March News

This month's newsletter is full of news and updates, including special events from our partners:

• Focus group - 25 March 
• EU Citizens - access to healthcare 
• Barnet asthma & lung support group
• Healthy Heart
• Ovarian cancer awareness month
• Share for better care 

As always, you can contact us if you would like to share your views on health and social care in Barnet.

Focus Group - 25 March

The North Central London Integrated Care System (NCL ICS) brings together local NHS services, Councils and community organisations. The purpose is for these groups to work together to improve the health of people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.

Many local residents are not familiar with the ICS or what it does. The ICS is therefore inviting residents to take part in an online focus group, to give feedback on how the system's work can best be communicated to patients and carers. You do not need to know anything about the ICS to take part - information will be provided on the day. 

The focus group will take place at 11-11.45am on Monday 25 March. It will be held online, using MS Teams video. Everyone who takes part will receive a £35 Love to Shop voucher. If you're interested, please contact Elizabeth George: elizabeth.george18@nhs.net

Access to healthcare for EU Citizens

Are you an EU citizen? Check out this video on how to access healthcare. 

The team at Barnet's Romanian and Eastern European Hub have created this guide. It explains that EU citizens, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to register with a GP free of charge. You do not need proof of identity or immigration status in order to register. 

The video also gives a bit of information about applying for pre-settled status, and how this can help with accessing healthcare. It is aimed at healthcare professionals, but may be useful for residents as well. 

The Romanian and Eastern European Hub provides access to free accredited immigration advice - phone them on 0204 513 1500 or email contact@ro-eehub.org.uk 

Are you affected by a lung condition?

Join the Asthma + Lung UK Barnet Support Group, run by volunteers. It could help you manage your lung condition by sharing information and advice, helping you live well, and maybe even reducing the chances of an emergency hospital admission. 

• When: first Thursday of every month
• Where: North Road Community Centre, 230 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgeware, HA8 0AP
• Contact: Pat on 07712631679 or email at pjp96@btinternet.com 

The group say: "you're very welcome to join us at meetings, listen to our guest speakers, exchange information eg. about rehab groups and walking aides, and have a cup of tea and a chat."

One of the attendees says: "I've met so many lovely people, all of us with a common condition - our lungs. I learnt more in the last year about my condition than ever before." 

Healthy Heart

Our Healthy Heart team have been busy this month, spreading the word within Barnet's African, Caribbean and South Asian communities about ways to tackle high blood pressure.

On 8 March, we ran a well-attended stall at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre's  International Women's Day celebration. It was an inspiring morning filled with fun physical activity sessions, wellbeing talks and of course blood pressure checks provided by Healthy Heart. 

Join our free upcoming events to learn more about blood pressure and staying healthy: 

• 19 March, 10am-12.30am - Hendon Library, The Burroughs NW4 4BQ
• 23 April, 10am-12.30am - Hendon Library, The Burroughs NW4 4BQ

Contact us for details of our intensive courses and workshops.

Our website contains a wealth of information about ways to manage your blood pressure, and you can contact the team: 0203 475 1316, texts: 0771 910 5534 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm), and email: healthyheart@healthwatchbarnet.co.uk

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Did you know that ovarian cancer has a 90% survival rate when diagnosed early? This ovarian cancer awareness month, know the signs: 

• B is for bloating that doesn’t come and go
• E is for eating difficulty and feeling full more quickly
• A is for abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
• T is for toilet changes in urination or bowel habits

If you’re suffering with any of these symptoms frequently, make sure you see your GP to rule out anything serious. One in four women mistakenly think their smear test will detect the disease. You can find more information on the Ovacome and Ovarian Cancer Action websites. 

Share For Better Care

Doctors, nurses and healthcare staff are doing their best to provide good quality care. Public feedback can play a vital role in helping these services spot issues quickly. 

Healthwatch England's new campaign #ShareForBetterCare is a chance for everyone to share their experiences of the NHS and social care – to improve care for you and your community. Use our simple webform to have your say.

Along with dozens of other local Healthwatch teams, we will share anonymous themes from this feedback with Healthwatch England and the Care Quality Commission, to inform national work. If you are a healthcare professional, you can help by: 

• Using social media to tell your community you welcome their feedback, hashtag #ShareForBetterCare
• Telling others about an experience where feedback has helped your team develop, or made you feel valued