First of all, many apologies for the lack of updates over the last several weeks. I’ve been ill and most normal activity just wasn’t possible. Luckily (and thanks to our GPs) I’m now pretty much back to what passes for normal, but I’m still trying to catch up!
I’ve had quite a few potentially useful items from NW London NHS over the weeks. Here (in no particular order) are those which are still relevant.
NHS What matters to you Survey
NHS North West London wants to hear from our patients and residents about “what matters to you” when you use the health services that we provide. Your feedback we help us shape our services, to provide you with the support and care you think is most important.This survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Just click on the link to complete the survey: https://form.jotform.com/222926091208353.
The closing date is Friday 16th December 2022. All responses will be anonymous.
Have you say on Elective orthopaedic centre proposal
Help us improve planned surgery for adults with bone and joint problems in North West London.Public consultation – Started on 19 October 2022 and Ends on 20 January 2023.
The four acute NHS trusts in North West London have come together to propose a new way of organising planned orthopaedic surgery for adults.
Our aim is to provide better, fairer and more timely care for adults needing bone and joint surgery across North West London. About 4,000 adults per year could see a change to where and/or how their inpatient orthopaedic surgery would take place.
There are still a number of community events and online events still taking place across North West London, click on the link to find out where in your area: https://www.nwl-acute-provider-collaborative.nhs.uk/events.
You can also provide your views by completing the online survey below. Click on survey link: https://www.nwl-acute-provider-collaborative.nhs.uk/key-projects/elective-orthopaedic-centre-consultation-survey.
NHS services – knowing where to get the right help when you need it
There are lots of NHS services to help you, choosing the right service means you will get the right help quickly.
- Pharmacy – your local pharmacist can help with your medication questions and minor health concerns, including rashes, coughs, colds and minor infections. Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can see you face-to-face, without an appointment, just pop into the pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. They can also advise where to get further help if needed.
- GP services – you can now contact your practice online through the practice website. You can use the online service to ask about, a medical concern, medication and book appointments. This service is in addition to contacting the practice in person and over the phone.
Evening and weekend GP and nurse appointments are available near you. Call your GP practice, out of hours the answer phone will list the contact details to book these appointments.- 111 – should be the first place to contact if you are not sure where to go for help. 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/. or on the phone can quickly direct you to the right service for your medical needs. Medical professionals will be on hand to provide advice, call you back, direct you to the right service or book an appointment for you.
Do you know the symptoms of lung cancer?
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month we want to raise awareness of symptoms that could indicate lung cancer and encourage anyone with symptoms to contact their GP practice.Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in England and is the biggest cause of cancer death. The risk of getting lung cancer increases with age and most people who are diagnosed are aged 55 or older.
Approximately 28,100 people die from lung cancer in England each year, and over 57% of lung cancer patients in the UK are still diagnosed too late for curative treatment. Finding cancer sooner can make it more treatable.
Find out more about symptoms by clicking on the link below https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms/.
NHS Breast screening
If you receive an NHS breast screening invitation, please respond as soon as possible. Screening saves lives.Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. As the risk of breast cancer increases with age, all women who are 50 to 70 years old are invited for breast cancer screening every 3 years.
Women over the age of 70 are also entitled to screening and can arrange an appointment through their GP or local screening unit.
Find breast cancer screening services near you by clicking the link below
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Breast-screening-services/LocationSearch/325.