BOOTHSTOWN MEDICAL CENTRE Winter 2015

www.boothstownmedicalcentre.co.uk

Patient Participation Group'Patient Matters'

Winter PressuresExtra appointments are available for patients including those who work. Please ask at Reception for details if you are unable to attend daytime appointments.

Currently, the Practice and other local practices are in discussion with theCCG about the provision

A Boothstown PPG Member presented a Dementia Friends Awareness Sessionat the TABA (PPG) Meeting in January 2015 and PPG Members regularly represent the

Practiceat TABA (a group of 13 practices in Tyldesley, Astley, Boothstown, Atherton & Leigh)

PPG Meetings & the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) Patients' Forum.

THE PERCENTAGE OF OUR PATIENTS WHO WOULD RECOMMEND THE PRACTICE TO THEIR

FAMILY AND FRIENDSTo date ~ 52 Forms returned

AS A PATIENT AT BOOTHSTOWN MEDICAL CENTRE ~~~~~you may not be aware that you are one of over 6000 patients registered with the Practice.

This fact may not be of significance to you, but it does give an indication of the potential health related narratives that could be told.

The Patient Group produces its newsletter 'Patient Matters' on a quarterly basis and we are always looking to include your story. We would encourage you to write about your own health experiences - anonymously of course - and then hand them in at Reception for publication.

Some patients have written their articles previously, which have been published in the newsletter, and we hope this will encourage you to do the same. So please give it serious consideration and have a go and in the meantime ~~~~~ we'd like to thank you in anticipation.

~ PPG News ~

Welcometo our

4th edition

"Thank you for taking the time to read this Newsletter. Please consider getting involved with our wonderful PPG."

A message fromDr Anderson and

Dr Ahmed

What have we been up to since our last Newsletter?

Stephen Hindley, a volunteer from Salford Reds Foundation gave an entertaining talk on Cancer Awareness & Men's Health at our Coffee Time held on 10 November 2014 at Lindale Hall. He

was joined by Staff (including a debt advisor) from Wigan & Leigh Carers' Centre and Sharon from Age UK who all chatted to the attendees whilst enjoying pots of tea, cakes and biscuits. A total of £159.98p was raised in aid of St Ann's Hospice, Little Hulton at our Mad Hatter's Tea Party in September and our follow up Coffee Time. We are grateful for the willingness of local businesses and organisations that helped to publicise both events. Thank you everyone including our helpers.

COFFEE TIMES give the opportunity for ALL people to MEET SOCIALLY and perhaps chat

with others they may have not seen for years ~ especially beneficial for people's mental health,

helping to combat feelings of isolation. We'll discuss this more at our next sub-group meeting.

A critical Friend tells us "With the Coffee Times I think it takes time for people in the community to learn what you're trying to achieve and what they can get out of them. Also, I think it's important for them to know that it will be a regular thing where they can meet the same faces they've already connected with, whilst also meeting other new arrivals."

On the Grapevine The PPG have liaised with Mosley Common in Bloom who are currently working with Councillor Taylor to have a Brown Sign erected on the main road directing people to Lindale Hall, off Thornton Rd, Mosley Common and funding for this is being sought through Brighter Boroughs.

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Heart Start training for Patients 'Led by Wigan Health Improvement’ On 26 November 2014 we held Heart Start training and invited all patients. The participants were awarded certificates by the British Heart Foundation and some of them commented ..............

Now, where is this place & who is this?

Hi Viv ! ~ Viv runs Lindale Hall.

"The training in the use of the

defibrillator took the fear of technology

away and refreshed my 1st aid

knowledge, proving that we are never too

"A very worthwhile

afternoon. It has given me the

"It is 'heart warming' to know, that if the need should arise, to use a mobile defibrillator is quite easy. It's also

reassuring to know that by using it you could save someone's life."

"Don't be ISOLATED but talk to people who understand

how you feel. Get plenty of rest, keep your hobbies up, meet friends and LAUGH."

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES are good for maintaining

connections with "normality" !

Please contact Joan Lunn at the Practice if you would like to join in a future session ~

Young people from age 10 welcome.

Sharon from Age UK, will be holding Wednesday morning drop-in sessions at the Surgery on 18 February 2015, 18 March 2015 and 15 April 2015 and so on .........Hi, I’m Sharon I work for Age UK Wigan Borough and I attend Boothstown Medical Centre one Wednesday a month in order to talk to patients about the many services that we are able to offer people over 50 years. We feel this is the best way to get information circulated, by word of mouth. Our Information and Advice Services give people financial information and our Advocacy Service assists

people with their rights. One of our most popular projects is Bright Days which organises a regular weekly program of activities and also a three monthly changing program of activities which have been influenced by the people who attend.

If you would like more information about these and other services or if you just need information and don’t know who to ask, give our Starting Point Staff a ring on 01942 828 079.

Finally I’d just like to thank staff and patients for making me feel very welcome in your surgery, the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party and follow up Coffee Time that I have attended. Hopefully I will be at the next one and if you want a chat please come along and speak to me at the drop-in sessions.. Sharon.

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"There's nowt to do 'bout it - you jus' hav't get on wi'it !" These were the words piercing through biting icy winds, chilling the bones of a

group of enthusiastic Harley Bikers riding across the USA. That was the inspirational spur from a rider colleague friend, prompting an old age pensioner to do just that - but what is exceptional is that this was an OAP cancer survivor, safely cocooned within several warm layers. Of course, this wouldn't be everyone's preferred way of travelling but it does show how an adventurous outlook, the uptake of opportunities and a lot of support and encouragement from friends and family can have a positive impact on patient wellbeing, if one is careful.

Not long ago, the 'C' word was kept hushed and patients were encouraged to be 'patients' but now we're succeeding in coming to terms with the value of showing our strength ~ shouting loud and clear that everyone can help a 'patient lead a life' by offering support and understanding. The beneficial effects for Cancer patients along with those having a Mental Illness including Dementia can be huge. The world can be a tough place and the everyday effects of diseases such as these can put a heavy toll on the financial, social, and psychological aspects of living and it requires tremendous spirit to drive through the mental and emotional torrents too. It's all about perceptions, how we deal with them and how prepared we are to help.

Furthermore, sunny weather, assistance and smiles can tempt those affected to feel optimistic and confident, striding out ~ walking for health and perhaps enticing them to take a liberating stance by throwing their 'wigs' to the wind and revealing their hairless glory. An unsupportive and disinterested public, however, can jeopardise their recovery like a 'cold wind' urging them to don a multitude of 'hats' as immunity from unfavourable conditions and to recede to safety! It's at times like these, that reluctant friends and family who fail to maintain contact and acknowledge a patient's plight, may hold back future health and wellbeing but we can be reassured that debilitating downward trends can be reversed by an enlightened population cascading warmth and promoting a respect for living.

Well, the USA ride was last year and fortunately, our plucky OAP pillion rider still has the support of her loving family and friends, and has such an appetite for physical activity that she's rediscovered her

"A very worthwhile

afternoon. It has given me the

"It is 'heart warming' to know, that if the need should arise, to use a mobile defibrillator is quite easy. It's also

reassuring to know that by using it you could save someone's life."

childhood enthusiasm for ~ you'll never guess ~ ballet dancing. Now in the depths of winter and in the comfort of her own home and for free, she can practice her pirouettes daily, in lycra of course!, She can balance at her newly installed ballet rail and see her reflection in the wall mirror behind. Not only one fit lady but one who can outstrip most of us with her stretchy and graceful workouts. She may even consider joining a ballet class of youngsters and I'm sure she would be revered by all !

This true story highlights the importance of support and understanding, together with hobbies and interests engaged in long ago or indeed at any age. Ones that we may choose to participate in again, perhaps in a modified form to suit us today and importantly ones that provide a beneficial mental, physical or creative stimulus to help keep us fit and healthy as members of an aging but hopefully informed, forward thinking society ~ driving outdated perceptions into the ground with unconditional care and attention from everyone.

Written by a Cancer Survivor & her Cancer Survivor Friend. Long live the prima donna who jus' gets on wi'it.

Hi All Young Patients and the Young at HeartCAN YOU BELIEVE IT ? Me, talking about healthy eating. I'm only the biggest choccy lover in the world!I know, I know, we can't live on chocolate alone (shame!) so I suppose we must have other healthy options up our sleeves.Gone are the greasy chips, no more fried bread and the thought of choccy biscuits with a fizzy drink are out of the window!Joking apart, I know we need to be more health conscious and more aware of what we eat and the amount we chomp through as well. That's why I'm asking you to send in your HEALTHY EATING RECIPES for inclusion in the next NEWSLETTER. Everyone can have a go and we'd love to hear from our younger patients with your favourite creations and if poss a photo too! Fancy being in print? Love Julie X

Ps I like to grill peelings of fruit and veg. Apple peel with cinnamon is lovely. Veg with different oils are also

very tasty. Just use your imagination. Can't wait to hear from you.

Inspiring 'Cookie' adds a Sparkle to everyone's life.

Cookie is a Tibetan Spaniel Cross from Croatia who very sadly has been mistreated and has just

3 legs - but now she is the proud member of a loving family and very definitely 'The Boss'. It took around 20 attempts to get these two photos of her as she just couldn't keep still !

She is an inspiration to us all as she just doesn't bother that she has a disability ~ she simply gets on with life giving lots of love and receiving sackfuls back from a very caring

family!

She certainly knows which side her toast is buttered ! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boothstown Medical Centre initiated a TABA RSPH Level 2 Award in Understanding Health Improvement training day during the October 2014 Half Term Holiday at Lindale Hall. The Royal Society of Public Health is an independent, multi-disciplinary charity dedicated to the improvement of the public’s health and wellbeing.

‘Their vision is that everyone has the opportunity to optimise their health and wellbeing’.We are pleased to announce that some patients from this practice attended. The people who took part all had their own reasons for attending; eg a young student who in future may wish to practice medicine; a professional life coach; someone about to start volunteering with the Specialist Weight Management Service.

The course was run by the Health Improvement Team, Wigan Council and offered participants who took part in a short examination at the end of the day’s training. It was a free course and open to ALL from 14 years. On passing the exam, we all received a recognised certificate and will be known as Health Champions, able to pass onto others the knowledge that we gained.

If you would like to know more about RSPH consult their website at www.rsph.org.uk or contact the Health Improvement Team on 01942 404243 or email: healthchampions@wigan.gov.uk.

A Boothstown Medical Centre Course Attendee

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A (PPG) Patient Representative from Boothstown Medical Centreis currently involved with the CCG Mental Health Delivery Strategy Group and the Readers' Panel of the CCG Learning Difficulties Friendly Website Working Party.

HEALTHWATCH WIGAN have been listening to children and young people from around the Borough who have spoken out about their health and the experiences they’ve had when seeing doctors, dentists, hospital staff and other professionals. Shorter waiting times, friendlier staff and better transport links ~ are just some of the things that young people want to see when they access services. Also, access to mental health services and improving support for people moving from children’s to adult services are of particular importance.

Healthwatch Wigan are using Twitter ~to continue the conversation with young people whilst providing links to relevant health

information. You can follow Young Healthwatch @YHWWigan or by visiting the Healthwatch Wigan website (www.healthwatchwigan.org) and following the link to the Young

Healthwatch section. If you’d like to get involved and want to share your views and experiences, you can use the feedback forms in the Talk to Us section of the Healthwatch

Wigan website: http://www.healthwatchwigan.org/index.php/talk-to-us or email info@healthwatchwigan.org Helen Fairweather Engagement &

Involvement Lead

My name is Zara. I started working at Boothstown Medical Centre in June 2008 after finishing my college course in Health and Social Care. During my college

Mosley Common Children’s Centre is in the Wigan Borough and is located behindTHE CENTRE PROVIDES: St John's Primary School, Common Side Road, Mosley Common, M28

1AE.

For more information please contact the centre on 0161 790 2195 (option 2)

Link Workersupport

Weekly WellBaby ClinicPlay sessions for

parents, carers & their under 5s

Adult learning & training sessions

course I was set different placements in different Health Care settings and I found that working in a Health Care setting such as this one was the one I enjoyed the most. Since working at Boothstown Medical Centre, I have achieved a NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration; I am IT lead for the surgery, one of two named First Aiders for the practice and Fire Marshal. I have regular training to keep me up to date and I adhere to a strict confidentiality agreement. I enjoy the meeting and greeting of a wide variety of different people on a day to day basis and working alongside clinical and non clinical staff as a team.

My name is Stephanie. I started work at Boothstown Medical Centre as an apprentice in November 2011. Before I worked at the surgery I had completed my A Levels at my local college. These included Geography, Applied ICT and Citizenship. After completing my A Levels I applied for the position at Boothstown Medical Centre as an apprentice receptionist. Since then I have achieved my Level 2 Business and administration NVQ. I am also an assistant Fire Marshal alongside Zara for the practice. I am also trained on how to administrate CPR in the case of any sudden emergencies. I adhere to a very strict confidently agreement. I like this job because there are different things to deal with and I get to meet lots of different people. Contact

Joan Lunn at the

Surgery for more

information.

DNA Pilot Repeat your Appointment date and time to the Receptionist especially if you phone up Record your Appointment in your diary, mobile phone or wall chart

Remember to cancel in good time if you find that you cannot attend Remind your friends and family to keep their Appointments.

and help to Resolve the 'Appointments' issue.We've discussed Do Not Attends (DNAs) a lot at our PPG Meetings and we're itching for

success in making them a thing of the past so we can move on to talk about more interesting things!

SPOTLIGHT ON OBESITY SWMS (Specialist Weight Management Service)Ashton Leigh & Wigan Specialist Weight Management Service is an NHS service available to those with a high BMI (Body Mass Index) . The team of friendly and approachable clinical experts offer a holistic and pro-active service offering a personally tailored programme to empower you to overcome any barriers to improving your health & wellbeing and manage a healthy weight. You can refer yourself to SWMS through ‘Lose Weight Feel Great’ by calling 01942 496496 or ask your GP or Practice Nurse for a referral. If you would like any more information please call SWMS on 01942 483370.

On the GrapevineBob, a volunteer with Active Living is looking into the feasibility of adding Health Walks around Mosley Common to his Active Living schedule and is in liaison with Mosley Common in Bloom. Bob says that many of the paths are overgrown and impassable at the moment so Mosley Common in Bloom has asked the Council for assistance.

FEEDBACK WELCOME

Community Regeneration Project

in Mosley CommonMosley Common in Bloom

currently has a ‘clear-up playing field’ project running, focusing on

Biodiversity.

Producing our News

We'd love to read

your 'Wellbeing

Please take Responsibility and

Physical Activity is good for you

Produced by Boothstown Medical

CentrePatient Participation

Groupwww.boothstownmedicalcentre .co.

Produced byBoothstown Medical CentrePatient Participation Groupwww.boothstownmedicalcentre.co.uk

Recently, with the help of Atherton Environmental Projects the top end of the field, on Bridgewater Road, was cleared of scrub along the edge of the ditch. The work was very hard, particularly in the awful weather but the result is now a clear, litter-free area where it is intended to sow wild flowers, encourage wildlife, install a litter bin and benches for the enjoyment of local residents. If you would like to get involved with the group or projects they can be contacted at mosleycommoninbloom@gmail.com or why not attend an open meeting on the first Thursday of the Month at 7.30pm in the Boundary Stone Public House.

COGS Just 3 things that

work together for Health and

Wellbeing.

BACK TO SPORT

Walking Football is an adapted version of football

aimed at all ages but primarily to help seniors to enjoy football & keep active.Westleigh High School,

LeighMondays,7-8pm £4 a

session

Produced by Boothstown Medical

CentrePatient Participation

Groupwww.boothstownmedicalcentre .co.

If you are over 70 years have you had your Shingles Jab? Ask at Reception to check your eligibility.

Please ask to speak in a separate room if you need to talk in private.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

TABA Mtg 14.3.15. - 6.30pmBridgewater Medical Centre,

Henry Street, Leigh

PPG Meeting TBA

AGE UK ~ See Page 3

Mosley Common in BloomAfternoon Tea for ex Miners

Family & Friends 18 April 20152pm, at Lindale Hall.