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May 2019

Welcome to the latest edition of the NHS West Suffolk CCG newsletter

Dr Christopher Browning, Chairman
Next meeting in public of the WSCCG's Governing Body is taking place this coming Wednesday May 22 in Bury St Edmunds. We hope you will join us. See below for more information.
WSCCG gives financial support to Upbeat  - the local heart charity
A charity that provides crucial support to people with coronary heart disease has praised a partnership approach that has led to the funding of a cardiac nurse.

Upbeat Heart Support has spoken of its gratitude after the intervention of Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill  (pictured above right) paved the way for almost £6,000 funding from WSCCG.

The money will pay for a cardiac nurse to work with the charity for one day a week for a whole year.
 
Dr Ed Garratt, WSCCG's chief officer (pictured above left), said: “Upbeat does a fantastic job in supporting those people who have had a heart attack or are living with heart-related health issues in west Suffolk.

“We are very glad to provide additional funding."
Read more HERE
Dr Browning gives advice on dealing with hay fever

The hay fever season has begun and those who suffer from a hay fever allergy are being encouraged to visit their local pharmacy – rather than their GP – for help and advice.

The message is – you don’t need a prescription for hay fever tablets, eye drops or nasal sprays as these items can all be easily purchased from your local pharmacy or supermarket.

Dr Christopher Browning, said: “Make your pharmacy the first place you go for help and advice with hay fever."
Read more advice on dealing with hay fever HERE
Dehydration - learn to recognise the signs
The elderly are much more vulnerable to dehydration – leading to an increased risk of falls. Falls can be physically and mentally devastating for older people, often resulting in the loss of independence, and dehydration is a main or contributing factor in many falls.
 
Dr Peter Holloway (pictured above) gives some advice on the signs to look out for.
Read more HERE
Introducing the NHS App
 
All GP practices in west Suffolk have now been fully linked up with the NHS App giving patients the ability to book and manage GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view their medical records and access a range of other services.
Read more HERE
Helping those with severe mental illness find employment
 
Clinicians have welcomed a £1 million grant from NHS England to introduce a scheme to help people in Suffolk with severe mental illness find employment. 
Dr John Hague (pictured right), said: “Expanding this service so that people in Suffolk can have access to this support is fantastic."
Read more HERE
Passengers with concessionary bus passes are now able to travel free on the pre-bookable bus service connecting Haverhill and its surrounding villages to West Suffolk Hospital.
Read more HERE
Bank holiday - Monday May 27
 
There's another bank holiday at the end of the month. Some pharmacies will be open - the place to go for help and advice if you feel unwell.
See list of pharmacies in Suffolk and neighbouring counties open on Monday May 27
Dementia Action Week - next week
  
We'll be sharing information on social media about the many partner events that are happening across the patch - so watch out on Twitter and Facebook.

Over a third of people living with dementia feel lonely or have lost touch with their friends following a diagnosis. With thousands of people living with dementia facing isolation, the theme for this year’s Dementia Action Week is encouraging inclusion. 

Remember that Dementia Together Suffolk is a great source of help and advice if you have memory worries, are living with dementia, caring for someone who has dementia, or if you’re a health professional, the website is there to help you. This is where you’ll find answers to a lot of questions about living well with dementia. You’ll also discover how to access information and support.
Visit Dementia Together Suffolk HERE
Launch of pre-death cafe in Bury St Edmunds
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - survey for young people
Children and young people who use SEND services are being invited to give their views on services so that improvements can be made.

The survey is open until May 24.
See the survey, an easy-read version and widget version HERE
AMPARO Suffolk can offer you support to those who have been bereaved by suicide following a suicide in a range of ways, including:
 
- One to one individual support
- Help with any media enquiries
- Practical support when dealing with the police or coroner
- Help overcoming feelings of isolation
- Putting you in touch with local services that can help
Read more HERE
Information from Public Health Suffolk and Turning Point
Date for your diary

The next meeting in public of the WSCCG Governing Body will take place on Wednesday May 22 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral  in Bury St Edmunds. The meeting begins at 9.15 a.m. and you have the opportunity to speak with Governing Body members from 9.00 a.m.
Read more HERE
This email was sent to you by NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, West Suffolk House, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3SP

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