Here's your May Poole LINk update !
NEW - LINk research project
The Borough of Poole has commissioned the LINk to carry out a research project, evaluating the impact of last years social care cuts. We're going to survey people who no longer attend day centres, talk to carers and interview people who've been affected. To carry out this evaluation we're working with Poole Forum, PRO Disability, Rethink and independent researchers. If you'd like to be involved or find out more, please contact Louise.
Tell Us About Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of continuing care provided outside hospital, arranged and funded by the NHS, for people with ongoing complex healthcare needs. Other LINks have heard from people who are unhappy with their recent re-assessments. So, we'd like to hear about your experiences of continuing healthcare in Poole. Have you, or a relative/friend, recently been re-assessed? Did you receive all the information you needed, in a format that suited you? Please contact Louise or go to: www.poolelink.org.uk tell us your story.
Information about Medicines
Last month we asked if you'd had your blood pressure medication changed recently. Only one person responded, so we've logged the comment but won't do any more work on this issue. If you have a query about your medicines please ask your GP / Pharmacist for more information or go to: www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/default.aspx
Poole Hospital's Brownsea Ward Re-Opened
Brownsea Ward was officially re-opened on Thursday 19 May 2011 following an extensive refurbishment to benefit patients with dementia. The elderly medicine ward now uses bright colours to help patients orientate and improve their independence. During June / July the LINk will be carrying out a "Leaving Hospital" project, surveying patients who leave a Poole Hospital older people's wards and we'll report our findings in the autumn.
Talking from Experience
A 'Patient Experience Group' has been set up by Dorset Healthcare Trust Governors to hear from people with personal experience of mental health services. If you have been a patient at St Ann's Hospital, called upon the Crisis Service or used outpatient facilities, the group are keen to hear from you. All the information collected will be anonymous. To find out more please contact: Gail Taylor on Freephone: 0808 100 3318 or email: membership@dhuft.nhs.uk.
Mencap's Local Cuts Event
This event on 6th June is aimed at people across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole who have a learning disability, carers and organisations that support them. Come along to find out more about local cuts and your rights. Monday 6th June, 10.30 to 2.30pm at Winton YMCA, Jameson Road, Bournemouth BH9 2QD. Places are limited so please book by calling Tel: 01404 881109 or email: jo.fox@mencap.org.uk
Older Peoples Event on 16th June
This event will share information and advice about services for older people in Poole. There will also be a chance to find out more about the newly launched website SOURCE, jointly delivered by Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole councils to provide advice, information and a support directory for adults across Dorset. Come down to Poole Civic Centre from 3pm to 6pm to find out more.
Party in the Park
Pop down to Poole Park (Copse Close end) on Thursday 16th June, 12pm to 6pm for Richmond Fellowships 'Party in the Park'. There will be a free buffet, entertainment, live music, massage treatments and Lush products at this event, to promote mental health awareness.
Sea View Day Centre Country Fair
Come along and join in the fun on Wednesday 22nd June, 10.30 to 3pm at Sea View Day Centre, Croft Road, Parkstone. This event will feature lots of stalls, live music, a raffle and pets corner - for more details ring Katrina or Pat on 01202 721590. The LINk stand will also be there, so pop down and see us.
Refer a Neighbour
Bournemouth and Poole residents are being encouraged to help protect their elderly and vulnerable neighbours from distraction burglars and rogue traders - as the 'Refer a Neighbour' scheme is re-launched. Dorset Police and East Boro Housing Trust have teamed up to fit free locks and door chains to homes of elderly and vulnerable people. To qualify for the scheme the referred person must be 60+, live in Bournemouth or Poole and be unable to adequately secure their home. The Refer a Neighbour hotline number is 01202 227840.
Unregistered Care Providers Face Prosecution
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is urging people who engage agencies to provide personal care services in their own homes to check that the organisation is properly registered. Providers who break the law can be prosecuted and CQC has recently taken legal action against one woman who ran a domiciliary care agency in Poole without being registered. To find out more go to: www.cqc.org.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: