Here's your June Poole LINk update !
NEWS FLASH - NHS Dentist for Hamworthy
HAMWORTHY RESIDENTS could soon benefit from a new NHS dental service thanks to a campaign led by Poole LINk. Last year Poole LINk carried out a Hamworthy Dental Survey following concerns raised by local people at the lack of NHS dental services in Hamworthy. The survey results revealed that over 90% of people would go to an NHS dentist in Hamworthy, if one was available. This month the PCT will advertise for 'expressions of interest' for the provision of an NHS dental service in Hamworthy. This is the start of a process to begin to address the localised dental access issues raised by Poole LINk.
Louise Bate, Poole LINk Development Officer explains: "We are delighted that NHS Bournemouth and Poole are taking action as a direct result of our findings. Thousands of Hamworthy residents will benefit from having an NHS dentist 'on their doorstep' in the future." Our Dentistry Report is available at: www.poolelink.org.uk
LINk 'Leaving Hospital' Survey
Our survey for older people leaving Poole Hospital will be handed out on the wards from 4th July 2011. If you, a family member or friend receives one of our surveys over the next month, please help us by filling it in. If you'd like to find out more about this project or if you need help completing the survey, please contact Louise on Tel: 0300 111 0102.
Continuing Healthcare
The LINk has received several comments about Continuing Healthcare over the last month and we're keen to find out more. If you, a relative or friend, has been recently re-assessed for continuing healthcare, please tell us about your experience. What questions would you like us to ask the local NHS on your behalf?
Calling all Young People
Poole LINk wants to find out what younger people think of health and social care services. We're planning to work with young carers, local schools and youth groups to find out more. If you can help with this project, please contact Louise on Tel: 0300 111 0102
NHS Reforms - Government response to NHS Future Forum
The Government has announced that it accepts the core recommendations of the NHS Future Forum report and will make changes to its plans for the modernisation of health and social care. The transition from LINks to HealthWatch will now take place in October 2012.
Key changes include: reaffirming that Ministers are accountable overall, wider involvement in clinical commissioning, stronger accountability, safeguards on competition, support for integrated care and a more phased transition. For more details go to: www.dh.gov.uk
A spoonful of awareness helps the waste go down
NHS Bournemouth and Poole is taking grass roots action to cut down on wasted medicines which account for an estimated £3 million a year in the local area. Their new campaign, 'Waste not, want not' encourages patients to play their part in driving down the amount of medicines wasted.
"This campaign is designed with patient welfare at the centre. We want to help patients to get and stay well by taking their medication correctly", said Dr Ros Maycock, local GP; "Needless to say, all medicines cost money and we want to reduce waste. I want to encourage our patients to talk to us if they have any queries. This will not just improve things for you, the patients, but could also save money for the NHS to use on services." Find out how to play your part: www.bp.nhs.uk/medicines
Summer Mela
The Multicultural Mela Festival this year takes place on Saturday 30th July 2011. It will start with a Bollywood Evening event on Friday 29th July 2011. This is Saaz Aur Awaaz's second Mela, supported by Poole Borough Council amongst others. The Festival will include crafts, leisure activities, stalls and fun for all the family!
The Mela supports Asian and Oriental cultures to showcase their artistic, gastronomic and literary heritage for everyone living in and around Poole and Bournemouth. For more details go to: http://saazaurawaaz.co.uk/doc/Multicultural_Arts_Festival_a5_POOLE_may_2011-3.pdf
Health Information Review
Due to notice from ASDA, the Health Information Shop moved from its premises in Bournemouth on 15 June. Services continue to operate from Healthpoint at Poole Central Library and from NHS Bournemouth and Poole head offices. Also, a community outreach and drop in service will be available on Thursdays at Boscombe and Springbourne Health Centre, Palmerston Road from Thursday 23rd June. The local NHS is taking this opportunity to consider the provision of health information across Bournemouth and Poole to ensure the service meets local needs. To have your say, go to the online questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HealthInformation
Volunteering Opportunity
NHS Bournemouth & Poole would like to invite you to help them develop local services for people who have been diagnosed with an advanced, progressive illness. The aim of this care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients with the time they have left, and ongoing support for their families. A summit with local clinicians is taking place from 5pm - 8pm on Thursday 14th July at Canford House, Discovery Court, Wallisdown. To find out more contact Kathy on Tel: 01202 541569.
It's Time To Talk
The national Time to Change campaign is holding a roadshow event at Pier approach in Bournemouth on Saturday 30 July 2011. As part of the 'It's time to talk' campaign, the Roadshow will feature a pop-up style living room which draws people in before getting them talking about mental health. They're looking for volunteers with experience of mental health problems, direct or indirect, or who are just passionate and willing to engage with the public about Time to Talk. For more details email volunteer@time-to-change.org.uk or call / text Lizzie on 07827 967430.
Hamworthy Regalia Event
Hamworthy resident Ann Smeaton received a Gold Community Champions Award from the Mayor, Cllr Graham Wilson in early June this year. At the presentation the Mayor very kindly offered to host a regalia event for the residents of Hamworthy. The evening is planned for Thursday 21 July, 7pm at the Civic Centre in Poole. If you would like to attend please contact Paula Wade to book your place, tel: 01202 633430 or email: p.wade@poole.gov.uk
Growing Futures at Holton Lee
Growing Futures provides a safe and supportive environment, which encourages and supports personal development and wellbeing through the use of horticulture and seasonal conservation activities. The project offers opportunities for all abilities to become directly involved in organic gardening production, maintenance, conservation and associated crafts. For many people, this can be a stepping stone to further community participation, training, education, volunteering opportunities and employment. To find out more, please contact Anna Sowter on 01202 625562, at asowter@holtonlee.co.uk or go to the website www.holtonlee.co.uk
Coastal Voices
Coastal Voices is recruiting choirs to join a project in the lead up to cultural Olympiad performances in London and Weymouth in 2012. The project aims to bring hundreds of singers of all ages together to perform four new commissions on an international platform. Coastal Voices will engage with choral groups up and down the Jurassic Coast in exploring new music and the magnificent World Heritage Site coastline which will form the backdrop to the Olympic sailing and windsurfing events in 2012. If you're in a local choir that would like to take part, please visit: www.coastalvoices.co.uk
Thanks for your help, LINks can't work without you!
We're always looking for volunteers to get involved in LINk projects and your comments direct the LINks work - so tell us what you think about local health and social care services. Contact Louise Bate, Poole LINk Development Officer: