healthy times issue 2

Leicestershire County and Rutland

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland membership

Healthy TimesAutumn 09 Issue 2 Members newsletter

Leading Leicestershire and Rutland to become the healthiest place in the UK

Inside this issue:

Join us at the...member volunteers’ workshop

September is olderpersons’ month

Corporate membershipcompetition

Innovation in Commissioning Excellence Awards –Nominate now

My NHS – I want toknow… about samesex accommodation

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Welcome

2 Healthy Times: Autumn 09 Issue 2

Leading Leicestershire and Rutland to become the healthiest place in the UK.

Contents

Welcome to the autumn issue

Membership events

Key health messagesfor members

Member volunteers

News in brief

Be heard – we askedyou about…

September– older persons’ month

Be healthy – take extracare in the cold climate

Our members’ page

My NHS – I want toknow… “What is NHSLeicestershire County andRutland doing aboutsame sexaccommodation?”

LINks Leicestershireand Rutland andPatient Advice andLiaison Service

Corporate membership

Access for all

ICE – Innovation inCommissioningExcellence Awards

Our contact details

I would like to take this opportunity toinvite you, your friends and family to thejoint NHS Leicestershire County andRutland and University Hospitals ofLeicester NHS Trust annual generalmeeting (AGM) and wellbeing market.This event takes place on Tuesday 15September at Loughborough Town Hall.The wellbeing market begins at 3pm andconsists of a wide variety of stalls. Therewill be the opportunity to have a healthMOT, including a blood pressure check,retinal screening (this is where the back ofyour eye is checked for any underlyingconditions such as diabetes), cholesterolscreening and blood sugar testing.

We will also have a children’s play area,where you and your children can meetplay specialists from University Hospitals ofLeicester NHS Trust.

Find out, at another of our stalls, how theeffects of sun exposure can damage yourskin. Visit our older person’s area and seehow our new falls strategy is helpingpeople who fall frequently.

Refreshments will be served at 5pm, whenthere will be the opportunity to chat withthe chairman of NHS LeicestershireCounty and Rutland, Mr John Gant, andthe chairman of University Hospitals ofLeicester NHS Trust, Mr Martin Hindle, aswell as directors from both organisations.

The formal part of the AGM will begin at6pm when both organisations will lookback over the past year and forward tonext year. A short presentation will followand then there will be the opportunity toput questions directly to the local leadersof the NHS.

If you cannot attend this event in personyou can still take part. The AGM will belive on the internet at www.lcr.nhs.ukand www.uhl-tr.nhs.uk. If you wish toview the AGM but do not have internetaccess at home, contact your local libraryto book a computer for this time. Therewill also be the opportunity to email yourquestions to the panel during thequestion and answer session.

If you would like transport to the eventplease contact Jo Lilley, engagement andinvolvement officer on 0116 295 7626.

September is older persons’ month. Pleaseturn to page eight to find out how to staysafe, active and independent. On pageten, find out how to contribute to yourfive daily portions of fruit and veg bymaking a smoothie.

You may also want to let us know aboutsomeone you think has really made adifference at NHS Leicestershire County andRutland. Turn to page 15 to see how youcan nominate them for our staff awards.

I hope you enjoy this issue of HealthyTimes and look forward to meeting manyof you on Tuesday 15 September.

Thank you for choosing to become amember of NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland.

Andrea Clark (left)Head of engagementand involvement

Sabina EsatMembership officer

to the second issue of the ‘be healthy, be heard’ membership newsletter

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Produced by the communications and engagement [email protected] 295 5866


You came to meet us at Humberstone Gate in Leicester

Our membership team pitched up at the recent ‘OneHealthy Leicester’ event which featured an array ofdifferent health stands in Leicester city centre.

Held on Sunday 26 July, the event included a jointmembership stand, which meant non-members had theopportunity to sign up to membership schemes with NHSLeicester City, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust andyour very own NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland.

Attendees who signed up on the day received agoody bag and a free entry into a prize draw.Prizes included tickets to Twycross Zoo;discount meals vouchers, gym passes and asports backpack.

Welcome to all our new members and welook forward to seeing you at more of ourevents in the future.

(Right) Two new members with their prizes

Healthy Times: Autumn 09 Issue 2 3

MembershipEvents

Here are some forthcomingevents in Leicestershire andRutland where you can meet us.Come along to our stand whereyou can find out more about themembership scheme and get involved in our projects.

Open to the public: Tuesday 15 September Loughborough Town Hall, Annual general meeting (AGM) 3.00pm – 9.00pm Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EBand health and wellbeing marketJoint event by NHS LeicestershireCounty and Rutland and UniversityHospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

Open to the public: Saturday 26 September Brockington College,Enderby community fayre 10.00am – 12.00pm Blaby Road, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 4AQ

For university students: Sunday 27 September Barrow Assembly Hall, Edward Herbert Loughborough university 10.00am – 4.00pm Building, Loughborough university,community bazaar Leicestershire, LE11 3TU

Open to the public: Wednesday 30 September Devonshire Place,Leicestershire Partnership NHS 11.00am – 5.30pm 78 London Road, Leicester, LE2 0RATrust wellbeing fete and annual general meeting (AGM)

OctoberOpen to the public: Tuesday 20 October Market Harborough Leisure Centre,Health and feel good day 11.00am – 3.00pm Northampton Road, Market Harborough,

Leicestershire, LE16 9HF

Open to the public: Sunday 25 October Hermitage Leisure Centre,Time to change Family fun day 11.00am – 3.00pm Silver Street, Whitwick, Coalville, LE67 5EU

Member volunteers workshop Wednesday 14 October Brite Centre,Call 0300 555 5345 to reserve 12.00pm - 4.30pm Braunstone Avenue,Braunstone, LE3 1LEyour place.

Events Calendar Date and time Location and venue September

October

‘One Healthy Leicester’ event


DementiaDementia is one of the biggest health issues facingthe UK. In Leicestershire county and Rutland, there arecurrently around 8,000 people with dementia, but by2025 that figure is expected to climb to nearly13,700. Across England, there are 590,000 dementiasufferers and over the next 30 years the number isexpected to double as our population ages.

While there is no cure for dementia, there are thingswe can all do to reduce the risk of developing thecondition. These include:� not drinking alcohol to excess – too much

alcohol over the long term can increase the risk ofalcohol-related dementia,

� not smoking – this will help maintain a healthylifestyle,

� maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle – thiswill help avoid heart disease and vascular dementia(a type of dementia),

� keeping the mind active – regularly reading,writing, playing a musical instrument, learning anew language, or doing a crossword can all help.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’sdisease, which accounts for around half of all peoplewith dementia. It is a form of dementia which

describes the loss of mental abilities, such as memoryand reasoning.

Early warning signs of dementia include poor short-term memory, losing things or putting things down inunusual places, difficulty in finding the right words,mood changes or frustration. If you suspect that youor someone you know has dementia, the first step isto seek advice from a GP.

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland has co-produced a free booklet on dementia. Download yourcopy from www.lcr.nhs.uk , click on ‘news/events’,then ‘publications’, then ‘2009’. Scroll down the pageto find the ‘Your Health, Your Way’ series of guides. If you do not have access to a computer then your GPpractice will be able to print the guide for you thenext time you have an appointment.

Health messages for members

Mental health


Two events supporting World Mental Health Day

Time to change – shake, rattleand roll family health event

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK hasa mental health problem at some point in their life which can affect their daily life,relationships or physical health. Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless ofage, race, gender or social background. Without care and treatment, mental healthproblems can have a serious effect on the individual and those around him or her.

Thursday 10 October 2009 is World Mental Health Day

Swine fluSwine flu is currently an issue so it’s important that everyone‘does their bit’ and takes responsibility for protecting andpreparing themselves and their families.

Always use a tissue to catchyour sneezes, throw awayused tissues into a bin,preferably one with a lid, andregularly wash your hands.

� learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu,� establishing ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives who can

help if you fall ill,� keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house,� having a thermometer available so you can check your

temperature if needed.

If you think you have swine flu, you can check yoursymptoms at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicfluor call 0800 1513513

You will then be told how to get Tamiflu if you need it.

Hinckley Leisure CentreSunday 4 October10.00am – 4.00pm

Hermitage LeisureCentre, WhitwickSunday 25 October10.00am – 4.00pm


Calling all member volunteers


You wanted to get involved…

You wanted to have your voice heard…

Now, here is your chanceWe are holding a workshop for members who wouldlike to help us to promote key health messages in thecommunity. We want individuals who are willing tobecome ‘member volunteers’ and lead byencouraging their neighbours, friends and relatives totake part in various activities to help stay healthy andkeep fit. Not only that, the member volunteers willplay a key role in helping us to improve NHS services.

This workshop will be very interactive. We will beasking you to plan and create your own strategies tooutline what you think will make our membervolunteers become pioneers in health promotion.

The member volunteers’workshop is taking place on:

Monday 26 October 2009at

The Brite Centre, Braunstone Avenue,Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1LE

from12.00noon – 4.30pm

I would like to register a placefor the member volunteers’workshopMembership Number:

Member:

Title:

First Name:

Surname:

To register your place, please complete and return theslip on the right to the usual address:

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland MembershipFreepost Admail ADM4149LoughboroughLE11 1YW

There are free onsite and street parking facilities andlunch will be provided on arrival.

We look forward to venturing into this exciting projectwith you all.

✁


Women reminded that breast is bestWomen are being encouraged to learn about thebenefits of breastfeeding following the annual WorldBreastfeeding Week (August 1-7).

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is urging localmums to learn more about just how beneficial breastmilk is. Breast milk is the best form of sustenance for ababy as it is nutritionally balanced, with the perfectamount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins andiron to help a baby grow. It also contains antibodies thathelp to protect babies from infection, and it changes tosuit the differing needs of a baby as it develops.


News in brief

www.nhslcrmembership.org

Find out more about our news stories at: www.lcr.nhs.uk and follow the link to ‘news/events’

The NHS ConstitutionThe NHS Constitution is a sort of ‘Bill of Rights’ whichsets out the principles and values that guide how theNHS should act and make decisions. It also explains therights and responsibilities of staff, patients and thepublic, and the NHS’ pledges to them.

The NHS belongs to us all. The NHS Constitution bringstogether in one place, for the first time in the history ofthe NHS, what staff, patients and the public can expectfrom the NHS.

As well as capturing the purpose, principles and values ofthe NHS, the constitution brings together a number ofrights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patientsalike. These rights and responsibilities are the result ofextensive discussions and consultations with staff, patientsand the public and it reflects what matters to them.

In response to feedback from them, the final constitutionhas been strengthened. It will help to improve patients’experience of the NHS and it now includes three newrights for patients:� to make choices about their NHS care and to have

information to support those choices,� to receive vaccinations that the national advisory

body recommends,� to expect local decisions on funding of drugs and

treatments to be made rationally.

Subject to parliamentary approval, all NHS bodies, andprivate and third-sector providers supplying NHS servicesin England will be required by law to take account of theconstitution in their decisions and actions.

Find out more about the NHS Constitution on theDepartment of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk

The trust’s chief executive joined stafffrom across Leicester, Leicestershire andRutland in supporting GP practices andthe out-of-hours service by staffingphone lines set up for suspected swineflu patients.

Catherine Griffiths worked alongside trust staff during anevening shift on Wednesday 22 July. All volunteers weregiven call handling training and, with a clinical supervisoron hand, helped to cover the extra shifts needed atevenings and weekends.

NHS boss helps staff the flu line


Be heard Your views on local NHS plans


We asked for your thoughts about planned careand major trauma at NHS Next Stage Reviewmeetings and a number of members came along tohave their say.

Planned care and major traumaOn Wednesday 29 July at the Brite Centre in Braunstone,the first meeting focused upon the care given to patientsattending hospitals for non-emergency reasons (knownas planned care). This includes booked operations andoutpatient treatments.

An introduction from Tim Rideout, chief executive of NHSLeicester City, sets out the objectives for the day. JaneFrench, joint associate director 18 weeks, from NHSLeicestershire County and Rutland, conducted a questionand answer session to gauge the response from theaudience around the topic. Members gave their feedback

using a hand-held votingdevice. Member, Anne Hicks,said: “This is a really goodway of communicating withpeople… to see what’s goingon, hear from the expertsand be kept up to date isexcellent.”

Answers were made visible within seconds on a largescreen that showed the percentage of people who votedon each answer. Jane said: “This information will beincorporated in future plans for the Leicester,Leicestershire and Rutland planned care board.”

The second meeting was on the subject of major trauma,held at Leicester Racecourse on Wednesday 5 August.Major trauma includes life threatening accidents andinjuries.

Another member,Evelyn Carver, said:“They are listening,but it’s going to takesome time to takeeverybody’s view onboard because this is such a varied community.”

Another chance for you to get involvedThe NHS in the East Midlands is inviting members of thepublic to get involved and help to shape the future ofeating disorder services, and mother and baby mentalhealth services in the area.

Eating disorders

There are several different forms of eating disorders –anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disordersnot otherwise specified (EDNOS).

Although these are already treated in the East Midlands,there are wide variations in support for patients,depending on where they live. Some counties have welldeveloped and comprehensive outpatient services, whileothers have relatively newly established services and arein the process of expanding.

Therefore we want to make services more equal for sufferers.

Mother and baby

mental health services

Having a baby cansometimes lead to anincreased risk of mental

illness for women. Two per thousand women who have ababy will suffer from a very serious mental illness.Women who have had a previous serious mental illnessare at a high risk of this recurring following childbirth.

In the East Midlands, we want to create an East Midlands-wide specialised mother and baby mental health service.

Get involved

If you would like to be involved in helping to shape thefuture of eating disorder or mother and baby mentalhealth services for the East Midlands please get in touchwith Kath Murphy at the East Midlands SpecialisedCommissioning Group on 0116 295 0873 or by email [email protected] by the end of September.

If you would like more information, go to our website atwww.lcr.nhs.uk where there are more detaileddocuments about these two areas.

members helpline: 0300 555 5345

Anne Hicks (above)

Ken and Evelyn Carver (above)



Older Persons’ Monthin Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland


September is dedicated to oldermembers of the communitywith the annual Older Persons’Month. It’s a time when NHSorganisations, councils, andthe voluntary andindependent sector joinforces to provideinformation on keepinghealthy and especiallywant to hear opinions on

local services aimed at older people.Throughout the month enjoyable events andactivities are taking place in your area.

These include a series of events and activities around thetheme of ‘safe, active and independent’. Programmesgiving details on what is happening are widely availablefrom outlets across Leicestershire and Rutland includinglibraries, GP practices, council offices, and voluntarysector organisations.

To kick-start the month, on Thursday 27 August 2009,the launch event took place with a range of activities andstalls full of information on health issues and more.

There is plenty to do, so why not:� visit an older persons’ forum where you can meet

with like-minded people and give your views andideas,

� take part in the Macmillan coffee morning on Friday25 September,

� go on one of the many organised walks taking placethroughout the month,

� take advantage of the will writing promotionthroughout September and October.

For a full listing, to find out more about any of theactivities mentioned above or to receive a copy of theSeptember Older Persons’ Month Programme, pleasecontact Liz McGregor, engagement officer for olderpeople, on 0116 233 4243 or email: [email protected]

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Get to know one of ourcorporate members whohelp to encourage goodhealth and exercise inthe community for older people.

Shuttlewood Clarke FoundationGet to know one of our corporate members whohelp to encourage good health and exercise in thecommunity for older people.

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is a unique,registered charity based on the edge of CharnwoodForest near Markfield in Leicestershire. The organisationoffers support, care and friendship to the elderly andadults of all ages with disabilities.

The foundation has extensive grounds that are accessiblefrom a variety of walkways which can be used by groupsor individuals wishing to view the wonderful landscapeand scenery. Getting out and about in the grounds canhelp individuals and their families stay fit, active andhealthy. There are also two wheelchair accessible birdhides which, in addition to bird watching, can be used forpainting or photography.

In addition, the foundation has recently opened its ‘yewtrail outdoor classroom’ and Kazakhstan yurt. The site issituated in a secluded area of private woodland andoffers a wide variety of activities that suit the learningneeds and styles of a range of individuals and providesthe opportunity to study cross curriculum activities.

As well as playing host to groups of people the yew trailand yurt provide a wonderful peaceful setting forwalkers, artists, painting groups, photographers andthose looking for relaxation or wishing to hold a meetingin a truly tranquil setting.

For further information contact the Shuttlewood ClarkeFoundation on 01530 244914Registered Charity Number 803525Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft,Leicestershire, LE67 9QB



Falls are one of the biggest health issues facing olderpeople. There are hazards indoors and outdoors, whetherit is slipping on wet leaves or tripping over danglingwires. Falls can result in serious injuries or even death forolder people.

Each year, it’s thought around 1,000 older people diefrom falling down stairs.

Keeping your health in check, as well as removing safetyhazards from around your home, can go a long waytowards preventing falls.

Here are some simple steps that you can take to reduceyour risk of falling:� exercise – regular exercise will help keep your muscles

strong and, in particular, balance exercises have beenproven to reduce your risk of falling,

� eyesight – get your eyesight tested regularly,� feet – foot problems can increase your risk of falling –

look after your feet and wear sensible well-fittingshoes with good grip,

� bones – keep your bones strong with calcium andVitamin D – this will reduce the risk of osteoporosisand bone fractures,

� medication – some medication can make you feeldizzy – if you experience this, ask your GP for a review.

Around the home, you can help prevent falls by:� using non-slip mats and rugs and removing clutter

from walkways,� getting handrails installed in the bathroom,� having your home organised in a way that means

you don’t have to climb, stretch or bend down forthings,

� getting help with things you can’t safely do yourself,� making sure spills are mopped up straight away,� keeping rooms brightly lit so you can see clearly.

The information contained in this document has been sourced from NHS direct and NHS choices. Please visit www.nhs.uk for further information.


Take extra care in thecold climateDuring the winter months, older people, disabledpeople and people suffering from chronic illnessesare especially vulnerable to common viruses,including colds and flu. Here are a few key ideasthat can help to get you through the winter period:� make sure you are registered with a GP (doctor),� keep enough general medication in the home and,

where possible, a first aid kit that contains antisepticcreams, paracetamol, indigestion mixture and plasters,

� have ‘help’ telephone numbers next to the phone –including your doctor and pharmacy,

� if you are 65 or over or at particular risk (ie you arediabetic) make sure you have your free flu jab,

� keep warm – indoors and out – don’t let your bodytemperature drop, as this could bring on hypothermia,heart attacks and strokes,

� where possible make sure your home is well insulated and draught proof,

� keep the telephone number of NHS Direct – 0845 4647 – next to your telephone and, if you have a mobile telephone, save the number toyour contacts list.

Reducing therisk of trips and falls forolder people


This is the section of the newsletter that’s dedicated to our members. What goes into this section is up toyou, from the content to the images, so write in with your stories, healthy recipes, health tips and/oradvice. Let us know how you keep fit and healthy, so that we can tell others. Don’t forget to includephotographs wherever possible.

For further information on any of these topics, please call the membership helpline on 0300 555 5345.


Members’ page

Method� drain out a tin of lychees or if you are using fresh lychees,

wash them thoroughly and peel the pink skin away,� place one cranberry in the small hole in the middle of the

lychee,� carefully push a cocktail stick through the side of the

lychee to hold the cranberry ‘eyeball’ in place,� serve these in a Halloween cauldron made from a

hollowed pumpkin or turnip lined with kitchen foil.

Trick or healthy treat?The season of autumn brings events likeHalloween and Bonfire Night. Trick or treat bagsfull of sweets, like sugar coated apples, treacle andtoffee are some of the many snacks children oreven the adults might indulge in.

But if you're the type of parent who recognises thatchildren will be getting plenty of sweets without youhaving a say, you may want to hand out some healthierHalloween treats. Try the following recipe to encouragechildren to eat more fruit.

Smoothie WorkshopMaking smoothies is a quick way to your five a day

Some of our members joined us on a one-day workshopto learn how to make smoothies and found out aboutthe positive health benefits that drinking suchconcoctions can have.

We recently hosted a smoothie workshop for members tohelp promote healthy eating. Members attended thehands-on workshop at Loughborough Hospital where theywere able to make their own smoothies from a range ofingredients including fresh fruits, cereals, nuts and seeds,yogurts, fruit juices and milk. Participants had a chance totry other recipes and discover how having a fruit smoothiecan help you reach your ‘five a day’.

Healthy eating advice was on hand from EleanorDonaldson, a public health dietitian from LeicestershireNutrition and Dietetic Service, who hosted the workshop.She said: “Trying to get your recommended daily intake offive portions of fruit and vegetables is an important part ofeating well – making a smoothie is a quick and easy wayto add in some fruit to your diet and a healthier snackchoice than crisps, chocolate bars or fizzy pop.

“Smoothies can be a great option for breakfast ‘on the go’for those who want something quick and tasty. You don’tneed a full-size bench blender - a simple hand-heldblender or even a potato masher can do the job. In the

summer, freeze left over smoothie mix in lolly moulds for acool tasty treat.

“Smoothies contain calcium, fibre and protein, so theyreally are a versatile option for a healthy balanced diet.”

Penelope Penny, a ‘be healthy, be heard’ member whoattended the event, said: “This has been a very interestingand informative day, especially to have a dietician to talkto, we’ve learnt a lot about healthy eating.”

Monster EyeballsMakes 10Ingredients10 lychees (tinned or fresh)10 cranberries (substituted or alternate with blueberries,

redcurrants or grapes)10 cocktail sticks (cut the ends off to avoid injury for

small children)


My NHS - I want to know…


What is NHS LeicestershireCounty and Rutland doing aboutsame sex accommodation?NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland (NHS LCR) hasannounced funding of £800,000 to help localhospitals provide same-sex accommodation forpatients in their care.

The funding is part of the £100 million Privacy andDignity Fund, announced by then health secretaryAlan Johnson in January 2009, and will help deliverthe government’s pledge on same-sexaccommodation. This means that men and womenwill not have to share sleeping areas, bathrooms ortoilets with a member of the opposite sex whenadmitted to hospital and that their privacy and dignityis upheld whenever possible.

In Leicestershire county and Rutland the funding willhelp to deliver four projects across two NHSorganisations – University Hospitals of Leicester NHSTrust and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Work began in April 2009 and the major areasbenefiting from the£800,000 funding aretoilet and bathroomfacilities. By improvingexisting, and addingmore, toilets andwashing facilities,same-sexaccommodation canbe provided to themajority of patients.

Other improvements include better signage inhospitals so patients know where their same-sex toiletand bathroom facilities are located; improvedcommunication between staff and patients; buildingwork such as adding new bathrooms and convertingsome spaces to wet rooms; new screens for additionalprivacy; creating single sex side rooms and upgradingmany other existing hospital facilities.

Carmel O’Brien, associate director of quality at NHSLCR, said: “We are delighted to be able to facilitatethis work in partnership with University Hospitals ofLeicester NHS Trust and Leicestershire Partnership NHSTrust. This funding will help to build upon the hardwork in the region’s hospitals to provide same-sexaccommodation. Although patient satisfaction acrossLeicestershire and Rutland is good, we recognise thatimprovements can still be made in our hospitals.These projects will all help to make quick and effectiveimprovements to providing patients with privacy anddignity.”

Work was completed at both NHS trusts in June.

In addition, Leicestershire and Rutland’s communityhospitals already provide same-sex accommodation inmost of their community hospitals and havedeveloped an action plan to eliminate all mixed-sexaccommodation during 2009/10.

For example, earlier this year at Rutland MemorialHospital they improved bathroom facilities on thehospital ward by introducing an extra highdependency bathroom and improved shower facility.There are now two bathrooms at each end of the 22-bed ward which can be designated for either genderdepending on the ward occupancy at the time.

If you would like a copy of this leaflet please contactSabina Esat on 0300 555 5345

If you wish to know more about same-sex accommodation, please ask a member of staff.

that privacy and

dignity for all

is not something

we simply say,

it’s something

we firmly believe.

Be assured

A3 indd 18

15/6/09 17:57:00


As a patient, relative or carer you may sometimesneed to turn to someone for on-the-spot healthadvice or support. This is where the Patient Adviceand Liaison Service (PALS) can help.

PALS:� provides advice and support to patients, their families

and carers,� provides information on NHS services and local

support groups,� will listen to your concerns, suggestions, queries or

compliments,� gives advice on how to make a complaint,� helps sort out health concerns on your behalf,� provides information on how you can get more

involved in developing NHS services.

PALS provides a free and confidential service. You cancontact a member of the PALS team in person, bytelephone, email or letter. Patients and members of thepublic can meet PALS staff by arrangement too.

Telephone: 01455 441971 or 01509 564444Postal enquiries only to the freepost address:PALS FREEPOST-RRHS-EUHR-LCZA,NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland,Lakeside House, 4 Smith Way, Grove Park,Enderby, Leicestershire LE19 1SSEmail: [email protected]

We will bring you regular updates on the work ofPALS in future issues of Healthy Times

Local Involvement Networks (LINks)The Local Involvement Networks (LINks) gives everyone inLeicestershire the opportunity to say what they thinkabout both health and social care services. The groupswere set up so that patients, families and voluntary groupswho want to influence and change services can, by tellingthe people who provide the services what is working andwhat is not. Importantly, the LINks are independent, andmembers have powers to help the groups to do their jobeffectively – such as visiting health and social care servicesto ask questions and report on what they find.

Leicestershire LINkWhy not come along to the first major Leicestershire LINkconference on Thursday 24 September at the LeicesterMarriott Hotel?

The focus with be health and social care in Leicestershire,with a range of speakers, discussion groups on, a quizand lots more.

If you would like to know more about Leicestershire LINk,comment on an issue, or want to join please use thecontact details below.

Leicestershire LINkTel: 0116 229 3103Email: [email protected]: www.leicestershirelink.org.uk

Rutland LINkThe steering group of Rutland LINkwill be holding elections this autumnand will then be gearing up to helpRutland people have a voice in anumber of important health andsocial care issues.

Rutland LINk has identified five main priorities for Rutland.They are demographic change (increasing numbers ofolder people), health promotion, accessibility (bringing asmany services as possible into Rutland so that peopledon’t have to travel to Leicester and other larger centres),recognising the importance of carers, and makingaffordable housing available to people who need it.

Rutland LINk will be looking at these issues to help localpeople have their say on the way services are developedand is continuing its recruitment campaign. Get involvedby emailing [email protected], call 01572759158 or visit www.communityvoicesonline.org

There will be regular updates from the LINks in futureissues of Healthy Times. There will also be a feature onthe Rutland LINk in the next issue.


We’re your PALSNeed help or advice? Call PALS



NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is delighted toannounce the ‘create a community space’competition, sponsored by Jewson Ltd, one of ourcorporate members. Jewson Ltd is a builders’merchants based in Loughborough and will work withthe winning entrant to achieve their vision of animproved environment.

Do you have or know of a space in yourcommunity, school, college or workplace that couldbe transformed into a useful community space?How could that space be developed to helppromote a healthier lifestyle?

For example, could the area be developed into acommunity garden? The health benefits of growingyour own vegetables, for example, are not only thatyou will have fresh, locally grown produce of highnutritional value, but the physical exercise involved ingrowing and caring for a crop will lead to a higherlevel of fitness. Thirty minutes of weeding burns thesame amount of calories as a half-hour walk. Also,creating a place of beauty such as a garden can havea positive effect on mental health.

What about a place to play sport? Do you have spacefor a basketball or netball court? Can you create anarea with interesting walks and places to sit andreflect, such as a wildflower garden, a bird watchingarea, a place for woodland sculpture displays? Whatabout an area for community picnics and barbecueswhere taking part in sports day activities such as sackraces, egg and spoon races and parents’ races couldprovide the community with a family day out?

The winner will be decided by a panel of judges includingMr John Gant, chairman of NHS Leicestershire Countyand Rutland, and a representative from Jewson Ltd ofLoughborough. All you need to do is send in your ideason no more than two sides of A4 and include details of:� the plot you wish to develop,� its current use,� whether you have lawful consent to use the land,� the size of the space you wish to develop,� outline plans for how you aim to achieve the

transformation,� names and contact details of individuals/groups

involved.

You may also wish to include:� sketches, drawings or photographs to support your entry.

John Gant said: “This is an excellent opportunity to makea real difference to a community in our locality. We’rereally looking forward to seeing some of the creativeideas that we know our members will submit.”

Although we are advertising this first in our membershipnewsletter, the competition is open to any group. Pleasespread the word to employers, businesses, schools,brownies, guides and scout groups, Women’s Institutes,youth groups, older people’s groups, gardening clubs andany other community groups you may know of whowould like to enter the competition. The closing date forreceipt of entries is Monday 1 February 2010.

Please send your ideas for creating your community spaceto [email protected] at NHS Leicestershire County andRutland, 4 Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester, LE191SS or call for further information on 0116 295 5866.

Win a prize to create acommunity space

Corporate membership

Together we can make Leicestershire county and Rutland thehealthiest place to live in the UK.



Access for all

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Gujarati Hindi

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland, Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust, LakesideHouse, 4 Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby LE19 1SS Tel. 0116 295 7500 www.lcr.nhs.uk We can provide versions of all ‘be healthy be heard’ membership publications in other languages andformats such as Braille and large print on request. Please contact the Engagement and InvolvementDepartment, telephone 0116 295 7626. Please state which publication it is you require when you call.

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Nominations open for annual ICE Awards andStephen Farley AwardDo you know someone who has really made adifference at NHS Leicestershire County andRutland? Whether it’s an individual, team orvolunteer, we’re calling on the local community tonominate people for the 2009 ICE Awards.

The awards recognise ‘Innovation in CommissioningExcellence’ and seek to highlight quality services providedby staff and volunteers within NHS Leicestershire Countyand Rutland.

There are four ICE awards for which nominations areopen to members of the public, including ‘be healthy, beheard’ members.

These are:

� Clinical Leadership AwardThis category is for clinical leadership which hasimproved and enhanced the quality of experience forpatients, users and primary care staff.

� Improving Health and Reducing InequalitiesAwardThis award is for an individual or team that has helpedto reduce the health inequality for people in deprivedcommunities through long-term strategies orpartnerships at a grass roots level.

� Going the ‘Extra Mile’ AwardThis category is for employees or volunteers who havemade an outstanding contribution to the NHS. Likelyto be a quiet achiever, their contribution will havedelivered benefits to patients, carers or staff over aconsistent period of time.

� Public Involvement AwardThis award is for an individual or team that has shownan innovative approach to patient and publicinvolvement (PPI) commissioning.

If you know of someone who deserves to be nominatedfor one of these awards, please download further detailsand nomination forms from www.lcr.nhs.uk.

Alternatively, you can call ChrissyJones on 0116 295 7653 and haveall details sent to you in the post.

Nominations must be received by 4pmon Friday 25 September 2009. The 2009 ICEAwards ceremony will take place on Thursday 19November 2009.

Does your GP deserve recognition?

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is also calling onthe community to nominate local GPs who have excelledin their dedication to patient care for the 2009 StephenFarley Award.

The Stephen Farley Award was established two years agoin honour of Dr Stephen Farley from Ibstock who died in2004.

You can nominate your GP by either writing a letterstating why you are nominating them or by downloadinga nomination form from www.lcr.nhs.uk.

Last year’s winner of the Stephen Farley Award, Dr VipulMasharani from the Masharani Practice at Lutterworth, saidbeing nominated by his patients was a great honour and areflection of the dedication of his entire practice team.

He said: “It was most humbling to think that patients weremoved to take time and trouble to write in and vote forme. The honour of winning was shared among my teamof doctors, nurses and receptionists as well as other fellowcolleagues such as district nurses and health visitors.”

Nominations close at 4pm on Friday 18 September2009 and the winner will be announced onThursday 19 November 2009. Send your letters ornomination forms to: FREEPOST RRHS-EUHR-LCZA,Chrissy Jones, committee executive assistant, NHSLeicestershire County and Rutland, Lakeside House, 4Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 1SS,or email [email protected].



As a member of ‘be healthy, be heard’, your views areimportant to us, and we want you to tell us what youthink about all aspects of the services we provide.

The next edition of the newsletter will be published inDecember 2009 and will be packed with more healthadvice, details of forthcoming events and members’ news.

We want you to feature in each edition of Healthy Times,to share your experiences, your unique health initiativesor any other information you feel will help other peoplein your community.

If you would like to appear in the newsletter, or have anygeneral comments and suggestions on its content anddesign, please contact us via one of the ways below.


NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is the operating name for Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT

Contact us:Website: We have a dedicated interactive website whereyou can access information about the membershipscheme, find out about the benefits of becoming amember and check for discounts.

Send your questions or comments to us via the enquiryform online by visiting www.nhslcrmembership.org

Post: Please send all correspondence to:NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland MembershipFreepost Admail ADM4149Loughborough, LE11 1YW

Telephone: The membership helpline is open between9.00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Please call us on0300 555 5345.

Published by: The communications and engagement team, NHSLeicestershire County and Rutland, Lakeside House, 4 Smith Way,Grove Park, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 1SS

New discounts for our membersSupplier and offer ContactLoughborough Greenfields Tennis Club For further information please contact

01509 410286 or email [email protected]

Mint Driving School For Further information please contactMint Driving School are offering £3 off driving lessons. Johnathan Hodgkinson on 0800 0141679

Palmers Garden Centre (Enderby) For Further information please contact10% Discount for all members 0116 286 3323

Energie Personal Fitness Rutland For Further information please contactLee Wigginton on 07990 538501

Archway House Natural Health Centre For Further information please contactAlec Welton on 01858 410820

Eternal Being For Further information please contactMichelle Geraghty on 07815 83549

Here is an update on discounts which have become available since the last newsletter was published.

Next time…

Be creative and think healthy.


healthy times issue 2

Documents

nowmy nhs

opportunity toinvite

older persons area

healthiest place

opportunity toput questions

wellbeing market

page 1welcome2 healthy

contact jo lilley