Rushbottom Lane Surgery PPG Page

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Here is the February issue of the Rushbottom Lane surgery PPG UPDATE magazine

Over 100 local people now diagnosed with lung cancer through Targeted Lung Health Checks Programme.

Today, on World Cancer Day (4 February), sees the local NHS mark a significant milestone. Thanks to life-saving lung health check programme, more than 100 local people have now had previously undiscovered lung cancer found and treated.

The latest data shows that over 17,000 checks have been completed since the programme launched in Essex. In addition, nearly 10,000 CT scans and 561 referrals into hospitals after those scans to follow up care linked to cardio-vascular disease, gallbladder, respiratory, breast, gastro, urology, liver, and renal findings.

Since 2020, people living in Southend and Thurrock aged between 55 and under 75 years of age, were invited to have a Free NHS Lung Health Check which identifies people at risk of developing lung cancer. Those at higher risk are offered a scan, then referred for treatment if needed.

One of the residents who received a Lung Health Check was Isla, 62 from Southend, she said; “I feel very lucky that I received the letter, and I am so grateful that I’ve been given a second chance. I’m not sure at this stage what the future holds but I would like to urge anyone reading this if you have received a letter don’t delay get your lungs checked out today. The first thing I did was give up smoking and I am adamant that I will never smoke another cigarette again.”

Southend has one of the highest rates of death from lung cancer in the UK and some of the highest rates of smoking with 42% of the local population labelled as smokers. The programme is one of the second wave of sites to be rolled out as part the NHS Long Term Plan.

Whilst cancer survival is the highest it’s been, the local NHS is keen more lives by catching more cancers earlier and starting treatment faster.

Dr Donald McGeachy, Cancer Alliance Lead for the programme said:
"Over 63% of the cancers caught have been caught early. I understand attending a lung health check can be a scary thing. However, if you do have lung cancer, it is better to find out as early as possible when curative treatment may be an option. I would urge everyone who is invited to please come along and receive your check. It will take place over the phone and if you are deemed to be high risk you will be offered a CT scan at a convenient location, close to where you live.

"Across the health and care system we want to make sure 75% of all cancer cases diagnosed at stage 1 or 2 by 2028. This includes investing in programmes like the lung health checks initiative to improve screening and testing."

Dr Krishna Ramkhelawon, Director of Public Health in Southend-on-Sea said:
“Identifying lung cancer early saves lives, and the diagnosis of more than 100 people is a landmark step forward in our drive to find and treat more people living with this devastating disease at the earliest stage. We are committed to continuing to work together and with local communities to do all that we can to improve outcomes for local people – particularly in areas like Southend where we know some residents face shorter life expectancy from preventable causes of death.

"We know that if we can catch lung cancer early then treatment is possible, it also means that we can allow people to continue to live a long, happy and healthy life.”
Whilst the Lung Health Check programme has been a success so far, the local NHS is keen to do more to save lives from lung cancer and to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population.

Castle Point and Rochford
The Targeted Lung Health check Programme is expanding into the Castle Point and Rochford areas. Further details of this Programme and eligibility can be found by visiting the East of England Cancer Alliance website:
Targeted Lung Health Check Programme https://eoelunghealthcheck.nhs.uk/

Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System
Specialist Bereavement Service

Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System working in partnership with Southend City Council, Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Essex Police have commissioned a specialist su***de bereavement service for residents of mid and south Essex.
The service provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has felt the impact of su***de at any time.
Essex Police Officers who attend an incident where it is suspected someone has taken their own life will ask the next of kin if they want to be referred to the specialist bereavement services. Residents can also make a self-referral.
The attached online leaflet, which can be shared with your clients or patients, provides further details on the service and how make a referral.

Rushbottom Lane PPG are now fully paid-up members of NAPP
National Association for Patient Participation. https://napp.org.uk/

Here are the minutes from our last PPG meeting with the surgery 10.01.24
Our next meeting is scheduled for the 11th April. 18.30hrs at the surgey.
It would be nice to see a few more members there if possible.

Another intersting article from Dr Gupta of Rushbottom Lane Surgery

Here is the January 2024 issue of our UPDATE magazine.

This must NOT be allowed to happen here. Or anywhere else really.

Email, eConsult, or on-line, Should not be the only means of making a GP appointment!
But should be there as an option for those that can't phone in or queue up outside at 8am

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/anger-over-surgery-operators-decision-to-effectiveley-exclude-elderly-patients-from-gp-care-system-not-everyone-can-go-online-says-councillor-213474?fbclid=IwAR0d3d6W47HvUcfbB7TsbKJosLpotwtDSVlfPx7TqGTiNzP-EiqnBMv_4EQ

Attached is the December issue of our UPDATE magazine

Please take a look at this NHS Family and Friends test.
It is a survey to understand whether patients are happy with the service provided they receive, or where improvements are needed.
https://www.benfleetpcn.nhs.uk/get-involved/fft/

IMPORTANT Information if you are sent for an URGENT Blood test

UPDATE magazine November 2023 issue Web Links

Page 2 Worl Diabetes Day
https://worlddiabetesday.org/type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment/

Page 3 Diverticular
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/
https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/diverticular-disease/

Page 4 ABCD of Cancer https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/campaigns/abcd-of-cancer/

Page 5 Be Active https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/be-active-for-your-mental-health/

Page 5 Hearing Loss https://orlo.uk/CaF4O

Page 8 eConsult video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbg1AhkmZkU

This week saw the start of the 2023, STOPTOBER, “Stop smoking and good things happen” campaign.

I’m not a smoker, but I know that I eat far too much Chocolate. (Oh yah, and ice-cream). So, this STOPTOBER, I am going to try (note the word TRY) and give up both. Even if it is only for one month. But it will save some money and may just help me to reduce the amount I eat thereafter. (Fingers crossed).

Have a think, is there anything you want to give up?

To reduce the discomfort of digital eye strain, try to use the 20/20/20 rule in your day.

Look up from the screen every 20 minutes. Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

MENTAL HEALTH - It's OK to talk

Links to websites shown in article:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
https://www.samaritans.org/
https://nspa.org.uk/
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-hopelineuk
https://www.sane.org.uk/how-we-help/emotional-support
https://www.therapyforyou.co.uk/
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Wednesday 13th September is World SEPSIS awareness day
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc9nBpps5JGxS5o81z1NcjB4_K_oZUtXZ

How many calories do I need?
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/weight/what-does-100-calories-look-like

Rushbottom Lane Surgery PPG August UPDATE Magazine

Unpaid carers coffee morning. Every 3rd Thursday of the month.
OASIS CENTRE, 230 HIGH ROAD, BENFLEET, SS7 5LD

Rushbottom PPG are looking for new members

What is a PPG?