Health

Always place your baby on their back to sleep

14 March 2017 0 Comments

Safer Sleep Week

The position your baby is placed to sleep in each night is one of the most protective actions you can take to ensure your baby is sleeping as safely as possible. There is substantial evidence from round the world to show that sleeping your baby on their back (known as the supine position) at the beginning of every sleep or nap significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death.

  • You should always place your baby on their back to sleep and not on their front or side (unless your doctor has advised you of a medical reason to do so)
  • Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the chance of SIDS
  • It is important that you always put your baby on their back as part of their regular sleep routine – the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side
  • If your baby has rolled onto their tummy, you should turn them onto their back again
  • Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again, on their own, they can be left to find their own position

The best way to make sure your baby sleeps on their back is to do this from day one, and keep putting them to sleep on their backs for every day and night time sleep. It is also important that you keep the same routine for your baby, as babies who are normally slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts are at a great risk of sudden death.

#safersleepweek

The Lullaby Trust, ‘Safer Sleep for babies: a Guide for Parents’,
www.lullabytrust.org.uk/back-to-sleep

Children, Health, News, Safety

KCC improvements to services for disabled

13 March 2017 0 Comments

Heathwatch Kent logo

Kent County Council have released new plans for a ‘Lifespan Pathway’, helping individuals transition from Disabled Children Services to Adult Services from April 3rd 2017.

The new services illustrate there will no longer be seperate adult services for Learning Disabilities & Physical Disability. Meaning, individuals with both needs at any age will get the correct and personalised care with less hassle.

This is only one of many changes promoted by the KCC to better the care for service users.

KCC have also released a document to help you understand the changes the new plan will entail. If you would like to know more about the changes, check the document in the link below.

kcc_lifespan_pathway.pdf

Healthwatch Kent 10 March 2017
www.healthwatchkent.co.uk/news/kccs-new-plans-improve-childrens-and-adult-services

Children, Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing, Young people

Safer sleep for babies

13 March 2017 0 Comments

Safer Sleep WeekMeeting and getting to know your baby is an extremely exciting and rewarding time. It’s also the beginning of a new relationship. Babies need a lot of sleep during the first few months of their lives so it’s important to ensure that they are sleeping as safely as possible.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found. While SIDS is rare, it can still happen and there are steps parents can take to help reduce the chance of this tragedy occurring.

Although we don’t yet know how to completely prevent SIDS, it is possible to significantly lower the chances of it happening by following the advice opposite. You should try to follow the advice for all sleep periods where possible, not just at night.

This guide lists the essential things you can do, or avoid doing, to help lower the chance of SIDS and explains why they are so important. You can also talk to your midwife or health visitor if you have any questions or concerns, or get in touch with us.

Things you can do…

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  • Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.
  • Breastfeed your baby, if you can.
  • Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months.
  • Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition.

Things to avoid…

  • Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.
  • Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink, take drugs or are extremely tired, or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight.
  • Avoid letting your baby get too hot.
  • Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.

#safersleepweek

The Lullaby Trust, ‘Safer Sleep for babies: a Guide for Parents’,
www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep

Children, Health, News, Safety

Speakup CIC survey on Mental Health services

10 March 2017 0 Comments

Feedback on services in Kent and Medway – survey

Speakup CIC

Speakup CIC has released a new survey this week and would like to hear your experiences using mental health services, whether in the past or currently.

This information will be made anonymous and used towards improving local mental health services in the future.

Click this link for the survey:  www.speakupcic.co.uk/survey

Healthwatch Kent 09 March 2017
www.healthwatchkent.co.uk/news/speakup-cic-wants-know-your-thoughts-mental-health-services

Consultation, Health, News, Wellbeing

KCC Mental Health Service Consultation

13 February 2017 0 Comments

Mental Health Service – Promoting IndependenceKent County Council

Kent County Council

Opens: 10 February 2017
Closes: 24 March 2017

Kent County Council is proposing to integrate two existing services into a single service when the existing contracts expire in October 2017.

The Housing Related Support and Supporting Independence Service both work to enable people with mental health issues to live independent lives in the community. The proposal is to join up these services to allow for more flexible support, a more person focused system which is easier to access and promotes independence.

Bringing these services together and working differently with our service providers, enabling them to meet people’s needs in a person centred and more responsive way will mean that people receive the support they need, when they need it and will enable us to deliver the efficiencies required.

We would like to hear your views on how the new service should work to best meet the needs of the people of Kent. Please read through our consultation document which sets out the existing and proposed service, then use the online questionnaire to tell us what you think.

For alternative formats, please email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or telephone 03000 421553 (text relay 18001 03000 421553). This number goes to an answer machine which is monitored during office hours.

Consultation Documents

Respond to this Consultation

Consultation Links

Consultation Summary

Name Mental Health Service – Promoting Independence
Description KCC is consulting on a proposal to combine contracts for Housing Related Support and Supporting Independence into one integrated Mental Health Service – Promoting Independence.
Dates From 10 Feb 2017 at 16:00 to 24 Mar 2017 at 23:59.
Status Open
Consulting Organisation Type Kent County Council
Consulting Organisation Name Kent County Council
District / Borough areas affected by the consultation Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells
Consultation Topic General interest, Adult social care, Healthcare and public health
Consultation Methods Online survey / questionnaire / forms
Contact Details

Kent County Council 10 February 2017
http://consultations.kent.gov.uk/consult.ti/MentalHealthIndependence/consultationHome

Consultation, Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing

Time to talk

2 February 2017 0 Comments

Time to talk day 2017“It’s #timetotalk because if you say something, you realise how many people around you haven’t, and needed to”

Conversations about mental health change lives.

At the moment, too many people with mental health problems are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless by other people’s reactions.

But talking about mental health doesn’t need to be difficult. It can be as simple as making time to have a cup of tea or go for a walk, and listening to someone talk about how they feel.

Being open about mental health and ready to listen can make a positive difference to someone’s life.

This is what Time to Talk Day is all about – giving us all the chance to talk and listen about mental health.

Whatever the hour, every conversation, every text, every share means more people are reached and more lives are changed. (more…)

Health, News, Wellbeing

‘One You’ health shop comes to Ashford

31 January 2017 0 Comments

The start of a new year often brings resolutions for people to get fitter and healthier, so it’s perfect timing that Ashford has teamed up with Kent County Council and the NHS to open a brand new health hub where people can kick-start their journey to becoming more healthy and active.

Ashford Borough Council has joined forces with KCC Public Health and its service provider Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) to open ‘One You’; a health shop located in Ashford town centre.

The new health shop, which is set to open on Friday 10th February, is part of Public Health England’s national campaign of the same name which encourages people to quit smoking, lose weight and be more active.

Located in Unit 7 of Park Mall, One You will provide support and advice on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Services will include: stop smoking support, healthy weight advice for adults and children, on-the-spot blood pressure checks, a weigh-in service plus support and advice on a range of lifestyle issues.

One You offers a friendly and welcoming environment where people are encouraged to pop in, ask questions and take advantage of the free health services on offer. Visitors can either drop-in or arrange a scheduled appointment.

Visitors are invited to the opening launch of One You on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th February between 9am and 5pm where they can pop in and get a free NHS Health Check or health MOT, as well as take part in interactive games. People can jump on the smoothie bike and using pedal power, whizz up a healthy fruit smoothie, guess how much sugar is in everyday drinks, adorn a fat suit to experience carrying around extra weight and much more. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing

Health services during Christmas

21 December 2016 0 Comments

Remember that health services will be very busy over Christmas and the New Year. Choosing the right care will save you time and reduce pressure on the health services.

Use the Health Help Now app to  find the right service in Kent for your health needs, especially when you need medical help fast but it is not a life-threatening emergency.

Install it or bookmark the web version now so that it is available when you need it.

Self care

Self treat minor injuries and illnesses

NHS Choices advice on colds and flu
www.nhs.uk/livewell/coldsandflu/Pages/Coldcomfort.aspx
and other self treatment
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pharmacy/Pages/home-remedies-for-common-conditions.aspx

Local Pharmacy

If you are unsure about a minor injury or illness see your local pharmacist.

Local pharmacies can offer a wealth of health support and should be the first port of call for common illnesses such as coughs and colds over the festive period.

Pharmacies can provide much more than just a prescription. They can advise on minor ailments and how to use medications effectively and safely.

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals, who are qualified to offer health advice and guidance, particularly on common problems such as headache, coughs and colds, tummy bugs, verrucas and worms.

They will advise you on buying over-the-counter medicine and give advice on prescribed medication. Many pharmacies are open for longer hours than GP surgeries, and you don’t need an appointment.

If a pharmacist can’t help you, they will be able to direct you to the right place, whether that is your GP, practice nurse, or a minor injuries unit. Many pharmacies now have consulting rooms where people can discuss their problems with the pharmacist in private.

NHS 111 service

Use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.

Call 111 if:

  • you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
  • you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
  • you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
  • you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

If a health professional has given you a specific phone number to call when you are concerned about your condition, continue to use that number.

Your GP

Contact your GP for for more serious or persistent illnesses

Minor Injuries Unit

Minor injuries units can treat:

  • sprains and strains
  • broken bones
  • wound infections
  • minor burns and scalds
  • minor head injuries
  • insect and animal bites
  • minor eye injuries
  • injuries to the back, shoulder and chest

A & E

Visit Accident and Emergency for genuine life-threatening emergencies, such as:

Call 999

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance in a medical emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Medical emergencies can include:

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else is having a heart attack or stroke. Every second counts with these conditions. Also call 999 if you think someone has had a major trauma. Major trauma is often the result of a serious road traffic accident, a stabbing, a shooting, a fall from height, or a serious head injury.

Health Service hours

Date Pharmacy GP Surgeries Minor Injuries Unit
Asda Musgrove Park
Medical Centre		 South Ashford
Medics		 Kingnorth
Medical Practice
Sat 24 Dec 7am – 11pm Closed Closed Closed
Sun 25 Dec Closed Closed Closed Closed
Mon 26 Dec 9am – 6pm Closed Closed Closed
Tue 27 Dec 9am – 6pm Closed Closed Closed
Wed 28 Dec 7am – 11pm 8am – 6.30pm 8.00am – 6.30pm 8.00am – 6.30 pm
Thu 29 Dec 7am – 11pm 8am – 6.30pm 8.00am – 8.00pm* 8.00am – 6.30 pm
Fri 30 Dec 7am – 11pm 8am – 6.30pm 8.00am – 6.30pm 8.00am – 6.30 pm
Sat 31 Dec 7am – 11pm Closed Closed Closed
Sun 1 Jan 10am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed
Mon 2 Jan 10am – 6pm Closed Closed Closed

* Please note that this is a GP service only after 6.30pm for booked appointments only

GP services will continue to be very busy and waiting times will be longer during the first weeks of the new year.

  • The Dementia Helpline is open throughout the festive period, 24 hour a day, on 0800 500 3014.
  • Hopeline (08000 684141) is open from 2pm to 5pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day otherwise normal hours are 10am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends.
  • Kent Mental Health Matters (08001 070160) is open all hours and the
  • Samaritans are also open throughout the period on 08457 909090.

Health, News

Christmas can be stressful

21 December 2016 0 Comments

Ashford Clinical Commissioning GroupNHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is asking local people to be mindful of the extra pressure that Christmas and the New Year can bring.

Dr Navin Kumta, CCG chair, said: “Despite the popular myth, the winter holiday season can be demanding and stressful for many people.

“If someone has existing worries, Christmas and the New Year can exacerbate the situation. There may be family pressures, unrealistic expectations and money worries – but the urge to make sure everyone is happy and having a good time adds to the strain.”

For people already coping with serious problems in their lives, the festive season may make them feel significantly worse.

Of course, it’s not just Christmas that can cause stress. People with money or work worries, relationship worries or those who care for someone with a long-term health condition can also be at higher risk of anxiety and depression.

That’s why the CCG is reminding people that support is available. (more…)

Health, News, Wellbeing

Got a minor injury? Wait less!

19 December 2016 2 Comments

The NHS in east Kent have launched a new app to help you find the best care if you have a minor injury. Don’t head straight to A&E! Download the WaitLess app and see if you can get faster treatment at a minor injuries unit.

WaitLess is a smartphone app that has been designed to help you to get the right treatment – fast.

WaitLess uses real-time updates and geo-location technology, to give you current waiting times at all of our A&E and minor injuries units in east Kent – drawn from the official NHS system.

This information is combined with up-to-the-minute travel time information, giving a ranking of the best places to aim for if you have a minor injury. (more…)

Emergency, Health, News