EN GAG E CELEBRATING 72 YEARS OF THE NHS - THE NHS RESPONSE TO COVID - Mid Essex CCG
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T H E L AT E S T N E W S F R O M M I D E S S E X C C G ENGAGESUMMER EDITION J ULY 2020 CELEBRATING 72 YEARS OF THE NHS THE NHS RESPONSE TO COVID
WELCOME CON TE NTS
4 celebrating 72 years
of the NHS
Welcome to the summer Thank your heroes
EXTENDED
2020 issue of Engage, for
everyone living in Braintree 6 the nhs response
District, Chelmsford City and to covid
Maldon District. The response so far
GP HOURS
Since I wrote the introduction
to our spring edition at the 9 volunteers
end of February, our lives Hundreds of volunteers make
changed almost completely. a difference in Mid and South Essex
Protecting one another from
the COVID-19 coronavirus 10 TEST AND TRACE
has been the priority for
Patients in mid Essex can still residents.
Helping to keep you safe
access appointments with a Meanwhile, making sure there is capacity to treat people 14 mental health
with severe COVID-19 symptoms and anyone else needing Meeting your needs
GP or nurse in the evening or urgent clinical care has been the main focus for the NHS.
You can read more about that from me later in this edition. 16 gold-standard
on a Saturday or Sunday We are hugely grateful to everyone who has taken steps to LGBTQ+ care
stay safe and to the host of volunteers who have supported
people at greater risk from the virus who have been unable 23 safer sleeping
To book please contact your own GP to leave their homes. For new parents
surgery or call 01245 398055* There is more good news to share too, about supporting our
communities and the way we have been reshaping GP-led
*Phone line only open Saturday and Sunday
services, which I write a little about later in this issue. Stay
safe this summer.
Consultations will take place via
telephone or video. Where a Dr Anna Davey Page 4
Chair, Mid Essex CCG
face-to-face appointment is required, Follow me on Twitter
this will take place at the North @Chair_MECCG
Chelmsford Health Centre
Page 6 Page 23
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Friday,
Engage is just one of the many ways that you can keep informed Keep in touch by following us
6:30pm to 8:00pm We want everyone about our work. Connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, on social media:
Saturday and Sunday, in mid Essex to Live Well
Twitter and our website midessexccg.nhs.uk for regular updates. @MidEssex CCG
8:00am to 8:00pm You can also share any feedback on Engage by emailing: MECCG. /CCGMidEssex
get-involved@nhs.net with ‘CCG Engage feedback’ in the subject. Mid Essex CCG
North Chelmsford NHS Healthcare Centre
Sainsbury’s, 2 White Hart Lane,
3
Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5EF.
JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
The NHS at 72: a time to
remember, reflect and say ‘thank you’
On July 5 it will be 72 years since the NHS started work.
Over the last few
months, the NHS has The following day, 5 July and the
been through perhaps anniversary of our NHS, let’s say thank you together.
its greatest test so far. 5pm: Join a one-off clap for carers – the biggest yet, because this
We will continue to deal time it is to say thank you to everybody
with the many challenges
5.05pm: Raise a glass, mug or cuppa to thank each other – our
brought about by the friends, family and neighbours – for looking out for us, helping the
COVID-19 pandemic for vulnerable, or simply doing the right thing and staying at home
the foreseeable future.
Afterwards: Stay outside for a socially distanced chat to your
This year’s anniversary will be neighbours, or reach out to someone who is lonely, isolated or
one of remembrance and thanks. stuck in another household to let them know they are appreciated.
We want to remember those who
have died during the pandemic
and say thank you to all the
people and organisations who
have supported us during these Let us know who is getting
difficult times. your thanks
In the run-up to 5 July you can
say a personal thank you to
someone who has been a hero Don’t forget to share TWITTER – find us at:
for you during the pandemic with
the template opposite or one you
your thank yous and NHS Mid and South Essex
can download from the Together images with your local Health and Care Partnership
Coalition website. Colour it in, add NHS on our social @MSEEssex_HCP
the name of someone you’d like
to thank – nurses and doctors, NHS Basildon and Brentwood
posties and delivery people, CCG @BB_CCG
or maybe your mum, dad or a FACEBOOK – search
for @MidSouthEssexHCP on NHS Castle Point and Rochford
neighbour – and display it in your CCG @CPRCCG
window. Facebook or in Messenger, as
well as your local CCG NHS Mid Essex CCG
Then, on the evening before the and hospital: @MidEssexCCG
NHS anniversary, 4 July, we are
encouraging people to put a light @BasildonBrentwoodCCG NHS Southend CCG
in your window, too – perhaps an @nhscprccg @SouthendCCG
LED candle, lamp or a torch. All NHS Thurrock CCG
the lit windows will commemorate @CCGMidEssex
@Thurrock CCG
the people we have lost. (If you @ThurrockCCG
want to use a candle, please don’t Mid and South Essex NHS
leave it unattended.) @southendccg Foundation Trust
@MSEHosipitals @MSEHosipitals
National and local landmarks will
also be lit up in blue as part of our
collective nationwide memorial.
4 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
5
The NHS response Mental health services in
mid and south Essex have
for their illness. Where possible,
appointments will continue to be
Coronavirus in mid
so far to coronavirus
remained available, though offered using remote services
there have been fewer face-to- such as a video or phone and south Essex
facts and
face appointments to reduce consultation.
the risk of spreading the virus.
in mid and south Essex The people with the most urgent
and severe mental health needs
figures
are being prioritised while direct
What is
access to online support has
remained available to everyone.
An average of 136
We have all found
COVID-19
Working alongside local the three main sites run by our Vital support for all these COVID-19 patients a day have
authorities to identify and local hospital trust – Basildon, been in our local hospital beds
ourselves in protect our most vulnerable Broomfield and Southend –
efforts has come from our between 22 March 2020 and 14
local communities – from you,
unprecedented residents through Operation has substantially increased its your friends and neighbours. COVID-19 is an infectious
June 2020.
times due to the Shield is something that will intensive care capacity. This Volunteers have come forward disease caused by a newly The highest daily
leave a positive legacy for our included buying additional
impact of COVID-19 communities. It has helped show ventilators to care for the most
to deliver medicines and food to discovered coronavirus strain number was 276
people who are most vulnerable that first emerged in China late on 8 June, with the 10 days
(coronavirus). It is how we can work together in the seriously ill patients and retraining to the effects of COVID-19. They last year. Several coronaviruses before this article was written
perhaps the greatest future to support our residents’ staff to deliver intensive care. have worked side by side with are known to cause respiratory showing a much lower average
needs across health and social other partners such as Essex infections in humans, ranging
challenge the health care. Recently retired clinical staff from the common cold to more
of 62 patients with coronavirus.
Police, Essex Fire and Rescue
service has faced in its have been invited to return to and the British Army to help severe diseases.
One of the first things to happen work and the NHS has enlisted
72-year history. in response to the outbreak medical and nursing students to
rapidly redesign our buildings to The number of confirmed
accept more patients. The most important symptoms COVID-19 patients
was our GP practices’ speedy work in frontline care. Colleagues of coronavirus (COVID-19) are occupying critical care beds
Locally the NHS has well-
adoption of digital consultations, from local private hospitals and
rehearsed procedures in place
from telephone triage and use facilities have been redeployed to
As our response to the recent onset of: averaged 34 over the
to respond to major incidents. coronavirus pandemic continues, • a new continuous cough same March-June period and
of email to video consultations. work among NHS teams. we are now starting to see the • a high temperature
We have been using our full peaked at 78 on
These have meant people do not number of hospital admissions • a loss or change to your
emergency preparedness plans 20 April. The last 10 days
have to go to their GP surgery in And some private hospitals come down. So, we have begun sense of smell or taste.
as part of the greater Essex before writing saw the average
person, and clinical staff can work have opened up their facilities to reschedule both inpatient
Resilience Forum alongside number of COVID-19 patients
remotely if needed. to NHS patients so the most planned surgery and postponed The severity and duration of
local government, police and fire in critical care fall to 9.
urgent treatments such as cancer outpatient appointments symptoms for people who
services from the start.
Digital consultation in general surgery can still take place. within the three main hospitals have COVID-19 can vary. Most
practice isn’t new, but its use This is helping to keep those at at Southend, Basildon and people who get infected have
This has seen our hospitals,
had been fairly limited prior greatest risk away from the main Broomfield. These will be mild symptoms, and in general
GPs, community services, local
to COVID-19. Now every GP hospital sites where COVID-19 rescheduled and prioritised symptoms are expected largely
authorities, voluntary sector,
surgery in mid and south Essex is patients are being treated. according to clinical need and to disappear within 7 days of first
charities and the independent
offering remote consultation, with length of wait. experiencing them.
sector all united. With great
more than 25,000 appointments Working as a team, local NHS
speed they have worked together
already held this way. Surgeries community services set up new For the moment, we continue to Most people who get COVID-19
to change and re-align how we
are also working together in wards and beds at our community ask that people go to their GP will not need to go into hospital.
provide services to meet our
the communities they serve to hospitals in Brentwood and surgery or hospital for planned Others may need monitoring as
residents’ immediate needs
provide care for people suspected Braintree in just a few days. care only when really necessary. an inpatient and a small number
during this pandemic.
of having the virus at a single These extra beds are for People in need of medical help will need treatment in intensive
clinic away from others. patients requiring ‘step-down’ should continue to contact their care.
The scale and depth of the steps
and rehabilitation bed care after surgery, use the online service at
taken are exceptional. The NHS
Meanwhile, our hospitals have a stay in one of the three acute 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
has put a wide range of measures
reorganised outpatient services hospitals. The additional capacity
in place to ensure people stay
and planned surgery, again is vital in helping hospitals to free GP surgeries and the 111 service
as safe as possible while we
to offer telephone or video up the space to treat the most ill will initially assess patients over
maintain essential health services
consultations where needed patients. the phone or online to make
for those who continue to need
and free up capacity to care sure they are cared for by the
them outside of COVID-19 care.
for COVID-19 patients. Each of right person, in the right place
6 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
7
A message from Hundreds of volunteers
our Clinical Chair make a difference
in mid and south Essex
Health and social care services It is essential that we learn from
have had to change and adapt the times we are living in and
As Dr Davey wrote, the “It’s so humbling to see the Jennifer said:
how they work quickly and embed any positive changes in speed with which volunteers
districts within mid and
effectively to respond to the how local residents get the best have stepped in to help us “The work took me right back to
pandemic. The way people have possible care and support to south Essex have a wealth
of voluntary organisations make some major changes to my nursing days from 20 years
accessed local health and care lead fulfilling, independent lives. health and care services in the ago. I met some amazing people
services has also changed. To help us learn, it is important and dedicated volunteers
community. Their commitment and was treated as one of them
that we capture information who support their local from the very first day. The public
and willingness to help, often with
In the past few months GP about how new services are communities. Since the start dropped off food and snacks as
something they’ve never done
practices across mid and south being received as the local NHS of the COVID-19 pandemic well as the odd treat – I found that
before, has been just brilliant!”
Essex have carried out more than continues to adapt, respond and there has been an even so lovely.”
25,000 video consultations. Local reshape to current challenges. greater sense of pride in Changes have been made in
hospitals have begun to offer volunteering, with hundreds community hospitals across mid Volunteering had such a positive
virtual consultations with patients We have recently undertaken a of people lending an extra and south Essex so more patients impact for her that Jennifer is now
where safe and appropriate to survey to better understand how can be cared for. Volunteers considering a change in career.
hand.
do so. Digital tools have also we can continue to support local from all walks of life have been She said: “I was disappointed
helped identify and support the people and communities during The COVID-19 pandemic has had helping get things ready – and when my volunteering came to
Hello – Dr Davey again! most vulnerable people in our the coronavirus pandemic and an impact on everyone, young whether they have been moving as I enjoyed it … so much so,
community. beyond. The results of this survey and old, across the entire world. in fact, that I’ve made the decision
As well as chairing NHS will be analysed and, alongside
equipment, cleaning and setting
Here in Essex, volunteers have things up, they have all played to change jobs. Who knows,
Mid Essex CCG I’m a New smartphone tools like the insight from our three local shown that, when faced with the an important part. I may even end up working
practising GP in our NHS App help people to order Healthwatch organisations, we back at Brentwood Community
challenge of a national crisis,
repeat prescriptions from their will gather some key themes and For some people, volunteering Hospital!”
area. With coronavirus own home. Other new apps actions that will inform our next
people come together and can
achieve amazing things. is a regular part of their lives, but
in the news headlines are also now available to help steps. A report will be available others have got involved for the The list of organisations and
every day, we have all support those with particular on the CCG’s website in due Professor Mike Thorne is first time as a result of the impact partners working with us at this
conditions such as diabetes course. challenging time is huge. St
had to adapt how we (MyType1Diabetes and DigiBete),
Independent Chair of the Mid and of COVID-19.
South Essex Health and Care John’s Ambulance, Essex Fire
live, work or study at a which means many people can Finally, I would like to say a big Partnership. He asked us to pass Jennifer usually works as an and Rescue, the Territorial Army,
rapid pace. get support in different ways. thank-you to the many volunteers on his sincere thanks to all of the Ofsted registered childminder, the military veterans’ disaster
who have been supporting local amazing volunteers on behalf of but her business was seriously response charity Team Rubicon
People visit their GPs for a people through this difficult affected by the pandemic, so she and many Councils for Voluntary
everyone working in the NHS in
range of different reasons. time, and who continue to do took the St John’s Ambulance Service (CVS) that be found
Essex.
Sometimes issues that affect so. When faced with a crisis like COVID-19 Care Module training across mid and south Essex are
a person’s health may be coronavirus, it is really incredible Prof Thorne writes: in the hopes she could help. Soon just some of them.
caused by non-medical matters to see people come together and after, she was asked to volunteer
such as loneliness, worry, make such a difference. “Volunteers are often the unsung at Brentwood Community If you’d like to find out more
unemployment or debt. A new heroes in our communities, and Hospital. about volunteering in your area,
role, called a ‘social prescriber’, We appreciate your ongoing we want to make a special effort you can start by visiting the
or Link Worker, has come to support in tackling coronavirus so to say thank you. Volunteers from National Council for Voluntary
GP surgeries. Link Workers much. Stay safe! all kinds of backgrounds with a Organisations website to find a
give people confidence to seek range of valuable skills have come volunteering opportunity near
appropriate support in the together to support the NHS, local you. www.ncvo.org.uk
community and make positive Dr Davey authorities and providers as we
changes for their wellbeing. deal with coronavirus.
8 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
9
NHS Test and Trace NHS Health
at Home
The NHS test and trace
service aims to help
How do I ask for a test?
control the coronavirus You can ask for a coronavirus test online. The service will ask you:
rate of reproduction (or To maintain social distancing and prevent the spread
• how you want to get the test – you may be able to choose between
‘R’ rate), reduce the risk of driving to a regional testing site or getting a home test kit of the coronavirus, you are advised to stay at home
infection and save lives. as much as possible. While you are at home it’s
• for details such as your name, mobile phone number and address still easy to get NHS help and support using your
We all have an important
role to play in helping to How NHS Test smartphone, tablet or computer. The NHS Health at
Home webpage has information letting you know
limit the spread of the
virus across Essex and If you have been identified and Trace will how to access a number of NHS services.
beyond.
as having symptoms of the contact you Contact your GP: Most GP surgeries can be contacted online.
The NHS test and trace service COVID-19 infection You will receive an email, text You will be able to tell your GP about your health using an online
form or by speaking to someone online. This is called an online
aims to: message or phone call. Text
consultation.
messages will come from “NHS
• ensure that anyone who You need to go home straight away and self-isolate for 7 days
from when you first showed symptoms.
Tracing” and calls will come Order repeat prescriptions: Did you know you can order
shows symptoms that may repeat prescriptions online, without needing to go to a GP surgery
mean they have COVID-19 from 0300 0135000.
Anyone you share a home with will need to self-isolate for 14 or pharmacy? You can collect a prescription yourself, or ask a
can quickly get a test for the You’ll be asked to sign in to the friend, relative or volunteer to collect it for you. You could also
virus days from the day you showed symptoms. If anyone else in the
household starts displaying symptoms, they also need to stay at NHS Test and Trace contact speak to your pharmacy about delivering your medicine to your
• help trace recent close home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of tracing website at https:// home, rather than needing to collect it.
contacts of anyone who tests how far into the original 14-day isolation period they are. contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk (you The NHS App also allows you to set and change which pharmacy
positive for coronavirus should be sure you are logging your prescription is sent to, so you could pick one that will deliver
There is a risk that other members of your household or others that
• if necessary, tell people into the right site and never your medicine.
you have been in close contact with over the previous 2 weeks
who have been in contact with give any financial information to
have been exposed to the virus, but it is possible that they have not. Manage long-term conditions: While staying at home,
someone carrying COVID-19 the service). it’s important to keep managing any physical or mental health
that they must self-isolate at Each of you should follow the Government’s isolation guidance: conditions you may have. The NHS Apps Library has a wide variety
home to reduce the virus’s www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at- If you cannot use the contact
of apps and online tools that can help with this, covering different
spread home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-forhouseholds-with- tracing website, NHS Test and conditions and categories like diabetes, pregnancy and maternity,
possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection Trace will phone you. and mental wellbeing.
Here are some links to information Maintain your mental and physical wellbeing:
about testing for coronavirus and From health communities and forums to eating
what to do if you’re contacted by and indoor exercise resources, there is plenty
the NHS Test and Trace service.
Protecting yourself and others from coronavirus If your symptoms get of online support out there that can help you
• Ask for a test to check if you worse, visit the NHS take control of your health from home.
have coronavirus
111 online coronavirus
• What your test result means service or call 111. If you need an NHS service,
Wash your hands Cover your Avoid touching Avoid close
try to do it online first. If you
• NHS Test and Trace: if you’re frequently and mouth and nose your eyes, nose contact cannot get what you need this
contacted after testing positive thoroughly, for at with a tissue when and mouth with with people who are way try asking a friend or
least 20 seconds.
Use alcohol-based
you cough or sneeze
and then throw this
unwashed hands sick, sneezing or
coughing
Call 999 if you feel family member to help you,
• NHS Test and Trace: if you’ve hand sanitizer if soap tissue in the bin and very unwell or think or speak to your GP
been in contact with a person and water aren’t wash your hands.
surgery on the phone.
who has coronavirus available. Alternatively, cough there’s something
or sneeze into Find out more at:
your elbow. seriously wrong. nhs.uk/health-at-home
10 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
11
An update from Mid and South
Essex NHS Foundation Trust Keeping Essex active
Undoubtedly our
It’s a challenging yet Improved services As the trust continues to adapt
lives have changed
and care and use new technology-driven
exciting time for your approaches to care for patients in the past few
local hospital trust, With about 15,000 staff, the remotely, it’s clear that the
months, but we still
hospitals can now do more and pandemic has played a key role in
which is now one of go further in delivering excellent accelerating changes to the way need to think about
the largest trusts in care to local communities across healthcare reaches patients.
physical activity.
the country following mid and south Essex. The new,
As routine outpatient
larger trust size will bring more
a merger on 1 April opportunities for development, appointments restart, many As we adjust to new ways of
of the telephone and virtual living and people spending more
this year. research, networking and
consultations that have been time at home, it could have a
innovation, plus more specialist
The newly taking place in order to reduce significantly negative impact on
care region-wide.
formed
organisation
is now
called Mid
and South
Essex NHS
Staff
The MSEFT team know that
happy staff mean better care
”
footfall to the hospitals will stay in
place.
Tom Abell, who is Deputy Chief
Executive at MSEFT, said:
the county’s physical activity
levels.
Keeping physically active and
well is being championed at the
highest possible level, with the
Active Essex’s Active at
Home webpage holds tips
and guidance for your mental
wellbeing, gentle inclusive
exercise videos and ideas to
keep the whole family engaged
Prime Minister and Chief Medical
Foundation for patients. So, the trust is also in moving more.
Officer for England stating jointly:
Trust or focused on ensuring its premises
MSEFT offer vibrant base from where “Right now, exercise On this page you will find
Tom Abell for short. hospital staff can develop and is one of the best things downloadable booklets you can
It takes in It’s hard to believe we are
build their careers. They will have moving into the reset phase you can do to help share with people who can’t
acute hospital sites at Broomfield access online resources.
in Chelmsford City, southern
plenty of opportunities to work and restarting some of the fight diseases like the
across the different sites and services that were paused. coronavirus and other
Basildon and Westcliff-on-Sea share best practice, building new
in Southend Borough, plus health conditions.”
friendships in the process. COVID-19 has been tough, For additional information,
community hospital sites such but we’ve also discovered guidance and ideas please
as Braintree, Brentwood and A high proportion of Essex
ways to create more residents are inactive, meaning visit www.nhs.co.uk/live-well/
Maldon. efficient and effective exercise that contains gentle
COVID-19 services using digital
they do less than 30 minutes of
exercises to adopt during the day
MSEFT is determined to provide physical activity each week. Experts
the best health services for its The strength of the new technology. The merger recommend we should ideally be whilst at home.
local population. organisation has been of our three hospitals has aiming for to 150 minutes (two and
demonstrated that we are The Keep Essex Active YouTube Regular physical
immediately tested with the a half hours) a week of moderate
stronger together. channel also features free
coronavirus pandemic. It has physical exercise, at least as workouts delivered throughout the
activity is one of the most
been a very challenging time and We are also incredibly energetic as walking. important things you can
day by top Essex instructors.
staff have worked above and grateful for all the support do for your health and we
beyond to care for all patients. we have had from local Introducing regular physical With an easy colour-coded
Many frontline medical staff have activity as part of our everyday hope that together we can
businesses and our local timetable released each Sunday, all keep Essex active.
undergone refresher training so community. The warmth, lives will help us to support and you will be able to see what
they can support critical care kindness and generosity maintain our wellbeing and offer activities are going on to suit your
clinicians in caring for very ill we have received has really us immediate and long-term needs; from tai chi and yoga to
COVID-19 patients. helped to keep us all going. health benefits. The physical HIIT and an “abs blaster” workout.
activity partnership for our county, All activities are saved to the
Active Essex, wants to continue channel to create a library of
to help our communities become sessions for everyone to continue
more resilient through being to enjoy.
active.
12 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
13
Mental health – focused
on meeting your needs
Now more than ever, it’s If you working in a Mental health crisis?
important to reflect on health or care service Help is on hand
our feelings and mental
Essex Partnership University A crisis mental health phone line
wellbeing. The past NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is has launched across Essex. The
three months have seen offering a new service for people 24-hour service run by EPUT
most people’s worlds working in Essex-based health offers immediate and specialist
and social care. If you need support to adults experiencing
turned upside down support with managing stress and mental health crisis.
as they cope with the emotional difficulties in relation to
coronavirus pandemic. the COVID-19 pandemic, phone Anyone in need can dial 111 at
01375 898837 or email to epunft. any time and select the option
Unusual events like this can have staffpsychsupport@nhs.net. The for mental health crisis (option
a big impact on our mental health. service is available seven days 2). Callers will be connected to Children’s mental
But help is on hand. Even through trained staff at EPUT who can
the pandemic peak, local services
per week, 8am–8pm.
provide timely and appropriate
health and wellbeing
to support your mental health support and advice. For many children this is a
continued to be available. Most Online support Talking therapies with worrying and unsettling time, with
The service is free from UK
are being provided in an online with SilverCloud Health in Mind landlines and mobiles, and aimed
routines and school turned upside
or telephone format at present, to down, it’s natural that some of our
meet social distancing guidelines. SilverCloud is a flexible self-help Health in Mind provides access at people aged 18 and over so
younger people need some extra
But if someone needs face to face programme you can access at to a wide range of talking therapy they can access support when
support. Children’s mental health
support, it can be arranged. home, in a coffee shop or on treatments for adults with common they need it most.
services are provided by the
the go using a computer or a mental health problems. Health Emotional Wellbeing and Mental
There are a range of ways to smart device – all you need is an in Mind is part of the national Health Service (EWMHS).
support you and your family’s internet connection. This means initiative Improving Access to
mental health, whether that’s you can easily fit your sessions Psychological Therapies (IAPT). A child or young person can
responding to a crisis or working around your normal daily routine. contact the service directly. Any
on preventing mental health Treatment sessions may be by parent/guardian or professional
from becoming an emergency. The programme consists of digital phone, online, in groups or face- such as a teacher, school nurse or
Here are some of the ways cognitive behavioural therapy to-face. Treatment options are GP can contact us on the behalf
you can get help. (CBT), which medical evidence based on Cognitive Behavioural of the young person
shows can have a positive impact Therapy (CBT) which is a
on low mood and anxiety. structured therapy where you you
will be set goals you want to reach
SilverCloud is free, to anyone who and work on changes you can Contact details:
lives or works in mid Essex. For make to patterns of thoughts and
more information or to sign up behaviours to help you attain your In-hours mental health
visit: www.me.silvercloudhealth. goals. 0300 300 1600 (Essex SPA)
com/signup/
If you think you would benefit from Out of Hours Mental Health
our service the first step is to talk 0300 555 1000
to the team to find out how they (Mental Health Direct Line)
can best help you. Visit: www.nelft.nhs.uk/
www. midessexccg.nhs.uk/ services-ewmhs to find out
livewell/mentalhealth/health- about online apps like Kooth,
in-mind Big White Wall and MiLife.
14 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
15
Local GP surgeries delivering Pride in Practice was developed
gold-standard LGBTQ+ care
by the LGBT Foundation in
response to the worries of
Surgeries that sign up to Pride in Practice receive
many LGBTQ+ people about personalised and ongoing support from the LGBT
accessing health services for fear Foundation through dedicated account managers
of experiencing discrimination
and access to resources. As well as the 11 gold
or even hostility on the grounds
of their sexual orientation, awards, one silver and three bronze awards have
In the previous edition of Engage we told you about gender identity or trans status. also been awarded in mid Essex.
two GP practices in mid Essex that received an award The foundation support’s NHS’s
commitment to changing this
from the LGBT Foundation for Excellence in LGBT situation by helping health
Healthcare. We are pleased to say that 13 more GP providers become more aware of The 15 practices are:
surgeries have stepped up to meet the needs of their the needs of LGBT communities
and how to best address them. • Blandford Medical Centre,Braintree (Gold award)
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients.
Claudia Carvell, Business • Coggeshall Surgery (Gold award)
These practices across “I would encourage all mid Essex fantastic service they deliver. Development Manager for Pride
in Practice, said: • Fern House Surgery, Witham (Gold award)
Braintree District, practices to sign up for the Pride I think it’s great that my surgery
Chelmsford City and Maldon in Practice scheme once we are undertakes such vital training. • Beauchamp House Surgery,Chelmsford (Gold award)
through the current challenging “This is a fantastic accomplishment
District have all received for each of the 15 GP practices
times, as my practice found it of “For many people visiting the GP • The Writtle Surgery (Gold award)
awards from the Pride in who’ve achieved a Pride in
real benefit to us as well as our can be a daunting experience,
Practice programme for especially if you identify as LGBT. Practice award, meaning that
patients. I hope everyone has a • Burnham Surgery (Gold award)
making services more Knowing that the GP has taken more LGBT people than ever can
safe and happy Pride Month.”
accessible to LGBTQ+ training, to better understand the have confidence that their identity • Rivermead Gate Medical Centre, Chelmsford (Gold award)
people in their communities. Planned and delivered by the needs and the concerns of the will be recognised and considered
And 11 have further cause to LGBT Foundation, Pride in LGBT community is fantastic and as part of their GP appointments. • Whitley House Surgery, Chelmsford (Gold award)
be proud as they are the first Practice is an evidence-based makes it a more approachable
in the county to receive the programme open to all GP place.” “As Pride month approaches, • Baddow Village Surgery, Chelmsford (Gold award)
surgeries in mid Essex, the first there’s never been a better time
Pride in Practice Gold Award
area of the UK outside Greater Dr Michael Brady, National for GP practices to take part. • North Chelmsford Health Centre (Gold award)
– the highest possible rating
Manchester where it has been Advisor for LGBT Health, NHS We’ve also recently launched
available. our Pride in Practice Training • Beacon Health Group – Danbury Surgery, Mountbatten
offered. The programme is England and NHS Improvement,
endorsed by the Royal College of said: “Now more than ever it is Academy, a training and House Surgery and Moulsham Lodge Surgery (Gold award)
Dr Anna Davey, Chair of NHS
General Practitioners and other vital that we address LGBT health accreditation service designed to
Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning • Longfield Medical Centre,Maldon (Silver award)
clinical bodies, and measures inequalities. Pride in Practice promote LGBT inclusion at home,
Group and a GP partner at
how well surgeries meet the is a great example of primary at work and in the community.”
a Braintree District surgery • Chelmer Village Surgery, Chelmsford (Bronze award)
deemed outstanding by the LGBT requirements of the Equality care services taking the lead to
improve the care and experience Jacquie Russell from OutHouse
Foundation, said: “I’m really Act 2010 and regulatory bodies. • Stock Surgery (Bronze award)
of LGBT patients. Through better East, a local LGBT charity in
proud that so many colleagues Essex said:
in local surgeries have proved Most importantly, the programme monitoring, staff training and the • Tollesbury Surgery (Bronze award)
their commitment to giving our supports surgery staff to support provided by the LGBT
“OutHouse East support and
lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and strengthen relationships with Foundation, practices are able
advocate any training that ensures
gender questioning residents the LGBT patients and more to both identify inequalities and
that our LGBTQ+ community
best standard of care. We know confidently support their needs. address them.
have a great standard of health
that even unconscious bias is care. As Dr Anna Davey stated,
something to be wary of so I am Jack, a Witham resident “I applaud all these practices
registered at one of the Gold for their efforts in ensuring they ‘unconscious bias’ is something
delighted we can show we are a that needs to be aware of’ so we
safe place for everyone to discuss Award practices, said: “I’ve been deliver LGBT inclusive care and
using Fern House Surgery since I look forward to seeing more would like to see more surgeries
their health with us. across Essex working towards
moved to the Witham area. services taking up this initiative.”
In this time I have been a high standard of care and we
continually impressed with the will in turn support in any way we
can.”
16 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
17
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Guest editor’s column:
inclusion in Witham Supporting LGBT communities across Essex
What was it about Pride Why is it important that This work combined with
in Practice which inspired our GP surgeries are strong partnerships with other
you to champion for an recognised for excellence organisations and individuals
LGBT ambassador? in LGBT healthcare? has enabled us to build a
strong, cohesive and influential
“Pride in Practice, to me, set a bar “I think that it is absolutely voice for Essex residents.
and I just was so impressed at the paramount that GP surgeries
effort involved. After working in are recognised for excellence in We currently offer a variety
healthcare and local government, LGBT healthcare, as healthcare of service ourselves, which
I am too familiar with how hard is a basic right for all of us. include a counselling service,
overseen by a coordinator We also have agreements in
it is to introduce anything that Your sexuality or gender should
and a clinical supervisor. We place with Metro (HIV support),
challenges how things are done never affect the level of care you
currently have 10 counsellors Next Chapter (a domestic
(or not done). I was just blown receive so all surgeries need to
With Jacquie Russell, who volunteer their services to abuse charity) and Cara (centre
away by the hard work and step up and I am so glad they
Chief Executive of us, all seeing between up to for action on rape and abuse)
persistence of everyone involved have support to carry this out.”
Outhouse East four clients each. who are based in our centre
and also the honesty.
supporting our community.
We run two weekly youth
We caught up with “We need to step up to meet the What other plans have
groups, one in Colchester and We would like to build on our
needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual you got to celebrate LGBT Outhouse East is a
Councillor Chelsy Jay, one in Basildon, with 10 to 25 current services to become
and transgender patients and this
inclusion in Witham? small charity providing young people attending each all-inclusive of any support
a member of Witham is how we are going to do it.
session. More than 55 young needed, ensuring stability for
Town Council, to
I find that approach really “Developing a remit for our group vital support and our community and ourselves
forward-thinking and I respect it.” people have registered with us
is very exciting! For the first time guidance to lesbian, to access support when needed – so please get in contact if
ask about plans for in our town’s history we have a you need support or want to
gay, bisexual, trans or and we also offer a specific
celebrating LGBT What will be the main
designated LGBTQ+ collective
young people’s counsellor get involved!
being given the opportunity to gender questioning service and one-to-one support
inclusion following the role of Witham’s LGBT influence what’s on the local town (LGBTQ+) people in too.
town becoming the first ambassador? council’s agenda. That really is
so big. Essex.
to have a GP surgery “The initial role was to essentially
The charity started 40 years In addition to these
awarded the gold Pride gather residents of Witham who “We hope to get a laundry list of
ago as the Colchester Gay services we offer:
identify as LGBTQ+ and create a issues and areas we want to work
in Practice accolade. ‘safe space’ where the community on, see improvements in etc, and Switch board and today we
• Saturday socials
can connect. This is why the of course, we want to have our deliver Essex-wide LGBTQ+
Witham LGBTQ+ Network [a first Witham Pride in 2021! awareness training to public, • a support group for parents
private Facebook group] was private, and non-profit agencies whose children are
established. across the county. transitioning running
(Colchester base)
“Most importantly the LGBTQ+ In 2018/19 we delivered 82
Ambassador is the go-between, sessions to more than 1,300 • two Trans support groups.
giving the opportunity for an people, focused on tackling
conscious and unconscious • a women’s craft group
official voice for the first time
to speak on behalf of the bias and building awareness
LGBTQ+ community within the of the specific issues faced
Town Council. It’s a massive step by members of the LGBTQ+
forward.” community at work, in health For more information please visit our website
and throughout their lives. www.outhouseeast.org.uk. You can also email us
on info@outhouseeast.org.uk or call 01206 871394
18 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
19Summer health Hay fever is not a long-term
medical condition and treatment
Some drinks can increase
dehydration, including those
– our guide to staying safe is only required for a few months
each year so it can be managed
containing alcohol or caffeine
such as tea, coffee and cola
when the heat arrives without medical input. There
are lots of different medications
drinks. Drinks high in sugar have
a similar effect – so stay clear of
available, most of which are all these.
available to buy from your
For those reluctant to drink water,
community pharmacy.
The summer months are finally upon us and most of us why not try homemade ice lollies
welcome the sunshine and warmer weather. But not only The NHS in mid Essex spent made with watered-down fruit
must we remember to follow COVID-19 guidance, it is around £150,000 last year paying juice or squash, or adding fruits
also important to remember the various health problems for antihistamines, eye drops such as lemons and limes to your
summer can bring that might affect you or your family. and nasal spray medications on bottled water?
prescription. Yet antihistamines Although you may not feel
Don’t let your summer be ruined by sunstroke, dehydration can be bought for as little as
particularly hungry in the heat,
or hay fever. Advice on avoiding the worst of their effects £1.99 for 30 tablets and eye drops
don’t stop eating. Perhaps try to
is all covered in our guide to summer health. for as little as £4.99. This is why,
have smaller, more frequent light If sunscreen is applied too thinly,
when you only need them now
meals and incorporate lots of the amount of protection it gives
and again, it is better to buy over
fruits and salad which are full of is reduced. Areas such as the
the counter instead.
water and will help hydrate you. back and sides of the neck,
HEATWAVE HAY FEVER For more advice on managing hay temples and ears are commonly
fever symptoms visit missed, so you need to apply it
AND VERY www.allergyuk.org. SUN SAFETY generously and be careful not to
HOT WEATHER Hay fever can be miserable for miss patches.
so many people as the different Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes
There are some easy ways to blossoms and allergies run KEEP We all know sunscreen is
before going out in the sun to
important but using the right one
stay safe when the heat arrives. through the whole summer HYDRATED can be a little confusing. The
allow it to dry. More is better and
There’s currently no cure for don’t forget to reapply sunscreen
• Look out for others, especially NHS’s general advice is a sun
hay fever and you unfortunately at least every two hours, and
older people, young children Everyone is at risk of dehydration protection factor (SPF) of at least
cannot prevent it. However, immediately after swimming or
and babies and those with in hot temperatures which is why 15 to protect against UVB and
you can do things to ease your sweating, or if it has rubbed off for
underlying health conditions it’s always important to keep at least four-star UVA protection.
symptoms when the pollen count example by towel drying.
hydrated, but during hot weather Of course, the best protection
• Close curtains on rooms is high including: from the sun is staying out of it at For more sun safety tips visit
that face the sun to keep it’s even more important to
• Take care and follow local • putting Petroleum Jelly around drink plenty of fluids like water – the hottest parts of the day, from www.nhs.uk.
indoor spaces cooler and 11am to 3pm.
safety advice if you are going your nostrils to trap pollen especially for the elderly or if you
remember it may be cooler
into the water to cool down • wearing wraparound have a health condition such as Most people also don’t apply
outdoors than indoors
sunglasses to stop pollen diabetes. enough sunscreen. Due to the
• Avoid physical exertion in the
• Drink plenty of water as getting into your eyes huge range of different products
hottest parts of the day
sugary, alcoholic and available including lotions,
caffeinated drinks can make • showering and change your
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton mousses, sprays and gels it
you dehydrated clothes after you’ve been
clothes is always best to check the
outside to wash pollen off
• Never leave anyone in a individual product for advice on
• Make sure you take water with • staying indoors whenever
closed, parked vehicle, how to apply.
you if you are travelling possible
especially infants, young As a general guide, adults
children or animals • keeping windows and doors should aim to apply around two
shut as much as possible teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re
• Walk in the shade, apply
• vacuuming regularly and dust just covering your head, arms and
sunscreen and wear a hat if
with a damp cloth neck or two tablespoons if you’re
you have to go out in the heat,
covering your entire body while
and try to keep out of the sun • buy inga pollen filter for the air wearing a swimming costume.
between 11am and 3pm vents in your car and a vacuum
cleaner with a special HEPA filter
20 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
21BUGS SPRAINS AND
AND BITES STRAINS
PRICE stands for protection,
Safer sleeping
– advice for new parents
rest, ice, compression and
Like sunburn and sand between When the weather is nice it is the elevation.
your toes, insects and bites perfect opportunity to put down
are a pretty unpleasant part of the TV remote and head outdoors Protection – protect the affected
summer. Most insect bites and for some fun and games. Being area from further injury – for
stings are not serious and will active is good for your overall example, by using a support.
get better within a few hours wellbeing. It builds confidence,
or days. There’s lots of help social skills and improves Rest – avoid exercise and reduce It’s more important than ever to follow
available from www.nhs.ukk and concentration and learning. It your daily physical activity. Using
you can also buy creams for also helps us maintain a healthy crutches or a walking stick may #safersleep advice
itching and antihistamines from weight and aids sleep. help if you can’t put weight
your pharmacy to have at home on your ankle or knee. A sling
in case you need them.and you may help if you’ve injured your With families isolating at home, having a young
can also buy creams for itching shoulder. baby can feel overwhelming, especially if they
and antihistamines from your wake during the night. Parents with young babies
pharmacy to have at home in Ice – apply an ice pack to the
affected area for 15-20 minutes
may also have specific concerns about the risks
case you need them.
every two to three hours. A bag of posed by coronavirus.
frozen peas, or similar, will work
well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel The Lullaby Trust is an excellent There is also specific advice to
so that it doesn’t directly touch source of advice and support to follow during the COVID-19 crisis
your skin and cause an ice burn. help keep your baby safe. Some including symptoms your baby
of their top tips are below. may exhibit and what medical
Compression – use elastic
advice you need to take in each
compression bandages during the • Continue to breastfeed your instance. More information is
day to limit swelling. baby if you are doing so available on the Lullaby Trust’s TIPS for sharing
Elevation – keep the injured body • Continue to follow safer Safer Sleep webpage the new baby love
However, with being active and part raised above the level of your sleep advice to lower the www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-
playing sports there is more risk of heart whenever possible. This risk of sudden infant death sleep-advice/. • Stay in touch with family
sprains and strains from tripping may also help reduce swelling. syndrome (SIDS) over the internet with
If you have questions about FaceTime, WhatsApp,
and falling. Most minor sprains safer sleep contact The Lullaby
A community pharmacist can offer • If you show symptoms of Skype, Zoom or other apps.
and strains are relatively minor Trust information line on
self-care advice on managing coronavirus (COVID-19) try
and can be treated at home with 0808 802 6869 or email • Take lots of pictures and
sprains and strains and advice not to cough or sneeze on
self-care techniques, such as info@lullabytrust.org.uk. videos of your newborn to
on the short-term use of over your baby
If you are worried about paracetamol or PRICE therapy. share with family and friends.
a bite or sting then the counter medicines until you • If your baby is unwell with a
recover from your injury. cold or fever, don’t be • If you are feeling
seek advice from your
community pharmacist, tempted to wrap them up overwhelmed and you
GP or call NHS111. more than usual. Babies are increasingly anxious,
need fewer layers to lower it is important to talk about
their body temperature this with your Health Visitor.
• Always seek medical
advice if you are worried
about your baby – either
linked to coronavirus
(COVID-19) or any other
health issue
22 JUNE 2020 ENGAGE JUNE 2020 ENGAGE
23Involving you in our work
As a technophobe myself Looking forward, I know that
With Nathalie I have certainly found the the Communications and
Wright Lay Board last 13 weeks challenging Engagement team at Mid Essex
Member-Patient and overwhelming but also CCG and their colleagues at
and Public educational and inspiring. our four partner CCGs in the
Engagement south of the county are working
Both my seven-year-old and tirelessly to ensure that our
elderly relatives in their 80s patients and public receive as
have been using technology much accurate information as
Hello there and to stay in touch with their possible.
welcome. Firstly, I hope friends and loved ones. Most
people I have spoken to have We are investigating how we
you are all keeping safe mentioned that they have had can support ‘virtual’ patient
and well in this current more ‘virtual’ engagement and involvement in the form of video
communication during this meetings and calls until meeting
climate. It may seem period than ever before. in public is possible, and maybe
like a while ago that even after that for people who
CORONAVIRUS
Hopefully, this has allowed find it difficult to get to meetings
we were all in touch so us all to understand and in in person.
I just wanted to make fact appreciate the world of
sure that we are all technology in its positive form. Please let us know if you have
a story of how communication
STAY ALERT TO THE
aware of the different To me, there is nothing better through technology has had
ways we can continue than face-to-face meetings and an impact for you in these
engagement, to understand past 13 weeks, and look after
communicating and people’s emotions and their yourselves!
engaging. general ‘vibe’ on a subject.
However, until we get back
RISK OF INFECTION
to the ‘safe’ environment Nathalie
without coronavirus infection
risk, we may wish to take this
opportunity whilst we have the
time to understand the online
world.
My 84-year-old auntie who is
housebound is now ‘online’ and
fascinated that she can order
her prescriptions and book
appointments. Her comment Remember it’s critical to keep washing
was simply, “Nobody told me it
was that easy!”
your hands regularly for 20 seconds.
She has also been able to The next CCG Board For more ways to stay safe go to gov.uk/coronavirus
contact the NHS responder meeting will be held
number and received phone virtually via Microsoft
calls and deliveries from Teams on 30 July. If you
volunteers in the community. would like to attend please
I hope this level of community email meccg.get-
care will continue. involved@nhs.net for the
details of how you can
attend.
24 JUNE 2020 ENGAGEYou can also read
