The prevalence of primary school children living with obesity continued to fall in 2022/23, after reaching highest recorded levels during the Covid-19 pandemic, new NHS England figures show.  However, obesity prevalence among year 6 children, aged 10 to 11, remains above pre-pandemic levels. 

Statistics published today show obesity1 prevalence among four and five-year-olds in reception classes2 fell to 9.2% in 2022/23 from 10.1% in 2021/22, compared with the highest recorded figure in 2020/21 of 14.4%. The decrease signals a return to pre-pandemic levels for this age group and is one of the lowest levels since 2006/07. 

The National Child Measurement Programme, England, 2022/23 report also found the proportion of year 6 children, aged 10 and 11, living with obesity dropped to 22.7% in 2022/23. This was down from 23.4% in 2021/22 and 25.5% in 2020/21 but remained higher than the 2019/20 pre-pandemic level of 21.0%.  

In 2020/213, the first set of measurements after schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, obesity levels for both age groups were the highest since the National Child Measurement Programme began4 .

The NCMP5 is overseen by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and is analysed and reported by NHS England and OHID. Since 2006/07 the programme has measured the height and weight of children in England annually and provides data on the patterns and trends in the prevalence of underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obesity, and severe obesity6 among children in reception and year 6. 

In 2022/23, the majority of children in reception (77.5%) and year 6 (61.9%) were a healthy weight.  In reception, 77.0% of boys were a healthy weight compared with 78.1% of girls. The prevalence was lower for year 6 boys, with 59.6% showing a healthy weight compared with 64.2% of year 6 girls.  

In 2022/23, the proportion of underweight year 6 children7 rose to 1.6% - up from 1.5% in 2021/22. Underweight children in reception remained at 1.2%, the same level as in 2021/22.  

Deprivation:  

Levels of obesity in reception-aged children living in the most deprived8 areas (12.4%) were more than double those in the least deprived areas (5.8%). The prevalence of severe obesity was more than three times higher in the most deprived areas (3.8%) compared with those living in the least deprived areas (1.2%).  

Similarly, the prevalence of obesity among year 6 children was 30.2% in the most deprived areas, compared with 13.1% in the least deprived areas. The prevalence of severe obesity was more than four times higher among year 6 children in the most deprived areas (9.2%) compared with those living in the least deprived areas (2.1%).   

 Geography:     

The proportion of reception-aged children living with obesity in 2022/23 was highest in the North East (11.3%). It was lowest in the South East (8.0%), East of England (8.1%) and South West (8.2%).  

For year 6, the proportion of children living with obesity was highest in the North East (25.8%), the West Midlands (25.2%) and London (24.8%). It was lowest for year 6 children in the South West (19.4%) and the South East (19.4%).  

The prevalence of obesity varied by local authority10. For reception, this ranged from 4.9% in Wokingham to 14.1% in Knowsley. In year 6, the range was from 12.0% in Richmond upon Thames to 31.7% in Barking and Dagenham. 

The prevalence of obesity was highest in urban areas for both age groups - 9.4% in reception and 23.6% in year 6.  

Ethnicity:    

The proportion of children living with obesity in 2022/23 was highest for Black children in both reception (13.6%) and year 6 (31.6%). It was lowest for Chinese children in both reception (4.2%) and year 6 (15.2%).    

Underweight prevalence was highest for Asian children in both reception (4.3%) and year 6 (3.8%).   

Salford Council have launched a set of new webpages today, aimed at providing helpful information and links for those who are suffering with mental health issues.

The launch has taken place as we celebrate World Mental Health Day, which is observed on October 10th each year, and is a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for the well-being of people around the world. 

Mental health affects us all. Whether directly or indirectly, we are all touched by mental health concerns in some way. It might be a friend, a family member, or even ourselves who grapples with issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. Yet, there can still be a stigma around discussing and seeking help for these concerns.

World Mental Health Day plays a crucial role in breaking down those stigmas. It encourages open conversations about mental health, emphasizing that it's okay not to be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Communities and organizations often hold events, workshops, and campaigns to educate people about the importance of mental well-being and to provide resources for support.

Promoting mental health awareness is not just about addressing problems when they arise but also about building resilience and coping strategies to prevent issues. It's about fostering a world where mental well-being is a part of our daily lives.

So, what can you do on World Mental Health Day?

You can start by taking some time for self-care and encouraging those around you to do the same. Reach out to friends and family, ask how they are doing, and truly listen to their responses. Be empathetic, understanding, and non-judgmental.

If you or someone you know is struggling (and many of us are), don't hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals or support organizations.

If you need immediate medical help or have harmed yourself and are in need of urgent medical attention then you should call 999 without delay. An operator will help to determine the correct course of action and get you the help you need.

If you have dark or suicidal thoughts you should go to the closest A&E which in Salford is at Salford Royal on Eccles Old Road/Stott Lane, once there you should ask to speak to a mental health worker.

If there is no immediate danger to your health and wellbeing then you should make an appointment as soon as possible with your doctors surgery. 

If you need to talk with someone immediately then there are a number of options outlined below.

Greater Manchester Mental Health Crisis Line - Telephone: 0800 953 0285

Shining a Light on Suicide

Samaritans -Telephone: 116 123

Mind

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably – for men aged 15-35) Helpline: 0800 58 58 58

PAPYRUS – (Prevention of Young Suicide)

HOPELineUK: 0800 068 41 41

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service - Telephone: 0161 983 0902

The webpages new webpages can be found on the following link: https://www.partnersinsalford.org/salford-health-and-wellbeing-board/mental-health-and-wellbeing/feeling-desperate-get-support/if-your-needs-are-urgent/

The University of Manchester has marked World Mental Health Day today (10 October) with the launch of a new publication offering insight on the causes and challenges of poor mental health, together with a suite of recommendations to help policymakers improve the lives of millions.

Open Minds, produced by Policy@Manchester, is a collection of 10 evidence-based articles from the University’s academics examining everything from the factors affecting the wellbeing of young people, to the challenges in providing mental health care to the most vulnerable, and the breakthrough treatments and therapies to help alleviate the national and global burden of mental ill-health.

The online document begins with a foreword by Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, who argues that “as a country, we are looking through the wrong end of the telescope” on the issue of dealing with mental health.

He writes:

“The evidence base for preventing mental health problems is steadily growing. There are a good number of interventions like workplace support initiatives, anti-bullying programmes, and better perinatal mental health support, where the evidence is very clear.

“Governments and health systems should urgently invest in these solutions. And we know that the toxic impacts of poverty and discrimination are two of the most important drivers of mental ill-health; any cross-government plan must ensure that these are priorities.”

Mr Rowland stresses the need to “keep pushing the evidence further, harness new technologies and re-engineer our health systems to prioritise tackling the rising number of mental health problems in our society.  We need new tools and new thinking.  And we need to leave no inequality unaddressed in both the prevention and treatment of mental health problems.”

He continues:

"That’s why the work of Policy@Manchester is so vital. There are some brilliant ideas in this report.”

Mr Rowland adds:

“We need to follow the evidence, rigorously interrogating ideas and adopting them where they can be shown to be useful.  In keeping with the title of this collection: let’s keep open minds.”

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, said:

“This is an excellent and timely publication.

“Poor mental health has a terribly debilitating impact on our society.  Practical policy solutions are urgently required.

“Open Minds combines leading research expertise on mental health and wellbeing with evidence-led policy analysis from across The University of Manchester. 

“I hope it will be read widely and its recommendations taken onboard by those with the power to tackle the mental health crisis.”   

Open Minds is available to read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.

The Recovery Academy, run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is celebrating World Mental Health Day 2023 with the launch of their brand-new prospectus for the Autumn/Winter term.

The new term will run from World Mental Health Day (10 October 2023) until March 2024, with over 65 face to face courses on offer at various locations across Manchester, Bolton, Salford, Trafford and Wigan. This includes new subjects such as Neurodiversity, Building Confidence, and The Link Between Gut Health and Mental Health.

Tried and tested favourites will also be back including Understanding and Managing Social Anxiety, An Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy, and Using Creativity to Improve Mental Wellbeing.

The Recovery Academy has also continued to grow their wide range of digital resources, including self-help information, e-learning packages, and e-magazines. New areas added this term include helpful tips to spot false health information, an introduction to Ikigai: finding your motivation and a spotlight on creative work from our student community and supporters. 

The Recovery Academy first launched in 2013 with the key aim of providing learning opportunities that empower individuals to manage and support health, wellbeing, and recovery.

At the heart of the Recovery Academy lies core values of inclusivity, empowerment, and hope. These values are embedded within the Academy via a co-production approach, meaning that resources are co-developed and co-delivered with people with lived experience.

The Recovery Academy is free to join and available to:

·       Anyone who is experiencing mental health and/or addiction problems (you do not have to be under the care of NHS mental health services).

·       Their supporters (family, friends and loved ones).

·       GMMH staff members, volunteers, and students on placement.

·       Any healthcare professionals.

A student who recently attended the Understanding Depression and Recovery course said:

"I felt by the end of the day I had learnt a lot and gained a lot of knowledge about depression and recovery.  The lived experience facilitators sharing their story definitely made the course for me. Thank you!"

Claire Watson, Head of Service User and Carer Experience & Improvement, with responsibility for the Recovery Academy, said:

"Over the past 10 years the Academy has continued to grow, and we are proud to be celebrating World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2023, by launching our biggest offer yet. This year the theme behind World Mental Health Day is 'Mental Health is a universal human right', meaning everybody, no matter who you are, deserves good mental health. This is a message the Academy strives to promote and is why our resources are open to everybody and value all perspectives."

If you would like to see what the Recovery Academy can offer you, visit their website at:  https://recoveryacademy.gmmh.nhs.uk/.

You can also contact the Recovery Academy team directly with any questions at: recoveryacademy@gmmh.nhs.uk or telephone: 0161 358 1771.

A doctors’ surgery has been placed in special measures after failings in safety, resulting in an ‘inadequate’ overall rating.

The Care Quality Commission found that the Manchester Road East Medical Practice in Worsley was in breach of the Health and Social Care Act after an inspection in June.

Dr Sean O’Kelly, the CQC’s chief inspector of health care, said that the practice had ‘failed to establish and operate effectively an accessible system for identifying, received, recording, handling and responding to complaints by services users’.

He said that recruitment systems were not effective and relevant legislation was not adhered to and the the process for managing significant events was ‘not effective’.

“Safety alerts were not appropriately actioned, patients prescribed high risk medicines were not always appropriately monitored, emergency medicines had not been considered, and were not safely stored,” he said.

“Actions had not been taken following the infection prevention and control audit and information provided to locum GPs was not accurate.”

Dr O’Kelly said that a total four breaches of regulations were found. and that the practice must ensure care and treatment is provided in a safe way to patients and establish effective systems and processes to ensure good governance ‘in accordance with the fundamental standards of care’.

Dr Kelly added:

“We rated the provider good for providing caring services. Staff dealt with patients with kindness and respect and involved them in decisions about their care.”

The practice is part of a wider network of GP practices – the Walkden and Little Hulton Primary Care Network – and serves 2,295 patents.

It has one male doctor and a female GP who works half a day each week. There is a practice nurse, a practice manager and a team of administrative staff.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the practice and Walkden and Little Hulton Primary Care Network for comment.

A major milestone for Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust's (GMMH) new flagship adult mental health inpatient unit has been reached with a topping out ceremony on Thursday 21 September marking the completion of the highest point of the build and the last piece of steel frame being fixed in place. 

Work commenced on the construction of North View on the North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) site in August 2022. The new mental health unit is the largest capital project that GMMH has undertaken. 

GMMH's Deputy Chief Executive, Andrew Maloney, Chair of Manchester Foundation Trust, Kathy Cowell, NHS England's Regional Delivery Director, Tom Myers, and Chief Executive of NMGH, Ian Lurcock, formally marked the occasion alongside representatives from GMMH's Principal Supply Chain Partner, Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. 

North View is a 150-bedroom adult unit set to provide much-needed space and modern facilities for adults with mental health needs from across Manchester. 

The £105m development will see the creation of a state-of-the-art inpatient unit hosting spacious single bedrooms, each with a private en-suite shower room, as well as a variety of indoor activity areas, meeting rooms for family visiting, multiple gardens, spaces for therapeutic artwork and a café. 

The steel frame of the construction has now been completed and work continues to clad the exterior to make the build watertight and enable the interior fittings and first-fix electrical and mechanical works to commence. 

Marc Reed, Associate Director of Capital, Estates & Facilities for GMMH and Project Director for North View, said:

"We continue to make fantastic progress on the new unit and remain on programme for North View being complete and ready for patients in autumn 2024. The 'topping out' ceremony marked the installation of the final piece of steelwork in the buildings super-structure, with the development now really taking shape. 

"I'm really pleased to see us reach this important milestone in the project, with our fantastic new development a step closer to reality.  

"We are continuing to engage with communities to influence the interior design of North View and it's exciting to see the next phases develop  as construction rapidly progresses." 

Andrew Maloney, GMMH's Deputy Chief Executive, said:

"I was honoured to attend the topping out ceremony and see first-hand the progress that has been made on this state-of-the-art mental health inpatient unit. It is fantastic to see the building taking shape, giving an insight into the life-changing development it is going to become.  

"This is more than just a building – it will be a unique healthcare setting that will benefit and serve the local community for years to come. The project is close to the hearts of those involved, including service users, carers and clinicians who have supported decisions on the design of the building so that we can deliver the best possible care for patients. It's a massive investment for our local communities and I'm looking forward to it being fully up and running." 

The development is part of an exciting vision for North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) to improve health and wellbeing for local people over the next 10 to 15 years. It will replace the Park House mental health unit, which currently serves as the inpatient unit for the area, and is being built in an alternative location on the hospital site. This will allow the new development to be fully constructed without disturbing current patients and the day-to-day operation of services. 

People in Salford who have had a cough for three weeks or more are being encouraged to contact their GP practice and come forward for lifesaving checks as part of an NHS campaign.

The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England uses TV, radio, online adverts and social media to increase knowledge of the main symptom of lung cancer.

The ads feature people with a persistent cough and aim to encourage people experiencing this to contact their GP practice.

NHS data shows that more than 6,021 people in the North West are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. This includes 2,979 men and 3,042 women.

Louise Brown, Clinical Lead for Lung Cancer from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“A cough is a common symptom for many things, but when you have a cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.

“This campaign aims to remind people with a long-standing cough and their loved ones not to be complacent and encourages them to get checked out.

“It’s likely nothing to be too worried about, but – if it does turn out to be cancer – the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

“Whenever anyone notices anything unusual for their bodies that they are worried could be cancer, it’s vital that they take action by contacting their GP practice.”

In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood
• A long-standing cough that gets worse
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Persistent breathlessness
• Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to https://nhs.uk/cancersymptoms

As the evenings get darker and the temperature drops, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is looking to recruit more than 700 new staff members to ensure it can continue to deliver a high-quality service despite additional winter demands.

By Christmas, 75 new paramedics and 32 emergency medical technicians will have joined the team, with more due to be in post by March 2024.

There will be 72 new recruits for the Patient Transport Service and 250 new call handlers for the 999 and NHS 111 contact centres.

The service is also increasing the number of clinicians working in its 999 contact centres. They help get patients the right care for their needs by providing healthcare advice over the phone or making referrals to an alternative health or care service in the community.

An additional 32 emergency ambulances will be out responding to patients by February, increasing the number of emergency ambulances operating across the region to 553.

The service says that it will continue to work closely with local hospitals to help reduce the amount of time ambulances spend waiting to handover patients, allowing vehicles and crews to be free to respond to the next emergency.

Chief Operating Officer, Salman Desai said:

“As always, we are here for you when you need us most and we have robust plans in place to ensure that the high-quality service expected by our patients is maintained throughout the winter period.

“We know that the winter months will bring with it additional challenges in terms of more people needing our help, ongoing industrial action taking place across the healthcare system and an expected increase of seasonal illnesses, but we are as prepared as we can be for increased demands on our service."

Salford health bosses are urging eligible people to make sure all routine immunisations are up to date including winter vaccinations for flu and COVID-19.

The adult COVID and flu vaccination programmes have been brought forward following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.

The eligible groups to be offered both a winter COVID-19 and Flu vaccination include:

Everyone aged 65 and above

Pregnant women

Those in long-stay residential care homes

People aged 6 months old or above with certain health conditions.

Frontline health and social care staff

Unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.

In addition, the following group are eligible for a free Covid-19 vaccination:

people aged 12-64 years who live with people who are immunosuppressed. 

Who is eligible for a free Flu vaccine on the NHS?

The Flu vaccine will be offered to:

Paid/unpaid carer

Age 6 months to 65 years with an underlying health condition

A household contact of an immuno-compromised person

Living in a residential or nursing home

A health or social care worker

Pregnant women

And includes:

Aged two and three years on 31 August 2023

Eligible school aged children (Reception to Year 11)

Councillor John Merry Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing for Salford City Council, said: 

"Flu and COVID-19 can be unpleasant for many people, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. Catching both viruses over winter increases the risk of serious illness even further and can be even life-threatening.

"Last year, more than 6,000 under-5s in England were hospitalised by flu, and many more needed care in accident and emergency. The vaccine reduces a child's chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds.

"It's important that all adults and children keep their routine immunisations up to date, to help reduce the risk of serious illness and keep our communities resilient.

"Booking a vaccine is quick and easy, it usually takes just a few minutes. So, please protect yourself this winter. Get all your vaccinations up to date and stay winter strong."

 Eligible adults can book their COVID-19 vaccination now on the NHS App, on the NHS website or by calling 119 for free if they can't get online.

You can find out the latest information about both vaccines and how to book by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations.

Over the coming weeks, hundreds of participants in Salford who enrolled on the NHS-Galleri trial in 2021 will be returning to mobile clinics for their last of three appointments for the trial.

Participants will be asked to give a blood sample to help the NHS see if using the Galleri® blood test alongside existing cancer screening can help detect cancer early. Finding cancer early often means it is easier to treat.

Since the NHS-Galleri trial first arrived in Greater Manchester in October 2021 the trial has successfully enrolled over 140,000 volunteers from many different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds across England, including 20,000 from the Greater Manchester.

Volunteers were all aged 50 to 77 years old at the point of enrolling onto the trial and had not been diagnosed or treated for cancer in the last three years.

Alison Armstrong, Associate Director at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“We are delighted to be welcoming back volunteers to Salford for their last trial appointments. Even if you missed your appointment last year, your involvement this year will still help with this research.”

Sarah Price, Chief Officer for Population and Health Inequalities at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of volunteers in Salford.

“This trial continues to put the NHS at the forefront of cutting-edge research and technology. If this trial is a success, the Galleri blood test could play a major part in achieving the NHS Long Term Plan ambition to diagnose three quarters of cancers at an early stage when it is easier to treat.”

Professor Charles Swanton, Co-Chief Investigator for the NHS-Galleri trial said:

“The information gathered from these last appointments is important to support trial results. We thank all volunteers for supporting the trial. Testing samples taken about 12 months apart will help researchers to understand how regularly people might need to be tested with the Galleri blood test in the future.”

If early trial results are promising, the NHS may decide to pilot the delivery of the test to a further 1 million people.

Early research has shown that the Galleri test could help to detect cancers that are typically difficult to identify early – such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers.

The test works by analysing chemical patterns in fragments of DNA that are shed from tumours into the bloodstream.

The NHS-Galleri trial is being run by The Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit in partnership with the NHS and healthcare company, GRAIL, which has developed the Galleri test.

The trial is operating with the support of eight NHS Cancer Alliances across England that span Cheshire and Merseyside, Greater Manchester, the North East and North Cumbria, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, Kent and Medway, and South East London.

This year’s autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes are to start a little earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

The precautionary measure is being taken as scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examine the variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18 August 2023.

According to the latest risk assessment by UKHSA, BA.2.86 has a high number of mutations and has appeared in several countries in individuals without travel history.

While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from UKHSA suggests that speeding up the autumn vaccine programme will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the NHS.

The decision means those most at risk from winter illness – including people in care homes for older people, the clinically vulnerable, those aged 65 and over, health and social care staff, and carers – will be able to access a COVID vaccine in September.

The annual flu vaccine will also be made available to these groups at the same time wherever possible, to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.

Vaccinations are now set to start on 11 September 2023, with adult care home residents and those most at risk to receive vaccines first. NHS England will announce full details of the accelerated roll-out soon, and those who fall into higher-risk groups are being encouraged to take up the jab as soon as they’re invited.

There is no change to the wider public health advice at this time.

Health Minister, Maria Caulfield said:

Quote

 

"As our world-leading scientists gather more information on the BA.2.86 variant, it makes sense to bring forward the vaccination programme.

"It is absolutely vital the most vulnerable groups receive a vaccine to strengthen their immunity over winter to protect themselves and reduce pressure on the NHS.

"I encourage anyone invited for a vaccination – including those yet to have their first jab – to come forward as soon as possible."

 

Shocking inequalities suffered by deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Salford have been laid bare in a new report.

The report has been published by the Salford/Deaf Community Gathering group, which says ‘the statutory duty imposed on public services and the necessary recommendations highlight years of inaction’.

When there is action taken to improve inequalities, it means ‘a process of consultation after consultation where action is minimal or stalls for many reasons.’

Much of the criticism in the study is directed at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals where, it says, the Equality Act 2010 is being largely ignored. 

In particular, a lack of awareness by medical staff of how to access British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters is an issue.

One of the major aspirations of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community underlined in the report is ‘true independent living’.

“True independent living is when ‘a person has control over their life and are able to make choices’,” it says. 

Quote

 

“In the 1980s deaf people largely relied on public and voluntary services from the social services or Salford Diocesan Catholic Deaf Church in Manchester or Manchester Deaf Centre.

“Salford is rich with resources to help, support and empower the community – only finding it is like searching for the right piece of the 1,000-piece jigsaw first-time.” 

 

It said that during the Covid-19 pandemic many deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing-aid users [referred in the report as the d/Deaf] were ‘disproportionately affected’ by the lack of awareness [among service providers] resulting in d/Deaf people having unequal access to information and accessible communications’.

The report goes on:

Quote

 

“Currently the Salford Integrated Care Partnership (Salford ICP) part of NHS Greater Manchester has a duty to provide British Sign Language, lip speakers, and deafblind “hands-on” interpreters for all primary care appointments on request.

“However this is not widely known by d/Deaf people and providers across the city. We have data that optical services across the city are unaware when doing optical appointments (that fall within the NHS services) can have a ‘language service professional’ attending.”

 

The report highlights that in March 2022 Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (Now Salford ICP) set up a contract with ‘Signlive’ – a video relay service allowing Deaf BSL users to contact their GP surgery for arranging appointments, organising repeat prescriptions and basic communication needs. 

In late 2022 the ICP setup the addition of video relay interpreting services (VRIS) for some appointments to increase capacity where there was a difficulty in booking BSL interpreters. 

But the report says:

Quote

 

“However, we have raised caution that VRIS services MUST not be used as the “norm”. 

“This method of service is three times more costly and also means that there is a loss in the ability to use BSL due to the small frame,” it continued.

“Additionally, there has been no survey of practices across the city to ensure there are adequate wi-fi/ethernet connections in consultation rooms and also that the premises internet connection is stable enough to facilitate the service.

“Losing connection delays appointments, loses continuity of the language professional and also provides additional unnecessary stress and anxiety for both the patient and healthcare professional. 

“Furthermore, older BSL users have said as a last resort VRIS should be used but they don’t want this used as general practice and prefer face-to-face interpreting, largely cutting out the chance of failed appointments due to technology.”

 

Meanwhile, Salford’s sexual health services remain inaccessible to d/Deaf people, the report says.

After a positive meeting in early April 2023, there has since been no change or service improvement to ensure d/Deaf people can independently book and that the website and associated process are easier to follow, the report says. 

“Currently, many d/Deaf people go out of the city to access sexual health services and get support to access Manchester Foundation Trust services,” it says.

The report says that managers and commissioners need to ‘directly engage’ with the d/Deaf community to ensure they are commissioning services that are wanted and approved for the people using them. 

It adds:

Quote

“They should not be done in isolation where commissioners can be accused of being ‘audist’ and discriminating against d/Deaf people by contracting services that are not fit for purpose. All too often once services have been contracted cannot easily be amended.” 

The NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board has been contacted for comment.

The report did however state that there is ‘much to celebrate in Salford compared to other parts of the UK and even other boroughs in Greater Manchester’.

Salford has had a deaf community-based organisation since the establishment of the Salford and Manchester Deaf and Dumb Benevolent Society in 1849 by James Heriot.

The centre, based on Gardner Street, closed in the 1970s.

From the late 1970s until 2003 the d/Deaf community revolved around a central hub from the Manchester Deaf Centre. Monies from the old Gardner Street organisation and sale of its building were pooled to develop a more central location to support predominantly British Sign Language users in Manchester and the suburbs.

A lung cancer patient from Swinton has shared his story to encourage more patients to take part in radiotherapy clinical trials and studies at The Christie at Oldham and other local treatment centres.

James Wright, age 69, was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year and started his radiotherapy treatment at The Christie at Oldham in May 2023. He had been diagnosed following a routine COPD check, various scans and a biopsy.

The retired father of two, who is married to Gail and became a grandfather for the first time 15 months ago, is a keen angler and has completed 26 marathons, including three London marathons.

During his cancer treatment at The Christie at Oldham, James agreed to join the ReCoRd study, which aims to investigate the feasibility of using smartwatches to monitor cardiac abnormalities in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy kills cancer cells, but it can also cause damage to organs that are near the tumour. When radiotherapy is used to treat cancer in the chest, the treatment planning team keeps the radiation dose to the heart as low as possible, however, the heart cannot be avoided completely.

Quote

 

“Being diagnosed with cancer came as a huge shock, but my consultant and the team at The Christie at Oldham have been second to none,” said James. “I cannot fault the care and treatment they provided.

“They went through all the risks of the treatment, and I was aware that the radiotherapy might have to pass through my heart.

“The day before I was due to finish the radiotherapy, one of the staff approached me to ask me if I would join a clinical study.

“It sounded like a great idea when they told me about it. I know I won’t benefit directly from this work, but if using a smartwatch to monitor a patient’s heart after cancer treatment can improve things, I think it is worth supporting.

“Wearing the smartwatch has been comfortable, and the staff set up my phone to take the readings. I also had to wear a device on my chest for three days. 

“I hope that the information collected from me and other patients in this study will help to improve long-term care for lung cancer patients. If patients at The Christie at Oldham or any of The Christie’s local treatment centres get offered a clinical trial or study, then I urge them to get involved like I have.

“I want to thank my wife, Gail, who came to all my appointments and my children, who took turns driving me there.”

 

Chief Investigator Dr Kathryn Banfill explains why the ReCoRd study is important:

Quote

 

“Participants in the study are being given a smartwatch which can monitor heart rate and take short recordings of the heart’s electrical signal. This will be compared with a conventional electrocardiogram (ECG).

“The study will see if patients are happy wearing the smartwatch and if it picks up any irregular heart rhythms after radiotherapy. This would enable additional care for patients with any cardiac issues following radiotherapy.

“Clinical trials and studies are essential in developing new methods of screening, preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Cancer treatment has evolved through research, so targeted treatment and personalised medicine are now routinely available. We encourage all patients to ask if any clinical trials are available to them.”

 

The Christie at Oldham has recently completed a £6.3 million refurbishment to replace two radiotherapy treatment machines called linear accelerators and install a new scanner to help with treatment planning.

Lead radiographer for The Christie at Oldham, Julie Davies, added:

Quote

"We are thrilled to offer this clinical study to James and other suitable patients being treated with radiotherapy in our Oldham centre. We want to increase the availability and accessibility of radiotherapy clinical trials at all Christie local treatment centres so that our patients can benefit from the latest technology and advances in cancer treatments closer to home.

The £17m Oldham centre, funded by The Christie Charity, has provided care closer to home for more than 15,000 patients across North and East Manchester and delivered 160,000 treatment sessions since former Prime Minister Gordon Brown opened it in 2010.

Any patients interested in taking part in clinical trials should discuss this option with their consultant or GP. Not all patients will fit the criteria for a specific trial. While clinical trials can be successful for some patients, outcomes can vary from case to case.

Christie radiotherapy patients interested in joining a trial or study can speak to their consultant or email the-christie.radiotherapyclinicaltrials@nhs.net for further information and to see if they are eligible.

A study, sponsored by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has found that mental health wellbeing hubs were an important source of support for health and social care staff throughout the pandemic.

The study - led by Professor Filippo Varese, Director of the Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit (C-TRU) at GMMH and the University of Manchester (UoM), Dr Paul French, Reader at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Clinical Academic at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Kate Allsopp, Research Fellow at GMMH and UoM - also emphasises the need to preserve the staff wellbeing hubs going forward as accessible, confidential sources of help for health and social care staff.

As the COVID-19 pandemic became associated with high levels of mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and burnout among health and social care staff, the NHS funded 40 wellbeing hubs in England to support staff. The wellbeing hubs were modelled after the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, which was established to support people affected by the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

The staff wellbeing hubs (also known as Resilience Hubs) provided a variety of support to health and social care staff, who could self-refer to the services. Support offered included proactive outreach, rapid clinical assessment, access to evidenced-based psychological care, where required, and support for staff teams.

Between 2020 and 2022, the study evaluated four of these staff wellbeing hubs in the North of England.

In-depth interviews were conducted at three hubs with a diverse range of participants, including health and social care staff who used and did not use the staff wellbeing hubs for support, staff who worked at the hubs, and stakeholders involved in supporting staff within their organisations, such as occupational health and HR leads.

A total of sixty-three interviews were carried out in order to understand more about how the staff wellbeing hubs were set up, and people's experiences of getting mental health support during the pandemic.

"The Resilience Hubs were found to be important sources of support, which not only helped staff during the exceptional circumstances experienced during the pandemic but can also continue to do so going forward in the next stages of the NHS's recovery journey and beyond" says Dr Kate Allsopp, lead author of the paper. "Too often, workplace stress is seen as 'just part of the job' and often participants told us they waited until they were at breaking point before getting support, so the hubs' model, which reaches out to offer support specifically to this group of staff, is vital."

"The study's key findings demonstrate that the staff wellbeing hubs were perceived as a valuable source of support for staff, who reported very positive experiences," said Professor Filippo Varese, the study's chief investigator. "Our research also emphasised the need for managers and employing organisations to genuinely and actively promote mental health support to staff, which can make an important difference to whether staff feel safe enough to seek support, he said".

This study's findings emphasised the importance of health and social care employers prioritising and promoting mental health support for their employees. It also highlighted the need to create psychologically safe work settings and to resolve workplace stressors that can negatively impact on staff wellbeing, in order to prevent the development of mental health difficulties.

"Our research found the support provided through the resilience hubs was of real value. The stresses placed on health and social care staff during the pandemic were extreme; providing this additional support was an important step. Many staff continue to experience difficulties and these hubs continue to play a vital role for many. The real value of these hubs should be seen longer term with the ability to ramp up support in response to a wide range of complex large-scale incidents that affect our society," said Dr Paul French.

The study recommends further outreach, and promotion in the future to raise awareness of the services provided by staff wellbeing hubs.

It also underlines the importance of diversity and cultural competence training in order to better meet the needs of underrepresented populations.

The findings are consistent with global studies and have significant policy implications for the entire health and care system. The findings are relevant not only in the context of the conditions brought about by the pandemic, but as part of 'business as usual' and in preparation of future crises that might, once again, severely tax the health and social care workforce.

From today (Monday 21 August) Morrisons shoppers in Eccles will find NHS advice on underwear labels urging them to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer.

The Nutmeg branded underwear featuring NHS advice will be in 240 Morrisons stores nationwide, including in Eccles and eight other stores in Greater Manchester. The labels will first appear in boxer shorts, followed by crop top bras in the coming months.

Other stores set to stock the underwear in Greater Manchester include: two in Bolton and one in Denton, Hyde, Leigh, Oldham, Rochdale and Whitefield.

The NHS guidance will be displayed on the fabric labels alongside the standard sizing and care information. There will also be a QR code on the packaging and tags linking customers through to more detailed information on breast and testicular cancer on the NHS website.Morrisons is the first UK supermarket to roll-out the new labels and this first-of-its-kind partnership for the NHS is the latest move in a significant drive to ensure people are aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

If people notice symptoms that could be cancer, they should contact their GP practice and come forward for checks as early as possible so they can get the all-clear or, in some cases, a cancer diagnosis sooner - to give them the best chance of surviving the disease.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or change in the look, shape or feel of one or both breasts, while symptoms of testicular cancer can include painless swelling or a lump in one of the testicles or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.

National figures show that 91% of women survive for at least five years if diagnosed at the earliest stage of breast cancer, where the tumour is small (stage one), whereas this reduces to 39% where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (stage four).

While nearly all men survive testicular cancer, if the cancer has spread, survival for five years or more can reduce to 65%.

Alison Jones, Director of Early Diagnosis at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

Quote

 

“This is the first time the whole of the NHS has worked with a national supermarket brand to put health messaging on clothing, with the aim of encouraging thousands more people to be body aware, so they can spot new or unexplained changes that might be cancer symptoms early, and contact their GP practice for checks if concerned.

“Cancer survival is at an all-time high – survival for both breast and testicular cancers have improved significantly over the last 50 years and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed with cancer at an early stage – but we want to continue this progress and this partnership with Morrisons is just one of many ways we are ensuring people are aware of potential cancer symptoms.

“I want to urge everyone to be aware of their own bodies – please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you – and get checked out early, it could save your life.”

 

David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons said:

Quote

“We are proud to be leading the way in offering NHS England a new route to reach customers with important messages about body awareness and the symptoms of breast and testicular cancer.

“The new care labels on our crop top bras and boxers urge people to get to know their bodies so that they can more easily notice changes and to contact their GP practice sooner if something doesn’t feel right. In the majority of cases, it won’t be cancer, but where it is cancer, diagnosing it early means treatments are more likely to be successful and can ultimately save lives.”

The Nutmeg range is being modelled and supported by cancer survivors.

Morrisons has also made a £10,000 donation to NHS Charities Together and has committed to transferring more than £2 million from its apprenticeship levy to Yorkshire Ambulance Service to help train around 200 paramedics in the region.

More people than ever before are being seen and treated by the NHS for cancer – in the last year the number of people receiving lifesaving checks for cancer hit nearly three million (2.92m) – more than any other year on record.

Thanks to extensive NHS campaigns and early diagnosis initiatives, a higher proportion of cancers than ever before were diagnosed at an early stage in the year 2022-2023 – 58% of cancers diagnosed at stage one or two compared to 56% before the pandemic.

The NHS is harnessing the very latest technology and initiatives such as community lung health checks and trials of a blood test that can detect up to 50 cancers before symptoms appear, to diagnose cancer earlier and achieve its goal of diagnosing three quarters of all cancers at stage one or two by 2028.

The NHS is also accelerating the use of innovations like teledermatology for diagnosing skin cancer, which is already seeing some areas double the number of patients seen and speeding up diagnosis and treatment for tens of thousands with skin cancer.

To find your nearest Nutmeg concession please visit, https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/.

For more information about how NHS England works with partners on national campaigns visit https://england.nhs.uk/campaign-partnerships   

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is delighted to announce that brainHealth Manchester has been shortlisted for Modernising Diagnostics at the HSJ Awards, recognising an outstanding contribution to healthcare and securing a place at the prestigious awards ceremony later this year.

A 'record-breaking' 1456 entries have been received for this year's Awards, with 223 projects and individuals reaching the final shortlist, making it the biggest awards programme in the award's 43-year history. The high volume - and exceptional quality – of applications once again mirrors the impressive levels of innovation and care continually being developed within the UK's healthcare networks.

Following the thorough judging process, GMMH was shortlisted, ahead of the official awards ceremony to be held later this year (November 16th), with brainHealth Manchester standing out as a real 'success story' worthy of a prized place on the panel's shortlist.

brainHealth Manchester is a novel diagnostic and therapeutic pathway using advanced cognitive assessment, neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers to make disease specific diagnoses in people living with the mildest forms of cognitive impairment in order to:

1. Provide comprehensive risk assessments.

2. Provide a personalised risk reduction plan.

3. Provide a timely diagnosis of the diseases underlying dementia.

4. Reduce the barriers to participation in ground-breaking research.

Together with advanced age-standardised neuropsychological assessments, broad risk-factor assessment and personalised brain health reports, we have instituted Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) diagnostic testing within the mental health trust, modernising the diagnostic pathway for people with prodromal Alzheimer's Disease.

In collaboration with partners in Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, and the UK's Brain Health Coalition led by Alzheimer's Research UK, brainHealth Manchester aims to lead the development of a network of brain health clinics across UK mental health trusts.

Tessa Myatt, Medical Director at GMMH, comments:

Quote

 

"This really is such exciting news! Our team's dedication and hard work have led us to being shortlisted for Modernising Diagnostics in the HSJ Awards 2023. This recognition is even more significant considering the tough competition this year, with an unprecedented volume of entries from so many other equally deserving Trusts and individuals.

"Regardless of the outcome, reaching this stage makes us feel like winners. We're immensely proud to share our success with colleagues throughout the sector, and to highlight the insights gained from our project implementation."

 

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, adds:

Quote

 

"It always gives me great pleasure to congratulate our finalists at this stage of the judging process and this year is no exception as we acknowledge GMMH for being shortlisted in the category of Modernising Diagnostics.

"It's been so encouraging to hear that 2023 has been record-breaking in terms of the number of applicants and, as ever, the calibre of entries left our panel of expert judges with some tough decisions to deliberate over.

"However, it's always important to remember that the HSJ Awards are not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of the NHS.

"We can't wait to welcome our finalists to the awards ceremony in November and to recognise and applaud such impressive achievements across the sector – as well as coming together to help mark the 75th birthday of our great NHS. Huge thanks also go to our new headline partner, Vodafone, who share our mission of driving the standard of healthcare excellence and creating better patient experiences."

 

The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Evolution London on November 16th, 2023.

The event will not only reflect the HSJ Awards' enduring ethos of "sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and innovating drivers of better service" but will also serve as a timely and well-deserved thank you to the sector during the 75th anniversary year of the NHS.

The 2023 awards judging panel was once again made up of a diverse range of highly influential and respected figures within the healthcare community, including; Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive, Queen's Nursing Institute; Dr Habib Naqvi MBE, Chief Executive, NHS Race and Health Observatory; Anne-Marie Vine-Lott, Director of Health, Vodafone; Sir Jim Mackey, National Director of Elective Recovery, NHS England, as well as a range of esteemed Chief Executives from NHS Trusts across the UK.

The full list of nominees for the 2023 HSJ awards can be found at https://awards.hsj.co.uk/ alongside details of the Awards partners at https://awards.hsj.co.uk/partners.

Millions of children in England will be offered a flu vaccine from September, as the NHS steps up its life-saving vaccination programme to protect the country against deadly viruses ahead of winter.

School aged children will be able to get the flu vaccine at school or at community clinics, and those with long term health conditions can also get the vaccine at GP surgeries. Children aged two and three years will be able to get an appointment with their GP practice.

The NHS winter flu and covid-19 vaccination programme provides vital protection to those eligible and their families over winter, keeping people from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.

The NHS will start by prioritising flu vaccinations for children, to prevent children from getting seriously ill from flu and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.

This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the JCVI has recommended adults over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions will be eligible for a flu and covid-19 vaccination, with the offer starting from early October, to maximise protection for patients right across the winter months.

The flu season typically peaks in January so vaccinating adults in October will mean those at greatest risk will be better protected in the coldest months when viruses circulate more as people gather indoors.

If people have already booked an appointment for their flu vaccination earlier with their local provider, these appointments can go ahead.

Starting adult flu and covid-19 vaccinations at the same time will also make it easier for more people to choose to get both life-saving vaccines in the same visit, which is a more convenient way for people to get vital protection from both viruses ahead of winter.

The NHS has ensured there is enough capacity to allow all those eligible for a flu and covid vaccine to get their vaccines by mid-December, in line with latest guidance.

Residents of older adult care homes will be the first to start receiving their flu and covid-19 vaccinations on 2 October, with the public able to book appointments the following week.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England Medical Director, yesterday said:

Quote

 

“Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and covid-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter.

“As it always does, the NHS will help protect people against these nasty viruses, first offering protection to children to help stop the spread of flu, then offering eligible adults both vaccines to ensure maximum protection.

“The NHS will work quickly to ensure all those eligible are offered these lifesaving vaccinations ahead of the winter months and you will be invited when it’s your turn, so please come forward to get your protection against both covid and flu when invited – it will help protect you and those around you.”

 

 

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite yesterday said:

Quote

 

“I’d encourage all eligible people to come forward for their flu and Covid jabs as soon as they’re offered them. They can be lifesaving.

“Administering vaccines to children in September and adults in October will protect people throughout the winter months. Healthcare workers continue to go above and beyond to deliver the flu and Covid vaccination programme and I’d like to thank everyone who has and will support its rollout.”

 

 

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA yesterday:

Quote

“We know that flu and covid usually hit hardest in December and January – so it’s vital those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill get the best possible protection from the vaccines over this period. That is why it’s important you come forward when the NHS calls so you’ve got good defences against both viruses when winter hits.”

 

Dr Alex Degan, a GP and NHS vaccination lead in Devon, yesterday said:

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“By making it easier for more people to choose to get their winter vaccines at the same time, the NHS is making it simpler and more convenient for those who need protection to get it.

“This will be especially good news for people who live in rural areas, who may have to travel further for an appointment.”

 

 

Last year, the NHS carried out its second biggest ever flu vaccination campaign, with more than 21 million flu vaccinations given to adults and children, while more than 17 million covid-19 jabs were delivered last winter. As part of this, 10 million flu vaccinations and 8 million covid-19  vaccinations were in the month of October, making it by far the most popular month.

In total, more than 149 million covid-19  vaccinations have now been given by healthcare staff and volunteers since the NHS delivered the world’s first covid-19  jab outside of clinical trials to Maggie Keenan, in December 2020.

But it is important that those eligible this year come forward for their vaccinations as protection fades over time, and the virus that causes flu can change from year to year.

As in previous years, the NHS will let people know when bookings open. Adult flu and covid-19  appointments will be available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for those who can’t get online. Flu vaccines will also be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.

The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• those aged 65 years and over
•  
• those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, chapter 19 (Influenza))
•  
• pregnant women
•  
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
•  
• school-aged children (from Reception to Year 11)
•  
• those in long-stay residential care homes
•  
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
•  
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
•  

Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:

• residents in a care home for older adults
•  
• all adults aged 65 years and over
•  
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter (Green Book)
•  
• frontline health and social care workers
•  
• persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts (as defined in the Green Book) of people with immunosuppression
•  
• persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and staff working in care homes for older adults.

Last year (September 2022) the watchdog wrote to Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust(GMMHT) regarding their concerns about the treatment of inpatients and potential human rights breaches at the Edenfield Centre, in Prestwich.

They received reassurance from the Trust that immediate action was being taken to protect patients’ human rights.

Based on the information provided, they decided not to take any further action at that point to allow time for the measures to be implemented.

They have now written to the Trust again to seek assurance that the remedial action has been effective, and that the equality and human rights of patients, particularly those with learning disabilities and autism, will be protected in future.

Chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Kishwer Falkner said:

Quote

 

“Last year, following the broadcast of concerning allegations, we took immediate action to gain assurance that the human rights of patients at Edenfield Centre in Prestwich were being protected.

“We received reassurance at that time that changes were being made, however, the Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust was rated ‘inadequate’ by Care Quality Commission in July 2023. This has led us to seek renewed confirmation that the changes implemented by the Trust in 2022 have been effective in protecting patients’ rights in Edenfield.

“All patients must be treated with respect and dignity. The information we receive in response to our letter will determine any future regulatory action we may need to take.”

 

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) has been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award.

This has been awarded to recognise GMMH's work in international recruitment and its commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care to internationally educated nurses during recruitment processes and their employment.

The NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award scheme is helping to standardise the quality and delivery of pastoral care for internationally educated nurses and midwives across England to ensure they receive high-quality pastoral support.

It is part of NHS England's International Recruitment Programme. The programme supports NHS organisations to increase and develop their international recruitment plans.

The safe arrival, induction, and provision of support for new people joining the NHS workforce is the number one priority for international recruitment.

It's important for NHS trusts to prioritise the wellbeing of internationally educated nurses and midwives, making sure they have access to appropriate and tailored support during recruitment and beyond. Enhanced pastoral support has a positive impact on both recruitment and retention and supports staff wellbeing.

The award recognises GMMH's work in international recruitment and its commitment to providing internationally educated nurses with high-quality pastoral care.

The standards which trusts must meet to achieve the award have been co-developed with regional and trust international recruitment leads and international nursing and midwifery associations. These associations provide pastoral and professional support to international nurses and midwives in the UK.

GMMH's award was officially celebrated at a welcome event for International Nurses on Friday 28^th July, where a certificate marking the achievement was presented.

The event was attended by both current and newly-recruited International Nurses, alongside the team of GMMH staff who support them, and GMMH's Chief Nurse, Maria Nelligan.

Maria Nelligan, Chief Nurse at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said:

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"We are delighted to have been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award, which demonstrates our real commitment to recruiting internationally educated nurses and supporting them at every step.

"Staff from overseas make a huge contribution to our workforce as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. At GMMH, we are leading the way with mental health international recruitment to help support growing local demands. We are working across the system - as part of a collaborative, alongside other North West providers - to ethically and sustainably recruit, train and embed more international nurses across our footprint.

"Our international nurses have arrived from countries around the world including Nigeria, Hong Kong and India. All are registered mental health nurses in their home countries, and have a variety of experiences from Paediatric, Oncology, Psychiatric Intensive Care and Older Adults. It is absolutely vital to us that they are fully supported throughout their time with us, from recruitment to induction and employment. To lead this programme of support, we have employed a dedicated International Recruitment Lead.

"We are also part of a North West pilot with global accommodation booking site, Homestay. Homestay offers a closed marketplace for international staff to rent quality private rooms from their NHS colleagues at affordable prices.

"We truly value our international nurses and very much look forward to welcoming our next cohort very soon."

 

Kahani Awasare, International Recruitment Lead at GMMH said: 

Quote

"I have worked for the Trust for 20 years on various locations, and I am an international nurse recruited by GMMH in 2003 from India. Working as International Recruitment Project Lead gives me the opportunity to provide Pastoral Care to all our International Nurses. Part of my role is to support and guide them through our Preceptorship programme, Trust induction, and arrange placements and appropriate training. I provide 1:1 supervision and support to our new international nurses to help them settle into living and working in the UK."

Jincy Jose, a Mental Health Nurse at Woodlands Hospital, GMMH said:

Quote

"This is my first clinical experience as a mental health staff nurse abroad. I have been a qualified nurse for the past 10 years, and was working as a Clinical Instructor at a nursing college in India. As I am a Postgraduate in Psychiatric Nursing, I have a good theoretical base but the application of knowledge here in the UK is different. It's been a journey and I am enjoying it. There are a lot of learning experiences, and it will help me climb up my career ladder."

Once trusts have achieved the award, they will be reassessed every three years.

You can find information about the award on the NHS England website.