Posts Tagged ‘ccg’
Health and care partners back ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign
Published on Jul 26, 2018
Health and care partners in North Yorkshire are urging people to be aware of the early signs of bladder and kidney cancers and to go to their doctor if they see blood in their pee – even if it’s just the once.
‘Blood in pee’ is part of the national Be Clear on Cancer (BCOC) campaign from Public Health England in partnership with the Department of Health, NHS England and Cancer Research UK. Around 300 people in North Yorkshire are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year and approximately 120 people die.
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG Governing Body Associate GP Member, Dr Jenni Lawrence, said: “As a GP in the Scarborough and Ryedale District, I’ve been involved in work to improve early diagnosis rates for bladder and kidney cancers. An important part of this is our blood in pee one stop clinic in Malton. Patients just have to see their GP to get a referral, and then go along to the clinic where they can receive all the tests needed in one place – and get an answer quickly.”
Bladder and kidney cancers can affect people of all ages, but the risk of these cancers increases as people get older and are most common in those over 50.
Blood in pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancer. Other bladder cancer symptoms include a urinary tract infection (cystitis) that is difficult to treat or comes back quickly after treatment and pain when peeing. Other kidney cancer symptoms include a pain in the side below the ribs that doesn’t go away, and weight loss.
County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Supported Housing, said: “The aim of Be Clear on Cancer campaigns is to increase public awareness of key cancer symptoms and to encourage people with those symptoms to see their GP early. This new campaign stresses how important it is if you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s ‘just the once’, to tell your doctor straight away.
“Blood in pee is a key symptom of both bladder and kidney cancers. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but these cancers are more treatable if they are found early.
“The campaign also asks people to look before they flush the toilet – and to go to see their GP if they notice blood in their pee. You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out. And if you’ve been to the doctor but your symptoms haven’t gone away, go back – they’ll want to know and early diagnosis and treatment could save your life.”
Read MoreRed letter day for staff and patients as Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust begins community services contract
Published on May 1, 2018
The care of more than 5,000 patients has today (1 May) transferred to Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust (Humber FT) as the health provider takes responsibility for providing many adult community services in Scarborough and Ryedale.
More than 200 staff have also moved to the Trust from the previous provider, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, following preparatory work which began in the autumn.
Humber Trust Chief Executive, Michele Moran, said: “Today is a momentous day for the Trust and caps months of hard work with our commissioners, fellow health providers, GPs, local councils, the charity and voluntary sector and other key organisations.
“We’re delighted to welcome our new patients and staff and hope they will enjoy either receiving care from the Trust or working with us as we strive to provide truly outstanding care from day one. It’s fantastic to have them all on board.”
The Trust has introduced a new model of care which it hopes will make it simpler and easier for people across Scarborough and Ryedale to access care.
Under the model, patients can call a single telephone number to access round-the-clock care, including community nursing, specialist nursing, therapy services, dietetics, stroke and other services.
Care is personalised and patients can receive treatment in their own homes, avoiding admission to hospital whenever it is possible and safe to do so.
Real patient experiences have been used to shape the model, which allows every doctor, nurse or health worker involved in a patient’s care to be granted the same view of their medical record, subject to the patient’s consent.
Crucially, this avoids the need for patients to have to repeat details of their medical history whenever they seek treatment, providing a more joined-up approach to services.
Ms Moran added: “NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) made it clear to the Trust that they want us to provide high-quality, personalised care which enables people to remain in their own homes whenever possible.
“We believe we have the skills, systems and infrastructure in place to deliver the adult community services our commissioners and patients expect and deserve.”
The Trust will provide the services for up to seven years under the terms of an £80 million contract with NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG.
Read MorePatients encouraged to support community pharmacies in Scarborough and Ryedale
Published on Apr 19, 2018
(Footage courtesy of That’s North Yorkshire, Freeview Channel 7)
Patients in Scarborough and Ryedale are being encouraged to use their local high street community pharmacy for prescriptions, health advice and over-the-counter medicines, as online pharmacy companies step up their efforts to promote their “repeat prescriptions” service and attract new customers.
Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire which represents many high street pharmacies, says residents who use an online pharmacy company need to be aware that they will not get access to the same range of services and risk missing out on important face-to-face help and support.
Jack Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire, said: “High street community pharmacies do so much more than just provide prescription medication and over-the-counter remedies – they provide a range of other valuable services that just can’t be replicated by an online provider and offer a personal touch that can make a huge difference to a patient’s health and wellbeing. Online pharmacy is an option, but people need to be aware of their limitations.”
Community Pharmacy North Yorkshire has produced a list of services and benefits offered by a community pharmacist that it says, realistically, internet-based pharmacy companies may not, or will not be able to provide. They include:
- Dispense liquid medicines
- Dispense refrigerated lines such as insulin and vaccines
- Dispense controlled drugs
- Dispense drugs required for immediate use
- Face-to-Face contact for discussion or review about current medicines (Medicines Use Review)
- Personal Face to Face Minor Ailments advice
- Personal Face-to-Face contact for discussion about new medicines (New Medicine Service)
- Within walking distance from your home
- Run targeted local health campaigns
- Is an accredited Healthy Living Pharmacy
- Access to locally commissioned services, such as morning-after pill, smoking cessation, falls assessment, alcohol awareness
Alastair Farquhar, Head of Pharmacy at Lincolnshire Co-op, which runs 49 pharmacies including its Aberdeen Walk Pharmacy in Scarborough, said: “All pharmacists have trained for five years and can offer expert advice on lots of minor ailments. Most pharmacies in North Yorkshire offer confidential consultation rooms too.
“We can help with many common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains, treating minor injuries and infections – and we provide medicines management advice. If a community pharmacist can’t help, we’ll tell you whether you need to see a doctor or where else you could get the best treatment.”
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says patients need to make “an informed choice” about which pharmacy service they use.
Dr Greg Black, NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG clinical lead for medicine, said: “Patients are free to get their prescription medicine from an online pharmacy, if they wish, but they may prefer the face-to-face interaction of a high street pharmacy.
“The majority of people live within easy reach of a community pharmacy and many pharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at weekends, making them convenient and accessible.
“Community pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals. They’re experts in helping patients manage medication and long-term conditions and are an important component of the local healthcare system in Scarborough and Ryedale.”
Read MoreCCG welcomes new GP Partnership in Scarborough
Published on Apr 4, 2018
(footage, above, courtesy of That’s North Yorkshire, Freeview Channel 7)
Four GP practices in Scarborough are set to merge on 9 April, benefiting around 30,000 patients.
Belgrave, Falsgrave, Peasholm and Prospect Road surgeries will come together to launch a new partnership called Central Healthcare.
The new organisation will be headed up by six GP partners, Dr Faisal Baloch, Dr Deepankar Datt, Dr Ron Diffey, Dr Simona Gheorghiu, Dr Ruth Guest and Dr Omnia Hefni.
The four surgeries will continue to operate from their current premises and patients will still be able to see the doctor they’re used to seeing, if they wish.
In time, the merger will mean patients having access to more specialist care in a surgery setting which will be brought about “from enhanced training of staff and alignment of resources to better meet the needs of patients with long term conditions”.
Speaking on behalf of the six partners, Dr Ruth Guest said: “This exciting merger will not just allow the four existing practices to survive, but will allow GP services to thrive.
“There’s enormous pressure in primary care at the moment and if we were to continue working as we were, as small isolated practices, we would struggle to provide a high quality, responsive, and safe service to patients.
“This merger gives us the opportunity to provide patients with an enhanced service which makes the best use of equipment, experience, expertise and other resources, while keeping administrative costs down.
“A larger entity should also make it easier to recruit doctors and nurses, with better training and career development on offer.”
The merger of the four practices is not resulting in any redundancies. All existing staff are being retained, though some will be undertaking different roles.
There will be a new website which will make it easier for patients to order medicines and manage appointments. The four existing websites will run alongside this for a short time until they are phased out.
Sally Brown, Primary Care Lead for NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The merger will bring about significant benefits for patients, including greater access to different health and social care professionals.
“There’s scope for more specialisms to be introduced, as well as additional clinics and appointment slots at evenings and weekends.
“This is a welcome step that secures the provision of GP services in Scarborough.”
Read MoreNHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG issues cold weather alert health advice
Published on Feb 26, 2018
With weather forecasters predicting a prolonged period of cold conditions, ice and snow this week, heath chiefs in Scarborough and Ryedale are urging residents to “stay well”.
Cold weather often triggers an increase in demand for NHS services. Ice and snow can lead to an increase in slips and falls, while the cold can lead to poorer health for older people, the very young and those with an existing respiratory illness or infection.
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says there are measures we can all take to reduce the risk of cold-related ill health and keep NHS resources free for those who need them the most.
Dr Phil Garnett, chairman of NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG, said: “Cold weather is a mere inconvenience for many people, but for others it poses more serious health risks.
“If you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour, it’s important to check up on them to see if they are keeping warm – ideally homes should be heated to at least 18C.
“We’re also asking people to take extra care when walking or driving during icy conditions. And if you have existing heart or lung problems, or recently had a fall, is a trip out absolutely necessary?
“If you start to feel unwell, even if it’s a cough or a cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious – seek advice from your pharmacist. If you have cold or flu, it’s best to buy medicines like paracetamol over-the-counter from your local supermarket, corner shop or pharmacy. And then stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and keep warm.
“Should you not see an improvement in your illness, get in touch with your GP practice and they should be able to offer you an appointment.
“If you’re not sure where you should go or need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, we’d always recommend dialling ‘111’ to speak with someone who can offer advice and signpost you to the most appropriate service.”
For more information and tips on staying well, please visit the campaign website.
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