NHS
Have your say on how health services are delivered across West Yorkshire by Feb 20th
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (NHS WY ICB) is asking people and communities to come forward and share their views on how health services should be delivered to them locally, and across West Yorkshire.
With the passing of the Health and Care Act 2022, there is a requirement for integrated care systems (like the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership) to develop an integrated health and social care strategy and for integrated care boards to develop a joint forward plan to deliver the NHS components.
Building on the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) Five-Year Strategy ‘Better health and wellbeing for everyone’ published in 2020, the Partnership has coproduced a refreshed draft strategy. The Partnership is now seeking people’s views on how its ambitions for the NHS will be achieved in a new joint forward plan for the area. The plan will be published by the 30 June 2023.
People can have their say by completing a short survey online at https://bit.ly/wyviews
or by contacting their local Healthwatch by Monday 20 February 2023 to answer a few questions. More information is available on the WY HCP website at wypartnership.co.uk/your-views
Be on the lookout for symptoms of ‘Scarlet Fever’ in children
Parents and carers in West Yorkshire asked to be on the lookout for symptoms of Group A streptococcus, or ‘Strep A’, in children (commonly called scarlet fever)
For more information on scarlet fever please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
Parents and carers in West Yorkshire are being asked to be on the lookout for symptoms of Group A Streptococcus, or ‘GAS’, in children (more commonly known as scarlet fever). Symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever and a fine, pinkish or red body rash. On darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually. It will have a sandpapery feel when you rub your hand over a child’s skin.
Parents and carers who identify these symptoms should contact NHS 111 online, call NHS 111 or their GP because early treatment with oral antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
If your child has scarlet fever keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Parents and carers are advised to call 999 or go to A&E only if your child is having noisy or difficulty breathing, there are pauses in your child’s breathing, your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue and/or your child is floppy, drowsy and or will not wake up.
The UK Health Security Agency advises that Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria, which lots of people carry in their throats and on their skin. It doesn’t always result in illness. However, it does cause several infections, some mild and some more serious. Whilst infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10.
For more information on scarlet fever please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
Take antibiotics seriously this World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
[ Excerpt – read full article here ] 
The NHS in West Yorkshire will be joining health organisations around the world to raise awareness of the global problem of antibiotic resistance and to encourage people to pledge to tackle it.
According to the World Health Organisation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health. Drug-resistant infections killed 1.25 million people in the world in 2019, including 141,000 patients in high income countries like the UK. This is estimated to rise to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 if we don’t act now.
Antibiotics kill bacteria or prevent them from spreading, but because bacteria are adapting to survive them, these medicines are becoming less effective. If antibiotics stop working to treat infections, this might stop us from carrying out common healthcare activities such as doing major operations or giving cancer treatments where infections are common, and we need effective antibiotics to prevent them. We may see more premature babies, children and adults on intensive care dying from infections.
That’s why healthcare professionals across the region are supporting Seriously Resistant (www.seriouslyresistant.com), a campaign originally developed in Leeds that aims to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and educate people how they can help to keep antibiotics working.
“You can pledge to make better use of antibiotics and help save these vital medicines from becoming obsolete by becoming an Antibiotic Guardian – antibioticguardian.com/”
“To find out what you, your family and friends can do to help tackle antibiotic resistance and to help keep antibiotics working, please also visit www.seriouslyresistant.com”
Together we Can campaign to help the NHS
West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP) is set to once again run ‘Together We Can’ this winter. The campaign helps people access health and care services at the right time and place.
The campaign also encourages people to choose well and to opt for convenient self-care, where safe to do so during the winter months.
Ruth Buchan, Chief Executive Officer for Community Pharmacy West Yorkshire, said: ”As health services will be extremely busy this winter, we’re asking for everyone to play their part and to be better prepared during the cold and flu season. You can protect yourself and each other by having a flu jab and seeking advice for minor health concerns from your community pharmacy if needed. Our trained healthcare staff can help you choose over counter medicines and offer a range of clinical services too”.
The campaign has an easy to navigate website [togetherwe-can.com]. Here you will find help and advice and tips for keeping well this winter, as well as other useful information on how to stay healthy.
Dr Adam Sheppard, a Wakefield GP and Chair of West Yorkshire Urgent and Emergency Care Programme Board said: “Health and care services are here to help. During winter and times of significant pressure on local services, we still encourage the public to come forward and not to delay if they need help or are concerned about their health, but we want to ensure they’re using the right services and they know when to go to a pharmacy, use NHS 111 or their GP practice. You can save time by ordering prescriptions and seeking medical advice online by downloading the NHS App. Find out all you need to know this winter by visiting togetherwe-can.com”
Together we can choose well this winter. Together we can make a real difference so please:
- Access online services. You can book appointments or order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you need urgent medical help 24/7 and can’t access the internet.
- Remember GP practices are here to help and will ensure you get the right care appropriate for your needs.
- Have your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. If you’re over 50, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition, get your free jabs.
- Take good care this winter there’s lots you can do to stay well and protect yourselves and others around you this winter.
- Visit your local community pharmacy for medical advice and treatments for things like colds, tummy troubles, rashes, and pains.
- A range of urgent care services are available to ensure people can access the right care for their needs. This ensures Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those that need it most including emergencies, those with serious injuries and life-threatening situations like heart attacks.
- Don’t wait until you are in mental health crisis. There’s a wide range of support and resources available for everyone, including a 24/7 free phone line. Visit togetherwe-can.com/mental-health
- We can all spread the kindness this winter by looking out for each other and our neighbours. Visit: ourneighbours.org.uk
Community Provision supporting health and wellbeing – new fund launched
The Calderdale Cares Community Programme Board is now inviting bids from across the system on how we can develop community services. The board are particularly interested in ideas that involve the following:
- New and innovative ideas and why you feel this is important
- Clear on who the beneficiaries will be and how they can be involved
- Clear on how the beneficiaries will notice the positive change
- Involves collaboration and working together with other providers
- Makes the best use of our existing skills and assets in Calderdale
- How the positive changes can be embedded into our future ways of working
Further information including the application proforma can be found in this document: NR Investment paper pack V3
Please send your completed proformas to Shabana Kausar at Shabana.kausar5@nhs.net before 28th October 2022
Pennine Breast Screening unit coming to Brighouse this September
The Pennine Breast Screening unit will be arriving at Tesco, Brighouse in early September and will be there for around 6 months.
This NHS service is free and available to all GP registered females between 51-70 years of age.
This time the unit will be screening the women in the Brighouse, Northowram and Rastrick areas.
Please wait to receive your letter in the post before contacting the unit.
Full information about this service including contact details, useful links if you are concerned about the health of your breasts or pecks.
Look out for each other during the heatwave and rising Covid cases
Residents across West Yorkshire are urged to take precautions and look out for each other during the heatwave and as COVID cases rise
Summer events and social gatherings are returning as part of our lives, but COVID transmission rates are rising sharply in West Yorkshire. The numbers of people with COVID in hospital beds are now greater than during the previous wave, our social care sector is under huge pressure, and we should remain cautious warns West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP).
Rachel Spencer-Henshall, Director of Public Health for Kirklees Council and Public Health Lead for WY HCP said: “Our NHS and social care system is under pressure, especially with extremely hot weather alongside increasing rates of COVID. But there are a few simple things we can all do to help. Being cautious about mixing with groups of people if you’re feeling unwell is a good way of stopping the spread. Those other basic steps, like keeping rooms well ventilated and good hand hygiene, will also help. Above all, being up to date with your jabs is the best way you can protect yourself and our health service. It’s never too late to get protected”.
Information about how to get your COVID-19 vaccination can be found at nhs.uk and via the NHS App. Whether it’s a first, second or a booster dose no appointment is necessary – visit www.nhs.uk for a walk-in site near you.
The Met Office has also issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat from Sunday 17 July and WY HCP are reminding everyone to be sun smart and to choose health and care services wisely.
The main risks posed by a heatwave are not drinking enough water, overheating – which can make symptoms worse for people with heart or breathing problems – and heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Rob Webster CBE, CEO Lead for WY HCP said: ‘The consequences of a heatwave can affect anyone, including older people, and those who live on their own or in a care home, people who have a long-term health condition, babies and the very young. Please check-in on your vulnerable neighbours across Bradford District and Craven; Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield District to make sure they are following the advice and stay well during the heatwave. If you do become unwell it is important that you get the right care in the right place. Please choose the best service for your needs across West Yorkshire. If you have a medical problem and aren’t sure what to do visit 111.nhs.uk’.
For more information on summer health advice visit Seasonal advice – NHS – Together We Can (togetherwe-can.com) https://togetherwe-can.com/seasonaladvice/
Families can also visit Healthier Together, a free website developed by local healthcare professionals to help parents and carers keep their children safe and healthy. It has a wide range of information and is available by visiting https://www.wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk/
The team behind the website have ensured the online advice complements local advice given across health and care services. Information has been reviewed by local paediatricians, GPs, community pharmacists, health visitors and other professionals across the region to ensure it is the most current, and up to date information available.
It also offers practical advice on whether a child should go to nursery or school if unwell, along with advice on keeping children safe, well and in good general health.
NHS Trusts recruiting in Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism
NHS Trusts in West Yorkshire are recruiting people to a range of roles in Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism
West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Collaborative Recruitment Day
(Register : vfairs.com)
30 June 2022 11am – 7pm
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds & Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have announced they will be jointly delivering a virtual careers fair. The event is being supported by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and a wide range of external partners who work in the field of mental health, learning disabilities and autism.
The free online event will be delivered on 30 June 2022 11am – 7pm.
Job seekers and volunteer applicants can register here: West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Collaborative Recruitment Day (vfairs.com).
The event will provide people looking for jobs and volunteering roles with and exciting opportunity to:
- find out about the wide range of jobs on offer
- hear directly from Trust staff about what it is like to work in mental health, autism and learning disability roles
- apply on the day for jobs and volunteering roles.
People can attend the event conveniently from any location as it will be accessible through mobile devices.
There will be a range of current open positions available through the virtual career fair, including both clinical and non-clinical roles, at a range of salary levels. The event programme also includes seminars, aimed at the graduate and college leavers audience.
Interested candidates, or those who know of potential candidates are also invited to register for the event and refer other professionals within this space.
Rob Webster, CEO-Designate, West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership commented:
“I am pleased we are supporting this event and encouraging people to work in three fantastic local organisations. We recognise that in the post Covid-19 pandemic climate, people are looking for opportunities to change and progress their careers and the NHS offers a multitude of roles and opportunities. West Yorkshire is also a vibrant and diverse area to live and work. Whether starting your career or seeking to lead in our system, there is something for everyone.
Greg Moores, Chief People Officer, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust commented:
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for us to reach and recruit people who would like to work in the interesting and rewarding field of mental health, autism and learning disabilities. As people continue to work remotely, the virtual fair is a convenient way for job seekers to find out more about available roles.”
Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs commented:
“We are very happy to supply the technology that will help drive meaningful work that supports the community in West Yorkshire. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful outcomes that this event produces. If your organisation is interested in working with us, please visit: www.vfairs.com ”
Integrated Care Board (Shadow) meeting on Tuesday 17 May 11am
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board ‘ Shadow’ Board meets in public, Tuesday 17 May 2022
The NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) will meet as a ‘shadow’ board in public on Tuesday 17 May 2022, at 11am. The board, which is part of West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (WY HCP), works together to join up health and care services, to improve the health and wellbeing of 2.4million people living across the area and to reduce health inequalities.
The board won’t be established formally, and all its members confirmed until 1 July 2022. It is meeting in ‘shadow’ to support the preparations for the ICB ready for when it becomes a statutory body from the 1 July.
The ICB, as an organisation, will replace clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and build on the successful work of WY HCP organisations.
The new ICB organisation will be led by Chief Executive-Designate, Rob Webster CBE and governed by the board. The board has an Independent Chair-Designate Cathy Elliott – who does not work for a health or care organisation, to ensure decisions are fair and transparent. It will also have four other non-executive independent members. Together with Healthwatch, these members will ensure a strong independent voice, and that the views of local people are heard.
The board will also include members from WY HCP’s five local places (Bradford District and Craven, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield District) and will include ICB Director-Designates for Finance, Nursing, People, a ICB Medical Director-Designate and Designate-Director of Strategy and Partnerships. Other members of the board will include representation from:
- NHS acute hospitals, mental health and community health service providers
- Directors of public health
- Local councils
- Primary medical services providers
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises.
Although the board will agree a plan for health and care services in West Yorkshire, most of the decisions about spending and services will be made locally in the five local places. A key part of the board’s work involves sharing expertise and working closely with local councils, hospitals, care providers and voluntary community and social enterprise organisations – ensuring services deliver the best care possible to meet people’s needs.
The meeting on the 17 May 2022 will discuss the 2022/23 NHS Operational Plan and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
All shadow board and future meetings will be held in public, filmed live, and will offer people and communities an opportunity to ask questions about agenda items.
People are asked to email their questions to westyorkshire.ics@nhs.net before 11am on Monday 16 May 2022. They can also call 01924 317659 to submit questions. They will then receive a Microsoft Teams link so they can join the meeting for their question-and-answer item.
All questions submitted will be published on the integrated care board webpage.
The agenda and meeting papers can be accessed from Tuesday teatime, 10 May 2022 at https://bit.ly/37jvm1f The meeting can also be watched live via the same link.
Vita Health Group on Combatting Loneliness and Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness and Combatting Loneliness
Mental Health Awareness week takes place from 9th-15th May 2022, and this year’s theme for the week is Loneliness. Never before has it been more important to give mental ill health the time it deserves and break down the stigmas associated with this devastating and destructive illness that so many of us suffer with.
As many people will be aware, one of the big contributing factors to mental ill heath these days is loneliness. We know that loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and has had a huge impact on our mental health, not least because of the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns we have all experienced.
We know that our connection to other people and our community is paramount to protecting our mental health, and as such, we all need to work together to find better ways to tackle loneliness, both within ourselves and within others. Because reducing loneliness is a major step towards a healthier society.
Loneliness and its impact on our mental health
Loneliness is a normal human feeling, which almost everyone will experience at some point in their lives.
Generally, it presents itself in a feeling of being isolated or disconnected from others. It may also manifest itself as a feeling of not being understood or cared for.
When we are on our own, but don’t want to be, it’s natural for us to feel a bit lonely and sad. We may start thinking in a negative or self-critical way, which can lead to low motivation and social withdrawal. Without active coping strategies, this pattern may continue to make our mood even lower and result in more negative thoughts and avoidance responses. This is what we call the vicious cycle of loneliness.
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Calderdale Lower Valley blog 