In this issue:

• Urgent care survey
• Updated NHS dental report
• Henshaws
• Governor vacancy Pennine Care
• Research opportunity
• COVID-19 update

If you have feedback about these topics, or any recent experiences about health or care services you think we should know about, give Healthwatch Tameside a call on 0161 667 2526. Or email info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk

Thank you.

We have launched the next in our series of surveys.

The topic in the first few questions is Urgent care, and includes 111, A & E and Urgent care centres. The next few questions ask about your recent experiences of using other health and care services. The online link to our surveys is www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/share-your-views.  Please share this link with your family, friends and colleagues.

If you, or someone you know, prefers to complete surveys on paper, or over the phone, please give us a call on 0161 667 2526. Or you can request by email at info@healthwatchtameside.co.uk

The closing date for the survey is 3 May 2021.

Thank you for your support.

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Updated NHS dental report

In November we produced a summary of what we had been hearing about NHS dentistry.

This has now been updated, to include information up to 8 March 2021. Please have a look at our website at www.healthwatchtameside.co.uk/report/2021-03-18/nhs-dentist-report-8-march-2021

Henshaws

Henshaws is a local charity that supports people with sight loss. There are a number of services available during the pandemic:

• Living Well with Sight Loss Course - next course starts by phone or online at 2pm on Thursday 15^th April.
• Social Groups  - by phone or online
• Counselling telephone sessions
• Confidence in the Community Strategy
• Digital support services
• Patient support with appointments
• Information service

For more information ring 0300 222 5555.

Additional information is available online at www.henshaws.org.uk/manchester/  and  www.henshaws.org.uk/knowledge-village/

Governor Vacancy Pennine Care

The Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust elections for public members to join the Council of Governors are fast approaching and there is a Governor vacancy in Tameside and Glossop. 

The Governor role is an opportunity to learn about the Trust and find out about services in your local area. The Council of Governors also ensures the views of local communities are considered in the development of health services.  

Anyone can become a Governor as long as they are a member of the Trust and over 16 years of age. You do not need to have any qualifications. Governors are generally local people who have an interest in healthcare and care about improving their local health services for the good of the whole community and the community it serves. Pennine Care equips Governors with the skills they require to undertake the role. Training is available through a national programme and in-house training given by the Trust.

You can find out more about the role and/or express an interest on their website at www.penninecare.nhs.uk/cogelection or contact Donna on 0161 716 3374.

Research opportunity

This PhD study seeks to explore the experiences of using a selected form of off-the-shelf GPS tracking technology within dementia care, from the perspectives of individuals living with dementia and those individuals who provide care to them.

The project entails giving people a GPS tracking device (completely free of charge), which they would use alongside their usual day to day activities. These GPS devices have been found to increase independence and freedom for people living with dementia, as it allows care partners increased peace of mind regarding the location of the person living with dementia. Additionally, devices allow the person to alert their care partner should they become disorientated or need assistance if they are out walking alone. The study has full ethical approval from the University of Salford and will follow all good practice guidelines.

For more information see https://dementiatech.info/#about