In this issue:
If you have feedback about these topics, or anything about your health or care, give Healthwatch Tameside a call on 0161 667 2526. Or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk
Thank you.
The latest issue of our paper newsletter has been posted out this week. It is normally sent to anyone who has signed up to the newsletter distribution list.
This time, with the office being closed due to COVID, we have limited the mailout to people who have not provided an email address. Everyone else has received a virtual copy, unless they get in touch and request a paper version.
If you would like to read the newsletter, it is on our website at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/sites/default/files/autumn_2020.pdf
If you have not received a copy of the newsletter, and would like to sign up to receive one in future, please let us know by emailing info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk or call 0161 667 2526. If you would like a paper copy for a friend, relative or neighbour, who does not use the internet, then please get in touch.
Healthwatch England hospital discharge report
This new report with the British Red Cross looks at how well the new hospital discharge policy is working for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.
In March 2020, the Government introduced a new hospital discharge policy to help the NHS free up beds by getting people out of hospital quickly. This meant anyone who may need out-of-hospital support to help them recover would have their needs assessed after being discharged, rather than in hospital.
Healthwatch England wanted to find out how the new policy was affecting people's experience of leaving hospital. Together with the British Red Cross, they spoke to over 500 patients and carers and conducted 47 in-depth interviews with health and care professionals involved in the hospital discharge process.
A copy of the report can be found at www.healthwatch.co.uk/report/2020-10-27/590-peoples-stories-leaving-hospital-during-covid-19
If you have been discharged from hospital since March 2020, Healthwatch Tameside would love to hear from you. What was your experience like? You can call us on 0161 667 2526, or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk or complete our COVID survey at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/covid-19-survey Paper copies of the survey are also available if you give us a call, or we can complete the survey over the phone.
Budget conversation
Tameside and Glossop Strategic Commission (Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and NHS Tameside & Glossop Clinical Commissioning Group) is responsible for delivering over £974 million of vital services from bin collections through to care for the elderly to the provision of GP surgeries. Both TMBC and T&G CCG are legally required to set a balanced budget for 2021/22.
They must find new and innovative ways to provide the services that local people want, particularly as they look to “build back better” after the coronavirus pandemic. They are launching their Budget Conversation soon.
They would like to arrange a virtual engagement session during November or December to discuss the Budget Conversation in more detail. They will set up the meeting via Zoom. If you would like to be involved, please let Healthwatch Tameside have your expression of interest no later than Friday 6 November 2020. Please email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk. Once the date has been agreed, details will be sent to you.
Digital Wellbeing Tameside and Glossop
Local charity PCrefurb are looking for donations of mobile phones, tablets and laptops, that you no longer use, to help people in our communities who are at a disadvantage when it comes to access to technology.
Digital Wellbeing Tameside and Glossop is supported by local NHS organisations and a range of other partners and aims to help people who don’t have access to technology.
For more information, including how you can help, please see https://pcrefurb.org.uk/training/digitalwellbeing-devices/
Managing our own health app research
Researchers would like to hear people’s views about a research proposal to develop a new smartphone app which could help people to manage their own body clocks and health conditions better.
They are looking for people to take part in an informal online discussion about a new research proposal, who are:
There will be an online Zoom discussion on Wednesday 4th November 2020 from 6 to 7pm. Each participant will be paid £20. To take part email : Zahra.arain@mft.nhs.uk
More information is available at https://wearevocal.org/opportunities/understanding-our-own-body-clock/
COVID testing sites in Tameside - November
The locations and times for the testing stations can be found on the Tameside Council website at www.tameside.gov.uk/TamesideMBC/media/policy/Local-Testing-Sites-November.jpg
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. | |||
