Issue 36 - 9 February 2022

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Latest hospital visiting guidance

Our hospitals are welcoming a small number of visitors back in. You can read the up-to-date guidance for visitors at each hospital trust below:

• Barts Health
• Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust
• Homerton University Hospital

LGBT+ History Month

February is LGBT+ History Month, which celebrates the history of LGBTQ+ people and communities and aims to raise awareness and support education on matters affecting them. The month is a chance to reflect on how far we have come, but also what we still need to do to ensure equality for all our LGBTQ+ colleagues and residents.  

LGBTQ+ staff networks across the NHS in NEL are marking the month with staff and public education events and conferences, including highlighting famous LGBTQ+ people and how their contributions shaped history. You can watch the joint NHS providers’ networks video here. You can visit the following links for updates and information on the month from the LGBTQ+ networks from ELFT, NELFT, Barts, Homerton and BHRUT.

The month is also being marked with information and events across our boroughs, including in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Havering and Hackney.

World Cancer Day

Last week we marked World Cancer Day.

If you have any signs or symptoms of cancer, please contact your doctor as soon as possible. You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of cancer on the following pages:

• NHS cancer pages
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• Cancer Research UK

As you can see from these videos, attending a screening appointment is nothing to be worried about, and could save your life:

• View our animated breast screening video which explains more. Further information is available on the Cancer Research UK web pages.
• View our animated bowel screening video which explains more. Further information is available on the Bowel Cancer UK web pages.
• View our animated cervical screening video which explains more. Further information is on the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust web pages.

For more information visit the North East London Cancer Alliance web pages.

Are you looking for a career in health or social care?

The North East London Health and Care Partnership website will help you explore the hundreds of roles in health and social care. The jobs can be in all different care settings, care homes, in the community, in the NHS or jobs working in people’s homes. There is information for everyone whether you are at school or college or already in work.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust encouraging people to start a career in the NHS

BHRUT hospitals are looking to recruit 50 new ward clerks and are encouraging applications from across north east London. Ward clerks play an integral role in the day-to-day running of wards and relieve pressure on nurses. This includes admitting patients, preparing notes, booking appointments or speaking with patients’ families. Find out more on how to encourage people to apply here.

Children’s Mental Health Week

This is Children’s Mental Health Week (7-13 February).

Place2Be launched the first ever Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Now in its eighth year, they hope to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word and you can find out to how get involved here.

London Informed: ‘Big Conversation’ community events

Health organisations are partnering with community groups to give Londoners from all backgrounds and ages the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and receive expert advice on the Covid-19 vaccines, booster doses and the Omicron variant. You can find out about future events, which will be posted here.

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.

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.

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