Choose well this winter
None of us choose to become ill or pick up an injury, but if it does happen to you, remember to Choose Well. There are a range of diff erent NHS services to help you and your family get the right healthcare when you need it. Only life-threatening emergencies or very serious symptoms need to be seen at a hospital A&E department. There is plenty of expertise at each service and they may save you a journey or a longer wait too. Be prepared! You and your family can prepare for dealing with injuries or accidents by fi nding out where your nearest minor injuries unit is, which local pharmacies open late and how to contact a GP for an urgent medical problem at the weekend or at night. Local information is available online on NHS Hampshire's Choosewell website page. If you are ever unsure which is the best service, are away from home, or simply need advice then a call to NHS Direct can help. Telephone 0845 46 47 The service is available 24 hours a day. Calls are charged at a maximum of 5p per minute from a BT landline, mobiles and other networks may vary.
Options for Locks Road Surgery patients being developedWork is underway to develop options for the future provision of GP medical services for patients currently seen at Locks Road Surgery, Fareham by looking at the current building standards, investment that may be needed, occupancy levels and the further development potential for the future. These will be discussed with local GPs over the summer and patients who use the surgery in the autumn. “We recognise Dr Whitaker and Partners’ aspiration to close their Locks Road Branch Surgery and consolidate services at their main surgery in Whiteley. This is partly due to the work necessary to ensure the branch surgery building remains at current standards but also to staff changes, including the recent retirement of a GP along with the move overseas of another. “Many patients have raised concerns including the distance and ability to travel to Whiteley and the availability of suitable alternative services if they do not want to travel to the main surgery. We have agreed with the practice that NHS Hampshire has deferred making a decision on the closure until we have worked together with patients and local practices to explore the availability and feasibility of all options for providing GP services in the Locks Heath area. Once the NHS buildings review is complete in August we will consider all of the potential options for providing GP services in the Locks Heath area. This will be followed by discussions on these options with patients, public and key stakeholders and are scheduled to start in the autumn and managed as an independent engagement process by Hampshire LINk. For further information please contact the Communications Team on 023 8062 7461
Choosing where you want to die
It's not the most cheerful of subjects, thinking about where you want to die, but the Department of Health and local doctors are planning to make sure the right services are available when most needed. “Knowing that you can get the right support and being able to choose where you die are really important to patients and their carers,” said local GP Dr Koyih Tan who is one of the lead GPs locally for commissioning end of life care. Recent national surveys show that between 56-75 % of us would prefer to die at home. But in 2007 in this area only around a quarter of deaths occurred at home.'Our aim is to make sure that, when the time comes, patients are able to choose where they want to die with the right services and support available to ensure comfort and dignity,' said Dr Tan. In supporting this aim, some priorities for this year are : Better care planning to ensure that patients' wishes are clearly understood and documented Getting better at identifying patients at the end of their life to provide appropriate support at the appropriate time Working with the ambulance service, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and GPs to ensure that patients are only admitted to hospital if appropriate care can't be offered at home Improving the way different services work together to provide care and support for people at the end of their lives Working with nursing homes to help them provide the best care for people at the end of their lives.
We'd like to know what you think about end of life care locally and what you think of these priorities. Complete our online questionnaire at www.hampshire.nhs.uk or for more information go to www.dyingmatters.org. If you would like us to send you a survey to complete please call the Communications and Engagement Team on 023 8062 7461.
Your NHS is moving forward
28th May 2011 From June 2011, the four Primary Care Trusts in the local area; NHS Southampton City, NHS Hampshire, NHS Isle of Wight and NHS Portsmouth (SHIP) will be working as a cluster to ensure resilience during the transition to a new GP-led commissioning system. South Central Strategic Health Authority has recently led the recruitment process for the Chief Executive for the new SHIP Cluster, and Debbie Fleming, currently the chief executive of Hampshire PCT was appointed to this post last month. As an experienced chief executive with a career spanning health service provision as well as commissioning, Debbie will provide strong leadership across the Cluster during this time of change. The SHIP Cluster will oversee a combined allocation of £2.9 billion, and will support emerging GP Commissioning Consortia (GPCCs) to commission health care for nearly two million people
across the four local authority areas. Over the next two years, the cluster will also ensure the delivery of current operational plans whilst supporting the establishment of Health and Well-being Boards and future arrangements for Public Health. Read more about the SHIP cluster on NHS Hampshire's website.
Big Smiles for Totton
24th February 2011 Seeing an NHS dentist will get even easier for residents in the Totton area when a new NHS dental practice opens in April.
“We are increasing the number of NHS dental places available to residents across the county and are really pleased that this practice is now opening in Totton ,” said Julia Bagshaw, Associate Director for Primary Care Commissioning for NHS Hampshire. “The new practice means there are now over 70 NHS dental practices across Hampshire taking on new patients.” The new practice will take on over 7,500 new patients over the next few months and local people who need to see an NHS dentist can now request an appointment through the Dental Helpline. Appointments will be available in batches over the next few months so we would urge local people not to rush as there will be plenty of opportunity for them to be seen. We take this approach so we can avoid people having to wait six months or more for their initial assessment, wondering if they are on the list or not. It also means the dental practice will have the most up-to-date contact information for those who would like to be seen.
Requesting an appointment is easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home. The simplest option is to visit www.hampshiredentalhelpline.nhs.uk to register your details online. All NHS dentists who are accepting new patients are listed on this website. Alternatively, you can call the Dental Helpline on 0845 050 8345 or 023 8082 8151 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The details you give will be passed on to the dental practice and an appointment for an initial examination arranged within the next couple of months. These Dental Helpline numbers can also be used if you need emergency treatment whilst waiting to register. Lines are open between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Between 5.30pm and 9.30pm Monday to Friday or 8am-9:30pm on Weekends and Bank Holidays urgent advice and treatment is available on 0845 0508345.
Oak Park Community Clinic
14th February 2011 NHS Hampshire is pleased to announce that plans for the Oak Park Community Clinic took a big step forward when the planning application for the redevelopment work was approved last night (Thursday, February 10, 2011). The approval of our planning application is an exciting big step in our plans to bring local NHS services to Havant. As you know we have developed our plans after lots of discussions with people living in Havant, Waterlooville and the surrounding areas and are really excited that these are being put in place before we originally expected. We are planning for the re-development work at Oak Park Children’s Services Centre to start in June 2011 and it will take around 18 months to complete. In September 2010 plans were agreed to re-develop the Oak Park Children’s Services Centre in Havant as the Oak Park Community Clinic. The expanded facility will be home to a host of services including the Rapid Assessment Unit that is coming to the local area on Monday (February 14), 18 months earlier then originally expected. Each year the re-developed centre will provide up to 24,000 outpatient appointments across a range of services; 26,000 diagnostic appointments (x-rays, ultrasounds and echo tests); 20,000 therapy appointments; 7,000 podiatry appointments; 10,500 appointments in a new Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre (which will include the Rapid Assessment Unit); expanded children’s clinical services; and facilities for mobile scanners to visit the site (such as MRI scans).
New NHS dental practice opening in Havant
13th January 2010 Seeing a NHS dentist will get even easier for residents in the Havant area when a new NHS dental practice opens in January. “We are increasing the number of NHS dental places available to residents across the county and are really pleased that this practice is now opening in Havant,” said Julia Bagshaw, associate director for primary care commissioning for NHS Hampshire. “The new practice means we now have 190 dental contracts in place across Hampshire and currently 44 of these are taking on new patients.” The new practice will take on over 6,000 new patients over the next few months and local people who need to see an NHS dentist can now request an appointment through the Dental Helpline. Appointments will be available in batches over the next few months so we would urge local people not to rush as there will be plenty of opportunity for them to be seen. We take this approach so we can avoid people having to wait six months or more for their initial assessment, wondering if they are on the list or not. It also means the dental practice will have the most up-to-date contact information for those who would like to be seen.
Requesting an appointment is simple and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Just visit www.hampshiredentalhelpline.nhs.uk or call the Dental Helpline on 0845 050 8345 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The details you give will be passed on to the dental practice and an appointment for an initial examination arranged within the next couple of months. If you need emergency treatment whilst waiting to register, call the Dental Helpline on 0845 050 8345 as usual, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The ‘winter blues’ or SAD?
13th January 2010 Do you know the difference between the winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder? NHS Hampshire is helping Hampshire people to recognise the symptoms of SAD and ways to avoid getting low this winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression which affects up to 1 in 15 people, for an isolated period of time each year; usually during the winter months. The depression is known to be worse through January and February and as with many other types of depression, the main symptoms include low mood and loss of interest in ordinary things. Other symptoms of SAD include; being less active, putting on weight and sleeping more. The cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder is not fully understood. It is thought that it is linked to reduced exposure to sunshine during the shorter winter days. However, it is something that can be treated and even avoided if the right steps are taken to reduce the impact of SAD symptoms. NHS Hampshire’s Clinical Director, Dr Stuart Ward said “Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that can often be confused with the winter blues. Both have detrimental affects on the person suffering but winter blues is a combination of low mood which can cause someone to feel lethargic and lack of motivation to exercise or go out. It may only affect someone once in their life. SAD is much more severe than this and occurs on an annual basis. “SAD can have a far worse impact on someone’s daily life and has several possible symptoms such as lack of self-esteem, feelings of guilt and despair, tearfulness, sleep deprivation and irritable mood. No two people with SAD will experience the same feelings/symptoms. If you are starting to feel a bit low, then the best thing to do, is keep active, get outside during daylight hours as much as possible and eat healthily too. All of these things will improve your mental state of mind and get you through the winter months.” If your symptoms do not improve and you need some more advice or think you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, then you can speak to your GP. They can offer medication where necessary and provide details about other treatments known to be successful. More advice and top tips for managing throughout the winter period are also available on the NHS Choices website. Here you can find links to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association (SADA) which also provides an advice line and counselling service.
Have you had your flu vaccination?
11th January 2011 That’s the question from NHS Hampshire as it reassures local people that there are flu vaccinations available for those in the at risk groups. This vaccination is free of charge to all those who are eligible and is available at your GP surgery. Everyone aged 65 and over is routinely offered the vaccination, as is anyone else with a long-term condition such as heart disease, diabetes, the more severe forms of asthma, multiple sclerosis and serious kidney and liver disease. The vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women, no matter what stage of pregnancy they are at. “We are strongly advising people deemed to be more at risk to take the necessary precautions and get themselves an appointment at their GP for a flu vaccination,” said Dr Ruth Milton, director of public health for NHS Hampshire. “We know that some practices have plenty of vaccination supplies and some need further stocks due to additional demand. Practices are working together to share the supplies of vaccines so people in at risk groups can have a vaccination. GP practices are also now able to offer the H1N1 vaccination that was developed last year. If you are in an at risk group and think you need to have a vaccination please contact your GP Practice who will be able to help.” “If you are not in an at risk group you don’t need to worry about having a vaccination,” Ruth explained. “We know some retailers are offering the vaccination privately but if you are normally fit and healthy; don’t have a long term condition and are not pregnant then your body will be better able to fight the flu virus. If you have flu like symptoms stay at home, keep warm, rest, drink plenty of fluids and go to bed if you need to. If you need medication ask a loved one or friend to go to the local pharmacy where they will be advised on the best medication to take.”
Make simple swaps for a healthier 2011
10th January 2011 That's the message from NHS Hampshire as the Great Swapathon - this year's Change4Life activity is launched during January and aims to get everyone swapping their unhealthy habits for healthier ones. January is often a time when people think about making lifestyle changes but many of these good intentions falter because people set themselves impossible tasks. The Great Swapathon encourages everyone to pledge to make small manageable swaps instead, which are simple and specific for them. Dr Ruth Milton, director of public health for NHS Hampshire, explained, "If you and your family identify swaps which are relevant to you and your own habits, you are more likely to be successful. For example, could you swap a fried breakfast for a grilled one or walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift. Likewise simply swapping from big plates to smaller plates at mealtimes can help to keep portion sizes in check." Finding swaps couldn't be easier. The 'Your Great Swapathon' online tool generates personalized swap recommendations. It also provides handy tips, lets you set your own goals and records how you are doing. Family and friends can even take a look and follow your progress! So, in exchange for filling in a short questionnaire about your lifestyle you will be given a six week swap plan to help you get started. To find out more visit: www.change4life.co.uk where the Your Great Swapathon online tool can be found as well as lots of other information to help make those small changes for a healthier lifestyle. Return to top of the page
How have we made a difference to your healthcare?
4th January 2011 Hampshire residents are being offered the opportunity of finding out how Hampshire Primary Care Trust has made a positive impact on health at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting next Thursday (16/09/10). The meeting is open to people across the county and is taking place at 5pm on Thursday September the 16th at the Guildhall in Winchester. Residents will be able to put their questions to board members on any aspect of health and health services. Special emphasis will be given to the two health issues that have been of greatest concern to residents - infection control and GP appointments. The meeting will also highlight notable successes including: • Increased provision of dental services
• The £6.1 million redevelopment of Gosport War Memorial Hospital
• The launch of a consultant-led community service for people with Diabetes
• The new musculoskeletal service that brings care closer to
patients’homes
• How we spent our budget during 2009/10 Chairman of Hampshire Primary Care Trust, Jonathan Montgomery, said; “Our Annual General Meeting is an important event that gives the people of Hampshire the chance to find out how we are developing their health services. It also gives them the chance to put us their questions to us, particularly in light of the changes to the NHS proposed in the government’s white paper. I look forward to meeting them to discuss Hampshire’s NHS at our AGM next week.” The event comprises a meeting held in public of the Hampshire PCT Board starting at 5pm in the King Charles Suite, Winchester Guildhall (SO23 9GH). Registration and refreshments will be available from 4.30pm. If you would like further information on attending the AGM or board meeting, please call Ian Corless on 023 8062 7460.
NHS Hampshire – Health Checks Focus Group
22nd December 2010 NHS Hampshire is running a campaign to increase the uptake of NHS Health Checks across the region. Health Checks are available to those aged 40-74 and involve a brief consultation with a doctor or healthcare assistant. As part of the campaign to promote the availability of Health Checks, NHS Hampshire is arranging focus groups in three key regions, Gosport, Havant and Rushmoor. The purpose of the focus groups will be to highlight the availability of NHS health checks and to obtain opinion and feedback on some of the imagery and strap-lines that they are considering using in promotional materials, to make sure that they are meaningful to their audience. Three focus groups are being arranged (one in each area) with 6 people in each group. Participants must be aged between 40-74 and the group will consist of men and women with a mix of working / non working and retired people. A small incentive is being offered to those who participate (e.g. £10 Boots or M&S voucher) and the focus group will take place at a local venue, in the early evening and will last approximately 1.5 hours. If you are aged between 40-74, live in Gosport, Havant or Rushmoor and are interested in being involved, please contact Julie Dean on 02380 382970 or email
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with your name and phone number and she will contact you.
Improving Out of Hours recorded messages for patients On Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday, we undertook a survey of recorded Out of Hours messages at GP surgeries across the county. The differences highlighted in the messages provided were brought to the attention of NHS Hampshire which has enabled them to produce best practice guidelines for the surgeries. Christina Brackpool, who is Primary Care Contracting Manager for Alternative Provider Medical Services (AMPS) has put forward a proposal which is fully supported by the Local Medical Committee (LMC): Number of rings before message begins In view of the vast differences in the numbers of rings before the message is played, with some ringing excessively, it is considered reasonable
for no more than three rings to apply (giving the patient time to gather their thoughts before listening to the options.) Sound qualityDue to the quality of some recordings being poor and excessive background noise, it is recommended that messages are recorded which focus on sound quality and at a quiet time to avoid background noise. This will reduce problems for those who are hard of hearing or if very ill, may find difficulty in interpreting the message. Message contentIn line with the Choose Well campaign it was believed it would be useful for patients to be made aware of three options using the following suggested script: “The [surgery] is now closed and you will be offered three options giving contact details of the services most appropriate for you. If you are suddenly experiencing a potentially life threatening condition, please hang up and dial 999. Otherwise,
If you have an urgent medical problem that cannot wait until we open each weekday at 8.00am, please telephone [name of service] Out of Hours service on [contact number]. Otherwise,
If you are ringing for advice about an illness, please telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47”. The LINk is delighted with this outcome and you can read our full report on Out of Hours messages here. Return to top of the page
Looking for an NHS dentist?
 You may be surprised to find that within the NHS Hampshire area there are over 50 dental practices that are currently accepting new NHS patients, including practices in Aldershot,Winchester, Basingstoke, Farnborough Alton, Fareham and Hamble.
Details of all of these practices are available on the Hampshire Dental Helpline website or by ringing the Helpline on 0845 050 8345.
NHS Hampshire has listened to comments made by Hampshire LINk and residents and understands that access to an NHS dentist is important to local people. The introduction of new practices across Hampshire has therefore been a priority for investment over recent years and NHS Hampshire is now working to develop ways of informing local residents about this improved accessibility, to ensure those who wish to see an NHS dentist know how to do so.
The NHS is also working with patient groups to identify what stops people attending an NHS dentist and developing ways to support patients and the profession in overcoming these barriers. Some changes have already been introduced to support patients to receive care, such as introducing practices that provide appointments between 8am and 8pm seven days a week, walk-in services and mobile surgeries; improving the Hampshire Dental Helpline website; and including a Frequently Asked Questions about dental treatment section on the website.
Improving unscheduled care services in Hampshire Posted December 2010 The NHS trusts across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have been working together with the South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) to set out a vision for what unscheduled care services could look like in the future. Unscheduled care is a term used to describe any unplanned health or social care – ranging from emergency hospital treatment, to patients who need help to care for themselves at home. During July, August and September the NHS Trusts have been engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to review why things need to be improved for patients and proposals for how unscheduled care services could be delivered in the future. A total of 118 responses were received and all feedback has been collated and a summary can be viewed at http://www.hampshire-link.co.uk. This information is now being incorporated into the strategy before a final version is sent to each primary care trust (PCT) in Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. The final strategy will be available on the NHS Hampshire website. As this proposal is about ‘what’ services could look like in the future, not necessarily ‘how’ it will be delivered in each area, the final strategy will be taken forward locally to develop a plan for implementation in the best way for local residents. This will involve each PCT working closely with local GPs and stakeholders, including patients, social care colleagues, local hospitals etc. If you would like to get involved in these local discussions email
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including which area you are in (Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight or the rest of Hampshire) and NHS Hampshire will ensure you remain informed of engagement opportunities in your area. Return to top of the page
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