Your update on health and social care in Barnet
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Healthwatch Barnet
December News
This month's newsletter is full of news and updates, including special events from our partners:
- Stay Healthy in December
- Rapid Care Pilot
- Covid-19 and Flu
- Winter Warmers
- Our December Opening Hours
As always, you can get in touch by email or phone if you would like to share your views on health and social care in Barnet.
Stay Healthy in December
Christmas and New Year's Eve is approaching - keep warm and stay safe!
If you are using fireworks, please do this in a safe, controlled environment, and once a firework is lit, stand far back from it. Remember, going to a professional display is safer then setting off fireworks yourself. When using sparklers, please wear gloves and once they have burnt out, place them in a safe container, such as a bucket of water or sand.
While many people enjoy spending time with family and friends in December, this time of year can also be a challenging one. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please see: Mental Health Resources | Healthwatch Barnet.
PTSD UK have useful advice for people dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder: Dealing with PTSD over the holidays – PTSD UK. This time of year can be triggering for people with PTSD, due to the changes in routine, social pressure, and number of large gatherings. PTSD UK also offers a wealth of information on ways to deal with the noise of fireworks, and steps which anyone can take to support those who are struggling, such as using low-noise fireworks: Remember remember… those with PTSD – PTSD UK
If you need medical help call 111, use 111 online, or in an emergency dial 999.
Rapid Care - Pilot Project
Community rapid response teams from the Central London Community NHS Trust in Barnet are working with the London Ambulance Service to respond to patients who need urgent treatment at home.
The goal of the pilot is to provide care more quickly to people in need, while helping them avoid unnecessary trips to hospital. Many of the people using the service are elderly and have reduced mobility. They are visited by a team made up of paramedics and a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or nurse, travelling in Urgent Community Response cars.
The Barnet Urgent Community Response team saw 926 patients between February and June 2023. They supported around 70% of the patients they saw to receive treatment at home.
After the visit, the team seeks to connect people to services that can support them, such as their GP, voluntary organisations or social care support.
Covid-19 and Flu
Free Covid-19 and flu vaccines are available for people who are pregnant, over 65, have certain health conditions, are carers or are frontline health and social care workers, plus some other groups. Check your eligibility and book now: Seasonal vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you're not eligible, you can still pay to get the flu vaccine from some supermarkets and high street pharmacies - it typically costs £10 to £20.
The process for getting Covid-19 tests has changed. People who are eligible for free tests can now pick these up from pharmacies. It's no longer possible to order tests online from gov.uk, or over the phone from 119. Free tests are only available for those who are at the highest risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
If you are at high risk of severe illness from Covid-19, and you develop symptoms or test positive, you may also be able to access a Covid-19 treatment assessment. If you are in this situation, contact your GP, call 111, or contact the North Central London COVID Medicines service at nclicb.cmdu@nhs.net or on 0203 838 7121.
Winter Warmers
With the cold weather setting in, a range of community groups and businesses are offering free, safe and welcoming spaces for residents to stay warm and connect with others.
There are 32 Warm Spaces across Barnet, check out Barnet Council's handy map.
For people aged 55 and older, Age UK Barnet is offering a Winter Home Check service, which could help keep your home warm this winter by providing free draught materials, a wealth of checks and small changes. The service costs £25, but is free if you are on the Age UK Barnet concession rate or you are referred from the Household Support Fund.
December Opening Hours
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Healthwatch Barnet. We will be closed from Friday 22nd December 2023 until Tuesday 2nd January 2024. If you need help during this time, please see the resources on our website, and we will get back to you on our return.
