@HealthwatchNEL 
@HealthwatchNEL
You Said, We Did
Finding a Dentist
Background
Recently we have had a lot of enquiries regarding dental services and how you can register at a dentist in North East Lincolnshire. Unfortunately there is a huge demand for NHS dentists at the moment in the area, leading to a lot of people being unable to register with a practice and being put on waiting lists.
What we did
We put together an information booklet to help people find an NHS dentist or at the very least help to get on a waiting list for one. In the booklet you can also find information about what to do if you are not registered with a practice and need emergency treatment and also alternatives to NHS treatment, like private treatment.
Click here to view the booklet.
The Roxton Practice
Background
Healthwatch undertook an enter and view at The Roxton Practice during March and April. It was identified that patients were not aware of some of the services the surgery offered, such as Online Services, Care Navigation and Enhanced Summary Care Records.
What we did
As result of the recommendations made, we agreed a five month action plan to support The Roxton Practice.
Within the five months, it was agreed that Healthwatch would raise patient awareness of:
• Online services https://theroxtonpractice.nhs.uk/askmygp/
• Enhanced Summary Care Records http://www.healthwatchnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/enhanced-summary-care-record
• Care Navigation http://www.healthwatchnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/news/what-care-navigation
• Self-care http://www.healthwatchnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/self-care
• Cancellations - https://theroxtonpractice.nhs.uk/appointments/cancel-appointment/
Each Month Healthwatch staff attended the Roxton sites on a weekly basis, sharing information about the above topics.
Prescription Changes
Background
Recently, Healthwatch have identified a trend within feedback we received regarding the changes that have been made to the prescribing of over the counter medication. Patients informed Healthwatch that their GP had stopped prescribing certain medications that they had previously been prescribed, and now they were unsure of how to get it.
What we did
Healthwatch recognise that these changes were put in place recently as the NHS had been spending aroun £136 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that could be bought over the counter, such as paracetamol. However, patients were not being made aware of alternative solutions, such as the Minor Ailments Scheme. The Minor Ailments scheme allows people who fit the criteria. To read more go to:
http://www.healthwatchnortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/minor-ailments-scheme
Carer’s Support Service Drop-in Session November 2019
Background
When looking at views and opinions gathered, we identified that we had not heard from many carers. We recognise that carers may not necessarily have the time or opportunities to speak about their experiences of health and social care services.
What we did
We decided to make ourselves more accessible to carers by setting up a regular drop-in session at the Carer’s Support Centre Grimsby. Our first drop-in session was 11th November 2019 from 9:30-12pm, and they will be on a monthly basis from January 2020.
When analysing any gaps in the experiences we had received, we identified that we had not received many experiences from Unpaid Carers. After some initial research we recognised that Unpaid carers may not necessarily have the time to come and speak to us about Health & Social Care Services.
Self-Care Week November 2019
Background
Healthwatch have identified a lack of awareness of type 2 diabetes within North East Lincolnshire. This was identified through regular queries and experiences shared with Healthwatch staff. Due to the prevalence of hypertension (high blood pressure) and high smoking rates, residents are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
What we did
As part of Self-care week 2019, Healthwatch shared information about Type 2 Diabetes including the knowing the risks, what the symptoms are and managing the condition if you already have it to reduce risk of complications.
Healthwatch attended seven different venues throughout self-care week and shared information with 182 people. Healthwatch staff spoke with members of the public who had already received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, but weren’t sure how to manage their condition and those who have been advised by healthcare professionals that they are “borderline” diabetic but weren’t sure how to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Information around annual health checks, foot checks, diet, lifestyle choices and recipe books were available.
GP Services August - November 2019
Background
During our engagement within GP Practices, members of the public said to the Healthwatch Staff Team that they were unsure of the services that were on offer at their GP Practice. Patients were also unsure of the enhanced summary care records and the digital systems that allow you to book appointments and prescriptions.
What We Did
With this information we decided to put together GP Directories, for each GP Practice in the area, which would contain this information for patients. This information is available in hard copies in GP Practices and via our website.
You can view the directory for your GP by clicking here.
Sepsis October 2019
Background
Throughout October and November, Healthwatch received feedback from patients who had suffered with sepsis. Neither patient had been identified early enough, which delayed treatment. Early identification is key with SEPSIS to ensure full recovery.
What we did
Healthwatch have provided regular information about the signs and symptoms of SEPSIS via our social media, website and whilst out in the public.
Healthwatch hope that by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of SEPSIS in adults and children, patients will know to ask the question “could it be sepsis?” and know what to do if they do identify the symptoms.
Healthwatch will continue to share information regularly on an ongoing basis.
Thames Ambulance Service Limited October 2019
Background
Healthwatch received a significant amount of feedback regarding waiting times for patient transport. These issues were also witnessed by Healthwatch staff. The Care Quality Commission also inspected Thames Ambulance Service Ltd on the 23rd October 2018 and gave an overall rating of ‘Inadequate when the report was published on the 13th February 2019.
What we did
Healthwatch undertook a research project where we gathered feedback from patient who had used the service. We asked patients ten questions, including questions about the timeliness of the service, how they were communicated with, and how they found the process, among others. We also asked TASL staff a series of questions regarding training, equipment and safety procedures.
The report was completed abnd distributed to the relevant professionals, including those within the Clinical Commissioning Group and the Care Quality Commission. It is available to view ‘here’.
Red Bag Scheme August 2019
Background
A member of the public brought to our attention that The Beacons were not part of the Red Bag Scheme due to them not being a permanent residency. The Red Bag Scheme allows a residents medical information and personal belongings to be transported to hospital in one bag. When a patient is then discharged, the information is updated and transported back with them. It's a simple change which is proving to have benefits for both patients and the NHS. It facilitates a smoother handover between care home, ambulance and hospital staff with fewer phone calls and follow-ups made by the hospital staff to care homes looking for health information about the resident.
What We Did
This was raised with the CCG and this has now been rectified and the Red Bag Scheme is operating within The Beacons.
