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Patient Forum Newsletter Welcome to the latest Patient Forum Newsletter. We have many items of news and updates which we hope will be useful to you.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)For NHS information please click hereFor Government guidelines please click hereFor local information please click here

COVID-19 Vaccination ProgrammeThe North Tyneside vaccination programme which is a collaboration between the CCG, North Tyneside Council, Tynehealth, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, VODA and other partners continues to be a great success.

At a recent meeting members heard there are two vaccines currently being administered; Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/Astra Zeneca across a number of sites in the borough. At the time of the meeting 71,000 residents in the publicised cohorts had received their first vaccine and 2,000 residents had received their second dose.

The logistical planning and partnership working is undoubtedly an amazing achievement.

Members took an active part in shaping a question and answers sheet on COVID vaccinations for residents which would also be used as key messages on social media.

Patient Forum member Judy Scott and her husband David shared their experience of receiving the vaccine at the North Shields vaccination site.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itl_deR604s

A Living Well North Tyneside guide with an older residents focus was produced by a range of partners and distributed at vaccination sites.

Self-isolation Guide

Issue 22March 2021

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A new publication - 'Navigating Self-isolation in North Tyneside' has been developed by VODA and funded by North Tyneside Council to help you keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe when self-isolating.

Read the guide here: www. voda.org.uk/navigating-self-isolation-in-north-tyneside/

Oxymetry is a test to measure the oxygen level of blood and NHS North Tyneside CCG has funded this service and is working in collaboration with North Tyneside VODA for the benefit of vulnerable patients with a positive COVID-19 test read more by following this link.https://voda.org.uk/vodas-oximetry-home-service-march-2021-bulletin/

North Tyneside Carers Centre Caring during Covid  The pandemic has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers of all ages.  Many carers have lost their support network

or have cancelled care services for fear of catching the virus. This has exacerbated their caring responsibilities and they have been unable to access a break since the first lockdown in March 2020.    Carers in North Tyneside have reported increased levels of anxiety and stress; isolation and loneliness, and, are worried about catching the virus and the implications of this on the person they care for. As a result, many carers are reaching breaking point and the sustainability of the caring role is seriously at risk.  You can help carers by making every contact count - ask them if they need additional support and if have a contingency plan when they are clearly struggling. Carers should inform their GP practice about their caring role this will ensure their COVID-19 vaccination is a priority.

North Tyneside Carers’ Centre has developed a range of online services and telephone support to meet the needs of adult and young carers during the pandemic including: 

Advice line and live chat   Telephone check in calls    Online support groups   Online wellbeing sessions   Online social activities   Self-paced e-learning   Online workshops e.g. planning for an emergency  Digital/IT support to get online   Regular Covid-19 bulletin   Befriending service   A range of resources and information  

Please contact the Centre on 0191 643 2298 to make a referral or visit their website at www.northtynesidecarers.org.uk  

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An Ode To VolunteersVery good news came yesterdayOlder people can now get the vaccinationLovely people came to help me get the jabUnder pressure but heaven sentNervous of not knowing what to expectTake it from me no problems at allEveryone professional helped me alongEven one chap who sang a songRespect must be paid to those who give to othersSaviours of the people who put others first Thank you on behalf of us all well done!Patient Forum member poem

Every Mind MattersDuring the pandemic the impact of this has affected people in different ways,physically, socially or economically all of these can impact on mental health.To help improve mental well-being at this difficult time the NHS Every Mind Matters website can help, and people can take control of their own mental health. The site includes a self-assessment tool, action plans and advice to help people feel more in control. Visit the site https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Healthwatch Mental Health LeafletHealthwatch North Tyneside have updated their Mental Health leaflet with the latest information on local support services. The leaflet gives information about places that people can access mental health support without a referral from the NHS. It details groups and services that are accessible by self-referral for support with mental health needs.

Most organisations provide free support however, some may charge to access parts of their service. Service providers should be contacted directly for full details of services on offer.Download the leaflet by clicking here

Community & Voluntary Sector GrantsIn September 2019 NHS North Tyneside CCG awarded nine grants, five small

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one-year grants and four large three-year grants to local organisations. The total value of this investment was £915,573 over three years.

In response to the pandemic, the CCG increased the funding in 2021/22 by £80,000 so it could continue to fund four of its existing small grant projects for another year.In January the CCG held an event and for grant-holders to give a presentation about their projects and highlight how they had been supporting local people during the pandemic.

AcornsAcorns is a confidential service for families that have been impacted by domestic abuse. They offer a range of therapeutic and support services to meet the needs of children, young people and their parents / carers. 

The funding provides a Domestic Violence Counsellor/Volunteer Coordinator for the primary carers of children who attend Acorns in order to support the family unit to become stronger and more resilient.

North Tyneside Art Studio (NTAS 11)This is a mental health organisation that uses art and creativity to promote wellbeing and improve the lives of people experiencing mental health issues.

Through the funding there is a sustainable programme of community based participatory art which engages the public in the use of art as a tool to maintain good mental health and promote wellbeing.

De Paul UKLaunched in 1989 this registered charity helps fight the rising tide of youth homelessness in the UK.

The CCG funds the part-time salary of a Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager who implements, delivers, and facilitates mental health support for young homeless people (aged 16 - 25 years) who live within Depaul UK's supported accommodation or access their services in North Tyneside.

Meadow Well ConnectedThis is a community hub situated in the heart of the two most deprived wards in North Tyneside - Riverside & Chirton. It has been serving the local community for 25 years, working with local residents and organisations to develop solutions to address the issues they face

‘Well Together’ is a community-based health and wellbeing project where people come together to tackle health related issues through peer-led support groups and structured programmes designed to challenge lifestyle choices and encourage positive behaviours to improve mental and physical health.

Family Gateway

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This is an award-winning charity that is committed to using local people to deliver enterprising community-led solutions to families, children, young people and communities.

The project works with primary schools to address the increased prevalence of mental and physical ill-health amongst children in parts of North Tyneside, as well as reduce the cycle of unhealthy lifestyles and habits to ensure that children have improved knowledge and awareness in relation to the impact that their lifestyle choices can have on their physical and mental wellbeing

Walking WithWalking With in North Tyneside welcome, befriend and support refugees and asylum seekers who locate to the Borough after arriving in the UK. They ensure that not only the material needs of these people are met but that they are aided in accessing and integrating into the local community.

The ‘Fit & Well Project’ is a sustainable programme of health-related activities to address the physical and mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers living in the borough. This includes healthy eating courses, tiered physical activity sessions and wellbeing / mindfulness sessions.

Age UK North Tyneside and YMCAAge UK North Tyneside is an independent charity working in North Tyneside to offer support and services to older people.

YMCA is a local charity dedicated to helping transform the lives of vulnerable young people throughout North Tyneside.

The ‘Healthy Habits’ partnership initiative is an early intervention service that assists people to make sustainable lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing though self-determination. The service is aimed at two groups of people going through transitions; younger people entering adulthood and adults entering older age.

The. Linskill CentreThe Centre is a thriving community facility in North Shields providing local people with a place to learn, relax and engage in activities

The ‘Men’s Community Shed’ project is a three-year project, to convert the Linskill Centre’s large garage into a ‘Men’s Community Shed’ to provide space to encourage health-vulnerable older men to engage in creative, practical, skill-sharing, social, and learning activities, supported by a skilled Development Worker/Technician.

Wallsend Memorial Hall and People’s CentreThe Centre is based in the centre of Wallsend and is a charity dedicated to providing social, cultural and educational opportunities for residents of Wallsend and beyond.

‘Dancing for the Brain’ is a project that focuses on stimulating the brain through the medium of dance and is aimed at people over 60 who are either living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia. The project aims to help tackle frailty, reduce falls and improve wellbeing within the older population.

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More information can be found by following this linkhttps://www.northtynesideccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/engagement/vcs-education-event/

Primary Care NetworksPCNs are groups of GP practices working together and there are four in North Tyneside each with a PCN director, North Shields, North West, Whitley Bay and Wallsend and all of the GP practices in the borough are part of a PCN and their role is to build on existing primary care services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social care for people closer to home. Each PCN has invested in additional services for their population needs and this includes local services such as mental health, pharmacy and community services. This is a summary of activity.

North ShieldsA learning disabilities care coordinator and a health and wellbeing coach are now in post. A social Prescribing link worker, mental health workers, a physiotherapist are all working with practices for the benefit of patients and a pharmacy hub has been created.WallsendA second physiotherapist has been recruited as well as two care coordinators.Whitley BayA cancer care cordinator and two pharmacy technicians have been employed, in addition there are three frailty care coordinators working into the frailty service.North WestThis part of the borough now has two learning disabilities care coordinators.You can find out more about PCNs by following this link. https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/primary-care-networks/

Patient Forum and Working GroupsDevelopment SessionDespite the many challenges throughout last year the CCG and Patient Forum members have continued to work for the benefit of people within North Tyneside.  At the beginning of each year members meet to reflect upon past work and the way forward. Prior to the development session members of the group had the chance to review their involvement and influence.

This enabled the groups to decide which groups will continue in their present form andeach of the following groups have contributed to positive outcomes for patients’ health care and will continue to do so. Many goals have been achieved within the working groups and some are highlighted below.Communications Working Group

Production of the quarterly newsletter Contributes to health-related publicity material Practice Patient Group bi-monthly bulletin

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End of Life Working Group Work plan contribution Patient and carer information leaflet

Future Care Working Group Integrated frailty pathway planning HowFit booklet and website testing and feedback

Innovations Working Group Livi demonstraion and evaluation planning Living Well North Tyneside website planning

Mental Health Working Group Community Mental Health Transformation Plan Involvement Learning Disabilities service discussion

Woodland CreaturesThese four little woodland creatures have been made during lockdown by one of our Forum members. They are off to live in the Linskill Nursery Playrooms, the Bunnies, the Squirrels, the Foxes and the Owls.

Did you know…Domestic abuse victims can now turn to community pharmacies in the UK for help as part of a government initiative.Over 250 independent pharmacies across the country as well as some branches of Boots are involved in a new code word scheme called Ask for ANI that allows victims to indicate

discreetly that they need help such as accessing other support services or contacting the police without their abusers' knowledge. To access help, those in need can approach any member of staff and ‘Ask for ANI’.If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

Do you know what to do if your power fails? One evening recently our lights and TV went off

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suddenly. Peering through falling snow to see neighbours still illuminated established it wasn’t a power cut. No light, no landline phone and no wi-fi – how do you find out what to do next?

My husband has Parkinson’s and was anxious, so I found the Yellow Pages with exact instructions about who to call – Northern Powergrid on 105. Early next morning I rang 105 and they couldn’t have been more helpful. After talking me through the circuit board tests, they said they’d send someone out within three hours. They also offered to send a torch and a landline handset that works without power. It may be because we are on their ‘Priority Service Register’ but we found the service excellent. 

Lessons to learn – keep a torch handy and a phone charged,105 is the number to ring for help and if you have a vulnerable person in the house register with Northern Powergrid. https://northernpowergrid.custhelp.com/app/enquiry/type/psr

Patient Forum member story

Eleanor Hayward – Chair of the Patient ForumNHS North Tyneside CCG has been awarded a Green Star by NHS England, this equates to a 15/15 rating, for patient involvement and engagement and the work of members has greatly contributed to this.

North Tyneside has worked tirelessly to ensure the vaccination programme is carried out as safely and quickly as possible.

We have all tried to adapt to pandemic life and the challenges this has brought, more of us are now able to use technology, that before the pandemic we hardly knew existed and as residents I hope you feel you have been kept informed and supported.

This has been a long and testing year for everyone and as the first signs of spring are appearing so are the first signs of returning to a life more normal.

This newsletter is produced quarterly by members of the CCG Patient Forum Communications Working Group

For more information please contactMichele Spencermichele@chcfnorthtyneside.org.uk