News
We Need Your Voice!
NHS staff are all working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists down and consistently deliver the best care.
We all know change is needed. But we also know that many of the solutions we need are already here, working somewhere in the NHS today.
Staff working in healthcare across mid and south Essex are our greatest asset, so we know it is not just recovery we need to worry about — it is resilience too. Productivity does not mean asking staff to do more but giving them the tools they need — whether it’s modern buildings, flexible working or better-connected tech — to work more efficiently, and therefore provide better, faster, safe care for patients.
That’s why we are playing our part in the launch of the consultation for the 10-Year Health Plan alongside the government, and we want to hear from you about your NHS story.
Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences, and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes: a new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future. Together we can fix it. We need your voice.
Go to change.nhs.uk to find out how you can take part.
Falls Prevention Week
Falling as we get older is quite common. 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people aged 80+ will have at least one fall a year and although
most falls don't cause serious injury, they can really dent our confidence, causing distress or embarrassment. Worse still, they can
threaten our independence.
The good news is there’s lots of things we can do to reduce the risk of falling and stay steady on our feet – and all these tips are
available in one handy guide.
‘Fall Proof’ is a 12-page booklet with a checklist of actions to take to reduce the risk of falling, including sections on trip hazards,
hydration, balance, blood pressure, eyesight and exercise.
The guide is available online at: Improving your strength and balance and preventing falls - Mid and South Essex ICS
You can also visit Active Essex - Able like Mabel to access information on how to reduce your risk of falling by doing simple
movements and exercises at home, to keep yourself strong and steady.
Be prepared for winter – NHS advice to help you and your loved ones stay healthy
From boosting your immunity to swapping slippers, now is the time to take action to stay well this winter. As the colder months approach, it’s essential to take steps to protect your health and that of your loved ones. The NHS in mid and south Essex is encouraging everyone to ‘Be Prepared for Winter’ by following key health advice early in the season to help prevent illness.
Key actions to take
Get vaccinated: Ensure you and your family are up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations if eligible. These vaccines are especially important for older adults, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.
Practice self-care: Keep your medicine cupboard well-stocked with essentials and know how to manage minor illnesses at home. For minor health concerns, your local pharmacy should be your first point of call. Pharmacists are trained professionals who can offer advice and treatment without the need for an appointment. Using your local pharmacy can help you get care quickly. They may also be able to offer treatment and prescription medication for some conditions without you needing to see a GP, a service known as Pharmacy First.
Using community referral tools like Essex Frontline can connect you with vital support services in your local community. Whether you need help staying warm, managing energy bills, or accessing food and healthcare, Essex Frontline is ready to guide you.
Look after your mental health and boost your immunity: Winter can be challenging for mental wellbeing, so take steps to stay connected, active, and mindful.
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are crucial for maintaining a strong immune system. Even in colder weather, try to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and exercise into your daily routine. Drinking enough water is also essential, even in winter. It helps your body function optimally and prevents dehydration, which can weaken your immune system.
Prevent falls: Take precautions to prevent falls, especially if you're older or caring for someone who is older. For more information, resources, and guidance on winter fall prevention, visit the Preventing falls and staying well guide, developed in partnership with Active Essex.
Subscribe now to uncover the secrets to winter health
Winter can be a challenging time for health, but with the right information, you can stay safe and well. The NHS winter email series offers regular tips, advice, and updates on how to manage your health and wellbeing during the colder months.
Don’t miss out – subscribe today and have expert advice delivered straight to your inbox. https://pages.comms.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/pages/p47-jbh74hh1
RSV Vaccinations
With You In Mind
These sessions are designed for support and activities for mental health, based at our Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. We offer inclusive activity sessions for adults who want to improve their confidence, wellbeing and mental health. Our team of Activity Coordinators and Mental Health First Aiders will support you at each session. We will provide an area to speak openly to our support team who can help with signposting you to services.
Sessions are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2-4pm and the first session is FREE!
We are pleased to announce our autumn/winter one-off events timetable at out With you in Mind sessions:
- Trampoline – Thursday 12th September from 2.30-3.30pm
- Table Tennis – Wednesday 9th October from 2.30-3.30pm
- Card Making – Thursday 21st November from 2.30-3.30pm
Therapy dogs - All sessions are from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
- Friday 18 October
- Friday 15 November
- Friday 13 December
For more information about the sessions please go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/withyouinmind or call 01245 606569.
Registering With Baddow Village Surgery Online
You can now register with the surgery online through the NHS Register with a GP Surgery service.
The Patient Participation Group Needs You!
The Patient Participation Group (PPG) at Baddow Village Surgery is looking for new members. The PPG are a group of patients who represent the views and needs of our patients. They provide valuable insight into supporting the work of the surgery such as changes to the telephone system and how NHS directives are implemented across the surgery.
The time commitment is minimal, with meetings being held quarterly between 6:15pm and 7:15pm
For further information, and to join please contact Tamzin at baddow.surgery@nhs.net
Managing Your Child's Anxiety - Free Webinar
The Children and Young People's Primary Care Network (CYP PCN) is offering a webinar aimed at supporting parents to support their child to gain better understanding of their children's anxiety/worries.
They are held every 3rd Wednesday of the month via MS Teams at 1:30pm
Future Dates: 17th July, 21st August, 18th September, 16th October 20th November.
To secure your spot kindly email: PCNCYP_ADMIN@Nelft.nhs.uk with 'Webinar' as the subject line and your preferred attendance date.
Armed Forces and Reserves Day's - 26th and 29th June - Do we know you served?
We’re proud to support #ArmedForcesDay, when the nation unites to honour the selfless service of the entire Armed Forces community.
RESERVES DAY - 26TH JUNE
ARMED FORCES DAY - 29TH JUNE
We support all members of our community who have served, regardless of which service or for how long. We strongly encourage you to come forward and tell us about your service history so we can best support you.
Further information about the help and support available to you can be found on our Veterans Support pages.
Chelmsford City Health PCN
You don't always need to speak to a doctor. We are part of Chelmsford City Health PCN and can book you appointments with a range of healthcare professionals, the benefits of which include being seen quicker and also having support tailored to your needs.
For more information please follow this link
https://baddowvillagesurgery.co.uk/chelmsford-city-health-pcn-limited
For advice and guidance on how our Health and Wellbeing team can support you, as well as for self care and self referral pathways please follow this link
https://baddowvillagesurgery.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing-team
Dementia Intensive Support Service
Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS) provides joined-up mental health and physical health support for people living with dementia or suspected dementia in mid Essex
The service offers:
Rapid support for people who are in crisis
Intensive support and treatment at place of residence
Signposting to further advice and support You do not need to speak with health or social care professional to be referred as self-referrals are accepted.
CALL: 01245 515 313 for advice, support and referral. The helpline is open 7 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm, weekends and bank holidays 9am – 5pm.
111 option 2 outside these hours if you are concerned about mental health needs.
National Cancer Patient Experience Survey
At the NHS, we want our patients to have the best experience possible and having continuous patient feedback is crucial in helping us deliver what patients want and need.
The national Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) asks for feedback from cancer patients (16 years and over*), to inform and improve local cancer services across England. Those who were treated for cancer as an inpatient or day-case, and left hospital in April, May or June 2023, will be invited to take part in the survey.
The survey takes no more than 20 minutes to complete and can be done online, on paper, or over the phone. If you need support completing the survey or need it made available in another language, you can call the free helpline number: 0800 103 2804.
The NHS and cancer charities use the results to understand what is working well and which areas need improvement. The results enable them to identify national and local priorities and work with patients and partners to deliver change.
The survey is anonymous, and all personal data will be kept safe.
The results of the survey will be available in Summer 2024.
For more information on the survey and how to access help and support in completing it, please visit www.ncpes.co.uk.
*For those aged 16 and under, feedback is collected via the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk.