If you would like to come along, please let us know by 28 March at ppi.team@berkshire.nhs.uk.

The Agenda is available to download here. Papers are listed below:

Around 300 worshippers at the Jamme Mosque in Reading had the unique opportunity of getting checked for diabetes as they arrived to offer their Jumma (Friday) prayers today. The free diabetes screening was organised by NHS South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group in partnership with Silver Star Charity, Cardio Wellness Charity and NHS Berkshire.

The Imam of the mosque used his sermon to remind the congregation of the free screening available to them. In all, 109 people tested for diabetes and many of them were found to have high risk of diabetes.

The mosque is frequented largely by Asians and members of Black Minority Ethnic (BME) Group, which is usually hard to reach.

South Asian people who live in the UK are up to six times more likely to have Type 2 diabetes than the white European population, and with diabetes prevalence in England predicted to increase by 47 per cent by 2025, the condition will continue to have a considerable impact on south Asian communities across the UK.

South Reading CCG chair Dr Elizabeth Johnston said, “Detecting diabetes in the early stages, when individuals are not experiencing any symptoms, is important. Taking the screening test to local communities and to their places of worship will help pick up people who are not aware they even have diabetes. A simple finger prick test is all that is needed to detect raised sugars in the blood.”

South Reading CCG has committed to offering diabetes screenings in religious and faith centres to be able to prevent diabetes-related health complications. “Over two weeks we have screenings to target Nepalese community. Next Friday the Central Jamme mosque would host the screening to reach out to the Bangladeshi community. We also have a screening session at the Hindu temple in Reading,” added Dr Johnson.

Left untreated diabetes can cause cardiovascular disease, amputations or strokes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

Chairmain of the Mosque Bashir Choudhry said, “Dueto lifestyle choices as well as genetic influences, diabetes is very common in our community. Our doors are open to NHS and any other organisation, who want to spread awareness on crucial health issues.”

MP Rob Wilson who visited the mosque to express his support in this partnership, said:

“I am delighted to support this initiative and would strongly encourage constituents to get tested for diabetes. Quite simply, diabetes testing can save lives. Almost 4 million people in Britain have type-2 diabetes and that number is rising. However, about a million people who have type-2 diabetes don’t know they have it. This means that they won’t get the NHS treatment that could really improve their health, and even save their life.

“It is an unfortunate fact that more people in the south Asian community seem to suffer from diabetes than other ethnic groups, so I really welcome this initiative to promote awareness in the community and the importance of testing.”

Ends

The meeting takes place in public on Tuesday 26 March at the Holiday Inn, Maidenhead SL6 2RA, from 10.30am. Full details, agenda and supporting documents can be found here. Documents to support the Board in its decision-making include:

 an Independent Consultation Analysis Report which contains information on the feedback received from the consultation

 a Decision Making Business Case which makes recommendations to the Board for its decision

The recommendations within the Business Case have the support of the GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) covering:

·Bracknell and Ascot

·Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead

·Slough

·south Buckinghamshire (Chiltern CCG)

The CCGs support the proposed service changes which would involve:

 developing a new Urgent Care Centre at the Brants Bridge NHS clinic, Bracknell, incorporating the MIU currently at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot

 developing a range of community and hospital based rehabilitation services that would replace the services currently provided at Ward 8, Heatherwood

 permanently closing the Ascot Birth Centre at Heatherwood

The CCGs have taken account of the concerns expressed about the proposals during the consultation and have made a number of commitments regarding implementation, subject to Board approval.

In discussing the recommendations, the Board will take account of the feedback expressed during the consultation and decide whether they should be taken forward. There will be no further comment until after the Board has made its decisions.

ends

• Draw your curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active in your home as possible.
• Wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days.

Keep your main living room at around 18-21°C (65-70°F), and the rest of the house at least 16°C (61°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.

How cold weather affects your health

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check up on them if you can. Read how to spot and treat hypothermia.

People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

You can find more information and advice on staying healthy in periods of cold weather in Winter health.

If you don’t know where to find a GP practice or are not registered with one, then visit www.nhs.uk/choosewell to help locate your nearest practice or walk-in health centre.

Parents can find out how to deal with common childhood illnesses including coughs, colds, sore throats, vomiting and diarrhoea by visiting www.choosewelltoday.com.

Remember, if you’ve had an accident such as an eye injury or deep cut you can be seen at minor injuries units instead of having to visit A&E.

Community pharmacists also offer expert advice around the most appropriate medicines to stock for a variety of common winter health complaints.

For advice about how long symptoms will last and how to relieve them is available from NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk

For more information visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk

People in Reading are warmly invited to meet the people responsible for commissioning most of the healthcare in Reading.

From April 1 next year, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will make most of the decisions about local health services, led by local GPs and other clinical staff.

South Reading CCG and North & West Reading CCG along with Reading LINk have organised a drop-in session on October 19 from 12 to 2 pm at Reading Town Hall in the Waterhouse Chamber.

Members of patient representation groups will be on hand to let people know how to have their say in local healthcare and how to join local patient groups. They can also find more about the two CCGs in Reading and their initial plans to develop health services.

Dr Rod Smith, chair of North and West Reading Clinical Commissioning Group said, “We want to make sure patients, their carers and their families are fully involved in all decisions about their care. Local people can work with GPs to help us to develop services that best meet patients’ needs.”

Dr Elizabeth Johnston, chair of South Reading Clinical Commissioning Group, said, “This is the chance to meet some of our local GPs and have key roles in the CCG. It’s an informal setting where you can ask questions on our plans for local health services. Please do drop in.”

South Reading’s Chair of Patient Voice, Carol Munt said, “This is a great opportunity to learn what the new system means to us-- the patients -- and to see that we do have the chance to make our voice heard. Please find the time to come and to see how you can join in to make sure that patient groups become stronger and, therefore, more effective.”

Bernard Dominic of North and West Reading’s patient group, Chair of Chairs said, “The drop-in session is a perfect setting where you will find out about the various ways that local people can get involved and influence plans, giving as much or as little time as they like so that services meet people’s needs.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• North and West Reading CCG is made up of 10 practices covering a population of about 106,000. In 2011/2012, the CCG worked closely with practices to make best use of resources by reducing the variation in how practices use some services. Nine of the ten practices are already using a tool to help the CCG better identify people with long term conditions who are likely to be high users of health services.
• South Reading CCG consists of 20 practices covering a population of about 124,000. Long Term Conditions is an area of focus and the CCG is using a tool to better identify people with long term conditions, who are likely to be high users of health services. This is alongside investment in community services for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure.
• NHS Berkshire East and NHS Berkshire West primary care trusts are now working together as NHS Berkshire, known as the Cluster. We are working with GPs and other clinicians who have formed clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to support them to prepare to take over the commissioning role in 2013. The Cluster role is to help you stay healthy or to get the care you need when you need it. We are responsible for buying (commissioning) your care from hospitals and other service providers including health services in the community and at home. The area we cover extends from Hungerford in the west to Slough in the east, and includes Bracknell, Reading, Wokingham, Newbury, Ascot, Maidenhead and Sandhurst. Together we have 107 GP practices, 120 NHS dental practices, 147 pharmacies and 84 optometry contracts. Our combined budgets total £1,227m and we serve a population of nearly a million.

People in east Berkshire will have the chance to hear more in June and July and to offer their views on ideas coming from the Shaping the Future programme, covering Heatherwood hospital, plans for minor injuries and urgent care services, rehabilitation services and the promised public consultation on the Ascot Birthing Centre.

This will be followed by public consultation over proposed specific service changes in the autumn.

Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire (Berkshire East and Berkshire West Primary Care Trusts – PCTs), said: “We thought it was important to confirm our thinking around Heatherwood at the earliest opportunity given the level of public interest in the future of the hospital.

“Although a lot of detail still needs to be worked out, we can say categorically that Heatherwood will form an important part of future healthcare provision, as will all our other local hospitals and the Bracknell HealthSpace.

“We will be putting forward our ideas on how some services could change so that they can bring more benefits to patients and address local health needs. Change does not mean reduction – what we are saying is that we are looking at solutions that give a future to much valued local facilities and give opportunities to provide care in ways that give the best possible outcomes for patients.

“In relation to the Ascot Birth Centre, the Trust has told us that it is not in a position to provide this service. As commissioners, we need to carefully consider health needs, understand where these are and come to a view as to the best way to meet them, taking into account previous usage of the centre and patient choice.”

Philippa Slinger, Chief Executive of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A future without Heatherwood simply does not stack up.

“We know there is still lots to do to bring both Heatherwood and Wexham Park up to the required standard for 21^st century healthcare – but we hope this announcement will reassure people that Heatherwood has a long-term future.”

Dr John Wiggins, the Medical Director at Heatherwood and Wexham and co-chair of the Shaping the Future Clinical Steering Group, said: “Our starting point has been what’s best for patients and it has become clear that retaining Heatherwood is essential to deliver that vision, along with developing a high quality service at Wexham Park.”

Dr Asif Ali, a Slough GP and co-chair of the Shaping the Future Clinical Steering Group, said: “We are committed to only make changes where there is clear evidence that they will improve quality and meet the evolving needs of local people. That work is ongoing, but we have reached the point where we know that we will need to provide services from all existing sites.”

Ends

Further information:

Martin Leaver, tel. 0118 982 2926 / 07966 174 183

www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuture

* The Shaping the Future programme is a joint commitment by all elements of the NHS in east Berkshire to ensure the best possible services are provided in the right places taking into account changing health needs, advances in medicine and technology and financial viability.

Doctors and other clinicians have been leading detailed investigations around smarter ways of working and optimum use of buildings. Key drivers are providing services as close to home as possible, a greater focus on the needs of patients with more ‘one stop’ clinics and fewer unnecessary hospital visits.

Shaping the Future was launched in the summer of 2011. There was an initial period of engagement in September/October 2011. Feedback from this time has been taken on board. Since then programme representatives have been listening to patients, carers and key leaders in our communities who want to help find long-term answers for healthcare provision in east Berkshire.

A further period of engagement is scheduled for June/July with public consultation relating to specific proposed service changes due to run from September-December 2012.

The party of nine including public health staff, consultants, nurses, and volunteers from the hospital were all greeted by The Queen at the gates to Windsor Castle during the event.

Sally Kemp, Chair of NHS Berkshire who led the delegation said: ‘It was a fantastic occasion and a real honour for us all to have met The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to mark her Jubilee. The Queen also took the opportunity to talk to a member of our delegation which was very kind and thoughtful of her. It was the first time I had met the Queen which made the day even more special for me.’

Ornella Alleway, Public Health Administrator/Health Activist at NHS Berkshire East based at the King Edward VII hospital said: ‘I felt very honoured and privileged to have met The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on the Jubilee walkabout. It was a very special day for me, one that I will always remember.’

Chris Heitzmann, who is a volunteer for Friends of King Edward at the hospital, said: ‘It was a very pleasant occasion and a wonderful day celebrating the Jubilee. I didn’t feel too nervous because I’ve met The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at a previous event at Windsor Castle – but it was still special.’

The full group included: Sally Kemp (Chair, NHS Berkshire whose role is to provide leadership to the Board and ensure effective contribution of non-executive directors); Ornella Alleway (Public Health Administrator/Health Activist NHS Berkshire East who provides support to NHS Berkshire East’s Director of Public Health, public health consultants, bank health activists and health trainers); Jean Heitzmann (Friends of King Edward); Chris Heiztmann (Treasurer, Friends of King Edward he is a volunteer and helps to raise funds for the hospital for specialist equipment), Elizabeth Pass (Site Services, King Edward VII), Dr Richard Russell (Consultant Chest Physician and Director of Medical Education, King Edward VII); Joanne King (Night Nurse Practitioner and Lead COPD and Oxygen nurse, King Edward VII); Linda Nelson (District Nurse Lead in Windsor, King Edward VII); Veronica Cairns (Public Governor Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead).

Berkshire Vision and Resources Exhibitionwill take place on Wednesday, 20 March at the Hilton Hotel, Drake Way, Reading, RG2 0GQ (10am to 3pm) and anyone with an interest in this field are also welcome to attend.

Activities will include:

• Exhibits showing the latest advances in the home and at work to help blind and partially sighted people;
• A talk about diabetes and its relationship to visual impairment by Amy Smith, Consultant Opthalmologist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (11.30am to 12.30pm);
• Advice for people with a visual impairment and their families about the help available to them.

The day has been organised by Berkshire County Blind Society (BCBS) with the support of the Berkshire Low Vision Service Committee and NHS Berkshire’s Eye Care Forum. Sponsorship has been provided by local solicitors Blandy & Blandy LLP

Tom Conlin, Chief Executive at BCBS said: ‘We’re hoping to attract local people, both with and without a visual impairment, GPs, carers and families to this free event. It will include information and exhibits to raise awareness of the work being carried out to help the people with a visual impairment to better manage their conditions and to maintain as much independence as possible.’

Dr. Jimmy Lennox, Chair of NHS Berkshire’s Eye Care Forum, said: ‘This event ties in with our aim of improving services for people with visual loss. It is also an opportunity for local GPs and other clinicians to broaden their knowledge in this field, and they are welcome to attend.’

For further information please contact BCBS on 0118 987 2803 or email: office@bcbs.org.uk

Having listened to the views of stakeholders and patients, Berkshire West CCGs prioritised a review of how people who suffer from Long Term Conditions can more effectively support themselves. The aim of the review is to set ensure the most appropriate and accessible services are made available.

As part of the review we are asking people who suffer from a Long Term Condition to complete an online survey, and/or attend a focus group. The survey will take no more than 10 minutes and is completely anonymous. No identifying information will be taken or stored.

Details of the Focus groups are on this poster with an additional focus group in Wokingham on Friday 8th March 2013, 1.45-2.45 pm at

Wokingham Town Hall
Market Place
Wokingham, RG40 1AS

The survey link can be accessed here.

If you would like to come along , please let us know by 4 March at ppi.team@berkshire.nhs.uk.

The Agenda is available to download here. Papers are listed below:

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 7 May 2013
14.30 – 17.15 hrs, The Oakwood Centre, Woodley

Organisers are in the process of contacting all those who said they planned to attend the original event. Additional spaces may also be available for others interested in attending what will be the last of the eight consultation events. Well over 300 people have attended one so far.

Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire, said: “Many people have already taken the time to get involved in the Shaping the Future consultation over proposed changes to health services currently based at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, which are used by people living in east Berkshire and south Buckinghamshire.

“These events have proved a valuable opportunity for us to talk about the proposals in detail with local people. We are listening to what people have to say. We want to understand what is important to them and why it is important.

“The consultation, which began in October, ends on 31 January. We want as many people as possible to pass on their views before then.

“The local NHS has already committed to keep Heatherwood as a hospital offering high-quality planned surgery, securing its future by modernising its facilities. This would be part-funded by selling off some land that is no longer needed.

“The specific proposals within the consultation relate to:

• providing rehabilitation services, including stroke rehab, in patients’ own homes wherever possible rather than at Ward 8 at Heatherwood
• moving the Minor Injuries service from Heatherwood to a new Urgent Care Centre offering a wider range of services within the existing Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic at Brants Bridge
• permanently closing the Ascot Birth Centre midwife-led maternity unit at Heatherwood with women’s birth choices supported through a network of other midwife-led and consultant-led services

“You can read more in the consultation documents. There are a number of ways in which you can get hold of these:

• Call 0118 982 2709 or email STFteam@berkshire.nhs.uk
• Visit www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuturewhere you can read and download the documents
• Pick up a copy at your local GP surgery

“Each document contains a questionnaire which can be completed and returned – or you can fill it in online. So far over 230 consultation responses have been received. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your say before the deadline on 31 January. Final decisions will be made in public in March.”

Before any decisions are made patients are being contacted to engage them in this process and to ensure that their views are taken into consideration. The engagement process will enable patients to give their feedback.

Drop in sessions are being held, representatives from both GP practices will be present so that concerned patients can talk to them in person.

Daytime meetings will be held at:

California Association Ratepayers Hall
Finchampstead Road
Finchampstead
Berkshire
RG40 3RL

The evening meeting will be held at:

Finchampstead GP Surgery
474 Finchampstead Road
Finchampstead
Berkshire
RG40 3RG

Have your Say!

Consultation on the Royal Borough's draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS)

What services are most important to your health and wellbeing and that of your family and friends?

That's the question being posed in this important consultation about the new draft Joint Health and Wellbing Strategy. Your views are needed to help shape the future of healthcare services in the Royal Borough.

From April 2013 buying services that are important to the whole community will be the responsibility of two new Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) covering Windsor, Ascot (part of), Maidenhead and Bracknell with the remaining part of Ascot. Find our more and take part in the survey here.

Consultation on the Royal Borough's draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) - What services are most important to your health and wellbeing and that of your family and friends?

That's the question being posed in this important consultation about the new draft Joint Health and Wellbing Strategy. Your views are needed to help shape the future of healthcare services in the Royal Borough. Find out more and take part in the survey here.

More than 200 people have already taken part in the five events held so far to discuss proposed changes to local health services. Three more are now scheduled before the end of the consultation period on 31 January:

• 9 January – Ascot (6-9pm)* NEW EVENT

• 10 January – Bracknell (7-10pm)

• 18 January – Slough (6-9pm)

We are asking people to register their interest in attending in advance to help us run each event well. Places can be booked by calling 0800 148 8572 or registering online at: www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuture.

The consultation events are an opportunity to talk in detail to some of the senior doctors, nurses and others who are behind the proposals.

Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire, said: "These events have proved very popular. We want to give people as many opportunities as possible to talk to the clinicians behind the proposals. That’s why we have organised an extra event in Ascot on 9 January."

He added: "If there are better proposals than the ones we have on the table I am open to them. We are listening to what people have to say. We want to understand what is important to you and why it is important - as a resident, patient or potential patient. It is our job to explain these proposals clearly and simply."

The Shaping the Future public consultation began in October. It relates to proposed changes to three services – maternity, minor injuries and rehabilitation – which are used by people in east Berkshire and south Buckinghamshire. These services are currently provided at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot. The local NHS has already committed to retain and improve Heatherwood as a centre for planned surgery – its main role at present.

More information can be found in the Shaping the Future consultation documents which can be requested by calling 0118 982 2709 or emailing STFteam@berkshire.nhs.uk . Copies can also be downloaded from www.berkshire.nhs.uk/shapingthefuture

Thousands of copies have been sent out so far. As well as the consultation events, there are a number of other ways in which people can pass on their views. These include questionnaires which are available in the consultation documents and online. Around 150 people have completed a questionnaire so far.

• Making sure medicine cabinets are well stocked with basic items for colds, flu, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises – and hangovers. Pharmacists can advise on items to stock;

• getting repeat prescriptions from GPs and collecting medication from a pharmacy before the start of either holiday;

• Ringing NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for health advice day or night; or visit www.nhs.uk

• If an urgent problem can’t wait, the Reading Walk-in Health Centre in Broad Street Mall is open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day) or call Westcall GP out of hours service on 0118 978 7811;

• For the Walk-in Health Centre in east Berkshire visit Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, open 8am-8pm everyday (including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) or call east Berkshire GP out of hours on 0118 936 5390;

• Thinking which NHS service is most appropriate and only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency with life threatening or serious injuries.

• Visiting www.choosewelltoday.com to view two short videos focusing on advice for parents on how to deal with common illnesses for children and the other to promote locations of minor injury units.

For more information visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk.

• Making sure medicine cabinets are well stocked with basic items for colds, flu, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises – and hangovers. Pharmacists can advise on items to stock;

• getting repeat prescriptions from GPs and collecting medication from a pharmacy before the start of either holiday;

• Ringing NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for health advice day or night; or visit www.nhs.uk

• If an urgent problem can’t wait, the Reading Walk-in Health Centre in Broad Street Mall is open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day) or call Westcall GP out of hours service on 0118 978 7811;

• For the Walk-in Health Centre in east Berkshire visit Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, open 8am-8pm everyday (including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) or call east Berkshire GP out of hours on 0118 936 5390;

• Thinking which NHS service is most appropriate and only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency with life threatening or serious injuries.

• Visiting www.choosewelltoday.com to view two short videos focusing on advice for parents on how to deal with common illnesses for children and the other to promote locations of minor injury units.

For more information visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk.

• Making sure medicine cabinets are well stocked with basic items for colds, flu, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises – and hangovers. Pharmacists can advise on items to stock;

• getting repeat prescriptions from GPs and collecting medication from a pharmacy before the start of either holiday;

• Ringing NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for health advice day or night; or visit www.nhs.uk

• If an urgent problem can’t wait, the Reading Walk-in Health Centre in Broad Street Mall is open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day) or call Westcall GP out of hours service on 0118 978 7811;

• For the Walk-in Health Centre in east Berkshire visit Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, open 8am-8pm everyday (including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) or call east Berkshire GP out of hours on 0118 936 5390;

• Thinking which NHS service is most appropriate and only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency with life threatening or serious injuries.

• Visiting www.choosewelltoday.com to view two short videos focusing on advice for parents on how to deal with common illnesses for children and the other to promote locations of minor injury units.

For more information visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk.

With Christmas Day falling on a Tuesday this year, there will be a period of almost a week when it will be difficult to get a repeat prescription from GPs. Patients are urged to check that if they need to have a prescription filled over the holiday period, they go to their doctor and get it well in advance.

While pharmacies will be operating a rota over the holiday period, they will be unable to supply medications without a valid prescription. Everyone who needs regular medication should ensure they have at least two weeks’ supply to last them from 24 December onwards.

Dr Rod Smith, Chair of West Berkshire CCGs said: “We encourage people to prepare in advance for holiday periods. There will be several days around Christmas when GPs’ surgeries are closed and people will find it impossible to get repeat prescriptions for their regular medications.

"The out of hours service is set up to deal with urgent problems and asking them to complete emergency repeat prescriptions delays access to care for people with acute illnesses, so please arrange repeat prescriptions through your own surgery.

“We are urging anyone who thinks they may run out of drugs over the holiday period to get a repeat prescription and get it filled well before Christmas and the New Year. This is also the ideal opportunity, when you are in the pharmacy, to stock up on self care treatments for conditions like coughs, colds, and upset stomachs. Make looking after your health part of your general Christmas preparations”.

For further information visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk

The earlier HIV is diagnosed, the better the health outcomes. Most people who are HIV-positive now have a near normal life expectancy, thanks to effective medication that can be used to limit the damage the disease does to the immune system.

In line with other areas of the UK, NHS Berkshire is now conducting a pilot project to offer HIV tests to patients, including people registering at some GP surgeries in Reading. The national trigger point for offering testing to new registrants is when the number of people infected with HIV goes above two in every thousand in a population. In Reading this figure is now above two (precisely 2.8 per 1000 population) although this figure is still low compared to many places in the UK.

Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Assistant Director of Public Health, NHS Berkshire West said “Since April this year, five different GP practices have been offering all new patients aged 16 – 70 years registering with them the opportunity to have a quick HIV finger prick test. So far, around 150 tests have been carried out. When this pilot comes to an end in March 2013, we will evaluate patients’ and staff views and this will help us plan future HIV testing services in GP practices in Reading.”

Dr Alan Tang, Consultant Physician in Genito-Urinary Medicine at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said “Here at the Trust we are promoting the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis. The Trust is also working closely with NHS Berkshire West to promote the offer of a HIV test to hospital inpatients

“The UK is seeing increasing rates of infection in people with low or non-identified risk for HIV. The primary care and acute medical admission testing programmes aim to reach some of these people”.

This includes people with long term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, liver and kidney disease, as well as pregnant women – the service is available to those aged 16 to 64 years.

Carol Trower, Chief Executive of Berkshire’s Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: ‘Some of the people most at risk from flu should find it convenient to visit a community pharmacist for a free jab. We encourage them to take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated – remember, flu can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse.’

Carol said: ‘Pharmacists taking part in this scheme are complementing the seasonal flu vaccination programme currently being undertaken by GPs, and should help to increase uptake in Berkshire West.’
Free flu vaccinations were introduced at the community pharmacists at the start of November, and are available until the end of January 2013.

For information about the pharmacists taking part please view here

Find out about the proposed changes and take part in the online survey here.

Local pharmacies will be providing men with advice about their wellbeing and ways to stay healthy during ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’ (5-12 Nov).

Eye catching posters will be on display to encourage men to step inside the shop to meet their pharmacist.

Carol Trower, Chief Executive Officer for the Berkshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee said: ‘We want men to visit pharmacies more often whether to collect a prescription or to enquire about NHS medicines advice services. Even if they have just popped in to buy shaving foam and a razor, a face-to-face discussion with the pharmacist is often the key to safer and more effective medicines use.

‘This is important especially over winter when people get coughs and colds so knowing which medicines to take can ensure a more effective recovery.’

Pharmacies can also provide men with lifestyle advice and help them to quit smoking and most can also check their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.

Carol added: ‘There is no need to make an appointment to see a pharmacist; men can talk to us in confidence, in a private consultation area, even about symptoms that are very personal. Not only are we open during surgery hours, but many are also open at weekends and evenings – this may be important when your only option is to call the local GP out of hours service or visit accident and emergency.’

For further information about pharmacies visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/pharmacist

The aim of the service is to provide a clinic specifically for sick children to reduce travel times and avoid parents unnecessarily taking them to accident and emergency departments.

The new clinic will enable faster access to a doctor for parents who need medical support for their children when their local GP surgery is closed.

Once the CCG and its partners are satisfied the service will be robust, information about its opening times and availability will be released.

In the meantime, parents are reminded that there are alternatives to using accident and emergency departments including pharmacies, NHS Direct and the out of hours doctors service.

Young children often get coughs, colds or an upset stomach, all of which can easily be treated at home with the help of the local pharmacist and without having to visit the GP. Children with high temperatures, ie over 39 degrees centigrade, should be taken to see their family doctor.

Accident and emergency departments are intended for people involved in accidents or suffering from potentially serious illness, such as chest pains.

In Geoffrey Field School, 15 children completed the healthy lifestyle programme by actively participating in all eight sessions. The children reported that they increased their levels of activity by an extra hour each day by the end of the programme. Two-thirds of the children improved their fitness levels, shown by a reduction in their resting heart rates¹. They also increased their consumption of healthy food and reduced the average time spent in front of the TV by three hours during a school term week. Similar outcomes were achieved in the Whitley Park Junior School and, in addition, 7 out of 10 children achieved a healthy weight.

The aim of the programme is to encourage healthy lifestyles including healthy eating, and physical activity through positive behaviour change targeting children and their families. The programme helps to tackle excess weight in children and prevent childhood diseases and longer term conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancer.

Director of Public Health for NHS Berkshire West Dr Janet Maxwell said “Our aim is to support people living in Berkshire west to have the knowledge, skills, opportunities and services to manage their weight, and the weight of their family, so that together we reverse the rising trend of obesity. I am glad ‘Let’s Get Going’ has brought us one step closer to achieving that vision. We want to roll out this programme to other schools so that more children can benefit from it.”

Head Teacher of Geoffrey Field Junior School Charlie Clare, said, “The programme reinforced to both the children and the staff that physical activity can be exciting and innovative. Children can feel more energetic and able to concentrate better in their school work following the programme.”

People at increased risk of severe illness if they catch flu include those with long term conditions such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease and those with disorders like multiple sclerosis.

Pregnant women should be vaccinated to protect both themselves and their unborn child, and people over the age of 65 should also have the jab.

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘We urge everyone in the high risk groups to contact their GP practice for details of their flu vaccination programme which starts from October.

‘These people are at higher risk from flu which can result in serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse. This risk can be reduced dramatically by having the jab. GPs also routinely offer flu jabs to patients aged 65 and over.’

You should also have a flu vaccination if you live in a residential or nursing home or are a main carer. Front line health staff are advised to have a flu jab.

A short video which describes those at risk patients who should have the flu vaccination is available at www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/flu.

Eligible organisations can apply for a grant between £500 and £30,000 per year. The Partnership Development Fund will consider funding suitable projects for up to 1 year from April 2013. Applications to the fund must be submitted by 9^thNovember 2012.

For more details about this funding scheme and how to apply, please go to the Partnership Development Fund section.

If you can stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stay smokefree, and Stoptober leads smokers through a detailed step-by-step programme to help them achieve this goal.

From October 1, 2012 on behalf of NHS Berkshire, healthcare company Solutions4Health will start delivering smoking cessation services across the county.

The new campaign includes a preparation pack, 28-day Quit Calendar and Health & Wealth wheel.

“We want to help as many people as possible in Berkshire to become smokefree”, says Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health, NHS Berkshire.

“We know how difficult trying to stop smoking can be for many people. Stoptober offers smokers a supportive and encouraging process to follow to help become smokefree within a month. It encourages smokers to share their experiences and tap into all the social and support that is available to help them in their quit attempt.”

Smokers will also receive support and encouragement through a daily messaging service, inspiration from celebrity (is there a local one in the national toolkit?) mentors, and expert advice via:

• • Stoptober app (available via Smartphone)
• • Motivational text messages
• • Facebook page

As well as the financial benefits of stopping smoking, those undertaking the 28 day programme will experience physical improvements including a better sense of smell and taste and more energy.

Longer term, those who stop smoking reduce their risk of heart disease and lung cancer as well as protecting others from their second hand smoke.

Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in Berkshireand each year it accounts for over 100,000 deaths in the UK and one in two long-term smokers will die prematurely from a smoking disease.

Stoptober 2012 kicks off on Monday 1 October and runs for 28 days. For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober.

Chris got his flu jab and launched the NHS South of England (Central) flu campaign at his doctor’s surgery in Mortimer, Berkshire on Monday 1 October at 1.30pm.

An Olympic diver with Team GB, Chris came fifth in the London 2012 men’s 3 metre springboard synchro event with teammate Nicholas Robinson-Baker.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch, and it can be a really serious illness for some. Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women, and those with long term health conditions such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints, liver or kidney disease and neurological conditions and diabetes.

From 1 October 2012, those people at most risk will be encouraged to get flu safe with a free flu jab from their GP. The NHS in England is launching theFlu Safe campaign to remind people that they should get a flu jab. Flu Safe is a national message to highlight the importance of getting the jab, and carries facts about flu to dispel common misconceptions.

Chris Mears, Team GB, said: “This summer I fulfilled my dreams of becoming an Olympian. Being at greater risk of serious complications from flu, the flu jab for me is a must and helps to make sure I stay protected, well and able to continue to follow my dreams.”

Dr Paula Jackson, Consultant in Public Health for NHS Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, representing the South Central region, said: “Flu is not just a cold – it can be a really serious illness for some people and it doesn’t just affect older people. If you’re pregnant, have lowered immunity or a long term health condition such as severe asthma, a chest or heart complaint, or diabetes then you should get a free flu jab from your GP and get flu safe. The flu jab is completely safe, and it can’t give you flu.”

NHS South of England (Central) is also encouraging the carers of those who may be at risk, to get the flu jab now, and get protected. NHS frontline staff, including social care staff, are also being encouraged to get the free jab to protect themselves and those around them.

The flu vaccine changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had a jab last winter you need another one this year to stay flu safe. The jab doesn’t contain the ‘live’ virus so it cannot give you the flu.

Dr Jackson added: “Flu can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and can make existing conditions much worse. Flu can knock you off your feet and make it hard to look after the kids or go to work. In the most serious cases, seasonal flu might land you in hospital - it can even be a killer.”

Dr Chris Strang, Chris’s GP and Senior Practitioner at Mortimer Surgery, Berkshire, said: “If you’re in any of the ’at risk’ groups, the flu jab is completely free and is a safe way of protecting you and your family in a matter of minutes. Our practice exceeded the national average for vaccinating those with long term conditions under 65 last year. We have set our sights even higher this year and aim to vaccinate all patients in this at risk group.”

The best time to be vaccinated is at the start of the flu season from October to early November, so it’s good to get in early and get flu safe in time for the winter.

Simply contact your GP to arrange a convenient appointment and get your jab. It’s quick, safe and free for those most at risk from the virus.”

For more information, speak to your GP or local pharmacist, or visit www.nhs.uk/flu.

The Tooth Bus will be stopping at the Asda shopping centre, Telford Drive, Slough from 10th - 15th September and outside the Queenmere Shopping centre in the Town Square from 17th - 22nd September. Winchester-basedIosis Dental Clinics Ltd has been commissioned by NHS Berkshire to deliver the service which will provide free dental check-ups to people who have not seen an NHS dentist for two years or more.

Shapour Hariri, Director of Iosis Dental Clinics said:

“This is a major new dental health drive that aims to actively tackle the perceived lack of access to NHS dental services across Berkshire. Our new Tooth Bus will be in Slough and touring across Berkshire providing oral health education together with a free dental check-up for patients who have not seen an NHS dentist in the previous two years. If a patient is found to need treatment, they will be referred on to a local NHS dental practice so that they can receive ongoing dental care.

“We have been running a similar mobile service to selected communities in Hampshire over the last two years which has been very successful and well received by the community. Mobile health care of this sort is a fantastic way of reaching out to communities who may not have easy access to dental or health clinics and can also be a good way of connecting health care with hard to reach communities.”

Director of Public Health for Berkshire West, Janet Maxwell said: “It’s great news that the Tooth Bus is in Berkshire. We have set a priority to improve access to NHS dental services and this will help us reach more people and signpost them to local dentist for on-going support. It has become increasingly important to keep our teeth and gums healthy. It is recognised that good oral health contributes to overall health and wellbeing so we are keen to encourage people to have regular dental checks. If you haven’t been to an NHS dentist in the last two years, now is the chance to get a free check-up.’’

The bus will be stopping at easily accessible points such as shopping centres, supermarkets and community centres across Berkshire, including Slough. Patients wanting to use the service should visit www.toothbus.co.ukto find a full list of locations for where the bus is visiting, or call 0844 880 5331.

Opening Times for Berkshire East

Opening Times for Berkshire West

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health NHS Berkshire West, said: “It can be tempting to try to push yourself, especially if you are with friends. So the first piece of advice is not to get too competitive.

“It's very important to warm up properly for a minimum of 10 minutes. Start with a few minutes of gentle exercise, such as walking or jogging, to get the blood flowing to your muscles. Gradually increase the pace until you are exercising at a higher pace.’

“Once your muscles are warm, do some gentle stretching exercises, paying particular attention to the muscle groups that you will be using – for example, legs for running and arms and shoulders for racquet sports.”

A gentle cool-down after exercise will mean less muscle stiffness and soreness afterwards.

Most mild sprains and strains can be self-treated and will start to improve within 72 hours without the need for a GP appointment. Janet Maxwell said: “We recommend RICE guidelines for mild sports injuries – this stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest the injured joint or muscle and avoid activity. Apply ice or frozen veg wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes, every two to three hours during the day, but not while you sleep.

“Use a crepe or elastic bandage to limit any swelling, but take the bandage off before you go to sleep. Keep the injured area raised and supported on a pillow to reduce swelling. Taking the recommended dose of paracetamol will relieve any pain.”

Local community pharmacy staff can give advice on treating mild strains, sprains, aches and pains. Pharmacy staff are working with the local NHS to help people to use the right health service first time, as part of the Choose Well campaign. Health leaders believe more than 51 million people a year who visit their GP with common complaints could either care for themselves or visiting their local high-street pharmacy for help.

The message is to enjoy exercise, take inspiration from the Olympics and listen to your body at the same time.

NHS information and advice is also available on line at www.nhs.uk

The changes proposed in this consultation will update the arrangements and regulations for local authority health scrutiny and help to ensure that the interests of patients and the public are at the heart of the planning, delivery and reconfiguration of health services.

The consultation seeks views on whether health service reconfiguration and referrals should also include a:

• requirement for local authorities and the NHS to agree and publish clear timescales for making a decision on whether a proposal should be referred
• new intermediate referral stage to the NHS Commissioning Board for some service reconfigurations
• requirement for local authorities to take account of the financial sustainability of services when considering a referral, in addition to issues of safety, effectiveness and the patient experience
• requirement for health scrutiny to obtain the agreement of the full council before a referral can be made.

Find out more and take part in the consultations here.

CCGs are groups of GPs that will, from April 2013, be responsible for designing local health services In England. CCGs will work with patients and healthcare professionals for commissioning or buying health and care services in partnership with local communities and local authorities.

Chair of West Berkshire CCG Federation Dr Rod Smith said, “We are very pleased to have such high calibre leaders and we are sure the CCGs will greatly benefit from their wealth of experience in meeting our priority to make sure services are patient-focused and people get the right treatment they need in the most efficient, professional and caring way possible within available resources."

As Accountable Officer Designate, Cathy Winfield will be responsible for ensuring that the CCGs fulfil their statutory duties in commissioning healthcare. She said, “I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Accountable Officer and I’m looking forward to working closely with my GP colleagues across Berkshire West to further improve healthcare services for our local population.”

Currently, Janet Meek is Acting Director of Finance and Performance for NHS Berkshire Cluster. On her new role she said, “This is a huge opportunity to ensure that the whole health and social care system works effectively as more and more patients are treated in the community and in their homes. My focus will be on supporting the clinical leaders and partners to ensure that resources are best utilised across the health economy particularly to support innovation and change in the improvement of healthcare in Berkshire West.”

The four CCGs in Berkshire West are:

NHS Newbury and District CCG

NHS North and West Reading CCG

NHS South Reading CCG

NHS Wokingham CCG

For more information please contact

Archana Sharma

Communications and Media Adviser

archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk

Tel: 0118 982 2944

Notes to the editor:

NHS Newbury CCGcomprises 11 practices in Berkshire West, spanning an area stretching from Lambourn to Thatcham. List of member GP practices is here.

NHS North and West Reading CCGcomprises 10 GP practices who have worked with common values to develop services and share best practice. The practices have a track record of working together through fundholding and Practice Based Commissioning to deliver improvements to services and make cost effective use of health resources. List of member GP practices is here.

NHS South Reading CCGis made up of 20 GP practices, many of whom have worked together over a number of years through Practice Based Commissioning. The practices have a track record through Practice Based Commissioning and Clinical Commissioning of developing alternative pathways and service redesign projects locally as well as taking a lead role on QIPP projects across the local health economy. List of member GP practices is here.

The overarching vision for NHS Wokingham CCG is a network of excellent quality healthcare services for local people, based on good patient experience, best possible patient outcomes, comprehensive and sustainable primary and community care. This will be achieved with robust patient and public input to commissioning of clinical services and strong partnership working. The CCG is committed to actively involving all practices in Wokingham in its work, to evidence-based commissioning, financial sustainability and reduced reliance on secondary care. List of member GP practices is here.

NHS Berkshire East and NHS Berkshire West primary care trusts are now working together as NHS Berkshire, known as the Cluster. We are working with GPs and other clinicians who have formed clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to support them to prepare to take over the commissioning role in 2013. The Cluster role is to help you stay healthy or to get the care you need when you need it. We are responsible for buying (commissioning) your care from hospitals and other service providers including health services in the community and at home. The area we cover extends from Hungerford in the west to Slough in the east, and includes Bracknell, Reading, Wokingham, Newbury, Ascot, Maidenhead and Sandhurst. Together we have 107 GP practices, 120 NHS dental practices, 147 pharmacies and 84 optometry contracts. Our combined budgets total £1,227m and we serve a population of nearly a million.

NHS Berkshire matchfunded the Swastha Prabhesh project, focussing on supporting women and elderly men from the Nepali community to learn English language and improve their access to health services. Following a successful bid, the European Integration Fund supported the project by funding 75 % of the costs, their highest rate of co-financing in recognition of its innovative nature. NHS Berkshire East is the first PCT to receive such a funding.

While accepting her Health Trainer certificate Himshikha Sujapati emphasised the significance of her new role with an anecdote. “A Nepali lady went to her GP with problems in her hand and the doctor prescribed her some creams for superficial pain. The condition didn’t improve and some days later she explained to us in Nepalese that she is getting pins-and-needles in her hand. We explained her symptoms to the doctor in English and she was diagnosed with a nerve problem and the medication worked this time. It is important to know the language to access any service effectively.”

Assistant Director, Public Health NHS Berkshire East Angela Snowling said, “The interest from the community in learning the language has been tremendous. Many women were homesick, lonely and wary of going out because they didn’t know English. Now they are much more confident and have made friends through the courses they attended. Our team was delighted to hear their stories and how it made a difference to their lives.”

The project has had lots of benefits outside of ESOL training, added Angela Snowling. “Language barrier can be a clinical risk. A member of the community translated breast cancer screening advice in Nepalese and this is now being used nationally.”

Around 150 women completed English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course and 21 Nepalis completed health activist training of which three went on to qualify as NHS Health trainers.

Bracknell forest Council Leader Cllr Paul Bettison said he was immensely impressed by the commitment of the Nepali women to learning English and their confidence in displaying what they have learnt at any age. Some of the women are in their 70s.

MP Dr Lee said the courses will go a long way in ensuring that the Nepali community is integrated into the existing community in Bracknell.

His Excellency Dr Chalise said, “I would like to thank the NHS and Bracknell Forest Council for their initiative in funding and running the project. I commend each and every learner for successfully attempting to learn English. Nepal shares an outstanding relationship with the UK and learning and accepting each other’s culture, values and way of life will ensure that the relationship continues to deepen.”

The project has been running since 2010 in partnership with the Adult Learning Service of Bracknell Forest Council. Language classes take place in Sandhurst and Bracknell on most days of the week throughout term time. Many students were relatives of veterans and serving personnel of the Gurkha regiment at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst where the service is also delivered.

As well as learning English, students also attended Skilledforhealth classes, a programme in health literacy covering topics from healthy eating to accessing health services effectively. In partnership with the local fire service, Fire Awareness was added to this programme.

For more information please contact

Archana Sharma

Communications and Media Adviser

archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk

Tel: 0118 982 2944

The event will be held on Thursday, 12^thJuly (11.15am-1.15pm) at Wokingham, Town Hall, Market Place, RG40 1AS. It will include two keynote speeches and round tables discussions - free lunch will be provided.

It is being organised by Wokingham Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Berkshire and Wokingham Borough Council.

Dr Richard Perry, chair of the Wokingham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: ‘We want a more joined up approach between health and social care services in the treatment of people with long term conditions.

‘All too often different services over lap when providing care for patients with these type of conditions, and our priority is to find ways of better co-ordinating them so patients get a more effective service.'

Andrew Price, Commissioning Support Manager at NHS Berkshire, said: ‘We urge local people to come along to the meeting and join in the discussions – we really value their views and opinions which will help us shape service provision in this area.’

To confirm attendance or for more information contact: Amanda.gordon@wokingham.gov.uk or ring 0118 974 6850.

The framework is a list of questions which help areas check:

1. What good things are happening to keep people with learning disabilities and their families healthy where they live.
2. What things need to get better to keep people with learning disabilities and their families healthy where they live.
3. What needs to be done to make things better about health.

The Primary Care Trusts and the Learning Disability Partnership Boards make sure this process happens across the country.
The deadline is 31 July 2012.

All GP surgeries will be open but some may be providing a reduced service by treating only urgent cases.

If you are ill and require non-urgent treatment, contact NHS Direct at www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect- if you do not have access to the internet, call 0845 4647.

Remember, A+E and 999 services are for people with a life threatening or serious condition that needs immediate attention, such as a heart attack, a stroke, breathing problems, or a serious accident.

NHS Berkshire is urging families to take small steps during Child Safety Week (18-24 June) to protect their children from accidents.

The Primary Care Trust has organised a workshop “Preventing accidental injuries in children and young people in Berkshire West” --to agree on a new injury prevention strategy with all local organisations and agencies.

Simple things like making sure your hot drink is safely out of reach of small hands, practising with children how to cross the road safely, or fitting and checking smoke alarms can all be significant steps to ensuring children’s safety.

Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West Janet Maxwell said:

“Many accidents that kill, injure or disable children are preventable. Child Safety Week gives us the opportunity to put accident prevention at the top of everyone’s list. It’s definitely not about wrapping children in cotton wool. We want families to understand the real risks to children and gain practical safety skills.”

NHS Berkshire works closely with local councils, children’s centres, The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and health staff who work closely with children, such as health visitors and school nurses; to help families prevent serious accidents and tackle the problem head on.

Ends

For more information please contact

Archana Sharma

Communications and Media Adviser

archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk

Tel: 0118 982 2944

During June and July there will be many opportunities for people to get involved in discussions and air their views on the emerging vision from the Shaping the Future programme which aims to find the best solutions for local healthcare for years to come based on providing high quality patient care closer to home wherever possible.

Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire, said: “A full public consultation on suggested improvements and changes to health services in east Berkshire is planned to start in autumn 2012. Before then we want to share our developing ideas and get feedback on them to help us shape the final proposals.”

Philippa Slinger, Chief Executive of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are looking forward to getting feedback from local people on our emerging vision. We really want to hear what they have to say.”

Dr John Wiggins, the Medical Director at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and co-chair of the Shaping the Future Clinical Steering Group, said: “Our starting point has been what’s best for patients.”

Dr Asif Ali, a Slough GP and co-chair of the Shaping the Future Clinical Steering Group, said: “We are committed to only make changes where there is clear evidence that they will improve quality and meet the evolving needs of local people.”

The ideas up for consideration include:

• The future of Heatherwood Hospital
  building a new surgical hospital with some surplus land sold and the proceeds invested in patient care
• Urgent care services
  providing a wider range of urgent care services linked to primary care within Bracknell
• Rehabilitation services
  enhanced community services so more patients can regain their independence at home
• Maternity services
  supporting women’s birth choices through a network of midwife-led and consultant-led services
• Outpatient services
  greater local access to integrated outpatient and diagnostic services
• Mental health services
  providing more mental health support closer to home

There will be Shaping the Future stands at community events and roadshows as follows:

• Friday 15 June
  Bracknell – Princess Square
  10am – 2pm
• Saturday 7 July
  Maidenhead – Nicholson Centre
  10am – 4pm
• Tuesday 10 July
  Ascot – Heatherwood Hospital
  12-5.30pm
• Thursday 12 July
  Slough – Observatory shopping centre
  10am – 3.30pm
• Windsor, tbc

More information is available here

NHS Specialised Services are working closely with ACHD patients, clinical staff and other relevant stakeholders to review the services currently provided and develop standards for future provision. This process will eventually lead to centres being designated to provide ACHD care.

Find out more and give your views on the NHS Specialised Services website.

The petition backing the plain packaging has already been signed by more than 50,000 people. It will be submitted for consideration by the government as part of its consultation.

Every year 340,000 children in England try smoking and 200,000 under-16s become regular smokers. Research shows they are more likely to be attracted by the designed promotional tobacco packs, than by plain packaging.

Evidence suggests that the impact of health warnings is lost on branded packs. Some brands are marketed in shiny packs or as ‘super slims’ which are particularly attractive to young women. By introducing plain packaging, the health warnings will become bigger and more eye-catching against a plain background.

Director of Public Health for NHS Berkshire East, Pat Riordan said, “The idea behind this proposal is to stop packaging itself acting as an advert to youngsters, tempting them into a highly-addictive habit that could seriously damage their health and lead to an early death. We urge people to participate in the consultation and make their views about plain packaging heard.”

If introduced, this new legislation will help to discourage children from smoking, as it will:
• make tobacco packaging look less attractive
• increase the effectiveness of health warnings
• prevent the use of misleading colours and branding to create false beliefs that some cigarettes are less harmful than others

The government’s consultation closes on 10 July. For details, visit: http://consultations.dh.gov.uk/

ENDS
Archana Sharma
Communications and Media Adviser
archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk
Tel: 0118 982 2944

More than 140 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in Berkshire and there are almost 30 deaths each year.

Around 72 local men are diagnosed with malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 68 women; however death rate is higher in men. This may be because men are less likely than women to protect their skin and in many cases don’t get their skin checked out until it’s too late according to a YouGov survey which was commissioned by Cancer Research UK last summer.

Over 50 per cent more men than women forget to protect their skin (23 per cent versus 15 per cent of women) and 75 per cent more men than women are not worried about getting sunburnt (8 per cent versus 14 per cent). Less than half of men (47 per cent) use at least factor 15 sunscreen compared to two thirds (66 per cent) of women.Men are also less likely to spend time in the shade (60% of men versus 72% of women) or cover up with clothing (41% of men versus 45% of women).Janet Maxwell Director of Public Health for NHS Berkshire West said: "Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and people can do a lot to avoid skin cancer by protecting their skin and avoiding sun beds.

“Check your skin regularly for changes to any moles, or new areas of pigmentation and see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes. When skin cancer is caught early, treatment is more likely to be successful, and fast action saves lives.

“These figures suggest that men might be less likely to take action than women, as more men die than women despite fewer men actually getting skin cancer – our message to them is, make sure you get any moles or lesions checked out as it could save your life."

If you work outside keep covered up and wear a hat and sunglasses when possible. Apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen for sports before you start work and reapply at lunch time. Spend your lunch break in the shade.

Check your skin regularly for changes to any moles, or new areas of pigmentation and see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes. Your GP will check a suspicious area of skin for free. If malignant melanoma is detected early there is a 97% survival rate. However, once the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically and life expectancy can fall to a matter of months.

If you notice any of the below changes to a mole you should tell your GP immediately. If a mole is:

• getting bigger
• changing shape or getting an irregular edge
• changing colour - getting darker, becoming patchy or multi-shaded
• itching or painful
• bleeding or becoming crusty
• Inflamed.

People most at risk are those with fair skins, lots of moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer. The SunSmart websitehas lots of information about protecting you and your children.

Ends

Archana Sharma

Communications and Media Adviser

archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk

Tel: 0118 982 2944

In Berkshire West, more than 330 people have been referred to the advisors who provide signposting, information and support to people with dementia (both early and late onset) and their carers and families. There are around 4,700 people over 65 years with dementia in Berkshire West (2011).

The primary care trust appointed Dementia Care Advisors as part of its Dementia Strategy after people with dementia made it clear that they wanted to be able to turn to someone for help and advice at any stage of their illness.

The Strategy was launched to improve the quality of care in local hospital, provide early diagnosis and fast treatment, give better support for patients living at home. The strategy also sought to create more awareness of the condition among health workers and carers.

Dementia Awareness Week from 20-26 May 2012 seeks to get people to remember the person behind Dementia and understand the condition.
Dementia is a syndrome that is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities including memory, thinking, language, understanding and judgement.

There are more than 1,000 people over 65 years with dementia in Slough and the number is predicted to increase to more than 1,500 in 20 years.

“Our patients with dementia and carers have fed back to us that they have been coping better at home and their feeling of well-being has also increased after the involvement of the Dementia Care Advisors,’’ said Helen Single Commissioning Manager for Long Term Conditions adding, “The number of people having dementia is expected to double over the next 30 years. We want health staff and the public to better understand the condition to enable them to inform patients of the benefits of early diagnosis.”

Karen Loughnane, Dementia Care Advisor in Newbury said “I feel so proud of being part of something that is making such a different to people with dementia. Seeing people from the first visit and seeing them gaining confidence to be able to do things that they want to, it is like watching a flower open ".

ENDS
Archana Sharma
Communications and Media Adviser
archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk
Tel: 0118 982 2944

NHS Berkshire has organised a series of events across Slough to get people to remember the person behind dementia and understand the condition. The primary care trust and Slough Borough Councilare pleased to announce the appointment of a new post of Dementia Care Advisor who will provide signposting, information and support to people with dementia (both early and late onset) and their carers and families.

Dementia is a syndrome that is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities including memory, thinking, language, understanding and judgement.

There are more than 1,000 people over 65 years with dementia in Slough and the number is predicted to increase to more than 1,500 in 20 years.

There will be a stall outside Wexham Park Hospital on Monday (May 21) and Landmark Place on Wednesday (May 23) from 10 am to 3 pmwhen people will be able to participate in optical illusion challenge to understand how dementia affects other areas of brain function and not just memory. Those who do well in memory board challenges will get key rings, balloons or even a chocolate bar.

On Friday (May 23), psychologist Ian Scott and occupational therapists Gurbinder Singh will wear elephant suits to stress the message that even they can forget at times outside Queensmere shopping centre from 10am to 3pm. All the stalls will have information on signs and symptoms of dementia and staff who will answer any questions on the condition.

Counselling Psychologist for Older Adults in Slough, Ian Scott said, “Supporting people with dementia is one of our top priorities. That’s why we created a new post of Dementia Care Advisor after people with dementia made it clear that they wanted to be able to turn to someone for help and advice at any stage of their illness.”

He added, “The number of people having dementia is expected to double over the next 30 years. We want health staff and the public to better understand the condition to enable them to inform patients of the benefits of early diagnosis.”

ENDS

Archana Sharma

Communications and Media Adviser

archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk

Tel: 0118 982 2944

A national lung cancer campaign –Be clear on Cancer – is running from 8 May to 1 July 2012 and aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor. Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable.

The primary care trust is urging people to visit their GP if they have had a cough for 3 weeks or more as it could be a sign of lung cancer.

Though lung cancer is the second most common cancer in England and Wales but it kills more men and women than any other form of cancer.

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55.

In Berkshire there is an average of 388 cases of lung cancer and 322 deaths every year.

However, when diagnosed at its earliest stage, as many as 80% of people are alive five years after diagnosis compared with only seven per cent diagnosed at a later stage.

Lung cancer affects people of all ages but is most common in those who are over 50. Although it is more common in smokers, around one in eight people with lung cancer has never smoked.

The risk of lung cancer gets worse as one gets older, but finding it early makes it easier to treat. So don’t ignore the symptoms or put off a trip to the doctor. It can make the world of difference and you won’t be wasting anyone’s time.

Janet Maxwell, Public Health Director for NHS Berkshire West said: “Cancer is not a death sentence as it’s commonly believed. If caught early, cancer is treatable and early diagnosis is extremely important with lung cancer. Therefore, if you have had a cough for the past three weeks or more, do visit your GP to get checked out.

“Sadly some patients don’t act on worrying symptoms for months and do not visit their GP. It’s very straightforward for your GP to examine you and determine whether to send you for further tests. If your GP wants to exclude the possibility of lung cancer, you will see a specialist within two weeks and they will then arrange for further tests and, if necessary, treatment. You will either get reassurance that it isn’t lung cancer, or you will find out that it is and have a better chance of survival.”

The events are part of the Dying Matters Awareness Week (14-20 May 2012), which has been organised by the Dying Matters Coalition to encourage people to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement.

This year, the theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week is ‘Small Actions, Big Difference’, aimed at encouraging individuals and organisations to take the simple steps that can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. Whether it is through sharing their wishes with someone close to them, registering to become an organ donor, writing a will, considering taking out a funeral plan or making an effort to speak to someone who has been recently bereaved, members of the public can take small actions that make a real difference.

The PCT is holding informal drop-in sessions across Berkshire (Reading, Wokingham, Slough, West Berkshire) from May 14-18 for members of the public and interested organisations to find out more.

In Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire, there will be market-style information stalls where people will have a chance to know more about coping with bereavement, local support services and how to broach the subject of death and dying with loved ones. There will be local solicitors to give free advice on will-making.

In Slough, there will be information stalls with representations from Age UK Berkshire, Berkshire NHS Healthcare Trust and NHS Berkshire.

Andrea Ching End of Life Care Lead for NHS Berkshire said, “One person dies every minute in England yet many of us feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues.
Sadly, there is a major mismatch between people’s preferences for where they would like to die and their actual place of death – 70% of people would prefer to die at home but more than half currently die in hospital.
Talking about dying, death and bereavement is in everyone’s interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.”

ENDS
Archana Sharma
Communications and Media Adviser
archana.sharma@berkshire.nhs.uk
Tel: 0118 982 2944

Notes to editors:

Events:

• 14 May at Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH from 2 - 4pm in the Waterhouse Suite

• 16 May at West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, RG14 5LD from 2 - 4pm in the Council Chamber

• 18 May at Wokingham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Shute End, RG40 1BN from 2 - 4pm in the David Hicks Room

• 16 May at Queensmere/Observatory shopping centre (opposite Primark) in Slough, from 1-3 pm.

• Making tobacco packaging look less attractive
• Increasing the effectiveness of health warnings
• Preventing the use of misleading colours to create false beliefs that some cigarettes are less harmful
• Removing the positive association with cigarette brands and image

Berkshire has 129,600 smokers and each year smoking costs Berkshire county as a whole approximately £ 202 million¹.

The total cost to the NHS of smoking in Berkshire is £39.7 million.

NHS Director of Public Health for Berkshire East Pat Riordan said, “Plain packaging aims to ensure that packaging itself cannot act as an advert to youngsters tempting them into a highly-addictive habit that could seriously damage their health and lead to an early death. We urge people to participate in the consultation and make their views about plain packaging registered.”

An online petition on http://www.plainpacksprotect.co.uk/ backing the plain packaging has already been signed by more than 32,000 people. It will be submitted for consideration by the Government as part of its consultation.

More than eight million people in England still smoke – it is one of biggest preventable killers causing more than 80,000 deaths each year. Nearly two-thirds of current and ex-smokers say they started smoking before they were 18.

Notes to editors:
¹The figures provided by the 'Reckoner' toolkit are estimates based on national surveys and research. The Health Economics Research Group (HERG) at Brunel University developed the toolkit in partnership with London Health Observatory and Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, and South West Public Health Observatory.

Dr William Bird (MBE) a west Berkshire-based GP known for his work on physical activity spoke about the health risks to children due to inactive lifestyle, which increases weight gain, low self esteem, pale skin among other problems.

He urged GPs to prescribe Fitirex® as a natural supplement for physical activity (PA) deficiency. Then to the amusement of his audience he revealed Fitirex® was nothing but a dose of physical activity which could even be walking out in the open.

Assistant Director Public Health Jo-Anne Alner said that the purpose of the event was to spread awareness of the various programmes that are available under the Activity for Health GP Exercise Referral Scheme in west Berkshire. “GPs, nurses and other health and social care professionals can refer patients to these programmes so that as many patients as possible can benefit.”

Also present was Jackie Gray, Arts and Leisure Development Officer for West Berkshire Council. “We have special sessions for anyone recommended or referred by their GP or health adviser to increase their exercise. These will include organised walks, falls prevention classes for older people and gym sessions that include equipment adapted for young people as well as those with limited mobility.”

Patients with weight issues or high blood pressure and other lifestyle diseases can also self-refer to a range of services. The eligible patients get 24 discounted sessions of the programme.

In the last 12 months, over 100 people joined eat4health, a weight loss programme for those who have Body Mass Index of more than 27, either referred by their GP or by calling in themselves.

And there were only 95 teenage conceptions in Reading in 2010 the lowest since the strategy was introduced.

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West said: ‘We welcome the continued fall in the number of teenage pregnancies in Reading. Our partnership with Reading Borough Council is clearly paying dividends helping teenage girls to avoid unplanned pregnancies. However, more work needs to be done to get the rate even closer to the national average.’

John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Education and Children’s Services at Reading Borough Council, said: “A tremendous amount of effort has gone into helping reduce these figures and it is heartening to see that having a significant effect.”

This success is due to the following factors:

• Reading ’s Walk-in Health Centre is a valuable resource in reducing conception rates among teenagers;
• The Teenage Pregnancy Strategic Partnership Board is jointly chaired by the Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire, Helen MacKenzie and Reading’s Director of Education and Children’s Services, Anna Wright;
• A pharmacy scheme ensures that young people in Reading can access Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) for free at 16 pharmacies across Reading;
• A young people’s health drop-in service providing information, advice and referral on all health issues, specifically sexual health and contraception advice;
• A Sexual Health Outreach Nurse continues to provide sexual and reproductive health services to the most vulnerable and at risk young people in Berkshire West;
• The C Card scheme was launched in March 2009 and provides young people under-19 better access to sexual health information and free condoms, leading to a greater awareness about safer sex, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

The rate of under 18 teenage pregnancies in the Wokingham and West Berkshire localities in 2010 also fell to 13.1 and 19.4 per thousand respectively.

Kelechi Nnoaham, Assistant Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Winter vomiting bugs can cause a sudden attack of vomiting, often accompanied by diarrhoea and tummy pains.

‘The illness spreads easily in closed communities like hospitals and care homes and usually only lasts for a couple of days; most people can recover by resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids.’

Kelechi added: ‘Norovirus can be more serious for some groups of people, especially for the young and elderly who are more generally unwell. If a baby or child is ill with either vomiting or flu-like symptoms and you have any concerns ring your GP or NHS Direct for advice.’

Jenny Wyeth, Matron for Infection Prevention and Control at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, saysmany people don't realise they continue to be contagious for some time after the symptoms have ended.

Jenny said: ‘We realise that people want to visit family or friends who may be in hospital - but we would ask anyone who has suffered from sickness or diarrhoea not to come into the hospital until at least 48 hours after the end of the symptoms. The patients you intended to visit will understand - and appreciate you staying away until you are fully recovered.’

To reduce the risk of catching the bug people are advised to:

• Wash their hands with soap and water after coming home from work or shopping, used the toilet or before preparing food;
• If they have the norovirus not to visit hospitals or health facilities, such as their GP practice, as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to vulnerable patients and staff;
• If they are suffering symptoms or caring for a family member, clean hard surfaces especially sinks and toilets with detergent followed by disinfection with household bleach solution to prevent environmental contamination and spread.

For information about treating common childhood illnesses or for more advice minor injuries units in Berkshire visit www.choosewelltoday.com

NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 4647.

This potential money wasted on unused or partially used medicines could pay for:

• 785 more nurses, OR
• 20,000 more treatment courses for Alzheimer’s, OR
• 1,319 more treatment courses for breast cancer, OR
• 5,393 more hip replacements, OR
• 20,811 more cataract operations

A campaign aimed at reducing unnecessary waste launches today across the eight PCT areas which comprise the NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority. The campaign asks patients to;

• Only order what they need;
• Return their unwanted medicines to their pharmacy for safe disposal and;
• Take their medicines with them when they go into hospital.

GPs and pharmacists across Berkshire have joined together in a bid to inform patients about their treatment and to help patients understand more about their medicines and the options they have.

One of the main concerns is repeat prescriptions, which are ordered and collected by patients but then not used. It is estimated that £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines are retained in individuals’ homes, across the UK, at any one time¹. Around half of all do not take or use their medicines as prescribed[i]. This can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• patients not believing the medicine is necessary;
• possible side effects;
• fitting taking or using medicines into daily routines;
• choosing between medicines if patients’ feel they are taking too many, and;
• cutting down or stopping medicines they have been taking for a long time.

Dr David Buckle, Medical Director at NHS Berkshiresaid: “Everyone involved in prescribing, dispensing or reviewing medicines needs to make sure that patients are involved in making decisions about their treatment and that more medicines are taken as recommended.

“Unwanted drugs in the home may mean that patients are not getting the benefit they could be from their medicines. It also represents a large amount of waste. We want patients on repeat prescriptions to think about what they are ordering and only ask for what they need and are running out of. Any other medicines can be dispensed when needed at a later date, as once medicines have been dispensed, they cannot be recycled”

The latest report from the Department of Health (Nov 23^rd 2010) cited Medicine Usage Reviews as a potential way to reduce waste. In 2011, NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) issued new guidelines to healthcare professionals on how to involve patients in making decisions about prescribed medicines and reduce the number of people not taking or using their medicines correctly.

Carol Trower, Chief Executive Officer, Berkshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee, said: “There are a number of reasons why medicines are going to waste; including people no longer taking or using the drugs. Others may be put at risk if unwanted medicines are left in the home.

"If anyone has any unused medicines at home we're encouraging them to take them back to the pharmacy for safe disposal and have a chat with the pharmacist about their medicines on how to use them more effectively."

Posters and leaflets will be displayed in pharmacies and GP practices to raise awareness of medicine waste among both patients and carers. In addition to this a high profile bus campaign which will run across the South Central region. Further information may also be found on the national website www.medicinewaste.com

Notes to Editors

The latest report by the Department of Health estimates that £300 million is wasted on unused medicines across England.¹

NHS South Central comprises NHS East Berkshire, West Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.

[1]Department of Health, Evaluation of the Scale, Causes and Costs of Waste Medicines, November 2010

Over the past few days we have seen the coldest spell of the winter so far, as very cold air has flooded across the UK from the continent. Temperatures have dropped as low as -9.4 °C and -10 °C is possible in places tonight.

Snow showers are expected along parts of the eastern coastline today and tomorrow, but most places will continue to see bright, dry and cold conditions (for more information visit the Met Office here)

Advice for Staying warm

Cold weather can lead to very serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes or pneumonia, and sometimes the cold weather can even kill – especially if you have a long-term health condition or are 65 or over. There are several things that you can do to help yourself, friends and relatives stay healthy in winter:

• Look after yourself and others. On cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.
• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active as possible.
• Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible;

You can also stay healthy in the cold weather by getting a free flu jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant; and by getting financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.

For more advice please visit the NHS Choices website here

For more information and to download a Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet view here

The campaign, launched this week (30^th January), gives simple information about bowel cancer symptoms and encourages people to visit their doctor if they have ‘loose poo’ or ‘blood in poo’ for more than three weeks.

Kelechi Nnoaham, Assistant Director Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Our advice to people who have symptoms that may be due to bowel cancer is to visit their GP without delay, as early diagnosis can help improve their chances of survival.’

Dr Jonathan Simmons, Gastroenterology Consultant at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘Bowel cancer is still one of the nation's biggest killers, yet with early diagnosis it can often be cured. This vital campaign will highlight to the public the importance of recognising new bowel symptoms and reporting them quickly to their GP. If you have a change in the way your bowel works, or bleeding from your bottom then don't sit on it - shout for help!’

Media and bus advertising, leaflets and displays will be promoting the message throughout the South of England up until the end of March. There will also be a number of events located in shopping centres, bingo halls and pharmacies.

Asmat Nisa, Assistant Director Public Health Directorate at NHS Berkshire East said: ‘Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in England, but catching it early makes it much more treatable.’

Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals Foundation NHS Foundation Trust is also supporting the bowel cancer campaign. For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer

ENDS

Notes to Editor

1. Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year. It affects both men and women and is the second biggest cancer killer responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year. Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk. It is estimated that 1,700 additional lives could be saved each year if England’s bowel cancer survival rate matched the best in Europe

2. The number of bowel cancer cases in Berkshire was slightly below the national average of 47.18 per 100,000 of the population; at 45.21 (2007/2009 figures).

Organisations interested in bidding to provide the new service need to register their interest with Reading Borough Council by 20^th February.

Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire Councils are working together with NHS Berkshire to fund the new service.

Their aim is to streamline processes and maximise the funding available for direct support to those who provide unpaid care to friends, family and neighbours who need a bit of extra help.

The requirements for the new service have been developed with local carers, drawing especially on comments made at a series of events held last summer to involve them in identifying key issues.

As caring can be so time consuming, carers really value support to find out about the various services which are there to help them and their loved ones.

Carers also want to see more being done to raise awareness of what being a carer means, and how a range of services could make themselves more ‘carer-friendly’.

The new service will offer a first point of contact for all carers, and include targeted action to reach those carers who are ‘hidden’ or less likely to be taking up support services at the moment.

The local authorities for the West of Berkshire and NHS Berkshire recognise the crucial role that carers play in society.

They are making some changes in how they invest in carer support so as to ensure that as many carers as possible are aware of their rights; carer awareness is raised amongst professionals; and the growing number of local carers with greater caring responsibilities can get the support they need and deserve. In particular, there will be additional investment in services which enable carers across the West of Berkshire to take breaks.

Launching the bidding opportunity, Mike Orton, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care in Reading said: “Family and other unpaid carers provide vital support to many people. When those carers require help or advice, this should be readily available. We are committed to working with our neighbours and health partners to put the services in place which carers tell us they value most.”

Julian McGhee Sumner, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care in Wokingham said: “Carers play an essential role in our community and we want to ensure they have access to the best information and advice possible. A joined up service will help to identify hidden carers, ensure they claim the benefits and practical support to which they are entitled and access the full range of health and social care services available. The service will also enable carers to have an effective voice to help shape services.”

Joe Mooney, West Berkshire’s Executive Councillor for adult Social Care, said: “Caring can be very demanding work. This scheme will help to raise awareness of the most important role that carers play and hopefully help to make their task a little easier.”

Bev Searle, Director of Joint Commissioning for NHS Berkshire, said: “We are delighted to be able to work collaboratively across the west of Berkshire. The new information service should be a great help to carers and should make it much easier for them to find the support they need.”

• Full details of this contract opportunity are available on the South East Business Portal at: http://www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov.uk

• To find out more about support for carers in the Reading area, see:http://www.reading.gov.uk/carers

• To find out more about support for carers in the Wokingham area, see: www.wokingham.gov.uk/socialcare/carers

• To find out more about support for carers in the West Berkshire area, see:http://www.westberks.gov.uk

The pilot started on the January 17th at Geoffrey Field Junior school, South Reading. Around 25 pupils and their families will be motivated to get fit, get active and learn more about healthier lifestyles over 8 weeks; under the guidance of highly trained nutrition and fitness instructors in a fun based environment.

The overall aim is to improve the health, wellbeing and the quality of life of children aged 8-11 years by enabling them to experience and learn more about being more physically active and eating a healthier diet. They will be encouraged to set personalised goals and develop their own plans to achieve those goals by the trained coaches and their teachers.

Also on offer will be a range of exciting sessions including cook and eat, gardening and supermarket trips, plus new and challenging activities to try like rock climbing and street dance. The kids will be encouraged to walk and cycle more in their everyday lives, becoming fitter and more energised.

Dr Onteeru ReddyProgramme Lead for Obesity and Diabetesat NHS Berkshire Westsaid: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer local children this innovative programme, equipping primary school children and their families to lead healthier, active and fulfilling lifestyles. Parents will be expected to be involved in some activities like the supermarket trips, cook and eat and gardening sessions. Following the pilot the plan is to roll out Lets Get Going in schools and possibly some leisure centres and community venues across Berkshire West in 2012/13.”

Charlie Clare the Head Teacher at Geoffrey Field Junior School is very excited by Lets Get Going saying: “Getting our families involved in this programme will give them the opportunity to think about how best they can use the fresh fruit and vegetable available throughout the year; it builds on the allotment programme we have established in our school, which has been very popular. We know that if children eat a healthy diet they will have more energy to learn, and we are very keen to work with parents on this new programme

• Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible;
• Get financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to;
• Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day;
• Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant;
• Look after yourself and others. On cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.

  For more information and to download a Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet view here

This includes two short videos focusing on advice for parents on how to deal with common illnesses for children and the other to promote locations of minor injuries units. Watch them at: http://www.choosewelltoday.com/

More advice includes:

• Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with basic items for colds, flu, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises – and hangovers. Your pharmacist can advise on items to stock;
• If you have repeat medication, get your prescription from your GP and collect your medication from the pharmacy before the start of either holiday;
• Remember, you can get health advice immediately, night or day from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47;
• If you have an urgent problem that can’t wait, you can go to the Reading Walk-in Health Centre in Broad Street Mall - open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day) or call Westcall GP out of hours service on 0118 978 7811;
• For the Walk-in Health Centre in east Berkshire visit Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough, open 8am-8pm everyday (including Christmas Day) or call east Berkshire GP out of hours on 0118 936 5390;
• Think which NHS service is most appropriate and only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency with life threatening or serious injuries.

Emergency pharmacy service

The following pharmacies will open on 25th December at the following times:

Berkshire West

• Lloyds Pharmacy, 266-268 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1AD between 11am and 2pm and 5.30pm-7.30pm.

East Berkshire

• HA McParland Ltd, 182 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AP, 1pm to 2pm;
• Khatkar Pharmacy, 9 Villiers Road, Slough, SL2 1NW, 1pm-2pm;
• Hetpole Pharmacy, 398 Dedworth Road, Windsor, SL4 4JR, 2pm-3pm;
• Bridge Pharmacy, 119 Bridge Road, Maidenhead, SL6 8NA, 1pm-2pm.

Check with your local pharmacy for opening times over Christmas and New Year.

Emergency dentistry

Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to find your nearest emergency dentist.

Injuries

With burns, scalds, deep cuts or similar non-emergency injuries visit the following Minor Injury Units each open 365 days a year at the following times:

• Minor Injuries Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham – 8am – 10pm and on Christmas day 10am – 6pm;
• Urgent Care Centre, St Mark’s Hospital, Maidenhead, 8.30am-5pm (weekdays) and 9am-1pm (weekends) and on Christmas Day 9am-1pm (and other public holidays);
• Minor Injuries Unit at Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot, 8am-10pm and on Christmas Day 10am-6pm.

Make sure you www.choosewelltoday.com

Factors that have led to this decision include financial constraints and changes around health needs. The primary care trust is talking to its partners on how to make best use of section 106 developer contributions to help improve GP practices in the area.

Charles Waddicor, the Chief Executive at NHS Berkshire said:

‘A lot has changed since the ideas for a health and wellbeing centre were first put forward eight years ago. Health needs are different and other local services such as the Reading Walk-In Centre have opened. We are also facing the biggest financial pressure the NHS has ever faced. The combination of all these factors means we have to consider very carefully how we make the best use of the funding available to us.’

Chares added: ‘It does mean that we can’t take forward our original plans for the Battle site. We have had to consider the multi-million pound investment that would need to be found to complete the centre and also consider the fact that frontline services would be affected by us having to fund the centre’s running costs. The viability of the centre was also affected by Reading Borough Council’s decision that it would no longer require part of the building to house social services staff.’

Dr Rod Smith, GP Lead for North and West Reading Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

‘Having looked at alternative solutions for the Battle site, we recognise that going forward with a health centre is no longer a viable proposal. We are committed to working closely with NHS Berkshire to find ways of how we might improve local health services in the area.

‘We are very aware that GP practices within the locality need help to improve their premises and enable them to provide more services to patients. We are talking to our colleagues at Reading Borough Council on how to make the best use of the section 106 developer contributions for Health Services in the local area.’

If you have any queries or concerns, please contact your GP surgery or NHS Berkshire’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0118 982 2829 or 01753 635615 Email: pals.berkswest@berkshire.nhs.uk or pals.berkseast@berkshire.nhs.uk.

Did you know that your local pharmacist can sometimes give you the fastest and most appropriate advice and treatment on health matters?

Carol Trower, Chief Executive Officer for the Berkshire Local Pharmaceutical Committee said: ‘Pharmacists can dispense your prescriptions - including repeat prescriptions. And now they’ve set up a new medicines review service to help patients with long term conditions.

‘We’ll also be encouraging people in the at risk groups to visit their GP toget their seasonal flu vaccination, and get them to make the best choice when selecting health services through the winter months.’

Carol added: ‘Many pharmacists are open at weekends and evenings - this may be particularly important to help people when their only option is to call the local GP out of hours service or visit A&E. A pharmacist can help advise if this is necessary or an easier solution is available.

‘There is no need to make an appointment to see a pharmacist, and you can talk to them in confidence, even about symptoms that are very personal. Many pharmacies now have a consultation room or area to provide privacy.

‘They may also provide a range of additional services including:

Health and life style advice, prescription collection and delivery, providing treatments for many minor ailments, as well as help with stopping smoking, reviews of medicines use and tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose. ‘

Isn’t it time you found out what’s available at your local pharmacy?

For further information please visit: www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/pharmacist

The events are being organised by Neurological Commissioning Support and NHS Berkshire for patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, acquired brain injury, epilepsy and motor neurone disease.

Helene Raynsford, Locality Public Health Lead at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘The focus groups are an opportunity for patients to give their views on the care and services they receive, and to help us shape future service design that is most suitable for their needs.’

The focus groups will take place on Thursday 3rd November (5.30pm-7.30pm); Friday 4th November (10am-12pm); Friday 4th November (2pm-4.30pm).

For more information please view here

People who wish to take part should email: deborah.matthews@csupport.org.uk

or helene.raynsford@berkshire.nhs.uk phone: 07795 044409.

Refreshments will be served but attendees must notify the organisers if carers are going to attend for catering purposes. Travel costs will be reimbursed with proof of receipt.

People with long term medical conditions are more at risk from flu and should be vaccinated against it. This includes people with chronic liver or kidney disease, neurological conditions such as stroke, muscular sclerosis or cerebral palsy, a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment, respiratory disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease and diabetes.

Pregnant women should also have the flu vaccination as they are at increased risk of severe disease and admission to hospital if they catch flu. The vaccine is safe for both mother and child anytime during pregnancy, and can help protect babies after birth.

People over the age of 65 should also be vaccinated.

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘GP practices in Berkshire will be offering seasonal flu vaccination from 1st October onwards. We would encourage everyone in the risk groups to contact their GP practice for details of their seasonal flu vaccination programme.

‘These people are at higher risk from flu which can result in serious complications, hospital admission or more devastating consequences – this risk can be reduced dramatically by having the vaccine. GPs also routinely offer flu jabs to patients aged 65 and over and you should also have a flu vaccination if you live in a residential or nursing home or are a main carer.

We have recorded a short video to explain which patients with long term conditions should have the vaccination, and you can download leaflets and posters from www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/flu

The new “cluster” organisation held its first Board meeting in Newbury, confirming Dr Geoff Harris as Chair and Sir Ian Carruthers OBE as Chief Executive, as well as all other Board members.

The four strategic health authority clusters are NHS South of England, NHS London, NHS North of England and NHS Midlands. They have been formed from the previous 10 SHAs in England in order to ensure the organisations are well-placed to continue to improve NHS performance and deliver the NHS reforms during this period of transition. .

From 31 March 2013 the strategic health authorities will be succeeded by a new NHS Commissioning Board, working with local clinical commissioning groups, led by GPs.

The first Board meeting of NHS South of England approved the appointments of executive and non-executive directors, and agreed corporate business and priorities.

Dr Geoff Harris said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointments of the new directors to the Board of NHS South of England. There are many challenges ahead but I am confident we will be able to meet these given the exceptional calibre of the people who have been appointed to lead the organisation for the next 18 months.”

Sir Ian Carruthers OBE said: “This is an exciting phase for the NHS. The number one priority is to keep our focus on improving the quality of care and NHS services for the benefit of the 13.4 million people who live in the south of England.

“We also need to make sure services are delivered in a timely and efficient way, so that the taxpayer receives value for money.

“A further important role will be to ensure we facilitate the organisational changes required for a modern NHS, so that the reformed service will be in the best possible position to continue meeting patients’ needs and improving care for the future.”

The executive team was confirmed as follows:

• Chief Executive – Sir Ian Carruthers OBE
• Chief Operating Officer – Andrea Young
• Director of Finance – Bob Alexander
• Medical Director – Dr Mike Durkin
• Director of Nursing – Liz Redfern CBE
• Director of Commissioner Development – Dominic Hardy
• Director of Public Health – Dr Gabriel Scally
• Director of Workforce Development – Sue Webb
• Director of Corporate Affairs – Olga Senior
• Director of Private Offices and Communications – Andrew Millward

The team of non-executive directors was confirmed as follows:

• Dr Geoff Harris – Chair
• Charles Howeson - Vice-Chair
• Kate Lampard - Vice-Chair
• Terry Butler CBE
• Joe McLoone
• Neil Churchill
• Stephen Tinton
• Alison Ryan
• Professor Steven West

The next meeting of the NHS South of England Board will be on Thursday, 1 December 2011 at South West House in Taunton.

The survey, which is part of the national Department of Health Equality Delivery System benchmarking process, will examine to what extent local health bodies including commissioners and NHS service providers, have made progress around improving equality of access to services.

The survey will be available to complete online until 1st November 2011 and will focus on the work of NHS Berkshire (includes both East and West primary care trusts), Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (mental health, learning disability and community services) and the Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Bev Searle, Director of Joint Commissioning at NHS Berkshire, said: ‘I encourage everyone to take part in the survey as it provides a chance to influence improvement of local health services. The results of the survey will help us to make changes to the way we run health services across Berkshire, helping to break down barriers to health and wellbeing linked to equality and diversity issues even further.’

The results will be presented as evidence to the Berkshire Equality Panel currently being set up. This panel will meet in December to grade local NHS performance against the Equality Delivery System benchmark. The panel will also advise on key equality priorities required by legislation for 2012 – 16.

If you require this survey in another format, please email equalityfeedback@berkshire.nhs.uk or call 01344 415647/ 01753 633918.

Please take part in the survey here.

Berkshire Vision Daywill take place on Wednesday 12^th October, Hilton Hotel, Reading (10am-5pm), and the public are welcome to attend.

Activities will include:

• Exhibits showing the latest advances in the home and at work to help the blind and partially sighted;
• A talk by Peter Constable, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Royal Berkshire Hospital about glaucoma and current treatment for patients;
• Workshops including safety in the kitchen for the visually impaired, and selecting the best aids for low vision;
• Updates on the latest academic work around visual loss.

The day has been organised by Berkshire West Low Vision Service Committee (LVSC) following the success of its inaugural event held last year – the event also coincides with World Sight Day, and has the support of NHS Berkshire’s Eye Care Forum.

Stephen Abery, Chair of the Berkshire West LVSC, said: ‘We’re hoping to attract the public, GPs, the visually impaired, their carers and families to this free event. It will be packed full of activities that will raise awareness of the work being carried out to help the visually impaired better manage their conditions.’

He added: ‘Talks from leading clinicians will highlight the advances being made in treating conditions like glaucoma, and the latest work to help children and the elderly with visual loss.’

Other speakers include Dr Dominic Ffytche, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, who’ll discuss Charles-Bonnet syndrome which causes older patients with visual loss to hallucinate.

David Buckle, Chair of NHS Berkshire’s Eye Care Forum, said:

‘This event has the full support of the primary care trust as it ties-in with our aim of improving services for people with visual loss. It is also an opportunity for local GPs and other clinicians to broaden their knowledge in this field, and they are welcome to attend any of the discussions.’

The event will include the resources exhibition (10am-3pm); workshops (10am-12pm); and continuing education programme (1.30pm-5pm). Peter Constable will make the key note speech at 12.15pm.

For further information please contact Stephen Abery, email: steveabery@gmail.com.

That’s the message from Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive at NHS Berkshire who will highlight twelve months of achievements for the primary care trust at its public Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29^th September, The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley (2pm-4pm).

Charles Waddicor commented: ‘Our priorities over the past year have been to put the needs of patients first by maintaining and developing high quality, cost effective health care in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire.

‘The opening of the purpose built GP premises in Woodley, the launch of the Telehealth Heart Failure service, and improved access to dental care; shows our commitment as commissioners to high quality value for money services that deliver improved patient care closer to home.’

He added: ‘The dedication and commitment of hard working staff has played a big role in our success over the past twelve months, and I would like to thank them for helping us to provide a five-star health provision.’

Penny Henrion, the Chair at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘I would like to thank our staff for maintaining high standards and a quality service during what has been an unsettling year with a lot of change on the horizon. I know they always put the patient first.’

During the meeting there will be several presentations including a talk from local Reading man John Done, who has been one of the first patients to use the innovative Telehealth remote monitoring system. This pilot service commissioned by NHS Berkshire earlier this year not only enables community nurses to check vital signs from a distance it also means patients can stay at home and don’t have to travel unnecessarily.

And, with an eye on the future Dr Rod Smith, GP Commissioning Lead for the North and West Reading Consortium, will explain the role of Clinical Commissioning Groups in Berkshire West; and how they have begun to make great progress with the new ways of commissioning.

The Annual General Meeting will be an opportunity for local people to attend and ask questions or to find out more about services. The public are advised that seats will be limited and they should reserve a place in advance by contacting Millie Rust Clarke email: millie.rustclarke@berkshire.nhs.uk tel 0118 982 2760.

Copies of the Annual Report will be available at the meeting and you can download one here.

Members of the public are being asked their views on proposed changes to three major services in the NHS South Central region.

The proposals are to concentrate these services in places where there are specialists and support services available around the clock. National clinical experience shows that this approach saves lives, improves patient recovery and reduces the likelihood of patients suffering long-term disabilities.

NHS Berkshire and the other primary care trusts in the region are carrying out engagement work on all three services at the same time because they are interconnected. Each requires a range of specialist support services including access to specialist theatres, X-ray, scanning and intensive care.

The main change will be that stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery patients will be treated by specialist staff concentrated in a smaller number of hospitals. This may mean some patients will travel further than their local hospital to be treated, but in the majority of cases treatment will be significantly improved and could save lives.

Specific arrangements proposed for different areas are set out in a document entitled Developing Safe and Sustainable acute services in South Central - stroke, major trauma and vascular surgery engagement. For details of the proposed changes and how to give your views are available at this link

We are engaging stakeholders and local people for the next six weeks to seek views on the proposals by 30th September 2011. A report on the feedback received will be considered by primary care trust boards before deciding next steps.

Write to: NHS Berkshire, Freepost RRLX-SZAY-LTKX, 57-59 Bath Road, Reading, RG30 2BA

Email: ppi.team@berkshire.nhs.uk

Online: http://www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/

The holy month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for people to adopt healthy habits like stopping smokingor use the opportunity to lose weight. NHS Choices provides healthy Ramadan meal plan, FAQ’s, do’s and don’ts including:

• Be mindful of the shift in meal time, pattern of meals, type of food eaten and total caloric intake;
• Fast with the support of GPs, nurses or a dietitian. Get a pre-fasting assessment and counselling along with intensive education on the complications of diabetes such as low blood sugar levels and dehydration;
• Closer monitoring of blood glucose during fasting. Contact your GP if necessary;
• Before fasting continue to have a varied, balance diet which has a lower effect on blood glucose levels: include more slowly absorbed foods (whole wheat or brown rice, fibre rich foods, vegetables, oil-free chapattis);
• Avoid the rich, special dishes that traditionally celebrate the fast (sweets, parathas and oily curries) instead eat oil-free chapattis, baked and grilled meat and chicken with a plenty of fluids;
• After breaking the fast drink plenty of sugar-free and decaffeinated drinks to avoid dehydration. Take fluids (water and juices) and a few dates at each Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (dinner - the meal which ends the day's fast). The fast is broken with dates, followed by dinner.

For further information please

Visit NHS choices:

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/faqs.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/healthyramadanhome.aspx

or visit Diabetes UK: www.diabetes.org.uk.

The course is tailored for people with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease and arthritis.

The six-week programme will start in October at Reading’s International Solidarity Centre, London Street, and there are still places available for people who wish to take part.

Each weekly session will last two and-a-half hours and will be lead by trained tutors who coping well with their own long term condition. The course covers a range of topics including:

• Communicating effectively with health professionals, family and friends;
• Managing symptoms;
• Relaxation;
• Diet and exercise;
• Dealing with difficult emotions, like fear and frustration.

A patient with several long term conditions including Type 2 diabetes who took part in the programme earlier this year in Slough in Berkshire East, said: ‘The course was a life-saver for me, and it has started me on a whole new path in living and enjoying my life without being ruled or limited by my illnesses.’

She added: ‘The trainers were wonderful. They were an inspiration in that they themselves live with chronic illness. I am now very pro-active in managing my own health, and I’m more confident and assertive with my health team at my local surgery. I now have monthly appointments with the diabetic nurses and I’ve more self-knowledge about my medication. I’ve reduced my pain-killers because one of the techniques discussed was meditation which I use that all the time.’

Lesley Wyman, Senior Public Health Specialist at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Our tutors have all attended the course in the past so they have the experience and knowledge to really make a difference to life. The course does not contain any clinical content, but is designed to help people to learn new skills, gain confidence and knowledge to help them manage and live with their condition.’

Patients who want to join the programme should contact Lesley Wyman on tel:01189 822885 or by email to lesley.wyman@berkshire.nhs.uk.

• Thursday 22nd July 5pm to 8pm
• Thursday 5th August 11am to 2pm
• Tuesday 21st September 11am to 2pm

People can also give their views by email, in writing or by phoning the PCTs patient and public involvement team.

Email: ppiteam@berkshire.nhs.uk
Phone: Tabitha Isom on 0118 982 2926

Write to: Tabitha Isom, NHS Berkshire West, 57-59 Bath Road Reading RG30 2BA

Helen Mackenzie, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Berkshire West said Our overarching concern is to make sure that patients can access primary care services in a location that is within their local community. We did consider whether we could continue to support a small surgery and balanced this against what we know will be the challenges in the future for local GP practices.

GPs will be buying care on their patients behalf and taking responsibility for the funding for the wider populations health. They will need to provide even more services at their surgeries to keep people well and out of hospital. The only way GPs will be able to do this will be through larger practices bigger than any new surgery at Underwood Road could be.

Patients who want to can remain registered with Mrs Nirgudes practice and be seen at the Abbey Medical Centre in Russell Street. Both the Circuit Lane and Theale Practices have told us that they would be happy to register new patients. They both offer a wide range of services and opening hours.

In order to meet these challenges in east Berkshire, NHS Berkshire and Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have established a joint strategy board to work in partnership to shape the future of healthcare locally.

The Joint Strategy Board is jointly chaired by Sally Kemp, Chair NHS Berkshire East PCT and Christopher Langley Chair Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals. This board will oversee the work of the programme board. The first meeting of the Joint Strategy Board was Tuesday 28^th June 2011.

The programme board has representatives from NHS Berkshire, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and GP Commissioning Consortia, and is jointly chaired by Charles Waddicor, CEO, NHS Berkshire, and Julie Burgess, CEO, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals and will be the engine room for shaping the future of healthcare provision for the East Berkshire population. The first meeting of this board was Thursday 23^rd June 2011.

All organisations agree the need to work in partnership to establish a financially and clinically sustainable model of care for east Berkshire which meets the needs of the local population by the end of 2013/14. An action plan to bring the health system back into balance was presented to Monitor and the Department of Health last week.

In today’s economic environment it is vital that NHS funding is used in the most effective way to provide the most appropriate healthcare for the local community. The board will develop a programme, exploring all aspects of healthcare provided currently, and to ensure the best model of care for east Berkshire residents.

Whilst it is acknowledged that the way health services are organised requires review, and there will be major changes needed to ensure the health system delivers viable, safe clinical services, there are no plans yet for any reconfiguration. However, it is recognised that with substantial reductions in funding for healthcare in east Berkshire, the board will need to review the way all services are delivered and recommend changes to ensure services are redesigned to deliver significant efficiencies, whilst still ensuring patient care and safety remain the top priority.

Proposals for changes will be developed over the coming months, and any that could result in significant service changes would go out for full consultation with all stakeholders and the local community. As the programme progresses, the Strategy Board will issue regular updates to ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with developments.

The government response to the Future Forum report makes it clear that with an ageing population and the development of more expensive drugs and treatments, the cost of healthcare is going to rise, and to ensure the future of the NHS, it must adapt to meet the challenges of the next three years.

In order to meet these challenges in east Berkshire, NHS Berkshire and Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have established a joint strategy board to work in partnership to shape the future of healthcare locally.

The Joint Strategy Board is jointly chaired by Sally Kemp, Chair NHS Berkshire East PCT and Christopher Langley Chair Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals. This board will oversee the work of the programme board. The first meeting of the Joint Strategy Board was Tuesday 28^th June 2011.

The programme board has representatives from NHS Berkshire, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and GP Commissioning Consortia, and is jointly chaired by Charles Waddicor, CEO, NHS Berkshire, and Julie Burgess, CEO, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals and will be the engine room for shaping the future of healthcare provision for the East Berkshire population. The first meeting of this board was Thursday 23^rd June 2011.

All organisations agree the need to work in partnership to establish a financially and clinically sustainable model of care for east Berkshire which meets the needs of the local population by the end of 2013/14. An action plan to bring the health system back into balance was presented to Monitor and the Department of Health last week.

In today’s economic environment it is vital that NHS funding is used in the most effective way to provide the most appropriate healthcare for the local community. The board will develop a programme, exploring all aspects of healthcare provided currently, and to ensure the best model of care for east Berkshire residents.

Whilst it is acknowledged that the way health services are organised requires review, and there will be major changes needed to ensure the health system delivers viable, safe clinical services, there are no plans yet for any reconfiguration. However, it is recognised that with substantial reductions in funding for healthcare in east Berkshire, the board will need to review the way all services are delivered and recommend changes to ensure services are redesigned to deliver significant efficiencies, whilst still ensuring patient care and safety remain the top priority.

Proposals for changes will be developed over the coming months, and any that could result in significant service changes would go out for full consultation with all stakeholders and the local community. As the programme progresses, the Strategy Board will issue regular updates to ensure all stakeholders are kept up to date with developments.

Notes to editors:

NHS Berkshire consists of Berkshire East and Berkshire West PCTs working together as an NHS cluster

• Upgrading their website to provide relevant information for young people;
• Training support staff to be more aware of the needs of teenagers;
• Offering work experience to local students who designed a poster about confidentiality rights for patients aged under 16;
• Introducing comment books in the practice to provide feedback from patients about services.

Local students Som Jin and Sara Shakir who both spent a week at the practice on work experience, and whose contribution helped the surgery achieve the recognition, said: ‘Staff were warm and friendly and we were kept busy launching a survey and designing posters which we hope will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of young people.’

Lorraine Watkinson, who as operations manager at the practice helped organise the initiative, said: ‘My task was to ensure that all the schemes we put in place such as upgrading the website and getting staff trained met the quality criteria. The whole process was definitely worth the effort we all put in.’

Dr Elizabeth Johnston, a partner at the practice, said: ‘I would like to thank staff for their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm in developing our services for young people. I was very impressed with the contribution made by the two work experience students, whose hard work was a big factor in helping us to earn the certificate.’

Elizabeth Johnston, added: ‘ We are committed to providing health care that is responsive to the needs of young people, and we will continue to find ways of providing better services for them as well as our other our patients.’

Bridget England, Project Manager Young People’s Health Service at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘We are delighted that this practice has achieved the recognition it deserves. We would encourage all health providers to adjust their approach to better suit young people. It is essential that young people have good access and confidence of trust in the services available, so they seek help and advice early if they need it to keep them well.’

To visit the University Medical practice website see: www.reading.ac.uk/medicalpractice

The film, which can be seen on the NHS Berkshire West website, shows the impact of a condition called diabetic retinopathy and explains the importance of having a regular screening check for the disease.

At the moment just 70% of people with diabetes in Berkshire West take up the offer of a regular eye check; it is hoped the film will lead to more people getting screened and ultimately to a reduction in the number who lose their sight.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by poor blood supply to the retina (back of the eye) and leads to blurred vision and blind spots. It is the leading cause of blindness in people under the age of 65. People with diabetes are at risk of retinopathy because diabetes can cause small blood vessels, like those found in the eye, to become blocked.

Fortunately simple yearly screening can check if someone with diabetes is developing retinopathy, and if caught early, treatment can prevent severe vision loss in 90% of cases.

The film was made at Wokingham Community Hospital, using real patients and the staff that work there. The film uses special effects to show viewers what it is like to have retinopathy, and then shows a patient undergoing the screening check. It was funded by NHS Diabetes, a national organisation supporting improvement in diabetes services.

The film is available on the NHS Berkshire West website at www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/diabetes

At the launch Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West and Bet Tickner, Lead Councillor for Public Engagement and Health at Reading Borough Council handed out packs of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste to parents who attend the centre with their babies.

And, over the coming months more packs will be distributed by health visitors to all newborn babies across Reading. They will also contain advice for parents about good oral practice such as brushing a baby’s teeth from an early age, and taking them to a dentist even before their teeth have developed. Other advice will include:

• Using a diet low in sugar by avoiding sweet drinks and sweet snacks between meals;
• Regular brushing using a fluoride toothpaste once first milk tooth appears - fluoride helps prevent tooth decay;
• Establishing good tooth-brushing routines at home – twice daily is best;
• Using effective tooth brushing methods such as a mirror to help the child to see where the brush is cleaning.

As part of the campaign replacement toothbrushes and toothpaste will be available to parents who attend any of Reading’s thirteen children’s centres.

Janet Maxwell, said: ‘Our priority is to reduce the risk of tooth decay among children by encouraging good oral health such as by reducing sugar in a child’s diet. Brushing from an early age is likely to be continued throughout adult life and will help maintain healthy teeth and gums, and a happy smile.’

Cllr Bet Tickner, said: ‘This is a fantastic and worthwhile initiative which I hope helps to encourage parents about the importance of healthy teeth and how important it is that good habits are formed early on in a child’s life.’

People can visit the PCT website for further information about the location of NHS dentists in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire at: www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk/dentist or www.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on: 08454647.

For help and advice on all aspects of looking after your teeth and mouth people can contact the Berkshire Oral Health Promotion Team on: 01753 638466.

Staff from NHS Berkshire West and Reading Borough Council were on-hand to offer free advice about services that can help improve health and wellbeing including stop smoking, talking therapies, weight management, support for carers, and drink awareness.

There were also free pampering sessions such as mini manicures from the students of Reading College, and people were given advice on how to use Southcote’s new outdoor gym at Coronation Square and how to take part in local walks.

The directory - at www.berkshirestrokeservices.nhs.uk - gives information about scores of organisations that can help people after a stroke.

They range from NHS and council services to stroke clubs, carers groups, benefits advice agencies, gardening and exercise groups, transport services and return-to-work advisors.

The Stroke Collaborative – which brings together NHS, council and voluntary service representatives with an interest in stroke care – is also publishing a simple guide to strokes and stroke services.

Copies are being sent to local hospitals and surgeries, libraries, council offices, and advice centres.

Ian Waddell, commissioner for stroke care at NHS Berkshire West, said the web pages, directory and simple guide had been developed in response to comments from local stroke survivors and carers, and with their help.

He said: ‘There was plenty of information available but it wasn’t always easy to find or understand. We worked with stroke survivors, voluntary groups, councils and many other people to develop material that will make it much simpler to discover what help and services are available and where to get them.’

house building industry with responsibility for all aspects of financial management including strategic planning, investment appraisal and internal control. David, his wife and two sons live in Wokingham.

The term of office is from 1st March 2011 to 28 February 2015 (or in 2013 when the PCT is dissolved as expected) with remuneration at the rate of £13,136 per annum; to provide support for NHS Berkshire West’s Board, to ensure that the health care that is delivered meets the Trust’s aims and values. David George has not declared any political activity in the past five years or held any ministerial appointments.

All non-executive appointments have been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. ‘All the appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity to be made public.’

Penny Henrion, Chair of NHS Berkshire West said: “I am delighted with this news as David makes an important contribution to ensuring sound financial governance for Berkshire West.”

For information about the Appointments Commission visit: http://www.appointments.org.uk/

This year, instead of one JSNA for each local authority area, the primary care trust is focusing on five specific health conditions: dementia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke and diabetes.

The primary care trust has worked closely with local authority partners Reading Borough Council, West Berkshire Council and Wokingham Borough Council as well as GPs and other key partners to determine local health priorities.

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘We want local people to tell us what they think about their future health needs. Their views are very important to us, so we can improve ways to tackle conditions such as diabetes, cardio vascular disease, and stroke.’

Janet added: ‘Our priority is to reduce health inequalities across Berkshire West, and this assessment will help us to achieve this aim.’

NHS Berkshire West has produced summaries of each condition for the public to comment on here or visit www.berkshirewest.nhs.uk (have your say/our consultations).

For a full version of the summaries please contact ppi.team@berkshire.nhs.uk . The engagement process is open until April 22^nd, and the findings will be published in the summer.

All PCTs face choices about how to use resources to best effect: these are never easy choices. However, it is incumbent on organisations funded by the public purse to target resources on priority needs. The PCT believes it has demonstrated a rigorous approach to its responsibilities in this area and that it has demonstrated again that clear and fair policies are in place and are applied correctly.

WestCall and its Clinical Director Dr Jeremy Lade scooped awards for Managing Winter Pressures and Trust Chair’s Award for Excellence for their dedication and hard work.

Dr Lade’s team of 100 staff and 70 sessional GPs went above and beyond the call of duty to deal with 4,000 people over the four-day Christmas Bank Holiday period. He said: ‘It was the perfect storm – norovirus, influenza, swine flu, snow and cold. Call volumes were unprecedented but the staff were amazing – they did a wonderful job.’

Dr Lade was commended for his work in palliative care, where he has introduced a new system of sharing clinical and legal information about patients at the end of their life, ensuring that clinicians are fully informed about their situations and distress is kept to a minimum.

Another popular win was that of Elaine Sawetz and her Eat4Health team which has been involved in successful healthy eating and exercise programmes all over Berkshire West. Elaine said: ‘I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and efforts over the years. We have truly made this a successful weight management programme.’

The accolades were given to ten individuals and teams for the outstanding contributions they have made to delivering services which make a real difference to the local population’s health and wellbeing. Over 120 nominations were received for the awards and these were whittled down to a shortlist of 30.

This year, new categories were added to the honours list to recognise work in commissioning and providing healthcare, managing winter pressures, patient safety, as well as the ‘hidden heroes’ who work behind the scenes to support the work of the organisation.

Trust Chair Penny Henrion said: ‘Thank you for the wonderful contribution you all have made to the NHS. It was very hard to make a shortlist and choose the eventual winners. ‘

Information on the other awards and winners can be found on this link

Staff met with over 250 members of the public sharing information with them about TB such as how to spot its symptoms and highlighting local services available to treat the disease.

Anees Pari, Public Health Registrar at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘I’m delighted with the success of the event, which highlighted the importance of early intervention in tackling the condition. Many shoppers stopped to watch our video of former patients who had recovered from the disease to show it is curable.’

In addition, a specialist TB nurse from the Royal Berkshire Hospital was on hand to help answer questions from the shoppers about the disease, while a photographic display accompanied the video; staff also distributed hundreds of TB symptom checker cards.

Kelechi Nnoaham, Public Health Consultant at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘NHS Berkshire West is committed to tackling the disease to help keep people well and out of hospital. We commission the new entrants TB service at the Baker Street Clinic, Reading which is principally for new or recent entrants to the UK; the service identifies, screens and treats patients. We also commission the Chest Clinic at the Royal Berkshire Hospital which provides prompt diagnosis and treatment of the disease.’

She can advise parents, carers and those working with children about which vaccines children should have; when, where and why they can get them and help with any other questions they may have.

Jacquelyn said: ‘One of the most important things that a parent can do for their child is to make sure that they have all their routine vaccinations. It's the most effective way of keeping them protected against infectious diseases.”

“Ideally, children should have their immunisations at the right age to protect them as early as possible and minimise the risk of infection.”

To find out more, come to the mall between 9am and 3pm on Wednesday.

Jane Wells, Assistant Director of Public Health at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘The decline in teenage pregnancies in Wokingham reflects successful partnership working with Wokingham Borough Council in schools, in the youth service and through a relatively new young people’s health drop-in service - Juice. The Juice service provides advice on an extensive range of health issues from weight, healthy eating, smoking and concerns about drugs and alcohol to sexual health and contraception advice.’

Jane added: ‘This work remains a priority in Berkshire West because children born to teenage mothers have higher rates of infant mortality and are at increased risk of low birth-weight which affects the child’s long-term health. Teenage mothers are more likely to suffer post-natal depression and experience poor mental health after the birth.’

Amanda Smith, Head of Early Intervention & Integration within Wokingham Borough Council’s Children’s Services Department said: ‘We are really pleased to see these further reductions in the teenage pregnancy rate, which reflects the strong partnership that exists between ourselves and health service providers. Providing effective services that promote sexual health and prevent teenage pregnancies remain a priority for Children’s Services. We will continue to commission these services for 2011/12, and will be working to ensure that they are targeted at the most vulnerable young people who live in Wokingham.’

Other NHS Berkshire West and Council initiatives to tackle teenage pregnancy include:

- A Sexual Health Outreach Nurse has been appointed, whose primary responsibility is to provide sexual and reproductive health services to the most vulnerable and at risk young people in Berkshire West

- The C Card scheme was launched in March 2009 and provides young people under-19 better access to sexual health information and free condoms, leading in turn to a greater awareness about safer sex, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

- A team of specialist nurses in Wokingham who provide advice to young people.

The number of young people using the Juice service at Wokingham hospital totalled 150 up to the end of December, but it is still too early to provide uptake figures for the Bulmershe service.

The units check pulse, blood pressure, weight and blood oxygen levels before talking the patients through a series of health questions. They have been commissioned by the PCT’s cardiovascular services.

Ian Waddell, Category Manager Cardiovascular Services at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘This equipment means nurses can monitor a patient’s condition very closely, and if there is a decline in their condition then prompt measures can be made to stabilise them. It will allow people to manage their own condition at home and at work, increasing their confidence and giving them a better quality of life.’

The equipment uses Bluetooth technology to transmit the information securely down a landline to a nursing team, enabling them to review a patient’s treatment daily from their base.

For example, if a patient’s weight has shot up over a couple of days, this may be an indication of excess fluid building up in the body. The units also employ a set of alerts to let the team know if they need to take further action.

To date, 12 remote monitoring units have been installed in local homes by the PCT’s Community Heart Failure team, and more are due to be set up over the next few weeks – the scheme will run until the end of June when it will be evaluated.

Twyford-based Brian Cleaver, who had his first heart attack 30 years ago at the age of 41, and is under close supervision from the Heart Failure team, was the first to receive a unit. He said: ‘The system is easy to use and it takes up hardly any space. It’s very reassuring to know the team is able to keep such a close watch on me.’

Sharon Andrews, NHS Berkshire West’s Community Heart Failure Team Leader said: ‘By keeping a close watch on a patient, we can avoid unnecessary hospital admissions by adjusting their medication promptly.’

Purchase of the systems was made possible through a £65,000 grant from NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority’s Regional Innovation Fund.

Duncan Goodes, Head of Innovation Promotion at South Central Strategic Health Authority said: ‘This is a great example of an innovation that delivers care in a more efficient and effective way and really helps to improve quality of life for the patient.’

NHS Berkshire West’s Community Heart Failure Service was set up in April 2009, and allows patients with heart failure to be cared for in their own homes and also at Community clinics, rather than having to go to hospital. It looks after around 400 heart failure patients in the community and as a result of its work, 36 emergency admissions were avoided in the first seven months of 2010, potentially saving nearly £100,000 (to be reinvested in future health services) and in line with NHS Berkshire West’s mission of ‘keeping people well and out of hospital’.

Janet Maxwell, Director of Public Health, NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘The Stop Smoking team were very active throughout the day giving carbon monoxide tests and explaining how we can help people to stop smoking. Our priority is to encourage more smokers to quit the habit as it is the most important thing you can do to improve your health.’

Yesterday, at the Stop Smoking Pod, Broad Street Mall, Reading, and at the Kennet Centre, Newbury and Boots in Wokingham the team handed out over 200 No Smoking Day leaflets among shoppers, while in total 22 people signed up to the PCT’s six-week stop smoking programme.

In addition, stop smoking advisers visited the Whitley Health and Social Services Centre and the John Madejski Academy to hand out stop smoking advice among families and pupils.

For more information about help to quit smoking please contact your local Stop Smoking team on 0118 952 5400 or email: stopsmokingservice@berkshire.nhs.uk

NHS Berkshire West commissioned the new practice in direct response to a need to improve access to NHS dentistry in the area.

Hugh O’Keeffe, Dental Commissioning Manager at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘This is the second new NHS dental practice we have opened in Berkshire West over the past two months, with the aim of giving local people better access to dentists. This new practice will provide patients with high quality NHS dental care.’

Claire Farnham, Practice Manager at Pure Smile Earley Dental Practice Limited, said: ‘I’m delighted that we are finally opening our dental facilities in Earley, providing patients with a range of NHS treatments. 400 patients have already joined the practice which shows the demand for NHS dentists in the area.’

As well as the Earley practice, NHS Berkshire West opened the Dental Care Limited practice on the Reading Road in Pangbourne on 13th December. The PCT is planning to open a third NHS dental practice in Finchampstead in the next few months.

For further information about Pure Smile Earley Dental Practice Limited contact Claire Farnham, practice manager, tel: 0118 966 9134 or visit the practice website at http://www.earleydental.co.uk/

• To inform and support the PCT’s commissioning plans for pharmaceutical services
• To inform and support the PCT’s decision making process in relation to market entry, this function requires further enabling regulation which is expected in the autumn of 2010.

We have developed this PNA through a process of engagement and collaboration with patients and the public, pharmacists and dispensing doctors and local stakeholders.

Juice Points normally open one afternoon each week except for 21a Craven Road (open Monday to Friday) West Berkshire Community Hospital (contraceptive service open Monday and Thursday afternoons, and sexual health clinic open Saturday mornings), and Connexions Reading (open Wednesday and Friday afternoons).

Christmas and new year operating times:

• Florey Unit and Contraceptive Services, 21a Craven Road, Reading– open Wednesday 29^th and Thursday 30^th December (sexual health and emergency contraception 7am-7pm. Contraceptive services for under 25s, 4pm-7pm).

It is also open Friday 31st December (7am-3pm, for sexual health and emergency contraception). Closed 27^th/28^th Dec, and Monday 3^rd January.

• WestBerkshire Community Hospital– sexual health clinic is closed Saturday 25th December and Saturday 1^st Jan. The hospital’s contraceptive service is open Thursday 30^th December (4pm-6.30pm) but closed Monday 27^th December and Monday 3^rd January.
• Connexions Reading (Friar Street)– open Wednesday 29^th December (4pm-6.30pm) closed Friday 24^th December and Friday 31^st December.
• Connexions Newbury– closed Friday 24^th December and Friday 31^st December. Reopens Friday 7^th January (3-5pm).
• South ReadingYouth Centre(Northumberland Avenue, Reading) – closed Tuesday 28^th December. Reopens Tuesday 4^th January (3.30-5.30pm).
• Whitley Health Centre,Reading - open Wednesday 29^th December (8.30am-11am).
• WokinghamHospital– Open Thursday 30^th December (3.30pm-5.30pm)
• Overdown Road,Reading – closed Wednesday 29^th December. Reopens Wednesday 5^th January (3.30-5.30pm).

In addition, the Reading Walk-in Health Centre provides emergency contraception and contraception advice - it is open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day). There will be pharmacists providing emergency contraception over the holidays.

The Juice service is a partnership between NHS Berkshire West, Reading Borough Council, Wokingham Borough Council and West Berkshire Council. For further information about opening times of Juice Points visit www.getjuicy.co.uk.

If you have flu like symptoms, stay at home. If you can go online, check your symptoms on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk or find our more about seasonal flu prevention here or the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk , then call your GP or NHS Direct 0845 46 47 if necessary. Do not go to A&E.

Don’t share your germs!

• Always carry a tissue
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue
• Bin the tissue as soon as possible
• Clean your hands as soon as you can or use a sanitiser gel

If you are at risk for flu and have not yet received the flu jab this season, please contact your GP as soon as possible to arrange this. The seasonal flu jab is offered free to anyone who:

1. is 65 years or older,
2. lives in a residential or nursing home
3. is the main carer for an older or disabled person,
4. has a longstanding serious illness
5. is on medication that suppresses immunity, and
6. is pregnant.

Everyone can do their bit to help keep well - simple measures like washing your hand helps stop flu spreading.

Further information is available here.

That’s the message from NHS Berkshire West to local people with the approach of the four-day Christmas holiday (25th/26th/27th/28th December) and three-day New Year break (1st/2nd/3rd January).

Advice includes:

• Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with basic items for colds, flu, indigestion, minor cuts and bruises – and hangovers. Your pharmacist can advise on items to stock
• If you have repeat medication, get your prescription from your GP and collect your medication from the pharmacy before the start of either holiday
• Remember, you can get health advice immediately, night or day from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
• If you have an urgent problem that can’t wait, you can go to the Reading Walk-in Health Centre in Broad Street Mall - open 8am-8pm (including Christmas Day) or call Westcall GP out of hours service on 0118 978 7811.
• Think which NHS service is most appropriate for your need and only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency department with urgent life threatening illnesses or serious injuries.
• Emergency pharmacy service
  NHS Berkshire West has commissioned Lloyds Pharmacy on 351 Oxford Road, Reading, to open on the following days:
  
  • Christmas Day – 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 7pm
  • 27th/28th December – 4pm to 6pm
  • 3rd January – 4pm to 6pm.
  
  Other pharmacists will be open. Check with your local pharmacy for opening times over Christmas and New Year.
• Emergency dentistry
  Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to find your nearest emergency dentist.
• Injuries
  With burns, scalds, deep cuts or similar non-emergency injuries visit the Minor Injuries Unit at West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham – open 365 days a year, 8am – 10pm and on Christmas day 10am – 6pm. People should only call 999 or visit Accident and Emergency department with urgent life threatening illnesses or serious injuries.

Helen Mackenzie, Interim Chief Executive at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Emergency services are under a lot of pressure at this time of year so we want local people to be prepared for Christmas and New Year holidays and to choose the most appropriate NHS service in the event they feel unwell.’

Staff from NHS Berkshire West and the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust will join forces this week to advise Woodley residents how to keep well and out of hospital this winter.

From 10am on 9th December, an ambulance will be parked in Woodley Town Centre and staff will be on hand to promote the range of NHS services available. They will hand out eye-catching pocket-sized cards listing the services to help people choose the right service depending on their illness or injury.

It is hoped that this will help reduce unnecessary ambulance call-outs and A&E visits by highlighting the alternatives such as having a well stocked medicine cabinet, visiting their own GP or local pharmacist, or seeking advice from NHS Direct if they are unsure what to do. Encouraging people to be prepared for winter ailments can help reduce the pressures on already busy services.

Helen Mackenzie, Interim Chief Executive, NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Our Choose well journey encourages patients to think about the right place to go when they need NHS services to keep them well and out of hospital.’

NHS Berkshire West will also be at the Kennet Centre on 21st December and the Broad Street Mall on 19th January to promote its Choose well messages.

Expectant parents can now compare and rate maternity services on a new online comparison service launched today by Public Health Minister Anne Milton.

The Government recently set out proposals to extend maternity choice to include pre-conception, antenatal, and postnatal care.

A new tool that will help parents-to-be make that choice is now available at www.nhs.uk to give people all the information they need to decide which maternity service is right for them.

More information is available on the Department of Health's website here.

• Heat your home well. By setting your heating to the right temperature (18–21°C or 64–70°F), you can keep your home warm and your bills as low as possible.
• Get financial support. There are grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. It’s worthwhile claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.
• Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
• Get a flu jab. You can get a free jab from your GP to protect against seasonal flu if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition or are pregnant.
  Find out more about seasonal flu and who should have the vaccination here.
• Look after yourself and others. On cold days try to avoid going outside; however, if you do need to, remember to wrap up warm. If you have an older neighbour or relative, look out for them during winter to make sure that they are safe and well.
• If you go out in snow or frosty conditions, make sure wear sensible footwear and take care – slipping on the ice can lead to falls and fractures.

The Met Office provides weather forecasts on radio and TV, and tuning in to these bulletins regularly can help you keep up to date with the weather. Severe weather warnings are also issued on the Met Office website at
www.metoffice.gov.uk, or you can ring the Customer Centre on 0870 900 0100.


You find out more by downloading this leaflet and looking on the NHS Choices winter health pages .

• Support from GPs – that GPs have been asked for their views and that the PCT has discussed the proposal with the practices most affected
• Clinical evidence – consideration must be given to the strength of clinical evidence and support from senior clinicians whose services will be affected by the change
• Patient and public engagement - the PCT must have raised the matter with the Local Involvement Network (LINk) and the relevant Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee. NHS Berkshire West also ran a 12 week public consultation
• Patient choice – that consideration is given to how a proposal may affect patient choice

NHS Berkshire West also applied a fifth local test of value for money so that the Board could ensure that any new development is cost effective to avoid diverting scarce resources away from other clinical areas.

Given that GP Commissioning Clinical Leads are expected to lead local change, they considered the PCT’s proposal at their meeting on 28th October so that their views could be included by the Board when making its final decision. They gave their full support to the PCT’s preferred option not to re-commission the branch surgery.

In considering the PCT’s proposal, the Board took the views of the GP Commissioning Clinical Leads into account, analysed all the evidence presented and made a thorough assessment of compliance with the Secretary of State’s four tests by applying a “test of reasonableness” when considering the balance of evidence and stakeholders views, giving equal weight to each test.

Penny Henrion, Chair of NHS Berkshire West, said: “Our Board has decided not to support the redevelopment of this branch surgery. We know this will affect some patients, and it was difficult decision to make, but we have come to this conclusion after significant consultation, listening to lots of views, and with clinical advice, we are confident that we can provide a quality service to patients at nearby practices. We will keep the well being of patients at the forefront while changes are made and ensure that we support a smooth transition".

The current surgery Underwood Road is a branch surgery of Abbey Medical Centre, Russell Street, Reading. It is open for 16.5 hours per week with 8.5 hours of GP time normally provided. There are 9000 patients who live within a mile of Underwood Road and who are registered with local GP practices. 545 of these are registered with Abbey Medical Centre.

Bellway Homes recently bought the site of the Underwood Road precinct in Calcot, Reading. It plans to redevelop the area, providing 70 homes and a redeveloped shopping centre. As part of its planning application, Bellway Homes asked the PCT if it would like the current branch surgery at Underwood Road to be replaced by a new small GP surgery as part of the new development.

The PCT decided that its preferred option was not to support the inclusion of a small surgery in the development of the Underwood Road site. It took the view that patients should have good access to services provided by general practice, including extended opening hours, full availability of reception and telephone answering between normal hours (8am until 6.30pm) along with appropriate availability of doctors and nurses throughout the day so that the full range of clinical services could be provided.

Now that the Board has made its decision, the branch surgery at Underwood Road is expected to close within the next two months. Patients will be written to with details of the options available to them as soon as a date is confirmed.

Any patient who uses the Underwood Road branch surgery is able to register at any GP practice of their choice providing they live within that practice’s boundaries. Anyone who would like further information or help and support can call the PCT’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0118 982 2829 or email pals.berkswest@berkshire.nhs.uk

Both GP practices relocated from their former sites to more spacious facilities above the new Lidl food store at 6, Headley Road, Woodley, Reading, RG5 4JA last month and started operating out of the new premises on 4th October.

Helen Mackenzie, Interim Chief Executive at NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘The official opening of the new GP premises was an occasion to celebrate the completion of purpose built surgeries, which are more spacious and comfortable than the previous facilities – it will further improve health care in Woodley.’

Helen Edwards, Practice Manager at Parkside Family Practice, said: ‘We have been operating from the new site for over a month, and the extra space and modern facilities are very much appreciated by GPs, staff and patients.’

Philip Amps, Practice Manager at Woodley Centre Surgery, said: ‘We are all really pleased with our new facilities, the space has provided us the opportunity to introduce new technology to help patients check-in and doctors to call their patients. We now have options in the future to provide patient centric services for many years to come. A big bonus for patients is that our new surgery remains easy to access, located close to the centre of Woodley’.

NHS Berkshire West has scooped a prestigious award for its commissioning skills in setting-up the Reading Walk-in Health Centre.

The Primary Care Commissioning Team won the ‘Excellence in Commissioning’ category at the Health and Social Care Awards held at Oxford Brookes University, on Tuesday 19th October.

The event was organised by the South Central Strategic Health Authority to recognise good practice and innovation that improves the lives of patients, carers, users and staff.

Maureen McCartney, Head of Primary Care Commissioning for NHS Berkshire West said: ‘The Reading Walk-in Health Centre is clearly meeting our expectations of increasing access to primary health services in an area of high health need. It was a fabulous project to be involved with and its success is a testament to all those involved in the procurement process and the staff of Assura Reading LLP.’

A key factor of the success was the strategic location selected for the walk-in centre. A site in the middle of Reading’s town centre in a shopping mall was chosen. The centre managed by Assura Reading LLP is open 365 days a year, 8am-8pm. And 92 per cent of walk-in centre patients are seen, treated and discharged within an hour. In the first year of opening it saw 31,753 walk-in patients and registered over 2,300 patients.

Other benefits include better support for the Black, Minority and Ethnic community – 35 per cent of patients who use the walk-in centre are from this community. It is also championing the needs of young people -10 per cent of teenage attendances are for sexual health services such as emergency contraception and Chlamydia screening.’

Sarah Wise, Commissioning Manager for NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘We are delighted to have won an award for commissioning. A big thank you to staff at the Reading Walk-in Centre – its success is due to them’

Helen Mackenzie, Interim Chief Executive for NHS Berkshire West said: ‘Congratulations to all the staff involved in commissioning the walk-in centre. This award is very well deserved and reflects the high standards we set ourselves.’

And to make it easier and faster for patients to make a choice, GPs in Berkshire West have access to the Choose and Book electronic booking and referral system. It allows them to search for an appropriate hospital and make an appointment for specialist services following discussion with patients.

David Buckle added: ‘Once a patient has chosen a hospital following discussion with their GP, patients have the flexibility of making a booking via the national telephone appointment line or by visiting the NHS Choices website – in either case patients will only be allowed to make bookings to services which have been agreed with their GP.’

Patients can contact the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk and more information is available on our website here.

Each aspect of the “Choose Well Journey” and the health services available were represented, from Accident and Emergency paramedics and out of hours GP services, to pharmacies and how to keep a well stocked medicine cabinet help, in the Broad Street Mall Shopping Centre.

Visitors to the exhibition queued to get their blood pressure, pulse and Body Mass Index checked and they were also able to join the Health Network (a body that engages local people in health issues) while parents got advice from health professionals on childhood immunisation. The ‘smoothie bike’ produced refreshing drinks but only after people had put the cycling effort in and the Eat 4 Health team showed people how they could make a more long term commitment to improving their health and well being.

In addition, NHS Berkshire West looked back on twelve months of achievements during its Annual General Meeting held on the same day in Reading Walk-in Health Centre, Broad Street Mall. The AGM revealed how the primary care trust has successfully managed the budget to improve health outcomes for the people of Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.

Helen Mackenzie, Interim Chief Executive, NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘The exhibition was very popular and helped us to reinforce the message that patients have options when they access NHS services including the need to have a well stocked medicine cabinet and taking advantage of their local pharmacist.”

Commenting on NHS Berkshire West’s achievements, Helen said: “Prudent financial management has allowed us to reinvest in health care provision with the aim to provide services that are high quality, cost effective and meet the needs of patients. The new Reading Walk-in Health Centre, the expansion of cardiovascular health checks and moves to tackle obesity demonstrate that we are truly world class commissioners.’

Helen added: ‘Staff have again shown dedication and commitment over the past twelve months in helping us to provide better health care service. This has led to increased dental access, a reduction in the number of smokers and unplanned teenage pregnancies, and keeping hospitals in Berkshire West clean and safe. The recent World Class Commissioning results placed NHS Berkshire West in the top 10 PCTs in the country and in first place in the South Central region.’

Charles Waddicor, Chief Executive, NHS Berkshire West, said: ‘Prudent financial management has allowed us to reinvest in health care provision with the aim to provide services that are high quality, cost effective and meet the needs of patients. The new Reading Walk-in Health Centre, the expansion of cardiovascular health checks and moves to tackle obesity demonstrate that we are truly world class commissioners.’

He added: ‘Staff have again shown dedication and commitment over the past twelve months in helping us to provide better health care service. This has led to increased dental access, a reduction in the number of smokers and unplanned teenage pregnancies, and keeping hospitals in Berkshire West clean and safe. The recent World Class Commissioning results placed NHS Berkshire West in the top 10 PCTs in the country and in first place in the South Central region.’

NHS Berkshire West will also showcase how it keeps people well and out of hospital through the “Choose Well Journey” exhibition on the same day from 12pm till 4pm in the Central Square at Broad Street Mall Shopping Centre, Reading.

The “Choose Well Journey” encourages patients to think about the right place to go to when they need to access NHS services. Each aspect of the “Choose Well Journey” and the health services available will be represented, from Accident and Emergency paramedics and out of hours GP services, to pharmacies and how to keep a well stocked medicine cabinet.

In addition, visitors to the exhibition in Broad Street Mall will be able to get their blood pressure, pulse and Body Mass Index checked and join the Health Network and parents will be able to chat about childhood immunisations whilst their children have their faces painted. There will be a ‘smoothie bike’, which produces refreshing drinks but only after people have put the cycling effort in and the Eat 4 Health team will be showing people how they can make a more long term commitment to improving their health and well being.

The “Choose Well Journey” exhibition in the Broad Street Mall shopping area is completely free and the PCT hope that members of the public will take the opportunity to come along and ask questions and find out more about services. However, places at the formal business Annual General Meeting upstairs at the Walk-in Health Centre are limited and it’s best to reserve a place in advance by contacting Steph Bennett tel: 0118 982 2705 email: steph.bennett@berkshire.nhs.uk

Copies of the Annual Report will be available at both the AGM and the “Choose Well Journey” exhibition as well as the PCT’s website.

• consider making a choice about whether to fast or not during Ramadan
• to fast with the support of a GP, nurse or dietitian
• be aware of food choices and possible changes to medication if they fast

Dr David Buckle, NHS Berkshire West Medical Director said: Patients with diabetes who fast during Ramadan should visit their GP to ensure they receive expert medical advice and support to remain healthy otherwise they risk complications such as low blood sugar levels, dehydration and thrombosis. Patients with diabetes should also monitor their blood glucose levels and if they have any concerns they should seek help from their GP immediately.

Dr Miriam Al-Kashi, a local GP at Balmore Park Surgery, Reading, who helped organised the event, said: It was the first patient education day held in Reading and it will help generate further awareness among the Muslim community about safer fasting.

NHS Berkshire West will be holding an event for GPs and nurses on 18th August in Reading to make them more aware of the need to monitor patients who are diabetic and fasting.
For further information about this contact Dr Miriam Al-Kashi
email: miriam.al-kashi@nhs.net