Posts Tagged ‘NHS’
Red 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 MoreNew model of community care in Scarborough and Ryedale
Published on Apr 27, 2018
Patients in the area covered by NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be able to call a single telephone number to access round-the-clock care when a new improved model of adult community services launches next week.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust will offer a range of community services as well as health promotion and wellbeing advice in Scarborough and Ryedale from 1 May.
Patients will be able to access community nursing, specialist nursing, therapy services, dietetics, stroke and other services, with care personalised so they can remain in their own homes, and avoid admission to hospital where it is possible and safe to do so, in a ‘Home First’ approach.
At the heart of the new model will be front-line clinical teams working in partnership with GPs, local councils, the charity and voluntary sector and other key organisations.
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chief Officer, Simon Cox, said: “During the commissioning process, patients told us they wanted a model of care that is more joined-up, with better community services that reduce their chances of going into hospital and make it easier for them to be discharged home in the event they do have to go into hospital.
“Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust shares this vision and we’re delighted they’ve used real patient experiences to help shape the new services.”
As part of the new model, every doctor, nurse or health worker looking after the patient will, subject to the patient’s consent, also be granted the same view of each medical record, ensuring patients do not have to repeat themselves whenever they seek treatment.
During the consultation period, patients felt strongly they should “only have to tell their story once”.
Julia Harrison-Mizon, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Care Group Director of Primary Care, Community, Children’s and Learning Disability Services, said: “We believe our patients will find our new services much simpler and easier to use and we also think they will be pleased they no longer have to repeat the details of their medical history or condition each time they see a different clinician.
“We’re passionate about delivering a truly integrated model of care, working alongside our partners on a range of services that we believe will have enormous benefits for patients in the Scarborough and Ryedale CCG area.”
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.
Further information is available by emailing hnf-tr.scarboroughryedale@nhs.net
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 MoreHay fever: CCG recommends ‘over-the-counter’ remedies for sufferers
Published on Apr 19, 2018
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says patients who suffer from hay fever should initially visit their local high street community pharmacy for help and advice, rather than make an appointment to see their GP.
Pharmacists are well placed to offer their expertise to help hay fever sufferers manage their condition.
A number of effective over-the-counter remedies are available from pharmacies, as well as supermarkets and smaller grocery stores, including antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops and decongestants.
Dr Greg Black, NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG’s clinical lead on prescribing, said: “We are keen to encourage patients to visit their community pharmacy for advice and to purchase treatments ‘over-the-counter’, rather than make an appointment to see a GP and obtain a prescription.
“Patients do not always realise that a wide range of effective hay fever medications can be purchased from community pharmacies, supermarkets and even corner shops without seeing their doctor and that these medications are often cheaper than NHS prescription fees.”
Ekaitz Unanue, Pharmacist Manager at the Lincolnshire Co-op in Aberdeen Walk, (pictured) said: “There’s no cure for hay fever but most people can tackle their symptoms with over-the-counter medication. Treatments come in many different forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Your local pharmacist can recommend the most appropriate medication for you for free.
“We’re here to care for people’s health and wellbeing and offering free advice to our customers suffering with hay fever is one way we try and make life better in our communities.
“Our branches have private consultation rooms and best of all, there’s no appointment needed. If you are suffering with hay fever, just pop in and speak to a helpful member of our expert team.”
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG says there are a number of measures hay fever sufferers can also take to help themselves:
- Keep windows shut in the house and car, especially when pollen counts are high
- Avoid cutting the grass, grassy areas, woodland, pollutants and car fumes
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses
- When you get indoors wash your hands, face, hair, rinse your eyes and change your clothes
- If possible, stay indoors when the pollen count is high
- Use petroleum jelly inside your nose to block inhalation of pollen
- Keep your house clean and wear a mask and glasses when doing house work
- Don’t dry washing outside to avoid pollen sticking to your clothes
- You could buy a pollen filter for the air vents in the car
Patients are advised to see their GP if:
- They are experiencing wheezing, breathlessness or tightness in their chest
- They are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Their symptoms are not relieved by over the counter treatments in combination with measures to reduce exposure to pollen
NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG spends more than £1 million a year on prescriptions for basic medicines that patients could buy themselves, over-the-counter, including around £50,000 a year on antihistamines.
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.
Read More