Healthwatch City of London Newsletter 30 July 2021

As restrictions are lifted, we know that many of you who read our newsletter remain cautious and naturally anxious. There is still a good deal of guidance around, but interpretation varies, and this can be confusing.  Even in the City whilst going out and about I have seen different approaches for different businesses.  Our advice?  Act responsibly and think of others, follow the guidance, and do what you feel comfortable with.  The ‘Pingdemic ‘has caused furore and anxiety and here at HWCoL we have not been immune, but we followed the guidance and made sure we kept safe.  Listening to Dr Van Tamm yesterday it’s clear that however difficult adhering to the guidance can be the impact has been enormous and helped save lives.   Lateral flow tests, PCR tests and vaccination are all part of the arsenal to control Covid so for more information about these see our website and follow the links below.  All healthcare settings still have infection control procedures in place, which we urge you to adhere to. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the public meeting on the future of St Leonards earlier this month, the event generated a lot of interest which shows the level of concern about the future of this facility and the services it provides. The next stage in our public involvement programme will be to conduct an online survey of City and Hackney residents, which will provide you with a further opportunity to share your ideas about the future of St Leonard’s. The survey will be published in the coming weeks, so do please take part, and encourage your friends in the City to do so too.

This week we are pleased to publish a report on Audiology and Hearing Aid provision in the City.  Written by Christopher Gadsden, one of our volunteers the report details the services available, how to access them and provides some insightful user experience. I’d like to thank Christopher for the time he spent compiling what is an excellent and accessible report. 

Finally, I’m delighted to congratulate Amanda Pritchard on her appointment as the new NHS Chief Executive.  I was lucky enough to work closely with Amanda at Guy’s and St Thomas’ when she was the CEO there. Apart from bringing a wealth of operational experience and a deep understanding of how health and social care systems work Amanda’s compassion, her values and her leadership are inspirational. 

 Gail

Plasma donors needed in London 

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has launched its first national campaign for people to donate plasma for medicines, including at its plasma donor centres in Croydon, Stratford and Twickenham. 

Plasma donation only restarted in April after a gap of more than 20 years and few people know what plasma donation is. An NHSBT survey shows only 23% of the public know about it. This lack of awareness is contributing to a shortfall in donors.

In total, NHSBT needs 4,600 people to start donating plasma in London in the next three months. (1,300 at Croydon, 1,700 at Stratford, and 1,600 at Twickenham). 

Last year, 3,905 people from London received antibody medicines made from plasma. 

To recruit the lifesaving donors needed, NHSBT is working with partners and running a campaign with a call to ‘join the donor pool’ over the summer, asking people who may not be able to enjoy a holiday to help build the pool of active donors. 

Donated plasma is made into antibody medicines known as immunoglobulins, which are used to save the lives of people with immune disorders. Around 17,000 people a year receive these medicines.   

They are mainly used to treat immunodeficiencies (for example, when people lack antibodies to fight infections) and neurological disorders (for example, when the body’s immune system is attacking itself).

Currently the NHS depends entirely on imports of blood plasma from other countries – mainly the US – to manufacture immunoglobulins.  Donation to NHSBT will bolster long term NHS supplies. 

To donate plasma, visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma or call 0300 123 23 23.   

City Carers Community Events

The City Carers Community are holding more of their Share and Learn sessions via Zoom. These are being held on Monday 2nd, 16th & 30th August at 11.15am and 8pm. The sessions last for 45 minutes.

 You are welcome to join in. Ask questions and learn tips from city residents who are looking after a family member, friend or neighbour (other terms are informal/unpaid carers). Topics are determined by residents' questions or help to navigate the NHS/Social care systems for yourself / the person you look after etc. Open to anyone who is looking after someone in the City of London. A friendly group, run by residents voluntarily. For the zoom link email:CityCarersCommunity@gmail.com

Upcoming Healthwatch City of London Events

One of Healthwatch City of London’s purposes is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. To do that we need to hear from you so we provide a number of regular events where we can exchange views and raise issues or concerns. Ideally, we’d like to hold them face to face, but because of the current pandemic we are restricted to Zoom events.

Please see a list of our events below with joining details.

*Change of date* Listening to City Carer’s event – Friday 27th August

Overview: An opportunity for Carer’s to provide feedback on their experience of Health and Social Care.

Time: 11:00 – 12:00

Joining details:  

https://zoom.us/j/96737224444?pwd=bWE5R3l3OGVvY21tbDRpcURqOXFmdz09   

Meeting ID: 967 3722 4444 Passcode: 364136 Dial in: 0208 080 6591  

Latest Covid-19 statistics for the City of London  

The joint City and Hackney Public Health Intelligence Team produce regular statistics on Covid-19 levels and vaccination uptake data in the City. The site is updated regularly and accessible at. https://hackney.gov.uk/coronavirus-data

Keep up to date with the latest advice

HWCoL are constantly updating our advice and information pages. Please make sure you visit them regularly.  https://www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk/advice-and-information

Get in touch with Healthwatch City of London

Visit our website for more information, news and events, have your say about your care, and spread the word about Healthwatch City of London. www.healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk email: info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk  Tel: 020 3745 9563 Facebook: facebook.com/CoLHealthwatch Twitter: @HealthwatchCoL

Portsoken Health and Community Centre, 14-16 Little Somerset Street, London E1 8AH