The North East Lincolnshire Winter Help Scheme now has a blog site which gives the latest information about the scheme.

You can find the site at http://ht.ly/8UWhe

This is a youtube video of performing CPR to Staying Alive – something that is always useful to know.

The Guardian has reported:

Seven hospital trusts struggling with crippling private finance initiative debts are to receive £1.5bn in emergency funding from the government to help them avoid cutting patient services to pay their bills.

The Department of Health is making the £1.5bn available – in grants, not loans – to the seven hospital trusts in England with some of the heaviest PFI debts through a “stability” fund. Trusts will be able to use the money to meet PFI repayments, rather than their usual budgets, as long as they meet four conditions set out by the department.

The move will help trusts such as South London Healthcare NHS trust, which is facing a PFI repayment in 2012-13 of £66.8m under the terms of a deal agreed in July 1998, in the early days of Tony Blair’s government. They will be able to access the £1.5bn over the next 25 years, until the PFI contracts end.

Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, said he had been forced to use taxpayers’ money because certain NHS organisations could no longer afford to honour PFI deals that had been “badly negotiated” by Labour ministers.

“Labour left some parts of the NHS with a dismal legacy of PFI, and made them rely on unworkable plans for the future. They swept these problems under the carpet for a decade and left us with a £60bn postdated PFI cheque to deal with,” Lansley said.

“The problems facing some parts of the NHS left to us by Labour now have to be sorted out. Tough solutions may be needed for these problems, but we will not let the sick pay for Labour’s debt crisis.”

You can read the full story from the Guardianhere

I couldn’t help noticing while I was out shovelling snow from the front of my house this morning how many other people in my street were doing the same thing – it only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference to those who have to walk during the bad weather.

I hope that every one is making sure that their neighbours are managing during the cold spell. A fall might not be anything for younger people to bother about, but it can be very serious for older people in particular, who can seriously injure themselves and require long and expensive medical treatment, with some of them never recovering fully.

A partnership of Voluntary and Public sector organisations are working together in North East Lincolnshire to reduce unnecessary hardship for elderly and vulnerable people this winter should extreme bad weather occur.

Our Winter Planning campaign message to elderly and vulnerable people is:

“Don’t go out in extreme weather, advice and help will be available”

If you are a local resident who would be willing to become a volunteer and deliver essential supplies in an emergency, clear snow to give access to the homes of the people needing support, or if you would be willing to be a coordinator to manage the organized process of providing assistance through Volunteers.

If you are a local Business who feels your business could support the ‘Winter Planning scheme’ by releasing staff who may not be able to get in to work, or sponsoring promotional materials.

Or if are you a local resident with a four wheel drive vehicle that could help to deliver to isolated properties. The Winter Campaign would like to hear from you!

The Winter Campaign is also looking for people in the Community who would be prepared to help a vulnerable or elderly person in their neighbourhood in extreme weather conditions referred through a Coordinator in your area.

If you would like to Volunteer or be a Coordinator for this important role or would like to know more information please do not hesitate to contact us below.

For further details about the Winter Campaign and getting involved please contact Penny or Tayo on 01472 315437.

If you live in the Yarborough Ward why not contact one of your co-ordinators to let them know you are prepared to help?

Ring John Blanch (01472 317294) or Les Bonner (01472 310855)

The Office of Fair Trading has taken action against several mobility aids traders, following a market study last year which found some firms were engaged in unfair business practices.

The OFT has revoked the consumer credit licences of Amarjit Gill and his business associate Ranjit Dhami over concerns about how they sold mobility aids. Amarjit Gill, who traded as ABM Mobility, breached consumer protection legislation, including using aggressive sales techniques, despite warnings from Derbyshire Trading Standards, and repeatedly breached interim enforcement orders.

Ranjit Dhami held a separate licence and had traded as A.B.M., Phoenix 1000, Eurostar, Star Enterprises and Phoenix Enterprises. She was judged unfit to hold a credit licence by the OFT because of her association with Amarjit Gill’s business.

Separately, the OFT carried out an investigation into Yorkshire-based Acorn Mobility Services Limited (Acorn) for potential breaches of consumer protection laws. As a result of constructive discussions, Acorn has voluntarily amended the terms and conditions it uses in its customer contracts and supporting documents to address potentially unfair terms.

The OFT was also concerned about complaints received about Acorn’s customer service. During the investigation the company agreed to overhaul its customer service procedures including setting up a freephone helpline and improving training for staff. The company is continuing to work closely with its local Trading Standards Service to improve complaints handling.

An investigation into a separate national mobility aids trader, for suspected unfair doorstep sales practices, is also well advanced.

Alongside the OFT’s work, local Trading Standards Services are continuing to tackle unfair sales practices by mobility aids suppliers at local and regional levels.

David Fisher, OFT Director said:

“We warned traders that unless they stopped using aggressive sales techniques and unfair business practices to sell mobility aids they would face enforcement, and that is what we are doing.’

“We will take further action, working in partnership with local Trading Standards Services, if there is evidence of unfair trading or where fitness to hold a credit licence is called into question.”

Patients can now access a one stop information and advice website for all adult social care, health care and community support services available in North East Lincolnshire, at their local GP Surgery.

The services4me website was launched in four primary care practices in North East Lincolnshire during January, as part of a pilot project to offer members of the public easy access to information and advice about local care and support services.

www.services4.me.uk is accessible to everyone – individuals using adult social care or health care services, self-funders of care, carers, members of the public, health and social care professionals and providers of services can all make use of the resources available on the website.

Services4me touch screen computers and kiosks are now available for patient use in Freshney Green Primary Care Practice, The Raj Medical Centre, Pilgrim & Roxton Primary Care Practice and The Chantry Health Group Practice. Patients can now self-access information and advice on housing options, how to keep healthy, home care services, transport and leisure, benefits, caring, work, learning and links to national sources of help and support. Local residents can also search for support groups, clubs, activities and events happening in the local area. Services4me surgeries in these practices, will be run by community volunteers to help patients with information searching and demonstrate how to use the website.

Dr Nathalie Dukes, Freshney Green Primary Care Practice said:

“We welcome the introduction of Services4me in Freshney Green. The website is long overdue for our area, both patients and professionals can now find out what help and services are available in North East Lincolnshire on a wide range of health and social care related subjects. Services4me empowers individuals to take more control over their own lives.”

Carol Ranyard, Information Officer, The Pilgrim & Roxton Practice said:

“The Roxton Practice and Pilgrim Primary Care Centre users have close links with Community and host many of the outside Health Agencies within the waiting room.

“Our Patient Group are very active within the waiting room and are currently helping patients use the new Services4Me. We were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Immingham, Councillor Michael Burton, to the launch of this new service. I see the new Services4Me as a great asset to our patients and other users of the Health Centre as the information is instantly available, carers and family members can also access this service on behalf of relatives.”

Services4.me.uk is still under development to offer local residents many more exciting and useful facilities. Individuals who may need help with social care needs, will soon be able to complete an on-line self-assessment. By registering on the website in a secure way, members of the public will be able to create their own user account and answer a few basic questions about the type of help they need, which is sent to A3 Service Advice Officers who will let individuals know whether they should go on to complete a full on-line self-assessment of their needs. Account holders will be able to use a messaging service, review their self-assessment and the information in their support plan and also connect to other on-line users.

In the future, services4me will offer an e-marketplace which means individuals will be able to browse a catalogue of health and social care related products and services, such as equipment, create their personal shopping basket of services and book or purchase these services on-line.

Sarah Avery, Care Trust Plus Transforming Care Communications Manager says:

“Services4me aims to give Individuals that need help and support, the tools they need to be more independent and as far as possible, control their own care.”

Visit www.services4.me.uk

Campaign for Body Confidence co-founder and Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson MP continues fight against harmful idealised images

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled the advert for L’Oréal Paris’ Revitalift Repair 10 breached industry codes. The regulator said material provided by L’Oréal Paris had been altered to change Rachel Weisz’ complexion substantially, making it appear smoother and more even and therefore “misleadingly exaggerated” what the product can achieve for consumers.

Commenting, Jo Swinson MP said:

“The beauty and advertising industries need to stop ripping off consumers with dishonest images. The banning of this advert, along with the previous ASA rulings banning heavily retouched ads featuring Twiggy, Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, should act as a wake-up call. Thankfully the advertising regulator has again acknowledged the fraudulent nature of excessive retouching.”

“The Royal College of Psychiatrists has spoken out about the harmful influence of the media on body image, and have highlighted airbrushing and digital enhancement used to portray physical perfection as an area of concern.”

“There needs to be much more diversity in advertising – different skin colours, body shapes, sizes and ages. Studies show that people want to see more authenticity from brands. Images can be aspirational without being faked.”

“There are companies who don’t shy away from realism and take steps to actively promote body confidence. I’m delighted that the Campaign for Body Confidence will be celebrating best practice through the first Body Confidence Awards, which will be sponsored by bareMinerals. bareMinerals’ new advertising campaign ‘Be A Force Of Beauty’ doesn’t only shun retouching, but celebrates women’s ambition and achievement, showing that beauty is about much more than just looks”

“The Campaign for Body Confidence challenges the narrow “ideal” of beauty perpetuated by the media and other industries. Tonight the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image is hosting a screening of the documentary Miss Representation which explores the impact on society of such an intense focus on women’s appearance, instead of their achievements. The film shows how media misrepresentation and underrepresentation of women results in a leadership gap and the silencing of difference.”

Service users can now access a one stop information and advice website for all adult social care, health care and community support services available in North East Lincolnshire, at their local GP surgery.

The services4me website has been launched in four primary care practices in North East Lincolnshire as part of a pilot project to offer members of the public easy access to locally relevant information and advice about care and support services.

www.services4.me.uk can be used by everyone, whether you are using adult social care or health care services, self-funding your own care, if you are a carer, or you simply want to find out more about adult health and social care services and support in your local community.

People can see the range of options available to them and have greater choice and control over the services and help they require, to meet their personal needs.

Easy to use Services4me touch screen computers and kiosks are now available for patient use in Freshney Green Primary Care Practice, The Raj Medical Centre, Pilgrim & Roxton Primary Care Practice and The Chantry Health Group Practice. Patients can access to information on housing options, how to keep healthy, home care services, transport and leisure, benefits, caring, work and learning and much more . You can also search for support groups, local clubs, activities and events happening in your area.

Sarah Avery, Care Trust Plus Transforming Care communications manager says: “Services4me aims to give people that need help and support, the tools they need to be more independent and as far as possible, control their own care.

“With Services4me in the practices, the public can self-access information and advice in a range of areas and we will be running Services4me surgeries to show people how to use the website and help with information searching. We aim to expand services4me into other local community venues and GP practices.”

Dr Nathalie Dukes, Freshney Green Primary Care Practice said;
“We welcome the introduction of Services4me in Freshney Green. The website is long overdue for our area, both patients and professionals can now find out what help and services are available in North East Lincolnshire on a wide range of health and social care related subjects. Services4me empowers individuals to take more control over the own lives.”

Carol Ranyard, information officer, The Roxton Practice said; “The Roxton Practice and Pilgrim Primary Care Centre users have close links with Community and host many of the outside Health Agencies within the waiting room.”

“Our Patient Group are very active within the waiting room and are currently helping patients use the new Services4Me. We were pleased to welcome the Mayor of Immingham, Councillor Michael Burton, to the launch of this new service. I see the new Services4Me as a great asset to our patients and other users of the Health Centre as the information is instantly available, carers and family members can also access this service on behalf of relatives.”

Services4.me.uk is still under development and over the next 6 months and will offer local residents many more exciting and useful facilities.

Visit www.services4.me.uk. The Care Trust Plus Single Point of Access offers community health and social care information and advice. To speak to an advice officer call (01472) 256256.

Following a complaint from Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, L’Oreal advertisements for anti-wrinkle cream featuring actress Rachel Weisz have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority .

The adverisement for revitalift repair was judged to have “misleadingly exaggerated” the product after Weisz’s skin was retouched.

The ban was described as a sign of progress. Jo Swinson is reported by the Huffington Post as saying:

“Where advertisers cross the line it’s important that they are held accountable more generally. It’s not purely about women, there’s big pressures on men as well,” she told Huff Post UK.

“With the volume of images that contain women as well as men, there is arguably a greater pressure on women but it’s not purely a feminist issue. Along with this idealised images there is also a very pervasive message that what matters for women is how they look.”

Jo said she was “sure” that this also applies to female MPs, adding:

“Go through the [press] archives over the past few years, everything from Theresa May’s shoes and Jacqui Smith’s cleavage. I’ve seen MPs in the new intake suffer appalling sexist stuff, when they’re trying to pursue an important issue it just gets lost in the coverage. It’s a double whammy, not only is there all of this pressure to look this way but girls grow up thinking that’s what important.”

In the past Jo Swinson has successfully made complaints against a Lancome advert featuring Julia Roberts and a Maybelline advert featuring the supermodel Christy Turlington.

NAViGO Health and Social Care Community Interest Company is pleased to announce the opening of the refurbished older people’s mental health acute assessment unit based at The Gardens, Diana Princes of Wales Hospital.

After a redesign of the unit, Kevin Bond, chief executive of NAViGO will officially open the Konar Suite on Friday, February 3.

The Konar Suite offers 10 acute assessment beds, all with en-suite facilities for older people with both functional (i.e. depression) and organic (i.e. dementia) mental health problems.

The redesign of the unit has come about following an increase in the service options provided by NAViGO. The introduction of home treatment means that NAViGO is now able to assess and provide treatment in service users own homes, preventing admission or enabling early discharge back in to the home environment. The in-patient services provided at The Gardens have been redesigned to reflect this.

Val Moore, acute service manager for NAViGO who manages the Konar Suite, said:

“We have seen a shift in the needs of people using our service since The Gardens was first opened in 2006.

“The new design of the unit is much better suited to the changing nature of the types of mental health problems we now see.

“We are looking forward to reopening the Suite and I would like to thank all of our staff for their hard work in getting the unit ready.”

This unit has been named in memory of Dr Sugata Konar who worked as both consultant psychiatrist and medical director in North East Lincolnshire. Dr Konar was medical director during a period of complete change to local mental health services. His passion was the care of older people and his flexibility and foresight working with colleagues and people who used the services ensured the move from old out-dated wards to the vastly improved designs and facilities today.

The project has been completed by NAViGO’s own property services, Tukes, which provides employment opportunities and training for people with mental health problems.

Mike Reeve, head of adult mental health services for NAViGO, said:

“NAViGO is committed to providing the highest quality services for older people with mental health problems and the redesign of the Konar suite reflects our dedication to designing services with our service user’s needs at the heart of what we offer.

“The opening of the Konar Suite is part expanding older people’s services, providing award winning services to the people of North East Lincolnshire.”