Issue 35 - 26 January 2022
Health and care news from across north east London
Welcome to our public bulletin keeping local people informed about health and care services; and how you can stay well and keep safe.
In this issue
Look after yourself and get vaccinated
We urge everyone aged 12 and over who has not yet had their first, second (or booster vaccine for those 16 and over) to book on the national booking system (or call 119) or find a walk-in site.
Vaccination is the best protection we have against Covid-19 (including the Omicron variant), serious illness and hospitalisation. There is comprehensive information on more than 100 vaccination sites in north east London, guidance, and answers to questions about the vaccine on our website here.
This graphic outlines who is eligible for what vaccine.
Please follow the latest rules and guidance to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and keep yourself safe.
You can also help look after yourself and help us help you this winter by getting your free flu vaccine if you are eligible. Please also be aware that antibiotics do not work on winter viruses like colds and flu and follow the advice below on how to access care and stay healthy in 2022.
Your route to urgent help
A&E departments and 999 responders are experiencing very high demand at the moment and it’s not always necessary or best to call them; you may be able to receive faster, and more comfortable care elsewhere, through your pharmacist or GP practice or by visiting NHS 111 online. If you are feeling unwell and need urgent care it is important that you visit the right service for your needs.
ELFT launches £1.8m Fund for Community Groups
A fund of £1.8m has been launched by East London NHS Foundation Trust. Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations of all sizes can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £100,000.
If you work in a voluntary sector led project that reaches communities experiencing challenges that lead to inequalities in mental health; or are at direct risk of closing or losing capacity as a result of the pandemic, you can find out more here.
New ‘Help!’ mental health campaign
Since the start of the pandemic 2.3 million people nationally have come forward for NHS talking therapies and the NHS has launched a new landmark campaign backed by some of the UK’s biggest musicians to encourage people struggling with their mental health to seek support. If you are struggling with your mental help you can contact NHS talking therapies for help now.
Cervical cancer prevention week
Last week was cervical cancer prevention week which raises awareness of cervical screening. One in three women and people with a cervix don't attend cervical screening and we want to change that.
220,000 women and people with a cervix every year are told they have cervical cell changes after their screening, and many more are given an HPV diagnosis. This can mean more tests and treatments, and for some it can be an incredibly hard time. We want everyone to have the information and support they need. This video helps explain what to expect.
There is also useful advice for trans and non-binary people on attending cervical screening on the Cancer Research UK website.
Maternity videos
A new series of antenatal education videos have been produced by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals for women and their partners and families. The videos feature midwives, consultants and anaesthetists and provide you with information on all the things you need to consider when you are expecting; such as signs of labour, pain relief during labour, and birthing positions.
Colonoscopy Confidence
Some people feel anxious or worried when they're told they need a colonoscopy but it's important to have this test if you are referred. Bowel Cancer UK is running a campaign dedicated to helping boost attendance for what could be a life-saving procedure.
If you've been asked by your doctor to have a colonoscopy it's because they suspect something isn't quite right about your bowel or colon, and they'd like a specialist to take a closer look. Colonoscopy is a very common procedure – thousands are carried out across the UK every week.
New health centre to open in Waltham Forest thanks to partnership working
People in Waltham Forest are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art health centre following partnership working between the borough council and local NHS.
The £1.4million building, located in the Sutherland Road development in Walthamstow, is due to open this spring – providing a modern and spacious new home for GPs and other staff at the Lime Tree and Sinnott Healthcare medical practice.
