If you would like us to include an article on behalf of your organisation in the next edition, please email: asc.engagement@surreycc.gov.uk
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Current Bulletin - 21st July 2022
Creation of formal health and care partnerships across the country
Earlier this month, changes came into effect nationally that created formal health and care partnerships – known as Integrated Care Systems (ICS).
The new Health and Care Act 2022, as it has now become, makes Integrated Care Systems statutory organisations, further empowering them to better join up health and care services, to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
Each Integrated Care System has two statutory elements, an Integrated Care Partnership (sometimes known as an ICP) and an NHS Integrated Care Board (sometimes referred to an ICB).
An Integrated Care Partnershipis a statutory committee jointly formed between the NHS Integrated Care Board and all upper-tier local authorities that fall within the ICS area.
An Integrated Care Board is a statutory NHS organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the local NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. This means that the previous Clinical Commissioning Groups have transitioned to become Integrated Care Boards.
Other features include place-based partnerships and provider collaboratives.
Place-based partnerships will lead the detailed design and delivery of integrated services at a more local level.These partnerships involve the local NHS, local councils, community and voluntary organisations and other community partners with a role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the population, working closely with local people and communities.
Provider collaboratives will bring providers together to achieve the benefits of working at scale across multiple places and one or more ICSs, to improve quality, efficiency and outcomes and address unwarranted variation and inequalities in access and experience across different providers.
For more information about the changes in Surrey, please visit:
New plan to transform dementia care in Surrey
A five-point plan sets out to improve the lives of Surrey residents with dementia and their families.
The joint health and social care dementia strategy, outlines an ambition for everyone with dementia and their carers to live in dementia-friendly communities and be able to live well at home for as long as possible.
Research suggests that approximately 17,700 people in Surrey are currently living with dementia. Between 2020 and 2030,it’s projected that this figure will rise by more than a quarter to 22,600.
The five-year plan, which includes direct input from people living with dementia and their carers, sets out how the county council and the wider Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, along with Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System, will work with other organisations to support people with dementia, their families and carers so that those diagnosed can maintain their independence and enjoy a good quality of life.
The new joint health and social care dementia strategy will focus on:
- Preventing well – raising awareness of dementia and preventative actions people can take
- Diagnosing well – making sure people have equal access to dementia care by addressing inequalities and gaps
- Living well – making sure everyone has the opportunity to live life to the full following diagnosis
- Supporting well – engaging with communities and faith groups to ensure we reach out to people with dementia and their carers.
The work will create dementia-friendly communities and help to deliver the county council’s ambition and tackle inequality to ensure no-one is left behind in Surrey.
The strategy has been created in partnership and collaboration with people with dementia and their carers and other organisations, including Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia UK, Healthwatch Surrey and district and borough councils.
An easy read version of the joint health and social care dementia strategy is also available.
To find out more about support for dementia in Surrey, please visit the Surrey County Council website.
COVID-19 online E-book of Thanks
The Surrey COVID Heroes E-book of Thanks is a place to celebrate Surrey's COVID heroes as a countywide record to recognise all those residents who put themselves at risk, protected others, kept services running and boosted morale during COVID-19.
To nominate a Surrey COVID hero or heroes, simply complete the online registration form.
Waiting for hospital care report publishedThe number of people waiting for hospital appointments or treatment has been growing since 2009, and the pandemic has resulted in many more people having their operations, treatment and appointments cancelled or delayed. In Surrey circa 100,000 people are currently waiting for hospital treatment and this figure is not expected to start falling until 2024.
Research by Healthwatch England has revealed that people from poorer households, ethnic minorities, disabled people and women are hardest hit while they are waiting.
Along with neighbouring local Healthwatch, Healthwatch Surrey developed a questionnaire to hear the experiences of those waiting for hospital care. The Waiting for hospital care report details key findings and provides insight that will enable services to support those waiting and minimise the harm of long waits.
Surrey whole systems approach to healthy weight
Obesity is one of the UK’s most pressing health issues facing the country.
In Surrey, 57.8% of the adult population (18+) are either overweight or obese. Surrey also has 20.9% of reception-aged children and 30.1% of year 6 children having excess weight. Therefore, a different approach to tackling obesity was needed to see tangible and lasting improvement in population health.
The whole systems approach to obesitywas produced and developed by Leeds Beckett University, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities and Association of Directors of Public Health.
The approach is a way of empowering communities, to improve the local population's health by taking a deep dive in understanding the areas that impact a population's health and the choices they make when it comes to food and activity. Examples of areas identified as influencing food choice, are the cost of healthy food, with parents’ mental health being another key factor.
To find out more, please contact Public Health:
Email:public.health@surreycc.gov.uk
Looking for a connection to help make something happen in the local community?
The Social Value Marketplace’s vision is for the public, private and community sectors in Surrey to work together and share resources to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Surrey's residents and local communities.
It is a tool that can help make connections between organisations, who are waiting to offer all sorts of help, and individuals: whether that's meeting spaces, skills and knowledge sharing, equipment or volunteers to help with gardening, painting or decorating.
Any voluntary or community groups that needs help or businesses that can offer help, are encouraged to spread the word and start posting on theSocial Value Marketplaceto make a difference to local communities.
More information is available from the Social Value Marketplace.
Fordbridge Veterans Hub celebrates one-year anniversary
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service staff joined veterans to celebrate Fordbridge Veterans Hub’s one-year anniversary.
The Fordbridge Hub was formed by the North Surrey Armed Forces Partnership and was the second of its kind to be hosted by the service, following Guildford. Since opening its doors in June 2021, the group have continued to meet at 11am on every fourth Tuesday of the month.
Veterans Hubs offer a relaxed place for veterans to drop in and share a cup of tea and enjoy the company of others who have served. They also provide a way to gain advice, support and services under one roof. This means a minimum of two services or charities available at least once a month.
The two further hubs supported by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service take place at Guildford Fire Station on the last Thursday of the month from 10:30am and Woking Fire Station on every third Wednesday of the month from 10:30am.
For further details about the Veterans’ Hubs Projects, please visit Surrey County Council.
Outline has merged with Catalyst
The charity Outline (an unincorporated charity) has merged with Catalyst.
Outline provides support to people with their sexuality and gender identity, including but not limited to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transsexual community of Surrey, primarily through a helpline, website and support groups. Outline has become a part of Catalyst to ensure the continuation and planned expansion of Outline’s work and services, as well as to provide greater access to services for clients through Catalyst’s own operational networks, particularly in the area around mental health support and ensure the future of Outline.
Catalyst will continue to retain its name and assume control of Outline, with some of Outline’s services being provided via specialist projects under the banner ‘Outline in Catalyst’.
The helpline will continue to run as usual and is currently open from 7:30pm – 10pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Email helpline@outlinesurrey.org.uk Telephone: 01483 727667 Text/SMS: 07451 289261
The Outline website and social media channels will continue to operate post-merger.
For questions or queries about the merger, please email: communications@catalystsupport.org.uk
The Care Quality Commission encourages people who are deaf or hard of hearing to share their experiences of care
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is partnering with Disability Rights UK to ask people who are deaf or hard of hearing to help services improve by sharing their experiences of care.
It is estimated that one in six people are deaf or hard of hearing. This represents approximately 11 million people today, and this number is expected to rise to 15.6 million by 2035.
The CQC has introduced systems that help people who are deaf or hard of hearing get in touch with them, such as British Sign Language and text relay. For further details about how to get help contacting the CQC for the deaf or hard of hearing, please visit the CQC website.
Additionally, the CQC has the following online feedback on care service forms:
The Surrey Strategic Transformation Fund
The Surrey Strategic Transformation Fund is a new fund opened by the Community Foundation for Surrey for the voluntary, community and faith sector to support with resilience, innovation and adapting/responding to change initiatives.
Grants of up to £15,000 will be awarded to help the sector. For more details, including
who can and how to apply, please visit the Community Foundation for Surrey.
Pharmacy Support with Urinary Tract Infections
Frimley Health and Care is actively encouraging local people to think differently about their community pharmacy (chemist) and is aiming to help them understand the diverse range of services they can access through this NHS service on their high-street. Local residents have fed back that they think of their community pharmacy as simply somewhere to get prescriptions and over the counter medications and that they didn’t understand pharmacies are part of the NHS family.
The particular service that is currently being highlighted in the ‘Think Pharmacy’ campaign, is aimed at women aged 16-64 years, who are not pregnant and/or breastfeeding and believe they are suffering from an uncomplicated urinary tract infection - also known as a UTI.
Local community pharmacies are now able to provide advice and support in managing this ailment, and where necessary, can supply medication - which is available to patients who are exempt and non-exempt from prescription charges. Those who do not fit the criteria should continue to seek assistance through their GP practice, but it is hoped these messages will also raise awareness of the symptoms.
Please visit Frimley Health and Care’s Communication resources for system partners for more information.
Updates from the Brigitte Trust
Brigitte Trust Home Visiting Service
home visiting service< across Surrey. This is for people with a life limiting illness such as cancer, organ failure or a neurological condition. They provide a weekly visit for up to three hours and offer emotional, practical and social support.
Email:referrals@brigittetrust.com Telephone: 07469 932192 online referral form
Brigitte Trust Bereavement Support Group
bereavement groups run by a professional facilitator for anyone in Surrey struggling with their own grief and bereavement. The sessions are limited to a maximum of 12 people and will be offered in different parts of Surrey according to need. To book a place:
Email referrals@brigittetrust.com
Horley Death café
Death cafe at Horley Library at 10am on 20 places can be booked via Eventbrite.
Coffin Club Surrey
Coffin Club is a place to come and learn about the different options available to help people plan their own end of life celebration.
The next Coffin Club starts on 3 October 2022. Places can be booked as follows:
Email:sarah.pattenden@brigittetrust.com Telephone: 07469 932192.
Bus travel to improve for residents in rural parts ofSurrey
An on-demand bus service is now available across North Mole Valley to help residents to get around by bus. This service is open to everyone in the area and could enable people of all ages to reach GP surgeries, attend hospital appointments, access further education and training or go shopping.
Known as Mole Valley connect, the two new electric mini-buses offer a door to door shared bus service for residents and people working in a designated travel area. Trips can also be booked to and from outside of the service area to the following locations:
- Effingham Junction station
- Dorking Main and Dorking Deepdene train station
- Epsom Hospital
- Dorking Hospital
- Sainsbury’s, Cobham
- Waitrose, Dorking
- Westcott bus stop on the A25
Buses run Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 6pm. Journeys can be booked with 30 minutes notice or up to 7 days in advance. Buses can be booked online on the connect website, via the Surrey connect mobile Appor by telephone: 0300 123 7751, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Creating Healthy Communities Grants now open
The Creating Healthy Communities Grants are now open for applications. These grants are designed to enable local voluntary and community sector organisations to provide health and wellbeing support for residents across East Surrey Place.
Organisations can apply for between £2,000 and £10,000 to fund work tackling any of the five East Surrey Place priorities:
- Urgent and emergency care – Projects that prevent or reduce the burden on urgent and emergency care
- Ageing well – Projects that enable elderly people to remain independent and engaged in activities
- Prevention and Communities – Projects that work with and in local communities to address issues that are impacting on health and wellbeing
- Long term conditions – Activities that help prevent or reduce the impact of long-term health conditions
Applications can be made to the Creating Healthy Communities Grants by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and discussing the project with the grants team.
For further information, the application process and requirements for the scheme, please visit the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council website. Alternatively, please email: creatinghealthycommunities@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Let’s Talk Tech; The iPad
Those who are blind or vision impaired and struggling to use their IT equipment are invited to join Sight for Surrey at one of their Let's Talk Tech webinars.
A full schedule of the Let's Talk Tech topics taking place this year, can be found on the Sight for Surrey website.
Positive news for the continuation of local mental health support services
Woking Mind and Catalyst have held active conversations, following the announcement of Woking Mind’s closure at the end of August 2022. Final details are to be confirmed but the intention is that from the beginning of August, Catalyst will take over all client services currently provided by Woking Mind, except for the counselling service.
For further details about the plans for the continuation of local mental health support services<, please visit the Catalyst website
Aldershot Safe Haven has moved
The Safe Haven in Aldershot has moved to new permanent premises at Walpole House, Pickford Street, GU11 1TZ.
The Aldershot Safe Haven opens from 6pm-11pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 12:30pm-11pm on weekends and bank holidays. People will also be able to receive help virtually.
Further information about the Aldershot Safe Haven move is available from Surrey and Borders Partnership.
Updates from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Help shape new strategy
The impact of COVID-19 on patients, advances in technology, as well as closer collaboration between local health organisations, all mean that there is a need to look again at the Trust’s ambitions and priorities. Therefore, over the course of this year, a new strategy will be developed for the organisation.
As part of the development of the strategy, there will be an opportunity to consider how to offer outstanding care – including to patients who currently face health inequalities; take advantage of new technology and innovation; and work better with partners like GPs and other hospitals.
Patients and the public are also invited to attend a one-hour workshop held in each of the Trust’s local boroughs during August 2022 to contribute to the development this new strategy
- Monday 1 August 2022 (6pm – 7pm): WPDC 3rd Floor, Building 1, Burntwood School, Burntwood Lane, London, SW17 0AQ (Wandsworth)
- Wednesday 3 August 2022 (6pm – 7pm): Sutton Holiday Inn, Gibson Road, London, SM1 2RF (Sutton)
- Tuesday 9 August 2022 (6pm – 7pm): Antoinette Hotel Wimbledon, The Broadway, London, SW19 1SD (Merton)
- Wednesday 10 August 2022 (6pm – 7pm): Premier Inn Epsom Central hotel, 2-4 Saint Margaret Drive Odd, Dorking Road, Epsom, KT18 7LB (Surrey Downs).
To register to attend an event, please email: esth.peoplespanel@nhs.net with your name, if you are a patient or member of the public, and which workshop you would like to attend.
Join the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust People’s Panel
The People’s Panel offers a unique opportunity to anyone over 14 within Merton, Sutton and Surrey Downs to have their say on local health services.
It’s an exciting time for the Trust as they plan to build a brand-new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton, and significantly improve Epsom and St Helier hospitals, where 85% of patients will still be seen and treated.
Those joining the People’s Panel will receive regular updates and information, be invited to events and meetings, and asked to take part in surveys and focus groups.
Members help the Trust improve:
- Service development and design
For more information and to join the People’s Panel, please visit the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust website.
Surrey Independent Living Council change of name
Following on from an independent external review conducted by the Mosaic Consultancy, the trustees agreed to change the name of Surrey Independent Living Council to Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC) to better reflect the charitable objectives of the organisation and to avoid confusion with Surrey County Council.
For more information on the SILC name change, please visit the SILC website.