Latest News
Norfolk LINk Archived News
New Number for Non-Emergency Hospital Transport
People who need help to travel to hospital appointments will be able to access this area's non-emergency patient transport service through a new phone number from Monday 26th September 2011.
The new number should be used by people who have a medical condition which means they are unable to travel to their appointment in any other way. Anyone ringing the service will be assessed for their suitability and should have details of their appointment, hospital number, NHS number and GP address to hand when they call.
The service should be booked two weeks in advance and is available for appointments at: Ipswich Hospital, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (including outreach clinics), Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership clinics and Norfolk Community Health and Care clinics.
The non-emergency patient transport service is available on 01493 453777 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Published 23/09/2011
CAMHS Consultation
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Strategic Partnership (CAMHS) pays for a range of services that help children and young people when they are feeling sad, worried or troubled. CAMHS also pays for services that provide children and young people with additional support with a specific issue such as depression, anxiety or self harm, called targeted services.
CAMHS is taking a fresh look at the services it pays for and in particular we are looking at our targeted services to make sure that we are meeting people's needs and getting the best value for money. They are using information from research in 2010 to make decisions about the services they buy and the types of training and support that staff need.
CAMHS would like to hear from children and young people, who have used any of the services that we have paid for, to help them make sure that their information is up-to-date and right for Norfolk. They also want to hear from parents and carers.
Take part in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CAMHS-Survey which will end on October 18th 2011.
Published 13/09/2011
Rates of Bowel Cancer across Norfolk
There is a big variation across the UK in the number of people who die from bowel cancer, figures from 2008 show. The death rate is lowest in Rossendale, Lancashire, at 9 in 100,000 people, while the highest rate is 31 in Glasgow. The disease is the UK's 2nd most common cause of cancer death. You can view rates of bowel cancer in your area.
The risk of bowel cancer increases in old age but researchers say taking part in screening, awareness of symptoms and unhealthy diets probably all play a role in the variation. Cancer Research UK has calculated that if it is caught early enough more than 90% of cases could be cured, but there are still 16,000+ lives lost to bowel cancer across the UK each year.
The average death rate from bowel cancer across the UK is 17.6 per 100,000 and 18.56 in Norfolk. North Norfolk has the highest death rate in Norfolk at 21.83 whilst South Norfolk is the lowest at 16.24 per 100,000 people. Norwich has a relatively higher than expected death rate (18.59 per 100,000 as only 18% of Norwich's population are aged over 60) and West Norfolk and South Norfolk are relatively lower than one might expect (18.2 & 16.24 and 31% & 29% respectively).
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme started being rolled out in July 2006 and achieved nationwide coverage by 2010. Screening centres take blood samples which are then analysed. They provide endoscopy services and specialist screening nurse clinics for people receiving an abnormal result. The centes are responsible for referring those requiring treatment to their local hospital multidisciplinary team. As a result of the prgramme the NHS offers screening every 2 years to all men and women aged 60 to 69. People 70+ can request a screening kit by calling the free helpline: 0800 707 6060.
Published 12/09/2011
Shape your HealthWatch in Norfolk
Norfolk County Council, in conjunction with Norfolk LINk, are developing a local HealthWatch service, as a result of the Health and Social Care Bill, by October 2012 to help improve health and adult social care services in Norfolk.
HealthWatch will; influence local health and social care to better meet people's needs, advise individuals about local health, and social care and signpost them to appropriate services.
We need your help
We are running a series of events across Norfolk where we would like you to come and tell us how:
- You think Local HealthWatch should work.
- HealthWatch should be organised to best meet people's needs.
- We can involve you more in helping to shape HealthWatch.
Who should attend
- Voluntary organisations that support or represent people who use the services
- Patient participation groups
- Carers' groups
- Local Involvement Network (LINk) members
- Anyone with an interest in health and social care services
Events (details on booking form)
| Mon 17 Oct 2011 | 10.00 - 13.00 18.00 - 21.00 | Norwich |
| Fri 4 Nov 2011 | 09.30 - 12.30 | Thetford |
| Fri 11 Nov 2011 | 14.00 - 17.00 | Sheringham |
| Mon 21 Nov 2011 | 14.00 - 17.00 | Great Yarmouth |
| Fri 25 Nov 2011 | 09.30 - 12.30 | King's Lynn |
How to book: Please follow this link to book online https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/healthwatchevents or use this booking form. Places are limited at each of the venues and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. They will send you confirmation of your booking.
If you can't come to an event you can still have your say on HealthWatch by emailing your ideas to scrutinysupport@norfolk.gov.uk or writing to Julie Mortimer at the postal address above.
Published 08/09/2011
News from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn
Car-parking, blood clots and 'Meal Mates' are all in the news at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn.
- Proposals for a multi-storey car park, a park-and-ride scheme for visitors and staff, and a second entrance/exit to ease traffic congestion are some of the ideas being put forward by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Parking pressures have risen with the growth of the local population and car ownership over the past 30 years, since the hospital was built.
What do you think about the proposals? Contact: carparking@qehkl.nhs.uk - A national campaign to reduce the estimated 25,000 preventable deaths each year in England from hospital-associated thrombosis (blood clot in the circulatory system) is paying-off at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn. There have been no cases for more than three months. Currently 97% of patients at risk of these blood clots are being screened, the aim being to ensure all patients are screened. Reducing hospital-associated thrombosis is one of the Government's four top ‘reducing harms', the others being reducing rates of catheter infections, pressure ulcers (sometimes known as bed sores), and falls.
- There is always the potential that patients go without food and drink on wards because nursing staff are worked to full capacity. Office staff at QEH are swapping their desks for dinner trays with the introduction of ‘Meal Mates' onto wards. The volunteer squad, composed largely of hospital administration staff, are giving up their free time to help busy nursing staff ensure patients needing help with feeding receive proper nourishment.
Published 07/09/2011
Equality and Diversity Consultation
The NHS Norfolk and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney Cluster are consulting on the Equality Delivery System (EDS). The EDS has been designed by the NHS for the NHS, to support the delivery of a service that is personal, fair and diverse.
It will support NHS organisations to drive up equality performance and embed equality into mainstream NHS business. It has been designed to help NHS organisations, in the current and new NHS structures, to meet the requirements of the public sector Equality Duty. The EDS will also support NHS organisations to meet the equality aspects of the NHS Constitution, the NHS Outcomes Framework, Care Quality Commission's Essential Standards, and the Human Resources Transition Framework. The EDS will be a key mechanism through which the NHS delivers it commitment to local transparency on performance, doing so through the active involvement of staff and the public in the setting of objectives and monitoring of performance for equality.
The 90 day consultation period will run until Sunday, 4 December 2011. You can view the proposed framework and then complete the online consultation here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XNB9L95.
Published 06/09/2011
Diabetes Study at Norfolk and Norwich & Autism Study at UEA
People aged over 40 in Norfolk are being urged to take part in a study aimed at reducing the risk of getting diabetes. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is looking to test 10,000 people in the county at risk from type 2 diabetes with a fasting blood glucose test.
Those diagnosed with pre-diabetes will be invited to take part in a research study looking at a new group exercise, diet, information and motivation programme that may reduce the risk of getting diabetes. To take part register via http://www.norfolkdiabetespreventionstudy.nhs.uk/newsite/
Psychologists at the University of East Anglia and the University of Kent are recruiting volunteers with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism to take part in a new study. The project will investigate whether group cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders experienced by those with the conditions.
Volunteers should live in Norfolk, Kent, Essex or Hertfordshire, be aged between 16 and 65 and have significant problems with anxiety. Researchers would also like to speak to their family members. To find out more, contact Dr Langdon on 01603 593599 or email p.langdon@uea.ac.uk
Published 31/08/2011
Consultation on Local HealthWatch's Funding
The Department of Health is asking for views from all stakeholders, including LINks, on options for distributing additional funding to local authorities for local HealthWatches.
The additional funding is required for each local HealthWatch to take over signposting which PALS does now, NHS Complaints Advocacy which is moving from the Department of Health, and PCT Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) which is moving from the NHS.
Please view the full consultation document before completing the response document.
E-mail your consultation response to scgrants@dh.gsi.gov.uk by 5pm Monday 24th October 2011.
Published 31/08/2011
Chronic and Terminal Illness Linked to Suicide
In May this year Norfolk's coroner gave permission for researchers to examine the district's suicide records for May 2006 to December 2010. The Truth About Suicide, published by the national think-tank Demos, used this research.
The report revealed that 25 suicides, out of a total 259 (9.7%) involved a person with a diagnosed terminal or chronic illness. In 44% of these 25 cases, the deceased person had a condition that was progressive and expected to worsen.
While the link between mental illness and suicide is well documented, the new research adds to a growing body of evidence that physical ill health is also a major risk factor behind suicides. The report concluded that "it will be important that we develop a better understanding of this complex relationship between physical and mental health if we are to develop a more effective response to suicide".
Linda Hillman, consultant in Public Health for Mental Health services at NHS Norfolk stated that they will be "using the new Government Consultation on Preventing Suicide in England and the Demos work...to ensure our suicide work in Norfolk is up to date and as effective as possible".
Samaritans is available for anyone in any type of distress on 08457 90 90 90 in the UK.
To read the full report click here.
Published 30/08/2011
Clean Bill of Health for Cromer Hospital
Cromer's soon-to-be-replaced hospital has been given a clean bill of health after an unannounced inspection earlier this year. The complex dating back to the 1930s currently has a state-of-the-art new £15m hospital taking shape ready to open late next summer.
The Care Quality Commission reported that the current hospital is clean, safe and praised by patients but recognise its design is not suitable for current services. Their overall verdict on the hospital was that it "met all essential standards of quality and safety"
Patients spoken to during the inspection praised the quality of staff, cleanliness and standard of facilities provided, with no-one having any complaints. Corridors were dust free, and staff washed their hands thoroughly. Patient feedback about the need for a bigger waiting room in the dialysis unit was being addressed in the new hospital.
After groundworks were carried out in spring, the new steel framework for the building has been erected and the next stage of starting the internal work is now under way.
To read the full report click here.
Published 25/08/2011
Plans to open health facilities at closed walk-in centre in Thorpe St Andrew
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust is leading a project to redevelop the former walk-in centre building in Pound Lane, Dussindale, Thorpe St Andrew. The community-based NHS Trust is planning to offer a number of health clinics from the site once refurbishment work is complete.
It is not yet clear which type of clinics will be run from the site but there is an indication that there will be a service to help people quit smoking, a midwifery clinic and a base for community health practitioners.
The news comes just over 24 months after the nurse-led walk-in centre closed in favour of the new GP-led Timber Hill Health Centre in the Mall shopping centre. Its closure sparked outrage at the time and more than 5,600 people signed a petition in a bid to save the centre.
Published 22/08/2011
Cancer Support
People living in Great Yarmouth and Waveney who have been affected by cancer are being invited to join a new course offering help, reassurance and support.
The free sessions have been organised by Anglia Cancer Network and will take place at James Paget University Hospital. Called HOPE (which stands for "Help to Overcome Problems Effectively") they provide an opportunity to meet others living with cancer to share experiences and offer mutual support.
In addition, the sessions are also designed to help people feel less isolated, build self confidence, set short and long term goals, as well as equipping them with the skills to think positively and handle anger, depression and stress.
Starting on Wednesday September 7th 2011 at 10am, the course takes place every week until October 19th.
For more information or to join the course, please contact Louise Smith on 07712 669469 or email Louise.M.Smith@suffolkpct.nhs.uk
Published 21/08/2011
New Patient Transport Advice Service
A new service helping patients who need transport as well as providing advice is to be set up soon.
NHS Norfolk and NHS Suffolk have announced that their preferred provider is the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) for their new Patient Transport Clinical Assessment and Advice Service.
The service is due to start during September 2011 and will be based at EEAST's premises in Hellesdon in Norwich.
Published 15/08/2011
Charity Highlights Shortage of Hospice Beds
The shortage of hospice beds which allow people to choose where to die with dignity has been highlighted by charity The Norfolk Hospice, as work on their new multi-million pound hospice in Hillington, Norfolk officially began.
Richard Shaw, chief executive of The Norfolk Hospice, said: "The people of Norfolk and the Fens urgently need and truly deserve the very highest standard of hospice care for everyone who requires it. Currently the NHS has...an excellent facility for people in Norwich and the surrounding suburbs.
But move to the north or to the west and the palliative care support is provided by a combination of six beds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and our hospice...This is why the start of construction works for our new hospice is a significant event for end-of-life care in our area."
Published 04/08/2011
Poor Ambulance Response Times
New figures have revealed that the ambulance coverage in Norfolk and Suffolk is performing poorly, compared to the rest of East Anglia, when it comes to getting to the most serious callouts within eight minutes.
North Norfolk is one of the worst performing areas in the region with ambulances only meeting the callout target between 40% and 60% of the time between February 2010 and January 2011. The East of England Abulance Service NHS Trust[EEAST] have announced that it will be increasing the number of hours of cover in north Norfolk by nearly 70%.
Izzy Shaw, transition manager for Norfolk LINk, said: "Norfolk LINk remains committed to working with the EEAST to improve services still further and LINk members are very keen to see an improvement in ambulance repsonse times in Norfolk...The issue is one that Norfolk LINk has already raised with the trust as part of our regular meetings and we will keep a close eye on the situation."
The picture (top right) shows members of the Norfolk LINk Ambulance Working Group.
Published 30/07/2011
Concern over NHS Norfolk's Overspend
NHS Norfolk is warning of a £10.3m overspend by hospitals this financial year, as it emerges efficiency plans are also predicted to fall £5m short. Health bosses say the overspend is because there are still too many patients being admitted to hospitals.
Other budget risks include an increase in continuing care patients to the tune of £2m, and an overspend of £1m for ambulance services. NHS Norfolk might have to dip into its reserves if it cannot reverse the overspending.
These financial concerns come at a time when money is needed for the redesign of the NHS locally and as the NHS East of England raising concerns over the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn's performance in treating patients within 18 weeks of referral and for seeing A&E patients within four hours.
Details of NHS Norfolk board meetings are available here.
Published 28/07/2011
Government Launches New COPD & Asthma Strategy
The National Outcomes Strategy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma has recently been launched by the Government. The strategy is intended to help by coordinating the efforts of the NHS, social care and voluntary organisations.
COPD is the umbrella term for a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema and affects more than 3m people in England. It is the 5th biggest killer in the UK and the only major cause of death on the increase. The UK has the 2nd highest mortality rate from COPD and asthma in Europe and costs the NHS more than £2bn a year. It is thought that 1 in 8 adults aged over 35 has undiagnosed COPD.
As a result of the strategy, everyone affected by COPD and asthma can expect a care planning discussion with their healthcare professional allowing the individual to personalise their care, identify any problems and seek help before symptoms worsen. The British Lung Foundation said the new strategy could potentially halve hospital admissions from patients suffering from COPD.
To view the full strategy and related documents click here.
Published 25/07/2011
Sharp Rise in Fuel Poverty among Norfolk Households
Norfolk's Rural Community Council [NRCC] has analysed the latest government figures which it says show a 17% rise in fuel poverty between 2006 and 2008. It means 17% of all households in Norfolk, or just over one in six, were living in fuel poverty by that time and having to make tough decisions about keeping their homes warm.
But the 2008 figures are already likely to be a major underestimate of the current situation thanks to the recent recession, high unemployment and rocketing fuel bills. The official definition of fuel poverty is where more than 10% of a household's income is spent maintaining a reasonable room temperature of between 18 and 21 degrees.
Emily Millington-Smith, president of Age UK Norfolk, chairman of the Norfolk older people's forum and member of Norfolk LINk's Operational committee, stated that: "Quite a lot of older people have said to me, just in the last few days, ‘do we eat or do we heat?'"
NRCC chief executive and Norfolk LINk transition board member Jon Clemo said the situation was worst in rural areas, with north Norfolk experiencing the highest levels of fuel poverty in the county at 22%.
He said: "Fuel poverty is often high in rural areas as a result of a number of factors: a history of low incomes, older housing stock that is often detached and with very poor standards of insulation, and being off mains gas meaning a reliance on more expensive forms of fuel." Mr Clemo also stated that north Norfolk had higher levels of deprivation than places like Liverpool, Manchester, and Hackney concerning fuel poverty.
Published 25/07/2011
Remodelling of Care
Norfolk County Council is changing the way it runs some of its services, including in-house day services for older people and people with disabilities. The project to change Council run services is called Remodelling of Care.
The Remodelling of Care project has only started recently and plans are starting to be made. Once they know more about what the changes might mean for each service, they will hold a consultation so Norfolk people can tell them what they think.
To see copies of their reports to Norfolk County Council's Overview and Scrutiny Panel click here.
If you have any questions about the project contact: Alys Duberley, Person Centred Planning Officer on 01603 481146 or ayls.duberley@norfolk.gov.uk.
Published 22/07/2011
East of England Ambulance Service Annual Report Released
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust has published its Annual Report for 2010-11.
The Annual Report contains a summary of the Trust's performance and achievements and sets out their priorities for the year ahead.
To view the report click here.
Published 20/07/2011
Norfolk Care Homes face uncertain future after Southern Cross closes down
Care home operator Southern Cross is to close down after the landlords of its properties abandoned the company.
Southern Cross said that, to ensure continuity of care to residents, all payments to trade creditors are to be maintained and all home-based staff transferred on their current terms.
A number of landlords, who are also operators of care homes, have indicated they intend to take over the running or have found new operators for 250 out of the 752 homes nationwide and will start to transfer operations shortly. Landlords of the other 502 homes are said to be finalising their plans.
Norfolk County Council has moved to reassure people stating there is no "immediate threat" of home closures.
List of Norfolk homes include: The Hawthorns in Unthank Road, Norwich. Alexander Court in Raymond Street, Thetford. Briar House in King’s Lynn. Swaffham’s Iceni House Care Home. Badgers Wood, Drayton, near Norwich. Blofield Road, Brundall. Diamond House, Downham Market. Dussindale Park, Thorpe St Andrew. Felmingham Old Rectory. Fryers Walk, Thetford. Hillcrest, Thorpe, near Norwich. Mary Chapman Court, Dussindale, Thorpe St Andrew. St Germans House, King’s Lynn. Woodland, Hellesdon, near Norwich. Woodlands, Thetford.
Published 11/07/2011
Reprieve for respite care in Aylsham
Plans have been under way for years to discontinue a respite care centre at Mill Close in Aylsham, as part of national guidlines to scrap all NHS residential campuses for adults with learning difficulties. NHS Norfolk, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and Norfolk County Council have now agreed that the service is still needed.
David Sparkes, Development Worker at Norfolk LINk, is taking a full part in Norfolk County Council's health overview and scrutiny committee which is scrutinising the plans for Mill Close.
David commented that it was vital for families to be included in the tendering and interview process for a new provider, and they would be keen for existing staff to be kept on, as an ethos of mutual trust and care had been fostered over the years, as well as much experience and specialist care.
Published 08/07/2011
Norfolk LINk Coffee Morning a Success
Thank you to all volunteers who were able to come along to the Norfolk LINk coffee morning on June 28th.
The morning gave volunteers a chance to meet our new host manager Izzy Shaw and other volunteers whom they didn't know. The tea and cake on offer fuelled lively discussion, providing a useful opportunity for staff to communicate Norfolk LINk's current situation and receive feedback and ideas.
After the success of the morning the host team hope to stage future events to bring volunteers and staff together.
Published 30/06/2011
East of England Ambulance Service Newsletter
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust was created on July 1, 2006 and covers the six counties which make up the East of England - Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Their aim is to be the recognised leader in emergency, urgent and out of hospital care in the East of England.
Please click on the link to view their latest newsletter for June.
Published 28/06/2011
Norfolk and Norwich Hospital told to improve elderly patients’ nutrition
Norfolk’s flagship hospital has been told it must work harder to make sure patients are properly fed and nourished.
A report by the Care Quality Commission said there were "moderate concerns" around how the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital meets the nutritional needs of older patients, which means their health and well-being could be affected.
The report does praise some aspects of dignity and nutrition. The report says: "The people with whom we spoke told us that they were listened to and were given the opportunity to express their views about their care, support and treatment. Some people were complimentary about the medical staff, they said that staff were always kind and made comments such as ‘I am very happy with the care I am given'."
Norfolk LINk's NNUH subgroup is monitoring this through participation with the hospital's Nutrition committee.
You can read the EDP article, full CQC report and the NNUH's response to the report.
Published 27/06/2011
Government response to NHS Future Forum
The Government has announced that it accepts the core recommendations of the NHS Future Forum report and will make changes to its plans for modernisation of health and social care.
The key changes include:
- Reaffirming that Ministers are accountable overall
- Wider involvement in clinical commissioning
- Stronger accountability
- Safeguards on competition
- Support for integrated care
- A more phased transition
To ensure that Parliament has sufficient opportunity to scrutinise the Government's changes, relevant parts of the Health and Social Care Bill will be recommitted. Further details of this, and the amendments the Government will make to the Bill, will be set out shortly.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: ‘The independent NHS Future Forum has made a number of recommendations and we are accepting them. This has been a genuine exercise and it is clear from our response today that substantial changes have been made in the interests of patients.
‘The Forum confirmed that there is widespread support for the principles underpinning our plans for change: greater patient choice, "no decision about me, without me", more control for doctors, nurses and frontline professionals, a focus on quality and results for patients, more information and more clout for the public. These changes now will help us make those principles a reality.'
To read more please visit the Department of Health news page.
Published 22/06/2011
North Walsham Consultation DVD
After extensive public consultation - to which Norfolk LINk contributed, NHS Norfolk and the members of the Community Involvement Panel are pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of refurbishment of the Rebecca House building at North Walsham and District War Memorial Hospital
Please view the DVD about the involvement and engagement activity including comments from Norman Lamb MP on You Tube at;
http://www.youtube.com/user/norfolknhs
Published 23/05/2011
Volunteers wanted!
Support needed for outreach work in Norfolk's villages and towns
Volunteers wanted to help get a message across to vulnerable people
The analogue TV signals in our area will be switching over to digital in stages from 6th July to 23rd November 2011. Many vulnerable, elderly, sick and disabled people rely on TV for entertainment, news and an essential lifeline to the outside world
Although it has been well-publicised there will still be many people who do not understand what Switchover is about and these are likely to be people who need help from their community.
Norfolk Rural Community Council (Norfolk RCC) is supporting the BBC's "Switchover Help Scheme for those most at risk of loosing their TV signal and is looking for volunteers to help get the message across to those in need. Volunteers will be expected to visit and talk about the switchover to key people in local communities, such as the local postmaster, shopkeeper, publican, priest, parish councillors and others who are actively involved in community life.
Training, support and expenses will be given to anyone who can help
All volunteer applications must be received by 1st June in order to invite candidates to the training event.
If you have any further questions or want to chat further about this opportunity, please contact Henry Meiklejohn or Rik Martin on 01362-698216.
If you would like to start a discussion with other volunteers about these issues go to the discussion page
Published 23/05/2011
Changing our NHS together – NHS Norfolk newsletter
NHS Norfolk's vision for the NHS in Norfolk is a patient-centred service which delivers good local care wherever possible. NHS Norfolk has come a long way over the last few years -they understand that they are delivering better services and treating more people, more quickly, To read more click here.
If you would like to start a discussion with other volunteers about these issues go to the discussion page
Published 19/05/2011
Newsletters
Share our recent news and find out about any opportunities to work with us at Norfolk LINk...
To view our newsletter head to the download section of the website.
Published 12/04/2011
The Transition from Norfolk LINk
You will have heard that plans are well underway for work in the coming year to transform Norfolk LINk into Norfolk HealthWatch. As of 30th March, it has become apparent that, until the Bill that officially brings HealthWatch into being receives Royal Assent, we cannot use the term Norfolk HealthWatch to describe ourselves. This is not an untypical occurrence when we're working with a continuously evolving national picture, and it will have no effect on current work plans.
Norfolk County Council, who are issuing the contract for the work in this transition year, have confirmed that they would like us to proceed with all of the work as planned, but with the small difference that, until the Royal Assent is received, we will work under the title of Norfolk LINk Transition. Those of you who have been around for a long while will recall that we had a similar PPI transition when we became LINk...
So, keep watching the website and newsletter for updates on how the work towards new structures is progressing. This is an exciting time and there is much to do to build on the excellent work of Norfolk Link and to be sure that it will evolve into an even better new service that offers the people of Norfolk a strong voice in health and social care services.
If you would like to start a discussion with other volunteers about these issues go to the discussion page
Published 01/04/2011
Norfolk LINk – Celebration of Achievements
Norman Lamb Liberal Democrat MP North Norfolk & Chief Parliamentary & Political Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister recently joined with Norfolk LINk members and partners to celebrate the organisations achievements and look to the future.
The event, which was the last Norfolk LINk event before it officially becomes Norfolk HealthWatch, was attended by over 100 people eager to hear Mr Lamb and others discuss the future of the NHS and social care in Norfolk. Mr Lamb talked about the importance of patient views and the on-going work of Norfolk HealthWatch.
The audience heard Patrick Thompson, outgoing Chairman for Norfolk LINk, thank Norfolk LINk members and Strategy Group members for all their hard work and commitment to improving health and social care services in Norfolk. He also reassured people that although the Norfolk LINk name and Strategy Group are coming to an end this does not mean the work of Norfolk LINk is - Norfolk HealthWatch will take us in to the future and the voice of Norfolk people will be stronger and continue to influence how our services develop and are delivered well in to the future.
Maureen Orr from Norfolk County Council spoke about the many Norfolk LINk achievements over the last 3 years. Chris Walton also from Norfolk County Council spoke about how Norfolk HealthWatch will take us in to the future, building on the successes of Norfolk LINk whilst giving a stronger voice to Norfolk people. For copies of both their presentations please click here.
If you would like to start a discussion with other volunteers about these issues go to the discussion page
Published 28/03/2011
East of England Ambulance Service - Stakeholder Bulletin
To see a copy of the first-ever dedicated stakeholder bulletin from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, please click here.
Published 17/03/2011
Update on the new East of England Trauma Network
In September 2010 the Department of Health introduced new standards and requirements for NHS to develop Regional Trauma Networks with a Major Trauma Centre at their heart.
The East of England Specialised Commissioning Group are developing a Regional Trauma Network for the East of England and plans are in place to open a Major Trauma Network so that everyone in the east will have access to the same high quality trauma services.
To access the East of England Trauma Network Newsletter and find out more, click here.
Published 10/03/2011
Closer working for local PCTs
NHS Norfolk and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are to form a primary care trust (PCT) cluster under the leadership of a single chief executive and executive team, with immediate effect. This decision was agreed unanimously by NHS East of England following consultation with the PCTs, the new emerging GP consortia and district and county councils in the two counties. It has been fully endorsed by NHS Chief Executive, Sir David Nicholson.
Each PCT will remain as a statutory body and keep its own Board. The current Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk, Andrew Morgan, will become Chief Executive of both PCTs. He will be required to put in place a single team of Executive Directors by June 2011.
The two primary care trusts have worked very closely together for a number of years so this clustering arrangement makes sense for the organisations and for patients. There is already in place good joint working protocols in a number of areas, and two main hospitals in Norwich and Great Yarmouth have also worked very closely together.
This positive step will help prepare for the future, and to move forward with the continuing development of GP Consortia locally. It will enable NHS Norfolk and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney to share skills and resources, ensuring the continued focus on delivery of service improvement and financial performance, without the disruptive effects of a full-scale merger.
Published 17/02/2011
Norfolk LINk's Response to 'Big Conversation' and 'White Paper'
Over the past few weeks, Norfolk LINk has been asked to comment on a number of important planning documents that will affect the health and social care services we receive in Norfolk. We have asked our members what they think and prepared responses in light of their input. To view Norfolk LINk's response to Norfolk County Council's Big Conversation or the Government's White Papers - Choices and Information, click here.
Published 20/01/2011
Norfolk LINk is Going From Strength to Strength
In these times of uncertainty and Government changes, Norfolk LINk's membership has continued to grow faster than ever. Over the past 4 months almost 400 new members have joined allowing them to get involved, keep up to date and contribute to proposed changes in health and social care in Norfolk.
Lyndon Green, who has been involved in engagement, consultation and new membership for Norfolk LINk said. "Our members have been working really hard canvassing in libraries, helping with street marketing campaigns, attending events and telling friends and relatives about Norfolk LINk. It is only by finding out what our members have to say that the LINk can do what it needs to - that makes a positive difference to future services!"
Published 12/01/2011
Norfolk Volunteer Group Ring the Changes
If you have ever thought that the health or social care services in your area could be improved, then from today, it won't cost you a penny to have your say!
Norfolk LINk has launched the latest and cheapest way for you to get in touch with them with a brand new free phone 0800 number. When it comes to getting the best from the NHS or social services departments, Norfolk LINk has been representing the people of Norfolk for over two years and the organisation has seen it's membership grow and grow. The brand new number is designed to help those members and anyone from right across the county get hold of them as easily as possible.
Chairman of Norfolk LINk, Patrick Thompson said. This new number should make it even easier for people to get in touch about their concerns, worries and even about the good things that are happening in health and social care in Norfolk. Whether it be your dentist, hospital, GP or how older people are being cared for, we want to hear what people think and I would encourage everyone to pick up the phone and call us.
At the moment, the phone will be staffed Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm with an answer phone at all other times. To contact Norfolk LINk call 0800 652 4158
Patrick Thompson, Mary Ledgard and David Russell from Norfolk LINk's strategy Group.
Published 08/11/2010
Ambulance Service Visit
David Russell, Mary Ledgard, Mark Ganderton and Simon Dack
When it comes to Ambulance response times, a matter of moments could be the difference between life and death. That is why Norfolk LINk is working closely with the East of England Ambulance Trust (EEAST) to ensure that everything that can be done is being done to run the most efficient service possible. As part of a knowledge gathering exercise, Norfolk LINk recently requested a visit to see the operating systems and understand some of the issues that the Ambulance service faces every day.
David Russell, Norfolk LINk's Ambulance Working Group Lead said. "It is only by getting to know how the service works, the pressures and some of the problems that get thrown at them that we can truly help the crew and staff improve their services for the people of Norfolk."
Norfolk LINk requested the visit to the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) in Hellesdon after concerns had been raised by people from across Norfolk. Representatives from the Ambulance Service also showed the group around the Ambulance Cleaning Depot in Costessey and gave an informative presentation followed by an open question and answer session.
David Russell continued to explain that "The question and answer session was particularly informative and helped Norfolk LINk to get to grips with some of the issues faced by the service. It was also great to meet first hand and speak to the unsung heroes of the EEAST team who provide such a fantastic service".
Published 01/11/2010
The Peoples White Paper
Norfolk LINk have collated and delivered The People's White Paper to the Government on behalf of the people of Norfolk. Hundreds of local people from across the county were asked what they would do to improve local health and social care services. A team of volunteers from Norfolk LINk went onto the streets of the county to find out about the issues that were important to everyday people. Others told us what they think via the website or by text messages. The results make fascinating reading and are available by clicking here.
Norfolk LINk also sent a more detailed response to the Government's own white paper consultation. Click here to download the full report and for more info about the White Paper consultation.
Published 21/10/2010
Norfolk LINk film
A brand new video presentation is available for you to view and download. This short film is an exciting and lively overview of the work of Norfolk LINk and some of it's achievements to date.
Published 25/08/2010