Neath Port Talbot Community Network News New Locality Director For

Community Network News Planning and Delivering Core out of Hospital Services Issue 6 April 2013 New Locality Director For NPT Takes Up Post Dear Colleagues, continues and will end on Firstly on behalf of the locality I wish Hilary the 7th of May when the Dover well in her new position as Locality outcomes will be shared Director in Bridgend. The NPT locality has with the Community developed under her leadership and I look Health Council prior to forward to continuing the work that has al- any changes being made. ready begun to improve the care for our pa- We have also started an engagement process on Karl Murray tients. Locality Director the transfer of the re- Neath Port Talbot 2013/14 will bring new challenges, with maining ward at Cimla the focus on rebalancing hospital services. hospital to Neath Port Talbot hospital. We have seen significant service changes over the past year. The planned integration Key to our success will be maintaining pa- of community services with Neath Port Tal- tient flows between hospital and community bot County Borough Council is an exciting settings. I recognise we have capacity issues, development, which I have no doubt will but by working together there must be better improve the quality of care for patients. outcomes for patients. Public consultation on Gellinudd hospital Karl Murray

Message From Hilary Dover

Dear Colleagues, within the Locality remain unchanged. A number of you will by The last year has seen a number of changes now have heard that I in NPT and it could be argued that have been asked to take a NPT Hospital has in particular gone secondment to Bridgend to through a number of changes which other take the role of Locality sites across Wales will be facing in this year. Director there with effect It is a credit to the staff that this move went from the 1st April 2013 Hilary Dover so smoothly and that the model of care in Locality Director NPT Hospital is now stabilising. Community for a 2 year period. To en- Bridgend able this to happen Karl Services have continued to develop and the Murray has taken on the role of Locality Di- consultation on the new model of the Com- rector in NPT. Fiona Reynolds has changed munity Resource Team will soon be fully op- roles to become Head of Nursing and Opera- erational....but more of that later on. tional Services to release Karl from his role All that remains for me to say is how much I and Claire Marchant from the Local Author- have enjoyed working with you in NPT Lo- ity has joined the Locality Management cality. Team to work across health and social care With very best wishes to you all. to strengthen the integration. Other roles Hilary Dover

Issue 6 Page 2 Inside this issue:

New Locality Director Takes up Post 1 Care and Repair Neath Port Talbot 6

Message from Hilary Dover 1 Journey from Client to Teacher 7

Support for Cancer Patients 2 Remodelling of Primary Mental Health 8 Support Services Afan Network Lead Leaves NPT for Pas- 3 Pulmonary Rehabilitation - a Road to Self 10 tures New Empowerment Domestic Abuse Guidance for Employers 3 Our New Look Respiratory Team 11 Launched

Let’s Knock the Spots of Measles 4 Partnership Working to Deliver Stronger 12 Community Care Changes to Mental Health Enhanced Ser- 5 Afan Network Partnership Working 13 vices Announced Community Links Befriending Project 5 Who do I call for information on health, 14 wellbeing and support services? Support For Cancer Patients

By Mary Morris (ABMU) counselling which in some cases could last up to and Ian Addison, Manager a year. They deliver in the region of 6,500 coun- CISS selling and support sessions each year and aim to Neath Port Talbot Locality offer a session within 2 days of contact. 50% of has a Service Level Agree- referrals to the service come from health services. ment (SLA) with Cancer CISS mainly offer services to adults and refer Information Support Service (CISS), a charity children and young people to other specialist ser- based across South West Wales. vices, but they have offered counselling to 14 CISS has been offering information & support to year olds in some cases. cancer patients, their carers, families & friends All services are offered free of charge. CISS can since 1994. Services are provided by a small be contacted via their website - number of staff and 80 volunteers; all staff and www.cancerinformation.org.uk or by telephon- volunteers offering counselling and support are ing 01639 642333 trained, including one to Masters level. Under the SLA, CISS offers face to face counselling and emotional support, carries out hospital and home visits and facilitates support groups. Services include Drop In Sessions in Y Rhosyn Palliative Day Care Centre in Neath Port Talbot Hospital and One to One Counselling Sessions in the Port Talbot Resource Centre every Tuesday. CISS also run a helpline which is open from 9am to 9pm, 365 days a year, to give help & support. During 2011/12, CISS received 12,472 contacts; A bi-monthly volunteer counsel- varying from brief queries to longer periods of lor training session

Issue 6 Page 3 Afan Network GP Lead Leaves NPT for Pastures New

By Krysia Groves, ABMU been successful and appre- After more than a year in ciated, and hopefully are post as the Afan Community here to stay. These are signs Network (ACN) GP Lead that things are progressing, Sanjay is “throwing in the but I have nevertheless de- towel”, thankfully, not as a cided to move on to work in result of being our Network Australia as a GP in Wollon- Lead but because of a new gong (NSW). I have my and exciting pathway he own reasons for leaving the and his family have chosen UK — to take. and please note ACN was not one of them! Sanjay says, “I was sort of reluctantly manipu- So, if any GP from Afan is up for the challenge, lated to accept the post of GP Lead for ACN by fancies doing something different from being a Farida Patel (Practice Manager Lead, ACN) and clinical GP, would like to work with the won- Hilary Dover. When I accepted the post I was derful and innovative Afan Network Team anxious as I had no experience whatsoever of (Krysia Groves, Farida Patel & Sam Davies), management and with all the bad press about and would like to network with the other GP NHS managers, budget cuts, etc, it was not an Leads in trying to make a difference, then this enviable position to be in. I remember well my is the opportunity to do so; make yourself first meeting for the Network (a handful of GPs known to Krysia [email protected] ) and managers), I did not have a clue what was and for more details of the role, contact Andy expected of me; but as the Muir, Clinical Director months progressed, with more ([email protected]) I meetings under my belt and a wish you all the best and shall be regular team behind me, I be- following the Network from Oz...” came clearer about the role. On behalf of the ACN and NPT Lo- The QPIs have helped get engage- cality we thank Sanjay for his time ment (money always talks!) and and effort in establishing and pro- Workplace, the virtual work- gressing the Network and the ac- space where ACN members con- tivities we have undertaken to duct their Network business, set date. It’s been a pleasure working up by Krysia Groves, has helped Krysia Groves Planning Lead with you! to bring some debate into the and Sanjay Chalissery outgo- mix. The diabetic clinics have ing GP lead for Afan Network Domestic Abuse Guidance for Employers launched New guidance has recently been launched to help employers manage and support employees affected by domestic abuse. The guidance has been developed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and outlines how employers should respond if an employee is affected by domestic abuse. The guidance is designed to enable employers to develop a domestic abuse workplace policy and provides tips for managers on how to manage and support an employee experiencing domestic abuse. These small steps can include giving an employee time off to consult a lawyer, diverting telephone calls or providing a safe car park space. For more information about the guidance visit http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/ news/2013/april/new-guidance-launched-to-help-employers-support-staff-experiencing- domestic-abuse/

Issue 6 Page 4 wide range of Health Board staff including local GPs and Practice Nurses. The Locality would like to express a big thank you to all those involved in the planning and running of the clinics. The response to the drop-in clinics has been excellent and the success would not have been possible without the support of those involved. By Sam Davies (ABMU) Following on from the clinics, an ABMU school programme has commenced. 5 schools in Cases of measles reported to Public Health Swansea and Neath Port Talbot with the high- Wales have now reached over 800. The out- est number of pupils at risk of catching mea- break shows no signs of going away with large sles, have received a visit. A further 10 schools numbers of cases reported daily. will be visited week commencing 22/04/13 The epicentre of the outbreak continues to be and over 2700 pupils will have been targeted. the Swansea area but there are growing cases More schools will follow in the weeks ahead.

Notification of Measles: ABMU by LHB/LA of residence by month: Week ending: Sun 21 April 2013 – Source: Regional Notification Data CoSurv LA Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Bridgend 0 1 1 1 12 15 Neath Port Talbot 5 9 4 6 43 85 Swansea 10 27 34 59 183 151 Total 15 37 39 66 238 251 in Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. Since No- General Practice continue to support the vember there have been 171 cases confirmed Health Board in its efforts to control the out- in Neath Port Talbot and 128 of those have break and in the seven day period ending been confirmed since March. 16/04/2013 there were 2,455 first doses of Over the past three weekends community drop MMR given to patients and 2,664 second doses in vaccination clinics have been held in 4 loca- of MMR to patients at non-routine ages across tions, including Neath Port Talbot Hospital. ABMU. These were extremely successful with 4300 The graphs below outline the vaccines given to vaccinations given during the sessions and non-routine ages in the last 7 days ending over 1300 of those vaccinations were at NPTH. 16/04/2013 in Neath Port Talbot practices. The drop-in clinics have been supported by a Measles is a highly infectious....more on page 5

MMR dose 1 MMR dose 2 Neath Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot 105 150

100 133

80 100

58 37 40 36

28 50

Vaccines(n) given Vaccines(n) given

20 14

10 10

5 5

4 4 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

1y 2y 3y 4y 1y 2y 3y 4y

5y-9y 5y-9y

10y-14y 15y-19y 20y-24y 25y-29y 30y-34y 35y-44y 45y-54y 55y-64y 65y-74y 75y-84y 10y-14y 15y-19y 20y-24y 25y-29y 30y-34y 35y-44y 45y-54y 55y-64y 65y-74y 75y-84y

under 1y under 1y

85y and older85yand older85yand

Issue 6 Page 5 Let’s Knock the Spots of Measles… continued from page 4 viral illness caught through direct contact with through 2 MMR vaccinations. All staff, patients an infected person or through the air via drop- and service users should be encouraged to lets from coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include check their own and their children’s vaccina- fever, cold-like symptoms, fatigue, conjunctivi- tion status. Those born after 1970 who have tis and a distinctive red-brown rash which not had measles or 2 vaccinations should get starts around 4 days after the cold like symp- vaccinated. toms. The best way to protect against measles is Changes to the Mental Health Enhanced Service announced By Sarah Griffiths, ABMU recognised and better met in terms of both pre- vention and addressing physical problems that In previous years, the Mental Health Directed may arise. Enhanced Service (DES) has enabled practices to be reimbursed for producing an annual Practice The aim of this new DES is to engage the whole Mental Illness Report for patients on their mental practice team including clinical, managerial and health register, providing valuable additional administrative staff to develop a clear and shared and new information to strengthen and maintain understanding of the experience of patients with the lines of communication between practices mental health issues, the links to physical health, and their local mental health teams. Last year, the needs of young people and the elderly, and we were notified that following the implementa- the management of self harm and threatened tion of the Mental Health Measure, the enhanced suicide. Practices delivering the DES will be re- Care Programme Approach classification, which quired to run an annual, practice based, mental had been introduced previously across Wales for health education study session of a minimum of all cases with a serious mental illness and/or 2 hours in length, selected from a pre-set list of complex enduring needs, had been re- topics. This should aim to include the entire moved. This prompted concern about the target practice team in order to achieve some of the key population and more generally the fitness for objectives outlined in the Mental Health Strategy purpose of the DES as a whole. Following a re- “Together for Mental Health.” The Health Board view, a new Directed Enhanced Service has been is working through the specification and what developed which continues to recognise the role this means for practices and will issue the speci- of General Practice to ensure that the physical fication, once any issues identified have been health needs of people with mental illness are clarified.

Community Links Befriending Project By Helen Williams, Health Social Care and some company – whether it’s someone to call Wellbeing Facilitator, NPTCVS to the house for a cup of tea and a chat, or help The Commu- others to pick up the links nity Links pro- in the ject aims to re- commu- duce the sense nity they of isolation ex- once had. perienced by There is older people and in doing so, im- an open referral system – prove their emotional health and people can refer them- wellbeing. The Community Links selves, or be referred by project can offer support to peo- family, friends, GPs or So- ple over 65 who would welcome cial Services. More on page 11

Issue 6 Page 6

By Mary Morris social welfare (ABMU) and Carol support agencies. Williams, Projects Caseworkers will Officer, Care and visit clients in Repair their own home, Care & Repair Neath Port Talbot celebrated its discuss any issues they have, discuss the ser- tenth Anniversary in 2011. Their focus has vices of the Agency, consider the client’s fi- always been as a client-centered, problem-led nancial situation and work history. They will service and not solely on building or repair carry out a Healthy Home Check, a Security work. This holistic approach has been a key Survey, a Fire Safety Audit, and a Falls Assess- factor in the success of the Agency. ment. This discussion will enable the Case- worker to give accurate advice on welfare They deliver a diverse range of services, with benefit entitlements as well as funding sources funding not only from Welsh Government, available, for any home improvements re- but from other sources such as housing asso- quired, after that is, taking into account the ciations, local government, and charitable do- clients concerns and the clients preferred op- nations. Neath Port Talbot Locality has a Ser- tions. A complete picture of choices and solu- vice Level Agreement to provide the Core Ser- tions for the Client can then be made avail- vice. able. The Agency has developed because of local The basic premise of Care & Repair is that in- need and opportunity, stakeholder require- formation is gathered by the Caseworker and ments, and the skills and resources available. used in an holistic approach to assess the The Agency was originally set up to support home situation as a whole, before tailoring the people aged 60 and over who were home services needed by the individual. It is the owners or private tenants with practical ad- unique relationship between Client and Case- vice on all housing related matters. This is still worker which has built the reputation of Care the focus of the movement. & Repair Neath Port Talbot. The focus is not Partnerships are one of the keys to a successful only on advice but on practical assistance and Care & Repair Agency. Over the years they solutions. have developed strong local strategic partner- 2011 – 2012 saw Care & Repair Neath Port ships, with local Social Services and Housing Talbot support over 5,000 older people with Departments, the Fire Service, the Safer Neath referrals being received from a multitude of Port Talbot Partnership and with some ser- sources; Social Services, Fire Service, Police, vices including younger disabled people Age Cymru, Age Concern, hospital depart- (although the clear focus remains to provide ments, the Red Cross and doctors surgeries, services for older people). but in the main from clients themselves who Casework has been at the heart of each Care & perhaps received a talk at their local commu- Repair agency since the earliest days and it re- nity group by the Case Working Team or mains one of the unique parts of the service. through a neighbour who has had support Clients will often build a relationship with from Care and Repair in the past. their caseworker based on trust and confi- More information can be found on the Care & dence. This is particularly important as, for Repair website -www.careandrepairnpt.com some individuals using Care & Repair services, this could be their first and only contact with Referrals can be made by contacting enquir- [email protected] or 01792 321122

Issue 6 Page 7 Journey from Client to Teacher A NPT National referral Scheme (NERS) success story

By Claire Jones, NERS Coordinator and Krysia each week he attended. Groves (ABMU) His knowledge of health and fitness grew tre- The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) mendously, as did his sense of physical, psy- is a Welsh Government funded scheme devel- chological and social wellness – made evident oped to standardise exercise referral opportu- in the pre and post course physical, emotional nities across all Local Authorities and Local and wellbeing scores. In addition, Mr. Hughes Health Boards in Wales. The Scheme targets improved his nutri- clients who have a chronic disease or are at tion intake, increased risk of developing chronic disease. his physical fitness The scheme aims to:- levels, reduced his  Offer referral to high quality and appro- visits to his GP as priate exercise across Wales; well as his prescribed  Increase the long term adherence in medication, to the physical activity of clients; point where he no  Improve physical and mental health of cli- longer required Du- ents; loxetine, (which is  Determine the effectiveness of interven- approved for use in tions in increasing activity levels and im- treating adults with proving health. depression, neuro- pathic pain, general- Mr. Roderick Hughes’ first encounter with NPT ized anxiety disorder, NERS was on 11th June 2009 having been re- fibromyalgia, or ferred by his GP at the Skewen Medical Centre. Roderick Hughes working chronic muscu- He consequently started his exercise sessions out loskeletal pain); a de- the following week. During his time with cision he made himself after consulting his NERS, 66 year old Mr. Hughes, participated in 30 sessions of varied activities alongside other physician. members of the scheme. Activities included Physiologically Mr. Hughes’ adaptations to ex- gym based exercise, outdoor walking and class ercise included a reduction in blood pressure based circuit sessions. from 126/83mmol/Hg to 115/72mmol/Hg; a 2kg loss in body weight supported by a 2cm At his first consultation Mr. Hughes was quiet reduction in waist measurement. but quite hopeful of success on the scheme. From the reserved client he initially was, he At his 18 week consultation Mr. Hughes con- gradually became a morale-boosting leader fided that he regarded his involvement with within his class, gaining more confidence with NERS a complete success, a view ...more on page 8

Farewell to Louise Stokes

Louise, our Primary Care Manager and Neath Community Network link, is leaving us on 30th April after over eleven years dedicated NHS service in Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. An accountant by background, Louise is looking forward to an extended break and, as she tells us - being far too young to retire! - hopes to explore new opportunities in a few months time. She will be much envied as well as missed. Arrangements to cover her duties will be put in place shortly and publicised in next month’s newsletter.... Lindsay Davies, Head of Primary Care and Planning

Issue 6 Page 8

Journey from Client to Teacher... continued from page 7 with which the NERS Team is happy to concur. for many people. His enthusiasm and drive are Now in March 2013 Mr. Hughes is a regular to undertake a LIFT (Low Intensity Fitness attendee of gym sessions, circuit and Pilates Trainer) qualification which is funded by Age classes, as well as a valued member of the Nor- Cymru - this will allow him to run his own dic walking group offered by the NERS staff. classes throughout the locality as a recognised His body weight is correct for his height and he exit route for NERS participants. has no requirement for prescribed medications. How to access NERS:- In addition Mr. Hughes has qualified as a walk A GP or health professional can refer patients leader and is currently establishing his own to NERS where the Team will take the responsi- walking group . To date he has inspired over bility of ensuring that all clients who join the 50 members to join and enjoy the benefits scheme are instructed in exercise activities that Neath Port Talbot outdoors has to offer. He are safe and effective, and based on individual shares his own success and encourages others need; progress is made at a rate that suits. The to persevere and stay motivated by regularly current waiting list is no more than 4 weeks. attending client education events to talk about More details of NPT NERS please contact Claire his own experiences, which he does with a vig- Jones: [email protected] or our and a passion, proving a real inspiration Lisa Jones: [email protected]

Remodelling of Primary Mental Health Support Services By Lynne Hopkins, Mental Health Support next steps with secondary mental health Worker and Karen Francis, Integrated Team services, where this is felt to be appropriate Leader NPT LPMHSS for an individual; On October 1st 2013, Part 1 of the Mental 4. The provision of support and advice to GPs Health (Wales) Measure 2010 came into force and other primary care providers (such as and with it the creation of Local Primary Men- practice nurses) to enable them to safely tal Health Support Services (LPMHSS). manage and care for people with mental The LPMHSS in Neath Port Talbot is made up of health problems; mental health nurses, a social worker, an oc- 5. The provision of information and advice to cupational therapist, a community develop- individuals and their carers about inter- ment worker and a support worker. The ser- ventions and care, including the options vice is aimed at people with mild to moderate available to them, as well as ‘signposting’ to common mental health disorders and of all other sources of support (such as that pro- ages. The five functions of the service are: vided by Third Sector Organisations), and 1. Primary care mental health assessments for helping them to access these services. individuals who have been assessed by a In Neath Port Talbot we have an assessor as- GP, and for whom the GP considers a more signed to every GP practice and we endeavour detailed assessment is required; to carry out assessments within, or as near as 2. Short-term interventions (i.e. treatment), possible to, the primary care practice. In the either individually or through group work, provision of therapy, both individual and if the initial assessment has identified this group, we have had to be more centralised and as appropriate. Such interventions may in- tend to offer sessions either in Tonna Resource clude counselling, a range of psychological Centre, the Forge Centre or Pontardawe Health interventions including cognitive behav- Centre. ioural therapy, solution-focused therapy, Short term interventions can be very effective online support, stress management, biblio- but some people feel they need additional sup- therapy and education; port to continue with the progress they have 3. Onward referral and the co-ordination of made. With this in mind we have set up two

Issue 6 Page 9

Remodelling of Primary Mental Health Support Services...continued from page 8 Support Groups in the area - and each other with any problems. are in the process of developing These groups are very impor- more. The groups are held fort- tant to people who have no- nightly on a Tuesday between where else to turn” (Anthea) 1.30 and 3pm, in Cysgodfa Main “The group gets me out of the Hall in Tonna and in the group house and I can talk to other room in Pontardawe Health Cen- people” (Les) tre. There is also a Croeserw group but this is currently on hold “It is lovely to be able to share due to change of venue. my problems with people who understand what I’m going The function of the support through” (Sam) groups is to bring those with com- “It is interesting to share senti- mon mental health issues to- ments with people and be able gether. The groups are proving to express freely many anxieties helpful to those who attend and which would be difficult in some of the attendees have been other circumstances” (Steve) sufficiently enthused to meet out- Some photographs taken by mem- side of the groups. As an exam- bers of one of the support groups To meet the fourth and fifth ple, four members of one particu- function of the LPMHSS we are: lar group of 15 have set up a pho- tography group and meet weekly at a pre ar-  Rolling out monthly Advice and Informa- ranged venue. tion drop in clinics in GP practices across Members have also arranged a coffee after- the patch. These are managed by the noon at a local café. Each group has bonded Community Development Worker, provid- well, welcomes new members and is ready to ing advice, signposting and information on help individuals with current difficulties; they a range of mental health and wellbeing feel comfortable in bringing topics for discus- services; sion within the group. Group members have  Delivering three monthly clinics at Pontar- said the following: dawe, Port Talbot and Cymmer, where “I came to the support group to help me over- many links have been made between the come social phobia and agoraphobia and be- third sector and the LPMHSS; cause I have little social contacts it helps me to  Hosting established Post-natal Support remember how to interact with people, men Groups - 1 in Port Talbot which at present and women...to help set the stage to return to is being relocated, 1 in Dulais valley, also 1 work and to re-build confidence. It also gets in Gwaun Cae Gurwen, providing support me out of the house so helps with my depres- to new mothers who feel anxious or have sion.” (Dorothy) difficulties with their feelings of mother- “The group has helped me in lots of ways. I hood. now, for the first time, have friends and being We are constantly looking to improve and de- with people who have the same problems and velop services. On our agenda at the moment going through the same things is a great help, is to work around provision of an activity and I don’t feel so alone. We now have started scheme, which could prove beneficial to those a camera group; we go to quiet places and take who, due to their condition, are unable to ac- pictures. We don’t have fancy cameras but the cess support for their physical wellbeing. De- peaceful walks with good company are great tails of this are still being worked through. as I would have never gone alone. We also meet weekly independently of the group in the local golf range where we can chat and help

Issue 6 Page 10 Pulmonary Rehabilitation - A Road to Self Empowerment By Cath Harper, Specialist Respiratory Physio- referred onto the NERS scheme. therapist In post course assessment, each individual’s pro- For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary gress is evaluated by repeating the shuttle walk disease (COPD) it's more important than ever to exercise test and using quality of life question- get some exercise; however, the shortness of naires. These are compared with the results of breath that comes with exertion can make it the same assessment tools used at pre assessment. tempting to do less, rather than more activity. At the Port Talbot Resource Centre there is provi- This inactivity leads to an increase in muscle sion for 8 patients per group due to the size and wastage and weakness, which leads to further content of the exercise facility. This small shortness of breath and inactivity – a vicious cir- group atmosphere is ready-made for building cle. Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to help friendships and for developing a supportive net- people cope with breathlessness and feel work where participants are more likely to moti- stronger and fitter. It also helps build confidence vate and become a source of encouragement for and the ability to cope with debilitating respira- each other. tory disease. In order to provide treatment for more patients Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multi disciplinary in the locality and, also to help re- approach and an important form duce the waiting list, the team is of treatment for patients suffering currently delivering a back to with Chronic Lung Conditions. It back Pulmonary Rehabilitation aims to increase exercise capacity Programme. This involves 2 and provides information on self groups of 8 patients who exercise management of disease symptoms separately at different times, but with the overall objective of im- come together to participate in the proving patients’ quality of life. education and relaxation sessions. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Ser- The team are thus able to poten- vice in NPT was initiated by the tially double the number of people COPD Team in July 2004. The Patients with Chris Burrows, on the course to 16, whilst still team, comprising of physiothera- COPD Specialist Nurse and Cath ensuring the programme is deliv- pists, specialist nurses, with addi- Harper, Physiotherapist ered safely and with the most ef- tional support from Occupational fective and efficient use of staff Therapy and clerical staff, is currently complet- time as possible. ing the course for the 35th group. Eleven pro- Patients regularly provide feedback that high- grammes have run at the Port Talbot Resource lights the positive outcomes for those who have Centre, Baglan since the team’s move from Cimla undertaken the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Pro- in 2010 and 74 patients have successfully com- gramme:- pleted a rehabilitation programme at this venue.  “The most remarkable training pro- Each course is run over 8 weeks and includes gramme I have been on. It’s practical, its pre and post assessment and a 6 week structured benefits are immediately obvious and I am programme of twice weekly exercise, education, sure it will stand me in good stead in the goal setting and relaxation sessions. Education years ahead.” sessions include advice on dealing with breath-  “The course is a life enhancer and I don’t lessness and sputum clearance, inhaler tech- nique, anxiety management, healthy eating and want it to end.” coping with an exacerbation of COPD.  “Exhilarating and informative.” The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service also has  “The lectures and education which these close links with the local Breathe Easy Group and clinics offered, as well as the exercise, have the National Exercise Referral Scheme and pa- been a tremendous help because I understand tients are encouraged to attend both these sup- my condition much better and have a lot more port networks on completion of the course. Up to confidence now.” the present date, 26 patients have elected to be

Issue 6 Page 11 Our New Look Respiratory Team By Sister Christine Burrows, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Resource Team We have decided to complement Respiratory Services by engaging with Primary, Community and Secondary Care Colleagues. The team aims to develop a multitude of knowledge, coming together to create a multi skilled respiratory workforce who have community and secondary care experience, working together across secondary, primary and community care in order to provide an effective Respiratory Ser- vice for patients with respiratory disease in Neath Port Talbot Locality.

Who we are Dr Martin Ebejer Consultant Physician Dr David Vardill Consultant Respiratory Physician Sister Christine Burrows Clinical Nurse Specialist / Team Lead Cath Harper Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist Sister Katrina Davies Clinical Nurse Specialist Sister Rose Lever Clinical Nurse Specialist Sister Hannah Howard Clinical Nurse Specialist / Oxygen Chris West Occupational Therapist (pulmonary rehab) Andrianna James Health Care Support Worker Joanna Mort Clerical Officer Our Aims

The aims of the Respiratory Team are- tion, support, organisation of care, and the ap-  Admission Avoidance plication of research. This allows the respira-  Self Management and Health Promotion tory nurses and physiotherapists to give in-  Specialist advice, support and interventions creased autonomy and expertise in the subject area and knowledge that care is optimal. Bene-  Access specific knowledge and expertise fits to ABMU will be fewer hospital admissions,  Specialist Clinics potential reduced costs and in-patient bed days,  Educational Session as well as reduced waiting lists allowing more  Support in the Community physician time for patient care.  New Innovation The main contact number for the team is 01639 The remit of the Respiratory Specialist Team is 683047 clinical and consultative, encompassing educa- Community Links Befriending Project... continued from page 5 Volunteer Befrienders will offer support and volunteering in the Community Links Project companionship based on what each individual could be for you. wishes to do, either in the home or the com- If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer munity. Befriender or would like to refer yourself or If you are someone who gets on with people, someone else to the project please contact has some time to spare and is interested in sup- Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631387 or porting older people in our community then [email protected].

Issue 6 Page 12

Partnership Working to Deliver Stronger Community Care

By Emma Gray, Neath Port Talbot County Bor- Head of Community Care and Housing Service Claire Marchant said: “The Authority secured ough Council European Social Fund money to pilot a new Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council intake model in a small area of the county (NPTCBC) and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg borough. The aim of the pilot service was to University Health Board (ABMU) are working promote independence by supporting people together to deliver a stronger community- to stay in their homes through a wide range of based social care and health service. services which widen personal choice and control. NPTCBC and ABMU are jointly delivering a range of intermediate care services in Neath Service users involved in the pilot benefited Port Talbot to help prevent episodes of un- from a more efficient streamlined service scheduled care and support those who are dis- whereby residents receive the right service, by charged from hospital. the right professional, at the right time.” The Council and the Health Board are creating The creation of the CRT follows on from the a Community Resource Team (CRT) by inte- successful integration of ABMU’s Community grating a range of services currently being Integrated Intermediate Care Service (CIIS) provided by both organisations and the third and NPTCBC’s Homecare Enablement Assess- sector. ment Team (HEAT). Both services provided those who needed it with a reablement provi- The new service will ensure people’s needs are sion; however, they had very different assess- put at the centre of the service by jointly de- ment, access and referral criteria. livering a range of provisions to enable older or disabled people to stay at home and remain The new unified service has enabled both bod- independent with support, or to return home ies to close the gaps that existed between them after a stay in hospital. and ensure that citizens who need reablement are able to receive it as quick as pos- In addition to the provision of equipment in sible. the home which is already provided on a joint basis, packages of care are tailored to a per- Andy Griffiths, Integrated Community Service son’s specific needs rather than their age or Manager, said: “These are exciting times for disability. both the Local Authority and Health Board. Access to these services will be via a single “This new service model will remove as much point of access: Community Services Gateway, bureaucracy as possible and therefore speed where a core group of multi-disciplinary pro- up response times and increase staff capacity fessionals will migrate service users to the to provide services for the benefit of residents right pathway, at the right time to meet their in Neath Port Talbot.” needs. The new service model is fully consistent with Continued assessments will be carried out the Welsh Government’s Primary and Com- over a longer period and support will reduce munity Services Strategic Delivery Programme over time where the level of independence the Local Health Board’s own Framework and demonstrated that this was appropriate. the Local Authority’s Transforming Adult So- cial Care programme. The Council and Health Board took the move to fully integrate the intermediate care services being provided separately by both organisations following a successful pilot scheme in 2011.

Issue 6 Page 13 Afan Network Partnership Working

Sarah Mainwaring and 01639 893694 / [email protected] Louise Gregory, NSA Afan FREE CHILD CARE FREE TRAVEL Within the Afan Community Network are the 3 wards of Build Confidence & Self Esteem Sandfields East, West and Aberavon. These were FREE learning using Agored Cymru and City & granted Communities First Guilds accreditation/qualifications in: status, indicating the high levels of social disadvantage and deprivation that the community experiences. The 3 wards have been divided into 12 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA’s) in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2008:-  11 of the 12 have Commu- Hair & Construction Business Admin Literacy & nities First status; Beauty Female DIY ICT Numeracy  8 of the 12 are in the top NSA Afan STRIDES is a project delivering 10% most deprived LSOA’s in Wales. OCN qualifications to unemployed or eco-  The area of benefit has a total population nomically inactive people from Neath Port of 18,728 (2001 Census) which encom- Talbot with an aim of getting people into em- passes 7,982 households: ployment or further learning.  24.8% of the population is over 60 years of age; Prescription for Health:  32.8% have a life-limiting long term ill- NSA STRIDES Alliance is a bridge to job op- ness portunities and further learning. We engage  54.4% have no qualifications. with individuals who require a first step en- According to the NOMIS official labour mar- gagement soft entry approach to develop ket statistics there were 3,990 DWP Benefit confidence and motivation and aim to create claimants in this area in August 2009. a transitional mindset in individuals, to enable them to progress into economic activity The New Sandfields and Aberavon Afan De- resulting in further learning or employment. velopment Centre is a Multi– Agency facility We encourage self esteem by developing housed in the Sandfields Estate (http:// confidence and interaction in our workshops www.nsasr.co.uk/about-us.html) The centre while also offering qualifications in any of works in partnership with a number of or- the workshops above. We also support resi- ganisations to both facilitate and deliver dents of Neath and Port Talbot to gain pre- Adult Community Learning activities in an employment skills enabling them to actively accessible, informal environment. Organisa- seek work independently. tions such as NPT College, Swansea Univer- sity’s Department of Adult Continuing Edu- NSA STRIDES Alliance also delivers Financial cation (DACE) and NPT Life Long Service Literacy to develop and put into practice an (LLL) deliver their courses from the Develop- understanding of good financial practice es- ment Centre, making education accessible to pecially with the changes in benefits and the the local community. introduction of Universal Credit.

Editor’s Note We hope that you find the articles in this issue interesting. We are grateful for all the contributions received for publication from our partners in health, other public sector organisations and the voluntary Free Training provided by sector. (only a 2 hour course) Please feel free to send in articles which you think will be of Why Come on the What is a Alcohol Brief interest to the networks. Intervention? Training? Understanding... the scope of the alcohol We would also value your views “A short, evidence-based, structured problem and how brief interventions work conversation about alcohol about the newsletter. If you have consumption with a client to motivate Knowledge... of alcohol definitions and the any comments or suggestions for and support the individual to think tools & techniques of brief interventions about and/or plan a change in their Skill... To deliver and succeed improvement or would like to drinking behaviour in order to reduce submit an article, please contact their consumption” and importantly to increase Confidence us at:

What does a Alcohol Who can Access the Neath Port Talbot Locality Brief Intervention do? Training? Suite A Britannic House Anyone who can put a ‘tick’ in all 3 -significantly reduce the alcohol ‘Good to Go 'boxes! Britannic Way drinking levels of people who have been identified as drinking Hazardous and Llandarcy Harmful amounts Neath

- Provide a valuable framework to SA10 6JQ facilitate referral of cases of alcohol 01792326500 dependence to specialised services For more Info, please contact Craig Jones > [email protected] [email protected]

Who do I call for information on health, wellbeing and support services? The NHS Direct Wales health, wellbeing and support directory provides a comprehensive database of voluntary and statutory services in Neath Port Talbot and across Wales. The directory is available to anyone, so it could be used, for example, to signpost patients to support groups and by the public to find out about services in the community. To access the directory visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk, call 0845 46 47, use textphone 0845 606 4647 or RNID typetalk 1 8001 0845 4647. For further information on the directory, please contact Helen Williams, Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Facilitator at Neath Port Talbot CVS on 01639 631246 or [email protected]

Did you know.... That most people (77%) in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend are non- smokers? Want to join them? We can help! If you are thinking of quitting smoking and would like a little help, please call Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219 or visit www.stopsmokingwales.com