South West The newsletter of South West Community Health and Care Partnership

Issue 4 April/ May 2010 Simple Test Saved Jimmy’s Life

ittle did Jimmy Deuchars know that when a bowel Lcancer testing kit rattled through his letterbox it would save his life. For Jimmy, who lives with wife Margaret in , wasn’t even going to take the test. He said: “I threw it to the side and forgot about it. It was Margaret who nagged me into doing it and I’m glad she did.” If Jimmy had not taken the test and sent it back he would still be oblivious to the fact that he had been suffering from bowel cancer and had a maximum of two years to live. He said: “I sent the kit away and thought nothing of it. About a week later I got a phone call from a health worker saying that I had blood in my stools and to go for Recovering: Jimmy Deuchars. a colonoscopy at the new Victoria Hospital. I couldn’t “The operation went well. It was the recovery believe it. At the time, I didn’t think I’d been experiencing that was the difficult bit,” he said. “It took me any symptoms, although I realise now that I actually had.” until the third month to start feeling well again. Jimmy went for the test and it was afterwards that his I’m feeling good now and want to get on with doctor informed him he had lesions on his bowel and 45 life. I’m normally very active and have been polyps. feeling frustrated that I’m unable to do the “The next thing I had to go for a CT scan and then saw things I would normally.” my surgeon the following week for the results.” He added: “I would advise anyone who has It was then that he was given the devastating news that he the chance to do a bowel cancer test to do it. had bowel cancer. It saved my life. Nine out of ten times it will Said Jimmy: “My surgeon told me that I had to have an come back clear. It’s not a nice thing to do, but operation. If I didn’t get it, he estimated that I had around if it saves your life it’s worth it.” two years to live. He was very confident that he could cure So what does the future hold for Jimmy? me. He said that I would have to undergo very aggressive His wound was not sufficiently healed to get surgery and then get chemotherapy after. It was his chemotherapy, but he will undergo regular confidence that convinced me that surgery was the way to check-ups to ensure all the cancer cells have go.” gone. In the event of the cancer returning Three months ago Jimmy went into the new Victoria chemotherapy will be available then. Hospital for the operation. He had around three-quarters of He’s also keen to get back to his charitable his colon (part of his large intestine), some small intestine and a bit of his liver removed. continued on page 2

INSIDE: Latest on our PPF p3 - Blood Pressure p4 and 5 - Weaning p6 and 7 Jimmy Deuchars contd from page 1. Key topics work. Although Jimmy uses a wheelchair because of osteo-arthritis in his spine, he doesn’t let it hold him back. He and Margaret Involving local communities in our day-to-day set up the Grandparents Apart UK charity work is an important aspect of what we do along with others and he fully intends to get as a Community Health & Care Partnership back into raising awareness of grandparents (CHCP). who are estranged from their children and grandchildren. For more information: And our Public Partnership Forum (PPF) is www.grandparentsapart.co.uk right at the forefront of that. Members are regularly consulted on a range If you would like more information on bowel of key decisions and changes that happen cancer, see our special feature in our June within health and social care services in the 2009 newsletter: South West of . www.chps.org.uk/southwestglasgow And they also get the opportunity to quiz South West CHCP staff on a range of subjects and Click on News / Events, then South West discuss any concerns they might have. Newsletter and June 09. One opportunity they have to do this is at the annual PPF event. Or contact: Held this year at the Victory Christian Centre Scottish Bowel Screening in February, the event was organised by Helpline 08454 270 0030 the CHCP and the PPF Executive. Open (Mon-Fri, 8am to 8pm). to the public, around 50 people from local communities attended. www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk Lisa Martin, from our Community Development and Engagement Team, said: “The aim of the event was to give local people and representatives from community groups the chance to discuss some key services Useful Contacts as well as looking at how well the CHCP communicates with the public. South West CHCP Headquarters - 0141 276 5239 “Members of the PPF Executive were on South West Public Partnership Forum - 0141 276 hand to share their experience of working 4630 Community Development and Engagement Team with the CHCP and workshop discussions - 0141 276 4630 focussed on mental health, addiction, older Social Work Area Offices: - 0141 276 8700 people and learning disabilities.” - 0141 276 2900 “South West CHCP staff were on hand to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Head Office ensure that the key issues and concerns -0141 201 4444 South West Community Planning Partnership were noted for future action and the PPF - 0141 892 6330 Executive will continue to meet regularly with South West Community Mental Health Project the CHCP to review progress made.” - 0141 445 1022 The PPF also organised an informal meeting Glasgow Asylum Support Project - 0141 276 8850 on local Older People’s Services with Glasgow South West Carers Centre - 0141 440 concerned community groups. 5316 Citizens Advice Direct - 0870 290 3000 The session was attended by 35 Mental Health Network - 0141 550 8417 representatives from local seniors’ forums, page 2 discussed at PPF events

proposals.” The meeting finished with a question and answer session which highlighted, amongst other things, the need for the CHCP to work more closely with partners in other services as well as the voluntary sector. The PPF is producing reports from both community councils, housing associations these events. If you would like a copy and others. The aim was to provide please contact Lisa Martin, Community up-to-date information on changes and Development and Engagement Worker on developments to those services for older 0141 276 4630. people that are delivered by the CHCP. John Owens, Head of Health and Community Care for the CHCP, gave an informative presentation outlining the range of services delivered by the CHCP and its partners, as well as the challenges facing these services, in particular the health inequalities facing the older population in the South West. Said John: “The event gave me the opportunity to speak about our proposals for new day care, residential and nursing care provision and to take questions from Pictured: Both events gave local people a chance to put the floor. It was really useful to get feedback forward their views on health and social care services in from people who may be affected by these South West Glasgow.

What is the PPF? Our Public Partnership Forum (PPF) is a partnership between ourselves - South West Community Health & Care Partnership – and a network of local people who have an interest in health and social care services within the South West of Glasgow. The PPF has around 650 members from all parts of the community. It acts as a way of linking patients, service users, carers and the wider public with the work that we do by: • informing local people about CHCP services • engaging with local people on how to improve health and social care services • supporting wider public involvement in planning and decision making If you live, work, use a health or social care service in the South West or care for someone who does, you can join the PPF. For more information, contact Lisa Martin or Martin Hawkins at South West CHCP on 0141 276 4630.

page 3 The Silent

igh blood pressure affects around one high blood pressure can kill. In the UK, Hin three adults in the UK…that’s 16 around 62,000 deaths from stroke and heart million people. attacks occur because the patient has poor And around a third of all people with high blood pressure control. blood pressure do not know they have it for “However, high blood pressure can be they may not have any obvious symptoms. managed. If you have high blood pressure, The facts speak for themselves: people with your GP will be able to prescribe medication high blood pressure are three times more to keep your blood pressure at a level that likely to develop heart disease and stroke will reduce your risk of stroke and heart AND twice as likely to die from them as disease. people with normal blood pressure. “You can also help yourself by eating less High blood pressure is also a major risk salt, keeping to a healthy weight, exercising factor for kidney disease and may also be a and reducing how much alcohol you drink.” factor for vascular dementia. Dr Ken O’Neill, Clinical Director with South West CHCP said: “Left unchecked,

Blood pressure is how strongly your blood is pumped around Blood your body by your heart. It’s not something you usually feel and the only way to know what your blood pressure is, is to Pressure - have it measured by your doctor or nurse.

Frequently A normal and healthy blood pressure reading is less than 120 over 80 (the higher number represents the force of the Asked blood as the heart contracts (beats) to pump blood around the body and the lower number is the pressure while the heart is Questions relaxed). If your blood pressure reading is between 121 over 81 and 139 over 89, it is slightly too high and you should make healthy changes to your lifestyle to try and lower it. If your blood pressure is 140 over 90 or higher, you have high blood pressure and your GP can best advise on what you should do next.

What causes high blood pressure? There may be no single cause of high blood pressure.

page 4 Killer

Reducing your risk 1. Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor – the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. 2. Eat less salt – an adult should eat no more than 6mg of salt a day. Salt makes your body retain water and if you eat too much salt, the extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure. Eating too much salt might also affect how your blood pressure medicines work. 3. Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day – a portion is around 80 grams and could include fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, fruit juice and pulses (eg chickpeas, lentils etc). 4. Watch your weight – if you are overweight, losing weight will help you reduce your blood pressure and lower your risk of developing other health problems such as diabetes. 5. Reduce your alcohol intake – if you drink too much alcohol, over time this will raise your blood pressure and won’t do your waistline any good because alcohol contains a lot of calories. The current guidelines are that men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol a week and women should drink no more than 14 units a week (a unit is roughly a half pint of beer or cider, a small glass of wine or a single measure of spirits). 6. Be more active – if you have high blood pressure, your doctor or nurse may suggest you try to become more active to lower it. Thirty minutes of exercise five times a week can keep your heart healthy and can lower your blood pressure. Speak to your GP before starting any form of exercise. What is blood pressure?

However, you are at a higher risk of developing it if: o You don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables o You eat too much salt (more than 6mg per day) o You are not active enough o You are overweight o You drink too much alcohol

Other factors include: whether you have another medical condition such as kidney problems; other people in your family having high blood pressure; your age; your ethnic origin (people from Afro-Caribbean and South Asian communities are at greater risk of getting high blood pressure).

What happens if I am diagnosed as having high blood pressure? Your doctor may suggest you change your lifestyle and that you take medicine to try and lower it. Below are the four most commonly used types of medicines used to treat high blood pressure: o ACE inhibitors o Angiotensin receptor blockers o Calcium channel blockers o Thiazide diuretics

page 5 Helping

re you the parent or guardian of a baby under 26- Aweeks-old? Not sure about weaning? Then we’ve got the thing for you. South West CHCP is running a series of weaning fayres across the south-west of Glasgow specifically designed to give parents and carers of babies aged 14 to 26 weeks top tips on weaning. The fayres take place every month at one of three Bruce is stubbing it out venues and the next events are: - March 31, 2010 - The Victory Centre, obody said it was going to be easy Langlands Road, Govan G51 4AS. Nand sometimes willpower just isn’t - April 28, 2010 - Leithland enough. Giving up smoking can be tough Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Kempsthorne Road, going, but the benefits are enormous. Pollok G53 5SR. One man who knows all about it is Bruce - May 26, 2010 - Parish Steven from . In July last year, Church, 556 Boydstone Road, Carnwadric G46 he made a decision: after 35 years of 8HP. smoking he was going to give up. - June 30, 2010 - The Victory Centre, Bruce, a retired marine engineer, had Langlands Road, Govan G51 4AS. a simple reason for wanting to quit. He - July 28, 2010 - Leithland wanted to be able to walk up his street Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Kempsthorne Road, without getting breathless. Pollok, G53 5SR. He said: “I saw a poster for local stop - August 25, 2010 - Carnwadric Parish smoking services on a notice board at my Church, 556 Boydstone Road, Glasgow G46 GP surgery, phoned up and signed up to 8HP. stop smoking. - September 29, 2010 - The Victory “I attended group sessions at the Victory Centre, Langlands Road, Govan, G51 4AS. Christian Centre in Elder Park. I found - October 27, 2010 - Leithland it really invaluable. It was good to meet Neighbourhood Centre, 25 Kempsthorne Road, other people in the same position as me Pollok, G53 5SR. and to get that support.” - November 24, 2010 - Carnwadric Although he was offered NRT, Bruce Parish Church, 556 Boydstone Road, Glasgow decided to go cold turkey and, apart from G46 8HP. a little blip over Christmas, he’s managed - December 15, 2010 - The Victory to stay off smoking. Centre, Langlands Road, Govan, G51 4AS. He said: “I’m determined to give it up for Gill Hannah, from South West CHCP’s Health good.” Improvement Team, said: ““We’ve been running What about walking up his hill? weaning fayres for a years now and they are really “The breathlessness has gone,” he said popular. Mums can come along, find out about with a smile. how to wean their baby, speak to health and other For more information on our professionals and take away information that will help SmokeFree services: 0800 015 1231 them ease their babies from milk on to family foods. or Scottish Smokline on 0800 84 84 What’s more, they get to meet other mums with babies 84 or log on to: www.nhsggc.org.uk/ of a similar age to their own and have a chat in a cphi or www.canstopsmoking.co.uk relaxed, informal setting.” page 6 mums with weaning

Carol Nicoll (left) from Hillington came to a recent fayre in Pollok with baby Mia (5 months). Mia is Carol’s first child and she was worried about weaning. She said: “The fayre was informative. I didn’t have a clue about weaning, but now that I’ve been I feel more confident about doing Friends Davina Martin (above left) from it. I picked up a lot of good tips including using an and Lynsey McGuire (above right) from ice cube tray to freeze the food and turning leftover Thornliebank brought babies Carys (five months) and pureed food into meals the whole family can enjoy. Kai (also five months) to the fayre. I would definitely encourage other parents to come First time mum Davina said: “I was given a along to a weaning fayre.” leaflet on the fayre and I thought I would come along because I didn’t know what I was doing with weaning. It was very informative. I now feel more confident.” Lynsey, who has a five-year-old daughter, said she attended the fayre for two reasons: “Davina was coming and it was such a big gap between my children that I thought I’d come along to refresh my memory. I also thought it would be good to get some recipes.”

Mum-of-two Brenda Urubusi from Darnley (pictured below), who is originally from Nigeria, brought daughter four-month-old Esosa (which means Gift Hurlet mum-of-five Susan Young (above right) of God) to the fayre. She said: “I came to get more brought youngest son, Paul (19 weeks) to the fayre. knowledge about weaning and to meet people as I’m She said: “I’d never attended a fayre before. There’s still new to Glasgow. I struggled with weaning my a five year gap between Paul and my second youngest first child. He and I felt I had forgot everything about weaning. I used to spit also thought it would be a good opportunity to meet out food. The other mums. I found the fayre really useful and there way we wean was lots of good tips to take away. I would encourage our children others to come along to future fayres.” is different First time mum Samanatha Reilly from Pollok in Nigeria. (pictured above left) was there with 19-week-old I’m hoping Kaleb. She said: “It’s been worthwhile coming along. that this time I’ve picked up some good tips and ideas. I feel more round it will confident now with weaning Kaleb.” be easier.” page 7 Shared Stories Shared Lives lasgow has a long and proud prompts Gstorytelling history, so it’s great to see such as film, a Pollok-based organisation continuing this scents and tradition. taste. The Village Storytelling Centre was set Although up nearly a decade ago to “strengthen the Centre’s and connect local communities through staff mainly storytelling” and it’s been successfully doing work in oral that ever since. storytelling, Co-Director Vanessa Paynton (pictured) four books explained: “We work with individuals and have been published - Buffalo Horns, Doors groups to build confidence, encourage Open, Village Stories and The Secret creativity and improve their understanding of of Crookston Castle – full of great tales each other. donated by local people of all ages and “For instance, some of our inter- backgrounds. generational work involves bringing So what does the future hold for the schoolchildren and older people together to Centre? build a greater understanding of each other. “We will continue to build upon the work “We have also carried out a lot of work with we have already carried out, bringing BME communities, including asylum seekers people together through storytelling and who are new to the area. encouraging communities to talk to each “Storytelling is something that everybody other and share their stories,” Vanessa said. can do and we encourage them and local The Village Storytelling Centre is based people to share their stories, break down in St James (Pollok) Parish Church, 183 perceptions and build a better understanding Meiklerig Crescent, Pollok G53 5NA (0141 of each other.” 882 3025). The Centre’s schools programme sees www.thevillagestorytellingcentre.com storytellers working with youngsters from nursery age up to primary school. Subjects covered include the seasons, environmental issues and transition. Young Carers’ Book They also run a successful arts drop-in club Young carers and their experiences are every Saturday for local youngsters. There the themes of a brand new book being the children take part in story-telling and get produced by the Village Storytelling to “make stuff”. Centre and Carers’ But it’s not just the young ones that benefit Centre. from its services, Centre staff also carry The two organisations have successfully out reminiscence work with older people: obtained funding to produce a young car- chatting about their memories and using ers’ book which is written by young car- ers for young carers. Due out in June, the aim of the book is to raise awareness of young carers and to give them a voice.

page 8 This newsletter was written and designed by South West CHCP. Contact: Dawn Thom 0141 276 4623.