Update from David Kenworthy, Chair of FOSMH
Almost every day there is an article in the newspaper or an item on the television about the stresses on our health service. Each commentator has their ideas about what causes overload in the system and the consequential problems, long waiting lists, lack of primary care or shortage of hospital beds. Whatever direction the debates take, one thing is for certain, if we don’t reduce demand on the health service, nothing will improve.
Improving health and wellbeing through grants
FOSMH is committed to helping people improve their health and wellbeing through grants, by working with healthcare professionals or ensuring that our hospital has the best facilities to serve Easingwold and the surrounding villages. We are fortunate that healthcare services in our area are good. GP surgeries run well, there are plenty of healthcare providers in the public and private sector, large hospitals are never far away and, above all, St Monica’s is the jewel in the crown for recuperation, respite care and end of life care within the community.
Investing in the hospital on a larger scale
For some time trustees have been concerned that St Monica’s was under threat for various reasons. We have reason to believe that the hospital is safe for the foreseeable future which means that FOSMH can, once again, invest in the hospital on a larger scale. There is much that can be done to the building to improve the comfort of patients, staff and visitors and make it fit for modern use. This will be the focus for trustees this year.
Ensuring that we retain St Monica’s means that the whole community must support the hospital. The population of Easingwold and the villages has grown recently. Do newcomers know about St Monica’s and how it is linked to other health services? FOSMH is not asking for money, although, if investment in the hospital has a large impact on funds, that may change.
Spread the word
All that’s needed now is to spread the word. Share this newsletter with friends or come to the Galtres Centre on 12th June at 7pm and learn more about the healthcare services in our area. Dr Will Robertson, Clinical Director of South Hambleton and Ryedale Primary Care Network, will be giving a presentation. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the ‘health system’. This will be followed by a very short AGM for FOSMH.
New podcast
FOSMH in the person of Chair David Kenworthy have entered the world of podcasts.
York Hospital Radio recently launched a new series of podcast, YHR Meets, and the latest edition features interviewer Steve Eccles talking to David about FOSMH and the hospital itself, as well as his roles as former North Yorkshire Chief Constable and as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county.
Listen to the episode for free:
Pioneering clinic grows successfully
The pioneering project Health and Wellbeing Clinic (previously called the Geriatric Care Assessment) that is funded by FOSMH is having a very positive effect on care of the elderly locally. With just over a year since it was launched more than 70 patients have been seen, with clear evidence of its benefits to them, their friends and families, and to the NHS.
Aims
Led by Millfield Surgery’s Dr John Morris, it is aimed at:
- Reducing hospital and nursing home admissions
- Lessening the number of falls
- Improving physical and cognitive abilities
- Increasing the likelihood of staying at home
“There is good evidence that these types of clinic work, and the Royal College of Geriatric Medicine says they are the gold standard way of managing frailty.”
Saving the NHS thousands
The local project has resulted in 66 reviews of medications – with 47 medications deprescribed, saving the NHS thousands of pounds. Additionally, an average of two GP appointments per patient have no longer been necessary, and it is likely that there will have been a reduction of more than 10% in the number of hospital attendances and admissions.
Open to patients referred from Tollerton, Stillington, and Millfield surgeries, the programme provides an initial review by a GP and support from both physio and occupational therapists, as well providing a review of benefits available, and referrals to social care and support groups.
Improving mobility and strength
Patients are helped with their mobility and strength, and given exercises to improve balance and reduce falls, and their homes can be assessed and appropriate helpful equipment provided. Patients participate fully in discussions about their care, medicines, and general health issues, and high levels of satisfaction are being recorded. Examples of patient feedback:
- “Fantastic joined up and very active intervention.”
- “This service is fantastic, because I feel I was listened to.”
Made possible due to the help of FOSMH
Dr Morris spoke of the project’s cost:
“Bringing this professional expertise together needs finances that aren’t available in the local NHS budget. Quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to provide this clinic and its innovative and impactful services without FOSMH.”
Why health and wellbeing matters
The link between health and wellbeing is widely understood. Whether it’s by the World Health Organisation (WHO), our own NHS, or medical and mental health professionals globally, the two are recognised as boosting and supporting one another. Without good health then quality
of life, both physical and mental, is readily impaired. Without a personal sense of wellbeing, then vulnerability to poor health increases.
Health is not just an absence of illness
Health itself doesn’t just mean an absence of illness, disease, or infirmity. Indeed, the WHO says it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing. That is why FOSMH will support and respond to requests that identify and demonstrate how people in the Easingwold area can achieve good or better health and that sense of wellbeing.
This interdependence implies that to enhance one’s overall life satisfaction, a combined approach is essential. Addressing physical ailments without considering mental health, or vice versa, isn’t enough for comprehensive wellbeing. We want to provide a balance of physical and mental benefits for local people.
In this way we can help provide resources to different groups of people in our community, whatever their characteristics or location. Consequently, our grants have helped those affected by specific conditions, or who feel isolated socially, or who want to develop a more active lifestyle no matter what level. We especially like to encourage activities that bring in those who typically don’t or can’t take part in such activities.
We believe that good health is a key component of life satisfaction. That’s why we will continue to support organisations and initiatives that contribute to both good physical and mental health.
Inside St Monica’s
Jade Barnes is the Sister responsible for the running of St Monica’s Hospital and she and her team provide the high quality care that is so appreciated by patients and their friends and families. In the year up to March that meant looking after 238 patients, underlining the important role that the hospital plays in the area.
“The support that the Friends give is incredibly important to us. We know that if there is something we want that the NHS can’t fund, then we can turn to the Friends.
Recently the Friends have bought new tv’s for patients, are about to purchase new bedside tables and chairs for visitors, and they continue to pay for a hairdresser to come in and let our patients feel better.
There’s renovation projects too that are supported. As an example a new Wet Room with shower will replace an old bath.
“We must give special thanks to the volunteers who attend regularly, who are superbly co-ordinated by The Friends. For instance, anyone who enters the building is greeted by flower arrangements they provide, just something that makes the whole environment brighter and more welcoming.”
Grant success
The “Men’s Shed” at Easingwold Town Football Club
Recent months have seen continuing support for local groups through our grant making programme. Responding to requests for a varied range of activities and resources enables FOSMH to help “get things off the ground” that probably wouldn’t otherwise happen. The result is more opportunities for people of all ages and circumstances to maintain or improve their health.
Investment for a new all-weather cricket facility
On the sporting side then we believe that improving access for, in particular, young people is very important. We’ve supported initiatives across the Easingwold area and recently backed investment in a new all-weather cricket net facility at Sheriff Hutton Bridge Cricket Club so that practice and coaching can be increased.
Boosting social interaction
Social interaction is a vital aspect of good mental health and we have grant-aided the Men’s Shed Project, based at Easingwold Football Club. With a regular 20 attendees, this is an initiative that allows men to meet up, enjoy each others company and, if they wish, make or repair things.
Mental health support group
Many people struggle with meeting others and lack confidence, as a result of, or leading to, mental health challenges. The grant we have given to Kurt’s Club helps pay for room rental and other costs and allows this support group to meet at the Galtres Centre and provide responses to these challenges.
Breadlands Allotments security funding
It’s been recognised that gardening and being outdoors are factors in both good physical and mental health. We were happy to fund security lighting and cameras for Breadlands Allotments after they had been targeted by vandals and thieves.
A new musical session for babies and toddlers
At the young end of the age spectrum then Easingwold Poppets have been able to launch a new musical session with a grant from FOSMH. As well as helping develop social and musical enjoyment for babies and toddlers, it’s a chance for parents and carers to meet up with their very young children.
Interested in applying for a grant?
For more information please see our Grants page.
Download this newsletter
A printed version of this newsletter was produced in partnership with Easingwold District Community Care Association you may download a PDF copy of the full newsletter using the link below.
FOSMH and EDCCA Joint Newsletter (PDF 341 KB)
Are you looking for a specific post? Try one of these categories:
AGM, Archive, FoSMH Committee, FoSMH News, Grants, Reports & Accounts, Testimonials