Issue 119  |  25 October 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, find out about flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, think which service you need this winter, have your say, and find upcoming events of interest. 

Next week, as part of our Think Which Service campaign, we are promoting the use of urgent treatment centres for urgent, non-life-threatening medical issues. Open at least 12 hours a day, these centres offer quick access to care for many common ailments without the need for A&E. Locations include Whitworth Hospital, Ripley Community Hospital, Buxton Hospital, and others.

NHS staff are working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists down and consistently deliver the best care.

We know change is needed. But we also know that many of the solutions we need are already here, working somewhere in the NHS today.

Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes: a new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to set the NHS on a path for the future. 

Go to change.nhs.uk to find out how you can take part.

Drop-in events are being held in early November to help to shape the future of NHS services for people with a learning disability.

A series of workshops and drop-in events have taken place already, with over 100 people participating in 'pre-consultation engagement'.

The NHS is asking whether the resources currently being to provide short breaks for a learning disability could and should be used in a different way. These resources include funding, staff and buildings. 

A campaign has been launched to highlight the environmental impact of pressurised metered dose inhalers. 

Currently, around 13% of the NHS's carbon footprint related to delivery of care result from pressurised metered dose inhalers. This is an area in which we can make a huge impact on the goal of being a 'Net Zero' NHS by 2040.

The campaign highlights three ways we can reduce the NHS's inhaler carbon emissions which include:

1.      Switch to a Greener Inhaler: Ask your doctor about dry powder or soft mist inhalers, which have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional pressurised metered dose inhalers. Always speak to your healthcare provider to ensure any switch is suitable for you. Greener inhalers don't work for everyone, and that's ok.

2.      Proper Inhaler Disposal: Don't throw your used inhalers in the bin! Return them to your pharmacy for proper disposal to prevent harmful gases from being released into the atmosphere.

3.      Manage Asthma Effectively: If you're using a reliever inhaler more than three times a week, see your GP or asthma nurse. Better asthma management can reduce the need for inhalers, lowering carbon emissions.

Jenny Butterfield, Pharmacist, shares more in her blog.

Vulnerable and older people across Derby and Derbyshire, including people with some existing conditions, who are most at risk of getting ill this winter will start to receive an invitation from their GP to come forward for a flu and Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB, said: “Every winter, the NHS urges people to protect themselves from falling seriously unwell by getting vaccinated against viruses such as covid, flu, and now, RSV.

“It’s crucial for those most at risk to consider getting vaccinated early. The vaccines offer the best protection from becoming seriously unwell this winter."

People across Derby and Derbyshire are being invited to have their say over services that help with recovery from a stroke.

Services are currently different, depending on where you live.

NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board has begun a "pre-engagement" listening exercise to hear the views of people affected by stroke, as well as their carers, families and friends.

A new campaign, delivered by 'Your Sexual Health Matters' seeks to raise awareness of how to access testing and show that testing for chlamydia is free, simple, less stigmatised and a normal part of young people’s self-care practices.

If you work with those aged 15-25 then please consider using these resources in your setting or on your social media channels.

The HSJ digital award submissions are now live. The HSJ Digital Awards recognises NHS teams that are leading the way in digital transformation.

Examples of categories include:

• Empowering Patients through Digital
• Reducing Health Inequalities through Digital
• Connecting Health and Social Care through Digital 
• Improving Urgent and Emergency Care through Digital 
• Improving Mental Health through Digital
• Digital Literacy, Education and Upskilling Award 

The latest Derby carers newsletter is now available. The newsletter, created by Citizens Advice Mid Mercia provides a range of useful support and resources for carers in Derby City. 

In this edition find out more about upcoming festive events for carers, details of peer support groups and wellbeing support.

A conference for all Nursing and Midwifery colleagues across Derbyshire will be taking place on Wednesday November 6 from 8.30am - 4.00pm. The conference will include a marketplace, guest speakers, workshops and an "ask the execs" session. 

You can register your place online.

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.