Birmingham Link http://birminghamlink.org Just another birminghamlink.org weblog Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:35:44 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Castle Vale Social Media Surgery http://birminghamlink.org/blog/castle-vale-social-media-surgery/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/castle-vale-social-media-surgery/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:25:46 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=953 This is your opportunity to get to know more about social media to ensure that your community can have  a say on issues that matter to them. Surgeons will be available to talk you through the latest in web technology and how communities can use these tools to share their views and concerns. Birmingham LINk will be present to show you how we can influence health and social care services provision and commissioning by being the voice of people in the city.

Book your place

Venue: CVCHA, 11 High Street, Castle Vale, Birmingham, B35 7PR

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/castle-vale-social-media-surgery/feed/ 0 Future looks bright for critical care http://birminghamlink.org/blog/future-looks-bright-for-critical-care/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/future-looks-bright-for-critical-care/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:20:19 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=933 Two hospitals caring for some of the region’s sickest patients are benefiting from the delivery of more than 20 new pieces of equipment, at an investment of more than £200,000. 

The critical care departments at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals, both part of Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, received 11 new haemo-filtration machines and 10 new ventilators between them – further improving facilitates and providing an extra boost to the quality of care provided for critically ill patients.  

Anne Mutlow, critical care matron, said: “These are vital pieces of equipment for our patients, so we are really pleased to receive this extra investment. Ventilators are used to support a patient’s breathing, while the haemo-filtration machines carry out the work of the kidneys if they have failed following an acute illness. 

“Critical care at Good Hope is also due to move to its brand new unit, based within the new £26m ward block building at the Hospital, when it opens early next year. Currently under development, works on the new building are progressing well. All in all, the future certainly looks bright for critical care.”

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/future-looks-bright-for-critical-care/feed/ 0 Draft Learning Disability and Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategies http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-learning-disability-and-mental-health-joint-commissioning-strategies/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-learning-disability-and-mental-health-joint-commissioning-strategies/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:01:20 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=897 The Joint Commissioning Team is consulting on the draft Learning Disability and Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategies. Three events are being held and members of the public are welcome to attend. You can book onto an event now by e-mailing the Joint Commissioning Team   and stating your name, organisation, contact number, your area of interest (Learning Disabilities or Mental Health) and any specific requirements you may have on the day.  

Tuesday 21st September
Venue: Sapphire Suite, 215 Bradford St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0RG
 
Morning event
Registration 9:00am
Event begins 9:30am – 12:30pm
 
Afternoon event
Registration 1:00pm
Event begins 1:30pm – 4:30pm
 
Wednesday 6th October
Venue: Saffron Centre, 256 Moseley Road, Highgate, Birmingham, B12 0DG.

Registration 5:30pm
Event begins 6:00 – 8:00pm

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-learning-disability-and-mental-health-joint-commissioning-strategies/feed/ 0 LINk to gain new powers and become HealthWatch http://birminghamlink.org/blog/link-to-gain-new-powers-and-become-healthwatch/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/link-to-gain-new-powers-and-become-healthwatch/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:54:01 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=885 In July 2011 Local Involvement Networks will begin a transition process to become local HealthWatch, and they will be overseen by an independent body called HealthWatch England. Local HealthWatch will be the local consumer champion across health and social care and will retain LINks’ responsibilities to promote patient and public involvement. They will continue to seek views on services which can influence local commissioning and will keep their powers to enter and view service providers.

Furthermore, local HealthWatch will have additional functions and funding for providing complaints advocacy services and support people who lack the means or capacity to make choices. Local HealthWatch will be able to report concerns about health and social care services to HealthWatch England and will be able to do so independently of their local authority. HealthWatch England will be able to recommend that the Care Quality Commission takes action.

We would like to ask you to complete this questionnaire with the key questions surrounding HealthWatch. These questions will act as the basis for discussion at the meetings on Monday 6th and Wednesday 8th of September as well as our response to the Health White Paper consultation.

Answer our questionnaire

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/link-to-gain-new-powers-and-become-healthwatch/feed/ 0 Plans to build a new hospital in Smethwick http://birminghamlink.org/blog/plans-to-build-a-new-hospital-in-smethwick/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/plans-to-build-a-new-hospital-in-smethwick/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:25:01 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=873 An opportunity to  have a say on plans to build a new hospital in Grove Lane, Smethwick – due to open in 2016. The new hospital is part of the wider Right Care Right Here Programme, aiming to provide care to the most poorly patients who really need to stay in hospital.

For more information or to confirm your attendance, please call 0121 507 5871 or email newhospital@swbh.nhs.uk.

Venue: The Public, New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PG

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/plans-to-build-a-new-hospital-in-smethwick/feed/ 0 Consultation on equality and human rights guidance http://birminghamlink.org/blog/consultation-on-equality-and-human-rights-guidance/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/consultation-on-equality-and-human-rights-guidance/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:24:34 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=864 This is a joint consultation by the Care Quality Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It seeks views on guidance created for inspectors and assessors, to help to ensure scrutiny of human rights issues within the Commission’s essential standards of quality and care. Responses are requested from people who use services, providers, commissioners and others.

For more details and to respond to this consultation, please visit the EHRC’s website.

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/consultation-on-equality-and-human-rights-guidance/feed/ 0 Women in Music http://birminghamlink.org/blog/women-in-music/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/women-in-music/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:23:05 +0000 lindao http://birminghamlink.org/?p=863 A day of celebration, a time when all females involved and working in the music industry can come together and be counted for their years of hard work and determination.  It is a day, when all females can come together regardless of genre, color, creed or religious belief and be recognised for their worth in the industry.

These are some of the attractions on the day:

  • Live music
  • Women’s choir

Venue: Priory Queensway, City Centre, Birmingham

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/women-in-music/feed/ 0 Draft Acute Oncology Measures http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-acute-oncology-measures/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-acute-oncology-measures/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:26:39 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=856 The Department of Health has launched a consultation on the  draft version of the acute oncology measures for inclusion in the Manual for Cancer Services. This consultation is open until 10 November.

View letter from the Director of the National Cancer Action Team

View the consultation document

Respond to the consultation

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/draft-acute-oncology-measures/feed/ 0 White Paper discussion – day session http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussion-day-session/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussion-day-session/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:25:30 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=847 The recent Health White Paper may bring about significant change in the way the NHS operates and in the way services are commissioned.  The aim of this discussion is to ensure that the LINk will be prepared to submit a formal response.  To reserve your place, please contact 08006 525278 or info@birminghamlink.org.

Venue: The Saffron Centre, 256 Moseley Road, Highgate B12 0DG

View the White Paper

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussion-day-session/feed/ 0 White Paper discussion – evening session http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussions/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussions/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:07:12 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=833 The recent Health White Paper may bring about significant change in the way the NHS operates and in the way services are commissioned.  The aim of this discussion is to ensure that the LINk will be prepared to submit a formal response. To reserve your place, please contact 08006 525278 or info@birminghamlink.org.

Venue: BVSC, 138 Digbeth, B5 6DR

View the White Paper

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/white-paper-discussions/feed/ 1 The truth about clinical trials http://birminghamlink.org/blog/the-truth-about-clinical-trials/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/the-truth-about-clinical-trials/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:01:46 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=817 This event is part of the Birmingham Science Festival and it could be useful for people wanting to know more about what clinical trials are and how they affect healthcare. Tickets cost £5.

Venue: The Eletric Cinema, 47-49 Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY

Read more

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/the-truth-about-clinical-trials/feed/ 0 NHS Annual General Meeting in South Birmingham http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-agm/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-agm/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:04:32 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=772 NHS South Birmingham and NHS South Birmingham Community Health have kindly invited Birmingham LINk and members of the public to take part in their AGM at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Doors will open at 4pm when light refreshments will be available. The formal presentation will start at 6pm and it will be followed up by a Health Awards Ceremony at 7m. 

Register your interest

Venue: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, B5 7QU

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-agm/feed/ 0 NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals’ AGM http://birminghamlink.org/blog/nhs-sandwell-and-west-birmingham-hospitals-agm/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/nhs-sandwell-and-west-birmingham-hospitals-agm/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:53:55 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=784 Birmingham LINk and the community are invited to attend NHS Sandwell and West Birmingham’s AGM on 30 September. Light refreshments will be available from 5.30pm along with an exhibition of work that the Trust is carrying out. For more information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Sarah Conlon, the Trust’s Communications Officer, on 0121 507 5303.

View the agenda

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/nhs-sandwell-and-west-birmingham-hospitals-agm/feed/ 0 Launch of single point for referrals for learning disability service http://birminghamlink.org/blog/launch-of-single-point-for-referrals-for-learning-disability-service/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/launch-of-single-point-for-referrals-for-learning-disability-service/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:23:44 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=774 NHS South Birmingham Community Health’s Learning Disability Service is launching a Single Point of Access for all referrals on 6 September.

Read more

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/launch-of-single-point-for-referrals-for-learning-disability-service/feed/ 0 Transforming community services – how are we doing? http://birminghamlink.org/blog/transforming-community-services-%e2%80%93-how-are-we-doing/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/transforming-community-services-%e2%80%93-how-are-we-doing/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:14:11 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=759 This event will focus on NHS South Birmingham Community Health’s work. It will cover the perspective of service users, commissioners and discuss evidence of service transformation. To register your interest, please email Sonia Bell or call  0121 627 7844.

Venue: Hub Hazelwell, 318 Vicarage Road, King’s Heath B14 7NH

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/transforming-community-services-%e2%80%93-how-are-we-doing/feed/ 0 Care Quality Commission publishes guide on new standards for NHS hospitals http://birminghamlink.org/blog/care-quality-commission-publishes-guide-on-new-standards-for-nhs-hospitals/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/care-quality-commission-publishes-guide-on-new-standards-for-nhs-hospitals/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:51:33 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=732 The Care Quality Commission (CQC), organisation responsible for the licencing and monitoring of health and adult social care providers, has been introducing new standards of quality and safety across England since April 2010 – with NHS hospitals being the first to enter the new regulatory scheme. The five new standards for NHS  hospitals are:

  1. You can expect to be involved and told what’s happening at every stage of your care
  2. You can expect care, treatment and support which meets your needs
  3. You can expect to be safe
  4. You can expect to be cared for by quality staff
  5. You can expect your hospital to constantly check the quality of your care



CQC has recently published a guide detailing what the new standards mean to service users.

View the guide

Paper versions are also available by calling 0870 240 7535.

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/care-quality-commission-publishes-guide-on-new-standards-for-nhs-hospitals/feed/ 0 Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS http://birminghamlink.org/blog/equity-and-excellence-liberating-the-nhs/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/equity-and-excellence-liberating-the-nhs/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:17:09 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=723 With the coalition’s White Paper on Health having the potential to significantly change the structure and function of the NHS , Regional Voices is hosting an event in Birmingham to:

  • raise awareness of the proposed changes
  • help the third sector understand how the changes may impact on their work
  • identify the issues of particular relevance to the sector
  • develop understanding of the role of the third sector in health structures
  • provide direct feedback to the Department of Health.

Venue: Enta Conference Centre, Mill Wharf, 10 Mill Street, Birmingham B6 4BS

This event is also being held in other locations across England. For more details and to book a place, visit the Regional Voices website.

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/equity-and-excellence-liberating-the-nhs/feed/ 0 South Birmingham Community Health Hospitals receive top ratings http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-hospitals-receive-top-ratings/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-hospitals-receive-top-ratings/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:31:59 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=709 The Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) gave South Birmingham Community Health Hospitals high ratings in its latest assessment.  PEAT assesses all hospitals and in-patient units with more than ten beds.

South Birmingham Community Health manages three hospitals: West Heath, Moseley Hall and the Sheldon Unit. As part of the assessment, West Heath received three ‘excellent’ ratings (in cleanliness, environment as well as patient privacy and dignity). Moseley Hall and Sheldon were rated ‘good’ in environment and ‘excellent’ in the other two categories.

Read more

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/south-birmingham-community-health-hospitals-receive-top-ratings/feed/ 0 bcda offers short courses in September and October http://birminghamlink.org/blog/bcda-offers-short-courses-in-september-and-october/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/bcda-offers-short-courses-in-september-and-october/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:20:30 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=702 The bcda Learning and Development Service has limited places available on a range of short courses running in September and October. Prices range from £20 to £40. For more information, please contact 0121 303 0990 or bcda@birmingham.gov.uk.

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/bcda-offers-short-courses-in-september-and-october/feed/ 0 Trust launches survey to find out the needs of the LGBT community http://birminghamlink.org/blog/trust-launches-survey-to-find-out-the-needs-of-the-lgbt-community/ http://birminghamlink.org/blog/trust-launches-survey-to-find-out-the-needs-of-the-lgbt-community/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:40:45 +0000 saulo http://birminghamlink.org/?p=693 Birmingham LGBT Community Trust has been commissioned by Birmingham City Council to design a survey to find out what are the real issues and needs for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans and who live, work or socialise in Birmingham.

The survey is confidential and takes about twenty minutes to complete. You cannot be identified by it and we only ask for the first three digits of your post-code to find out which part of the city you live in.

The outcome of the survey will support Birmingham City Council when it is assessing services ensure the needs of the LGBT community in the city are met.

Complete the survey

]]> http://birminghamlink.org/blog/trust-launches-survey-to-find-out-the-needs-of-the-lgbt-community/feed/ 0