Issue 113  |  13 September 2024

Welcome to this week's Stakeholder Bulletin.

We aim to bring you key updates each week from the health and care system.

In this edition, you can find out more about the work happening to raise awareness of suicide, and how you can get involved in the development of services.

In our latest blog, Angela Pownall, registered social worker, High Peak Operations manager, and Chair of the charity Mentell, shares a personal story and one that she hopes will contribute to changing the narrative around suicide and men's mental health.

"Suicide Prevention isn’t tied to a day, it is everyday life for many people, and we need to work together to change the narrative. It's not the statistics that make suicide real, it’s when someone you love is one of the numbers."

Read more.

GP practices in Derbyshire have praised a support pack that helps them and their patients after a suicide.

The suicide postvention support pack has been led by Clay Cross GP Dr Sohrab Panday and aims to help patients, staff and practice managers navigate immediate, short term, medium term, and long term actions following a suicide.

Read more.

The NHS will be offering Covid, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations this winter to protect those most at risk from being unwell over the winter months.

The RSV rollout started on September 2, and includes a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, and a routine programme for those aged 75 to 79.

People aged 75 to 79 years old will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP. Pregnant women should speak to their maternity service or their GP.

Flu vaccinations are available for pregnant women and children from September 1. From October 3, Covid and flu vaccinations will be available for all the other eligible cohorts.

Read more.

People with a learning disability are being invited to have their say over the way NHS short breaks services are provided in Derbyshire.

A series of workshops, events and meetings is to take place between Tuesday September 10 and Friday November 29.

Families, carers and people who speak on behalf of service users are also being invited to take part.

Read more.

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is holding a free virtual information event to help those affected by dementia.

There is a chance for an informal discussion with a friendly team including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, support workers and psychologists trained in memory problems and dementia care, who will be available to answer questions and provide advice. 

The session takes place on Wednesday September 18  6pm-8pm via Microsoft Teams. Please email dhcft.specialistdayservices@nhs.net to request an invite. 

Derbyshire Borderline Personality Disorder Support Group put together a regular newsletter. In their latest edition, read case studies from those affected by Borderline Personality Disorder, an update on the Derbyshire emotional regulation pathway and find further support and guidance.

Read more.

The National Smoke-free Pregnancy Incentive Scheme, announced last year, will be rolled out from September 2024. As part of a package of measures, it will support the smoke-free country ambition and NHS Long Term Plan commitment to tackle maternal smoking. Pregnant women who continue to access behavioural support and remain smoke-free throughout their pregnancy can benefit from up to £400 in vouchers. 

With the ambition that the scheme delivers over 2,000 additional quits at time of delivery across England, organisations are asked to submit an expression of interest by Sunday September 20 to be part of the incentive scheme.

Live Life Better Derbyshire would like to hear from you about your feelings around smoking, vaping and what you think would help you, or someone you know, to quit.

They've put together a short survey. Select the questionnaire that reflects your current smoking status.

Read more.

Today, September 13 marks World Sepsis Day. Sepsis is a rare but serious medical condition which occurs when the body's immune system - which is meant to fight against disease and infection - starts to attack the body's own tissues and organs. Sepsis causes five deaths every hour in the UK. Learn to recognise the signs of sepsis in adults and children, equipping yourself with potentially life-saving information.

Read more.

Did you know you don't always need to see a GP or consultant to access some referral services? Self-referral is an option that can make it easier and faster for you to get help, rather than seeing your doctor.

You can register for most of them online. Find out more.