Have Arthritis ?
Want Information about it ?
Want your Views Heard ?
Then come along to the Port Talbot Arthritis Care Support Group
Meets at St Theodore’s church Hall, Port Talbot at 2.00pm on the last Thursday of each month
For more details contact Gill Davies on 01656 739732 / 07891 556531 / gilliand@arthritiscare.org.uk
ABM University Health Board will shortly be launching a new system to help doctors working at night and weekends to gain easier access to patients’ medical records – and therefore be better informed to make decisions about their care. The new Individual Health Record scheme will overcome the current problem of NHS computers not always being able to ‘talk to each other’. Information held by GPs, for example, isn’t always readily available for other NHS Wales staff providing care. Under the new system, doctors and nurses working for the out of hours service will be able to view GP records on a computer if they need to treat patients when their own GP surgery is closed. The new Individual Health Record will contain a summary of important information from a patients GP medical record including:
As well as GPs from the ABM GP Out of Hours Service, a limited number of clinical staff in local A&E departments may also be able to access this information. ABM Individual Health Record scheme spokesperson (Dr Jane Harrison, Swansea Interim Locality Director) said: “The Individual Health Record means that patients’ information can be shared with the medical staff who look after them if they are ill and need advice or assistance outside normal GP surgery hours, or in an emergency. This information is very valuable to out of hours clinical staff because it helps them make the best decisions about a patient’s care.”
The Individual Health Record in Wales does not form part of the English electronic summary care health record. The scheme has strict controls in place to ensure patients’ personal information is protected, included access being limited to clinicians who are providing the care, and a record kept of those accessing it. In time, every GP practice in Wales will be invited to take part in the new service. However, the scheme is not compulsory, and patients can opt out by telling their GP that they do not want their information available out of hours. Additionally, when patients receive out of hours or emergency care, staff will also ask them for permission to access their Individual Health Record. The Individual Health Record scheme is currently being rolled out across Wales, and is expected to go live in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend in the autumn.
Macmillan Cancer Support has today launched a comprehensive policy report that contains recommendations on how to make cancer care in Wales more person-centred. The report, called Changing Cancer Care in Wales, is the result of three years of extensive research and consultation with people affected by cancer in Wales, those working in cancer care in Wales and academics. The report also draws on numerous studies, research and data from the Government, other organisations and the public sector to build a picture of cancer care in Wales today. The report makes two key recommendations that Macmillan hopes the next Welsh Assembly Government will implement following the election in May:
If you would like to discuss any of the issues raised in the report, please email walescampaigns@macmillan.org.uk or call 01656 867960
The Welsh Assembly Government, in conjunction with NHS Wales is launching the Choose Well campaign to boost public awareness about the NHS services available to them. Evidence shows that a significant number of people still go to Hospital Emergency Departments (A&E) or dial 999 when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs. The campaign uses a colour coded thermometer to help people to link their symptoms with a particular NHS service which is right for their need.
Source: Welsh Assembly Government website.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Community Health Council is a statutory organisation, the independent voice representing the public’s interest in the NHS in the County Boroughs of Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and city of Swansea.
The CHC monitor the quality of the NHS services provided within the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area.
Our members undertake regular visits to hospitals and GP Surgeries throughout the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area.
Members also undertake Hospital Patient Environment (HPE) visits on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Overall, we try to make sure that people in our area receive good service from the NHS and its contracts.
Did you know the Community Health Council also have an independent complaints advocacy service?
If you have any concerns, complaints or need advocacy advice relating to an NHS service, more information is available on the website.
Seasonal flu immunisation, or the flu jab, is the injection of a vaccine against flu. It gives good protection from flu that lasts for one year.
The flu jab is offered to people in at-risk groups, who are at greater risk of developing serious complications from flu. To stay protected, they need to have it every year.
It is recommended you have a flu jab if you:
If you are the parent of a child (over six months) with a long-term condition, speak to your GP about the flu jab. Your child’s condition may get worse if they catch flu
If you are the carer of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they have had their flu jab.
If you would like any further information about Seasonal Flu, then please visit the Seasonal Flu Pages on the Welsh Assembly Government Website: http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/health/protection/immunisation/seasonalflu/?lang=en
Local citizens and local communities deserve good health and have a right to expect responsive, high quality care from the NHS. This Framework sets out how Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board will rise to this challenge. It specifies ambitious objectives and goals and defines a wide range of priority action areas. For more information download ‘Changing for the Better – Our Five Year Plan’ and feed in your response using the response form below. For further information go to the ABMU LHB website.
[Download not found] [Download not found]Health at Work Advice Line Wales is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL telephone service offering health at work advice to anyone who runs a small business or who is employed by a small business. The line will be open 24 hours a day, with qualified professionals available 9-5 on weekdays. Outside of these hours a call-back service will operate.
You can contact the freephone Health at Work Advice Line Wales on 0800 107 0900.
For more information please visit www.healthyworkingwales.com
The Stroke Association in Wales has welcomed a new Director to its team. Ana Palazon, former Director of Help the Aged in Wales, started in April. Specialising in stroke in Wales, Ana aims to reassert partnerships and ensure the Association is a foremost influential body.
Soon after joining, she hosted the landmark launch of The National Assembly for Wales Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee’s report of the inquiry into Stroke Services in Wales. This report addresses key areas, including prevention, emergency and acute care, and continued rehabilitation. Crucially, it calls for a national stroke services strategy.
The Third sector has a major role to play in influencing stroke policy and Ana looks forward to developing strong partnerships between the Stroke Association Wales and other health and social care organisations across Wales.
The proposed Climbing Higher – creating an active Wales strategic action plan focuses on ensuring that we all build physical activity into our daily routines. It forms part of Our Healthy Future, the Welsh Assembly Government’s strategic approach to improve the quality and length of life.
‘Creating an Active Wales’ recognizes the importance of having a built environment that supports people to be active and having access to green spaces. The Consultation is running for 16 weeks from 5 May 2009 – 25th August 2009. The plan also acknowledges the need to provide support for people to become more physically active through targeted programs that support behavioural change. More information can be obtained on the Consultation Page.
