Healthwatch City of London Bulletin 50
NHS Waiting Times Survey
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many people having their operations, treatment and appointments delayed. A record number of people - more than 5.45 million - are waiting for NHS hospital treatment in England. We want to find out how this is affecting you.
All Healthwatches across the North East of London are carrying out a survey to learn about the impact of delays on people, how they are coping while they wait and what support they think would help them better manage their health.
Please complete the survey below to let us know of your experiences.
Improving surgical services across London
The Health Innovation Network (HIN), who are hosted by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust are currently looking for members of the public to partake in 1:1 discussion about their experience of surgical procedures in London during COVID-19.
This is to contribute to a project exploring the impact of fast track surgical hubs which were created during the pandemic to boost the amount of planned surgery that could be carried out across the region.
The HIN would like to hear about peoples experience of surgery / waiting for surgery to see if there are any trends in experiences between different groups of people and to help improve the service for future patients.
For further information and how to get involved please open the attached leaflet below.
Are you a frontline care or support worker in the City of London?
You are now eligible to book your COVID 19 booster vaccination.
Please see below and attached the latest information from the Homerton and St. Leonards about booking boosters (and 2nd dose vaccinations) for those who provide front line services Care and/or Support services in the City. You can book these up now.
Please be aware of some key points before booking.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), who advises UK health departments on immunisation, recommends 180 days between 2nd and 3rd doses.
Attached below is a guide that maps 2nd dose dates to your future 3rd dose eligibility date and available clinics. Please do not choose earlier than your 180 day eligibility date as they cannot offer you a dose earlier than the national guidance advises.
Walk in vaccinations are not available at this stage
The JCVI recommends Pfizer for Boosters
Regardless of previous 1st and 2nd doses, you will be offered a Pfizer Booster. In extreme clinical circumstances clinically, screened patients may be redirected for a ½ dose of Moderna.
St Leonard’s Hospital Clinics
If you wish to book an appointment at St Leonard’s, follow this link Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and book online choosing St Leonards.
Appointments will be available in slots of 30 minutes which includes check in, vaccination and observation period. All appointments will be booked on the hour or half past.
Booster COVID-19 vaccines
Vulnerable adults are now being offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine. People aged 50 years and over, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 16 to 49 years with specific underlying health conditions will be offered a booster vaccine dose. Booster jabs can be booked online by those who are eligible by visiting the National Booking Service. People will also be contacted by the NHS or their GP directly and invited to book.
Goodman’s Fields Medical Practice
The new Goodman’s Fields Medical Practice was officially opened last Friday by the Major of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, and Henry Black from North East London Clinical Commissioning Group.
The site hosts East One Health and Whitechapel Health GP Practices in the new state of the art building. Residents from Tower Hamlets and the City of London are welcome to register with a GP at the Practice.
The modern design of the building allows self-check in, as well as the traditional check in desk, 22 GP consultation rooms, two lounge areas whilst waiting for your appointment, a multi faith room for private prayer and a private room for breastfeeding.
The building is a short walk from both Aldgate, Aldgate East and Whitechapel underground stations, and is accessible via the Bus 15, Bus 115, Bus 135 routes.
The team at Healthwatch City of London have already introduced ourselves to the Practice Manager and we will be working with the management team to support them with patient engagement and establishing good communications links to enable us to support you.
Fuel Crisis
The City of London Corporation have asked providers of health and social care the impact of the fuel crisis on them. If you have been directly affected in the services you are receiving, please us know so we can inform the Corporation, Email us on info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Cardiac screening
Healthwatch City of London have recently written to the NEL Clinical Commissioning Group to obtain clarification on the referral process for Cardiac Screening. If you have recently been referred for a cardiac screening at Barts Health, UCLH or Homerton hospital, we would like to hear from you about your experience. In particular we are interested if you have been offered a choice of where to go. Please email us on info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
Old Street Roundabout and impact on access to the Homerton Hospital
We’ve had numerous contacts from residents concerned about the additional time it now takes to reach Homerton Hospital following the development of the Old Street roundabout. The traffic flow of the roundabout was changed to reduce pollution and support Covid distancing. However, we have had reports that it can now take over an hour to reach Homerton due to the new set up.
We raised this issue at the City of London’s Health and Wellbeing Board and will be working closely with partners to identify solutions.
In the coming months we will be carrying out a survey on access to services, this will include access to the Homerton. In the meantime, if you’ve experienced any delays, or would like to voice your concerns please contact us on info@healthwatchcityoflondon.org.uk
New Portsoken Community Group
City Connections are starting a new community group in the Portsoken Community Centre commencing on Tuesday 5th October. The group will be held every Tuesday between 10.30 – 13.00. The group is for people living in the East of the City of London. There will be exercise classes (women only), arts and crafts, advice clinics, inclusive celebrations for cultural and religious holidays, and more. They encourage to you go along for a cup of tea and to connect with other people in your area. For more details contact Ruby on 07514 670 270 or email ruby@cityconnections.org.uk
Stop smoking this October
This Stoptober Smokefree City & Hackney is asking local smokers to join the thousands of people who will quit smoking in October.
Smokefree City & Hackney is the local stop smoking service for anyone who lives, works or studies in the City or Hackney (or who is registered with a City or Hackney GP),
The service offers a 12 week stop smoking programme with access to a dedicated stop smoking advisor and stop smoking medication (free to those who don't pay for prescriptions)
With support and medication, the likelihood of quitting is three times higher than for those who try to go it alone.
As soon as you stop smoking, your body starts to heal itself ….
- Circulation improves: stop smoking and start moving
- Breathing improves: stop smoking and start breathing
- Finances improve: stop smoking and start saving (as much as £36 per week)
For more information about Stoptober and Smokefree City & Hackney visit smokefreecityandhackney.org or call the service on 0800 046 9946.
Healthwatch City of London events
See below the next scheduled dates for our regular events for ‘Listening to City Carers’ and our Mental Health and Wellbeing focus groups.
As a result of these events, we have enabled a carer to receive their COVID vaccination in their home, access for another resident to the ELFT mental health team, given a voice for carers in the retendering process by the Corporation of London of their home care contract.
Listening to City Carers
Overview: An opportunity for Carer’s to provide feedback on their experience of Health and Social Care.
Date: Friday 22nd October
Time: 11am – 12noon
Link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85823840940?pwd=cWYyZ1pWeDkrSXNWanMzWGorVE9yUT09
Meeting ID: 858 2384 0940 Passcode: 855067
Mental Health and Wellbeing focus group
Overview: The event is open to everyone and we will be discussing mental health provision in the City of London, identifying access issues and any gaps in the services provided to you. We will be joined by colleagues from MIND, East London Foundation Trust and City Connections.
Date: Thursday 18th November
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82400703243?pwd=Q0N4THRkTEVzNzZWbUYzQ0lkc2VtZz09
Meeting ID: 824 0070 3243 Passcode: 390856
Listening to City Carers
Overview: An opportunity for Carer’s to provide feedback on their experience of Health and Social Care.
Date: Friday 26th November
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81897762127?pwd=ZUFsdVMxS2lETmczZy8rdHlDWUl4Zz09
Meeting ID: 818 9776 2127 Passcode: 575751
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
