West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group
West Cheshire Health Matters
Vol 2 Issue 3 - November 2013
‘My Life, My Say’
Our Big Health Day in September attracted more than two hundred people with learning disabilities and their carers to talk about their experiences of local NHS and council services. Some people chose to be filmed talking about their views and some had their ideas translated into pictures by a guest artist. There was also the chance to visit 38 stalls to find out how to access support and information, to chill in the relaxation zone, and to have a basic health check.
The ambulance, police and fire services also came along with their vehicles for attendees to view. One service user said “I tried boccia and zumba, I’ve been filmed up in the video diary room, I’ve said my bit about my care, been a good day, can’t wait for the next one!”
You Said We Did
We have met with over a hundred mums and dads across west Cheshire in the last few months to talk to them about local maternity services.
One of the issues raised was the birth induction room at the Countess of Chester hospital - mums had noted that the blinds in the room were broken, and that there was no chair available for partners to use. Also, they asked if they could have copies of the baby feeding charts to take home, as they had found them so useful while in hospital. Since then, the induction room blind has been replaced to ensure privacy and a partner’s chair and a birthing ball have been placed in the room. Also all mums are now offered baby feeding charts to take home. All those who took part in our focus groups have been told of these changes. As one mum said: “it’s good to know that it’s (the service) changed because of what we told you, that is how it should be”
Options Clinic for pregnant women
The Countess of Chester has set up a new “Options” Clinic in response to feedback from users of their maternity services. Women who have already had a caesarean section, or are considering a planned caesarean, can meet for an hour with an experienced Midwife. Women, and their partners, will be able to discuss the benefits and risks of each option, in relation to their own circumstances and any anxieties about previous experiences.
You can find out more about the Options Clinic from Senior Midwife Kathie Grimes or Jean Fisher, on 01244 365099 or 365016.
Patient stories are heard as they happen
Capturing patient experience is very important to us – your stories help us to know if our providers are getting it right, or if there are areas that can be improved upon. The damning Francis Report into 14 hospitals with poor standards of care and the uncovering of major failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust have drawn attention to the importance of listening to patients’ views and ensuring the expected standards of care are being delivered at all times.
As part of our agreements with our local providers we monitor how they capture, and act upon, patients’ experiences. We asked our providers to establish a system that gives “real-time” feedback. As a result the Countess of Chester hospital has introduced bedside television screens to gather real-time feedback from patients.
Patients can provide feedback anonymously through bedside TV screens provided by Hospicom. A simple survey appears on the screen at the touch of a button and asks patients about the quality of their experience while they are being treated on their ward.
Alison Kelly, director of nursing and quality, said: “We want to ensure that patients are satisfied while they are here and that they have the opportunity to tell us if there is something wrong so we can do something about it straight away.”
Any issues raised will appear on the live reports on a daily basis and will be dealt with immediately. This also allows timely feedback to be provided to the clinical teams in the hospital and to us at our regular quality meetings with the hospital.
You can see the Hospicom in action on the Countess of Chester’s website:
http://www.coch.nhs.uk/patients-visitors-and-public/tell-us-what-you-think/real-time-patient-feedback.aspx
Self Care for Life – Take Control
In the last six months we have asked local people how we could support them in managing their long term conditions such as diabetes and COPD.
As part of this we are planning a week of activities during Self Care Week 18 – 22nd November 2013. We want to inspire people to take control of their health and ultimately take control of their life.
Our Self Care event will be held on the 19th November, between 10 am and 2 pm at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall. You’ll be able to meet lots of local organisations that can help you take control of your own health. Keep an eye out for more news on our website and through your GP practice.
MS Support Centre
We have recently agreed a new service for patients with complex neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, ME and others (not Stroke patients).
The MS Support Centre based in Saltney, Chester will design fitness and exercise programmes to suit you. It doesn’t matter if you have just been diagnosed or have been living with a neurological condition for some time. The physiotherapy programme involves both group and one-to-one sessions which will complement and support the work of your neurologist and GP.
You will also be able to get more information about your condition from the Centre and speak to health professionals about your individual needs. The services are available to patients throughout West Cheshire.
If you would like to find out more about the centre please ring 01244 678619 or visit www.mssupport.co.uk
Get Involved – you could be missing out!
We have over 740 people signed up to our West Cheshire Patients’ Panel. If you live, or are registered with a GP, in West Cheshire you can join our West Cheshire Patients’ Panel. Read about it on our website: www.westcheshireccg.nhs.uk/have-your-say.aspx
Over 1,900 people now follow us on twitter @westcheshireccg
“Like” us on Facebook – West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group
Over 1000 people are involved with their local Patient Participation Group (PPG) – ask at your practice.
Contact us:
Patient and Public Engagement Team
West Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group
1829 Building
Liverpool Road
Chester CH2 1HJ
Website: www.westcheshireccg.nhs.uk
Email:
If you have a concern about local health services or want to seek advice, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01244 650368
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