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6 August 2024
In this issue:
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A warm welcome to the August edition of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) monthly newsletter. Our newsletter highlights BOB ICB news, national news, and items of interest from each of our three Places: Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West. We hope you find it informative and we welcome your suggestions and feedback for future editions. To contact us please email bobicb.media-team@nhs.net
Please forward the newsletter to anyone in your networks who you feel might be interested in local health and care; they can also receive the newsletter directly by clicking the 'subscribe' link at the end of this email. Thank you, BOB ICB Communications and Engagement Team.
GP practices will remain open during 'collective action'
We urge the public to come forward as usual for care during collective action by GP practices which started on Thursday 1 August.
Practices will remain open and patients should continue to contact their practice as normal such as to book an appointment.
Patients should also attend a scheduled appointment at their practice unless told otherwise. More details on the BOB ICB website
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Thank you to everyone who responded to our proposals
We would like to thanks all our stakeholders and partners who responded to our engagement about proposals to find a revised way of working at BOB ICB underpinned by an updated operating model.
The period of consultation and engagement has now closed and we are currently reviewing all feedback from stakeholders and partners and our staff to understand everyone's views around our proposals.
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Catch up on your vaccinations
Many routine vaccinations offered by your GP surgery or community pharmacy are ones you might already know about: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) for young and older people, whooping cough immunisation for mums to be and little ones, and shingles for those at risk and anyone aged 70-79.
To find out which vaccinations you have received, check your vaccine status via the NHS app, alternatively you can ask your GP practice to look up your or your child’s vaccine record. They will be happy to help you book a catch-up vaccine if you have one missing.
For more information on vaccinations visit the NHS website here
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Randolph shortlisted for prestigious nursing award
Randolph Alburo, a nurse at Stoke Mandeville Hospital near Aylesbury (which is part of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust) has been shortlisted for the Ann Shuttleworth Rising Star Award at the 2024 Nursing Times Awards.
The award recognises a nurse working in the NHS or independent sector who demonstrate exceptional nursing and leadership skills.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in October. For more details of Randolph's (pictured) entry visit the Trust website here
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BetterPoints improving health and wellbeing
The BetterPoints app motivates people to be more active and offers incentives. Points are earned and converted into vouchers to spend in local shops or given to charities as a monetary donation.
It has been helping local people make simple but effective lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing.
Key highlights of the Buckinghamshire Council app includes:
- 3,066 users in year 1 – now 4,600 plus users
- 990 residents increased physical activity
- 33% reported it has helped them deal with weight issues
- You can find out more about the scheme in the Betterpoints Year 1 Report (2022/23) here
If you want to promote the app using printed materials or a pull-up banner contact jess.keeley@buckinghamshire.gov.uk there is also an online promotion toolkit at: Toolkits (healthandwellbeingbucks.org)
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Shaping the future for unpaid carers
Buckinghamshire Council is developing an all-age carers strategy to improve support for them.
To help the council understand what is important to carers they need your feedback on specific topics to develop the strategy.
For more details and to take part in a short survey which closes on Sunday 18 August visit the council website here
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Trust Open Day and AGM - 14 September
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is inviting the public to an Open Day and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, near Aylesbury on Saturday 14 September 2024.
You can find out about the Trust's performance at the AGM (start 9.15am) over the past year and plans for the future of healthcare in Buckinghamshire.
The Open Day (10am-2pm) will include behind the scenes tours of departments such as ophthalmology, operating theatres, the mortuary and more.
People will also be able to meet Trust clinical teams, health and care partners and take part in interactive activities. There will be a careers fair for secondary school students attended by local universities and colleges with a focus on career opportunities in the healthcare.
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Biggest fall in maternal smoking
According to new data from NHS Digital, 2023/24 saw the biggest ever fall in the proportion of mothers smoking during pregnancy in Buckinghamshire.
It shows the figure dropped by more than a percentage point from 2022/23 to 2023/24, for the first time since 2007/8. The absolute fall in mothers recorded as smoking at the time of delivery was about 6,300.
You can find out how Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has been focusing on reducing the number of pregnant women smoking at the time of giving birth by visiting its website here
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24-hour Table Tennis-a-thon to celebrate 80 years of spinal care
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Share your views on health and social care connections
Oxfordshire residents are being invited to share their experiences of health and social care services by meeting with senior figures in the NHS and Oxfordshire County Council at community events this summer.
The Health and Social Care Connections is being hosted by the local NHS - led by BOB ICB in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, the organisation responsible for the provision of statutory adult social care services for the region.
The Health and Social Care Connections programme is visiting a range of community events throughout Oxfordshire this summer. And with the support of partners including Age UK Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Community Voluntary Association and Active Oxfordshire, the engagement roadshow will also stop off at smaller community groups, to have more bespoke conversations in established settings.
A list of places where the Health and Social Care Connections are visiting is available online here: www.bucksoxonberksw.icb.nhs.uk/health-and-social-care-connections/
As well as hearing from residents, senior leaders will be offering an insight into the future of health and social care, including talking through the newer services being delivered closer to home. These include:
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Discharge to Assess – a programme that supports people to return home from hospital as soon as they are medically fit to do so, including the provision of immediate support at home to help with a person’s continued recovery.
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Hospital at Home – providing clinical support, that was traditionally only available in a hospital setting, in a person’s home.
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Urgent Community Response – a combination of services providing urgent care at home rather than going to A&E.
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Integrated Neighbourhood Teams – expertise from primary care, secondary care, social care providers and the VCSE sector to ensure there is co-ordinated care around the patient and supporting people to be cared for safely at home.
If you would like a Health and Social Care Connections roadshow to visit your group or organisation in September or October, please get in touch with us at bobicb.bob.comms@nhs.net
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Learn how to manage COPD at two events in Banbury
If you have a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you can learn how best to manage the condition at two events in Banbury during August.
The sessions are being led by two NHS nurses who will provide tips on medications, flare-ups and lifestyle. They are being held on:
- Friday 16 August at the Grimsbury Community Centre, OX16 3WT (10am-2pm)
- Friday 23 Aug. Sunshine Children’s Centre, OX16 0PJ (10am – 2pm)
If you want to take part you must Text 07860 003863 to book and reserve a free lunch.
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NHS website and app supports parents with children
The Oxfordshire Healthier Together website provides expert advice from local healthcare professionals for parents and carers when their child is unwell.
With a user-friendly traffic light system, parents can find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including what symptoms to look out for, what they should do, and when and where to seek help if required.
The website features a translation tool, a directory of local services to support family health and wellbeing, and advice on whether a child should go to school when they have a virus or infection.
Parents can also download the Healthier Together app if their child is unwell, to get advice at their fingertips. Using a red, amber, green self-assessment of symptoms, parents are directed to the appropriate setting at the right time. Search for ‘Healthier Together’ in the App Store or Google Play
Please signpost parents and carers to the website and app so they can benefit from these useful resources. We welcome your ideas, questions, and feedback email: Kayleigh.Simmons@ouh.nhs.uk
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Supporting you to 'Move Together' and stay healthy
This is a nationally recognised activity scheme that supports adults with long term health conditions in Oxfordshire to move more.
'Move Together' is co-ordinated by Active Oxfordshire together with district councils and part funded by BOB ICB.
A 59-year-old participant from Cherwell joined 'Move Together' following a recommendation from a friend. Initially they reported being unfit and overweight and only did 30 minutes of walking a month. Through 'Move Together' they started swimming and within three months were swimming for an hour, five times a week. They described sleeping better, breathing better and finding it easier to walk. They said:
"I am feeling strong mentally and more confident. I have lost pounds, and I am feeling more positive about myself. Having the 'Move Together' calls meant I knew I wasn't alone. I have already recommended 'Move Together' to friends."
To find out more about 'Move Together' please visit: www.getoxfordshireactive.org/move-together
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Reducing the use of nitrous oxide at the Horton General
More than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) will be saved every year at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury, following the decommissioning of its nitrous oxide (N2O) manifold.
Using nitrous oxide cylinders that attach directly to the anaesthetic machines in operating theatres instead of via long pipes (the manifold) improves efficiency and removes risks of leaks.
The 587 tonnes CO2e saving is estimated to be the equivalent of 261,586 return train journeys between Banbury and Oxford each year or leaving a low-energy light bulb on for 39,133 years. It is also expected to save approximately £8,000 annually from 2025 onwards.
The Horton General is the first Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) site to switch off the wall supply and move to a portable supply of the gas. The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Churchill Hospital and John Radcliffe Hospital, all located in Oxford, are preparing to make the switch in due course.
Pictured are OUH clinical staff with a money-saving cylinder.
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Doors open at Wantage Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub
Another new Keystone Mental Health and Wellbeing hub has opened its doors, this time in Wantage.
Adults experiencing mental health challenges can draw on support from the Keystone hub thanks to NHS mental health professionals, peer support workers who have their own experience of mental health challenges and third-sector mental health services, in order to thrive among friends, family and their community.
The Keystone hub is also linked to local GPs. Alongside mental health care there is also support with leisure and socialising, accommodation, finances, employment, training and education. Read more on the Trust website here
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New facilities for Florence Park midwives
A community midwifery service is making the most of new facilities in Oxford which opened recently.
The Florence Park Midwives now have three additional clinic rooms, an additional office, and waiting space in the Rectory Centre, Oxford, in addition to their existing facilities in nearby Rymers Lane.
The centre hosts a daily Maternity Support Worker clinic, where parents can bring their babies in the days following their birth for a weight and blood spot test. The clinic also offers infant feeding support and jaundice checks.
Since the start of July, the Florence Park Midwives are now carrying out initial home visits, with all future appointments in the postnatal clinic at Rectory Road. Pictured are staff and service users at the official opening of the new Rectory Centre facilities
You can read more about the new facilities in OUH’s news story.
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Showcasing Oxford’s groundbreaking research
The annual Biomedical Research Centre's (BRC) 'Open Day' hosted by Oxford Health BRC and Oxford BRC, held over 40 interactive stands to showcase the latest health research.
This included the diagnostics and treatment of health conditions including respiratory disease, diabetes, dementia, sleep problems, endometriosis and many other conditions.
Researchers from the two BRCs, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Oxford presented their research at the event held in the Westgate Centre, Oxford. Read more on the Trust website here
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Tell us your views on being discharged from hospital
Are you a health or care professional working in Oxfordshire? Do you support people who are being, or have been, discharged from hospital?
Healthwatch Oxfordshire would like to hear about your experiences of supporting people being discharged home from an acute hospital across the county.
How are the different organisations involved working together and communicating with each other? What is working well and what could be improved?
Please share your thoughts and experiences by taking part in a short, anonymous survey on the Healthwatch Oxfordshire website here
Healthwatch Oxfordshire will feed back what it hears to health and care providers and decision-makers to help improve the support for people leaving hospital.
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Quit smoking: Stop for Life Oxon
Oxfordshire’s free smoking cessation service, supports people across the county to stop smoking for good.
Following changes to the service, it now offer its highest level of support, including free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
The service is tailored to individuals, and can consist of 1 to 1 support over the phone, via text and email, or face to face. There are three levels of support available:
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Self service: Digital support via our Best-You app.
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Supported self service: Check ins with one of our coaches, access to a free 12 week vape kit via the Swap to Stop scheme and access to the Best-You app.
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Full support (available to everyone in Oxfordshire): Regular appointments with one of its coaches, access to free NRT including patches, gum, vape kits and more and access to the Best-You app.
For more details and to find out how to refer into the service visit their website here
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Palliative Care worker scoops a national award
Nicole Satullo of the Palliative Care team at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) was victorious at the recent Palliative & End of Life Care Awards.
Nicole, who is Palliative Care Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for Katharine House Hospice and Sobell House Hospice – both part of OUH – was recognised for her contributions to promoting diversity and inclusivity among staff, patients, and their families in palliative care.
Pictured at the awards is the OUH palliative care team with broadcaster Kate Garraway.
More information is available in the news story on the OUH website.
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Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust AGM - September 2024
Oxford Health's Meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 September at Didcot Civic Hall, OX11 7HN (6-8pm).
All are welcome to attend, so please note the date and email communications.team@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk if you plan to come along. More details including travel information and an agenda for the day will be publicised in mid-August.
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Share your views on plans for a new hospital in Berkshire West
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is on the government’s New Hospital Programme. This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform healthcare services and build a fit for purpose hospital that serves the population of Berkshire West and South Oxfordshire for many years to come.
The Trust Board has stated that a new hospital on a new site is the preferred way forward. So far, two sites have been identified which could be suitable;
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Thames Valley Park at the end of A329M – 2.2 miles north east of the current site between East Reading and Woodley
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Thames Valley Science Park – 3.7 miles south east of the current site off the M4 near Shinfield
They Board wants to understand the impact for staff, patients and the wider community if the hospital moves. Please fill in the survey to have your say or email bbt@royalberkshire.nhs.uk with your feedback – the survey will run until mid-September
For further details including a map of the sites please see www.buildingberkshiretogether.co.uk/impact-assessment.
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Trust given trailblazer status for anti-racism work
Berkshire Healthcare has been awarded the Race Equality Matters (REM) Silver Trailblazer Status.
This award recognises the Trust’s ongoing commitment to being an anti-racist organisation. Rather than starting at the bronze level, Berkshire Healthcare has been awarded Silver status, which is currently the highest available award.
The application process involved evidencing initiatives, strategies and engagement with senior leaders and our ethnically diverse colleagues. The award highlights the Trust’s collaboration with its Race Equality Network and its work on educational development, improved reporting, creation of an anti-racism taskforce and its leadership led workstreams.
This recognition was awarded by an independent panel of experts, all of whom have firsthand experience with race inequality in the workplace. Their endorsement confirms that the Trust’s efforts are making a meaningful impact throughout the organisation.
Find out more: Celebrating Our Silver Trailblazer Status in Race Equality | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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Supporting breastfeeding week on the health bus
Berkshire's Health Visiting Service will be celebrating 'World Breastfeeding Week' in the community on the health bus over August.
This year's theme is 'closing the gap' about providing breastfeeding support for everyone.
Staff from the service - run by Berkshire Healthcare - will be on the bus to meet the public to provide support and advice on breastfeeding issues, or any other concerns they may have about their child.
The health bus will be parked: on Wednesday 7 August at Morrisons, Basingstoke Road, Reading between 9.30am - 4pm.
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Health visiting clinics support parents and carers
The local Health Visiting service runs a number of clinics, offering support, information and advice for parents and carers.
Its drop-in well baby clinics give families the opportunity to join with other parents and carers, as well as ask the team questions and have their baby or child weighed.
Aside from drop-in clinics, the Berkshire Healthcare service also runs breastfeeding clinics, holds bookable antenatal sessions, and in Reading, holds additional invitation-only postnatal groups aimed at parents and carers within their child’s first year.
Please note a change to the Reading Well Baby clinic venue on Mondays: from 5 August it will be at Greyfriars Centre, 64 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1EH from 10am-12pm.
Find out more about the service on the Trust website
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All Star Awards showcases staff dedication and hard work
Berkshire Healthcare held its All Star Awards in July, an annual staff and volunteer recognition event which celebrates success, innovation, and excellence in care. To find out this year's winners visit the Trust website here
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We hope you find the information in here useful.
Please email bobicb.media-team@nhs.net with any queries and we will get back to you as possible.
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