News Archive 2013
30 December 2013
Emergency pressures
Like many parts of the West Midlands region, we are currently experiencing sustained emergency demand on both A&Es, with particular challenges on the Worcestershire Royal A&E department over the Christmas period. We are therefore currently at EMS level 4 – the highest level of escalation- which means that both ourselves and our partners we will be taking more radical measures in order to manage this pressure over the next few days.
Extra medical beds will today be made available on Avon 4, and all planned operations for the week- other than the most urgent- will be re-scheduled. Therefore, any patients due to come into either the Alexandra Hospital or the Worcestershire Royal Hospital this week for a planned operation are asked to firstly contact the hospital in advance to check their status. Partner agencies are working closely with the Trust to ensure that all alternatives to hospital attendances are in place and accessible and that patients no longer requiring acute care can be safely and quickly discharged to a more appropriate setting. In addition, other than New Year’s Day, the public are reminded that GP surgeries are as open as usual this week.
We would like to place on record our thanks to all staff for their hard work and commitment at this time
19 December 2013
Have you taken the Winter Friends pledge?
NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are supporting the national Winter Friends Campaign and calling on people to look in on an elderly friend or neighbour this winter to make sure that they are warm and well.
Signing up to the Winter Friends pledge is simple, it states that “I will take time out this winter to look in on an elderly friend or neighbour to make sure they are warm and coping well.” Those who sign the Winter Friends pledge will receive free cold weather alerts and email tips throughout the winter to help them do their bit. By taking part, you can make a big difference to the community and the elderly population. You can find out more information or sign the pledge by visiting www.nhs.uk/winterfriends.
Continue reading about taking the Winter Friends pladge
18 December 2013
Health review panel to report in New Year
An independent panel of health experts from across the country have confirmed that they will issue their report into future hospital services in Worcestershire in the New Year.
Good progress has been made and the Independent Clinical Review Panel - which is made up of GPs, hospital doctors, nurses and specialist consultants - have met several times over the last month to collectively scrutinise evidence for the two options presented by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and the three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG, NHS South Worcestershire CCG and NHS Wyre Forest CCG). Evidence was also heard from the West Midlands Strategic Clinical Networks, West Midlands Ambulance Service and Public Health. This work is now complete and conclusions are in the process of being documented.
17 December 2013
Stop and think this Christmas - Is A&E for me?
NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging members of the public to choose their health services wisely over the Christmas and New Year period.
There are lots of services available to help with a variety of illnesses and injuries including pharmacies, GP practices, and NHS 111.
With the many services that are available, it can be confusing to decide where the best place is to be treated.
Continue reading about where to go for advice and treatment
12 December 2013
Launch of 'Is A&E for Me' bus campaign
Health chiefs in Worcestershire have launched a bus advertising campaign, as part of a countywide initiative to educate the people of Worcestershire about the range of healthcare services available and to reduce inappropriate attendances to A&E departments.
Single-decker buses in Worcester and Redditch depots will feature the adverts on both the exterior of the buses at eye level and on interior headliner panels. The campaign will run until 20 December 2013.
Continue reading about the 'Is A&E for Me' bus campaign
11 December 2013
How can your smartphone, tablet or laptop help you look after yourself?
Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are encouraging everyone to use technology to manage their health needs, learn more about any illnesses or conditions they have and, should they need the NHS, to choose the right service, first time.
The NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) website can help you make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, stopping smoking or getting fit. It also has lots of information on a wide range of illnesses. You may have been diagnosed with a condition - such as asthma, diabetes or a heart problem - that can’t be cured, but can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. These are called long-term conditions, and around 15 million people - that’s one in three in England are estimated to have one. NHS Choices helps you understand more about your diagnosis.
Continue reading about how technology can help you look after yourself
4 December 2013
Remember to Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
People in Redditch and Bromsgrove are being reminded of the simple message to use to help protect themselves and others from cold and flu this winter: Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.
CATCH IT – Always carry tissues and use them to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
BIN IT – Dispose of used tissues as soon as possible.
KILL IT – Clean your hands with soap and water as soon as you can and make sure you wash them frequently.
Jo Galloway, Executive Nurse – Quality and Patient Safety for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Cold and flu germs can live on some surfaces for hours, meaning they can be easily transmitted. Just a few simple steps can help prevent the viruses from spreading.
Continue reading about Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
29 November 2013
Take control of your long-term condition this winter
NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are urging anyone with a health condition such as asthma, diabetes, MS, or a chest, heart, liver or kidney complaint to take control this winter by taking a few simple steps.
Get a flu jab? It can protect you all winter. If you have a long term health condition and you catch flu you’re at a greater risk of complications. The flu jab is quick and free for those with underlying health conditions as well as over 65s, pregnant women and carers. Contact your GP surgery to find out details of flu clinics or to book an appointment.
Continue reading about taking control of your long-term condition this winter.
25 November 2013
NHS launches first mobile phone app
A new mobile phone app has been launched today as part of a countywide campaign to encourage members of the public to consider the options they have available before attending A&E.
The free app, which is the first of its kind in Worcestershire, has been designed by the three NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups. It provides instant information about the range of options that are available for anyone who is injured or unwell. It also includes a GPS function which allows users to find their nearest NHS services wherever they are in Worcestershire - from pharmacies, minor injury units, GPs, emergency dental care and sexual health service.
13 November 2013
Redditch & Bromsgrove CCG thanks public for responses to its draft prospectus
On behalf of Dr Jonathan Wells, Chair and Clinical lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group:
“NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG published its draft local acute hospital services prospectus in late September. Over the last 7 weeks, we have encouraged local people to comment on our proposals."
Continue reading about Redditch & Bromsgrove CCG thanking the public for responses to its draft prospectus.
8 November 2013
Ask your pharmacist week
Are you aware of the wide range of health information and advice you can get from your local pharmacy?
This week, it's 'Ask Your Pharmacist' week (4-11 November), a national initiative to raise awareness of the services on offer in pharmacies to help people stay well during the winter months.
Pharmacists are trained to help people treat themselves for many common conditions, such as colds, flu, stomach bugs and aches and pains, which can be especially prevalent when the temperature drops.
Ask your pharmacist
Continue reading about ask your pharmacist week.
1 November 2013
'Well connected' selected as Department of Health Pioneer
A Worcestershire programme to transform health and social care for patient in the county has been named a national pioneer by the Department of Health.
On Friday, Care Minister Norman Lamb announced that the county's Well Connected programme had been named as one just 14 ambitious initiatives the Government has selected to "blaze a trail for change" by pioneering new ways of delivering co-ordinated or more joined up care.
Continue reading about the Well connected selected as Department of Health Pioneer.
28 October 2013
Deadline Extended for Feedback on CCG Draft Local Acute Hospital Services Prospectus
The deadline for people to give feedback on NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group’s Draft Prospectus for Local Acute Hospital Services 2014/15 has been extended to Friday 8th November 2013.
NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are urging members of the public to have their say on local acute hospital services.
View the prospectus.
Continue reading about our draft prospectus extension.
17 October 2013
'Is A&E for me?' campaign launched
A countywide campaign is being launched this winter to educate the people of Worcestershire about the range of healthcare services available and to reduce inappropriate attendances to A&E departments over the busy winter period.
Pictured: Nicole Pinder, George Stringer & Hardeep Cheema
Continue reading about our is A&E for me? campaign.
16 October 2013
'Independent chairs appointed to lead next stages of acute hospital services review'
Five independent Chairs have been appointed to oversee the next stages of the ‘Future of Acute Hospital Services in Worcestershire’ programme. The Chairs have been appointed as part of the governance process for the programme and will lead a range of sub-groups, each looking at different areas of the next phase of work.
NHS Redditch & Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are urging members of the public to have their say on local acute hospital services.
The CCG has published a ‘Draft Prospectus for Local Acute Hospital Services. 2014/15’, which is available to view here. The document has been produced to inform the on-going review of acute hospital services, as part of the ‘Future of Acute Hospital Services in Worcestershire’ programme.
Continue reading about having your say on local acute hospital services.
NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the NHS organisation in charge of buying local health services for the Redditch and Bromsgrove population, is inviting local people to get involved with a new scheme to improve and shape health services within their community.
The ‘Now Have your Say’ membership scheme is a new and easy way for local residents to understand more about Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG and to get involved in the planning of local health services.
Continue reading about our CCG membership scheme.