Caring 4 Sussex Magazine - Issue 24

www.caring4sussex.co.uk

No. 24 January – March 2014

Tell me something Scilly

We talk to Esther about her new project

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Office address: Seascapes, 8 Southey Road, Worthing, BN11 3HT abbeyfieldworthing@btconnect.com www.abbeyfield-worthing.co.uk

Abbeyfield.Worthing

4 Issue No 2

Contents 4 Caring 4 you

5 Caring 4 travel 6 Caring 4 home

8 Caring 4 history

January - March 2014

Esther Rantzen tells us about Silverline Visit the Isles of Scilly Small changes can make life easier Looking at the role of women in WW1

From the Editor How many of you dream of spending your retiring years in a sunny climate, sipping Margueritas by a sparkling blue pool, memories of past holidays suggesting this lifestyle would satisfy for the rest of your days?

I once lived in Miami and the novelty of those hot, humid days, each one the same, eventually wore off.

It seemed so odd putting my jacket ON to go inside a restaurant, zapping me with its over-zealous air conditioning – then taking it OFF to go outside.

I missed the changing of the seasons, proper lush green lawns, and regional BBC news stories which meant something to me

personally, the presenters gentle and not over-coiffed.

I’ve heard about people having a ‘bucket list’ – things still to do or places yet to visit ‘before it’s too late’.

Mine had four places on it – Prague, New York, the Hebrides and the Isles of Scilly.

I recently crossed off Prague – it was minus 22 degrees C, so at least the outdoor clothing was donned the right way round.

Our lead feature in this edition has inspired me to tackle the Scillies next. Those of you who get there before me let me know what it’s like just in case I kick the said bucket before getting there!

Pinstripe Publishing Ltd. Publisher: Denise Tayler

Design: Verité 01903 241975 Print: Newman Thomson 01444 480 700

Special Reader Offer Fred Aldous Ltd stock over 2500 craft items, and they’re offering Caring 4 Sussex Readers an exclusive 15% off one order up to 31st January 2014. Simply quote C4CRAFT15 when you order.

This very friendly family firm has a great website www.fredaldous.co.uk where you can win £100, but if you wish to contact them you can call 0161 233 7786 or write to Fred Aldous Ltd, 37 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1LW.

www.caring4sussex.co.uk

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Editor: Denise Tayler edit@caring4sussex.co.uk ads@caring4sussex.co.uk Phone: 01903 244700 Features Editor: Wendy Greene

10 Caring 4 books 11 Caring 4 brainpower

13 Caring 4 accessibility

14 Caring 4 work

18 Caring 4 health

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This season’s selection Puzzles and competition results We talk to Ann Bates OBE Looking at work after retirement Dr Sarah’s view on Internet advice

Our cover picture Jenni and Kim Leslie exploring rocky Peninnis Head on the Isles of Scilly with Woods Travel of Bognor.

‘The journey to these stunning islands scattered some thirty miles off the Cornish coast can be long and tedious, but with Woods’ door-todoor service the trip couldn’t have been made easier – a taxi from our own front door to the luxurious coach to our chartered plane waiting at Lands End for the short hop to St Mary’s and another taxi to our harbourside hotel. All the connections ran like clockwork and we didn’t have to worry about a thing. It couldn’t have been better organised,’ they said.

‘With its rare sea birds, exotic plants and flowers, the Scillies are really something special. Personally led by Tina Shaw-Morton, one of Woods’ directors, boat trips and walking tours made sure we didn’t miss a thing. We even ventured to England’s most south-westerly farm to enjoy ice cream made from its five dairy cows overlooking the Bishop Rock lighthouse. It is a haunting landscape amidst a graveyard of shipwrecks and legends galore. We can’t wait to go again.’

© Copyright Pinstripe Publishing Ltd. No reproduction in whole or part without written permission. The Publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of information herein or obtained from the Publisher’s website and therefore cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, distress or inconvenience caused by the content of any such website. The publisher accepts no liability for views expressed by contributors and advertisers, undertakes that prices were correct at time of going to press and can neither accept responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited material nor return it without an SAE. No product or service advertised and/or publicised and/or appearing in Caring 4 Sussex magazine is, unless expressly stated to the contrary, endorsed by and/or otherwise associated with Caring 4 Sussex.

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Caring 4 you

Are you lonesome tonight?

Wendy Greene talks to Esther Rantzen about combating loneliness through Silver Line We first heard about Silver Line at the end of 2012, and knew this was something we needed to bring to the attention of our readers.

Esther Rantzen was delighted to hear about Caring 4 Sussex and the topics we cover, but Silver Line was not quite ready to launch its service. Now the launch has taken place we are pleased to bring you the details and Esther’s personal message to you all.

Esther was alerted to the problem of loneliness when she received a letter from 71 year old Ellen, an intelligent woman unable to go out alone, but not wanting to be a burden to her daughter. Believing “it’s the nation’s responsibility to make older people feel valued, to include them, empower them, and connect them back to their communities”, Esther set about seeking a solution, just as she had done with ChildLine.

Loneliness can damage your health, physically and mentally, so it was encouraging that so many charities and statutory organisations came on board with help and advice. The Silver Line team can now take calls from anyone craving a friendly voice, whether you need to talk about a problem or just have a casual chat. Your Silver Line Friend can even give you a regular call if you wish.

“It’s difficult to ask for help because you are feeling lonely. But we hope that ringing The Silver Line will be a happy, enjoyable experience. It’s free, confidential, and open day and night, every day of the year. So why not give it a try?”

Adult Learning

See our website or call for a brochure www.northbrook.ac.uk/adults 0845 155 60 60

Car ing 4 travel

A holiday treat on The Isles of Scilly Something different but close to home For those who are looking for a holiday that bridges the gap between home and abroad, The Isles of Scilly could prove the perfect solution. The islands, less than 30 miles west of Cornwall, can be accessed by air or sea, with planes going from Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter and a ferry from Land’s End. You can design your own trip or book an all inclusive coach holiday (see page 3 and our back cover).

Each island is different and the sights will relax and inspire you. There are beachfront cafés, scenic coastal walks, a vibrant arts and crafts scene and one of the greatest gardens of Europe – Tresco Abbey Garden – boasting 20,000 exotic species. There’s even a vineyard – St Martin’s – where you can sample and buy red, white or rosé wines.

The Garrison Walls – built to strengthen the defences of Scilly after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 – were re-built and extended to enclose a large headland in the 18th century, re-armed in WWI and used as an important signal station during WWII. In March, for the more active, there is a walking festival, WalkScilly and the World Pilot Gig Championship

Picture © Rob Lea

in May, among other activities throughout the year. If you’re looking for something more gentle, there are plenty of plants and wildlife to seek out, or just relax and enjoy the rugged shoreline. The St Martin’s Boating Services offer inter-island trips to view the uninhabited islands and the seal and seabird colonies.

Once there you can seek out the Isles of Scilly Museum, but for information before your holiday starts visit www.simplyscilly.co.uk From the Strand of flowers and Hugh Town Harbour courtesy Jamie Large

Picture © Alistair R MacNichol

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Caring 4 ho me

Wherever I hang my hat Making changes – it’s often the little things that make life easier There comes a time when everything seems just out of reach. Things you did easily and without a second thought suddenly become risky. The younger members of the family start saying, “You really shouldn’t do that”, or “You only had to ask”. But sometimes there’s no-one around and you just need to get on and do it.

This is the time to think about a few home alterations, such as grab rails to help you out of the bath or to keep your balance under the shower, or a different type of power socket – one that isn’t under a piece of furniture. Sometimes all it

takes is a stroll around a good hardware store to discover new things designed to make life safer and easier.

You may go further and put in a walk-in shower or bath hoist, a stair lift or ramp. These items are not cheap, so you need to be realistic and ask yourself if you actually need to consider moving somewhere more accessible or with staff on hand. If you’re sure your home only needs the odd adjustment, do go to trades people who are recommended by friends or local wholesalers, who deal with them regularly. One trade can often recommend another they know to be reliable.

Do get your tradesmen to

Photo © Howard J Payton

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talk to each other so that you don’t book a decorator when the air is full of sawdust, or when the plumber or electrician wants to take up the floor.

Get an itemised estimate and be prepared to pay for materials

once they are on site as their suppliers need to be paid.

Treat them well and they will be worth their weight in gold. And remember, they work better with a regular cuppa.

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Home is where the heart is Caremark, supporting your independence at home In today’s world, the option for staying at home rather than having to face moving into residential care, whether you are young or a little older, is

creating an increasing need for high quality care and support at home. Yet there may come a point in life when every day activities become too challenging; parents caring for a child or young person with disabilities may reach a point of exhaustion simply coping with the daily demands which need to be met.

Not everyone has family or close friends around them who are available to help out on a regular basis or at a moment’s notice. However, staying at home, surrounded by familiar things and having family close by is what most people want.

Being in control of one’s own life and maintaining independence is important to all of us, no less those who live with disabilities of any kind or for older members of society.

At Caremark, we understand that providing professional, friendly care workers to support an individual’s needs can be the difference between having a life and enjoying life. With flexible services, tailor made to suit the individual and

their budget, independence is supported and encouraged within a framework of safety.

Quality care and support at home is where it all begins and it begins with Caremark (Pulborough).

Contact our friendly team for some more information: T: 01798 873 550 F: 01798 873 121 E: pulborough@caremark.co.uk www.caremark.co.uk

The comfort of home with professional care and support for children, young people and adults Here are some of the ways we can support you: • Support with daily routines: dog walking personal hygiene, light housework • Shopping and meal preparation • Companionship

• • • •

Respite services Overnight support and live-in care Socialising and leisure activities Attending appointments and much more…

Helping you to enjoy life and independence Together we can make a difference

T: 01798 873 550

E: pulborough@caremark.co.uk

www.caremark.co.uk

Caremark (Pulborough), Unit 4, The Colonnades, 17 London Road, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AS

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Caring 4 his tory

What did you do in the Great War, Grandma?

With only a few of the current population born before 1918, World War I is passing from living memory into history.

The next generation was not always aware of its parents’ involvement or suffering – it was too painful and ‘best forgotten’. Only later were questions asked and sometimes answered, possibly sanitised.

Unlike World War II’s home front and frequent air raids, the Zeppelin attacks were aimed more specifically – damaging mostly London and the East coast, except where they missed the target. There were many casualties, but these facts and figures were over-shadowed by trench warfare.

We hear less of the role of women, yet they played a huge part – if only to maintain some normality at home and protect

offspring from the truth.

But many others took over the jobs left vacant by the vast numbers of men, conscripts and volunteers, who went to war.

In the munitions factories, women were exposed to chemicals that turned their skin yellow and their hair red. Many waved goodbye to husbands, sons and brothers who never returned to see the babies born in the months after they left.

If there can be a positive side to war, it is that at last women were respected, consulted, trusted and, frankly, indispensible in the workplace.

The suffragettes could not have done a better job.

At the end of the last millennium, many of these brave women were frail old ladies in care homes. They had a tale to tell – how sad we rarely

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asked to hear it.

So we salute the brave, strong, hard-working women of World War I who felt a sense of duty – with no modern machines or central heating

to ease their lives. They could teach us all a lesson.

Our book page selection highlights the daily lives of those who played their part, and shows how they coped.

Mr Holt’s Dairy Farm in Steyning

Photo © Steyning Museum http://steyningmuseum.org.uk/ and West Sussex past Pictures http://www.westsussexpast.org.uk/

y ector r i Caring 4 D

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10 Caring 4 boo ks

Fighting on the Home Front

The Wipers Times

By Kate Adie In hardback and eBook £20.00 Published by Hodder & Stoughton Kate Adie, OBE, best known for her front line reporting around the world, brings us a surprising account of the role of women in World War I – surprising, because so few women talked about their indispensible work and even fewer remained in work once the men returned. Some of her research started with her own family but extends through all classes to the Royal Family itself. Resistance to women in the workplace inevitably came from men, some of whom felt women incapable, through smaller brains and weaker muscles, others wanted to protect the weaker sex from harm. Work

Published by Conway A division of Anova Books Ltd ISBN 9781844862337 Hardback price £9.99

ranged from the munitions factories and shipyards to hospital surgeries and the church. Women even played football to packed stadiums.

Once you’ve read this book you’ll wish your Granny had told you about her experiences – as well as knitting and baking.

Subtitled The Famous First World War Trench Newspaper, and brought to our attention by the recent BBC drama, Wipers Times contains facsimiles of the newspapers from 1916-1918. The name Wipers was a derivation of Ypres – where the paper was first printed on an “acquired” press – and subsequent versions bore the names of other fields of battle as the soldiers moved around.

It helped to raise morale with in-jokes, coded satire and black humour. Names such as Herlock Sholmes, Teech Bomas and Belary Helloc were used

and spoof advertisements filled every spare space, bringing a little light relief in desperate times. The editorial team, Captain F.J. ‘Fred’ Roberts and Lieutenant J.H. ‘Jack’ Pearson published 23 issues giving a unique insight into life in the trenches.

The Dragonstone

By Lynn McInroy Published by Ghostly Publishing Paperback price £7.99

Books bought and sold. Greetings cards.

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Here’s the perfect book to give to boys or girls (and quite a few grown-ups) who love tales of fantasy. The author, Lynn McInroy describes herself as an engineer who believes in magic. The Dragonstone tells of a nation about to be destroyed unless the newly appointed, inexperienced Hereditary Wizard can find and bring home the Dragonstone.

Lynn is a member of the Sea Scribes group of Sussex writers,

alongside Elaine Hankin and Wendy Hughes, whose books we have reviewed in previous issues.

Wendy Greene’s book of poems, You Can’t Wrap Your Fish In The Internet is now available by mail order from Kim’s Bookshop price £8 plus £1.50 post and packing.

ower p Car n ing 4 brai

We’re here to help, say the Library Service Information Team We all know there’s plenty of information on the Internet, but nothing beats the personal touch provided by the friendly Library Information Team. Their heads are full of facts and figures, and what they don’t know they can – in most cases – find out quickly and thoroughly. As a last resort they can put you in contact with someone else who may be able to help.

Local information and family history research are particular favourites, but they can also help with local services, support groups and bylaws.

Says Sue McMahon, “We are also available to give talks to groups either about our work or on specific topics such as family history research.”

If you need their help or would like to arrange a talk to your group, or perhaps even a visit to one of the larger libraries please contact Sue McMahon sue.mcmahon@westsussex.gov. uk on 01903 704824, or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure/ libraries/askalibrarian.aspx

Winners, winners, winners Last time we had a bumper competition issue.

Thank you to all who entered.

The winners were – Christmas show tickets at Worthing Theatres – Teresa Smytherman, Elizabeth Allen, Paul Burrell and Rose Shillingford Cinderella at The Hawth – Annette Radford and Steve Comley Mary Berry Biography – Rita Fellows Elaine Hankin’s Spanish Twin – John Gooderham Sussex on Film DVD kindly donated by West Sussex Library Service – Philip Lord A Year in the Life of Worthing 2012 DVD – Ian Jolley The Worthing DVD is part of an ongoing project to record a snapshot of each year, looking at events and people around the town. There will be a 2013 DVD available by this summer, but meanwhile you can buy a copy which includes the 2012 Birdman, Olympic Torch Relay, Jubilee celebrations and much more. You may even see yourself in the crowd. (www.2dogimaging.com) Available from Visit Worthing, or Worthing Library or Museum.

WORDLINES Complete the grid. Each row, line and 3x3 square must contain each of the letters in WORDLINES. Solution on page 13.

For local photographs from the archive, visit www. westsussexpast.org/pictures

ISLES AND ISLANDS WORDSEARCH Find these words horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards!

Mull Sheppey Bute Purbeck Jura Canvey Coll Fair Isle Orkney Anglesey

Foulness Eriskay Hebrides Arran Rhum Scarba Barra Barry Harris Portsea

Tiree Lundy Stronsay Herm Iona Skomer Staffa Sark Lewis Linga Holm

Eigg Islay Skye North Ronaldsay Unst May Wight Hayling Yell

Scilly Burgh Guernsey Fetlar Stroma Man (4 times)

Call for brochure or visit us at anytime: 01903 871326 claphamlodge@tiscali.co.uk www.claphamlodge.co.uk

Clapham Lodge is a care home for the elderly, surrounded by a large garden and far reaching views across of countryside and the sea from almost all rooms and flats.

We provide a high quality of care with a homely environment ensuring wellbeing and comfort at all times. Short or long stay welcome.

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Your home could be sold to fund care home fees “We have worked hard all our lives to leave something for our children and grandchildren. Why should the Local Authority get it all?”

It pays to plan in advance, says Glenys Laws at CLS If you have to go into care and you have assets that total more than £23,250 (including the value of your home), you will have to fund your care in full.

A care home could cost to £600£1,000 a week or more. The reality is that your children could end up with very little. Although care might seem only a distant possibility right now, there are important steps you should take now to protect your home.

Married Couples If you and your husband/wife currently have ‘Mirror Wills’ or ‘Joint Wills’ you risk leaving

your share of your home to your husband/wife for it simply to be swallowed up in care home fees. A legal trust arrangement within your Will could save your family tens of thousands of pounds and ensure your hard earned wealth passes to those you choose.

Widowed/Single The options available to you to protect your home are fewer and it is vital you act now.

“I’m protected, I’ve signed my house over to my children” Have you considered what will happen if your child/

children experience marital difficulties and your home forms part of a divorce settlement?

What will happen if your child/ children experience financial difficulties and enter bankruptcy?

Did you know that Capital Gains Tax is payable on second homes, meaning a potentially huge tax bill when your home is eventually sold by your children?

It’s not too late to put it right – just contact us for advice.

The good news is that by arranging your legal affairs

in advance, you can plan and protect your home and savings to ensure that you pass as much as possible to your loved ones.

For a free informal consultation at home, or for more information, call Glenys Laws on 01903 200982 or 07931 512448

bility i s Car s ing 4 acce

Have wheelchair will travel Meet a woman who has helped to make it possible

When Ann Bates OBE hears her name in the same sentence as the word “disability”, it is unlikely to be because her health problems necessitate her using a wheelchair. Instead it is almost certain to relate to the tireless work she does to enable others in a similar situation to access transport and other facilities.

Born and brought up in Sussex, Ann became ill in

her early 30s and adjusted her working life accordingly, retiring from teaching in 1999.

Ann’s philosophy is that you are only as disabled as society makes you. She explains there are different categories of disability, the hardest being the invisible disabled – people who look well enough, but have conditions that make life and work extremely difficult to manage.

Ann has her Invacare chair and the service provided by Mario and Jane at Russell’s Mobility – who, she says, have been brilliant for the past nineteen years, advising her on purchases as well as servicing her chair. Her life is “just different to what was planned”.

Ann’s title is Transport Access Consultant and she has worked for numerous companies and government departments since completing her Social Studies degree at Chichester University.

Her thesis on Disability and Railways led on to a position as Chief Ministerial Advisor on the railways, advising ministers on shortcomings in terms of access.

She has advised in aviation and maritime areas, served as Nonexecutive Director for Worthing Hospital and as disability advisor for transport for London.

She now works independently for Easyjet, OCS and the Civil Aviation Authority and has received an OBE for services to transport for the disabled. She runs training workshops, advises on EU legislation and travels widely.

She is an inspiration to all – and a blessing to many, even though they may not know her.

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14 Caring 4 wor k

It’s work… but not as we knew it Whether through want or need, many more pensioners are choosing to work People are working much longer after retirement than in the last century. For many it’s a necessity, with longterm mortgages to pay off, rising bills, lower pensions than expected, and younger relatives needing financial help.

For some it’s the only way to afford a car, holiday or home refurbishment.

Some are lucky enough to have a job they love, which allows them to continue after state pension age. Many either have to retire, for one reason or another, or can’t wait to get away. For those pensioners, there are numerous options.

It can be a welcome relief to change from teaching to shop work, building on site to B&Q warehouseman. Maybe starting

up your own small business from home appeals. It could be that part-time work brings in enough extra cash while leaving time to enjoy hobbies. Could you be an advisor or agent in your own field of expertise?

Or a home tutor? Perhaps you could turn your hobby into a business.

Where money is not the driving force, voluntary work can be very rewarding while allowing you to meet new people. With women’s pensions being paid later, charities are losing a whole swathe of ladies to run their charity shops and do street collections. Schools are losing volunteers to hear reading or help with craft lessons. Many council facilities rely on ‘friends’ groups and

Pat keeps busy, at 78, in Worthing Churches Homeless Project charity shop

unpaid helpers to allow paid staff to concentrate on specialist tasks.

Another post-retirement option is further education, whether as a re-training tool or for self-satisfaction. Your library will have information about local colleges, or you can try one of many on-line courses.

However you choose to be employed in later life, you can be sure your health will benefit, keeping your mind and body active for longer.

For more information on work and learning, contact your local library, or Age UK on 0800 169 6565, www.ageuk.org.uk

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A happy privately owned nursing home, dedicated to quality care

Now we can care for you in your own home – call us to talk about our new domiciliary and day care services • Personal care • Light cooking and housework • Shopping and help getting to and from appointments • Day Care/short breaks in our beautiful home as an occasional break for carers and families.

You decide the level of care and help you need-call us now for a chat or we will be delighted to show you round and tell you more.

Caring for you

7-11 Wykeham Road • Worthing • BN11 4JG Tel: 01903 230406 • www.melrosecare.org.uk

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Forge Mobility

Got any unwanted Christmas Presents?

You could get out more Forge Mobility could be the answer to the problems facing anyone needing a wheelchair to get out and about. This friendly, family-run company can transport up to three wheelchairs – great where there’s a couple or group of disabled friends.

If you need carers or escorts to accompany you, this can be arranged too. All are fully qualified and CRB checked, as are the drivers, and they have a reputation for the highest standard of service. For more details you can call them 01342 716374.

FORGE MOBILITY SERVICES

Donate them to the Aldingbourne Trust!

This West Sussex charity is always on the look out for items that can be used for Raffles and Tombolas at fundraising events. They can be for children or adults, men, women, boys or girls. Donations can be dropped off at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, Blackmill Lane PO18 0JP, off the A27 near Fontwell.

The Aldingbourne Trust is a charitable organisation which supports adults with learning disabilities across West Sussex.

For any queries please contact Nicki Clarke on 01243 544607.

Wheelchair accessible transport available throughout Sussex One to three wheelchair capacity vehicles available Qualified Drivers (CRB) and Carers/Escorts (CRB) supplied on request.

Telephone: 01342 716374 E-mail: contact@forgemobilityservices.com www.forgemobilityservices.com

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Our experienced team of Home Care Workers can deliver a comprehensive range of care services to enable you or your loved one to remain at home and retain privacy, dignity and lifestyle choices. Our unique Care Connect system provides added peace of mind by giving family members online access to visit summaries so that they are kept fully informed and involved in We are also all aspects of care provision.

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Richmond House, 38 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9RG Tel: 01273 840625 • e-mail: admin@elitechoicehomecare.co.uk • www.elitechoicehomecare.co.uk

17

It’s good to have friends Especially when they can save your life

Canine Partners dog Herbie.

As a gift from friends, this rates pretty highly, but there’s more. The Friends have raised £800,000 to supply a second CT scanner, ensuring that patients can be seen in a shorter time and treatment can begin The League of Friends of Worthing Hospitals is an amazing group of people. Not only have they raised enough money to buy a second CT scanner, but they have also kitted out a second cardiac catheter laboratory at Worthing Hospital.

With £450,000 in donations, West Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust has built the laboratory which is available to patients across West Sussex. It was officially opened in October by Worthing Mayor Bob Smytherman and Mayoress Norah Fisher, ably assisted by

sooner. All this is in addition to the quarter of a million pounds raised every year by the Friends to provide equipment and services the NHS can’t afford.

Now that’s what I call good friends.

Photos © Graham Franks

Can you spare 4 hours a week?

Becoming a volunteer with The Friends of Worthing Hospital will help make your local hospital special.

Volunteers are needed to help with the running of our Hospital shops The West wing shop and coffee bar is open 6 days a week The Cafeteria in the main entrance is open 5 days a week The trolley shop provides afternoon service on the wards Profits from the sales within these shops have already helped fund some much needed high-tech equipment

If you would like to help or need any further information Call 01903 205111 ext.4540 or visit the shop for an application form

18 Caring 4 Hea lth

Dr S a rah’s Case b o ok

DON’T Google* it!

In a case that has achieved the status of medical folklore amongst my medical friends and colleagues, a man presented to A&E late one night with a painful lump under his armpit.

He had become concerned and searched his symptoms online. He was so terrified by what he read that he came in for help and advice.

I’ve just done the same, as an experiment. When we are worried, we try to seek reassurance that everything is 100% ok. Of course life is not like that. Nothing is like that. So what we invariably do, by asking what we think is a simple question, ‘what is the painful lump under my arm?’, is just throw up more questions.

Scarier questions. Questions we hadn’t even thought about.

Failing to find the 100% certainty that everything is fine, we then switch to the default of ‘catastrophising’ (presuming the Worst Case Scenario), skimming through all the benign causes and straight to the bits underlined, flashing in red and urging IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION! YOU MIGHT HAVE CANCER! (For ‘might’ we of course read ‘you definitely do, what else could it be?’)

On examination Mr Armpitnot his real name – was suffering from nothing more sinister than a sticky and slightly congealed wine gum, matted into the hair under his arm. It had presumably found its way there during an absent minded wine gum eating session, some days previously, and fallen down his t-shirt to its new home. What the poor man had omitted to do before rushing himself to A&E- mercifully not in an ambulance, it was in the days before NHS Direct – was have a look. There are certain things

it’s best not to investigate too closely before calling for help, such as suspected fires behind a closed door, or an LED display counting rapidly backwards attached to stuff that looks like marzipan with wires coming out of it. But other things often benefit for a little peek. Had he raised his arm in the mirror, he would have seen the semimelted rhomboid with ‘claret’ written on it, and broken out in a sweat of ‘near-miss’ embarrassment, imagining himself in A&E, being examined by a doctor. As it was, he was gently reassured, sent home and gifted us his delicious tale.

Of course, it’s easy for medical people to be rational about medical things. I know next to nothing about cars, computers, electricity, boilers – in fact most of the Rest of the World – and yet if I heard a noise in the engine of my car, I might just take a look first.

I wouldn’t Google it. I realise its statistically possible there could be an unexploded World War Two bomb in there, rattling around. This is indeed a terrifying thought, but I know it’s unlikely. All Googling will do is to fill my silly head with bits of the car I’ve never even heard of, never mind know what they do, and will start a conversation with the mechanic I can’t carry on. Me: ‘Could it be the Big End?’ (mechanic sits back on chair, oily pencil in mouth, smug grin) ‘And what does the Little Lady know about the Big End?’ Cover blown. I know nothing.

Have to admit I’ve Googled it and now I look like an idiot. I’m also going to pay more. Just for being presumptuous.

Problems needing immediate attention are usually selfexplanatory, don’t need Googling or calling semi-inept advice lines. These are: chest pain, shortness of breath, fits, massive blood loss, unexplained

Dr Sarah Hone ss trained in Medicine at King’s College , London, and moved to Worthing in 2003, where she trained in Anaesthetics and Intensiv e Care.

She worked in the Emergency De partment at Worthing Ho spital and is now full tim e in the accid ent and emergenc y departmen t at Brighton Hospital

collapses, sudden, severe headaches, confusion, deformed limbs, unconsciousness, high fever and most things to do with ill children. Most other problems in essentially well

adults can usually wait to be discussed with a GP, during office hours. (*other search engines are available. But still shouldn’t be used).

your local independent private hearing centre  Discreet Hearing Aids with full aftercare  Complimentary Hearing Assessments and annual rechecks  Home visits available We aim to provide a personal, professional, value-for-money service to suit your lifestyle and needs hear for yourself free demonstration of latest technology including speech in background noise

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19

Companionship, privacy, security and independence – you’ll find them all, and much more, in an Abbeyfield home.

The Abbeyfield Ferring Society has two houses both serving freshly prepared meals.

Cornwell House accommodates twenty residents in its residential home which is close to local shops and the sea.

Old School House provides supported accommodation for eleven residents in the heart of the village, adjacent to the library and Doctor’s surgery and close to the shops.

We aim to provide quality care in a warm, friendly environment. Respite care can be provided, subject to availability.

We also have a domiciliary support service for people who require some assistance to remain in their own homes. l Friendship, privacy and practical support l Fully trained and caring staff l Residents treated with dignity and respect

Please contact Ruth on 01903 240313 for further details

E 14 R !

20 HU W OC NO BR UT O

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