News items from August 2012
NHS updating patient records across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Hundreds of patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are receiving letters from the NHS asking them to help ensure that GPs’ lists of patients are accurate.
Letters are being sent to households with seven or more occupants, and include a list of people who are believed to live there and who are registered as patients. The letter asks them to confirm that the information is correct, if not update it, and to reply using the freepost envelope provided. It must be sent back, even if the list is accurate. Two further attempts will be made to contact individuals. If no reply is received then steps will be taken to remove individuals from their GP’s patient list.
GPs will also be contacting patients over 80 who have had no contact with their GP practice for over 18 months.
The patient list check is part of preparations for the reforms of the NHS, which will take full effect from April next year. The reforms include clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) taking on many of the roles of the current primary care trusts (PCTs).
Lesley Harrison, associate director primary care contracting for the PCT Cluster, said: “Before we hand over many of our commissioning roles to the CCGs in April 2012 we need to get a clearer picture of the number of patients registered at each practice across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
“We are asking people to check the information carefully and delete any names that are no longer living at the address. They then need to sign the letter and return both the letter and the list so we can ensure our records are updated accordingly.
“Patients are reminded that if they do not return the letter and list, they may in due course be removed from the GP’s patient list. However, we will notify patients before this happens. In order to continue to receive GP services the patient would need to re-register with a GP practice of their choice in their local area.”
The letter is available in other languages and an easy read format for people with visual impairments and can be requested from Penny Harris at the PCT cluster engagement team on 0116 295 7571 or email [email protected].
Launch event for Older Person’s Month
Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland and Communities in Partnership are holding an event on Monday 3rd September from 10am to 3pm to launch Older Person's Month.
The event will take place at Age UK, Clarence House, Humberstone Gate, Leicester and will include free activities like seated exercise, cricket, health checks and alternative therapy taster sessions.
Older Person's Month is held every September and features a whole range of events aimed at older people. These take place across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and include older person's meetings, leisure, sporting and health promotion activity days. Older people will also have the chance to talk about their experience of using public services and any changes they believe would benefit the community.
Visit the Communities in Partnership website to find out more or call 0116 299 2233.
Short breaks for disabled children & young people - have your say
Leicestershire County Council is keen to hear your thoughts on short breaks for disabled children and young people - so they can improve the way they're provided.
Short breaks can come in many forms and take place in the family home, community or with an independent provider.
Parents and carers are welcome to have their say, as are children and young people and relevant organisations/professionals.
You can complete the survey and find out more on the Council's website. The consultation closes on the 10th September so make sure your voice is heard!
Live in East Leicestershire? Your chance to help improve healthcare in the area
East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning group is keen to hear from patients with complex, chronic and long-term health conditions - and their carers - so they can improve the services you currently receive.
They're keen to know what you think of the support and information you've received in relation to your healthcare.
You can complete the survey online or request a paper copy by calling Penny Harris on 0116 295 7571.
The survey closes on 23rd September and is open to patients and carers living in the East Leicestershire and Rutland area including Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, Blaby, Lutterworth, Oadby, Wigston and Rutland. Your answers will be treated in confidence and you won't have to give your name or address.
Melton Senior’s Day - Friday 31st August
Melton Borough Council and Melton Seniors Forum are holding a Senior's Day on Friday 31st August from 10am to 2pm at the Council's offices on Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH.
Carers and cared for are welcome to go along to find out about new activities, services and what's going on in the area, whilst picking up useful information from charities like Age UK and the Alzheimer's Society. You'll also be able to talk to local projects and organisations such as Energy Action for Melton, Voluntary Action Melton and Leicestershire County Council and find out about services for older people from companies like Severn Trent. There'll be a buffet lunch available too, for £3.50.
To find out more call 01664 502 502 or keep your eye on Melton Borough Council's website.
Please note: if you'd like to go along, you need to book a place by calling the number above.
Free course for parents/carers of children with special needs/disabilities
The Parent & Carer Council is running a course in October called 'Learning Disabilities: Managing Challenging Behaviours' - funded by the Big Lottery - for parents and carers of children with special needs/disabilities living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
You can attend the course on Thursday 4th October or Tuesday 9th October from 9.30am to 3.30pm at Mosaic, 2 Oak Spinney Park, Ratby Lane, Leicester Forest East, LE3 3AW.
The course is free and will include hot and cold drinks and snacks but please bring your own lunch.
To find out more please call Jenny on 07786 626 426 or email [email protected]
The Council supports parents and carers who have children with special needs/disabilities throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
What local activities would you like for disabled children & young people?
Do you care for a child or young person with a disability and live in the Harborough District?
Harborough District Council is keen to find out what sort of leisure activities children and young people with disabilities enjoy now, or what they would enjoy doing activity-wise if it was available.
Children, young people and carers can have their say via the Council's online survey.
