Community
HEALTHCaring for you, close to home Summer 2018
Meet our NHS heroes Celebrating seven decades of the NHS
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 1 21/06/2018 22:19:45 Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 2 21/06/2018 22:19:46 Our features The NHS: P12 Public health journey The changing face A national of public health P14 It runs in the family Two generations of treasure health visitors at work P16 Humans of the NHS Meet the people who make it what it is P24 Immunisations One of the greatest appy birthday to our beloved NHS – an institution that manages every impacts on the single day to deliver some of the best healthcare in the world, sometimes world’s health in challenging conditions. You cannot fail to have noticed that 2018 is P26 It’s all about the 70th anniversary of the creation of the NHS, so we have dedicated community Hthis issue of Community Health to celebrating all that is great. Then and now From the changing face of public health, initially more concerned with in our hospitals preventing infectious diseases than encouraging people to give up smoking, to the everyday miracles taking place in our community hospitals as we work hard P32 One man’s climb to get people home safely and sooner – community health has always played a Martin’s life part in the NHS. with motor It’s not just the skills of people delivering healthcare services which play a neurone massive role in getting patients fit and well, it’s the personalities behind those disease professionals, so we meet more of #TeamKCHFT, including George featured on our cover. Sadly, it’s likely there will always be some medical conditions that cannot be cured and that is where end of life care is so very important. Martin Page has motor neurone disease, he knows it is terminal, but he is making he most of every second. Here’s to the next 70 years of working together, looking after people’s health. Enjoy. Fay. From the Editor Fay Sinclair Our regular features 01622 211947 P4 Your shout. P5 to 10 News. P34 to 35 What’s up guv? Email [email protected] P36 to 39 Your listings.
You can… Advertise The team read our magazine online If you would like to advertise Editor-in-chief www.kentcht.nhs.uk/magazine or if you in this magazine, please Julia Rogers 01622 211946 have a smartphone scan the QR code. phone Charlotte Morgan on Email [email protected] request this magazine in audio, 01622 211940. News editor Chloe Crouch large print or a different format. Write to us Designers The Communications Team Please phone 01622 211940. Contributors Kent Community Health follow us on Facebook Jo Treharne, Anna Hinde, NHS Foundation Trust, KentCommunityHealth Beverley Bryant The Oast, Hermitage Court tweet us @NHSKentCHFT Hermitage Lane, Barming like us on LinkedIn Maidstone Kent ME16 9NT
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 3 21/06/2018 22:19:47 We love it when you tell us what you think! There are many ways you can feedback to help us SHOUT improve services or get involved… Buurtzorg is Whitstable’s friendly breath of fresh air neighbourhood I was thrilled to read the article about the Buurtzorg pilot in your care team autumn issue (September 2017). Thanks to you all for the excellent I retired from district nursing in the 1990s having spent all my care I am receiving and as a working life in the community. The Buurtzorg method of caring result the support my husband is surely the best way forward. You have to work closely with the has from you. Every nurse, patient, social care, nursing and all aspects of the community. without exception, has been kind, It was a great joy to run our own caseloads and we made our considerate and caring. If I have decisions with the patient and their carers. Please continue with this been ill with sickness or pain, or method… there may be many fights on the way, but what there is a problem with my syringe a worthwhile cause. J True, Aylesford driver, the response has been rapid and effective. The nurses have worked hard to make sure any issues with A win for common sense and kindness pharmacy or the GP, which might My daughter has been trying to get a referral concentration. We were allowed to sit and lead to lack of available medicines, for a bad ingrown toenail for the past few wait for a cancellation and the clinical staff are quickly resolved and that years. For some reason it was bounced did a fantastic job. dosages are correct. Thank you around and lost several times. During this All the people involved in my daughter’s again for the wonderful job you time, my daughter could not do school care were outstanding. They were do. We are so grateful. activities and was in constant pain. professional, they listened and were Mr and Mrs Saunders, I checked the NHS sites and found KCHFT empathetic. They came to work that day Whitstable Podiatry and called the team. I spoke to two with common sense and a great attitude. lovely understanding They understood the needs of our ladies called Claire daughter, which wasn’t just a painful and Janet, who clinical condition but was affecting her listened to me and school work and would have affected her helped. My daughter exam results and in no small terms she was due to start her exams and needs good results to move forward in life. having the pain of an ingrowing Thank you. infected toe was not helping her J Hall, Herne Bay
Get INVOLVED Want to… …have your say? …volunteer for us? …become a member? Contact our Customer Care Team Want to help out? To find out more about If you’d like to become a member of our trust • Phone 0300 123 1807 volunteering with us contact Maria on visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/FT and fill in the 01474 360508, email [email protected] online form. You can also phone 01233 • Text 07899 903499 or Caroline on 01795 418300 667827 or email [email protected] • Email [email protected] or email [email protected] to request a membership form.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 4 21/06/2018 22:19:50 Community HEALTH Getting patients up, news dressed and moving is key to recovery
etting our community quickly at home is not new to us. It’s hospital patients up, dressed exactly what our Home First project is and moving is a goal our all about. teams work towards every Similarly, our Clothes Bank Appeal Gday because we know it helps people was launched to provide donations of recover faster. new clothes for patients to help those That’s why we took part in the admitted without any clothing, get national NHS-wide 70-day challenge dressed and moving. to #EndPJparalysis. A study has shown that 60 per All eight of our community hospitals cent of older patients had no medical recorded how many patients the teams reason that required bed rest and 10 managed to get up, dressed and moving days in bed in hospital leads to the using the app. The aim was to achieve equivalent of 10 years’ ageing in the one million patient days of patients muscles of people aged over 80. being up, dressed and mobilised across Research also showed that a 50 the country during the challenge. per cent increase in walking while in Here at KCHFT, getting patients hospital was associated with a six per home faster because they recover more cent shorter length of stay.
If you would like to donate to our Clothes Bank Appeal, you can drop new clothes at our hospital receptions or with our volunteers at the League of Friends shops. Community hospitals accepting clothes are: Deal, Edenbridge, Faversham, Hawkhurst, Herne Bay, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Whitstable and Tankerton. Customer care to patient liaison The Customer Delivering Care Team has changed its name to the immunisations Online help for families Patient Advice KCHFT will be delivering immunisations If you, or your teenager need advice and and Liaison Service (PALS). to children and young people in Kent support on all aspects of child health and The change is to make it easier and Medway later this year. We worked wellbeing, we’ve got a new website for people contacting us and to hard to put together a strong bid, and for parents and children in Kent. bring the name into line with other won a five-year contract, starting on It is part of our School Health Service healthcare organisations in the area. 1 August 2018. and can help support families to stay Contact details are the same We already provide the immunisations fit and active, eat well, and focus for the team, apart from the service in Kent and flu jabs in Medway. on their emotional and email address, which is now It will enable us to build on work we have mental health. Find it at [email protected]. already done with partners and stakeholders, www.kentyouthhealth.nhs.uk You can find out more at including community organisations, schools www.kenntcht.nhs.uk/PALS and local authorities.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 5 22/06/2018 09:15:33 NEWS Richard helps out as chairman KCHFT’s Vice Chair Becoming Richard Field has temporarily stepped into the shoes of Chair David Griffiths connected who retired in May. Free patient wifi is now available on Richard has been all eight of our community inpatient a non-executive hospital wards and in the minor director at KCHFT for seven years. injury units the trust manages at Richard said: “Having worked closely Sittingbourne and Sheppey hospitals. with David as his vice chair, I am We are aiming to roll out free patient pleased to undertake this role until his wifi to all outpatient areas by April successor can be appointed. 2019. It will show up as NHS-WIFI “I will continue to help the trust put on wireless devices. patients and staff at the heart of what we do.”
Health visitors support breastfeeding Our Health Visiting Service has taken over responsibility for supporting Kent mums to breastfeed. The teams will make sure there continues to be professional, peer and specialist support for women who want to breastfeed their babies and need extra help. Head of Health Visiting Irene Sanyauke said: “This builds on the work we already do and provides an Revamped car opportunity for us to improve our offer to families, as health visiting is available park will make to every family with a child of pre-school age. We are looking forward to working with children’s centres and volunteer a difference peer supporters too.” As well as personal support from A £500,000 project to improve the car health visitors, the new service includes park at Sevenoaks Hospital has been 36 weekly drop-in sessions across Kent, completed, making it easier and safer specialist lactation consultant clinics and for people to use. The work, by NHS support for breastfeeding groups. The Property Services. Apprenticeship service welcomes new peer supporters The involved resurfacing two car too. For more information, please visit parks, reconfiguring spaces and win in awards www.kentcht.nhs.uk/ infrastructure to improve traffic Two of our apprentices scooped top kentbaby flow through the site and marking pedestrian routes for patients. places in the annual Apprenticeship Awards. Congratulations to Terri Wood, Education and Workforce Development Personal Assistant, who won the higher apprentice of the year category and to Amba Doughty, Education and Workforce Development Administrator, was runner- up in ambassador of the year category.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 6 21/06/2018 22:19:53 Thumbs up for positive partnerships
Donation helps referrals team Checks at the library: A specialist clinical services referral point What a novel idea is now up and running at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital after a generous donation from the League of Friends. It wasn’t just books available when our comfort eating as a result.” Project Manager Chris Walker said: Health Checks Team popped in to give Health Checks Outreach Adviser Gonzalo “We are extremely grateful to the League some top tips to library visitors. Echeverri said: “Michele needs to take time of Friends because it helped towards the The team went to Sittingbourne, to fit in another exercise each week and vary project, donating more than £6800.” Faversham and Queenborough libraries her fruit and vegetables.’’ The team now takes all phone calls as part of an outreach programme. The team saw an average of 10 people and referrals for lymphoedema, diabetes, Sittingbourne Library Customer Service per day at each library, which Gonzalo continence, TB and epilepsy services – Assistant Michele Willard discovered she described as ‘fantastic’. “These sessions in specialist conditions. Combined, these had incredibly low blood pressure, but it Swale have been a real success so we will services have 13,500 open referrals so was good news for her cholesterol result. definitely be back again soon.” the five team members are kept taking She said: “I’ve never had my cholesterol Topics included blood pressure, initial referrals, giving advice and tested, so it was nice to hear that’s okay. I cholesterol levels, lifestyle advice and booking first appointments. do have a tendency to put on weight, but support. The Health Checks Team can also Call 0300 123 3167 or email I’ve been dealing with some emotional refer people to their GP for further checks [email protected] things in my life recently and I turn to and tests, if necessary. Ferry firm on board for Ship chefs are health and wellbeing food champions We have teamed up with P&O Ferries to revealed an underlining medical issue. offer health checks, smokefree sessions I would never have known this. To complement the health and wellbeing and weight-loss groups as part of the “Following lots of tests, I’ve been put advice, six chefs on board P&O ferries company’s drive to improve the health on medication, which unfortunately is have been cooking up a healthy storm and wellbeing of employees. long-term and likely for life, however a in the canteen. Our Health Checks Team has worked small price to pay for being well. My first Gone are steamed puddings and pies. with P&O Ferries for more than six month of being on the medication has Now it’s all about grilled meat, fresh months, offering health checks to staff made the world of difference. salad, fruit and meals lower in salt, fat and crew on the Dover to Calais route. “I am very grateful to KCHFT’s health and sugar. It’s all thanks to our food The scheme has been well-received and, advisers and it was great to be able to get champion course that changes have for Assistant Buyer Samantha Salvage, the health check at while at work.” been made. life-changing. The chefs attended one of KCHFT’s It was thanks to one of these food champion courses, which address health checks, Sam discovered her practical cooking tips, basic nutrition, blood pressure was dangerously high healthy eating and understanding food and unstable. labels. After successfully completing She said: “While I naively thought that the two-day course, participants receive because I ate well and exercised I was Association for Nutrition certification. relatively healthy, the NHS health MOT
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 7 21/06/2018 22:19:53 NEWS Working hard to transform care for people with complex needs
Plans to transform the way we care for people with complex health needs are beginning to take shape across the county – but we need you. Investing We’ve been looking at how we support older your community hospital. We are talking to in the future people with a range of complex conditions, patients, partners and members of the public such as diabetes, chronic obstructive and looking at a number of factors, such as The NHS in Kent and Medway pulmonary disease or heart disease. transport, to help decide. So, make sure you is to receive up to £19.5million As part of our local care plans, we aim have your say. We will be giving you lots of to invest in capital projects to to bring together health and social care to opportunities to get involved. improve healthcare. improve care for people outside of a main “We know it’s difficult sometimes to find Five projects in Kent and hospital and close to where you live. the right person to talk to or to access the Medway will receive money Cathy Bellman, Local Care Lead, explained: right services. Each team will also have an to improve and join up “This year, our focus will be on developing individual who will be the key contact to help services as part of the strong, effective multi-disciplinary teams – organise your care and bring together a wider investment in sustainability made up of GPs, nurses, therapists, social range of people to support you. and transformation workers and other specialists – which work “This may mean ‘prescribing’ or suggesting partnerships (STPs): closely with GP practices to provide better activities like walking clubs, self-help groups, care to you. or singing to help with people’s overall health l Thanet: “In some places, these teams will work and wellbeing.” £2.5million to develop a from hubs – buildings where you’ll find a These plans follow our work last year, healthcare hub in Margate. wider range of community, mental health, when we shared our vision for developing social care and wellbeing services, plus stronger local care by working with partners l Folkestone, Hythe, outpatient clinics and diagnostics. in health, social care, mental health, district Dover and Deal: “We haven’t decided yet where these and borough councils. We are also looking to Up to £1.5million for a will be. For example, some hubs could be improve care for other groups of patients too. new primary care service. Find out more at www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/getinvolved l Medway: Up to £8.5million for a new Chatham health and wellbeing centre, up to Watch these! £6million to develop Want to know more about how the Strood health and wellbeing new teams will work? Watch our film at centre and up to £1million www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/localcare to create an urgent treatment centre at the Baffled by the jargon? We know the language we front entrance of the use can be confusing. Search ‘patiently confused’ on Medway Maritime Hospital. our vimeo or YouTube channels. We’ll be asking for your help to make sure the terms we use are easy to understand. Check for updates on the website above.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 8 21/06/2018 22:19:54 New frailty teams to keep vulnerable at home A new frailty team has been set up to “The team will see patients in hospital support elderly patients in Canterbury and and in their homes, and coordinate care Ashford who are at risk of admission, or with members of the MDT, hospital and re-admission, to hospital. community, as well as provide support to The teams – which will support care homes, to keep people well at home.” community hubs and work with the multi- disciplinary teams described on page 8 – are made up of consultants, therapists and Volunteers healthcare assistants. We’ve been working with clinical commissioning groups and Health worth their Education England to create new trainee advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) roles weight as part of the team, who will study for an accredited ACP qualification at Canterbury Christ Church University while they work. in Medical Director Dr Sarah Phillips said: gold We’ve been awarded the REVAMP quality mark to show we are at Geriatrician specialist represents the forefront of excellent volunteer management in Kent. Kent in NHS birthday awards Alex Krutnix, from the Canterbury and Herne Bay Volunteer Centre, said: Shelagh, second from “We were impressed by the quality of right, and team. the volunteering experience, the support in place plus the very through induction and training programme.” The value volunteers add to teams caring for patients was highlighted at an event to thank 500-plus people who regularly give up their time to help out. Last year, our volunteer army contributed more than 36,000 hours supporting patients, carers and staff. Want to join us? Find out how at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/volunteer
Community consultant geriatrician Shelagh O’Riordan has been named as a winner in the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards for the south east England.
Dr O’Riordan won the south east person- our Home First programme because she’s centred care champion award after being passionate about getting patients home nominated by MP for Faversham and Mid- faster – she understands how much quicker Kent Helen Whatley. they recover at home. We are extremely Helen Whatley’s nomination said: proud of her work.” “Shelagh has championed multi-disciplinary Dr O’Riordan added: “Anything I have team working and inspired others to work achieved has been because I have worked in a more integrated way for the benefit with amazing teams in Faversham Cottage of patients. Her work is clearly having an Hospital and with our new Community impact with reductions in the amount of Frailty Team. I’m determined to improve time people are spending in hospital.” services we provide to frail older people in KCHFT’s Chief Operating Officer Lesley east Kent, putting them at the centre of Strong said: “Dr O’Riordan is a champion of any plan we make.”
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 9 21/06/2018 22:19:55 David says goodbye to fried food and hello to a healthy life Oven-baked dinners are now on the menu for David Beake, who has lost an incredible five stones after completing our Fresh Start programme.
he former farm worker from Selling, walks; sometimes, near Faversham, was referred to I walk for nearly our One You lifestyle advisers by three hours.” the job centre. David lost two THe told our Lifestyle Adviser Jo Attrell stones (going his goals were to improve his diet and take from 160kg to more exercise – both would enable him to 151kg) during achieve his goal of getting back into work. the 12-week Jo carried out a health MOT and Fresh Start suggested the Fresh Start programme as a programme and way to kick-start the changes David wanted has continued to lose to make. weight since completing it. He also attended six sessions with the His weight loss has been so successful, Health Trainer Service, which helped him Jo didn’t recognise him when she recently coloured codes on supermarket packaging. to put his new-found knowledge about saw him in Faversham. He said: “I look for products that are green healthy eating to the test and supported She said: “I couldn’t believe how and orange. I’ve been encouraging my him along the way. different David looked. He is a credit friends to do the same too as they’ve been David said: “That first time Jo took my to himself. At 160kg, he was at risk of impressed with my weight loss.” blood pressure, it was really high – any developing other health issues so it is great higher and I would have been taken off in he has embraced a healthier lifestyle. an ambulance. It was a wake-up call and I “David is fitter, healthier and has reduced You can read more about decided to start listening to my body. his risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. I am the changing face of public “I’ve always fried most of my food, but so proud of him and his achievement.” health on page 12. now everything is oven baked. I’ve also One of David’s top tips for eating stopped drinking alcohol and I take a lot of healthier is to follow and shop by the Grant given for targeted health programme
A project dedicated to improving the health The project includes training for of people from migrant communities will health and social care professionals start later this year after an award from to understand the significant cultural the Government. differences and challenges facing people Kent Community Health NHS Foundation from migrant communities. Trust and Kent County Council will receive It also includes short-term funding for £853,106 from the Ministry of Housing, a small dedicated team of health visitors, Communities and Local Government to school nurses and health improvement improve access to healthcare. specialists to provide care to this hard-to- The two-year project, which begins in reach population. September, will enable a greater focus on work on something that will benefit patients Kent County Council’s Deputy Director improving the health of people and families and families in Kent. By building on already of Public Health, Allison Duggal said: from the Roma community in Kent. established relationships, we will continue to “The bid was based on health needs’ Claire Poole, KCHFT’s Community Services reduce health inequalities.’’ assessments carried out by our Public Director for Public Health said: “It’s a huge Many families are not registered with a GP Health Team, which identified, for achievement to receive this money and we are or dentist; and there is low uptake of health example, low childhood immunisation very excited to start work. We are delighted to visitor support for child development reviews. rates and poor dental care.”
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 10 21/06/2018 22:19:56 Part of the NHS family It’s easy to forget sometimes the people who treat you, care for you or lead our NHS services – are the ones who use it too. Our experiences of the NHS often help shape the things we are most passionate about, as Julia Rogers found out when she spoke to Chief Executive Paul Bentley.
aul Bentley admits that his life thing – to giving my daughter, now experience their health system – without the NHS is unrecognisable. 26, one of the most prized roles a and realise just what a wonderful Not just because he has worked person could have, to be trusted to care thing we have. in it – but because it saved the for patients. “I have worked in Wiltshire, Surrey Plives of his triplets, now 26, who were “It’s enabled me to be the chief and now Kent and what makes the NHS born prematurely. executive of an organisation, which the special institution it is – is the people And he truly believes his son, who is provided care and support for more than who work in it. Sometimes, we all have a long-term service user would not be two million people last year. It does so a moan about the NHS and what it the remarkable man he is, without it. very well and that is something I am so could do better or how it should be, but The 53-year-old said: “I’ve been very proud of.” these are reflections of the people who asked what the NHS means for me, as Paul started worked in the NHS in want it to be better. And, like me, think we approach the 70th anniversary and I 1987 in King’s College Hospital in a country without it is unthinkable. can honestly say it is something that is south London. At the time, it served “Besides being a dad, doing this unique and which I am both very proud some of the most deprived communities role is the best job in the world. I of and indebted too. in London. can’t complain about the long hours “As a chief executive, husband to a He said: “I grew up as part of a when we have so many NHS staff wife who works in the service, father to mining family and I am very proud of working through the night, going to a daughter who is a junior doctor, and my heritage. There was – and still is – a extraordinary efforts. father to a son who is a service user – my bond between the mining communities “And, when I open a letter from a life without the NHS is unrecognisable. and, therefore, Nye Bevan’s creation of patient explaining so sincerely about “The NHS has looked after my the NHS, feels consistent with the values, how one of our teams has changed their family at every step – from frequent which were part of my childhood. lives for the better – it reminds me what visits to children’s A&E when the kids “During my career, I have been really a privilege it is. were growing up – putting their hands lucky to have travelled, worked and “So I wish this unique thing a very through glass windows, sticking zip studied in a number of countries in the happy birthday and look forward to the fasteners in their ears, you know the world. When you do that, you get to next 70 years.”
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 11 21/06/2018 22:19:57 Working to make us
The idea of public health has changed quite a lot since 1948 as Jo Treharne discovered…
n the first few years after the Second World War, public health was seen as the prevention of infectious diseases, such as flu, typhoid and cholera. I Cleanliness and sanitation, combined In December 1980, a campaign aimed Change4Life was launched in 2009 with advances in immunisations against at primary school children was launched to encourage healthy eating and activity diseases like polio and smallpox and by the Health Education Council (HEC). for families with young children. It is better care in pregnancy and infancy The campaign pitted cartoon superhero still going strong with new campaigns meant the general population was able Superman against a newly-invented launched, including 100-calorie snacks to live longer, healthier lives – if people super-villain, Nick O’Teen. and sugar swaps. took government advice, that is. By the time the campaign ended in Most recently, One You was launched Public health campaigns in the 1940s 1982, more than 800,000 children had in 2016 to encourage people to move and 50s were mainly concerned with requested posters, stickers and badges more, be smokefree, eat healthier food issues, such as not spreading germs on produced by the HEC, although they did and cut down on alcohol. One You public transport (cover your mouth!) offer a chance to win a Raleigh Bicycle so emphasises positive aspects of a healthier and making sure you had up-to-date this may have been an incentive! lifestyle, not dwelling on health issues vaccinations, or take up screening for Despite this success, Superman versus related to unhealthy activities. tuberculosis when offered. Nick O’Teen remains the last-ever national During 70 years of public health In the 1960s and 70s, public health anti-smoking campaign aimed at children, campaigning, focus has shifted from campaigns started to include unhealthy with all subsequent work focusing information to education; attempting behaviours, such as smoking. Research on adults, with additional focus on to support and galvanise people into lifestyle-related conditions, for pregnancy and smoking around children. into changing behaviour through example lung cancer and heart disease This decade has seen more emphasis positive messaging. began to gather steam. In 1965, TV on healthy eating and physical activity, as Anne Ford, Assistant Director for adverts for cigarettes were banned; conditions related to obesity, including Health Improvement at KCHFT, said: print adverts weren’t banned type 2 diabetes, dementia, “We’ve seen lots of changes over the until the 1980s however. some cancers and heart years in the approach to public health Obesity wasn’t so much of disease, increase. campaigns. We’re a big part of the One an issue then as now, but the In fact, obesity in the UK You programme here in Kent, providing Government made attempts has trebled since the 1980s. smokefree, weight loss and lifestyle in the 1970s and 80s to advice sessions. We are really making promote healthy eating and a difference to people’s lives.” advised people to reduce their alcohol intake. The 1980s and 90s saw a real increase in the amount of anti-smoking campaigns.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 12 21/06/2018 22:20:01 Timeline
1948 First day of the new National Health Service
1948 World Health Organisation established
1955 First UK television advert airs for SR Gibbs toothpaste The changing
1956 By this year all children are offered population since vaccination against whooping cough, polio, TB and diphtheria 1948
1956 Clean Air Act introduced Smoking prevalence 1962 Royal College of Physicians publishes report linking smoking to lung cancer communications use advertising and journalistic methods 1948 2018 Men 65% Men 17% 1965 TV adverts for cigarettes banned Women 41% Women 14% 1967 Abortion and family planning acts revolutionise sexual health Source: Health Protection Agency
1971 Donor card for kidneys introduced Obesity 1980 Black report finds higher mortality rates for lower socio-economic groups 1975 Now 1983 Wearing seatbelts in all cars made compulsory (earliest record) (latest record2016) 10 per cent 1983 HIV virus identified 29 per cent of women of women 1986 Government launches national are obese. are obese education campaign about HIV and AIDS 7 per cent of 27 per cent of men are obese. 1987 Guidance on sensible drinking published; 21 units men are obese for men, 14 for women per week 1988 Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine introduced Living 1998 False claims about risks of the MMR vaccine lead to drop in vaccination rates 1940s Now Average life Average life 2003 Five-a-day campaign launches expectancy expectancy 2007 Ban on smoking in all enclosed spaces Men Men 63 years 2008 Government launches first campaign to 79 years W reduce rising rates of obesity omen Women 68 years 83 years 2015 Displays of cigarettes banned for Infant mortality Infant mortality all shops; smoking in cars with 57 deaths per children banned 3.6 deaths per 1,000 live births 1,000 live births Average Average family size family size 2.36 children 1.7 children
Source: Office for National Statistics
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 13 21/06/2018 22:20:09 Helping families is at the heart of health visiting They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but it did in the Bowen family when in 1921, young Caroline Blanche Bowen was among the first wave of health visitors to start work in this new field. In 1991, Sarah Charlesworth followed in her grandmother’s footsteps as a health visitor for the NHS. Fay Sinclair went to meet her.
here may have been a 70-year gap between when Sarah Charlesworth and her grandmother started out as health visitors, but the fundamental values of the service haven’t changed very much – caring Tfor babies, young children and parents. However, the way that care is given is very different. As a child Sarah hadn’t considered health visiting as a career; although she was aware her grandmother Blanche had trained as a general nurse at Bart’s Hospital. Sarah, who works in Tunbridge Wells, said: “Granny died when I was nine or 10 and I didn’t know that she had been a health visitor until my mum gave me her certificates. “Dad was excited about me doing nursing and saw it as great vocational training, although I think he was a little peeved that I chose Guy’s and not Bart’s to train.” Sarah, from Goudhurst, is married with two grown-up daughters. She trained at Guy’s Hospital and lived in London for five years. After completing two years of gynaecological nursing, Sarah trained as a health visitor at Southbank Polytechnic, moving back to Kent where she grew up when her first daughter Emily was born. She has worked for KCHFT and its predecessors since 1997; health visiting is a job she loved when she started and still does now. “I think I was attracted to health visiting because as a gynaecological nurse I only got to see a glimpse of people and I wanted a bit more involvement with families.” By the time Sarah decided to become a nurse, her grandmother had died.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 14 21/06/2018 22:20:10 You can find out more about the Health Blanche had given up working after her marriage and had moved to India to live, so she never knew that her Visiting Service that KCHFT offers at granddaughter had taken a similar path. www.kentcht.nhs.uk/healthvisiting When Blanche trained as a health visitor, she was in one of the first cohorts to do so. Before qualifying, she was a sanitary inspector. “When granny worked as a health visitor, it was very much about improving the sanitary conditions of where people lived, inspecting the conditions in people’s homes – very much trying to raise the health standards a little bit,” Sarah said. Blanche was also trained in midwifery, working health visiting in some of the poorest areas of London for much of her career. Today, much of Sarah’s work is centred on supporting families with a new baby or child up to the age of five. Health visitors work with families to develop individual family health plans, providing advice and support on: o growth, physical and emotional development and learning through play o breastfeeding, introducing solid foods and healthy eating o immunisations o common infections, skin problems and minor illnesses in children o challenges such as teething, temper tantrums, sleeping, eating and toilet training o post-natal depression, bereavement and violence in the family o reducing accidents in the home. Sarah said: “I say time and time again the reason I am still a health visitor after all these years is that I do not want to lose contact with the families I support. It’s at the heart of what we do”.
A short history of health visiting In 2012, it was 150 years since the first health visitor was employed in Salford, Manchester. The first health visitors, employed by a local council, developed from the role of ladies’ sanitary inspector, known as sanitary visitors. These roles were primarily to promote health and provide health education, working with families and infants – just like today. The development of infant welfare clinics – predecessor to child health clinics – started in the early 20th century when health visiting became a statutory provision.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 15 21/06/2018 22:20:11 “I worked for the London Ambulance Service for 12 years. I spent six of them on ‘trucks’ as an emergency medical technician. It was fun and a laugh every single day, which seems like an unusual thing to say because we would see absolutely horrendous The things, but ask any ambulance crew and they would say the same. Every day you might witness the worst things people could do to each other NHS is or the worst that could happen to a person, so having a sense of humour about the job became our coping mechanism. I wouldn’t want to go back, but I do miss it.” Beverley, Engagement Manager
The NHS is 70 on 5 July and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past 70 years but more importantly our extraordinary staff – the everyday heroes – the people who are there to guide, support and care for our patients, day in, day out. We’ve been talking to the people who work for KCHFT – discovering the stories behind the uniforms and the “I moved from India passions that drive to the UK in 1991 to further develop my career. people to make a I’d trained as an occupational therapist in India and applied to the UK, America and Singapore but the UK difference. working visa was the first to come back. I thought I’d give it a go and I’ve no regrets. The NHS has been fantastic for me and my These are our heroes. wife – she works for NHS England – the sky is the limit for our careers. The humans that Work life balance is also good and that’s important to me make up the NHS. – I’m not interested in money, helping others is what drives me forward. Eventually we both want to return to India because we want to use our skills to give something back to less well-off communities. A relaxing retirement is not for us; we are passionate about making a difference.” Anuraj, Head of South East Drive Ability page 16 • www.kentcht.nhs.uk
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 16 21/06/2018 22:20:14 “The young adults I work with have shown me that with patience and understanding they can make progress. Young adults seem to respond to me and I believe it’s because I’m genuine and transparent; I do not judge them but make sure they know I’m there to help if they are in need. Children and young people are the most important asset in our communities and we need to support them to improve their physical and emotionalwellbeing. After all, they are the grown-ups of tomorrow.” Justine, School Nurse
“Looking back, I knew I was a lesbian from a young age, but didn’t know what it meant. I didn’t even know anyone who was gay. I am from a very big extended family. We were raised quite strictly as Jews, attended synagogue and I speak and read Hebrew. Sexuality wasn’t a topic we discussed as a family. Being out for me is the only way I know how to be. Be yourself, whoever you are. Authenticity is everything.” “Before joining the NHS I was in the army for 12 years as a driver and Ali, Chief Nurse regimental medical assistant; I did three tours of Belfast during the Troubles and drove ambulances for two of these. I lived in Germany when I left the army as I didn’t want to come back to the UK immediately. It was the German job centre that suggested I study to be a physiotherapist. It is the best thing I have done since the army and I’m so glad I took the leap.” Tony West, Learning Disabilities Physiotherapist
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 17 21/06/2018 22:20:19 “I qualified as a doctor in India. I had an interest in genetics and infectious diseases. When I came to the UK the roles I ended up taking were in HIV. A lot of patients ask me, why HIV medicine? The truth is it’s a really progressive science and I love this line of work. The treatment is constantly progressing and so are people’s attitudes. People with HIV now have a similar life expectancy and quality of life to people without the infection. That’s a huge step forward.” Rajesh, Clinical Lead and Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health
“I went to uni at 43 as a mature student – it was so scary. “I am a bit of a Heinz 57 baby. I have family It was daunting and really hard and ancestry all over the world and am in the first year but I’m glad I did part Portuguese and South African. I was it. I started in A&E and then went born in South Africa and, after my mother out to Saudi Arabia to get more remarried, we moved to Zimbabwe when I trauma experience. That was an was seven. This was right in the middle of eye-opener. Women couldn’t Mugabe’s war and it became so bad we had drive there, but 10-year-old boys to leave. The horror was unimaginable, but I could so you can imagine the was young so it didn’t seem real to me. Two trauma I was seeing. In the end days before we left, guerrillas shot down a it became too much and I came plane that was leaving and killed everyone home earlier than I planned.” on board. Our plane was the first one to Wendy, Ward Sister leave afterwards and I remember grown men crying as we waited to take off, not sure if we were going to make it. Then there was my sister and me, jumping up and down with excitement because we were going on a plane to England.” Kim Dental Services Clinical Manager
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 18 21/06/2018 22:20:23 “I’ve loved the Harry Potter books since I was a child. I’d be in Hufflepuff house because it seems to be a house of outcasts and I’m okay with that idea. I was gripped from the first book and I couldn’t wait until the next book was published. The stories have good morals in them and they’ve influenced two of my three tattoos. The tattoo on my arm says ‘sectumsempra’. I’m a long-term mental health sufferer and I have a scar on my arm from self-harm but this tattoo – which is a very dark curse that causes a cut – is my way of turning my scar into something positive. The other tattoo is a quote by Sirius Black from the films. It says ‘we all have both light and dark in us but it’s what we choose to act on that makes us who we are’ – that has a real resonance with me.” Clara, Data and Information Assistant
“I always say to people that small changes can make a big difference. Food is there to enjoy, but it’s not about suffering. We should have what we want, but in moderation. A healthy lifestyle can give you the most important thing in life, which is happiness. I know what it is like to struggle but I was “I love shredding and each day I determined to pull myself try to beat my target, which is 30 out of it. Running and dustbin liners of shredding in one healthy eating saved my life day. I am hooked and everyone in and pulled me through.” the hospital saves their shredding Gonzalo, Health Checks for me. I volunteer because I like Outreach Advisor meeting people and I’ve made lots of friends; we like going to musicals – my favourite is Grease. We always go to a pantomime and I’m even going to Wimbledon this year.” Gary, Volunteer and King of the Shredder www.kentcht.nhs.uk • page 19
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 19 21/06/2018 22:20:26 “I joined KCHFT a few months ago after 18 “My daughter is two-and-a- years working in a half and we are potty training. main hospital. I have I can safely say it’s the worst been amazed at how part of parenthood! We had a much you are relied minor wee incident on the way on in the community. to nursery the other day and Teams are smaller and she was adamant she didn’t more cohesive so we want to get changed. Trying to support each other convince a toddler that it is not really well, but one acceptable to turn up to nursery person going sick or in wet knickers, even if they are not being here can your favourite, is a challenge I make a real difference. could not have foreseen before In bigger hospitals becoming a mum. In the space of there are more staff, a couple of minutes I also had to but here you are relied say to my beautiful girl that we on so much more and don’t lick dustpans and to take I love that. It makes that snail out of her mouth! The me feel like a valued conversations you have with member of an a two-year-old.” excellent team.” Beverley, One You Team Lead Maria, Senior for South Kent Coast and Nurse Practitioner Ashford
“I have worked for the NHS since 1992 as a healthcare assistant and then asked to train as an associate practitioner. I never liked school and found it hard to do the course. I was struggling at university so they sent me for the test. I found out I am dyslexic and dyspraxic. The course was hard and I almost gave up. But I stuck with it and passed. I am really proud of myself.” Sam, Assistant Practitioner
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 20 22/06/2018 09:17:44 “My role is evolving but essentially I help bridge the gap between a healthcare assistant and a nurse. It’s a rewarding job and one I’ve been doing for more than 10 years. The role offers a great variety and responsibility and we have a great team here on Heron Ward. Patients come and go, except for one lady who stayed here for a long time. We came to know the patient very well, enjoyed Christmases and birthdays with her; she liked Gracie Fields. It was a strange day when she eventually left the ward.” Charleigh, Assistant Practitioner
“My oldest brother died of cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was 13 and I was seven. I missed a whole year of school from the grief. I used to wish for the same thing every time there was a full moon – that my brother would come back. I found out I was a carrier of CF at 16 and I was devastated. The last thing my brother told me was, ‘life is what you make it’. I have just got married to the love of my life. I hope I am making him proud.” Kingsley, Estates Service Manager
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 21 21/06/2018 22:20:38 “I’m a body builder and have been doing it for three years. I’ve always enjoyed going to the gym and a fellow gym user thought I was a personal trainer and talked me into competing. I train six-days-a-week and I’m working towards my next competition. The highest I’ve come is third place. At the competition it’s about diva style, so glitzy bikinis are a must.” Sue, Staff Nurse
“I came to the UK from Sri Lanka in 2005 to complete a Masters degree. I’d spent 23 years as an ophthalmologist in my home country so it was a culture shock for me. Little things, such as in UK it’s common to use someone’s first name but in “It started as a hobby and now my country that is seen as rude. I train six days-a-week. I only So is looking someone straight started swimming and running in the eye. We tend to avert around five years ago but our eyes, but in UK that implies now it’s a big part of my life. you’re not listening. These Travelling to the international cultural differences are what competitions has given me the Black and Ethnic Minority and my wife the opportunity Network tries to help BME to holiday in places you would staff with.” never normally think of. So Habiba Chair of the far, I have won two bronze Black Minority and and a silver medal and was Ethnic (BME) Network the team captain last year. It’s a big commitment and the sponsorship only covers your kit, so you still have to find the entry fees. But I am really proud to be representing Team GB in my age group.” Yiannis, Market and Information Analyst
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 22 21/06/2018 22:20:42 “I’m working in the UK to support my family; I’ve been here since 2007. I miss my children but with Skype and Facebook I can see them every day. I just can’t hold them. My son is at university studying hotel management, and my daughter wants to be a pilot. She originally wanted to study to be a doctor, but in the Philippines it takes nine years. She knows I am here to help her study, so she is choosing a university course that is not so long. I want my children to have a good future.” Rowena, Healthcare Assistant
“I have six children and am passionate about fashion and music so I’m pretty “I worked on luxury yachts for three years proud I have a fashion designer, grime after university and travelled to some amazing artist (music, not filth), shoe designer places. I became really good friends with and graphics maestro among my brood. one of the other crew members and he My youngest is now a teenager. She is inspired a love of fitness and nutrition in me. profoundly deaf with cerebral palsy and He became a bit of a mentor really and it’s autism. She is constantly cackling with something I have felt passionate about ever laughter and keeps me on my toes. since. When I decided three years at sea was We can often be found madly signing to enough, I became a personal trainer but it one another in British Sign Language. wasn’t the right job for me. When this job was It’s a good job I don’t seem advertised, it just spoke to me. Working with to have an ‘off’ button!” children to help give them the best start in life Sonja, Clinical and Quality Development just seemed like the right fit and I love it. It Manager for Community Orthopaedics, definitely beats working in a gym all day.” Chronic Pain and Physiotherapy/ George, KCHFT Lead Governor Health Improvement Assistant
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 23 21/06/2018 22:20:50 VACCINES: The modern miracle When the NHS was created in 1948, who could have imagined what it would look like seven decades later?
rom keyhole surgery, MRI/CT scans At KCHFT, we are part of the modern These are: Children’s flu vaccine, and treatment for cancer and other miracle by delivering vaccinations for rotavirus for babies (to protect against a diseases to the introduction of robotic children and young people. We provide the virus causing upset stomachs and diarrhoea, limbs for amputees and treatments for national immunisation programme shingles vaccine for people aged over 70, FAIDS/HIV, there have been so many modern for school-aged children across Kent and the MenB vaccine for babies and MenACWY health miracles. soon-to-be Medway. Our team delivers flu, for teenagers and students (both to protect One of the primary aims of the NHS is HPV, diptheria, tetanus and polio, as well against meningitis). to promote good health, not simply to as some strains of meningitis vaccinations. Childhood survival has been treat illness and that is where vaccinations Acting Head of the School-aged revolutionised by vaccination programmes, play a big part. Immunisations Service Sally Pullen said: better sanitation and improved standards Thanks to the NHS and the people “Vaccination helps protect children against of living, resulting in better health for both working in it, we have almost eradicated a range of serious and potentially fatal mothers and children. some diseases, such as polio and diphtheria diseases. Vaccines are safe extremely Research is thriving, with more – a vaccination to protect people from polio effective; if a child isn’t vaccinated against than 150 new vaccines being tested, was the first to be offered free by the NHS a disease, they’re at higher risk of catching so watch this space. in 1958. it and becoming very ill.” And that’s why they are considered a Since 2013, five new vaccines modern miracle – nothing has done more have been joined the NHS routine to save lives. vaccination programme. Before this programme, cases of polio could climb as high as 8,000 in epidemic years, with cases of diphtheria as high as 70,000, leading to 5,000 deaths. Research and development of new vaccinations continues, with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella combined) and HPV (human papilloma virus) inoculations being introduced in 1988 and 2008, respectively.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 24 21/06/2018 22:20:51 Living life LOUD!
Technology in the NHS Max was fitted with hearing aids. “Cochlear implants have been available However, when these showed no signs of to deaf children for about 30 years now; has made giant leaps in working, the family was referred to Great before this, profoundly deaf children were the past 70 years. Cochlear Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for him to given hearing aids, which often didn’t give implants are among have cochlear implants. them sufficient access to spoken language, Max had just turned one when these so this technology has opened up the pioneering work that has were fitted and was one of the youngest communication options for children like changed the lives of people children the in the UK to have the implants. Max, which is fantastic.” diagnosed as profoundly Sam said: “It’s not been easy and it’s taken a long time for his speech to catch up to deaf, including a little boy where it should be. from Tonbridge. Anna Hinde “He also rejected them just before he started school, so he spent the start of went to meet him. reception year using signs. We had to return to GOSH and start all over again with ix-year-old Max Maidment is noisy. the implants.” But it’s a trait that his parents don’t KCHFT’s speech and language mind. Max was born without hearing therapists have been working with Max and, at just two-weeks-old, was since he was a year-old to help with his Sdiagnosed as profoundly deaf. communication skills. So to hear him laugh, chatter and be his At the moment, he is under the care of noisy, energetic self is music to the ears for Specialist Speech and Language Therapist mum Sam and dad Darren. Gaynor Evans who sets a programme for Sam said: “He failed the newborn the little boy and monitors his progress hearing test and that’s not uncommon, but every two terms. then when he was tested again two weeks This structured programme is carried out later we were told he was profoundly deaf. by Lily Wallis, Speech and Language Therapy We were shocked and devastated. It’s not Associate Practitioner, at his school – Slade genetic; it is just one of those things.” Primary in Tonbridge. Specialist school staff also help Max with his speech and language targets on a daily basis. Gaynor said: “Max has made incredible progress, particularly during the past year and his speech is understandable to the majority of people. “He is now talking in simple sentences and our aim is to further develop both his understanding and use of spoken language.
How do cochlear implants work?
A cochlear implant works by turning o A device placed sound into electrical signals and sending inside the skull which picks up them to part of the inner ear called the the electrical signals from the device cochlea. From here, the signals travel to on the skin and sends them along the brain and are heard as sound. wires to the cochlea. The implant has two main parts: Before having a cochlear implant, patients are assessed to find out if it o A microphone behind the ear to pick up sound and change it into electrical will help. The implant will only work if signals, which are sent along a wire to the nerve that sends sound to the brain a device on the skin. (auditory nerve) is properly functioning.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 25 21/06/2018 22:20:52 Community care at its very best In 70 years, the NHS has evolved from Nye Bevan’s vision. Hospitals and the way we care have changed and patients have changed too. Now, people live longer and with that comes more complex health needs.
oday, it is common for patients in Shelagh said: “It used to be that patients Shelagh also works with a specialist our community hospitals to be in stayed in hospital as it was considered safer, frailty team to review people at home to their 90s or even aged 100+. but nowadays there is an understanding make sure they can stay there. And at Faversham Cottage across the NHS that patients get better in She explained: “It’s a much better THospital, more than 50 per cent of patients their own homes. environment to have those delicate on the wards have dementia. “Simpler cases where patients can be conversations about the future. Everything In 2016, KCHFT recruited two specialist discharged home early take place direct we do – in the frailty team, in community geriatrician consultants – Drs Shelagh from main hospitals now, so community hubs, community hospitals and us as O’Riordan and Gwenno Batty – for hospitals mainly see people with more geriatrician consultants – boils down community hospital teams in east Kent. complex needs and who need much longer to good communication with Shelagh and Gwenno work closely with inpatient care before they can go home. everyone involved.” nurses and therapists to plan the best care “The team at Faversham is incredible. It for each person, meeting multi-disciplinary is supportive of change and keen to make teams (MDT) on a daily basis to improvements for patients.” make decisions.
Shelagh O’Riordan and patient. page 26 • www.kentcht.nhs.uk
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 26 21/06/2018 22:20:53 Changing times
More than 20 years ago, patients on the wards at Faversham were local to the town and could be on the wards for years. The hospital back then was more Sharon Jones, Clinical Sister, explained: “The hospital back then was more like a like a nursing home. Local people nursing home. Local people came here and they stayed a very long time – six months or came here and they stayed a very more; one patient was here for four years; there were crochet blankets all over the beds. Now patients come here from all over long time – six months or more. east Kent and they only stay for one or two weeks before being discharged home or to a residential home.” Healthcare Assistant Theresa Cole social care to plan for a patient to return agreed. She said: “We have fewer beds now home from the first day they arrive. and they are more spaced out so patients Some patients may not need help when, have more room, which is better for privacy, but for those who do Home First teams are dignity and infection prevention control. 20 triggered into action to make sure the right years ago it was very cramped and support is in place. old fashioned.” Patients are seen at home within hours The hospital has embraced a programme and receive an assessment by a Home First called Home First, where hospital staff work Team, made up of community nurses, closely with community colleagues and in therapists and social care professionals.
Therapy
Physio Assistant Jeanette Goodall has worked at Faversham for 23 years and has seen improvements first-hand. She remembers when therapists were only on the ward for an hour per day. Now therapists are based at the hospital full-time. She said: “Patients used to come in here for continuing care and long-term nursing care so they stayed for long periods of time. “Now, thanks to Home First, they are able to get home quicker. We spend time with the patients every day making sure they are mobile and safe to go home to continue their recovery.” Dementia friendly
The increase in patients with dementia at Faversham has resulted in the hospital making a number of changes. Toilet doors are painted brightly, cupboards that patients don’t use are painted the same colour as the walls so they blend in, and there are dementia friendly yellow-faced clocks about the place. There is also a memory board which features memorabilia, old photos and adverts.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 27 21/06/2018 22:20:53 “The fall knocked my confidence.”
he kind of care and complexities of patients now admitted to our hospitals provide new challenges every day. At Hawkhurst Cottage THospital, the ward team tackles this with an, ‘everything is therapy’ approach. Physiotherapist Sarah Leach said: “The way we deliver care has definitely changed over the years and we have to adapt to meet the changing needs of our patients. wWe see a lot of older, frail people and their needs are far more significant than before. “Gone are the days where someone would come in for a week to recover from a hip replacement operation. Now we are seeing people come in the door from intensive care units or with multiple health conditions. “What we want to do is help them recover as much independence as possible so we can get them safely home.” The biggest change, said Therapy Assistant John Curnow, is the whole team approach of the hospital, which is especially important with the rising number of patients who have dementia or memory-loss problems. He said: “Whether it’s physical rehabilitation from a therapist, help getting them washed and dressed in the morning from the nursing staff or making sure they are eating and drinking well from the catering team – every interaction is therapy for their recovery. It means the whole hospital works together to support the patient.” Eighty seven-year-old Barbara Barham from nearby Benenden, was admitted to Hawkhurst after a nasty fall left her with a broken hip. When she first came in she was nervous and down, yet one week later she was walking along the therapy bars, unaided. Barbara said: “The fall knocked my Physiotherapy team, Sarah Leach and confidence, but I can already stand with John Curnow an aid and last week I couldn’t even get out of bed. I feel better in myself already Sarah working with Barbara Barham after a nasty fall. and the care has been fantastic.”
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 28 21/06/2018 22:20:55 If a building Hospital could talk... history: n October 1890, Dr Fenoulhet called The hospital was officially opened on opened to help with urgent care. a meeting at his home at Hollamby 23 November 1936, and took its first Despite many changes during the past House, Canterbury Road, for supporters patients in December. Records show 30 years the Queen Victoria Memorial of a cottage hospital for Herne Bay. that of the 12 patients in the previous Hospital, supported by its very strong I He had received donations of £230 hospital, six went home and six were League of Friends, remains a well-loved and annual subscriptions of £60 were transported up Mickleburgh Hill by community asset. promised. A provisional committee St John’s Ambulance to the It is also a legacy to the foresight and was formed and it was decided new location. dedication of those influential people Vine Cottage, New Street, should The workload of the new hospital who all met at Dr Fenouhlet’s house be bought for £400 and used rapidly increased with the more 127 years ago. as a cottage hospital. By July, spacious accommodation and With grateful thanks to Margaret Burns and the house was theirs and Nurse the number of staff also grew. the Herne Bay Historical Records Society. Wilkins from Guy’s Hospital was The hospital’s kitchen garden was (www.hbhrs.org) appointed at a salary of £25 developed to supply vegetables and per year. chickens were brought in to make sure In 1901, a new hospital there was a regular egg supply. was built on land at the In August 1948, the hospital became junction of King’s Road and part of the newly formed NHS under Cavendish Road, at a total cost of £2,995 the South East Metropolitan Regional Did you know? to commemorate the legacy of Queen Hospital Board. The League of Friends o Cottage hospitals were often Victoria. Under hospital rules, only people was formed in 1950. started in private houses – suffering from disease or accident could By 1969, a legacy enabled an the original Edenbridge be accepted; unless suffering from any outpatients department with five Cottage Hospital was started consulting rooms to be built. The League infectious diseases. in a house in the High Street. This building served the town for of Friends furnished the building and it 35 years, but due to rising costs and was opened on 26 November 1969. o Before the NHS was set up in workload, governors decided to look In 1972, day rooms were added to 1948, cottage hospitals were for larger premises. Trustees of the the existing wards. A new physiotherapy run by committees. Dence estate offered a site at the top of department was built in 1979. The last Mickleburgh Hill. On 20 September 1935, major development was a community the foundation stone for the Queen day centre in the late 1980s, to support Victoria Memorial Hospital in its current community services and local district care location was laid. services. In 2017, a minor injury unit was
As our population lives longer, making sure end of Thanks to the work of Dame Cicely Saunders; life care is as good as it can be is at the top of the an advocate for end of life care, he first charitable health agenda; most importantly that people die hospice opened in the 1960s. Dame Cicely trained in their preferred place. End of as a nurse, medical social worker and physician. Teams in our hospitals and in the community From 1948 she was involved with the care of work hard with patients and their relatives and life care patients with terminal illness and contributed to carers to achieve this. a great number of books. This summer ‘we care conversations’ are matters By the 1980s, hospices were widely spread, taking place where end of life experts and our caring essentially for cancer patients. By 2004, champions will be talking to people to understand the healthcare system had changed and there their experiences of end of life treatment, so we were other growing causes of death. In 2008, can continue to improve what the trust and its the Government published the End of Life Care partners deliver. Strategy for England. The NHS is responsible for When the NHS was first created, it was providing care from cradle to grave and now, in primarily concerned with curing people and the community is where most of this care happens. saving lives, seeing dying as a failure; however You can read more about the trust’s end of life in the late 1950s there was a shift in approach. work in the next issue of Community Health.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 29 21/06/2018 22:20:55 NHS of the
From an exciting new world-class It’s all about medical school to encouraging health professionals living in London and training and beyond to adopt a different view and recruiting people appreciate the benefits of working and living in Kent and Medway, there has never been a better time to consider a future working for the NHS, as Jo Treharne reports.
ime doesn’t stand still and neither does medicine. Throughout the past seven decades, there have been some incredible breakthroughs in treating many awful diseases and conditions. Diagnosis Tof illness, both minor and major, has become quicker and people are living longer. This is, in some way, due to the excellent training that medical professionals have and the advances in medical research. That’s why a new medical school to provide world-class education and training for a new generation of doctors is good news for Kent. The school follows a successful joint bid by the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University to establish the county’s first ever medical school. It will bring together existing centres of health education provided by the two universities with local healthcare organisations, to offer patient- focused medical education. The school will also be an essential part of recruiting and retaining medical professionals for the region. Glenn Douglas, Chief Executive of Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership, said: “Having a medical school locally is known to provide an essential boost to recruitment and retention and we know this is vital, particularly in our coastal areas. “We want people in Kent and Medway to seriously consider health and care as a career, and the universities will now be offering an extensive range of courses – including medicine – in our region.”
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 30 21/06/2018 22:20:57 A new route into nursing – earn while you learn Principal of Canterbury Christ quality healthcare across the region.” Kent Community Health NHS Church University Professor Rama The bid for the Kent and Medway Foundation Trust will be offering Thirunamachandran and Professor Medical School was submitted a nurse apprentice degree course Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor for the in November 2017. It was the from September 2018. It’s a University of Kent, said: “We are culmination of more than a year’s work new route into nursing that delighted that our joint bid for by both institutions in response to the is fully accredited by establishing Kent’s first medical Government’s commitment to fund an the Open University. school was successful. additional 1,500 medical places It’s free, and you’ll “Our ambition is to develop a by 2020. be employed and school that will become a beacon It received significant support from earning a salary for first class medical education and the region’s MPs, local councillors, while you train research, and the first choice for all NHS trust chief executives and medical – meaning you those aspiring to achieve excellence in directors, as well as other health and could qualify person-centred medical care in the UK. education related organisations. It debt-free in “We remain confident that, by will be supported by Brighton and just four years. providing distinctive, socially diverse Sussex Medical School, which will act We’ll have more and insightful graduates, the Kent and as the ‘parent institution’ – one of the information soon so Medway Medical School will enable, requirements of the General Medical keep checking our influence and drive changes within Council (GMC) as a new medical school website for details – the clinical workforce to deliver high is established. www.kentcht.nhs.uk.
ou can’t provide the best care they would literally have to put baby Nessie for patients if you don’t have in the bathroom to sleep. enough of the best employees Sonja said: “We were living in this tiny and that’s why health and social house in Greenwich and it was a squash. careY providers in Kent and Medway When the final kid arrived, we thought joined forces to develop a recruitment she’d have to end up sleeping in campaign called Take a Different View. the bathroom. The campaign promotes Kent “We couldn’t afford to get anything as a great place to live and work bigger in London and moving to the and showcases the best beaches, outskirts would have made little difference. countryside and towns our great Ramsgate in Kent was a spur of the county has to offer. The campaign has moment decision. We’d visited a few times around 2,000 Facebook followers and and it was beautiful with the architecture more than 25,000 people have visited and the beaches, so we thought we’d give promoted links on the campaign. it a whirl!” It is a partnership of local health Sonja and Jules, a graphic designer and It was beautiful with services and councils working together now co-owner of the eclectic Ramsgate to achieve the best for the people of Music Hall, bought a large house where the architecture and the Kent and Medway; making sure the the kids all had their own room instead beaches so we thought right people are recruited for the of sharing – the equivalent in London right roles. would probably have cost about four we’d give it a whirl! The arrival of child number six in times the amount. a tiny Greenwich house was the And 10 years later they are convinced prompt for Clinical Lead Sonja they made the right decision. Sonja Bigg and husband Jules to said: “I had brilliant friends and decide on a move to Kent. a great job in London and I didn’t Sonja, who was expect to find that again but it A DIFFERENT working as head of adult has been fantastic, I have found therapy services for great people here and a career VIEW Lewisham Primary Care just as good as the one I Trust, said the family feared had before.”
www.kentcht.nhs.uk • page 31
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 31 21/06/2018 22:20:58 A DIFFERENT VIEW Sharing more than a degree in physics
Who doesn’t know the story of brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking and his lifelong battle with motor neurone disease? Like the world-renowned professor, Martin Page has the same debilitating condition. His life is not the one he imagined as a younger man, but Martin’s okay with that as Fay Sinclair discovered…
s you walk into the specially-built room designed to help Martin Page live as comfortably Aas he can, the first thing you see is a sign on the wall that says: MND is my Everest, so at least I get to go climbing every day. It’s typical of Martin and the active lifestyle he had and the sense of humour he still has. Four years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, the father-of- one’s body may not be playing ball any more, but his brain very much is. Martin with Wife Joyce, 59, said: “Martin loved his wife Joyce. the outdoor life. He loved climbing among many things. He noticed his foot was not doing what it should and that it had almost started to drop, then there were vibrations in his leg.” Motor The couple from Kings Hill, West Malling, neurone married in 1995 after meeting at an insurance company where they both worked. After multiple disease (MND) tests to rule out MND, Martin’s GP referred him Motor neurone disease is to a leading neurologist at King’s College a progressive and terminal Hospital to get a second opinion. disease that attacks the nerves He confirmed the diagnosis in the brain and spinal cord. four years ago. It was a People with MND tend to live life-changing moment. between three and five years Joyce said: “We were after diagnosis. absolutely devastated, numb, and we knew we had to tell our son.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 32 21/06/2018 22:21:00 Martin was the way he always is – very practical about what we could do to make the most of the time we have left.” And for some time, MND didn’t prevent Using eye gaze technology, the couple and their 21-year-old son Oliver from enjoying life together, going out to Martin tells us his story… favourite places in a wheelchair as Martin’s muscles weakened. “I received my diagnosis in June 2014, However, as his physical health it’s easy to remember the date, deteriorated, Martin started to experience it was our son’s 17th birthday. difficulties with talking, walking – all At first, the effect of the illness movement. Operating the mouse on his wasn’t visible to anyone, laptop became more difficult. He had already benefitted from the help of a but by October I could no company called Environmental Controls, longer walk long distances, installing equipment enabling him to so needed a wheelchair. control various devices in his room at the “I owe a debt of care and love I can Therapist Julie push of a button. It suggested trying a never repay. I am a very, very, lucky and Martin. HeadMouse device, which sat on the top man who wouldn’t be here today of his screen and tracked a reflective dot without all the care and attention on his head. from my wife, Joyce. Using this and with help from Joyce and “As my condition progresses, an adapted switch to use in his hand – he so has the list of things that Joyce was able to type on his beloved MacBook does for me, like washing and dressing – but as he became weaker and unable to me, feeding and watering me, medication, move his body, he needed more support. moving me and any equipment I may need, And that is where the adult team from as well as talking to the health professionals that our Kent and Medway Communication and are involved in my case. Assistive Technology Service stepped in, She keeps me happy, stress free and comfortable. providing an eye gaze tablet that enabled “When I was diagnosed, it was a relief. That may surprise you, but there are Martin, 52, to communicate, but to do plenty more ailments that are far, far worse. much more. “I have no pain; I still have all feeling in my body and no loss of mental capacity. The eye gaze tablet helps Martin to I read or heard, somewhere recently, of someone who had another terminal illness communicate and interact. By looking at and they said it is a privilege to know when you are going to die, I agree. control keys or cells displayed on a screen, “I don’t have a precise date, but I have had the gift of time, which enables he can generate speech by typing a message me to say goodbye to family and friends, put my affairs in order and an or selecting pre-programmed phrases. opportunity to express the love I have for my family and friends. Many people He did need some convincing at first. don’t get that opportunity. “Over time, as my muscles deteriorated, “I have only need to turn on the news to see how lucky I am. I consider this my I lost strength. It was then I first met Julie second life, this time as a disabled person. I have been given the opportunity to and the team. experience life from a different perspective. “They convinced me to try an eye gaze “I have no illusions that we have been fortunate to be able to stop work and have tablet and after my initial reluctance, my my special room built, which won’t be the experience of many disabled or able-bodied fears were quashed; I was given a bigger people. But I have experienced so many wonderful acts tablet and the parts to mount the tablet on of kindness from people who don’t know me from Adam, and whose role in life is not my wheelchair and a mobile stand for over caring for disabled people. my bed.” “I have had my faith in humanity restored on lots of occasions. So yes, living with As a result of Martin’s background – he MND can be tough, but it is harder for the people who love me. was a freelance programmer – he had already I am very happy, which I know surprises and confuses people, especially those figured out a way to control most devices in who know what an active life I had before; I guess I must be a glass half full type his room. With the eye gaze, he installed and of person.’’ configured software on the tablet so he could control all the devices using his eyes. Occupational Therapist Julie Bradford, who trained at the University of East Anglia, Kent and Medway Communication said: “Martin is an inspiration and it is great working with him, making sure he and Assistive Technology Service has what he needs to be able to effectively The service assesses and works with clients with complex needs. Its work includes all communicate. communications (other than speech) used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas “We are a specialised service so tend to and equipment to help with tasks they would otherwise be unable to do. have no more than 10 patients on each The service has two teams – adults (based in Canterbury) and children’s (based in person’s caseload at a time, meaning we can Ashford). It is a partnership service between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation devote more time to helping people adapt Trust, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Kent County Council. and cope with their complex conditions.” Find out more at www.kentcht.nhs.uk/kmcat
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 33 21/06/2018 22:21:00 What’s up guv? “A great service built up over What does the NHS 70 years, with very dedicated nursing staff, but too much emphasis on acute treatment and not enough on mean to our governors? prevention.’’ Nigel Stratton, appointed governor Age UK “It’s been “Nearly 30 years of hard graft in the 70 years of “Being a NHS has given me amazing friendships underpinning governor with incredible colleagues, who support the health of the in the NHS “For me, it’s about each other through thick and thin. You nation and inspiring allows me looking after our can’t get better than that in any job.’’ confidence in us all.’’ unprecedented insight into Sonja Bigg, staff governor for adult health for life, not Jo Clifford, the complexities of the just when we are ill.’’ services and lead governor Shepway governor trust’s services.” Mary Straker, Carol Coleman, Canterbury governor Dover/Deal governor “It’s there for all of us!” “The NHS and its David Price, “A national institution that has core principle of Maidstone weathered many storms, saved care before cost governor countless lives and one I have is what makes me been proud to work in.’’ most proud of the Dr Susan Plummer, appointed country I live in.’’ governor Kent’s universities Pete Sutton, “The NHS cared for my children as Gravesham governor they came into the world and cared for my wonderful grandmother through the final stages of dementia; “Over the years, the NHS has changed a lot it is a system that provides care for all and more change will be coming our way, at their time of greatest need.” but there is one thing, the most important We have Amy Heskett, staff governor thing, that will always be the same – it is for adult services an organisation made up of people who NEW PEOPLE... are truly dedicated in supporting and caring for others no matter what.’’ Welcome to our governors, newly Maria-Loukia Bratsou, elected at the end of March, and staff governor for children and families who have already got stuck into their roles as part of our Council of Governors. They are:
Elected governors “Without this amazing institution, I wouldn’t have Dartford: Avtar Sandhu been born safely into this world, received specialist Sevenoaks: John Harris care as a sick child, had several generations of StaffWe have new people… “When people ask me what family and friends treated and cared for when I do, I am proud to say I Adult services: Dr Amy Heskett they needed it the most, to positively experience work for the NHS and I have Children and families: bringing my own children safely into this world great colleagues with the Maria-Loukia Bratsou and to work for an organisation that has provided same outlook. In which other Corporate services: Jan Allen me with a most interesting and varied professional country would you receive career. Thank you #NHS70 – I am grateful to be Appointed governors the care that is available to all part of your journey.’’ Age UK: Nigel Stratton of us? The NHS is a fantastic Claire Buckingham, staff governor Head Teachers’ Association: provider of care.’’ for health and wellbeing Matthew Wright Jan Allen, staff governor for corporate services page 34 • www.kentcht.nhs.uk
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 34 21/06/2018 22:21:02 The changing face of the Throughout its 70-year journey, the NHS has witnessed its fair share of political controversy, but more importantly than that, it has seen some significant health reforms as Beverley Bryant found out. NHS July 1948 1952 1959 1961
A momentous day – on Legislation is passed to The Mental Health Act The contraceptive pill, 5 July 1848 – the NHS allow for a one shilling replaces much legislation which suppresses female was born. Thanks to the (five pence) prescription around providing mental fertility using hormones, National Health Service Act charge. NHS creator Nye health services in England, is made widely available, of 1946, doctors, nurses, Bevan resigns in protest including the Lunacy and initially only for married pharmacists, opticians, at the charges, which are Mental Treatments Acts. women, but the law is dentists and hospitals abolished in 1965, to be Mental health services are relaxed in 1967. united as one UK-wide reintroduced in June 1968. brought under the organisation. NHS umbrella.
1982 1974 1968 1965
192 district health The Committee of Inquiry Ministries of Health and A review of social authorities are formed into the pay and related Social Security are merged services recommends the to simplify NHS conditions of service for to form the Department of amalgamation of children, management structures. nurses and midwives Health and Social Security. elderly and mental welfare recommends integration services to form a single of grading and pay. social services council department.
1989 June 1990 1991 1997
Working for Patients The NHS and Community The Patient’s Charter The Primary Care Act allows – a Government White Care Act 1990 creates a outlines the quality of new arrangements for Paper – proposes a split purchaser/provider market, service a patient can expect delivering care with GP between providers and where purchasers (mainly and introduces specific practices encouraged to purchasers of care to drive health authorities and GPs) targets for waiting times increase flexibility service efficiency. are given budgets to buy for treatments. and choice. services from providers.
2017 2014 2010 2000
In all, 44 areas covering The NHS Five Year Forward Robert Francis QC The NHS Plan outlines England, the NHS and local View sets out a new shared publishes his damning plans for better access councils form sustainability vision for the future of inquiry report into to hospitals with more and transformation the NHS, based on new Mid-Staffordshire NHS doctors, nurses and beds partnerships (STP) to models of care. Foundation Trust and by 2010 and focus on improve health and poor care. decreasing waiting times. social care.
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 35 21/06/2018 22:21:02 YOUR GUIDE to local minor injury units
We provide more than 60 services across Kent, East Sussex and London to keep you in the best of health. For many of our services, you will need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional, however there are services you can contact yourself. Here are some you might find useful…
Minor injury units (MIU) run by KCHFT Cuts or bruises, strains or sprains, or possibly broken bones, you don’t need an appointment to pop into one of our minor injury Need units. Some of our units treat minor illnesses too. WaitLess waiting Best Way, United Kingdom times for Edenbridge and District Sheppey MIUs and 3 War Memorial Hospital Community Hospital A&Es in 2 Mill Hill, Plover Road, east Kent? 1 Edenbridge TN8 5DA Minster on Sea ME12 3LT Download 1 Best View Medical Centre MIU Currently open Phone: 01732 862137 Phone: 01795 879104 Waitless from (2.9 miles) Travel + Wait time 8.30am to 6.30pm, 9am to 9pm, every day of the year.* 40mins the App Store 6 patients waiting 15 mins current waiting time
25 mins every day of the year.* X-ray: 9am until 5pm, 45 mins 2hr 10mins or Google Play. Directions X-ray: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.** More Info Monday, Wednesday and Friday (closed between 1 and 2pm). Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital Gravesham Bell Road, Community Hospital Sittingbourne ME10 4DT For information about other health Bath Street, Phone: 01795 418300 services, go to Health Help Now Gravesend DA11 0DG 9am to 9pm, every day of the year. at www.healthhelpnow-nhs.net Phone: 01474 360816 X-ray: 9am to 9pm 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm X-ray: 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday Monday to Friday. (inc bank holidays). Royal Victoria Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Deal Folkestone London Road, Radnor Park Avenue, Deal CT14 9UA Folkestone CT19 5BN Phone: 01304 865437 Phone: 01303 852727 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. X-ray: 9am until 5pm, X-ray: 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.** If you need advice Monday to Friday. or treatment and don’t know For more information Sevenoaks Hospital where to go, please phone 111, Hospital Road, about MIUs listed Sevenoaks TN13 3PG above please visit before visiting an accident www.kentcht.nhs.uk/miu Phone: 01732 470200 and emergency centre. 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. Your local pharmacist may also X-ray: 9am to 5pm, * closed Christmas day. Monday to Friday.** ** closed bank holidays. be able to advise. You can find details at www.nhs.uk page 36 • www.kentcht.nhs.uk
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 36 21/06/2018 22:21:03 MIUs run by other providers include: MIUs operated by GPs include:
Canterbury Faversham Ashford, Kingsnorth Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Faversham Health Centre Kingsnorth Medical Practice, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury CT1 3NG Bank Street, Faversham ME13 8QR Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3ED Phone: 01227 766877 (switchboard) Phone: 01795 562011 Phone: 01233 610140 www.ekhuft.nhs.uk www.favershammedicalpractice.nhs.uk www.kingsnorthmedicalpractice.co.uk Open 24-hours-a-day 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. 8am to 6.30pm, Mon to Fri.** No x-ray service. X-ray: 8am to 8pm, X-ray: 10am to 4pm, Ashford, Willesborough Monday to Friday. Monday to Friday. Willesborough Health Centre, Bentley Road, 8am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. Gillingham Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0HZ Crowborough Balmoral Gardens Walk-in Centre, Phone: 01233 621626 War Memorial Hospital, Balmoral Gardens, www.willesboroughhealthcentre.co.uk Southview Road, Gillingham ME7 5LF 8am to 6.30pm, Mon to Fri. *** Crowborough TN6 1HB Phone: 01634 331177 No x-ray service. Phone: 01892 603602 www.medwayhealthcarecentre.nhs.uk Aylesham 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk Aylesham Medical Practice, Queens Road, No x-ray service. 8am to 8pm (last booking is at Aylesham CT3 3BB 7.45pm), every day of the year.* Herne Bay Phone: 01304 840415 X-ray: 9am to 4.15pm, Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, www.ayleshammedicalpractice.co.uk Monday to Friday. King Edward Avenue, 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri. *** No x-ray service. Dover Herne Bay, Kent CT6 6EB Charing Phone: 01227 594700 Buckland Hospital, Charing Practice, Surgery Close, Charing, www.parksurgery.net Coombe Valley Road, Ashford TN27 0AW 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. Dover CT17 0HD Phone: 01233 714490 No x-ray service. Phone: 01304 222621 www.charingpractice.co.uk www.ekhuft.nhs.uk Whitstable 8am to 6.30pm, Mon to Fri *** No x-ray service. 8am to 8pm, every day of the year Estuary View Medical Centre, Hamstreet X-ray: 9am to 4.45pm, Boorman Way, Whitstable CT5 3SE Hamstreet Surgery, Ruckinge Road, Monday to Friday. Phone: 01227 284309 Hamstreet, Ashford TN26 2NJ www.whitstablemedicalpractice.co.uk East Grinstead Phone: 01233 730190 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. Queen Victoria Hospital, www.hamstreetsurgery.com X-ray: 8am to 8pm, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, 8am to 6.30pm, Mon to Fri , Monday to Friday. West Sussex RH19 3DZ 9am to 12noon, Sun. No x-ray service. Switchboard: 01342 414000 * closed Christmas day. www.qvh.nhs.uk ** closed bank holidays. Romney Marsh 8am to 8pm, every day of the year. *** closed bank Orchard House Surgery, Bleak Road, Lydd, X-ray: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, holidays and Romney Marsh TN29 9AE 9am to 1pm, Saturday and Sunday, weekends Phone: 01797 320307 10am to 1pm bank holidays. www.orchardhousesurgery.nhs.uk 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri. *** No x-ray service. Tenterden Ivy Court Surgery, Tenterden TN30 6RB Phone: 01580 763666 www.ivycourtsurgery.co.uk 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri, 9am to 12noon, Sat to Sun. No x-ray service. Woodchurch Woodchurch Surgery, Front Road, Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3SF Phone: 01233 860236 www.woodchurchsurgery.co.uk 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri. No x-ray service. Wye Wye Surgery, Oxentun Road, Wye TN25 5AY Phone: 01233 220699 www.wyesurgery.co.uk 8am to 6pm, Mon to Fri. No x-ray service.
www.kentcht.nhs.uk • page 37
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 37 21/06/2018 22:21:04 Your directo ry of community services We provide more than 60 services to keep you in the best of health. For many of our services, you will need a referral from a GP or healthcare professional, however there are services you can contact yourself. Here are some you might find useful… Children’s therapies Patient Advice and Toenail Cutting Service Physiotherapists, occupational Liaison Service (PALS) Starting at £13 per session, we can therapists, speech and language If you have a comment, complaint cut your toenails for you. Ideal for therapists, special nurse advisors, or compliment, call PALS. people who find it hard to look after key workers and therapy assistants Phone: 0300 123 1807 their feet and who are not entitled who provide a specialist therapy Text: 07899 903499 to this care through the NHS. Please service for disabled children from Email: [email protected] book in advance. birth to 19-years-old. You can find Phone: 0300 123 1554 full details at www.kentcht.nhs.uk Web: www.kentcht.nhs.uk/nails
Physiotherapy Dental Sexual health General Dental Services provide a full In some areas, you can contact Worried about symptoms, need range of NHS dental treatment for the service direct, in others you contraception or just looking for advice? patients in a high street setting. will need a referral. New Street Dental Practice, Sandwich Call to find out more. We run daytime and evening clinics Phone: 0300 303 4930 Phone: 0300 123 0854 with walk-in and appointment sessions. Services run across Kent, please contact us for more information. Expert Patients Phone 0300 790 0245 Programme Medway: Six-week self-management [email protected] programme for people living with one Kent: or more long-term health condition. kchft.sexualhealthservice@nhs net Phone: 0300 123 1220 (option 5) Podiatry/foot care Email: [email protected] Our Podiatry Team specialises in foot health, from common foot problems South East DriveAbility Falls prevention (east Kent) to more complicated conditions Assessment and advice on driving, needing surgical correction. car adaptation and car choice for 12-week prevention and assessment You need to be referred by a GP disabled drivers and passengers. service for anyone at risk of falling, or healthcare professional. Email: [email protected] or who has fallen. Phone: 0300 123 6756 Phone: 0300 013 4886 Folkestone and Ashford Phone: 01303 854488 Swale, Herne Bay and Whitstable Phone: 018795 879193 Advice for carers Thanet Phone: 01843 254134 Email: [email protected] Carers Trust East Kent Carers Consortium National charity with a network Provides carer assessment and support Kent Continence Service of partner organisations providing services by identifying family carers and Advice and support for anyone with services to carers. arranging for their needs to be assessed; bladder and bowel problems. Phone: 0844 800 4361 working closely with Carers FIRST and Phone: 0300 790 0310 Web: www.carers.org Involve Kent. Web: www.eastkentcarers.org.uk Kent Continence Business Office Carers UK Product delivery service Carers UK helps millions of people Kent County Council Phone: 0300 123 1955 who look after an older, disabled or Find out what help is available for carers. or 0330 123 4459 seriously ill family member or friend. Phone: 03000 41 61 61 New Born Hearing Phone: 0808 808 7777 For emergency support out-of-hours Web: www.carersuk.org phone 03000 41 91 91 Screening Programme Web: www.kent.gov.uk Carers Direct This service offers high-quality Confidential information and newborn hearing screening and advice for carers. You can also find more help safe and effective assessment for Phone: 0300 123 1053 babies in west Kent, Medway and and advice on our website Web: www.nhs.uk/carersdirect Swale. Phone: 0300 123 3071 www.kentcht.nhs.uk/carers
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Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 38 21/06/2018 22:21:05 Free services by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Small changes can make Most smokers want to If you want to lose weight Led by friendly volunteers, a big difference and quit and if you’re one of and keep it off, you can Health Walks are great for we can support you to them we can help. We join one of our One You people who are recovering make the changes that have clinics and groups Weight Loss groups. from illness, or who need will work for you. So at times and days to suit Sessions are free and an extra bit of motivation whether you want to quit most people. If you can’t cover healthy eating on to take more exercise. smoking, lose weight or get to us, we can offer a budget, portion control, They are fun, friendly and just generally feel better telephone appointments food labelling and getting free. No need to book. about life, we can help. or consultations via Skype. active. It’s based on You can even get nicotine guidelines from the replacement therapy British Heart Foundation. on prescription.
*east Kent only. For healthy weight services in west Kent, contact your local borough council.
If you’re aged 40 to 74 you could be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. Health Checks take just 30 minutes and can help to check your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease in the future. Speak to your GP or call the number above to find a clinic near you. We can also provide checks in workplaces, just call the number to find out more. Call 0300 123 1220 Email: [email protected] www.oneyoukent.org.uk
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 39 21/06/2018 22:21:06 70 years of... improving the health of a nation health education for a nation caring for a nation
Delivering healthcare 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year
Issue 22_CH Summer 2018_4_JB.indd 40 21/06/2018 22:21:10