Single use vapes should be banned on environmental and health grounds, according local councils.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, is calling for the Government to ban the sale and manufacture of single use vapes by 2024.

The LGA said it is crucial that that ban comes into effect rapidly, as with the EU proposing a ban in 2026 and France rolling out a ban in Dec 2023, there is a risk that as markets close disposable vapes will flood into the UK.

Disposable vapes are a hazard for waste and litter collection and cause fires in bin lorries.

Single use vapes are designed as one unit so batteries cannot be separated from the plastic, making them almost impossible to recycle without going through special treatment.

The lithium batteries inside the plastic can sharply increase in temperature if crushed and can become flammable.

This comes at a cost to the council taxpayer through fire damage to equipment and the specialist treatment needed to deal with hazardous waste.

With 1.3 million disposable vapes thrown away every week, they have also become a regular and obvious item of litter on our streets.

Councils are also concerned about the impact vaping is having upon children and young people. It is worrying that more and more children – who have never smoked – are starting vaping.

Councils are especially concerned by the marketing of vapes with designs and flavours that could appeal to children, in particular those with fruity and bubble gum flavours, and colourful child-friendly packaging. Strict new measures to regulate the display and marketing of regular vaping products in the same way as tobacco are needed.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said:

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“Councils are not anti-vapes, which are shown to be less harmful than smoking and have a place as a tool to use in smoking cessation.

“However, disposable vapes are fundamentally flawed in their design and inherently unsustainable products, meaning an outright ban will prove more effective than attempts to recycle more vapes.

“Single use vapes blight our streets as litter, are a hazard in our bin lorries, are expensive and difficult to deal with in our recycling centres. Their colours, flavours and advertising are appealing to children and the penalties for retailers selling them don’t go far enough.

“Councils urge the Government to take this action to protect our planet, keep children safe and save taxpayers money.”

 

Ground-breaking new cancer treatments have moved a step closer with the signing of a major agreement between the government and BioNTech SE.

Building on a memorandum of understanding signed in January, the partnership will provide cancer patients with improved access to the latest cancer trials and therapies currently being developed.

The government has signed a long term partnership agreement with the German-based company BioNTech – which previously developed a world leading COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer – to ensure more patients can benefit from personalised cancer treatments.

This includes UK-based clinical trials intended to help treat patients through the use of precision immunotherapies which work by stimulating the immune system to recognise and eliminate cancer cells. The aim is to provide access to personalised treatments for up to 10,000 patients by 2030.

BioNTech SE has already begun conducting clinical trials in the UK. Further trials will be launching although the majority of patients are expected to be enrolled from 2026 onwards.

To help deliver this research, BioNTech plans to set up new laboratories in Cambridge with an expected capacity of more than 70 highly skilled scientists as well as a new regional hub for the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, recently said:

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This landmark new agreement takes us one step closer to delivering life-saving new cancer treatments for thousands of patients right across the country.

The UK is a global leader in life sciences – helping to create thousands of highly skilled jobs and pioneering research - and it is testament to this success that BioNTech have chosen to make this significant investment here today.

Personalised cancer vaccines have the potential to completely revolutionise the way we treat this cruel disease and it is hugely welcome that, thanks to today’s announcement, clinical trials will be rolled out widely

 

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay recently said:

This partnership is a huge step forward in the fight against cancer.

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By working together with BioNTech on these innovative treatments we can make progress and save lives and I’m excited by the potential these trials have to both treat patients with cancer and those who have had it to stop it returning.

This further demonstrates that the UK is an attractive location for innovative companies to invest and pioneer cutting edge treatments for our patients and underlines this government’s commitment to research and development.

 

A new Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) led by NHS England in partnership with Genomics England, will help to rapidly identify cancer patients who could be eligible for potential trials.

It will work by creating a database of suitable NHS cancer patients who will be offered the choice to take part in personalised cancer vaccine trials.

The partnership will aim to help patients with early and late-stage cancers and, if successfully developed, cancer vaccines could become part of standard care.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of the NHS recently said:

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The NHS will not stop in its efforts to pioneer new treatments that could be life-changing for future generations. This is why we are developing our very first Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, enabling us to identify thousands of NHS patients suitable for cancer vaccine trials – giving them the earliest possible access to cutting-edge technology that has the potential to change cancer care forever.

Thanks to advances in treatment and care alongside NHS awareness campaigns, cancer survival is at an all-time high, but the potential to stop cancer from returning is truly remarkable – and with the first patients set to take part in vaccine trials this autumn, we hope to find a way of vaccinating people against their own cancers and improve their chances of survival.

 

Trials will focus on personalised mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies – a type of cancer treatment that activates the patient’s immune system and can either be designed to target shared abnormalities in a specific type of cancer or tailored to an individual’s tumour.

Immunotherapies tailored to an individual are created by analysing a patient’s tumour to identify mutations that are specific to that individual’s cancer, then using that information to create an immunotherapy personal to that patient.

The partners involved will work to make processes as simple and effective as possible with BioNTech aiming to start further clinical trials and make potential new therapies available in the UK as soon as possible.

Professor Uğur Şahin, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of BioNTech recently said:

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We are truly honoured to be an integral part of this landmark partnership, alongside the UK government, NHS England, Genomics England, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The United Kingdom’s expertise in genomic analyses in cancer patients is a critical component of our shared endeavour to make mRNA-based and precision cancer immunotherapies widely accessible through clinical trials.

If successful, this collaboration has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with cancer not just in the UK, but also worldwide.

 

Sean Marett, CMG, Chief Business Officer & Chief Commercial Officer at BioNTech SE, recently said:

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Through the development by the UK of a unified national contract approach for clinical trials that will let hospitals rapidly sign-up to clinical trials being undertaken in the UK by BioNTech, we are hoping to reach many UK cancer patients that wish to participate in clinical trials with new BioNTech investigational cancer treatments quickly and efficiently.

Business & Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, recently said:

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This government is supporting our life sciences sector to be among the best in the world, with no better example than our global leadership in developing and rolling out the first Covid-19 vaccines.

Investment in life sciences is key if we are to become a science superpower by 2030, helping to grow the economy and provide substantial health benefits for the British public and the world.

 

Patients will be asked by the NHS to consent to be put forward for clinical trials, and surplus tissue samples will be used to assess their eligibility.

The detail of any suitable clinical trials will be made available to the participant and their treating clinical team to see if they would like to take part in the relevant trial.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Chloe Smith recently said:

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I know from personal experience how it feels to face a cancer diagnosis. I was immensely fortunate to benefit from world-leading care from our wonderful NHS. There are brilliant scientists, researchers, and medics working on the kinds of lifesaving cancer treatments and therapies that this deal will deliver.

This partnership is the perfect example of how our £94 billion life sciences sector is improving lives across the country. This deal will anchor high-skilled jobs and investment in the UK. But most importantly, it will deliver better outcomes for patients with cancer in England, ensuring that more of them can go on to live long, happy, and healthy lives.

 

Chris Wigley, Chief Executive Officer of Genomics England recently said:

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Since the times of Darwin, Franklin, and Sanger, the UK has been a true world leader in genomic science and healthcare. To sustain that leadership, we have to continue to deliver more world firsts, more innovations, and more benefits to patients, both nationally and internationally.

We talk about the Cancer Vaccine “Launch Pad” – the rocket that is being launched is access to ground-breaking personalised cancer therapies that can transform lives and improve outcomes for those affected by this terrible disease. It’s almost hard to comprehend, but there are medicines made just for you, to attack your very own cancer tumour.

We’re thrilled that this partnership will see genomics extend beyond diagnosis and take us towards a future of personalised cancer treatment.

 

Dr Brian Rhodes, a GP partner at Monton Medical Centre, spoke to NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care (NHS GM) about how his sister Sholeh hit the headlines in 1988 when she became Britain’s youngest person to undergo an NHS operation to give her a ‘new’ heart – at the age of 12.

A pupil at St Patrick’s RC High School, Sholeh went on to live another 18 years, for which the family were forever grateful. Her story was the inspiration for brother Brian to enter the healthcare profession and he reflected on some of the innovations within the NHS which helped his family, and his career as a doctor in the community.

Brian said:

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“When I was 14, my sister became suddenly very ill following what had seemed like an ordinary sore throat. I remember watching the staff at the former Pendlebury Children’s Hospital taking expert care of her and being impressed by their skills but at the same they were so caring and put my family at ease.

“She then went on to be the youngest patient at that time who had a heart transplant which is the sort of true innovation that is the hallmark of the NHS and what made me think about a career in healthcare and to be a part of our health service.

“The doctor I remember most from being a kid was Jack Borkin, he always seemed to know what to do whoever was ill in the family or whatever was wrong with them. He was a true Eccles legend and inspired me to give it a go.”

 

Just one of a number of events across the UK to mark 75 years since Aneurin Bevan officially opened Park Hospital (now Trafford General), the first NHS hospital, guests gathered just a stone’s throw away at Urmston Sports Club to celebrate and share stories like Brian’s.

Guests included Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham; Trafford Council Leader, Councillor Tom Ross; and Dr Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care.

Claire said:

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“What an occasion to celebrate – 75 years is a significant milestone, and I and many of my colleagues feel proud to be a part of it.

“The NHS has changed considerably over the years, and although not without its obvious challenges, I believe the introduction of integrated care systems will help us to bring health and care organisations together to tackle health inequalities and plan services to better meet the needs of our number one priority – our patients.

“In Greater Manchester, we are well placed to do this thanks to our existing devolution arrangements . As we look ahead, we know we need to embrace innovation so the NHS can deliver better outcomes for our growing population. That means using IT and data more effectively, and getting better at preventing illness, not just treating it.”

 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, paid tribute to the NHS staff across the city region.

He said:

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“As we celebrate 75 years of the NHS, I want to reflect on the profound impact it has had on our society.

“The NHS is embedded in our history as a beacon of hope and a lifeline for millions and, as a former Health Secretary, I saw for myself how cherished it is by those who use it, work in it and support it. Today, we celebrate the remarkable dedication of NHS staff whose hard work and commitment have saved countless lives.

“It’s so inspiring to hear stories like Dr Brian Rhodes who saw what the NHS was able to do for his sister, and wanted to be a part of it. The principle of the NHS is fundamental to who we are as a country and we should all be so proud of it and the remarkable people who make it what it is. Happy 75th anniversary to our NHS.”

 

Councillor Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health and Care, added:

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“It’s an immense source of pride that our beloved NHS was born right here in Trafford. It’s not just the countless people it has treated over the years, it is the reassurance knowing you can be treated for free that means so much.”

Joining the party on the day were NHS GM staff dressed in nursing outfits from the First World War era and the 1950s as well as children from English Martyrs Primary School in Urmston, African Caribbean Care Centre, Trafford Veterans, The Toy House, patient participation groups and Healthwatch.

As a thank you to English Martyrs, the school was given some NHS75 commemorative coins.

In the meantime, more than 50 NHS staff working in Greater Manchester joined other NHS staff, senior government and political leaders, health leaders and celebrities at a service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the birthday.

Colleagues from across various parts of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership were selected to attend the Abbey after being shortlisted for awards or who had recorded lengthy service to the people of the city region. The service included an address by NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard.

More than 50,000 people across Greater Manchester took part in research supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) over the last year. 

During the period April 2022 to March 2023, a total of 51,279 participants were involved in studies across the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester region, which covers Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and East Lancashire. That is enough people to fill the AO Arena Manchester almost two-and-a-half times.

Participation was spread across 1,005 studies covering more than 30 health and care specialty areas, ranging from cancer and diabetes to public health and COVID-19. This number of active studies open to participants has now recovered to pre-COVID levels following unprecedented disruption to the delivery of research across the country during the pandemic.

Participation across the NHS and increasingly in the community

Every NHS trust in the region was part of the effort and carried out research in 2022/23, ensuring residents across all communities have opportunities to be part of research.

Increasingly, more research is also being carried out in community locations across the region, such as supermarkets, community centres, places of worship and libraries, in order to make research even more accessible and inclusive for everyone. CRN Greater Manchester’s Research Van complete with onboard pharmacy and travelling Health Research Festival have been key parts of this community strategy. The latest festival takes place in Ashton-under-Lyne on Saturday 8 July 2023 as part of the NHS’ 75th birthday celebrations.

Collaborating with the life sciences industry

A growing number of commercial studies supported by CRN Greater Manchester has opened up many new opportunities for participants, with the number increasing by almost 20% from 219 studies to 262 studies in the past year. Almost 3,450 of the total participants in the region were part of such commercial studies sponsored by the life sciences industry.

This high level of participation in commercial studies follows-on from the major independent review of UK commercial clinical trials commissioned by Lord O’Shaunessy published in May. The report spotlighted CRN Greater Manchester by outlining how the region has “bucked the trend” in a challenging environment for UK participation in commercial trials in recent years.

Positive experiences of taking part in research

In 2022/23, a total of 1,300 research participants completed CRN Greater Manchester’s Participant Research Experience Survey. Their responses are helping us learn what we can improve for the future. Results of our children participants survey showed that 94% would take part, or allow their children or take part, in research again. In the adult survey, 92% said they would get involved in research again.

Sarah Fallon, CRN Greater Manchester Chief Operating Officer, said:

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“We are extremely grateful to everyone who takes part in research and for the vital part they play in improving health and care for everyone. Equally, the opportunities for people to get involved would not be possible without the involvement of our partners in the health system across Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and East Cheshire. Thank you to them all.

“Our NIHR annual statistics are an important way of showing just how many people have taken part in trials. However, there are many other ways in which members of the public are also continuing to make a difference every day by getting involved in research, such as by lending their experience to help design studies, or helping us to improve how we engage with different communities, or by sharing their lived experiences. These contributions do not appear in the stats but demonstrate that involvement in research takes many forms and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed.”

 

Seventy-five years ago, on July 5th, 1948 history was made and the face of public healthcare across the country changed for the better, with the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS). 

The NHS embodies the core principle of universal healthcare, providing comprehensive life saving medical services to all, irrespective of their social or economic background. For three-quarters of a century, our health service has stood as a symbol of national unity, ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial means.

It has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, most recently as the world was gripped by the global Covid-19 pandemic, testing the NHS like never before, yet those within it stood firm, providing care and support in the face of adversity.

Medical staff at Salford Royal Hospital put their own lives in danger to treat the countless souls who were struck down with the life threatening virus, in doing so they were elevated to the status of national heroes.

The reality is they were already heroes, saving lives on a daily basis, as to them it is simply 'What they do'.

The NHS has long been under threat from political shifts and technological advancements to budget constraints and a multitude of public health crises, but it has displayed resilience, adaptability, and innovation. 

From ground-breaking surgical procedures to advancements in diagnostic technologies and pharmaceuticals, the NHS has been at the forefront of medical progress and is the envy of the world. For 75 years, healthcare professionals have demonstrated unwavering dedication, working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and promote well-being.

I was recently diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes and my treatment by the NHS in Salford has been a far cry from what I see happening in other places such as North America where some unfortunately find it hard to afford the medicines to keep them alive. I never forget just how lucky I am to live in a country in which my healthcare is not dependent on the level of medical insurance I can afford.

Throughout its history, the NHS's commitment to patient-cantered care has been the driving force behind its success, with doctors, nurses, support staff, and volunteers going above and beyond to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of individuals and their families.

I have experienced that compassion and care first hand in recent years and I am truly grateful that the service continues to exist and it would be a national tragedy if that were to change. 

So it is only right as the NHS celebrates its 75th anniversary, that Salford City Council will be joining in the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary and will join local authorities, NHS sites, and historic monuments across the country by ‘lighting up blue’  at the Salford Civic Centre Building.

The NHS needs to be protected at all cost as they are ultimately the ones that continue protect us.

Main Photo ©: Salford City Council

Today we visited Eccles Town Hall for the first open day organised by the the independent health and social care champions, Healthwatch Salford which gave the general public the chance to come and speak about health and services available in Salford.

Good to see that it was incredibly well attended as people chatted to the organisations who attended including, Salford Age UK, Salford Disability Forum, Ethnic Health Forum, Loaves and Fishes, Headway, Salford CVs, Answer Cancer, Community Diagnostic Centre, Adult Social Care etc.

We spoke to Sam Cook who gave us a bigger insight into the roles played by Healthwatch and other care providers in Salford.

A new NHS mobile ‘clinic in a van’ is coming to Salford this July so that staff can talk to men about their risk of prostate cancer.

The ThisVanCan roadshow is aimed at black men aged over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than other men. 1 in 4 black men will develop prostate cancer.

The van is also open to all other men and people with a prostate aged over 45 who have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer. This means your father or brother has had prostate cancer when they were under the age of 55 or your mother or sister has had breast or ovarian cancer when they were under the age of 50. This is because family history can also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Those visiting the van can also choose whether or not to have a free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

During July, the roadshow will be visiting Broughton, Pendleton, Walkden, Swinton and Eccles. Visit https://thisvancan.co.uk for more information. Appointments need to be booked in advance. Call 07974074111 or email millie.wadley1@nhs.net.

10 July – Broughton Hub, 50 Rigby Street, Lower Broughton, Salford, M7 4BQ. 11am-5pm

12 July – Tesco, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5JG. 11am-5pm

15 July – Tesco, Pendleton Way, Salford, M6 5JG. 11am-5pm

18 July – Walkden Town Centre, Bolton Rd, Walkden, Worsley, Manchester M28 3ZH 11am – 5pm

21 July – Morrisons, 7 Irwell Place, Eccles, M30 0FH 11am – 5pm

22 July – Morrisons, 49 Swinton Hall Rd, Swinton, M27 4BT 11am – 5pmThe roadshow is being run by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS, working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, the Caribbean and African Health Network, BHA for Equality and charity Can-Survive UK.

Mr Sotonye Tolofari, a consultant surgeon who treats prostate cancer and Clinical Director for Urological Cancers at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

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“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms. You are more at risk of developing prostate cancer if you’re black and over 45 than other people.

“We want black men to be aware of the risk and to visit us on board our van when it comes to your area. We are also keen to talk to anyone with a prostate who is over 45 with a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer which can also increase your risk. By family history, we mean your father or a brother has had prostate cancer when they were under the age of 55 or your mother or a sister has had breast or ovarian cancer when they were under the age of 50.

“We will chat to you about what might increase your risk of prostate cancer and discuss the implications of having a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.”

 

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer. The test does not give a conclusive diagnosis on its own, but together with information about your individual lifestyle and risk it can be a helpful tool for doctors to decide if you may need further tests or treatment. You can find out more on the Prostate Cancer UK website.

Men who opt to have a PSA test while visiting the van will be given their results within a couple of weeks and referred on for further investigations if needed.

Mr Tolofari added:

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“If prostate cancer is caught early, before symptoms appear, it’s easier to treat. Our ThisVanCan roadshow means you can book an appointment close to your home or work and come and have a chat with our team.”

Gilbert Morgan, aged 58, a prostate cancer survivor from Moston, Manchester, is backing the campaign and urging black men to be aware of their prostate cancer risk.

Gilly had a PSA blood test in 2014 and the results showed he required further investigation. He had further tests including an internal examination and biopsy, after which he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was treated with surgery to remove his prostate and is now fit, healthy and living a good life.

The dad-of-four and a grandad-of-three said:

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“When I was told I had prostate cancer my world fell apart. But now I know if you catch it early it is so much easier to treat. 

“We need to kill the taboo and get black men talking about prostate cancer. You need to know your risk. This van will help do that.

“This van will help start conversations that need to happen.”

 

Winston Carrington, 72, from Withington, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 after going to his doctor. The granddad-of-three had an examination and was referred to Withington Hospital for further tests including a PSA blood test and a biopsy. He was then treated with brachytherapy at The Christie hospital and is now in remission. He has regular PSA blood tests, takes regular medication and remains well.

He said:

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“This van is perfect! It’s so needed. It’s going to be coming to local areas and making information about prostate cancer and the chance for a PSA blood test more available.”

Fin McNicol, 55, a father-of-three, from Trafford, who lost his father to prostate cancer, said: “If like me your dad has had prostate cancer or your brother, it’s really important you know your risk. I think this van is a great idea. You can book an appointment and check your risk.”

 

The van will tour Greater Manchester between May and October 2023. The schedule of locations is available at www.thisvancan.co.uk and updated regularly.

Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has worked with a range of partners on this pilot project.

Amy Rylance, Head of Improving Care at Prostate Cancer UK, said:

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“Early prostate cancer is very treatable, but early prostate cancer doesn’t often have symptoms. We welcome this initiative to take lifesaving risk awareness conversations into the hearts of communities most at risk so that more men have the chance of a cure.”

Aydin Djemal, Chief Executive Officer at BHA for Equality, said: 

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“The NHS mobile van is a great idea, which takes quick and simple information about prostate cancer and the option for free PSA blood tests to where people live their lives, rather than making them go to a GP setting.

“Being aware of your prostate cancer risk and being able to choose to have regular PSA tests is especially true for black men 45 and over, with 1 in 4 being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“BHA is delighted to support this work, which will save lives by increasing the rate of early diagnosis.”

 

You can find out more about prostate cancer on the Prostate Cancer UK website or take a 30 second risker checker.

For more information about the This Van Can roadshow visit https://thisvancan.co.uk

Visits to the heat exhaustion section of the NHS website have more than tripled in the past week – averaging one visit every six seconds.

Figures released by NHS England, which runs the NHS website, show there were 109,096 visits to the health advice page on heat exhaustion and heatstroke in the last seven days (9 to 15 June), compared with 34,066 the previous week (2 to 8 June).

The number of people seeking heat rash or prickly heat advice has almost doubled, from 34,478 to 67,132 page visits during the same time periods.

Earlier this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office extended a heat-health alert across England until 9am on Monday 19 June. A yellow alert is in place pointing to increased health risks for those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

The hot weather comes as the NHS in many parts of the country has faced high demand for urgent care services this week as well as significant disruption to routine care, with England’s top doctor Professor Sir Stephen Powis asking the public to be sensible in the warm weather and to use services wisely as the health service manages 3 days of industrial action by junior doctors.

To make sure safe care continues to be available for those in life-threatening situations, health service staff have been asked to prioritise emergency and urgent care over some routine appointments and procedures this week. The NHS has urged people who need care to still access the care they need this week – using 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies only and using NHS 111 online and other services for non-urgent health needs. 

Duncan Burton, NHS England’s Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, said:

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“We know there is a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather especially among children, older people and those with long-term conditions like diabetes or heart problems.

“The NHS website has a range of useful information pages aimed at helping people keep themselves and their loved ones safe during hot weather.

“Keeping the body cool and drinking plenty of fluids is vitally important, as well as dressing sensibly, using high-factor sun screen and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun to avoid the risk of sunburn and to prevent skin cancer.

“With heat exhaustion, it is important to cool the person down, hydrate them and see if their condition improves after 30 minutes. If it doesn’t, we would always advise seeking medical attention by calling 111 or 999 in an emergency.”

 

 The NHS heat exhaustion page offers guidance on checking for the signs of heat exhaustion, which include tiredness, dizziness, feeling sick, and a fast breathing or heartbeat. It also details how to cool someone down, and prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke during hot weather with the following advice:

Drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising

Take cool baths or showers

Wear light-coloured, loose clothing

Sprinkle water over skin or clothes

Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm

Avoid excess alcohol

Avoid extreme exercise

Advice on treating or preventing heat rash includes keeping skin cool so you do not sweat and irritate the rash, applying something cold (such as a damp cloth or ice pack wrapped in a tea towel), and tapping or patting the rash instead of scratching it.

The NHS website is the UK's biggest health website with an estimated 2.6 million visits a day in 2022 from people seeking information and advice.

It includes over 4,000 pages and provides information about 990 medical conditions as well other health services including applying for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card for healthcare cover abroad, finding a GP, and a pregnancy due date calculator.

For more information visit the heat exhaustion and heatstroke or heat rash or prickly heat pages on the NHS website.

Salford men are to be invited to open up about mental health – good, bad, or could be better – as Men’s Health Week gets under way (Monday 12 June -Sunday 18 June).

Healthwatch Salford and Salford City Council have announced plans to launch a Salford Men’s Mental Health Commission to ask men across the city for their views on their state of mind, support available, and how matters could be improved.

Men from a wide range of backgrounds will be invited to take part in the commission, which will then design and run a survey asking men in Salford for their views on mental health priorities, local services, and support networks.

Similar to the Women and Girls Commission which ran for a year, the Men’s Mental Health Commission will use its research and findings to make recommendations for health, care, voluntary, and other organisations which provide and commission mental health services to consider.

Sam Cook Chief Officer, Healthwatch said:

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“Feedback from our Mind over Matter project, looking at why people don’t seek help when their mental health first starts to decline, showed that more than half of the men who took part had experienced anxiety, depression, worry about jobs or money, and were unable to sleep. Some attributed that to concerns about the cost of living.

“Many felt lonely and less interested in things they used to enjoy doing and several felt they were drinking too much alcohol or using drugs to help them cope.

“Some sought help from the NHS, some from family and friends, but many said they didn’t need to. Some thought things would get better in time, others felt they would be judged negatively or didn’t want anyone to know they were struggling. Some didn’t know where to look for support and we talked about the challenges of finding the right support, waiting times and services which take different cultural backgrounds into account.”

 

She added:

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“Over half the men felt society is becoming more accepting with regards to mental health but some disagreed. We want everyone to feel Salford is a place where mental and physical health are regarded as the same issue. After all no-one judges you if you get a cold or break your leg so why should people who are anxious or depressed be treated any differently? The Men’s Mental Health Commission is a huge step forward to making that happen.”

Executive Support Member for Culture, Communication and Strategic Priorities Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, who is chairing the commission, said the council was pleased to partner with Healthwatch Salford on this initiative.

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“Poor mental health takes a huge toll on people’s lives, friends and families, employment prospects, health and wellbeing but there is help and support out there. Too many men are suffering in silence or not seeking the help that is available in our city in the same numbers as their female counterparts; this is a chance to start a conversation with men, hear their views on what they’re going through, what help they need, and work with them to improve understanding and support,” she said.

“We will co-produce this work with men with lived experience in our city to understand what they really need and what more can be done and we will provide clear recommendations to mental health services and agencies to ensure we are continually improving the offer in our city in relation to this important topic.”

 

Healthwatch Salford will run three pop up events in July where men who are interested in joining the Commission can find out more. They are looking for at least 15 men from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and cultures to take part in this first stage of the process.  For more information visit: https://healthwatchsalford.co.uk or call them on 0161 960 0316.

The University of Salford has appointed former Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO) for England, Natasha Phillips, as an Honorary Professor.

Natasha has recently stepped down after over three years in post as CNIO. She was the first CNIO for England appointed to post at NHSx (and more recently NHS England), at the directive of the Chief Nurse Office.

In this role Natasha brought national leadership to the advancement of nursing and midwifery through digital and data, building a community of professionals throughout the country dedicated to digital transformation in their locality.

Natasha brings a wealth of experience holding operational and strategic leadership positions in the NHS, leading on large transformational programmes of change, involving the use of digital technologies and informatics.

In her role as CNIO at University College Hospitals London she was responsible for the implementation of an enterprise-wide electronic health record and the development and implementation of a nationally recognised ward accreditation and improvement programme.

Natasha is an Alumni of the International Council of Nursing Global Nurse Leaders Programme, Florence Nightingale Foundation, and a qualified organisational development practitioner. Her research interests include organisational culture and leading change in healthcare.

Passionate about developing nurses with the skills to lead in complexity; Natasha’s thesis on ward leadership highlights the need to develop the skills of reflexivity amongst nurse leaders to support their leadership practice. 

On her appointment, Natasha said:

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“I am over the moon about my appointment at University of Salford – this will be a massive opportunity to contribute to both education and research and look forward to working with Dr Cristina Vasilica and the team at the university’s School of Health and Society to contribute to the development of the clinical leaders of the future.”

Dean of the School of Health and Society, Professor Margaret Rowe, said:

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“We are delighted to welcome Natasha to this honorary appointment. She is a prominent leadership voice in influencing national policy and she will be a fantastic asset to our team as they continue their work ensuring our students graduate ready to lead and thrive in today’s digital world.”

Warnings have been issued over an outbreak of whooping cough circulating in Salford.

Salford city council has published a warning about the illness on the rampage in the Broughton area on its website.

Quote

“Whooping cough can spread very easily,” it says. “Babies and young children are most at risk.”

The symptoms are:

Initially cold-like symptoms -runny nose and sore throat

Rapid and uncontrolled coughing fits which often make a ‘whoop’ sound

Often babies don’t cough but turn blue or grey

Struggling to breathe

Bringing up thick mucus that can make a child vomit

Parents are being advised to contact their GP for advice if they think their child has whooping cough.

The post says:

Quote

 

“Please seek urgent medical attention if you or your child are finding it hard to breathe properly, or your child’s lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey.

“On black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.”

 

It says the best way to protect a child from whooping cough is through vaccination.

Quote

 

“Antenatal vaccination is the only way to protect newborns from whooping cough in the early weeks,” it says. “Pregnant women can be vaccinated antenatally from 16 weeks onwards – they should contact their midwife. Babies can be vaccinated from eight weeks.

“Please check your child has been vaccinated – it will be in your child’s red book vaccination page. If your child is not vaccinated or you are unsure, please contact your GP and book an appointment.”

 

Salford GPs offer immunisation appointments both in their routine day clinics, as well as in extended-hours clinics, including weekends.

The Centre for Medical Imaging, a new £2.87 million facility creating a world-class environment for teaching, learning, research, and clinical provision, has opened at the University of Salford.

GE HealthCare have worked with the university to provide new equipment including the Revolution Maxima CT scanner, one of the first of these scanners to be installed in the UK. This will sit alongside two new Discovery static digital X-ray systems, an Optima digital mobile X-ray system and five ultrasound scanners.

The university is also proud to be part of the North West Imaging Academy as an Ultrasound Academy and is working with clinical providers to support a clinical ultrasound imaging facility which will be able to take referrals and treat patients, helping to support the NHS. The aim is to expand to plain imaging, CT and mammography referrals in the future.

The facility includes a dementia-friendly imaging room with a ceiling light, designed to look like a skylight, and natural woodland scenes printed onto the walls. The space is designed to help those who enter it feel calm and relaxed during scans and has been designed to support research projects in this field.

The mammography suite, including the SenoPristina FFDM system with biopsy was the result of a generous alumni grant from Garfield Weston.  This equipment will be used to enhance teaching and learning, enterprise activities and to support the further development of research.

Dr Claire Mercer, Head of Radiography at the university, said:

Quote

 

“The new Centre for Medical Imaging reflects the growing ambition and impact of our Radiography team and the wider institution. These facilities will be used extensively to support the development of our current and future workforce. They will provide our students with the most advanced simulated experiences to learn in, so they can provide high-quality clinical services in the future. They will also support us in running courses for those already working in the NHS to support their ongoing professional development.

“Parts of the facility will also be used to help us provide clinical services in partnership with NHS Trusts across the Greater Manchester region, meaning we can help support the NHS and provide our students with real world experience right here on campus.”

 

Since 01 April 2022, over 700 GM people have been referred to receive Post-COVID mental health support.

People with experience of Post-COVID Syndrome are sharing how they have benefitted from the Post-COVID Syndrome Service (PCSS) at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), one year on since its launch.

The service, which launched on 01 April 2022, helps those who are suffering from lasting effects and impact of COVID-19 infection to improve their physical and psychological wellbeing, and daily functioning.

It does so by helping people find ways of managing persisting symptoms, and discover what changes can be made to make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.

The team is made up of a range of different health professionals, including Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Psychological Therapists; alongside a Clinical Health Psychologist, a Neuropsychologist, and a Pharmacist.

They work closely with GPs and other local health services to provide care in a holistic and collaborative way.

So far, over 700, people across Greater Manchester have been referred to receive Post-COVID mental health support; with 315 people still currently receiving care.

The majority of service users are female (70%), with the average age being 47, ranging from 16 to 87. Whilst the majority of service users are white (84%), 8% are from an Asian background, 3% are black and 4% have a mixed or other heritage.

Of those who have completed a course of talking therapy, over half showed reductions in scores on standard measures of anxiety and depression, indicating they had recovered from the clinical levels of anxiety and/or depression they were experiencing.

Danny’s experience of Post-COVID Syndrome began following a period of hospitalisation due to COVID-19 infection.

He said:

Quote

 

“Returning home from hospital was an amazing feeling, but it was just the beginning of my journey. I have had numerous physical health problems - such as loss of mobility; debilitating fatigue; and muscle, joint and bone pain.

“I have also experienced many mental health challenges. First was the realisation that I had nearly died, and how that would have affected my family. I also battled with thoughts of ‘Why me? Why did I survive when many others who were in the same situation did not?’

“During my time in hospital, I was placed into an induced coma which was also very traumatic, as I experienced visions and delirium. Back at home, I experienced flashbacks, and I tried to block them out of my mind, which just made my anxiety and overall mental health and wellbeing worse.”

 

Danny self-referred to GMMH’s Post-COVID Syndrome Service after being given information by one of the clinicians who had helped him at ICU. He said:

Quote

 

“My therapist was brilliant from day one to completion of our sessions, and I can honestly say that I looked forward to them each week. She was very understanding of my 'Post-COVID’ mental health issues, a great listener and even better at helping me to unravel my psychological trauma.

“I can now function a lot better from a mental health perspective. I have been shown really useful coping strategies that help me deal with my negative thoughts. However, only time will tell – and I do have the option of a referral again if needed, which is very reassuring.”

 

Cheryl caught COVID in November 2020, and was acutely unwell for around three weeks. Following this, she continued to experience symptoms of Post-COVID Syndrome, which included chronic fatigue, brain fog, headaches, muscle pain, breathlessness, and inability to get warm.

She said:

Quote

 

“Long COVID is an isolating, lonely and terrifying illness. The physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms mean you can no longer trust your body or your mind. You are unable to engage in usual activities, so you become disconnected from friends, family, the outside world. This inevitably has a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing.

“The Post-COVID Syndrome service was so easy to access, and being able to self-refer makes it particularly accessible. My initial assessment happened quickly, and this was on the phone, which again this makes the service more accessible. The assessment itself felt holistic and compassionate. I felt understood and acknowledged, my experience validated. This followed through to my actual therapy sessions which I chose to access via video link. Being able to access therapy from the comfort of my own home was a huge relief.

“The support I received was invaluable. My sessions helped me develop a personal understanding of why I may have been vulnerable to developing long COVID. I used the sessions to find new ways of more effectively caring for myself, asserting myself, putting boundaries in place, and lowering my expectations of myself.

“I had space to share the array of feelings living with a long-term health condition evokes – anger, frustration, sadness, grief, guilt. I also had an opportunity to reflect on what lessons I could learn from having suffered with this debilitating condition.

“This process was made easier for me because of the fantastic therapist I had. She worked in an incredibly person-centred way – truly listening to me and my experience, not trying to fit me into a box and telling me what I should or should not be doing. She was kind, compassionate, thoughtful and knowledgeable. I felt expertly guided through a necessary part of my recovery journey.”

 

Dr Dale Huey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Strategic Lead for Primary Care Psychological Therapies at GMMH said:

Quote

 

“Around 12% of those who have been infected by COVID in the UK report ongoing symptoms from 12 weeks of infection[1]. Anyone can be affected, regardless of their age, gender or health status prior to infection.

“Living with Post-COVID Syndrome can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, and affect how fully people are able to live their life. It is so important that those who are struggling are able to access timely support which is right for them and their circumstances.

“We are so pleased to have already supported so many people in their recovery journey, but we know that many more could still benefit from the help available. If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing symptoms following COVID infection - which could include sleep problems, mood changes, difficulty thinking and concentrating, and tiredness or fatigue, alongside problems with breathing, headaches, and joint or muscle pain – please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”

 

The service is open to adults registered with a GP in the areas of Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Bolton or Wigan, alongside all GMMH staff. It accepts self-referrals or referrals from professionals such as GPs.

People living in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop can also access a post-covid service run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

[1]www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/datasets/technicalarticleupdatedestimatesoftheprevalenceofpostacutesymptomsamongpeoplewithcoronaviruscovid19intheuk

The Recovery Academy, part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), is celebrating its 10th birthday with the launch of the brand-new spring/summer term, including a range of new and exciting face to face courses and digital resources.

The Recovery Academy first launched in 2013, and since first opening its doors, has offered a wide range of learning opportunities for anyone looking to manage their own mental wellbeing or support someone else.

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

The new term, launching on the 3rd April and running until September 2023, will feature an exciting new range of digital resources.

These will include self-help resources, podcast series and audio clips focusing on autism, the menopause, cost of living support, and relaxation.

There will also be a new e-Learning package and e-Magazine to explore on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which is a brand-new subject area for the Recovery Academy.

New face-to-face courses for 2023 cover a range of subjects including: your rights as a tenant, coaching skills to support recovery, and a national programme increasing your confidence in having conversations around mental health.

The Recovery Academy’s tried and tested face-to-face courses will also still be on offer from May until September 2023, including courses focusing on trauma, compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness, and creativity.

Free face to face courses will be available at various locations across Manchester, Bolton, Salford, Trafford and Wigan.

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, volunteers, and students on placement.

·       Any healthcare professionals.

A student who recently attended the Understanding and Managing Bipolar course said:

Quote

“I really enjoy coming to the Recovery Academy courses. I feel I always learn a lot and enjoy viewing topics from different perspectives”.

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

Quote

 

“Happy 10th birthday to our Recovery Academy! Over the past 10 years I have been humbled by the amount of support from all our staff, service users and partner organisations. The range of people involved has always made the Recovery Academy feel like our shared resource. It belongs equally to everyone with a strong focus on developing understanding, knowledge and skills to support their own mental health, or on empowering others to do so. In this way, we continue to tackle stigma and promote positive cultures within families, communities and organisations, that understand mental health better and support people with compassion.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together over the past 10 years and look forward to seeing what we can achieve over the coming years. This new term is an excellent start with what is the largest growth in our offer in any one term since we started. The range of digital products is impressive, and I look forward to both seeing people enjoy them and hearing the feedback from our highly valued tutors and students. Enjoy everyone and thank you to each and every one of you, we really couldn’t have done it without you!”

 

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

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

Photo ©: Claire Watson

Health warning issued over danger of fake 'THC' or 'cannabis oil' vapes which may produce a highly toxic gas due to the presence of vitamin E acetate.

Vape liquid is sold in small plastic bottles. The vitamin E acetate is an oily chemical which can be added to the liquid to thicken or dilute it to make it go further.

Laboratory testing has shown some of the products collected in Greater Manchester have contained high levels of vitamin E acetate.

When inhaled the vitamin E acetate can produce a toxic gas and cause lung injuries. Between 2019 and 2020 there were nearly 3,000 hospital admissions and 68 deaths associated with vitamin E acetate in THC vape pens in the USA.

There is no way of knowing if your THC vape liquid contains vitamin E acetate, so advice is to not use illegally sold THC vape liquid or pens.

Sarah Price, chief officer for population health and inequalities for NHS Greater Manchester, said:

Quote

 

“It’s important that the public, particularly young people, understand the dangers using these illegal vaping products can have on their health. I would also encourage parents and carers of young people to discuss the risks of vaping with them.

“We know that many people use vapes as an aid to help them stop smoking cigarettes however, THC vapes are illegal and so their contents go unregulated. Therefore, it is impossible to know if what you are inhaling is safe, so the safest thing you can do it not to take them. You can find information on using vapes to help you stop smoking on the Make Smoking History website.

“If you have used a THC vape pen or THC vape liquid, monitor yourself for symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health using 111 Online or dialling 999 in an emergency.”

 

A falls prevention initiative at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), led to a 23% reduction in falls on high risk wards, and 19% overall reduction in falls on mental health inpatient units across Bolton, Salford, Trafford and Manchester.

The results of the initiative were announced at the Advancing Quality Alliance (AQUA) North West Regional Mental Health Improvement Event on 15th March 2023.

In December 2020, GMMH embarked on an initiative to reduce falls at the Trust, in response to mounting evidence of the scale and impact of falls in the NHS.

A report released by the ONS in May 2019 showed that the number of older people in the UK dying as a result of a fall has risen by 70% – from 3003 in 2010 to over 5000 in 2017.

In 2020, almost 1000 people across the North West died as a result of a fall at home, with 730 being over the age of 75.[1]

Even in the case of falls that do not result in death or serious harm, the impact for the individual can be profound and long-lasting, causing distress, pain, injury, loss of confidence, and loss of independence.[2]

Falls are a significant challenge for the NHS, with 240,000 falls reported in NHS hospitals in England and Wales every year - over 600 a day[3] – which are estimated to cost the NHS more than £2.3 billion per year.[4]

GMMH’s falls initiative initially focused on ten ‘innovation wards’ - the inpatient wards with highest falls risk, including all those for later-life patients, and for alcohol and drug detoxification - which made up 51% of all falls reported at GMMH.

The aim of the initiative was to reduce falls on these wards – and associated harm to service users – by 15%; with the longer-term aim of rolling out learning and improvements across all mental health inpatient units at the Trust.

An ‘expert faculty’ was selected to provide leadership and oversight of the project; and, throughout, input was provided by Experts by Lived Experience to understand their first-hand experiences of falling whilst in hospital, the impact this has had, and where they feel improvements could be made.

Together with ward staff and stakeholders, five key drivers for improvement were identified: Prevention; Leadership and Organisation; Education; Communication; and Environment.

Then, change ideas were captured by each ward, tested and assessed using the ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle’. From this, five key improvements were identified, which were then incorporated into a ‘change package’ which could be rolled out across the Trust:

Highlighting patients at risk of falls

The use of non-slip socks in falls prevention

Weekly exercise programme

Ramblegard falls prevention technology (through motion detection)

Frailty assessments

The results of the initiative were very positive, showing a 23% reduction in falls on the innovation wards by December 2021.

Associated harm was also reduced, with the majority of incidents being categorised as insignificant or minor, compared to previous years.

Learnings and actions from the initiative were also cascaded to inpatient teams in Bolton, Salford, Trafford and Manchester, leading to a 19% overall reduction in falls in these areas too.

These results were announced at the AQUA North West Regional Mental Health Improvement Event on 15th March 2023. On the day, past GMMH service user and Expert by Experience, Celine, spoke about her experience.

She said:

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“Before my fall, I enjoyed an active lifestyle. I was a proud member of the Irish Hurling team, I went to the gym every day, I enjoyed an active social life with my friends and family, and I worked full time as a Receptionist.

“At age 37, I became unwell with my mental health and I was admitted into hospital. Whilst in hospital I had a fall in the shower and I was badly injured.

“My life is very different now. I am paralysed on the left side of my body and have osteomyelitis. I am a wheelchair user, and I no longer go to the gym. I have lost my independence and rely on care support.

“It was important to me to tell my story in order to prevent this happening again to anyone else. Even small changes can make a big difference. In my case, I fell in the shower, and something as simple as an anti-slip mat and grab bar could have prevented it.

“I am now a member of the GMMH Falls Expert Faculty Collaborative. As a Lived Experience member, my role is to raise awareness of the impact falls can have, share my own reflections and suggestions for improvement, and ensure that staff take falls seriously and do everything in their power to prevent them.”

 

Samantha Stansfield, Lead Professional for Physical Healthcare at GMMH said:

Quote

 

“Our falls prevention initiative has been one of the most challenging yet important pieces of work for the organisation, and I am proud that so many different teams across our Trust have taken it to heart.

“The enthusiasm across each of our innovation wards to identify change ideas and start to test those ideas using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, with an aim to improve patient safety and experience, has been amazing. When I visit our services, I am constantly impressed with the creative ways in which staff are overcoming challenges to reducing falls and subsequent harm.

“We are absolutely delighted with the significant improvements we’ve seen so far, but we’re still just at the start of our journey. A Trust-wide Change Package has now been introduced, to ensure the sustained roll out of key changes across GMMH’s inpatient units, which we believe are likely to result in improvements that will really impact on patient safety and experience across our footprint.”

 

[1] https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/2022/11/23/dont-be-a-statistic-help-prevent-your-risk-of-a-fall/

[1] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/Introduction

[1] http://www.mtpinnacle.com/pdfs/slips-trips-fall-2007.pdf

[1] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/Introduction

[1] https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/2022/11/23/dont-be-a-statistic-help-prevent-your-risk-of-a-fall/

[2] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/Introduction

[3] http://www.mtpinnacle.com/pdfs/slips-trips-fall-2007.pdf

[4] https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg161/chapter/Introduction

Main Photo ©: Image 1 pictures from left to right: Alison Schofield (Quality Improvement Lead, GMMH), Celine (Expert by Experience, GMMH), Eleanor Ford (Physiotherapist, GMMH) - presenting the results of the initiative at the AQUA North West Regional Mental Health Improvement Event on 15th March 2023.

Photo ©: Image 2 pictures Celine (Expert by Experience, GMMH).

Some of Greater Manchester’s world-leading brain scientists will showcase their work in a day of activities and talks at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 18 March.

The brain controls everything we do or think but one in six of us will be affected by a neurological condition in our lifetime. Brain tumours, stroke and dementia are three of the most devastating conditions and we currently have few effective treatments for the 16.5 million people in England – and millions more worldwide – who have a neurological condition.

The Brain Health Day, hosted by the pioneering Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, will be a chance for anyone to hear about Manchester’s role in ground-breaking research, discover more about how the brain works, and ask questions of leading scientists.

Co-Director of the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre and Professor of Neuroscience at The University of Manchester, Professor Stuart Allan, said:

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“I am really excited about the Brain Health Day. Conditions that affect the brain have a major impact on society. We need to all work together to find out what most affects the quality of life of those with neurological disease. In doing so we can then find the new treatments and care pathways urgently required. The Brain Health Day provides a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of these important issues and engage with the wider public across Greater Manchester.”

Renowned poet Lemn Sissay OBE will be performing his poem ‘Find Me’, describing the emotional impact of a stroke on its survivors. In addition, two former patients who have taken part in research and now help to make sure that it is relevant and meaningful for those affected will lead a question-and-answer session.

Visitors will be able to see what the brain looks like under a microscope, how magnets are being used to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and hear about how brain tumours start and spread. Researcher of neuroimaging at The University of Manchester and speaker on the day, Dr Hamied Haroon, said: "Public engagement in science is what fuels academic research. Without public interest, we wouldn't receive critical funding and the rate of scientific progress in many fields would be much slower. I am really excited to publicly share my research in brain imaging, using cutting edge physics to identify early indicators of Alzheimer's and other devastating conditions." 

Full details are available at  https://stroke-impact.org/brain-health-day/ where you can also register for the talks taking place on the day. The event is recommended for people over the age of 14 with an interest in learning about what happens in the brain.

Salford based charity Dancing with Dementia hosted a VIP launch at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre this week, to launch their immersive train experience reminiscence pod, which was opened by local actress Catherine Tyldesley.

Dancing with Dementia supports people living with Dementia through a range of music and dance based activities across the Salford region, helping people to create positive memories and experiences together. The charity caught the attention of renowned actress Catherine Tyldesley, known for her roles in Coronation Street and comedy drama Scarborough, whilst she was competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.

Photo ©: Catherine Tyldesley, with Lesley Fisher or Dancing with Dementia, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Ann-Marie Humphreys and Mayoress Emma Humphreys.

Catherine, says:

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"Whilst rehearsing for Strictly I began to learn how beneficial dancing could be for people with dementia. Dancing with Dementia are devoting their time to supporting people, their families, and carers through what can be a very difficult time. They have created a community of support and have helped to create incredible experiences for families and carers through music and dance-based activities, and by providing social trips and practical and emotional support, help and advice. It has been a pleasure to open the experience today and to see what a fantastic facility it will be."

Catherine kindly chose to support Dancing with Dementia when appearing on Who Wants to be a Millionaire with the winning proceeds being used to purchase the pod. The reminiscence pod is based at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre, the home of Aspire Care and Support – a local organisation that supports people living dementia, learning disabilities or complex health needs, and will be available to use for free by members of the public. Set in a relaxed environment, the RemPod will allow users to experience a simulated train journey, designed to evoke fond memories of journeys past. Visitors can purchase hot drinks, lunch or even Afternoon Tea from the Forget Me Not Café located in the same building, and can spend time perusing a selection of train related books, magazines and articles too.

Jeanette Cutt, Treasurer, Dancing with Dementia, said:

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"It is with great thanks to Catherine that we have been able to purchase this RemPod, and with thanks to Aspire for giving us the space to facilitate it. It was a natural choice to ask Catherine to open the experience and to come along and meet some of the people we support. We were delighted to have her join us, and to host such a wonderful event' said Lesley Fisher, Chairperson, Dancing with Dementia.

"We hope the RemPod will help people to create even more positive memories together, remembering the joy of past holidays or simply spending time together sharing a love of trains. To have a free facility like this in the area will be wonderful and we know after today it will be well used."

 

Visitors can drop in and use the facilities on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm, or by appointment on other weekdays. Guests wishing to book Afternoon Tea must do so at least 24 hours in advance by calling 0161 607 7101. To find out more, or to make a booking, email aspire@iamaspire.org.uk

Hospitals across the country have cancelled tens of thousands of outpatient appointments and operations due to strike action being undertaken by junior doctors’ which is causing disruptions within the NHS.

Up to 61,000 junior or trainee doctors are staging a 72 hour action from 7am this morning (Monday 13th March) as they pursue a 26% rise in salary.

Health secretary, Steve Barclay, asked the British Medical Association (BMA) to call off the strikes but they have gone ahead as planned after he refused to commit to start pay negotiations in return.

The 72-hour action will be the longest strike period so far with thousands of appointments and operations impacted by cancellations.

Emergency and Critical Care is being prioritised during the unprecedented industrial action which has seen almost half of the workforce walk out.

The majority of the public seem to back the actions of the workers, as visitors heading in and out of the hospital showed their support to the background sound of motorists beeping their horns in solidarity.

Anyone attending an appointment at Salford Royal Hospital in the coming days should still attend unless they have been told otherwise not too, patients are being contacted.

The Government has been urged to get back behind the negotiating table and work on a fair solution to the crisis.

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If you do not have internet access then 111 helpline is available.

When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Photos ©: Michael Kelly

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to make safety improvements in the wards for older people with mental health problems at Woodlands Hospital in Little Hulton, following an inspection in November.

CQC carried out this unannounced focused inspection in November of last year, due to concerns received about the safety of the wards and the care and treatment being provided in the wards for older people with mental health problems at Woodlands Hospital.

The hospital operates as an older adult inpatient facility with referrals accepted from Bolton and Salford Older Adult Community Mental Health Teams or alternatively via Greater Manchester Mental Health Liaison Team which operates from within A&E departments at both Royal Bolton and Salford Royal Hospitals.

Following this inspection, the safe rating for these wards has dropped from good to inadequate, and CQC has issued the trust with a warning notice to focus their attention on making significant and immediate improvements in this area.

The overall rating for the wards has now declined from good to requires improvement.

Karen Knapton, CQC deputy director of operations in the north, said:

Quote

 

“When we inspected the wards for older people with mental health problems, we found staff hadn’t completed all the mandatory training required for their role. This included life support, moving and handling, prevention of violence and aggression, as well as safeguarding. The provider must ensure all staff are trained in these areas as it was affecting their ability to keep people safe.

“Inspectors found risk assessments, care plans and handover records weren’t completed appropriately for staff to have all the information required to safely look after people in their care. This was particularly concerning given the staffing pressures on the service and high use of temporary staff.

“Additionally, people were being cared for in ward environments which weren’t safe. There were issues with broken furniture and fittings, ligature risks not mitigated and alarm systems which didn’t always work which could put people at risk of harm. Leaders must address these issues as a matter of priority.

“Due to our findings, we have served the trust a warning notice so that they are clear about what changes must be made to improve patient care and safety at pace. We will continue to monitor the service and return to check on the progress.”

 

Inspectors found:

The service did not have enough nursing and medical staff. Staff turnover and sickness rates were high. We had significant concerns about lack of qualified nurse cover, with frequent occasions where one nurse was allocated to more than one ward and registered nurse associates allocated as the nurse in charge

Clinic room checks were not always undertaken regularly, including resuscitation equipment checks and cleaning and servicing of equipment

There were concerns about medicines management, including safe storage and checks of controlled drugs, as well as medicines fridges left unlocked including one which contained food and drink

People’s notes were not comprehensive and not all staff could access them easily. The electronic records system and incident reporting system were not accessible for many bank and agency staff. This meant they were unable to access care plans, risk assessments and progress notes, or to enter their own records.