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.
We have two live surveys. If you have already completed these, thank you.
Our workplan priorities - Please help us by telling us your preferences for our work in the coming year. This survey will close on 19 February 2021. www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/healthwatch-tameside-workplan-priorities-survey
Vaccination survey - What do you think about the COVID vaccination programme? There's also a chance to tell us about your experience of using (or trying to use) any health and care services recently. This survey will close on 12 March 2021. www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/healthwatch-tameside-vaccination-survey
Thank you for helping us.
Tameside Community Champions
Tameside Community Champions can be anyone who live or work in the community. You might be the person that everyone knows and trusts. You might be someone who just wants to help in whatever way you can - even if this is your first time.
You can support amongst the community as much or as little as you like in a variety of ways from simply passing on information, to having conversations or volunteering your time.
For more information see www.tameside.gov.uk/communitychampions
Mental Health Act reform consultation
North West MacMillan survey
As part of Macmillan’s ongoing work in the North West to gather insight from people living with cancer, the Macmillan Engagement Team are interested to hear about the experience of people who have accessed cancer services over the last year.
Macmillan have begun to see how health services are adapting to offer appointments differently. In addition, people have told the organisation that in some instances there has been disruption to services with appointments being cancelled or rearranged.
To help Macmillan to understand people’s lived experience of cancer appointments over the last year, they have a survey www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NWAccessiblityanddisruption/
Getting symptoms checked out
Are you worried that you, your child or someone you know may have diabetes? Having some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition, but you should always contact your GP, just to make sure.
Getting diagnosed and the right treatment are vital, and can reduce the chances of developing serious complications. For more information about diabetes have a look at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-symptoms
GP practices are still open for business and are working hard to look after patients by providing non-urgent care despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Face-to-face appointments have been limited to those who require an examination in person.
To find out more about how you can get checked out see www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/local-services/gp-practices
You can also ask your local pharmacist www.tamesideandglossopccg.org/local-services/pharmacists-tameside
NHS dentistry
We have reported about this topic in previous e-bulletins. Here are two articles from the Healthwatch England website, showing what is being said and done nationally.
www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2021-02-08/warnings-dentistry-crisis-public-concerns-continue
If you have feedback about your experiences of NHS dental care during the pandemic, please get in touch with us. You can ring on 0161 667 2526 or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk
We will keep your personal information anonymous, whilst sharing local themes to help with this work.
COVID-19 update
Vaccinations - as the roll-out continues, all those people aged 70 years and over and those who are extremely clinically vulnerable should have received an invitation to book an appointment for their vaccine. If you are in these groups and haven't received or seen your letter you can book a vaccine appointment at www.tamesideandglossop.nhsvaccinations.co.uk/
If you are not aged over 70 or in an extremely clinically vulnerable group please wait until you are contacted by the NHS for your vaccination appointment.
Rapid testing - this is targeted COVID-19 Rapid Testing for key workers with no symptoms. More information is available at www.tameside.gov.uk/rapidtesting
For information on the latest restrictions for Tameside, local support, advice and service changes, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus
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. | |||
