In this issue:
If you have feedback about these topics, or any recent experiences about health or care services you think we should know about, give Healthwatch Tameside a call on 0161 667 2526. Or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk
Thank you.
New survey from Healthwatch Tameside
We have launched a new survey to gather feedback from Tameside residents on their experiences of accessing and using GP services in the area. The survey aims to understand the opportunities and challenges for improving access to primary care in Tameside.
The survey is open to anyone who lives in Tameside and has used GP services in the past 12 months. It can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HWTGPPractice or by calling 0161 667 2526, where you can either request a paper copy of the survey (sent with a prepaid envelope), or you can make arrangements to complete it over the phone with a member of our team.
The results will be shared with GP providers and commissioners to help improve the quality and accessibility of GP services in Tameside.
New Board members
We are pleased to welcome two new members to the Healthwatch Tameside Board: Linda Kent and Glyn Goodchild. We welcomed Linda and Glyn to their first meetings in November 2023, and we look forward to working with them and the rest of the Board on new projects in 2024.
More information about the Board can be found on our website: https://www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/our-board
Protect and Prevent campaign
Protect yourself and prevent serious illness this winter: get vaccinated!
Have you had your winter vaccines yet? This is especially important if you have a long-term health condition, such as asthma, diabetes or a heart condition. Flu and COVID can be unpleasant for us all, but these viruses can cause serious complications for those who are at higher risk due to existing health issues. Catching flu or COVID could increase the risk of developing illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or it could make an existing condition worse even if symptoms are well managed and you usually feel well.
The vaccines are safe and effective and offer the best protection this winter. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Flu and COVID vaccines are updated regularly because the viruses themselves change over time. So, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated again – even if you’ve had vaccines or boosters for flu and COVID in the past.
The flu vaccine is available at your GP practice and some local pharmacies. To find your nearest participating pharmacy go to the Find A Pharmacy That Offers NHS Flu Vaccination page on the NHS Website: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service
COVID vaccines can be accessed quickly and easily at walk-in vaccine sites – without an appointment. To find your nearest, go to the Find a Walk-In Covid Vaccination Site page on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/find-a-walk-in-covid-19-vaccination-site/
The NHS website includes accessibility information for vaccine sites including wheelchair access and induction loop provision for hearing aid users.
For more information, go to the Seasonal Vaccinations and Winter Health page on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/?wt.mc_id=eva1_222_Wintervaccination_lettersQR
Mental Health survey report
Healthwatch Tameside publishes its report on Mental Health services in Tameside, following an engagement exercise surveying 198 people during the period of May 2022 until March 2023.
The report contains key messages, analysis of responses to each question in the survey, and recommendations for partners and services to help improve the support and care they provide. Also included in the report is a statement from Big Life Group, one of the commissioners with whom the survey was shared for comment.
This report will be presented at various meetings attended by both providers and commissioners of mental health services in the coming months. We look forward to discussing the findings of the report, and how the feedback can be used to inform future improvements to mental health services.
You can read the report now by visiting our website: https://www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/report/2023-11-29/mental-health-report-202223-1
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch will play a role at both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account. This email has been sent by Healthwatch Tameside, part of the Action Together family. Registered office 131 Katherine Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. This email and any attachments are believed to be free from viruses but it is your responsibility to carry out all necessary virus checks and Action Together accepts no liability in connection herewith. If received in error Action Together can be contacted by phone on 0044 (0)161 339 4985 or via email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk Please don't print this email unless you really need to. | |||
