31st August 2010
Changes To Age Concern East Sussex’s Toenail Cutting Service
There has been an important change to the Age Concern East Sussex Toenail Cutting Service.
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, as from the 1st October 2010, toenail cutting in a person’s home will be classified as “personal care” and as such it will become a regulated activity. In order to continue to provide a home visiting service, Age Concern East Sussex is required to register as a new provider with the Care Quality Commission. To continue to deliver a service without this registration will be illegal.
Age Concern East Sussex is reviewing the Service in the light of this change in legislation but, given the imminent deadline, has no choice but to cease taking referrals for the home visiting service with immediate effect.
Please note that the new legislation will not affect the provision of toenail cutting at venues so this aspect of the Service will continue. To make a referral please contact Helen Doran, Toenail Cutting Service Co-ordinator on: 01273-476704 ext. 230. or e-mail Helen
Age Concern hopes to have completed the Service review by the end of September at which point clients will be notified of the outcome. In the meantime, if you have any queries about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact Tracy Whittle, Health & Community Development Manager on 01273-476704 ext. 277 or e-mail Tracy
28th June 2010
Taking Care of Your Hearing Aid
According to The Royal National Institute for Deaf People, there are in total 8,945,000 deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK and in total 1.4m wear some type of hearing aid on a daily basis. Hearing aids are innovative micro-computers which could cost up to £1,500. To ensure you get many years use out of the device, correct care and maintenance should be a priority.
How to care for your hearing aid > >
4th June 2010
Important Ageing Research Needs Volunteers
As we grow old our muscles grow weaker and smaller, they gradually lose their tone and we lose our youthful shape. This process of muscle wasting leads to reduced muscle strength, increased risk of injury or falls, a reduction in quality of life and capacity to do all of the things we once took for granted. The process is slow but eventually it could mean the difference between being able to rise from a chair or any seated position or being stuck on a chair, or toilet.
Clearly more people are reaching greater ages, a happy testament to the National Health Service and improved nutrition across the population. The causes of muscle loss with ageing are not well understood. Poor diet, reduced activity or other lifestyle factors, such as drinking and smoking, may all contribute to muscle wasting. However, it is also believed that muscle may not be able to repair or rebuild itself in the elderly as effectively as muscle from young individuals.
Brighton University has a project, jointly supported by Dr. Philip Atherton of the University of Nottingham Graduate Entry Medical School, a world leading laboratory in muscle research. The aims of our project are to try and examine the factors which cause muscle wasting in older adults. We anticipate that this project will provide information to help identify possible strategies to delay or reverse muscle wasting, helping to improve quality of life for older adults.
To improve the ability of the elderly to continue being active, it is important that the research team can understand how activity and nutrition can help sustain muscle size and function. Because of differences in the male and female metabolism they are starting this research on male subjects. We aim to widen the study to women at a later date.
They have already had a few volunteers complete the study and are looking for five more healthy male volunteers, aged 65 and over, who will be willing to spare one day for data collection at the University of Brighton, Chelsea School, Welkin Laboratories.
If you are interest in volunteering or would like more information, contact Dr. Peter Watt
tel: (01273) 643789
email: P.Watt@brighton.ac.uk
2nd June 2010
Consultation on Local Mental Health Services Extended
The consultation on local mental health services, that was due to close on 1st June 2010, has been extended until noon on Tuesday 9th June so that the views of as many people as possible can be heard.
Public engagements activities that were postponed during the new Government negotiations have now taken place, but it was decided that extra response time should be allowed
To date, a large number of local stakeholders have been consulted and almost two thousand copies of the consultation document have been distributed.
Public meetings have been held in Uckfield, St Leonard's on Sea, and Eastbourne and a number of other local meetings have been attended, upon request, to brief people on what is proposed and to gather their feedback..
An independent analyst has also appointed to review all the consultation feedback and report back to us on the main themes and issues that are raised.
More information, or have your say > >
or contact:
Joel Hufford,
Communications Manager,
Freepost SEA 2474,
BN8 2ZZ
Tel 01273 403550
E-mail: joel.hufford@esdwpct.nhs.uk
1st June 2010
Treat Me right, Treat Me Fair, Treat Me Equal
East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust provides hospital services for the people of East Sussex. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provide specialist healthcare services. These include services for people with Learning Disabilities.
The people who use its hospitals and services are all individuals with different needs. They want to make sure that everything they do is fair and equal for everyone and that they respect and protect peoples’ human rights. That’s why they are developing a plan called an Equality Scheme. They need your help to make the right changes. What do you think is important about getting fair, equal and the right hospital services in East Sussex?
The Trust is holding three events for people with learning disabilities. Come and join them for afternoon tea and lots of talking about issues that affect us all.
- Hastings - Wednesday, 16th June 2010
- Uckfield - Thursday, 17th June 2010
- Eastbourne - Friday 18th June 2010
All events 1:30pm to 4:30pm
To find out more and to book a place call 01273 251177 or e-mail equality@robinchapman.co.uk
More information and poster > >
There will also be a Coffee Morning for parent carers of people with learning disabilities. Come to talk about issues that effect people with learning disabilities.
Eastbourne - Friday 18th June 2010 - 10:30am to 12.:0pm
To find out more and to book a place call 01273 251177 or e-mail equality@robinchapman.co.uk
More information and poster > >
25th May 2010
Health and Well-being Facts and Figures
- A man aged 65 living in the South East can expect to live another 18.4 years, a woman 21 years - the highest life expectancy in England.
- The main cause of death in the South East for those aged 65 to 74 is cancer, for those aged 75 and over it is circulatory disease.
- An estimated 20% of men and 28% of women aged 65 and over in the South East have one or more falls each year, the second and third lowest figures respectively in England.
- According to GP records, over 36,700 people in the South East have been diagnosed with dementia: however, based on estimates in the National Dementia Strategy, there are more likely to be 92,700 people in the region with dementia.
- It is estimated that only 35% of people aged 65 and over in the South East consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Local People to Benefit from Bowel Cancer Screening
Men and women in Sussex are being invited to take part in a national bowel screening programme to combat bowel cancer. Those aged between 60 and 69 who are registered with a GP in the area will be sent a letter of invitation as they reach the ages targeted by the campaign. The test does not diagnose bowel cancer but shows whether further investigations are needed.
As not everyone in the target age range will receive a test kit immediately, it is important to be clear that invitations will go out over the next two years in a rolling programme based on age and starting with those aged 69 years. People aged 70 and above can request a home testing kit by phoning a freephone helpline on 0800 7076060, with plans in place to extend the overall programme to people aged 70-75 years old in the next two years.
You can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by eating a healthy diet, (that is high in fibre and fruit and vegetables and low in red meat and saturated fat) and by taking regular exercise, not smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
If you experience any symptoms such as change in bowel habit, blood in faeces or weight loss speak to your GP, even if you have had a negative screening result.
26th March 2010
Thrombolysis to be available 24/7 from 1st April
ESF was proactive on your behalf in making representations to the local NHS Trust on the issue of the limited availability of essential drugs for stroke victims. We are, therefore, delighted that it has been reported in the latest HOSC newsletter that the 'clot busting' medication, Thrombolysis, will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from 1st April 2010.
Also in the HOSC newsletter:
- Mental health proposals out for consultation
- HOSC to monitor maternity progress
- Stroke care recommendations on track
- Radiotherapy could be coming to East Sussex
- Mental health development looks secure
- Rural health report now available
9th March 2010
Walking for Health
Join in a new gentle walk every Monday around Pevensey Bay. Weekly walks started on 1st March 2010
Meet at 10.45am outside HSBC bank, Richmond Road, Pevensey Bay. Finish approx. 11.15am at Ocean View Bakery for refreshments and chat.
Free weekly walk - just turn up and join in. Keep active and meet new people
Led by a trained volunteer from Age Concern. Eastbourne Health Walks Scheme
For more information contact:
Patricia Roud, 01323 741930
25th February 2010
NHS Hastings and Rother & NHS East Sussex Downs PCTs
Strategic Commissioning Plan 2010-2015
The NHS Hastings and Rother and NHS East Sussex Downs Primary Care Trusts have issued an introduction to 'better health, better care, closer to home'
8th February 2010
Pedal East Sussex 2010
The Pedal East Sussex programme of rides is suitable for those already cycling as well as those returning to cycling after a break. Consequently the programme begins with shorter rides and builds up to longer ones.
Each ride begins and ends at a train station, and all rides have refreshment stops; certainly at the end.
For details of cycle training, or more information, contact:
Tony Rowell, Director
07714-099481
info@go-local.org.uk
Website> >
Download leaflet > >
22nd January 2010
New Year New You!
Want to improve your lifestyle in a fun and supportive group?
Then come along to the Healthy Life Course for the over 50’s starting on Wednesday 3th February at 10.00 - 11.30 am at the Venton Centre.
Please note: this is a six week course and participants will be expected to attend each session. Cost for the six week course is £20.
To book, please contact Helen or Christine at Age Concern Eastbourne, The William & Patricia Venton Centre, Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY. Or phone 01323 638474
For more details - download poster > >
19th January 2010
Fitness Sessions for the Older Person
A new and exciting weekend outdoor fitness programme for the more active older person is starting 6th/7th March 2010!
Book your place now for a 10-week lifestyle change, exploring real everyday conditions in the fresh air! It's an all-over experience!
Sessions are at Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings.
7th January 2010
Your views invited on new rights for patients
A national consultation is underway on the introduction of new patient rights into the NHS Constitution.
The key proposals; to begin from April 2010 -are new entitlements around minimum waiting times to start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral by a GP, or to be seen by a cancer specialist within two weeks of a GP referral.
The consultation also proposes health checks for people aged 40 to 70 to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease
More information and link to online response form > >
The consultation closes on 5 February 2010.
The Health Act 2009, which received Royal Assent in November, contains the legislation for the NHS Constitution. This sets out the principles and values that guide how the NHS should act and make decisions It also explains the rights and responsibilities of staff, patients and the public, and pledges to them.
The act places a duty on all NHS organisations, private sector and third sector providers of NHS services to have regard to the NHS Constitution.
More information about the constitution > >
9th October 2009
Grant Award
We are very pleased to have been awarded a grant from the East Sussex Downs and Weald NHS Primary Care Trust towards the production of our “Directory of Leisure, Learning and Sports Facilities for the over 50`s “
This is an A5 booklet of 20 pages listing a wide range of activities from archery to yoga that has been put together by members of our Health and Well-being Group and is available free to members.
The awarding Panel commented that it was an excellent publication and it would be good for it to be included in Eastbourne's own directory of information and also that it should be shared across the County Forums as an example of good practice which could be replicated elsewhere.
A few copies of the last edition are still available and will be sent out free of charge to any one joining the Forum. A new edition is planned for February 2010
You can also view the online version >
28th September 2009
Launch of Health and Well-being Room
The University of Brighton campus is located in Denton Road, Eastbourne. The centre offers a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, badminton and table tennis courts, exercise classes, an outdoor synthetic pitch and reasonably priced cafeteria.
It offers a number of services to the public including the provision of an over 55’s club (TOFFS) which offers reduced membership and exclusive sessions. For more information please contact reception on 01273 643706.
The Sports centre is launching their new ‘Health and Well- being’ room on the Monday 12th October. Therapists will be available between 10-2pm and 5.30-8.30pm on the 12th to answer any questions and offer taster sessions and discounted vouchers. Please come along! The room will be offering a number of services including Massage, Aromatherapy, Hot stone massage, Hopi ear candling, Reiki healing, Hypnotherapy and more!
For more details contact Kay Shore on 01273 643092
or e-mail Kay
Health and Well-being Special Interest Group launched
On Tuesday 17th March, the Eastbourne Seniors Forum (ESF) successfully launched its Health and Well-being Special Interest Group at Eastbourne’s Congress Suite. The event, which was supported by about 25 exhibitors from the private and public sector, featured two performances by the Pyramid Theatre Company of Pete Lawson’s play “Big Little Heart”. Not only was the event well attended by members, but 40 people took the opportunity to join the ESF at the event.
Members watching the performance
The play follows the fight by Maria to recover from the devastating effects of a stroke and the pressures and impact that her illness has on her husband Andy and daughter Lindsay. It shows how by adjusting to their new circumstances and working together the family supports Maria’s recovery to a near normal life. All parts of the play are performed by three actors, Katrina Beckford, Shaun McGowan and Anna Vickers. Following the performance, members of the audience were given the opportunity to question the cast members, in character, about their experiences during the period.
Katrina Beckford, Shaun McGowan and Anna Vickers
The packed audience was joined for the morning performance by the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr. David Tutt and his colleague Cllr. Carolyn Heaps, both of whom were moved by the emotional and emotive performances.
Steve Thornett and Cllrs. Tutt and Heaps enter into the spirit of the day
Later in the day, the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne, Cllr and Mrs Greg Szanto paid a visit to the event to meet the members and tour the exhibits.
The Mayor and Mayoress visiting the WRVS display
After the performance Cllr. Tutt said: "I was pleased to be able to attend the Seniors Forum and see the performance of the Pyramid Theatre Company. This was not only extremely powerful but also amusing and thought provoking. It did much to raise awareness of the impact that a stroke can have on both the individual concerned and their family. I congratulate both the players and the Forum for staging it.
I have also been invited to attend the ESF A.G.M. in July to say a few words about some of the initiatives that the Borough Council are taking and to answer and questions Forum members may have, this I will be delighted to do. If there are any specific issues members would like me to address, please let me know either by e-mail councillor.tutt@eastbourne.gov.uk or by writing to me at the Town Hall, Grove Road Eastbourne BN21 4UG
Sovereign Centre Improvements
ESF Chairman, Steve Thornett received this letter from the Sovereign Centre Partnership Manager, Andrew Dunstan
"I would like to introduce myself as the newly appointed Partnership Manager for The Sovereign Centre and Motcombe Swimming Pool.
Whilst conducting various research projects I have come across your website and have read the comments re the Sovereign Centre from your members. I fully appreciate some of the concerns that have been expressed and understand that, in the past, the Sovereign Centre especially has suffered from a number of difficulties.
I am pleased to inform you that over recent months there have been a number of refurbishment projects carried out. These include redevelopment of the Village Changing areas including new cubicles, showers, flooring & lighting, redecoration of the Fun Pool area and cafeteria, new windows across the rear of the building on the Gala Pool and the installation of CCTV covering all locker areas.
At the present time the wet side changing areas are undergoing a refresh along with the Health Suite and plans are scheduled to relocate the reception area to an area within the building leading to an enhanced customer experience when first walking into the building.
I hope that you can appreciate that standards are being raised at the Centre and that the current level of investment is an indication of this. I would like to offer our assistance to your organisation in any way in which you may see fit. If you would like us to provide information on our activities or to meet with individuals to discuss how we can further improve what we offer and how it is delivered then we would be more than happy to oblige."
Walter's letter
Cllr. Tutt's response
Do you have a complaint about private dental care?
Free and UK-wide, the Dental Complaints Service, which has been set up and is funded by the body that regulates UK dental professionals, works with you and your dental practitioner to put things right. Call its local rate hotline 08456-120540 to speak to a friendly adviser, or visit the Dental Complaints website
The Dental Complaints Service is an independent service funded by the General Dental Council.
Download HOSC newsletter ESF joins ESSA in discussions with CSCI inspector
A New Health Centre for Eastbourne
ESF members voice concern over the Sovereign Centre swimming facilities