Help shape and improve processes for patients with chronic wounds
We’re looking for people with experience of managing their own wounds and who would like to use their personal experiences to help guide key messages for improving wound care.
We will be running three online events in July and August on behalf of Mölnlycke – a global company that makes a range of products for wound care as well as kit needed by surgeons and other theatre staff.
Our events will aim to develop key messages for decision-makers about how improved wound care can be delivered.
If you would like to take part in these small groups and to share your views and opinions about how improvements can be made, then do please get in touch. Panel members will be reimbursed for their time.
Please email daniel.phelps@patients-association.org.uk to express your interest and to find out more.
Vaccine roll out accelerated in England
The Government is accelerating the English vaccination programme following a rise in cases caused by the more transmissible delta variant of the virus.
The scheduled second dose for people over 40 is being brought forward to 8 weeks and people are able to go online and reschedule their appointments. Also, from today, anyone over the age of 18 can book their vaccinations.
The Government believes that by 19 July, when the last of the lockdown restrictions in England are scheduled to be lifted, all adults will have been offered a first dose and around two thirds will have been offered two doses of the vaccine.
Vaccine roll out elsewhere in the UK is slightly different. In Northern Ireland, vaccination is open to anyone over 18. In Scotland, the over 18s have been offered vaccines in areas where there have been high numbers of COVID-19 cases and the roll out now includes international students. In Wales, all eligible adults have been offered at least one dose.
For those in England, the link to the vaccine booking site is below.
Regulating healthcare professionals – our response to Government consultation
We have submitted our response to the Government’s consultation on harmonising the way various medical regulators work. We believe that many of the proposed changes would remove anomalies and inconsistencies, but are concerned about some aspects of the proposed reforms.
For example, we believe the new processes for resolving concerns about professionals’ fitness to practice without full hearings, need to make patient involvement much clearer. Currently, the way the processes are drafted runs the risk of shutting patients out.
We are also concerned about the lack of independent oversight for some processes, which could leave regulators assessing their own performance without any checks and balances.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – one of the regulators covered in the consultation mentioned above – is holding an event for members of the public who may be interested in shaping its work. The event is on 14 July 2021.
The Council is looking for a mixture of perspectives and experience, people from different backgrounds, and from across the UK to meet with, find out more about the NMC, and help it define its approach to public engagement. The NMC welcomes interest from people with learning difficulties or who are neurodivergent, and will offer any support required to ensure their participation.
All attendees will receive a payment for their time and will have any expenses reimbursed.
To register and get more details about the event, contact luis.perpetuo@nmc-uk.org at the NMC or call 020 4548 9212.
From the helpline
How can I change my psychiatrist?
Ted*, who lives in the East Midlands and has a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder, called our free helpline asking how he could change his psychiatrist, who he feels is unsympathetic towards him.
Ted sees his psychiatrist at his GP surgery. Our adviser suggested he talk to his GP about his concerns and ask if a different psychiatrist could see him. Our adviser also recommended he contact the charity Rethink for additional advice and information, as it specialises in supporting people living with mental health issues.
* Name changed for privacy.
To share your experiences with our helpline team, call 0800 3457115 between 9.30am and 5pm on weekdays or email helpline@patients-association.org.uk. See our website for more ways to get in touch.
Our purpose is to ensure that everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well, by ensuring that services are designed and delivered through equal partnership with patients.
Our strategic focus for 2021-25 is patient partnership in the design and delivery of health and care services.
We are a registered charity raising all our own funds. If you'd like to support our work for all patients and make a difference, please donate or consider making a regular donation. Thank you.
The Patients Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (1006733). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (02620761)
Registered address: P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, The North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3YJ
