Key improvements include enhancing communication by arranging regular care reviews with residents and their relatives to clearly identify and document communication pathways in care plans.

Staff training has been expanded to include catheter care, oral health care, continence care, skin and wound care, nutrition, and NVQ qualifications in Health and Social Care (Levels 2 and 3).

Additionally, bi-weekly meetings with the Activity Coordinator are now held to explore ways to better support residents who are unable to attend face-to-face activities, with a focus on adopting a more holistic approach to ensure meaningful engagement for all residents.

Our report published in May found there was a need for communication pathways to be established between the care home and family members, continuity of trained staff to understand and attend to the needs of the residents and ensuring residents with more complex needs did not miss out on activities.

In response, the manager at The Lodge said: “We also discuss day to day within the team daily meeting any concerns in which we may have as well as the importance of ensuring that the resident and relatives have been made aware as agreed with any updates that have been given.

“I have also contacted South Tyneside Care Academy to support with additional training. We now have a full Senior Care Team who have attended or will be attending the Marton Care Homes Senior Academy to support them within their role as a Senior Care Assistant as well as mentoring and coaching from myself and the Deputy Manager.

“We continue to support with daily activities and… we have been working with the residents in enhancing our outdoor areas for everyone to enjoy. I know that… the team at The Lodge strive to ensure that all our residents are included but do appreciate that this is not always possible with some of our residents.”

To read the full report and response from The Lodge, visit:

https://www.healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Lodge-Enter-and-View-report-with-provider-response-November-2024.pdf

Years of campaigning by Healthwatch and others have exposed widespread problems for people across England who cannot get care from an NHS dentist.

Unlike people seeking a new GP practice after being deregistered from their current GP when their local NHS integrated care board must help to place them with a new NHS practice if they can’t find one themselves, dental patients don’t have the same security – even if they’re moving to a new area.

People lost their right to register with an NHS dentist in 2006 when a new NHS dental contract was introduced to pay dentists per ‘unit of dental activity’ rather than getting paid per person registered on a list of permanent patients, combined with set fees for each treatment delivered.

The contract means a dentist has no long-term obligation to see patients on the NHS unless they are undergoing active treatment or dental work already carried out is under guarantee.

The contract is unpopular with dentists, with many cutting back NHS work and leaving people without NHS appointments, often with little warning.

Last year, MPs concluded the NHS dental system was broken and Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting promised a new Dental Rescue Plan after Labour came to power in July.

To inform future Government action on dentistry, Healthwatch carried out what is believed to be the first polling of its kind in England. It tested the public’s understanding of how NHS dentistry works and what people think about various future options that policymakers could consider.

Healthwatch commissioned two polls from Savanta Nationally representative by age, region, and gender in England, asking questions about understanding of dental ‘registration’ and the preferred future model for accessing routine NHS dental care:

• 1-3 March 2024: 1,942 adults (aged 18 and over) living in England
• 13-15 September 2024: 1,791 adults (aged 18 and over) living in England

 Key findings from the poll

Over two-thirds, 68%, of respondents mistakenly believe they still have the right to register with an NHS dentist as they do with an NHS GP.

When asked about their preference for getting NHS dental care, over half, 54% of 1,791 respondents said they want to be able to register with an NHS dentist as a permanent patient in the same way as they can with an NHS GP.

The poll also found:

• One in five, 20%, said they had difficulties finding information about NHS dental fees.
• Similarly, 19%, believed they were charged more than advertised NHS dental charges.
• One in seven, 15%, of people who had seen an NHS dentist in the last two years felt pressured to pay privately.
• Younger people, 18-34, and people from ethnic minority groups were more likely to believe they were changed more for dental care. They were also more likely to feel pressured to pay privately than other demographic groups.

The report includes a quote from a female respondent to the survey who told Healthwatch South Tyneside:

“I have been registered at the [name removed] Dental Care practice for over 50 years and I have always regularly had check-ups and treatment when necessary. I was notified by [the practice] in April this year that with effect from 1st August the practice was only offering Private Treatment Plans. I have been unable to find a dentist in South Tyneside willing to accept me as an NHS patient.”   

Read the poll

The Dental Rescue Plan has pledged to deliver 700k extra urgent NHS dental appointments for patients in the short term. However, no details have yet been set on the rescue plan, the timetable, or the terms for a long-term reform.

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive at Healthwatch England, said: “This research is a stark reminder that people continue to struggle to access NHS dental appointments, as dentists routinely ditch working to the NHS dental contract.

“There’s also confusion about the relationship between an NHS dentist and patients, with many patients mistakenly believing they can register with a dentist for life.

“It’s clear NHS dentistry is not fit for purpose and that people want a new kind of solution – a GP-style system, which will allow them to register permanently with a dental practice to access ongoing appointments and check-ups easily

“It’s now vital that government consults with the public and dental leaders to determine what kind of dental system they’ll deliver to improve people’s oral health now, and for future generations.”

Last year, Healthwatch England supported the call by MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee to reintroduce permanent registration rights for patients.

Responding to the findings, an NHS England spokesperson said: “While we know there is a lot more to do to improve access to dentistry services for patients, this should never be an excuse for dentists to require patients to join as private patients for their children to receive NHS dental care – that is completely unacceptable.”

Source: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2024-11-20/publics-confusion-over-right-register-nhs-dentist

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has launched its annual #NightwearBeforeChristmas campaign.

It is appealing for people to donate the items, along with slippers with backs on them, toiletries, novels, puzzles and colouring in books.

The gifts will be handed out to those being looked after at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital on Christmas Eve.

The Delirium and Dementia Outreach Team (DDOT), which leads the appeal, and The Older Person’s Improvement Collaborative (TOPIC) run by the Trust also work together throughout the year to collect items to help older patients have a more comfortable stay on wards.

They also like to have items such as toiletries, underwear and socks ready to gift to people. It is hoped these help give patients more dignity and a better stay in hospital, especially if they do not have relatives or friends who are local to support them.

Andrea Lawson is one of the Elder Life Specialist Practitioners based with DDOT. The team works with inpatients on the wards to get them mobile, eating and chatting as part of their rehabilitation.

The team also oversees sessions in the Alexandra Centre at Sunderland Royal Hospital, which runs activities to help patients get moving and socialising with the aim of getting them ready for discharge once well enough.

Andrea said: “This Christmas, instead of sending cards our team will be buying nightwear for our older patients who don’t have relatives to make their Christmas special.

“As a Christmas treat, they will get a new nightdress or pyjamas for when they wake up on Christmas morning.

“Last year we had a fantastic response to our #NightwearBeforeChristmas appeal.

“This made such a difference to our patients. Everyone said Christmas morning was so special and the patients loved their presents.

“Some helpers from the Discharge Lounge at South Tyneside District Hospital and our team at Sunderland Royal head out on Christmas Eve to make the deliveries.

“It’s a lovely task to do and people’s faces light up when we hand them their gift.

“If you’re out shopping and are able to spare a bit of cash to help boost our campaign, we’d be delighted and you will be making such a difference to our older patients who will be in hospital this December 25.”

People are asked to wrap up their nightwear and label it with whether it is for a man or woman and what size it is.

Sharon Velen and Jan Defty who work as Healthcare Assistants at the Discharge Lounge at South Tyneside District Hospital which is part of the #NightwearBeforeChristmas campaign.

To donate at Sunderland Royal Hospital, people are asked to take their gift to the Alexandra Centre on E Floor, where there is a drop of point set up if the team is not available.

The centre is open from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone with any questions can call DDOT on 0191 569 9766 or extension 41572.

To donate at South Tyneside District Hospital, people are asked to take their item to the Discharge Lounge, which is based on Ward 20, which is in the Deans Wing opposite the main hospital building.

The lounge is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 6pm on Sunday.

More information about the work of DDOT can be found through the Dementia Care page of the Trust’s website.

https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/services/dementia-care

Source: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/shoppers-asked-bag-extra-pair-pjs-patients-nightwearbeforechristmas-campaign-welcomes-donations

The festive period increases pressure on blood stocks as colder weather, seasonal illnesses, and busier schedules often lead to missed or unfilled appointments – just as demand from hospitals tends to increase.

New data reveals that last December saw the lowest monthly blood collection since 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak.

Last December, the NHS collected around 108,000 donations – 10 per cent below the monthly average – and the lowest monthly collection since 2020 (NHSBT monthly blood collection figures).

During the same period, hospitals were issued with 600 more units of blood than what was collected. And during Christmas week, demand for the vital O negative blood type – the universal type used to save lives in emergencies – exceeded collections by 300 units.

The next six weeks are vital to ensure there is enough blood in stock to meet demand over the busy Christmas period.

Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant said: “The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round. Last December we saw a slump in donations, so we are asking people to give the best gift this winter – please give blood. We have asked a lot of our amazing donors this year and we are incredibly thankful for their support and dedication.

“Between now and the end of Christmas week, we still have over 99,000 appointments that we need to fill to maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals.

“People who don’t know their blood type will find out after donating. Giving blood is quick and easy. The whole process takes just one hour and each donation can save or improve up to three lives. Please book an appointment today and help us save lives this Christmas.”

This winter, England remains in Amber alert for low blood stocks. It urgently needs donors to fill appointments at the 26 fixed donor centres – particularly in the harder to fill daytime slots – over the coming weeks and months to ensure patients continue to receive the lifesaving blood they need.

Currently there are still over 99,000 appointments to fill across England up until the end of Christmas week, with over 62,000 (63%) of these in town and city centre donor centres.

People with O negative, B negative and Ro blood types are particularly needed in coming weeks.

There is an ongoing need for more donors from the black community to help patients with sickle cell who need ethnically matched blood.

The 26 fixed town and city donor centres have greater appointment availability than community venues. NHS Blood and Transplant especially needs donors to fill slots at donor centres during the quieter weekday morning and afternoon sessions.

Blood donor sessions are held in South Tyneside at Harton Academy in South Shields and the Clarion Hotel in Boldon.

The only two days of the year that blood donations are not collected are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, with appointments available on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Blood is constantly needed to help the NHS treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery, and O negative blood is mostly used for emergency care. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.

To book an appointment, visit https://www.blood.co.uk/, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.

Source: https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-campaigns/news-and-statements/next-6-weeks-crucial-for-christmas-blood-stocks-as-nhs-warns-of-december-slump-in-donations/

 

Since the programme’s introduction in October 2022, over 22,000 people have come forward for their check.

Thanks to this programme, over 100 people have been diagnosed with lung cancer. Around 75 per cent of these cancers were caught early at stages one and two, making them more treatable.

Joan Banks didn’t have any symptoms when she was invited for a lung health check. That didn’t stop her attending, a decision that may have saved her life.

After an initial telephone assessment, Joan was invited for a low-dose CT scan. Joan, 73, is an ex-smoker, but she quit over 36 years ago.

Following the scan, Joan, from Houghton-le-Spring was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer in November 2023.

In April 2024, Joan had a portion of her lung removed following an operation at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

The operation was a success, and she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Luckily, no further treatment is needed, only regular check-ups over the next five years.

L-R Helen Bone, Programme Manager for the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme, with patient Mrs Joan Banks.

Dr Rebecca Taylor is a Respiratory Consultant at the Trust. She said: “Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death in the UK. Often because it’s diagnosed too late.

“Many of our patients, like Mrs Banks, had no symptoms at all. Lung Health Checks can identify lung cancer early. Meaning patients can be treated earlier, which gives them an even better chance of successful treatment and recovery.

“We have had seen some fantastic outcomes through the Lung Health Check programme. Patients who do need treatment are so grateful that we’ve been able to catch it early and treat it.

“If you are invited to a Lung Health Check, I urge you to take up the offer. It could save your life.”

Almost 70,000 people have been invited to a Lung Health Check, but with only a third of people attending, so many more people could benefit from this lifesaving, screening programme.

Lung Health Checks are available to:

• people registered with a Sunderland or South Tyneside GP
• people aged between 55 and 74
• current or ex-smokers

A lung health check looks at the health of your lungs and is done in two parts.

• You have a phone call or meeting with a health professional. They ask about your health.  They look at your risk of developing lung cancer.  If you are higher risk, you are invited for a lung CT scan.
• The scan takes a detailed picture of your lungs. This is looked at by experts in this area.  If they find any problems, you are asked to come back for more treatment.

Joan wasn’t worried about attending the appointment. She said: “I thought it was best to just go and make sure. I can’t thank them enough for sending that letter. If I hadn’t gone, I don’t know what could have happened. I’m very grateful.

“The whole team has been brilliant, the cancer nurses have so supportive. I haven’t had any issues and I’m really happy with how the treatment went.”

For Joan, life has not changed at all, and she is getting back to normal activities. Her advice to others?

“Just go, if you get invited for a lung health check, just go.”

To find out more about Lung Health Checks, click here: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/services/cancer-services/cancer-information-hub/prevention/lung-cancer-screening

If you are worried about symptoms of lung cancer, like having a cough for three weeks or more, please contact your GP.

New analysis of NHS data shows that for 2023-24 of 41,327 patients with a recorded time of symptom onset, the average time between first symptom and a 999 call being made was 88 minutes.

The figures come as the NHS today launches the first major update to the ‘Act FAST’ campaign since 2009, urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences one of the three common symptoms including struggling to smile (Face) or raise an arm (Arms), or slurring their words (Speech).

England’s top doctor today urged the public to call 999 even if the first sign of stroke doesn’t seem like an emergency, and said immediate action at the first sign of a stroke “could help save and protect many more lives”.

The analysis has been published today by the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme at King’s College London and comes as new polling of 2,001 adults in England found that 57% of respondents believed you should have 2-3 symptoms of a stroke before calling 999, despite just one being a sign of a medical emergency.

Nearly two thirds of respondents (64%) said they would not call 999 as their first course of action if they noticed someone was suddenly struggling to smile.

The NHS campaign launches with a brand new TV advert showing example symptoms – a man recognising his partner is struggling to smile while watching TV (Face), a decorator suddenly unable to lift their paint roller (Arm), and a grandmother struggling to read their grandchild a bedtime story (Speech) – which will run across TV, TV on demand and radio in England until mid-December.

As part of the campaign launch, a powerful new film has also been released which features stroke survivors listening back to audio recordings of the real 999 calls that saved their lives.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “These figures highlight very clearly that we must do more to support people to recognise the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others and take action to call 999 at the earliest opportunity. Stroke symptoms can be less obvious or dramatic than you might expect, but even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency and it’s vital you call 999 immediately.

“This campaign is so important – greater awareness of the need to act fast and dial 999 could help save and protect many more lives, as we know that earlier recognition of symptoms and immediate action to call 999 can enable faster access to specialist treatment and the best chance of reducing long-term effects of a stroke.”

Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without prompt treatment a stroke can result in death or long-term disabilities such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems.

While more people are now surviving a stroke than ever before thanks to advances in NHS care, strokes remain the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but those at increased risk include people aged over 50 years old, people from a Black or South Asian background, or those living with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sickle cell disease.

Dr David Hargroves, NHS national clinical director for stroke and consultant stroke physician, said: “When someone has a stroke, it’s estimated they may lose around two million brain cells a minute, which is why rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical – the first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but face or arm or speech, at the first sign it’s time to call 999.

“Thanks to greater awareness of the symptoms and advances in NHS care, more people are now surviving a stroke than ever before, but there is much more to do help save lives and reduce the long-term impact of strokes. Acting FAST remains vital – whether it is a friend, loved one or even a passer-by, dialling 999 quickly saves lives.”

NHS ambulance teams are trained to recognise the symptoms of a stroke, ensuring anyone having one receives emergency medical care and specialist treatment.

One of the survivors involved in the campaign, Dionne Hudson, 58 from Surrey, had an ischaemic stroke in July 2024. When her arm went numb one evening and she couldn’t grip her phone, she assumed it had been from lying on it on the sofa.

While she couldn’t raise her arm, her face and speech were unaffected, so she assumed that it couldn’t be a stroke and went to sleep. When she woke, her symptoms had worsened and her leg also felt weak, so Dionne called 999. Within 25 minutes of making the call, she was in hospital having a CT scan. Dionne had experienced an ischaemic stroke and was partially paralysed on the left side of her body. Doctors told her that it was a miracle she had survived the stroke but warned her that recovery could take up to a year.

Following treatment, Dionne returned home after eight days in hospital, where she now continues her rehabilitation. While she is still in the very early stages of recovery, Dionne is feeling positive about the future and is already able to do a number of tasks that she was unable to do following her stroke.

Dionne said: “The doctors were amazed that I had survived my stroke, as it had actually occurred the night before I called 999. Looking back, I was very lucky as the weakness in my arm was a clear sign of a stroke, but because I didn’t have a dramatic symptom affecting my face or speech, I didn’t consider that I should get help sooner. I’m so grateful for the quick response from the ambulance and hospital staff, as their care has meant I’m now at home with my husband and daughter and working hard on the road to recovery.”

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association, said: “Over 88,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and traumatic battle to finding their way back to life. Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children can be stroke survivors, and the impact of stroke on them and their loved ones can be catastrophic.

“This new NHS campaign is so important to help raise awareness that stroke is always a medical emergency. If you spot any of the three common signs of a stroke in someone, the first thing you should do is call 999. The quicker many stroke treatments are given, the better. As we say, “time is brain”, so it’s important to recognise any of the signs of a stroke and act immediately. Acting FAST is vital for stroke survival and to help improve the journey to recovery.”

Media medic and GP, Dr Amir Khan said: “A stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, so it’s crucial everyone is aware of the most common symptoms of a stroke and acts FAST by calling 999. The first sign of a stroke actually might not seem like much, but every minute is vital – getting quick access to specialist treatment can be lifesaving and can reduce long-term disability. Whether someone is unable to raise their arm, struggling to smile or slurring when they speak – any sign is always an emergency and you need to call 999 immediately.”

Chef Brian Turner said: “I’m so lucky my agent Louise recognised that I was experiencing a sign of a stroke. She noticed that I couldn’t speak properly and immediately called 999, ensuring that I could get lifesaving treatment from the NHS. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’m proudly supporting NHS England in urging the public to act FAST and call 999 at the first sign of a stroke.”

Jaqualine Lindridge, Chief Paramedic for South East Coast Ambulance Service, which handled stroke survivor Dionne’s 999 call, said: “We’re absolutely here to help. Getting to a definitive place of treatment is so crucial for people suffering from stroke. The sooner a person receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery and reducing long-term damage.

“We would really urge people not to wait for multiple symptoms and if in any doubt make the call as our staff are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help determine whether you are likely to be suffering a stroke.”

In the last few years, NHS teams have rolled out innovative new ways to find and treat more people with the major risk factors for cardiovascular health issues, including rolling out blood pressure checks in high-street pharmacies for people over 40, making free blood pressure monitors available to 220,000 people at increased risk, and rapidly rolling out blood-thinning drugs to help save thousands of lives.

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health, said: “It is important to treat a stroke quickly and raising awareness of symptoms is vital to saving lives.

“It is not just about recognising when a stroke is happening – we know that many of the causes of strokes are preventable, and this government is taking action to tackle the biggest killers such as heart disease and stroke.

“The NHS Health Check Programme aims to prevent cardiovascular disease, including stroke, in people aged 40-74 years through assessing risk factors such as blood pressure and referring people to behavioural support and clinical treatment to reduce their risk. Each year the programme engages over 1.3 million people and prevents around 500 heart attacks and strokes a year.

“We are currently developing a new digital NHS health check enabling people to complete this life saving check in their own home”.

Jessica Cunningham, Executive Director of Operations at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud to support the NHS England stroke campaign to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and the importance of acting fast.

“Every second counts in a stroke emergency, and our call takers and clinicians within our emergency operations centres are highly trained to recognise the signs and provide life-saving guidance to those calling 999.

“This campaign shines a spotlight on their essential role and the critical first step of dialling 999. We hope this initiative encourages the public to recognise stroke symptoms quickly and not hesitate to call for help”.

Source: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/11/nhs-launches-major-new-stroke-campaign-as-thousands-delay-calling-999-by-nearly-90-minutes/