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Welcome to the Nineteenth Edition of the Over-50s-Newsletter
Our August meeting was very well attended. It was our second visit to the Carlton Hotel in Truro where we enjoyed yet again a very appetising buffet lunch.
We had two speakers, Kathryn Cobb from the Independent Advocacy Service (ICAS). She explained the roll of this free, confidential, and independent of the NHS, service which supports people who wish to complain about their NHS treatment or care. She emphasised that an Advocate will never give advice, express a personal opinion, make judgements or attempt to persuade an individual to take a course of action. Whilst an advocate can provide a sympathetic ear it is not his or her job to provide counselling. An advocate’s role is not to mediate on a client’s behalf but to support him or her through the NHS complaints process.
There was great interest in all she had to say. There was plenty of literature available but if you were not there contact details for initial enquiries are telephone 0845 120 3782 or visit their website southwest.icas@seap.org.uk
Our next speaker was Tony Watts (postponed from last meeting) and it was well worth the wait. His expertise is as a journalist and an editor. I suspect we managed to deflect him from his original thoughts as questions were wide ranging about computers.
He was actually coming to talk about the setting up of our own website. Having put out feelers to a local school, it is hoped to link with students who are prepared to guide us through some of the mysteries of creating this website.
Holding this thought, Tony in effect, threw out a challenge to some of us who are not too ambitious about using laptops and other forms of modern technology and surprisingly a number of folks said they would like to give it a go. Tony described a laptop which is designed in such a way that those of us who find the very thought of a computer mind blowing, could handle it with ease. He said he would try to bring one down next time he visits us.
As summer gives way to autumn it would be great if we had one of our Indian Summers to cheer us up for the winter ahead. See you at the Carlton Hotel in October.
Judith Whiteley
Carrick Champion for the Elderly and Vulnerable
DO YOU FANCY BEING A GUINEA PIG?
Dr Noreen Orr who has recently joined the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry to work with Dr Cassandra Phoenix on a research project exploring the impact of physical activity on perceptions of ageing (what a mouthful!) has been in contact looking for volunteers to help in her research.
At this point she is looking for potential participants (she did not say guinea pigs!) men or women in the age range of 60 to whatever and who regularly participate in a range of activities, swimming, walking, bowls, tennis, yoga etc.
If you would like to explore this opportunity you can have further details by contacting Dr Orr on telephone 01872 258154 or email her on noreen.orr@pcmd.ac.uk
Dr Orr will be with us at our next meeting at the Carlton Hotel to explain more fully what she needs us to do.
TRURO WELL BEING CENTRE
As mentioned in the August newsletter the Well Being Centre was due to open in the old Tourist Information office on Boscawen Street in the Municipal Buildings. The address is on the back page. The Forum will have a member available to meet with anybody on Thursdays between 11.00 am and 1.00pm. But feel free to visit at any time which suits you.
The Centre is still being developed by a number of organisations who work in, or support, the Health and Well Being project in its widest form. It is there to provide people of all ages with current
information about services, local events, training and general support which can be found in the Truro and surrounding areas.
As the WBC is in its teething stages any feedback or ideas will be welcomed and there is a suggestion box at the Centre.
There are also opportunities for people to volunteer at the Centre. If you are interested contact Steve Roberts on 07968 706112 or email stephenr@volunteercornwall.org.uk.
SNIPPETS
Winter precautions – plan ahead
Have you had your heating system checked, your boiler serviced and had your chimney cleared of birds’ nests and accumulated mess?
Remember claims for financial help with heating bills can be made. If you are in receipt of Pension Credit you should automatically receive cold weather payments.
Older People’s Day 2011
Did you know that Saturday 1st October is Older People’s Day?
Volunteer Cornwall are organising two events to celebrate the role of older citizens; Friday 30th September at The Elms in Redruth from 10am–12pm and Saturday 1st October at St John’s Hall in Penzance from 10am–3pm. Contact Volunteer Cornwall on 01209 217614 for further details.
Amendment to website
I was suitably corrected about the website link to the COFF page on the Cornwall Council website I advertised in the last newsletter! My rambling route was soon picked up and the correct link is now shown below.
www.cornwall.gov.uk/Default.aspx? page=27127
Thanks to those who respond to bits and pieces in the newsletter – reassuring to know that at least one or two people do read it!
Sorry no jokes this month – nobody has submitted any!
A JOURNEY THROUGH HOSPITAL
Our Entertainments Secretary took a sabbatical but ended up losing an argument with a gate and breaking her back. This is her story. We wish her well in the future and a speedy recovery.
Date of accident 2nd June 2011
After an accident at home...
Taken by ambulance to A&E RCHT
Put onto a bed from a trolley after arriving at A&E
Waited about 20 minutes before seeing a doctor
Went for an X-ray (I was told not to stand as it was a back injury). The department said they could get a better picture if I was standing
Went for a CAT Scan to confirm that I had a wedge compact fracture at Lumbar (L1)
Moved to overnight A&E ward
I am a strict vegetarian (NO FISH OR MEAT). While I was in the unit the best they could do for me was a cheese roll every time there was a meal. Although egg rolls were offered I am not too keen on egg
A friend (staff) arrived with a very welcome cup of coffee and a chocolate cake
No hand wash was offered to me before my meal. I had to ask
After using the bedpan my urine was dipped. Some of the staff would give me a wash and dry after using the bedpan but some did not
At all time my privacy and dignity was respected I noticed that my second day on the unit was very hard work for the ONLY QUALIFED STAFF ON A 12-HOUR SHIFT who did not get a break from the ward environment, as she should. Apparently four members of staff had called in sick that morning. Later on in the afternoon she got some help from staff from another department (I think they were from the A&E department) OT at RCHT were very good as they arranged for a commode and a raised toilet seat to go to my home ready for my discharge and issued me with a gutter frame to help me with my walking. My son is a OT in Bristol so a lot of conversation went on between them although I’m sure I would have received the same treatment even if my son was not there
After two days in the unit I was transferred to St. Austell hospital - my choice from other placements that were offered as well
I was on a ward with four other ladies
I was impressed as soon as I arrived.
After I used the bedpan my urine was checked and an MRSA TEST performed. This did not happen at RCHT
Bells were answered very quickly
Hygiene was first class as the ward was mopped and dusted twice a day. The other thing that impressed me was that every time a nurse or HCA touched a patient they all wore gloves. After removing gloves they washed their hands. This was was evident to me as I was in full view of the sink in the ward. I was offered hand washing before each meal
I was self-medicating - my tablets were locked away in a locker by my bed
I was very disappointed that no early morning cup of tea was offered, but night staff would make a hot drink when I asked - very helpful.
There were two very helpful students and with all the staff I was treated with respect and dignity at all times
The OT at St Austell (ALARNA) came and talked about what equipment I thought I might want. I thought a shower chair would be very welcome and also a perching stool. She agreed and when I got home Alarna did a home visit to check if everything was ok with me. She also phoned to check if the equipment had been delivered. The unit in Bodmin phoned to tell me when the equipment would be arriving and kept me well informed. Alarna also said that she would contact the community physiotherapist for me. However, up to now I’ve not had any contact from that department.
Six days after my accident I was discharged and my family came to take me home. It took quite a while to get my pain under control but I am now just beginning to feel a little better
After I was discharged I got a phone call at home from a doctor in the A&E department asking me if I knew the results from my X-rays taken on 2nd June 2011. I relayed to him what I for one had been told; that I have a ”wedge compressed fracture L1”. I still do not know why I was contacted, but will be investigating
This report has been made by: Mrs Bee Henderson Independent Patient Ambassador.
TRANSPORT WOES
This topic is raging around us and causing huge concern. Not only are there deepening concerns about the erosion of our bus services, which affects all ages, and in particular the elderly and disabled, but the reduction in any alternative affordable form of transport.
News that the TRANSMEDICAL TAXIS, a charity set up to take people to the local hospitals and any medical appointments will cease operating on the 23rd September could not have come at a worse time. This very reliable service has been in existence for 15 years and as a past user I can only add my dismay to that of so many others.
Probably one of the main reasons for its demise is lack of volunteer drivers. I find this a little bit sad. There are so many people not working, early retirees, and many others who could give a wee portion of their time to help those of all ages. Mileage is paid, no loss of any benefits and for younger folk looks good on any job application. Anyway we have lost this brilliant service.
Going back to the buses, we are still awaiting the outcome of negotiations between the Council and the operators.
UPCOMING MEETING
Joining us for our next Forum meeting will be dancer Jayne Devlin, who will be leading us in some musical entertainment.
The meeting is on 6th October at the Carlton Hotel. New members are always welcome.
COMMENT ON HEALTH MATTERS
The Health and Social Care Bill enters its parliamentary stages with many amendments tabled; the Community Interest Company takes over administering the former Community Health Services (district nurses for instance); the budget deficits begin to bite, and winter has not yet started!
We are trying to move towards the new Clinical Commissioning Groups which will run many of the former roles of the Primary Care Trust, despite not knowing the rules yet. It gets more exciting by the day, but rest assured, that everyone is trying desperately hard to maintain the standards of care and attention that have been achieved with better funding in the past few years.
PS.. don't forget to get your flu jab this October!
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE...
Are we really drinking too much?
A few comments from the International Longevity Centre - UK
An article in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has suggested that the benefits of drinking water have been exaggerated and that those following official advice on consumption could in fact be doing themselves harm.
De-hydration is an issue – remember water forms two thirds of our bodies and is involved in nearly every bodily function making it essential to health.
Current government recommendations are in fact about fluid, not water. The recommendation is 6 to 8 glasses of fluid per day to help stay hydrated. This can include fluids in food e.g. porridge or fruits or drinks of fruit juice, tea, coffee (sadly alcohol or fizzy drinks don’t count!). Water is recommended as a part of this.
If you want a fuller version of this log on to the website of the International Longevity Centre – UK http://blog.ilcuk.org.uk/
There are many other topics which are of interest on this website. For those without access to the internet full copies can be printed and sent to you
UPCOMING MEETINGS
BI-MONTHLY FORUM MEETINGS
The bi-monthly meetings all take place on a THURSDAY from 12.00 noon until 3.00pm.
6TH OCTOBER: Carlton Hotel, Truro
1ST DECEMBER: Green Lawns Hotel, Falmouth
Speakers at 6th October meeting will be: Dr Noreen Orr, on the subject of the impact of physical activity on the perception of ageing.
Jane Devlin, from Arts for Health.
Transport can be arranged for those who really need it, but you will be asked to make a nominal contribution of £4.00 for your door to door service. Lunch prior to the meeting is £5.00 per head. Please book your lunch with Judith.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Meetings of the Management Committee will take place monthly in the Planning meeting room at Circuit House at 10:30am on the second Wednesday of the month.
12TH OCTOBER
9TH NOVEMBER
14TH DECEMBER
NEW FORUM MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
CONTACT THE FORUM
JUDITH WHITELEY (CHAIRMAN)
EMAIL: jwhiteley@cornwall.gov.uk
TELEPHONE: 01326 374279
WRITE TO:
Carrick Over-50’s Forum Truro Well-Being Centre Municipal Buildings Boscawen Street, Truro. TR1 2NE
DAVID WHEELER (TREASURER) TELEPHONE: 01326 315305
Disclaimer: the views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or Carrick Over-50’s Forum
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