News
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Birmingham weight loss programme tackles obesity in the city
March 19th, 2012At a time when almost a quarter of the population of England are now classified as obese, results from a report produced by researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Aston University have shown that a weight loss programme undertaken by GP practices and community pharmacies in central Birmingham is effective at reducing weight over a 12 week period.
The My Choice Weight Management Programme was designed and commissioned by the NHS Birmingham Public Health to support individuals ‘ready to change’, through contact with healthcare workers and the development of a plan to help individuals to lose weight and maintain weight loss. The report by Aston University academics Dr Joe Bush and Dr Chris Langley shows that these reductions in weight were maintained in a significant proportion of the cohort when assessed at final follow up several months later.
A total of 451 overweight or obese men and women took part. Results showed that initially, GP patients lost more weight in the first three months, however this then shifted to show that pharmacy users lost more weight.* In addition, My Choice proved to be very popular with participants with 83% of respondents to a post-programme questionnaire indicating that they would be happy to recommend the programme to other people looking to lose weight.
As a result of this report, the programme is being continued in community pharmacies in areas of highest need across Birmingham, traditionally those areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.
Linda Hindle, Consultant Dietitian from Birmingham Public Health said “The positive outcomes achieved by My Choice Weight Management Programme are particularly notable because the programme is reaching a group with most to gain from sustained weight loss. The health risks from obesity in the South Asian population is apparent at a lower BMI than the Caucasian population because of the tendency for excess fat to be deposited centrally (apple shape). As a result this programme will be essential to reduce health inequalities related to obesity.”
Mr Dipak Shah from Shah Pharmacy said “The My Choice programme has been a great success for our pharmacy team as it motivated my staff to deliver a successful weight management programme. Clients were happy with our help and support and they managed to lose weight.”
Dr Joe Bush from Aston University said “The My Choice Weight Management Programme is an example of how innovation in service provision can help to tackle rising levels of overweight and obesity within traditionally ‘hard-to-reach’ populations. Our report demonstrates that GP surgeries and community pharmacies can be effective venues for the delivery of weight management services and we are delighted that we can contribute to the development of the wider evidence-base around community-based weight management interventions.”
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First ‘Healthy Living Pharmacy’ launches in Birmingham…
March 19th, 2012Pharmacies in Birmingham and Solihull are poised to dispense more than just medicines from now on, as the launch of the city’s first ‘Healthy Living Pharmacy’ takes place next Monday.
Each Healthy Living Pharmacy will have a ‘Health Information Zone’ with a clear aim to provide assistance and advice on everyday health issues such as stopping smoking, weight loss and reviewing medicines, they will also deliver expert support on wider health needs including supplying the morning after pill, and dealing with minor ailments on the spot.
They have undergone a rigorous training programme to get to this stage as Sajj Raja Community Pharmacy Development Manager, NHS Birmingham & Solihull comments; “The future of healthcare is changing rapidly, and Birmingham & Solihull are leading the way in delivering a much broader range of support services, expert advice and help right on the high street where it’s accessible to everyone. We are proud to be launching the first accredited Healthy Living Pharmacy in the city.”
The first pharmacy to be offering the extended services is Shah Pharmacy on the Stratford Road in Sparkhill, which is spearheading the way for more to follow suit. They are opening their doors for a drop in session on Monday 23rd January, where anyone can find out more about this exciting new initiative in healthcare.
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Equality Monitoring Data 2012 report
February 2nd, 2012Click here to view the Equality Monitoring Data 2012 report.
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Sexual Violence Needs Assessment
January 31st, 2012West Midlands Police Force is one of the largest forces in the country and serves a population of over 2.6 million people living across seven local authority areas. We know that rape and sexual assault is under reported and that not enough victims have access to criminal justice, health and social care services. The impact of sexual violence can be profound and far-reaching it affects the lives of children and adults, families and the community as a whole.
Last year partners across the West Midlands Police Force Area (WMPFA) agreed to work together and formed a SARC Strategic Partnership (SSP) board, it includes representatives from the NHS, local authorities, Police, CPS and the 3rd sector. By working together as a partnership there is a greater opportunity to develop a strategic response to tackle sexual violence and to ensure that victims of rape and sexual assault have access to a range of services to meet their needs.
As part of this work we commissioned a Sexual Violence Needs Assessment (SVNA), this mainly focused on rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. The aim of this need assessment was to help partners understand the nature and scale of the problem and the extent to which existing services are meeting the needs of victims. The findings of the SVNA have highlighted a significant gap in reporting of rape and sexual assault and access to services. West Midlands Police have since 2004 provided an enhanced forensic examination service delivered in two victim examination suites (The Rowans) based in Walsall and Castle Vale.
The ambition of partners here in the WMPFA is to now build on this service to jointly commissioning a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARC services contribute to achieving a range of local and national priorities to improve wellbeing, tackle violence and abuse, reduce inequalities and tackle discrimination.
Copies of the Sexual Violence Needs Assessment full technical report and shorter summary report are available here to download:
Sexual violence needs assessment Sexual Violence Needs Assessment for the WMPFA_FINAL_22nd November.pdf3.7 MiB 236 Downloads Details...Sexual Violence Needs Assessment summary SV Needs Assessment - Summary Report - 22nd November.pdf721.4 KiB 148 Downloads Details...NHS Birmingham & Solihull will continue to lead this project on behalf of partners across the WMPFA, for more information contact:Tracey ThorneWest Midlands SARC Project ManagerPublic HealthNHS Birmingham & SolihullTelephone: 0121 380 9091Email: traceythorne@nhs.net -
Medicines Management Launches First ‘Healthy Living Pharmacy’ in Birmingham and Solihull
January 19th, 2012We are delighted to announce the launch of the first pharmacy to receive ‘HLP’ status in the Birmingham & Solihull Cluster. The first public launch is due to take place on Monday 23rd January at the Shah Pharmacy, Sparkhill, and you are cordially invited to drop in and see first hand what the HLP status delivers to our public, and support the Pharmacy in achieving their HLP status.Healthy Living Pharmacy is a pathfinder project and we are one of the first in the country to roll this out, consistently delivering a broader range of commissioned services to a high quality. Each HLP has a trained team who are proactive in supporting the health & wellbeing of their local population, with the communities’ health at the epicentre of service delivery. Each accredited HLP has committed time to train their staff, demonstrating quality and productivity to meet identifiable criteria. The services delivered include:- Medicines management review
- Help to quit smoking
- Emergency contraception
- Medicines MOT
- Weight Loss assistance
- Minor ailment scheme
- Expert advice
Launch details:
Where: Shah Pharmacy, 491 Stratford Road, Sparkhill B11 4LEWhen: Monday 23rd January 11 am – 4 pmWe look forward to seeing you there. -
CHOOSE WELL AT CHRISTMAS
December 22nd, 2011The NHS in Birmingham & Solihull is encouraging members of the public to choose their health services wisely over the Christmas and New Year period.
There are lots of services available to help with a variety of illnesses and injuries including pharmacies, GP practices, Out-of-Hours services, NHS Direct and walk-in centres.
With the many services that are available, it can be confusing to decide where the best place is to be treated. Below are some examples of conditions that you might experience at Christmas and where to go for advice and treatment.
1. Cold & flu: Self care at home. If you’re feeling a little run down after too many late nights, you may be more susceptible to a cold. Take pain-relieving paracetamol, stay well hydrated and rest.
2. An itchy rash on your skin: Pharmacy. Allergic reaction to that new aftershave you got for Christmas? Pharmacists will be able to assess a rash and provide you with medication to help alleviate your symptoms. To find your nearest pharmacist visit www.nhs.uk or text Pharmacy to 64746 for free.
3. Stomach ache: GP. Over-indulgence and eating lots of rich food over the festive period may lead to indigestion. Your pharmacist will be able to provide indigestion remedies, but if your stomach ache persists, your GP will be able to advise you of the best course of investigation and treatment.
4. A cut to your finger: Walk-in centre. Be extra careful using a very sharp knife to carve your Christmas turkey, but if you do cut yourself and it is fairly deep and bleeding, visit your walk-in centre or minor injuries unit where they will be able to advise and treat you if necessary. To find your nearest walk-in centre text ‘Walk’ to 64746 for free or visit www.nhs.uk
5. Sprains & strains: Walk-in centre, self care at home or GP. Rushing around on icy pavements to do your last-minute Christmas shopping can lead to slips and trips. Take care and wear supportive, flat boots or shoes if you venture out in ice or snow. If you do fall and sprain your ankle or wrist, you can visit a walk-in centre for assessment, rest at home, or make an appointment to see your GP.
Local GP Dr Nick Harding commented: “People should make good use of their local pharmacy, many of which will be open over Christmas when other services may be closed. We’re urging the public to choose well this winter, and pharmacies are the best place to get the right advice and treatment for coughs, colds and flu, along with many other illnesses.
“Another useful service to remember is NHS Direct – 0845 46 47, which offers health advice and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“We’re also reminding people to make sure they have all the medication they need for the Christmas period and have ordered their prescriptions in time to cover the holidays.”
Pharmacy Christmas opening hours for the West Midlands are available on the NHS local website at: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/my-health/christmas-pharmacy-times.
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For more information, contact the Communications Team on 0121 255 0875
Notes to editors
- For details of Pharmacy opening times, visit: http://nhslocal.nhs.uk/my-health/christmas-pharmacy-times.
- For details of GP practices and Out of Hours services, visit www.nhs.uk
- You can find a symptom checker and information about local NHS services at www.nhs.uk
- NHS Direct is available 24 hours a day at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or on 0845 46 47.
Notes to editors
The Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster comprises Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust, NHS South Birmingham, NHS Birmingham East and North, and Solihull Primary Care Trust.
The cluster has been entrusted by each of the four PCTs to lead the local NHS, receiving over £2.3 billion per year to commission and provide health care for 1.3 million people across the city and borough. Our vision is to strengthen commissioning, improve quality and assure safety, tackle health inequalities and make best use of precious NHS resources.
While PCTs will retain their Boards and statutory responsibilities, the cluster has appointed a single Chief Executive – Denise McLellan, who is the accountable officer for all four PCTs. Denise is supported by an Executive Team which comprises four directors, each of whom is leading on a specific areas of business and transformation.
The NHS faces unprecedented challenges in the years ahead. People are living longer, but with greater health and social care needs. People’s health prospects and expectations are improving, but through expensive drugs and technology that place an additional burden on our limited resources. Coming together in this way provides the best opportunity to tackle the challenges ahead and create a financially sustainable legacy for our clinical commissioning colleagues to whom we handover the role of commissioning in 2013. We have set out how we will do this in our blueprint for health and care across Birmingham and Solihull – the System Plan.
Until then, we will be uniting with patients, clinicians and a wide range of diverse organisations across the region to help us get the best in care and quality of life for all.
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£2 million campaign launched to tackle dementia
November 16th, 2011The National Audit Office estimates that, nationally, dementia costs health and social care services £8.2 billion per year. Alzheimer’s Research UK have estimated that the overall cost of dementia to society as a whole is £23 billion per annum. It is estimated that savings of £80 million could be made every year by improving hospital care for people with dementia.In a survey carried out for the Department of Health, only around a third of adults aged over 40 agreed that they understand the differences between normal signs of ageing and signs of dementia, and close to a third of adults aged over 40 thought there was no support available for people with dementia.A Coalition Government campaign to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of dementia is being launched today (Monday 7 November) by Care Services Minister Paul Burstow.Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said:
“People are afraid of dementia and rather than face the possibility someone we love has the condition, we can wrongly put memory problems down to ‘senior moments’.“But if we are worried, the sooner we discuss it and help the person seek support the better. Don’t wait until a crisis. Being diagnosed with dementia won’t make the condition worse but leaving it untreated will.“We can’t cure dementia, but we can help keep the person we love for longer.”Aimed at encouraging more people to seek an early diagnosis of dementia, the campaign targets the family and friends of people at risk of dementia who are likely to be the first to see the signs and can encourage their loved one to see their GP.With many people seeing relatives at Christmas, the timing of the campaign is particularly poignant. The Alzheimer’s Society had 43 per cent more calls to its helpline in January this year than in December 2010.While there is no cure, the right treatment and support can help slow the progression of the condition – meaning people are able to keep the person they love for longer.The £2 million campaign will feature TV, radio and print ads. It was successfully piloted in the North West and Yorkshire & Humber NHS Regions in March this year. Among those adults aged 40+ who saw or heard the campaign:- there was a higher incidence of those who said they would go to their GP if they experienced any symptoms or ask a close relative or friend to do so; and
- among all adults aged 40+ there was a significant increase in those believing that the earlier that dementia is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat the symptoms, and that with the right treatment the symptoms can be slowed down.
The TV advert tells the story of a daughter as she becomes aware that her dad is struggling in a number of situations, such as leaving pans on the hob and forgetting where his car is parked. While accepting it was a hard issue to raise with him, the message is that acting on her concerns and getting help means she can keep the dad she knows for longer.It is estimated that every general hospital has excess costs of £6 million because of dementia, due to the worse outcomes for length of stay, mortality and institutionalisation. In hip fracture alone, better management of patients who also have dementia could save between £64 million and £102 million in England every year.National Clinical Director for Dementia, Professor Alistair Burns said:
“Getting a timely diagnosis of dementia is vital and we know that those who do receive one don’t regret it. On the contrary, knowing about their condition helps them gain control and allows them and their families to seek the services and support they need.“Timely early diagnosis and supportive interventions allow people to plan for the future while they still can. They have been shown to reduce care home admissions and improve the quality, not only of the life of the person with dementia, but also their family, carers and friends.”Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“As the number of people with dementia increases, it is vital we all take time to understand and talk about the condition. People with dementia and their families often tell us they were fearful of seeking a diagnosis. However a diagnosis opened the door to support, treatment and information they wouldn’t otherwise have had access to and helped them plan for the future.“This campaign has the potential to make a huge difference and Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to support it. If you are worried about your own or a loved one’s memory you should talk to your GP.”Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the Royal College of GPs said:
“This campaign is a welcome opportunity to raise awareness of early onset dementia and to think about how we can improve services to support people with dementia, their families and their carers. Many patients experience lapses in memory which can be perfectly natural as one gets older, and are not necessarily signs of anything more serious.“Dementia encompasses a number of different conditions with variability in cause and effect. It is often difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. The campaign sets out to create a better understanding of the symptoms and the results of the pilots show the positive difference that can be made to the quality of people’s lives by seeking help at an early stage.“GPs need to have access to a wide range of services and resources such as memory clinics so that they can properly support people beyond diagnosis and help them live healthy, independent and productive lives for as long as possible. Management works best with teams working together – supported by experts and generalists from the voluntary, hospital and community sectors.”Today’s campaign follows the successful national campaign, ‘I have dementia – I also have a life’, which ran last year. That campaign aimed to raise awareness of the condition and challenge the belief that people with dementia are not able to still enjoy life.Dementia is a progressive and eventually terminal condition, but with early intervention and the right support people with dementia can continue to live well for many years.For more information visit www.nhs.uk/dementia/Pages/dementia.aspx. -
Brush away your fears of mouth cancer…
November 15th, 2011Mouth cancer can be cured and yet it’s often ignored – this is the message from local NHS dental experts who are urging everyone to check their mouth for signs of the disease before it’s too late.
November is ‘Mouth Cancer Action Month’ and so it’s the ideal time to brush up on the signs & symptoms, and take advantage of a FREE dental check being offered next Friday, 25th November.
Sat Parmer, Maxillofacial Head and Neck Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital comments:
“Since 1985 there has been an increase in the incidence rate across Birmingham and Solihull. This is due to increased alcohol use, smoking and chewing tobacco and the spread of the HPV virus (via oral sex). This is the virus which is also linked to cervical cancer.
“However, the good news is that oral cancer can be cured if caught early, which is why it’s imperative to look out for the warning signs which include ulcers which don’t heal within 3 weeks, red and white patches in the mouth as well as unusual lumps or swelling in the mouth. “
One former sufferer – Sarah Macrow from Solihull – explains her experience :
“My dentist found an unusual lump in my mouth and referred me to the dental hospital. It turned out to be a malignant tumour which then spread to my lymph glands. I had surgery to my mouth and neck, received radio therapy and chemo therapy and am now pleased to say that I have nearly reached the five year ‘all clear’. I would urge everyone to have regular dental check ups and seek help early on for anything which looks unusual.”
Sat continues:
“Spotting the signs and symptoms early on increase your chance of survival by 90% so visiting your dentist regularly is very important. There are dentists who can take on new NHS patients in Birmingham. All you need to do is to call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and give them your postcode and they will tell you the contact details for your local dental practices; or text the word ‘dentist’ to 64746.”
“Alternatively, log onto www.nhs.uk − click on ‘Dentist’ − type your postcode into the box and click ’search’. These are easy ways to ensure that you look after your oral health.”
So don’t delay, visit the health bus for a FREE mouth check at the Birmingham Markets (next to St Martin’s Church) on Friday 25 November 2011 9am – 2 pm. The checks will be carried out by Professionals from the dental hospital who will also be offering advice to help reduce the risks of getting mouth cancer.
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For more information, please contact Anna Donaldson, on 0121 255 0874 or email anna.donaldson@nhs.net
The Birmingham and Solihull NHS Cluster comprises Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust, NHS South Birmingham, NHS Birmingham East and North, and Solihull Primary Care Trust.
The cluster has been entrusted by each of the four PCTs to lead the local NHS, receiving over £2.3 billion per year to commission and provide health care for 1.3 million people across the city and borough. Our vision is to strengthen commissioning, improve quality and assure safety, tackle health inequalities and make best use of precious NHS resources.
While PCTs will retain their Boards and statutory responsibilities, the cluster has appointed a single Chief Executive – Denise McLellan, who is the accountable officer for all four PCTs. Denise is supported by an Executive Team which comprises four directors, each of whom is leading on a specific areas of business and transformation.
The NHS faces unprecedented challenges in the years ahead. People are living longer, but with greater health and social care needs. People’s health prospects and expectations are improving, but through expensive drugs and technology that place an additional burden on our limited resources. Coming together in this way provides the best opportunity to tackle the challenges ahead and create a financially sustainable legacy for our clinical commissioning colleagues to whom we handover the role of commissioning in 2013. We have set out how we will do this in our blueprint for health and care across Birmingham and Solihull – the System Plan.
Until then, we will be uniting with patients, clinicians and a wide range of diverse organisations across the region to help us get the best in care and quality of life for all.
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Support services to mental health carers in Birmingham
October 20th, 2011Birmingham and Solihull Cluster are pleased to announce the future arrangements for the provision of support services to mental health Carers in Birmingham.
Following current policy drivers to ensure equitable service provision for both Carers and young Carers across the city, a new city wide Carer’s support service has been commissioned. The policy drivers acknowledge the crucial role that carers play and recognise the need to support Carers in providing care. It also recognises that many Carers, especially young Carers, are not identified and are provided with little or no support. In many cases it is inappropriate for young people to be providing care.
It is estimated that 1 in 40 people is a mental health carer meaning that around 25,000 people in Birmingham are caring for a partner, relative or friend with a mental health condition. It is likely that around 1250 these Carers will be children under the age of 18.
Being a mental health Carer can be a rewarding experience but in many cases Carers experience a decline in their own health and wellbeing, financial pressures, problems maintaining employment and difficulties in retaining friendships outside the caring relationship.
Following consultation with Carers and a competitive tendering exercise Stonham Home Group were awarded the contract to deliver these services across Birmingham under a 3 year contract.
The new Citywide Mental Health Carers & Young Carers Support service will be launched from 1st October 2011, and replaces three existing mental health carer support services provided respectively in Birmingham East and North, Heart of Birmingham and South Birmingham. The service will offer a range of support to people who care for a person with mental health needs including advice and information, one to one support and the development of peer support groups. The service will also cater to the specific needs of young mental health carers.
Stonham Home group are the largest provider of housing related support for socially excluded people across England and currently provide a range of services across Birmingham. They have long-standing experience of supporting Carers, children & young people and people with mental health needs.
Stonham have been working with commissioners and current providers to ensure a smooth transition to the new service for carers and staff, and will be working closely with Carers in the forward development of the service across the city to ensure mental health Carers needs are effectively identified & met.
For further information on the new service please contact: – MHCarerService@homegroup.org.uk
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Right Care Right Here
September 20th, 2011Self Care Stakeholder Event happened on 14th June 2011.
You can view the findings from the event by
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