Medicines that should no longer be prescribed for sort term minor ailments are:
- Pain killers for minor aches and pains
- Tonics, health supplements and vitamins
- Earwax removers
- Lozenges, throat sprays, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes
- Indigestion remedies for occasional use
- Creams for bruising, tattoos and scars
- Hair removal creams
- Moisturisers and bath additives for dry skin
- Sun cream (unless diagnosed photosensitivity as a result of genetic disorders)
- Food and food supplements (except on the advice of a dietician)
This came into effect from Monday 18th January 2016 ;and has so far gained support from the public as well as local media.
Healthwatch Warrington is currently running a headline project which focuses on patient journeys and experiences of local mental health services.
This project explores what local services feel like for those with mental health issues and needs, even if the presenting issues are physical ones. Talking to patients, service users and carers is at the core of the project's methodology.
As part of this ongoing project, we are currently running one-to-one sessions which gives patients, service users and carers an opportunity to take part and share their experiences with us.
Our consultations will review the experience of patients requiring support with all aspects of well-being, mental health and mental illness, including the journey to recovery. We also wish to talk to people who may not have had such a positive experience or outcome.
If you would like to participate, please get in touch, or if you know somebody who may wish to participate, please forward this information to them. To discuss taking part and confirm availability for the New Year, please contact our office on 01925 246 893, or email us at: contact@healthwatchwarrington.co.uk.
In other news, Healthwatch Warrington has recently published its first quarterly intelligence report. The report is based on public feedback and highlights any health and social care trends that are apparent in the data.
An essential aspect of Healthwatch Warrington’s role is to gather information and provide-evidence based feedback that will encourage positive change.
Since the launch of the online Feedback Centre in April, Healthwatch Warrington has significantly boosted its intelligence capabilities. It has done this by investing in its digital informatics system, which has recently benefited from significant upgrades from its developer, LMH Media.
Healthwatch Warrington have combined this with an increased amount of proactive engagement work, as part of a holisitic strategy to find out local people’s views on health and social care services.
This not only means that the amount of public feedback that Healthwatch Warrington receives has significantly increased, but it also helps ensures that Healthwatch Warrington gains a much more balanced overview of how services are perceived by local people.
The intelligence reports will be distributed to local commissioners and to local services, as well being presented at key strategic meetings.
Healthwatch Warrington’s intelligence reports will also be made available to download on a dedicated webpage.
With further upgrades to the informatics system planned for the New Year, Healthwatch Warrington’s intelligence capabilities will only grow stronger in the near future.
Further to the above, Healthwatch Warrington would appreciate any constructive feedback with regard to its intelligence reports, including the kind of information that would be particularly helpful to include, on an ongoing basis.
You can provide feedback by calling their office on 01925 246 893, or by emailing: contact@healthwatchwarrington.co.uk.
You can also search for and leave reviews of local health and social care services by visiting Healthwatch Warrington’s online Feedback Centre. The data you provide will be incorporated into future intelligence report – your make sure you have your say today!
Healthwatch England: Ten Top Tips for Getting the Most out of Your GP Appointment
Healthwatch England have put together a handy list of top tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.
These suggestions are based on conversations with the public and feedback from a number of local Healthwatch, Which? and NHS Choices:
- Is your issue urgent? Do you need to see a specific GP?
Is it important you are seen quickly or would you rather wait for an appointment with a particular GP? If you have a long-term illness would you benefit from seeing a GP who knows your history personally?
- Take notes to help you
Before you see your GP, be clear in your own mind what you want to say. Make a note of your symptoms, worries and any questions that you would like to ask.
- Many problems? See if you can book a double appointment
If you have a number of issues that you would like to discuss with your GP, see whether it is possible to book a double appointment to give you more time to talk them through.
- Take a list of your medicines – prescribed or otherwise
Bring a list of any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter and/or alternative medicines, or anything prescribed after a hospital visit. This includes tablets, liquids or creams. Your GP needs to know about everything you are taking.
- Discuss important things first and stick to the point
Make sure you tell the doctor about the important things first and try to get to the point. Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.
- Not clear on treatment plan? Ask again
Make sure you fully understand the next steps before you leave the room. If you don’t, then don’t be afraid of asking your GP to go through the plan again.
- Ask who to contact if you have any more questions
You may think of questions that you would like to ask after your appointment. Find out who you can contact to ask questions, as well as any support groups that can provide reliable information.
- If you need support, take a relative, Carer or friend
If you feel your situation needs it, take a relative or friend for support. They can help you understand or explain.
- Unhappy? Ask to see another GP
If you’re not happy, you can ask to see another GP in the practice. You can also change GP practices, but you should as a first step always discuss your concerns with a practice staff member first.
- Could the practice nurse deal with your problem?
In many cases, a practice nurse could deal with your concern, so consider this as an alternative to making an appointment with a GP. The surgery may also run special clinics such as asthma and diabetes, so make sure you find out.
For more information, please visit the Healthwatch England website.
You can also find out more about the questions you can ask your doctor to get the most out of your consultation by visiting the NHS UK website.
Macmillan Cancer Support: Cancer Information Videos in British Sign Language
Macmillan Cancer Support has produced a range of British Sign Language (BSL) videos for deaf people affected by cancer.
The Cancer Information Development team has recently put these videos about cancer onto a DVD, to improve access to cancer information for deaf people.
The videos provide information about chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and getting financial support. There are also videos of people sharing their personal experiences of cancer. The videos can be viewed online at www.macmillan.org.uk/BSL.
Macmillan is also looking to receive feedback about the videos. This is because Macmillan want to improve them, and need comments from deaf users in order to do this.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please email us at: cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk.
For more information, please visit the official Macmillan website