Walsall East 2 Primary Care Network News
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - March
Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held annually in March to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Did you know:
· In the UK, there are around 7,400 cases each year
· Ovarian cancer is the UK’s sixth common cancer
· The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases with age, with more than half of all cases in the UK aged 65 and over
An early diagnosis can make all the difference, so do your bit and share the following information with friends and family.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Recognise the BEAT symptoms:
· B is for bloating that doesn’t come and go
· E is for eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
· A is for abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
· T is for toilet changes in urination or bowel habits
Need further support? Ovacome is the UK’s main ovarian cancer charity. To access support:
· Call 0800 008 7054 · Join their online forum · Take advantage of their free symptom diary
If in doubt, please contact your GP.
Walsall East 2 PCN - Metta Minds Sessions
It's the second Self-Care session with the amazing @mettaminds tomorrow Friday 11-12 at the Baby Room, Anchor Meadow for Patients from our practices:
- Northgate Practice
- Portland Medical Practice
- Collingwood Family Practice
- Blackwood Health Centre
- Rushall Medical Centre
If you would like to learn more and start receiving support from Metta Minds in the future contact Metta Minds, or speak to our social prescribers today by self-referring yourself, by visiting the link below.
https://services.thejoyapp.com/
#walsalleasttwopcn #mettaminds #selfcare #gppractice #gppractices #socialprescribing #socialprescriber
Pharmacy First
Do you need Healthcare advice? Did you know Pharmacy's can help you with 7 common conditions?
Thinking 'Pharmacy First' makes it easier to get help.
Skip the morning rush to see a GP by visiting your pharmacy if you suspect you have one of these seven minor conditions.
Find the service at a pharmacy near you: https://bit.ly/3vPV09F
#walsalleasttwopcn #pharmacyfirst #GP #sinusitis #sorethroat #Earache #infectedinsectbite #impetigo #shingles #urinarytractinfection
P.E.A.C .E - Event
Yesterday Monday 5th February 2024 the 💡 Spotlight was on the 'Parkinson's Empathy And Care Event 💡
Do you have Parkinson's? Are you a family member or friend of somebody who has Parkinson's? If so and you are a patient
at Northgate Practice, Portland Medical Practice, Rushall Medical Centre, Collingwood Family Practice or Blackwood Health Centre and want support in getting to know other people directly impacted by Parkinson's and listen to talks by various Parkinson's Condition Specialists, then get in touch with your care coordinators today!
#PEACE #parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsonsempathyandcareevent #carecoordinators #gp #walsalleasttwopcn #february
National Apprenticeship Week
Monday 5th February 2024 to Friday 9th February 2024 the 💡 Spotlight is on National Apprenticeship Week 💡
Are you looking for support in employment? Are you stuck in a rut or do you know someone who is? Are you someone who is looking for a new challenge? If so... Have you ever considered an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to all. All ages. All sectors. All levels. All backgrounds. Apprenticeships develop people with the skills employers need and benefit the economy. They provide a route into successful and fulfilling careers.
If you are a patient at Northgate Practice, Portland Medical Practice, Rushall Medical Centre, Collingwood Family Practice or Blackwood Health Centre and want support with getting into work or starting an apprenticeship, then speak to our Social Prescribers today and they will connect you to the right people.
#NAW2024 #nationalapprenticeshipweek #nationalapprenticeshipweek2024 #apprenticeship #socialprescribers #gp #walsalleasttwopcn #2024
Dry January
This month the 💡 Spotlight is on Dry January 💡
Do you want to feel healthier?
Do you want your wallet to feel fuller?
Do you want to have deeper sleeps?
Do you want to have more energy?
Do you want to improve your concentration levels?
Why not consider taking a break from drinking this January?....
If you'd like to find out more information visit dryjanuary.org.uk or alternatively if you're looking for support in lifestyle changes contact your GP practice today to be referred to your Health and Wellbeing Coaches Claire and Carli.
#gp #gpsurgery #walsalleasttwopcn #healthandwellbeingcoaches #dryjanuary #alcoholchangeuk
On Monday 13th November 2023 the 💡 Spotlight will be on our Warm Welcome Opening Event 💡
If you are a patient of one of our five practices Northgate Practice, Portland Medical Practice, Rushall Medical Centre, Blackwood Health Centre or Collingwood Family Practice come along to the Baby Room at Anchor Meadow Health Centre every Monday 10.00-12.00 and keep warm over winter, with some free refreshments and make some new friends in the process.
If you want to find out more, come in and speak to our social prescribers and care coordinators.
#warmwelcome #freerefreshments #keepingwarm #makingfriends #socialprescribers #carecoordinators #gp #walsalleasttwopcn
Walsall East 2 PCN Warm Welcome
Tuesday 10th October 2023 the 💡 Spotlight is on World Mental Health Day 💡
We're here to remind you it's okay to not be okay, but you don't always have to stay that way. There is a road to healing. We’re inviting you to walk on it.
If you want to start your journey to improving your mental health, visit your GP practice today and speak to your GP or Nabi, Damaris or Danni one of your Social Prescribers or speak to Liz and Fiona your Care Coordinators for support.
#mentalhealthmatters #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #socialprescribers #carecoordinators #gp #walsalleasttwopcn
Social Prescribers
Care Coordinators
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
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Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
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Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
This week starting Monday 2nd October 2023 to Sunday 8th October 2023 is Backcare Awareness Weeek
This week Monday 2nd October to Sunday 8th October the 💡 Spotlight is on #backcareawarenessweek 💡
Backcare Awareness Week was established to address the prevalence of back pain and related issues. The campaign emphasizes the role of prevention through education and encourages individuals to take proactive steps to maintain a healthy back.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Educate Yourself: Learn about proper posture, back care techniques, and exercises that can help maintain a healthy spine.
2. Share Information: Share back care tips, resources, and articles on social media to raise awareness and educate your network.
3. Support Back Health Initiatives: Get involved in local events, workshops, or activities related to back care and spinal health.
3. Encourage Workplace Ergonomics: Advocate for ergonomic workplace practices that support good posture and back health among employees.
4. Take Breaks and Stretch: If you have a sedentary job, make an effort to take regular breaks and incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine.
5. Seek Professional Advice: If you experience persistent back pain or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional, physiotherapist or one of our specialist First Contact Physiotherapists Mak or Chidi through your practice for guidance and treatment.
Click on this link below to find out more about our First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP’s) Mak and Chidi.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
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Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
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Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
Tuesday 26th September 2023 MacMilan Cake Sale
On Tuesday 26th September 2023 our fantastic Care Coordinators Fiona and Liz ran a cake sale to raise money for MacMilan through a cake sale. They raised over £200 which is absolutely amazing!
The official date for Macmilan coffee morning is Friday 29th September 2023, however you can host a Macmilan coffee morning any day/time of the year!
A Coffee Morning can be whatever you want it to be. It could be at home, on your driveway, a hall or online, whatever suits you best. You can hold a garden get together and throw a barbeque, or treat your colleagues to some homemade bakes, or even get together with friends for a takeaway.
In 2022, Macmilan raised over £12 million and hope to top that this year.
So why raise money for Macmilan…..
Join thousands of people across the UK who raise money for by participating in Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The money you raise at your Coffee Morning will help many living with cancer to live life as fully as they can. All you have to do is sign up to host a Coffee Morning and Macmilan will send you a fundraising kit with top tips to get you started or find our fundraising resources online .
Macmilan understand how cancer can affect people’s whole lives – health, money, family, job; everything. And, after more than 100 years of caring, we understand that the most important thing is to treat people as individuals, not patients.
So Macmilan take the time to understand the support people need to live their lives as fully as they can. From the moment of diagnosis and whenever Macmilan are most needed, Macmilan are here to help people find their best way through. Macmilan’s help is totally focused on each individual person, so everyone receives the support that’s best for them.
Macmilan are here for you too. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).
So how do you get involved with Macmilan’s Coffee Mornings?
Whatever your reason to host, no reason is too big or too small. All you have to do is sign up to host a Coffee Morning and Macmilan will send you a fundraising kit with top tips to get you started.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
〰️
Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
Next Month is Stoptober…
Stoptober starts this Sunday! Join the thousands of smokers
committing to quitting. There’s lots of free support #Stoptober
‘WHEN YOU STOP SMOKING, GOOD THINGS START TO HAPPEN’
Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have
made a quit attempt with the campaign since it first launched. Over 5 million adults in
England still smoke, and it remains the biggest behavioural cause of preventable illness and
death, with 64,000 deaths a year.
This year's Stoptober mass quit attempt is as important as ever, with quitting remaining one
of the best things a smoker can do for their health. That’s why this year’s Stoptober
campaign is encouraging smokers to join the thousands of others who are committing to
quitting for the month of October – quit smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely
to quit for good. When you stop smoking good things start to happen - quitting will allow you
to start moving better, breathe more easily and give you more money to spend.
Stoptober offers a range of free quitting tools including: the NHS Quit Smoking app,
Facebook messenger bot, Stoptober Facebook online communities, daily emails and SMS,
and an online Personal Quit Plan tool. It provides information and advice on proven quitting
methods: the range of stop smoking aids, including further information on how vaping can
help you quit, and expert support from local Stop Smoking Services. Just search ‘Stoptober’
for more information or visit the Better Health Quit Smoking Website.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
〰️
Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week…
It’s cervical Screening Awareness Week, this week Monday 19th June 2023 - Friday 23rd June 2023.
See below some frequently asked questions to ‘Macmillan.org' :
How painful is a cervical screening (smear) test? Does it hurt?
A cervical smear test should not hurt, but sometimes it can feel uncomfortable. If you're worried about the test causing you pain, your GP or practice nurse can explain ways they can make the test easier for you.
What is a cervical screening (smear) test looking for?
A cervical smear test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Cervical cell changes are common, and often improve naturally. But sometimes these changes need treatment because there is a risk they may develop into cancer.
How your cervical smear sample is tested depends on where you are in the UK.
In England, Scotland and Wales, the sample is tested for a virus called HPV first. Samples that show high-risk HPV are then checked under a microscope for abnormal cells.
In Northern Ireland, the sample is checked for abnormal cells first.
Wherever you have your smear test, the aim is to find the small number of people who need treatment to prevent cancer.
Is cervical screening necessary?
Abnormal cell changes in the cervix cause no symptoms. You will not know if you have them unless you have cervical screening. Screening finds abnormal cell changes, including the ones that are most likely to become cancer. These cells can then be treated. This is an effective way of preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical screening is important to have, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. The vaccination protects against the most common types of high-risk HPV that cause cervical cancers. But it does not protect against all types.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
〰️
Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
Hypo Awareness Week…
It’s Hypo Awareness Week, this week Monday 11th September 2023 - Sunday 17th September 2023.
See below further information around Hypo Awareness Week :
What is Hypo Awareness Week?
Become part of Hypo Awareness Week, an annual opportunity for the diabetes community to discuss hypoglycaemia in hospitals and primary care settings across the UK. Stage a local campaign to increase education about the signs, symptoms and treatment of hypos among healthcare professionals.
What is a Hypo (hypoglycaemia)?
A low blood sugar level, also called hypoglycaemia or a ‘hypo"’ is where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low, below 4mmol/l.
A hypo can happen quickly, so it’s important to have hypo treatments with you at all times. It's important you know what the signs are and how to treat a hypo if you have one.
Why does hypoglycaemia happen?
Hypos can happen if the balance of diabetes medication you take (especially insulin), food you eat and physical activity you do sometimes isn’t right. Not everyone with diabetes will have hypos.
Understanding why you get hypos can help you prevent them from happening as often.
We don’t always know why hypos happen, but some things make them more likely. These include:
missing or delaying a meal or snack
not having enough carbohydrate at your last meal
doing a lot of exercise without having extra carbohydrate or without reducing your insulin dose (if you take insulin)
taking more insulin (or certain diabetes medication) than you needed
drinking alcohol
being unwell
experiencing stress or anxiety
extreme changes in weather.
Insulin and some other diabetes medications can make you more likely to have a hypo. Check with your diabetes healthcare team if you’re not sure whether the treatment you’re on is likely to cause hypos.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia
Everyone has different symptoms, but the most common symptoms of a hypo are:
feeling shaky
feeling disorientated
sweating
being anxious or irritable
going pale
palpitations and a fast pulse
lips feeling tingly
blurred vision
being hungry
feeling tearful
tiredness
having a headache
lack of concentration
night sweats.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
〰️
Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
About the NHS App…
TThe NHS App allows you to access a range of NHS services. You can download the NHS App on your phone or tablet. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
You must be aged 13 or over to use the NHS App. You also need to be registered with a GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man. Find out more about who can use the NHS App.
What you can do with the NHS App
You need to prove who you are to get full access to the NHS App. With full access you can:
order repeat prescriptions and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
book and manage appointments
view your GP health record to see information like your allergies and medicines (if your GP has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results)
book and manage coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations
get your NHS COVID Pass (there are also other ways to get your COVID Pass)
register your organ donation decision
choose how the NHS uses your data
view your NHS number (find out what your NHS number is)
use NHS 111 online to answer questions and get instant advice or medical help near you
Before proving who you are, you can use the NHS App to:
search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments
find NHS services near you
Other services
Depending on your GP surgery or hospital, you may be able to use the NHS App to:
message your GP surgery or a health professional online
contact your GP surgery using an online form and get a reply
access health services on behalf of someone you care for
view and manage your hospital and other healthcare appointments
view useful links your doctor or health professional has shared with you
view and manage care plans
Keeping your data secure
To access the NHS App, you will need to set up an NHS login and prove who you are. Your NHS App then securely connects to information from your GP surgery.
If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition, you can use it to log in to your NHS App each time, instead of using a password and security code.
If you want to find out more about the NHS APP follow the link below or speak to Digital Lead within Walsall East 2 PCN Jacob Blunt.
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023
〰️
Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023
〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023
〰️
World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023
〰️
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - 19.06.2023 - 24.06.2023 〰️ Hypo Awareness Week - 11.09.2023 - 17.09.2023 〰️ Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations Start - Week Commencing Monday 11th September 2023 〰️ World Mental Health Day 2023 Tuesday 10.10.2023 〰️
Covid and Flu Housebound Vaccinations…
Next week, Monday 18th September 2023 - Friday 22nd September 2023 Covid and Flu vaccinations will be taking place for our housebound patients.
See below further information about the Covid and Flu vaccinations :
Who are the Housebound Covid Vaccinations for?
People who can have a Covid booster include:
residents in a care home for older adults
all adults aged 65 years and over
people aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
frontline health and social care workers
people aged 12 to 64 who are household contacts of people with weakened immune systems
people aged 16 to 64 who are carers, and staff working in care homes for older adults
Covid vaccines at care homes as BA.2.86 variant spreading - BBC News
Who are the Flu Vaccinations for?
Free flu vaccines are being offered to:
all adults aged 65 years and over in England and Wales, and aged 50 or over in Northern Ireland and Scotland
people aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
all children aged two or three years on 31 August 2023
school-aged children (from Reception to Year 11)
people in long-stay residential care homes
carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline care workers
Can you get your Covid and Flu Vaccinations at the same time?
Flu and Covid shots can safely be given together at the same appointment.
Why is there a new Covid Booster being given out?
There is a new Covid Variant - BA.2.86.
What are the symptoms?
Loss of smell and taste was one of three key Covid symptoms (along with cough and fever) identified in the first two years of the pandemic. But it appeared to be much less common with the Omicron infections that came later.
Testing for Covid has been massively scaled back, making it difficult to know how many people in the UK might have it.
For example, most people are not required to test if they feel ill and think they might have Covid, but are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
There is some testing being done in hospitals - cases of Covid have been rising in recent weeks, which suggests there is more around in the community too.
According to US experts, existing tests, for detection, and medications, for treatment, appear to work still for BA.2.86.
Covid vaccines at care homes as BA.2.86 variant spreading - BBC News
