Your views wanted on evening and weekend appointments

The extended access service offers GP practice appointments in evenings and at weekends when our surgery is closed.

This service is currently offered from Reedyford Health Centre and Colne Health Centre.

However, from 1 October 2022, NHS England has requested that primary care networks (which are networks of GP practices across a small geographical location) take over the running of these services in their local areas. This means there may be some minor changes to the service.

We feel it is important that our patients are able to have a say in how these services are provided, and we therefore have devised a short survey so you are able to do this.

Please complete the survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/JIF8XM/

PIPA STUDY

The PIPA Trial

We are writing to you about The PIPA Trial which is being conducted by the University of Warwick. The trial is exploring the effectiveness of an online resource for parents/carers to help reduce depression and anxiety in young people.

Families of young people aged 11-15 years in the UK are being invited to take part. Please visit www.warwick.ac.uk/pipa where you can find information sheets for you and your child which will give you more details of the trial and what your participation would involve.

If you are interested in taking part in the trial, please visit https://ctu.warwick.ac.uk/PIPAmobile/parent-consent to register. You will then need to enter this code, 84930900, to access the database and to provide consent for you and your child to take part.

If you have any questions about the trial or would like to find out more information, please contact the PIPA trial team using the contact details below.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this letter and we look forward to hearing from you.

The PIPA Trial Team

PIPA Trial Team – University of Warwick
  Email: [email protected] Phone: 02476574316 or 02476575078 Website: www.warwick.ac.uk/pipa  

Fit Note – New Guidance

The Department of Work and Pensions are making legislative changes from Friday 17th December 2021 meaning self-certification for sickness will be extended from 7 to 28 days for people accessing Statutory Sick Pay & there will be no requirement for a fit note to access other benefits.

Fit note: guidance for patients and employees – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Butterflies Memory Cafe

Barnoldswick Pensioners Association Frank Street, Barnoldswick, BB18 5AE

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month starting Thursday 11th November & 25th November 1.30pm-3pm

This group is for people who experience difficulties with their memory. They are invited to bring along a family member or a friend to enjoy reminiscence discussions, enjoy quizzes and take part in creative activities in a relaxed and friendly environment.

For more info , please contact [email protected]

Pendle Up and Active

Pendle Up and Active have launched a new website which is really simple and easy to use!

It provides useful information to support the following weight management, mental health, exercise, loneliness plus much more.

Please visit the link to find out more https://pendle.upandactive.co.uk/

Extended Access to GP services: ‘Your Services – Your Say’


 
GPs in East Lancashire provide a service called extended GP Access. This provides GP services after 6.30pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday), and at weekends too. We would like to know your views about extended access to GP services.  Some practices offer appointments before 8 am as part of this extended GP service too, so you may have had an appointment before 8 am.


Across East Lancashire Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are working together to develop ​a new model of extended access to GP services.

  
The East Lancashire Alliance (ELA) ​ is co-ordinating this work on behalf of the PCNs in East Lancashire.


​A PCN ​is composed of local GP practices in ​a well-defined part of East Lancashire.  Click here to find out more about them: https://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/patient-information/local-services/primary-care-networks


Extended access to GP services was introduced in 2019 following a large public consultation.  It ​provides GP services ​beyond core GP practice hours in the week (i.e. after 6.30pm, Monday to Friday) and through the day at weekends across East Lancashire. ​

If you have used this service, ie contacted and seen a GP or GP services after 6.30 pm on weekdays or during the weekend, we want to know what you think of the ​current service. This questionnaire is seeking ​your views ​as individuals who have used this service, either yourself, or with your child or while caring for a relative. 

The survey doesn’t take long to complete and we will use this to improve the service:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ELA_GP_Access

If you have any queries please email: [email protected]

 

Blood Test – NHS Statement

  • A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.
  • Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems, will still get one but where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.
  • Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.
  • If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Support

Mental Health – Alternatives to Primary Care (June 2021 v2)

The information and links below provide a range of options for people who are feeling overwhelmed, isolated and unable to cope. 

Clinical services are delivered by Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT0 our mental health provider. There are also a vast and diverse range of local support services which are presented on the interactive map which you will find below.

LSCFTs Emotional Support page is a good starting point,  https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/help/category/1 

“If you need help, no matter what it is, we are here to support and signpost you”.

Mental Health Crisis Line

Our Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110. It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services – ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment/support.

MH and Wellbeing Helpline

We also have a Wellbeing Helpline & Texting Service, staffed by volunteers and those with lived experience, that offers emotional support – ring if you want to chat about your mental health or are lonely etc. It can be contacted on 0800 915 4640 or by texting ‘Hello’ to 07860 022846.

Open Mon-Fri 7pm-11pm and Sat-Sun 12pm-Midnight

Further information via the link: https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/help/crisis/6

Lancashire and South Cumbria Interactive map

If you are looking for a local support service, this interactive map allows you to search for a diverse range of support including:

  • Bereavement Support
  • Children & Young People Support
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Alcohol and Substance Misuse Support
  • Emotional Support

Click on the link and follow the instructions to select your geographical area / area of interest: https://www.healthierlsc.co.uk/ServiceMap

When to contact social services

If you have urgent concerns about someone’s social circumstances, such as children and young people, vulnerable adults or people with learning difficulties, it may be more appropriate to call social services. Local government services such as housing services and social care services often run out-of-hours duty provision.  Search for your local council to find out how your social care service deals with emergencies out of office hours. Other areas of support linked to Mental Health and Wellbeing https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/help