July News

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

• New services - red cell disorders
• Healthy Heart
• Social prescribing
• Martha's rule - patient safety in Barnet
• Travel advice for disabled people

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

New services  have just been launched across North Central London for people living with sickle cell and all those living with inherited red cell disorders, including Thalassaemia.

These new services and staff trainings have come following the launch of the London Sickle Cell Improvement Programme, and the recommendations in the No One's Listening 2021 report. They aim to respond to patient feedback and improve the experience and treatment of those affected. 

These new services and staff trainings include: 

• Community red cell service 
• Hyperacute service 
• Red Cell Network's sickle cell training programme 
• ACT NOW training 
• Universal care plans 
• Sickle cell mentoring scheme 

For more details, see the NHS Integrated Care System's guide to the changes.

South Asian Heritage Month

Our Healthy Heart team's work with South Asian residents would not be possible without our fantastic partners in Barnet's South Asian community groups. We're therefore delighted to be celebrating South Asian Heritage Month from 18 July to 17 August, with the 2024 theme 'free to be me'.  

Our Healthy Heart team work to raise awareness of high blood pressure, including the links between healthy eating and heart health. Small changes - such as cutting down on salt, eating more vegetables and choosing high fibre carbohydrates like lentils - can all add up to make a big difference.

We can look to some of the most traditional family recipes for healthy, nutritious food, and the BBC guide to healthy Indian recipes is a great reminder of this. Our Healthy Heart team are having brilliant conversations with their peers in South Asian communities - swapping recipes, trading ideas and sharing little successes which all add up to a huge impact on our health! 

We're wishing everyone in Barnet a happy South Asian Heritage Month - why not check out some of the activities on offer, including the free Barnet Mela on 10 August, celebrating South Asia's music, dance, and traditional arts. 

Contact us for details of our intensive Healthy Heart workshops.  

What is social prescribing?

There are many factors that affect our health, and not all of these can be treated by medical professionals alone. Non-medical issues such as stress, isolation, finances, employment, housing and marginalisation can also have a big impact on our wellbeing. Social prescribing supports people to think through their goals and needs and to access different forms of support in the community. 

In Barnet, you can ask your GP to refer you to the social prescribing service. You can also phone the service directly on 0208 203 5040, or email: nclicb.barnetsocialprescribing@nhs.net

For more background on how social prescribing works, see Healthwatch England's guide. In the coming months, we'll be sharing more information in our newsletter about other staff roles in GP surgeries - watch this space! 

Martha's rule 

Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free will be among the first hospitals in the country to roll out Martha's rule, a national patient safety initiative.  The rule will allow families, patients and NHS staff to seek an urgent review if a person's condition is deteriorating and they feel concerns are not being listened to. 

Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free are part of a wave of the first 143 hospitals in England to implement Martha’s Rule. You can read more about the changes in this BBC article, and on the Royal Free London website. 

Travel advice for disabled people

The East and North London Hubs Mobility Service provides free advice on accessible travel without a car. Created for disabled and older people who cannot or prefer not to drive, the service provides advice on: 

• Accessible buses and coaches
• Easy access rail and air travel
• Community transport
• Rights as a disabled passenger
• Hiring or purchasing the right scooters and wheelchairs 
• Accessible venues, community support and activities

Give the team a call on 01707 324581, email: hubinfo@hertsability.org.uk or see Hertsability's website.