Healthwatch York Winter 2016

Winter 2016

In this issue

Healthwatch York’s aim is to put you at the heart of health and social care services in our city. By getting feedback from as many people as possible we can see what is working well and what needs to be improved.

We need your help in deciding what we should focus on in 2016/17.

Local people have raised a number of topics with us during the past year. We have gathered these from people we meet at community venues across York, from emails and phone calls we receive and from the feedback centre on our website. Our work plan survey lists the fifteen topics people have raised most often. We want you to vote

for the topics which are most important to you. You can also let us know if a topic you want us to look at is not on the list.

We will work on the two topics which receive the most votes. Our reports, which include recommendations to local services, will be published later this year. All our reports go to the Health and Wellbeing Board, who make sure that local services consider and act on our recommendations.

We need to hear from as many people as possible to make sure we look at the topics that matter most to people in York. Please complete our survey and encourage your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to do the same. The survey is enclosed with this magazine and additional paper copies are available from the Healthwatch York office.

The survey can also be completed online by going to our website:ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.healthwatchyork.co.uk orABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/OurWork2016

If you would like a copy of the survey in any other format, please contact the Healthwatch York office. Surveys need to be completed by 29th February.

Tell us what we should be working on this year

2 Work Plan update

3 Access to GPs

10 Care Homes

5 Antenatal and postnatal services

Wheelchair services

14 Priority in a powercutDomestic abuse: Hidden in plain sight

Together we canmake York better

4 Dementia Project

Home Library ServiceVoucher scheme for gluten free products

15

7 Loneliness: A modern epidemic

6 York Social Prescribing pilot project

8 Involving people in mental health services

12Think Pharmacy First

13 Musculoskeletal services

2 | Healthwatch York | Winter 2016

Healthwatch York work plan update“A&E and alternatives”

Last year 75% of the people who responded to our work plan survey wanted us to look at A&E services and alternatives in York.

The Healthwatch York report A&E and alternatives was published in July 2015. You can read the report on our website: www.healthwatch.co.uk and paper copies are available from the Healthwatch York office.

The report made a number of recommendations to local organisations including York Hospital, Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the Universities in York.

The Health and Wellbeing Board are making sure that progress is being made against the recommendations in our reports. Some work is already underway including:

A screen is being put into A&E at York Hospital so that staff can cross-reference who has been referred via NHS 111 on arrival

The CCG and York Hospital are jointly doing work on urgent care for under 5s.

Urgent Care communications have been going out throughout the winter which emphasise the difference between A&E and the Urgent Care Centre. Patient information leaflets are given to every patient to emphasise the importance of ‘Choosing Well’

Tell us about your experiencesOne of the main things Healthwatch York does is to listen to people about health and care in York. We capture and report on people’s daily experiences of using local services.

You can give feedback on every visit to every service you use in York. This can be a compliment, comment, concern or complaint.

You can contact us on:

ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

01904 621133ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

[email protected]

Or leave feedback through our feedback centre:ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.healthwatchyork.co.uk/services

Comment from our ChairHealthwatch York is committed to involving the public in health and social care because we know how important it is.

Over the past two years we have seen that when involvement is done well it builds public confidence and delivers health and care services that meet peoples’ needs.

In our daily lives we expect choice about all kinds of things. When you want to buy a sandwich you are asked a number of questions – what filling would you like, do you prefer white bread or brown, would you like salad or mayonnaise? We take it for granted we can choose our lunch, but how often are you asked about what you need or want from health and care services?

No one should choose or buy your health and care services without talking to you – it’s even more important than your lunch!

We are proud to see how Healthwatch York has helped people have their say and influence the services which are important to them including wheelchair services, care homes, and access to services for Deaf people. We’re currently working on dementia services and access to GPs and will start work on two more topics when we know the results of our work plan survey.

Please complete our survey and let us know which topics matter most to you. We want to put everyone in York at the heart of health and social care and help to deliver a system which works for everyone.

John ClarkChair, Healthwatch York

Winter 2016 | Healthwatch York | 3

In 2015 60% of the people who responded to our work plan survey wanted us to look at Access to GP Services.

We received feedback about peoples’ experiences through our online feedback centre, by e mail, phone and in person. In July 2015 we held public workshops to find out more about peoples’ experiences of:

+ Making appointments and opening hours,+ The impact of practice mergers, + Examples of good practice, + Barriers to getting the service you need

In October 2015 we launched our access to GP services survey and we’ve had a fantastic response - over 250 completed surveys have been received. A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences with us.

We’ll use all the feedback and information we’ve gathered in our report which will include recommendations for changes to improve peoples’ experience of accessing GP services. The report will be published in March 2016 and presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

There are severe difficulties obtaining GP appointments. Appointments are only booked two weeks in advance. I’m repeatedly advised to ring back in 2 weeks time.”

My surgery is very good for providing same day appointments.”

It is a problem for carers to ring at 8am to get a GP appointment.”

Extended hours on Saturday morning and weekday evenings would be helpful.”

Since the merger things seem to have gone quite wrong. I can never get an appointment with the doctor I want”

I used to get appointments in 2-3 days, now it is 2-3 weeks.”

The front door (of the surgery) is not automatic. It is difficult to open if you are using a stick or in a wheelchair.”

Access to GPs


As part of our work with Here Now Dementia, a York-based not-for-profit company, we hold monthly meetings for people with dementia and their carers.

A variety of topics are discussed such as dealing with a diagnosis of dementia, family and relationships, making places more dementia friendly.

Healthwatch York manager Siân Balsom says: “When people think of a group of people with dementia getting together to talk about what it’s like living with dementia you might be forgiven for thinking it’s going to be a tough meeting. In reality it is one of the most joyous meetings I go to each month. I am so grateful to all the people who come along and share their experiences with us.”

Healthwatch York volunteers take notes at all the meetings, which take place at Lidgett Grove Methodist Church. Siân says: “Everything we’re hearing and learning will help shape our report next year which will include recommendations on how to keep makings things better for people with dementia.”

Dementia project updateThe monthly meetings will take place until July 2016. If you or someone you know would like to attend any of these sessions please contact the Healthwatch York office or email Emily Abbott at Here Now Dementia:


[email protected]

February 8thWhat makes spaces dementia friendly?Getting out and about, toilets, cafes, shopping, good places to be

March 14th Support, informationWhat is the essential information?

April 11th What you experienceWhat people should know about dementia

May 9th Wider awareness raisingGetting the message out

June 13th Moving forward, making connections

July 11th Recap what we’ve heard so farHave we got your key messages right? Is there anything missing?

As part of our commitment to making York a more Dementia Friendly city, in October 2015 another group of Healthwatch York volunteers took part in a Dementia Friends training session. We now have a total of eighteen volunteers who have learned more about dementia and how to help create dementia friendly communities.

Pictured: Newly trained Healthwatch York volunteers (left to right) Laura Branigan, Chris Hodgson, Jane Gripton

��Do you care for someone who has Dementia and worry that they might go missing? See page 12¶


Following Healthwatch York’s report on local wheelchair services, Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), together with other local CCGs organised two rapid improvement events.

Healthwatch York attended the second event along with representatives from NHS England, CCGs, providers and service users. This was a great opportunity to hear about the plans to make wheelchair services locally more responsive. It was heartwarming to hear from one person who uses a wheelchair that he felt “Healthwatch York’s report has been really influential in making all this happen”. We continue to keep a close eye on progress.


You can read our report on wheelchair services on the Healthwatch York website: www.healthwatchyork.co.uk

Healthwatch York is working with Kyra Women’s Project to find out more about women’s experience of antenatal and postnatal services in York.

If you are pregnant, or have had a baby in the past year we’d love to hear about your experiences, both good and bad.

We are running a survey which is available online:


www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YorkMums

Paper copies of the survey are available from the Healthwatch York office. If you would like a copy of the survey in another format please contact us:


[email protected]


01904 621133

Our survey is anonymous and we will not publish any information to identify you. The findings of the survey will be included in a Healthwatch York report later in the year.

Closing date for responses: 29th February 2016

Kyra is a one-stop-centre for women in York providing training programmes, counselling and support services. To find out more about them visit:


www.kyra.org.uk

Tell us what you think about local antenatal and postnatal services

Wheelchair service update


Social prescribing enables people to be referred by their GP to non-medical interventions that can support their health and wellbeing needs.

The York Social Prescribing project is a year long pilot that is due to start taking referrals in February 2016. Funded by City of York Council and run by York Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS), it is available to anyone aged 18 and over who is registered with the Priory Medical Group.

Referrals can be made via GPs or other primary care professionals. Appointments will focus on exploring what the person’s needs are, activities and services in the local area that might help and agreeing an action plan.

Activities and services, usually provided by community groups and voluntary

organisations, might be around:

+ Advice – benefits, debt, housing support

+ Emotional and mental wellbeing – feeling less isolated and better supported

+ Exercise /support with healthy lifestyle

+ Social and leisure activities – improving confidence and meeting new people

Initially, appointments will primarily be based at Tang Hall Lane Surgery.

Jasmine Howard, Social Prescribing Coordinator says: “In going forward and rolling this model out, we hope that the pilot can demonstrate that this holistic approach has a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. We also hope to increase GP

understanding about what the voluntary sector can offer and look forward to working with the Priory Medical Group.”

For individuals or organisations wanting to know more, please contact Jasmine Howard, Social Prescribing Coordinator:


[email protected]


01904 621133

York Social Prescribing pilot project

Improving health and well-being by connecting people with activities and services in the community

Loneliness: a modern epidemic Healthwatch York’s report, ‘Loneliness: a modern epidemic and the search for a cure’ was published in September 2014.

The report explained why the problem of loneliness became a priority for Healthwatch York and explored who is affected by loneliness and the many factors that contribute to it.

We summarised the findings of several studies done about loneliness specifically in York and listed the activities and initiatives of the many local organisations that are working to alleviate loneliness.

The report made a number of recommendations for both the Health and Wellbeing Board and for partners. As a result of our recommendations City of York Council:

+ Set up a city-wide loneliness and isolation task group+ Developed social prescribing options to connect people

with activities and services in the community+ Committed to making sure that key workers are

confident signposting to services that address loneliness

What makes people lonely?Loneliness has many different causes and affects people differently. Often people feel lonely because of their personal circumstances. But sometimes loneliness is a deeper, more constant feeling that comes from within.

‘Loneliness is not feeling part of the world. You might be surrounded by loads of people but... you are [still] lonely.’

Mental health charity Mind recognise that loneliness can have a significant impact on mental health, contributing to problems such as anxiety and depression.

Mind have produced a booklet for people who feel that loneliness has contributed to a mental health problem or for people who have a mental health problem that has left them feeling lonely. It explains the causes of loneliness and offers suggestions on how to overcome it.

The booklet is available to download from the Mind website:


www.mind.org.uk/media/7504/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-2013.pdf

If you would like a printed copy, please contact the Healthwatch York office


Popping up in New EarswickJoseph Rowntree Foundation will have a pop up shop in the old Post Office in New Earswick from 11th January until 4th April.They will be sharing the space with other community groups and community and social entrepreneurs, putting on a variety of activities including:• A drop in for high school

age children to do work, socialise or relax after school in a safe environment

• A reading café where children can come along with their parents and be buddied up with an older person and read aloud to them

• A public office space for freelancers, students, home workers, start-ups - anyone who has work to do but wants to do it more socially

• Craft, cookery and gardening sessions

• A learning space where no money changes hands

To find out more email:


[email protected]

The York and Selby Mental Health service user network (SUN) puts people who use the services in touch with the people who provide them.

It provides a safe place for service users and carers to discuss the quality of care people receive, have discussions and celebrate what works well. Staff from the service are invited to the meetings to talk about existing services and consult on any proposed changes.

The network was established by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (YPFT), the former provider of mental health services in our area. In October 2014 an initial meeting, which was attended by Healthwatch York, endorsed the idea of a regular monthly meeting. The meetings are now held at 1.30pm on the last Thursday of the month, at Friends Meeting House in York.

Healthwatch York volunteer John Brown, who is a regular attendee at the SUN meetings, says:

‘The meetings have been enriched by regular presentations from professional staff, always followed by intense questioning and discussion. The staff’s openness to discussion and debate is very much appreciated. This has been particularly evident since the enforced closure of Bootham Park Hospital at short notice.’

When Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust took over the provision of Mental Health Services in York in October 2015, their Chief Operating Officer Ruth Hill attended the next available SUN meeting.

John Brown said: ‘Service users were extremely impressed with her openness, her careful listening as concerns were being articulated and her guarantees of taking into account the

difficulties described by service users. Since then a number of service users have made visits to other TEWV facilities on Teeside and in North Yorkshire and to a ‘model’ facility operated by another provider in the Midlands. We look forward to the network continuing and strengthening during 2016.’

The feeling of trust which the regular meetings have created has led to opportunities for more specific engagement. Service users and carers are regularly recruited as members of interview panels and have joined the working group advising on the modifications to Peppermill Court as the interim provision for in-patient services previously provided at Bootham Park Hospital.

For more information about the SUN, contact Heather Simpson at TEWV:


[email protected]

Involving people in mental health services


Telling people what mental health services are availablePeople in York who need to use mental health services can find out about the advice, help and support available to them in Healthwatch York’s Guide to mental health and wellbeing.

The guide includes a directory of services which was based on a series of questions which users commonly ask themselves such as ‘I feel acutely anxious, where can I get some help?’, ‘Who can I talk to about how I’m feeling?’, ‘How do I keep well when I’m recovering?’. People have told us that before the publication of the guide, answers to these kinds of questions were often very difficult to find.

Paper copies of the guide are available from the Healthwatch York office and it is also available to download from our website.

£100graphic design* discount for Healthwatch York Partners in 2016.

Contact: [email protected]


Are you ‘Sugar Smart’?A new campaign is being launched in York to encourage parents to get 'Sugar Smart' and take control of their children’s sugar intake.

11.9 per cent of four to five-year-olds in York are overweight or obese, increasing to 13.2 per cent in 10 to 11-year-olds. This means they are more likely to become obese adults who are more prone to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes.

City of York Council’s executive member for adult social care and health, Cllr Carol Runciman, said: “The latest child obesity figures for York highlight the importance for families to cut back on sugar in the diet.

Sugar can often be found lurking in everyday food and drink, taking children well over the maximum recommended amount.”

As part of its Sugar Smart campaign the public health programme Change4Life has launched a free app that allows people to scan the barcode of a product to show the amount of sugar it contains in cubes and grammes. The app also includes recipes and discounts off healthier products as well as weekly email tips to help parents reduce the amount

of sugar they give to their children.

Cllr Runciman said: "We're encouraging parents in York to download the new Sugar Smart app and take control of the amount of sugar their family consumes, to protect them from the health risks of having too much sugar."

You can download the app here:ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/campaigns/sugar-smart/home

Would you like to advertise your organisation here?Healthwatch York is funded by City of York Council and we know that public finances are under the greatest pressure they have ever been. We need to do whatever we can to make sure we deliver the best service possible without more public money. One of the ways we want to do this is to invite organisations to advertise in our magazine.

Would your organisation like to advertise in this magazine? Every quarter 750 paper copies are sent to individuals and organisations in York and distributed to the public at community venues. Over 800 copies of the magazine are emailed to individuals and organisations with an interest in health and social care.

Please contact us if you would like more details. Our rates are very competitive and we can offer a free design service for charities and voluntary organisations.

NA|PrintMediaAffordable printing and graphic

design for the voluntary sector in York and North Yorkshire

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* Discount applies to design fees only. May be used over multiple orders. Offer available until 31st December 2016

Care homes in York The Care Quality Commission (CQC)’s new inspection process is still in transition – there are still a significant number of providers who have not yet had a ‘new style’ inspection.

Of the 43 care homes in York, so far 13 have been inspected using the new format. The CQC have consulted with City of York Council and the homes which they have concerns with have been prioritised. As a result, the ratings for York are currently lower than the national average, but this is likely to change as more homes are inspected.

The ratings for the 13 homes which have been inspected are:

0 — Outstanding5 — Good6 — Needs improvement2 — Inadequate

City of York Council have been working closely with the CQC and the owners and management teams of the two homes rated as inadequate, providing support and advice as well as looking at future plans.

Plans to modernise older peoples’ accommodationCity of York Council have developed an Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme to address the needs of York’s ageing population, replacing the council’s out dated Older People’s Homes, while helping older people to remain independent in their own home for as long as possible. The plan also equips York for future population


The Care Quality Commission inspect care homesHealth and adult social care services in England are monitored, inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It is their job to make sure that health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high quality care.

All care homes must be registered with the CQC and are inspected regularly to make sure they meet fundamental quality and safety standards.

In October 2014 the CQC began a new approach to the regulation and inspection of care homes. When they inspect they ask five key questions about the services:

+ Are they safe?+ Are they effective?+ Are they caring?+ Are they responsive?+ Are they well led?

After each inspection, the CQC produce a report, setting out what the findings on each of the five key questions mean

for the people who use the service. They describe the good practice they find, as well as any concerns. Any evidence about breaches of regulations is clearly set out. They also make recommendations to help care providers improve their rating.

Each provider is given one of four ratings:

— Outstanding— Good— Needs improvement— Inadequate

All CQC reports, including the ratings, are available to the public via the CQC website:www.cqc.org.uk

If you want to give the CQC feedback about a care home you can contact them:


03000 61 61 61


[email protected] ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.cqc.org.uk

CARE HOMES

change with the size of the over 75 population expected to increase by 50% over the next 15 years.

The programme plans to:

+ Maximise the use of two of York’s existing Sheltered Housing with Extra Care schemes, Glen Lodge and Marjorie Waite Court, by increasing the support available at each venue.

+ Build a 27 home extension to Glen Lodge (subject to funding and planning permission)

+ Seek the building of a new ‘extra care’ scheme in Acomb

+ Procure a new residential care facility as part of the Health and Wellbeing Campus at Burnholme

+ Encourage the development of additional residential care capacity in York

You can find out more about the Council’s plans by visiting their website:ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.york.gov.uk/info/20136/services_for_older_people/1760/plans_for_older_peoples_accommodation


Volunteer care home visitsHealthwatch York volunteers have accompanied City of York Council staff on their regular consultation and observation visits to care homes in York since February 2014.

The specially trained volunteers look around the homes and talk to residents and visiting relatives. They find out what life is like in the home and ask specific questions about the staff, food, and activities.

The visits allow our volunteers to find out residents and relatives views as well as contributing their own opinions of the homes they visit. They make careful notes of their observations and all the feedback they get from residents and relatives. All the feedback is collated and passed to Council staff who produce a full report for each care home and provide a summary for residents. As well as providing valuable feedback for the homes, often in the form of direct quotes from residents and relatives, the reports also contain recommendations for improvements.

Council staff feel that the partnership with Healthwatch York enhances their reports and has challenged and improved the way they do things.

The team of Healthwatch York volunteers really enjoy their visits to care homes and love talking to residents. They are proud to be able to make such a valuable contribution to a process which aims to improve the quality of life in care homes for everyone.

You gain a lot of knowledge from listening to what people tell you and you feel you can do something about things”- Volunteer care home assessor Jackie Chapman

The training provided by Healthwatch York is excellent and enjoyable”- Volunteer care home assessor Judith Saunders

Healthwatch York care home assessors, left to right: Jane Gripton and Judith Saunders

Healthwatch York care home assessors, back left to right: Jackie Chapman, Dorothy Murphy, Chris Hodgson. Front: Fiona Benson


Do you care for someone who has dementia and worry that they might go missing?When a person goes missing, it is very distressing for family and friends and can be even more worrying when the missing person has dementia.

The Herbert Protocol encourages carers, families, friends and neighbours to hold information about a person with dementia to help the police find them quickly if they do go missing.

It is a national scheme, adopted by North Yorkshire Police, which allows vital information such as medication, description, photograph, favourite places to be recorded on a form. The

form is kept by families or carers in a safe place where it can be found quickly if it is needed. It needs to be kept up to date with a recent photograph of the person which can be passed to the police if needed.

If the person with dementia does go missing, families and carers call 999, ask for the police and tell them that they have a Herbert Protocol form. The police will be able to use

the information on the form to help find the missing person as quickly as possible.

For more information and to download a Herbert Protocol form visit: www.northyorkshire.police.uk/herbertprotocol

You can also pick up a form from your local police station

You can visit the NHS Vale of York CCG website for more information about the service and to download a leaflet which lists the ailments covered by the service.

www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/community-pharmacy/minor-ailments-service

Don’t wait for a GP appointment:Think Pharmacy FirstIf you have a minor ailment the quickest and easiest way to get treatment and advice from a health professional is to go to a pharmacy.

If you have an ailment such as athlete’s foot, earache, migraine or sore throat, you can get free advice and treatment from a pharmacist without seeing your GP to get a prescription.

A number of pharmacies in York are taking part in a minor ailments service pilot. If you don’t pay for your prescriptions, these pharmacies can provide you with medication free of charge. If you do pay for your prescriptions you will be charged a fee per item at the current prescription rate. If the medicine costs less than the prescription charge, you can buy it ‘over the counter’ instead.

Pharmacies in York currently participating in this pilot scheme:

+ Boots, 86 Clifton+ Haxby Group Pharmacy, Haxby & Wigginton Health Centre+ Monk Bar Pharmacy, 3 Goodramgate+ Priory Pharmacy, Cornlands Road, Acomb+ Huntington Pharmacy, 1-3 North Lane


Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are injuries or pain in the body’s joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. MSK services include physiotherapy, treatment for acute back pain and podiatry.

The MSK service in York, which had been delivered by York Hospital was put out to tender by the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in 2015. The contract, due to start in October 2015, was awarded to a new provider and the service provided by York Hospital was wound down. However, before the contract with the new provider was signed, issues were identified which meant the CCG were not able to go ahead with the contract.

In December 2015 York Hospital agreed to re-establish their MSK service so GPs are now able to refer patients into the service again. The CCG are working with York Hospital to put a self-referral process in place as soon as possible. Interim physiotherapy arrangements with Nuffield Health and Ramsay Health Care (Clifton Park Hospital) will continue in order to maintain continuity of care for patients who have been referred into those services since 1st October.

York NeighboursYork Neighbours is a charity which aims to reduce isolation and help older people stay independent. Volunteers provide support to people over 65 in the City of York area by:

+ Helping with practical one off jobs such as changing a lightbulb or putting up shelves

+ Making a regular phone call to chat to people who do not have family or friends nearby

+ Taking people on trips to the coast, garden centre or theatre

You can refer yourself or someone else (if you have their permission) to get help from York Neighbours by phone or via their website.


01904 891627ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.yorkneighbours.org.uk

The CCG will be carrying out another procurement process for a new contract to start in October 2016.

This interim period is an opportunity to review existing and future MSK service requirements and the CCG want to hear the views of people who use the service.

You can contact the Vale of York CCG by:


01904 555 870


[email protected]


Write to: NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group West Offices Station Rise York Y01 6GA

Healthwatch York has received feedback from people who have been affected by the break in the service and we also welcome peoples’ views on the ongoing review of the service.

Musculoskeletal services in York

Priority in a powercut Did you know you could sign up for extra help and assistance in a power cut if you are vulnerable?

Northern Powergrid are in charge of electricity in Yorkshire and the Northeast. If you, or the person you care for, are vulnerable and rely on electricity for medical or communication needs, then you can sign up to their Priority Service. It is a free service that will mean you get extra support and assistance during a powercut.

For more information or to register for the service visit www.northernpowergrid.com or phone 0800 1692996.

If you have hearing difficulties you can phone 0800 028950.


General Osteopathic Council Patient and Public Partnership GroupAre you interested in standards of osteopathic practice?

Would you like to be involved in developing information for patients and the public?

The General Osteopathic Council, which is the regulator for osteopathy in the UK, is keen to set up a Patient and Public Partnership Group to engage with patients and the public.

To find out more or express your interest you can contact Sarah Eldred at the General Osteopathic Council:


020 7357 6655 ext 245


[email protected] ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC

www.osteopathy.org.uk

Domestic Abuse: Hidden In Plain SightMany people believe that domestic abuse is not happening in their area, or among the people that they know. However, millions of people affected by domestic abuse are hidden in plain sight within communities, either afraid to come forward or with no idea where to turn for help.

The statistics are quite harrowing, 1 in 4 women are likely to experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and at least 14% of men have also been affected.

In North Yorkshire, incidents of domestic abuse have risen with over 9000 incidents reported to the Police last year. We know this is just the tip of the iceberg as 90% of incidents go unreported. People can experience abuse for long periods and suffer sustained injuries before seeking help. Domestic abuse is not always physically violent; it can be emotional or financial and cuts across class, race and cultural boundaries.

IDAS is a North Yorkshire based charity that provides comprehensive support services to all those experiencing or affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Their services include refuge accommodation, outreach support and access to a free, confidential helpline. We also employ a team of accredited specialist workers to support people who need support through the criminal justice system. IDAS supported over 2000 people last year and accommodated 100 families in our refuges.

Calling the free, confidential, 24hour helpline might be the first step on a journey to a life free from fear, violence and control. IDAS are there for anyone who needs support and advice.


For more information visit the comprehensive website: www.idas.org.uk


Royal Voluntary Service and Explore Libraries are working in partnership to deliver library books and IT support in your own home.

Home Library ServiceThe Home Library Service offers free access to a wide variety of fiction and non fiction in a range of different formats including regular print, large print and audio books. These will be delivered to your home on a regular basis. A Royal Voluntary Service volunteer will visit you to discuss what types of books you enjoy reading and organise a regular time to visit.

IT SupportVolunteers will be available to help you get to grips with using a touch-screen tablet computer. From the comfort of your own home they can show you how to send emails, search the internet, use government services online, stay healthy with NHS Choices, access the

City of York Council’s many online services and engage with your local library via the internet.

They can also show you how you can choose from the large selection of e-books and listen to audio books using the Explore e-Library on a tablet computer.

VolunteeringVolunteering with Royal Voluntary Service won’t just help transform the lives of people, it will change your life too.

Just a couple hours of volunteering makes you feel great. You’ll be amazed what effect one conversation, one laugh from someone who’s spent days alone or a heartfelt thank you can have.

Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are trialling a supermarket voucher scheme for gluten free products. The scheme will allow patients with coeliac disease to choose how they spend their vouchers, giving them a greater choice of staple gluten free foods.

The trial, the first of its kind in the UK, is due to start on 1st February 2016 and will run for six months. One hundred patients with coeliac disease, who live in the Vale of York will be taking part. Stores involved in the pilot are the Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons and Tullivers.

For more information about the trial contact the CCG:


01904 555 870


[email protected]

York Coeliac Group provides support for people diagnosed with coeliac disease and their families.


[email protected]

Do you find it hard to visit your local library?

If you are interested in using the home Library Service, accessing IT support or becoming a volunteer please contact Sarah Wallis:


07469378205


[email protected]

New voucher scheme for gluten free products


What is Healthwatch York?Healthwatch York helps you influence local health and social care services – hospitals, care homes mental health services, GP surgeries, home care services and others.

Healthwatch York will help you and your family get the best out of your local health and social care services. You can be involved in shaping these services according to what your community wants or needs.

We want to put you at the heart of health and social care services in York. We:

Provide information about local services to make sure you know how to access the help you need

Signpost you to independent complaints advocacy if you need support to complain about a service you’ve received

Listen to your views about local services and make sure these are taken into account when services are planned and delivered. We want to know what is working well, and what isn’t

Healthwatch gives us the opportunity to create a health and care system that really meets our needs.

Healthwatch EnglandAs well as operating locally, Healthwatch plays a role at national level.

Local Healthwatch passes on information and recommendations to Healthwatch England. Healthwatch England takes evidence from local Healthwatch and uses it to create a strong picture of what matters most to consumers up and down the country.

York CVSHealthwatch York is a project at York CVS. York CVS works with voluntary and community groups in York. York CVS aims to help these groups do their best for their communities, and people who take part in their activities or use their services.

proud to be part of

Contact us:

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Freepost RTEG-BLES-RRYJ Healthwatch York 15 Priory Street York YO1 6ET


01904 621133


07779 597361 – use this if you would like to leave us a text or voicemail message


[email protected]


@healthwatchyork


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www.healthwatchyork.co.uk

Visit our website and leave your feedback about local services

Nunnery Lane

Micklegate

Blossom

Street

Priory Street

City centre

PARK&RIDEWhite Line No. 3Askham Bar -Railway Station

ON

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Healthwatch York Winter 2016

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Transcript of Healthwatch York Winter 2016