on paying for long-term care

logoNorth Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has launched a new initiative called ‘PayingForCare’ to assist people in planning for long-term care. The system provides access to independent information about:

  • financial matters: claiming state benefits and advice on funding care
  • legal matters: Power of Attorney and wills
  • different types of care which may be needed

For further information telephone 0808 208 9994 or visit the ‘PayingForCare‘ website.

If you would like a free copy of the care services directory, which also includes details of the ‘PayingForCare’ scheme,  please call 01609 780780

 

Want to give up smoking? Help is at hand

Smoking stopTo give up smoking you will not only need advice, but you will need support as well to help you succeed. Help and support such as that provided by the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service, which is run by the Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust. The service offers a personal plan to help you quit and will support you through the process. Call them on: 0300 303 1603

New Which? website for elderly care

which logo

The Consumer Association (Which?) has launched a new website which provides information and advice about elderly care. It is an informative website providing practical information and advice about choosing care, factors to consider, costs and choices which are available. The website is very attractive and easy to navigate and should prove to be of great help to those having to make difficult decisions about arranging care for someone.

New standard of care for those with dementia

A new standard of care for those with dementia is being launched. The ‘Triangle of Care’ promotes the involvement of the patient, carer and healthcare professionals in providing improved care. The importance of the carer, as the person who knows the patient best, is emphasised. The Triangle of Care highlights six key standards, which have been identified by people with dementia, their carers and healthcare professionals. Click  Triangle of care for details.