Health Matters magazine - Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010

Medway

Your Guide to Local Health Services

Useful phone numbers and addresses page 16

page 14

Eat your way to a healthier future page 6

Growing, growing, grown page 8

WIN your way to a

healthier lifestyle Are you looking to get fitter this summer? Roko Gillingham is Medway’s premier health club at an affordable price.

Roko is a family friendly club with a range of facilities to suit all types of gym users including pools, a spa and sauna as well as a steam room, superb gym, three exercise and dance studios and an Elemis beauty salon. There’s also a crèche so you know your little ones are safe while you’re working out. Once you’ve finished your session you can relax with friends at the Costa Coffee lounge.

In the last year, major investment in the club has brought its members even more state of the art equipment to enjoy, including the brand new PowerPlate machines – the training device A-list celebrities swear by.

Roko members are also fortunate to be the first in the UK to have access to the LIVESTRONG Fitness indoor bikes. The static indoor bikes are straight from the US and endorsed by American professional road race cyclist Lance Armstrong.

An additional £500,000 worth of brand new fitness equipment for the gym means members using the cardiovascular equipment now have fully integrated screens as well as iPod compatibility which lets members listen to their favourite tracks while they work out.

For more information on Roko Gillingham, visit www.roko.co.uk or, to arrange your own personal club tour, call 01634 382 333.

Health Matters has teamed up with Roko Gillingham to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a free one month membership at the club for two people.

Simply answer the following questions: Which world famous cyclist endorses the LIVESTRONG fitness indoor bikes, recently delivered to Roko Gillingham?

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Inside Welcome

Contacts

Welcome to the 2010/11 guide to local health services for Medway residents.

Editor-in-chief Natalie Yost

I hope you, like me, enjoy the inspirational stories in here, of people making small changes to their lifestyles and bringing about very big differences to their lives.

Editor Emma Burns For the latest news, stories and information, go to www.medwaypct.nhs.uk NHS Medway Fifty Pembroke Court Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent, ME4 4EL Tel: 01634 335020

There is plenty of advice and information too. We hope it will help you make best use of the local NHS and find the support you need. Keep it near the phone so you can find the numbers if you need them.

Please let us know your comments or suggestions for improvement – of this guide or local NHS services – by emailing itsyournhsmedway@nhs.net or ringing 01634 335210.

Marion Dinwoodie, Chief Executive

Finding her way Carol Curtis is a mum on a mission. Her passion for walking could soon take her to far flung places and has made her a local celebrity.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or any matter that in any way arises from this publication.

If you would like to find out more about this publication, have an idea, story or query or want to know about alternative formats, contact: itsyournhsmedway@nhs.net or ring 01634 335210.

Denise Harker Chairman Marion Dinwoodie Chief Executive Dr Peter Green Medical Director

Marion Dinwoo Chief Exec die, utive

A spring in her step Patricia Marchant reveals how phone therapy has helped her to be happier.

Doctor calling Medway

Design by Cherry www.cherrycommunications.co.uk

Our resident GP expert, Dr Peter Green shares how you can get the most from your NHS.

Lights out Pop Idol finalist Rik Waller’s dad shares his secret to smokefree success.

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Staying healthy

Chlamydia – take the test Infections can be easy to pick up and many are just as easy to treat. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in people aged between 17 and 25, and you may not even know you have it.

Screening is also on offer at 20 pharmacies in the area or you can request a free self-testing kit online at www.whatsinyourpants.co.uk, or call or text 07949147136 leaving your name, sex, house number and postcode.

The best way to protect yourself and your partner is to take the test. Across Medway you can do this by visiting your GP or a contraception clinic, or at events run by the Chlamydia screening team.

It’s important to get screened for Chlamydia because for most people there are no signs or symptoms.

After a while it will begin to cause pain in women and make sexual intercourse uncomfortable. If the infection is left untreated it can lead to infertility in both men and women.

But Chlamydia is easy to treat – generally just one dose of antibiotics will cure the infection, and the sooner the treatment is taken after diagnosis the less chance there is of long term damage.

For further information about local sexual health and contraceptive services, visit www.medwaysexualhealth.co.uk

Making fitness fun Do you long to exercise but find it just too daunting?

A brand new scheme, An Active Medway, is making fitness fun for everyone who needs a bit of extra help.

Peter Tickle, Medway’s physical activity officer, said: “We’ll be there to motivate you if the going gets tough and, after three months, we’ll be on hand to chat about what you can do to continue your new lifestyle.

Always fancied scuba diving?

Or dancing? They’re on offer, along with a whole wish list of activities, including judo, badminton, and group walking.

“Exercise makes you look good and feel good too. And it protects against all sorts of illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and dementia.”

Just ask your GP, practice nurse, or children’s centre, to refer you.

There is a small charge for the activities. Find out more at www.bettermedway.co.uk

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Lights out Waller’s dad’s smokefree success Singer Kris Waller and dad of Pop Idol finalist Rik, smoked up to 200 cigarettes a week.

So started Kris’ love affair with nicotine and over the next 51 years he’d smoke on average 25 a day.

Last year he quit his habit and has gone from puff-ormance to hitting those high notes.

At social events or when holidaying, Kris admits he’d more than double his cigarette breaks, smoking up to 60 a day. And when he and son Rik were on stage together he’d pop out for a quick puff.

Performer Kris, 60, calls it being “between cigarettes” and so far he’s doing well – he hasn’t smoked for six months.

He says quitting smoking is very similar to the experience of a recovering alcoholic – you take each day at a time.

“I wish to be between cigarettes for the rest of my life. If giving up now minimises the damage, even if it just gives me three extra weeks in my life, then that’s fine by me.”

The father of three from Gillingham was still a schoolboy when he had his first cigarette.

He said: “I was about nine years old. I remember I went to the corner shop and bought a pack of five Woodbines.”

“When someone else got up to sing American Pie, that was my cue; I knew I had exactly eight minutes for a smoke.”

In November last year – shortly after reaching 60 – he decided it was time to seriously look at how to break his nicotine addiction.

Kris’ sheer determination, nicotine replacement therapy and the group support offered through Medway’s Stop Smoking Service have helped him in his attempt.

Phone 0800 234 6805 or see www.smokefreemedway.co.uk for help giving up.

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Healthy eating

Eat your way to a healthier future Nutritionist Emma Parker is based with Medway’s Healthy Weight Team. She and her team help children and families living in Medway keep fit and healthy.

Emma’s quick and simple steps to a healthy diet.

1. Is starting the day with a cooked breakfast unhealthy?

A cooked breakfast can be a great start to the day because you can include a range of nutritious foods.

Grill the food instead of frying and swap streaky bacon for rasher bacon or low-fat sausages.

2. How do you get more fruit into your diet?

Easy! You can add raw or cooked fruit to your breakfast or add some apple to your cheese sandwiches. Tinned fruit is a great standby in the cupboard (try to choose fruit in natural juice). And frozen fruit in the freezer makes a great option when you're in a hurry.

You don’t have to be a top chef to cook up a storm, and a new collection of recipes for Medway proves it A Better Medway healthy living campaign is celebrating Medway’s cooking talent by releasing a collection of tempting recipes by local culinary enthusiasts.

Recipes featuring in Medway Cooks! Recipe Collection are healthy, easy to prepare and inexpensive.

Mum of one and supporter of the campaign Cat Johnson from Gillingham has recently started cooking more food at home and is enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

She hopes that the easy to do recipes will inspire more people to get cooking and start feeling the benefits.

“I’d say to everyone to try cooking more home-made food, even if it’s just one new recipe. We eat more healthily now and I’m even saving money.”

Medway Cooks! Recipe Collection will be made available in print across Medway and online from early autumn.

To find out more about simple, tasty recipes and how to get hold of the free recipe collection visit www.bettermedway.co.uk/eating-healthily

3. What’s the most important meal of the day?

All meals are important. But breakfast doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Overnight our bodies are 'fasting' so we need to refuel to cope with the day ahead and avoid the biscuit tin!

4. Is milk or dark chocolate better for you?

Dark chocolate has been reported to have higher levels of antioxidants and has been linked to reducing blood pressure. But the high fat and sugar content in chocolate is still detrimental to our health so you shouldn’t eat too much.

My ten-minute wonder meal: Prawn Thai Curry.

Feeds 4 • In a wok or frying pan heat a teaspoon of green Thai paste for one minute.

• Add in two to three handfuls of vegetables of your choice (I like baby corn, spring onions, peppers) and fry for a couple of minutes.

• Add in a tin of reduced fat coconut milk, juice of half a lime, some fresh lemon grass and half a teaspoon of sugar.

• Simmer for five minutes until it starts to thicken.

• Add in 400g of prawns and cook until heated through.

• Add lime and coriander to taste and serve with rice.

Go to www.bettermedway.co.uk

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Finding her way Carol Curtis is pictured on posters all over Medway. But who is she and how did she get involved?

After her two children flew the nest, Carol, 55, started thinking about her health.

They soon found they could walk faster, further and were getting fitter, and having a friend to walk with made it so much easier. “We kept each other going, even on the coldest and most miserable of nights,” said Carol.

“I’d kept myself active juggling work with household chores and raising a family but I didn’t exercise - I just didn’t have the time,” Carol said. “Suddenly I had all this time to myself again.”

They’ve covered roughly 800 miles – the equivalent of walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats. They’ve found it easier to unwind, even at the end of a stressful day. And what’s more, Carol has lost half a stone without even trying.

Carol wanted an activity that was both sociable and free. One summer evening last year Carol and her friend of 15 years, Lavina Cowland, took the plunge and strode out together.

“We discovered we both dreamt of walking the Inca Trail in Peru,” said Carol. “So we’ve stepped up the pace and are supporting each other to make our dream a reality.”

Their first walk was quite ambitious – a relatively steep hill in Star Lane, Hempstead. “It felt like it nearly killed us,” said Carol.

Carol is so passionate about walking and the difference it has made to her life that she volunteered to be one of the faces of A Better Medway, a 12-month campaign to help everyone living and working in Medway find easy ways to better health.

But the friends persevered, armed themselves with step counters and promised to devote an evening a week to pound the pavements.

Visit www.bettermedway.co.uk to find out more.

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Growing healthier

Balmoral Gardens: red, yellow, blue… and green

Growing,

growing,

Three colourful storeys high, the £4.7million state-of-the-art healthy living centre in Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham is now open.

Appointments with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language specialists and other staff are in full swing at the “greenest” NHS building in Medway.

Groundwork started on the site in June 2009 (see inset picture above). Despite the unusually snowy winter, the building work finished in July this year on time and on budget, and the centre opened in August.

As well as three GP practices, the centre houses clinics run by health visitors, the child and

8

grown

adolescent support team, contraception and sexual health services, and more. And on the ground floor, along with waiting areas and meeting rooms, a pharmacy will be open seven days a week and late into the evenings.

Marion Dinwoodie, Chief Executive of NHS Medway, said: “This new healthy living centre provides really excellent care close to home, in a 21st century building in the centre of Gillingham.”

The next step is landscaping the park, to create a fantastic play area for children and a peaceful haven for people to sit and relax, right in the middle of Gillingham.

Just the one?

Whether it’s a Margarita with friends or a glass of Pinot Grigio at a family get together, it’s tempting to unwind with a drink in your hand.

With stronger drink on sale and bigger glasses in pubs and clubs, it is easy to exceed a healthy limit.

For women, if you’re drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week, you’re putting your health at risk.

Too many tipples are no laughing matter. There is a strong link between drink and depression, and cancer, as well as making you look old before your time.

Mum Vicki, who lives and works in Medway, would drink around eight vodka and cokes or a bottle of wine when out with friends at the weekend.

It was taking up her first full-time job that made her decide to cut down.

Alcohol-free cocktails: Gentle Sea Breeze Shake together equal measures of cranberry juice and pineapple juice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Brooke Shields Fill a cocktail shaker two thirds with ice, add a large (50ml) shot of orange juice, a small (25ml) shot of lemon juice, a dash of lime juice, then shake and strain into an ice-filled highball glass.

Add a dash of grenadine, top up with ginger ale, and finish garnished with a cherry.

Vicki said: “My weekends have become very precious to me. With only two days free to do the housework and spend quality time with my family I didn’t want to waste it with a hangover. I sleep better now, I’m full of energy and I look better on the outside too.”

Vicki’s top tips to cutting down include mixing her vodka with a whole can of cola rather than a dash and substituting every other alcoholic drink with a soft drink.

Find out more at www.bettermedway.co.uk

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Live it well

g n i A spr in her step After years of feeling down and sometimes miserable while trying to do her best for her depression-prone husband, Trish, 47, from Gillingham, went to see her GP, who suggested therapy.

Three months later Trish is enjoying life so much more that she hopes that other people will take advantage of the help on offer.

“When I look back, I can see I was struggling for a long time,” said Trish. “We all get mental wear and tear and it builds up.

“I never felt suicidal, but I was quite bleak. I had stopped looking forward to anything. I wasn’t sleeping well and, if the tiniest thing went wrong, I would imagine it turning into a terrible situation.”

Eventually Trish sought help from her GP and was referred to Medway Psychological Therapies Provider.

Trish filled in three questionnaires, looking at different

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aspects of her mental wellbeing, and was given six sessions of telephone support over 12-14 weeks.

“We looked at how to handle different situations,” said Trish. “The counsellor helped me to come up with methods to deal with them. Now, when I get negative thoughts, I can break the cycle and feel better.”

Now, even though she still gets ups and downs like anyone, Trish feels much happier.

“My relationship with my husband has improved, I am enjoying work, digging on my allotment, feeding my chickens, and even putting the washing on the line and doing the ironing,” she said. “I think a lot of people could benefit from this sort of help.

“It's like a mental MOT.” If anxiety or depression are interfering with your life, speak to your GP or ring Medway Psychological Therapies on 01634 406087.

5

easy ways to be happier uivalent of These are the mental health eq bles a day. five portions of fruit and vegeta

Connect…

With the people around you: family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. They are the cornerstones of your life, invest time in them.

Be active…

Step outside. Cycle.

Garden. Dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy.

Take notice… Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons.

Keep learning…

Sign up for a course. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food.

Give… Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group.

Source: Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project (2008).

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Caring

Living well with dementia When his wife Christine first developed dementia, David Prothero did not think of himself as a carer.

“I cared for her – in both senses – but it was some time before I used the word carer about myself,” said David, 66, from Bluebell Hill.

“She was my wife, who had Alzheimer’s.

“We decided early on that we would aim to maintain our quality of life and indeed many of our very best times together were to be during the ten years that Chris had dementia.

“I know that is not how it can be for everyone, but we did manage to achieve it.”

As he learned more about dementia, David, a civil engineer who took early retirement to look after Christine until her death two years ago, started to see how services could be improved.

“Right from the start, it is the sort of help I felt was badly needed,” said David (pictured above, with Christine). “I found getting involved and giving my views helped me, and I am glad the outcome is helping others.”

If you would like to get involved, like David Prothero, and improve health and social care in Medway, why not join the Medway Local Involvement Network: www.themedwaylink.co.uk, 01303 297050.

Medway Dementia Advisor Service 01634 338633

“It was so hard to find out information and to separate reliable information from the current ‘folklore’,” he said. “I found it really frustrating.”

He shared his views locally and nationally and, with others, contributed to the development of the Dementia Advisor Service, which is being piloted in Medway.

It offers one to one guidance and support to people with dementia and their families, from diagnosis on.

Medway Emergency Card scheme A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who cannot manage otherwise, because of frailty, illness or disability.

Many carers worry about what would happen if something happened to them.

The Medway Carers’ Emergency Card supports them to plan ahead, giving peace of mind.

For more information, phone the Medway Carers Centre on 01634 577340 or see www.medwaycarersemergencycard.org.uk

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Ask the doctor

by Dr Peter Green Q: My GP says I need to go to hospital but I have got to book the appointment myself. Why can’t they book it?

A: Your doctor will have given you a letter with a phone number, booking reference and password so you can check your diary and make the booking for a time that suits you.

It also offers you the chance to choose from a range of hospitals or clinics that provides the treatment your GP thinks you need. You can choose any you want as long as it is approved for your treatment.

NHS Medway’s Medical Director, Dr Peter Green

Q: I asked my doctor for antibiotics for my cough and she wouldn’t give me any. Why not?

A: Antibiotics transformed 20th century medicine but they only work against bacterial infections, not most coughs and colds.

The more we use antibiotics, the more resistant bacteria become to them. They also increase the risk of getting other infections such as Clostridium Difficile. It’s important that we keep them for treating serious bacterial infections such as kidney infections, pneumonia or meningitis, when they can save lives.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and finish the full course even if you are feeling better.

Finding a GP GP practices play a really important part in keeping us well. Screening, immunisation, contraception, stop smoking support and even minor surgery is available at most practices.

That is why it’s so important to register with a local surgery.

If you live in Medway and don’t have a GP, see www.nhs.uk or phone 0845 4647 to find a practice near you that is taking on new patients. Then contact the practice direct.

Opening times Did you know that more than 80 per cent of GP practices in Medway now open early, late or at weekends? Opening times are available in the Your Guide to GP Surgeries and Pharmacies, at www.medwaypct.nhs. uk/yourhealth

Detailed information about GP practices in Medway is available at www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/gpscorecards 13

What we do

It’s your NHS

NHS Medway is the primary care trust for Medway.

The NHS belongs to us all.

We plan and pay for healthcare for everyone who lives in Medway or is registered with a Medway GP – just over 280,000 people.

We have £441 million to spend on your healthcare between 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011. This is £1,550 for each man, woman and child in Medway.

Here’s how we use that money on your behalf.

Out of every £100

It is there to improve our health and wellbeing, supporting us to keep mentally and physically well, to get better when we are ill and, when we cannot fully recover, to stay as well as we can to the end of our lives.

The NHS Constitution brings together in one place details of what staff, patients and the public can expect from the National Health Service. For patients, these include legal rights to access NHS services, have a choice about where they receive care, and to be treated with dignity and respect. NHS Medway is legally obliged to take account of the rights and pledges set out in the NHS Constitution in all our policies and actions.

NHS promises to you include: • appointment with a cancer specialist within 2 weeks of referral by your GP if they suspect cancer • operations (such as hip replacements) and other specialist treatment within 18 weeks of referral by your GP • choice about which hospital you use (except for urgent care, mental health and very specialised treatments)

■ £46 is spent on acute hospitals ■ £19 is spent on community health services ■ £13 is spent on primary care (GPs, pharmacies, NHS dentistry, optometry) ■ £6 is spent on mental health and learning disability services ■ £11 is spent on medicines ■ £1 is spent on our public health team and healthy living services for people ■ £2 is spent on ambulance services ■ £2 is spent on operational and management costs of NHS Medway

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In turn, it is very important you: • register with a GP • keep your GP and clinics informed if you change address • attend your appointments or cancel in plenty of time • follow courses of treatment you’ve started • do what you can to look after your own health and wellbeing For more details, see www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/ NHSConstitution

NHS Medway Complaints We hope you won’t need to complain about NHS services in Medway.

But if you do, we want to make sure that • you get an answer that satisfies you and • the NHS learns from what went wrong.

We recommend you complain direct to the manager of the service involved.

If you don’t want to, NHS Medway Complaints Team can investigate complaints about any service provided by the NHS in Medway – including GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians.

Phone 0800 0141 634, visit NHS Medway HQ at Fifty Pembroke Court, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4EL or email nhsmedwaycomplaints@nhs.net We can arrange for you to get support with your complaint from the independent advocacy service, ICAS: phone 0845 600 8616 (charged at local rate) or email tunbridgew.icas@seap.org.uk. You can also write to ICAS, Ground Floor, 7 Vale Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1DJ. If you are unhappy about the response to your complaint after all avenues have been exhausted you can contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Phone the helpline on 0345 015 4033, email phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk or write to Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.

Free NHS Health Check People aged 40 to 74 in Medway are being invited in for a free 30 minute NHS Health Check at their GP surgery. Invitations will be sent over five years and will be based on your date of birth.

The check is a chance to get free personalised advice and to find out if you need to make any changes to stay healthy. (People who are already being treated for diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or heart disease will not be invited for an NHS Health Check because it is similar to the checks they get anyway.) Don’t miss out when you receive your invite - make your appointment.

For more information, see www.medwaypct.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck

NHS Continuing Healthcare People who need long-term care and have substantial, complex, ongoing health needs caused by disability, long-term illness or following hospital treatment, may be eligible for NHS funding of all their care costs or NHS funding of nursing care in a nursing home.

For an assessment, contact your GP, care manager or NHS Medway's Continuing and Funded Nursing Care Team on 01634 335045.

Become an NHS volunteer Hundreds of people in Medway do just that – giving up a few hours a week to support patients and their families.

To find out more phone 01634 234400 extension 200/201.

Patient Transport People who have an outpatient appointment may be eligible for transport if they meet certain criteria.

Patients should call 01634 825192. They will then be asked a series of questions to assess their eligibility.

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Local services

Your local NHS NHS Medway, Fifty Pembroke Court, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4EL

01634 335020

PALS Complaints

0800 014 1641 0800 014 1634

Medway Community Healthcare, 01634 382777 Units 7/8 Ambley Green, Bailey Drive, Gillingham Business Park, Gillingham, ME8 0NJ Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, ME7 5NY 01634 830000 PALS 01634 825004 Complaints 01634 825216 Patient Contact Centre (about appointments) 0845 602 2795

Looking after your teeth Did you know that looking after your teeth doesn’t just help you have a great smile – it’s also really important for your general health?

That’s because infections in the mouth can cause problems elsewhere in the body. People with poor teeth are more at risk of getting heart disease.

Top tips: • Brush teeth (including babies’ and children’s teeth) twice a day • Avoid brushing for one hour after eating • Give teeth time to recover between meals – avoid sugary drinks and snacks • Start babies on free flow cups from six months and aim to get rid of bottles completely by 12 months It’s never been easier to see an NHS dentist in Medway, where 33 out of 36 practices are taking on new patients.

If you don’t have an NHS dentist yet, the NHS Medway dental health helpline can help you find one: phone, free, on 0800 014 1538.

The helpline can also help if you need emergency treatment during working hours.

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Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT – provides mental health and learning disabilities services) 01732 520400 PALS 0800 587 6757 Complaints 01622 722133 Darland House 29 Darland Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 3AL

01634 852323

St Bartholomew’s Hospital New Road, Rochester, ME1 1DS

01634 810900

Wisdom Hospice High Bank, Rochester, ME1 2NU

01634 830456

Walter Brice Centre 01634 253611 Tilley Close, Hoo St. Werburgh, Rochester, Kent, ME3 9AE Rainham Healthy Living Centre 01634 337600 103-7 High Street, Rainham, ME8 8AA Rochester Healthy Living Centre 01634 334200 Delce Road, Rochester, ME1 2EL

Lordswood Healthy 01634 337444 Living Centre Sultan Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8TJ Balmoral Gardens Healthy 01634 334900 Living Centre Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham, ME7 4PN Elm House 15 New Road Avenue Chatham ME4 6BA

01634 400123

Keystone Centre Gun Lane Strood ME2 4UL

01634 717755

Walk-in centre 01634 575232 Medway NHS Healthcare Centre 547-553 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LF (also offers sessions at other locations – phone for details) Parkwood Health Centre Long Catlis Road Parkwood Rainham ME8 9PR

01634 234400

Twydall Clinic Twydall Green Gillingham ME8 6JY

01634 232007

Elizabeth House Holding Street Rainham ME8 7JP

01634 382091

Canada House Barnsole Road, Gillingham ME7 4JL

01634 583000

Will Adams NHS Treatment Centre Beechings Way Gillingham ME8 6AD

0333 200 1730

Medway Council and Children’s Centres Medway Council 01634 306000 Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR Customer First 01634 333333 Social care (children and adults) 01634-334466 Children’s Centres All Saints Bligh Brompton Westbrook Burnt Oak Deanwood Delce Gun Lane Kingfisher Lordswood Miers Court Oaklands Riverside Saxon Way St James St Margaret’s at Troy Town Temple Mill Hand in Hand Wayfield Woodlands

01634 338833 01634 336220 01634 844152 01634 334344 01634 231901 01634 844127 01634 717115 01634 335850 01634 333670 01634 388943 01634 333820 01634 338700 01634 852320 01634 270341 01634 843843 01634 338200 01634 365985 01634 843544 01634 338370

The Sunlight Centre 01634 338600 105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX

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Local services

Useful contacts Alcohol Alcoholics Anonymous: 01622 751842, www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Equinox: 01634 831999, www.equinoxcare.org.uk Medway Alcohol Services: 01634 833826, email: mount.zeehan@kmpt.nhs.uk Young people’s drug and alcohol services: KCA 01634 338640; Kenward Trust 01622 814187 Arthritis Arthritis Care: 01634 303186 Asthma Medway Asthma Self Help (MASH): 01634 855844, www.medwayasthmaselfhelp.ik.com Autism MAGIC (Medway Autism Group and Information Centre): 01634 326230, www.medway-magic.org Kent Autistic Trust: 01634 405 168, www.kentautistic.com Bereavement Rainham Bereavement Friendship Group: 01634 364309 Cruse Bereavement Care: 0844 477 9400. Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk Cruse young people’s helpline: 0808 808 1677, info@rd4u.org.uk Blind Rehabilitation services, volunteering, clubs and leisure: Kent Association for the Blind: 01634 332929 Blood-testing Blood tests are available at some GP practices and other clinics in Medway. For more details, please ask at your practice.

Cancer Kent and Medway Cancer Guide: www.kentmedwaycancerguide.nhs.uk Macmillan Cancer Support: 0808 808 0000, www.macmillan.org.uk Emotional support (5pm-9am Mon-Fri, 24 hours at weekends) 0800 107 0160

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Carers Carers’Line Medway: 0800 197 4517 Crossroads Care: 01634 868885 Princess Royal Trust Medway Carers Centre: 01634 577340, www.medwaycarerscentre.org.uk Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy Care: 01634 220120 Continence care Medway Community Healthcare continence care 01634 382809 COPD Breathe Easy 08458 505020, www.lunguk.org Counselling (see also mental health) For information on self-help, see www.signpostuk.org or ask at your local library.

Medway Psychological Therapies: 01634 406087 Credit Crunch Stressline, open from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week: 0300 123 2000 RELATE North Kent: (01634) 846914 Support is also available for children and young people. Speak to your GP. Deaf Services Medway Hi Kent: 01634 825043, www.hikent.org.uk Emotional support: dial 18001 to use text relay services, followed by 0800 107 0160 Dementia Dementia Advisor Service: 01634 338633 24 hour Dementia Helpline: 0845 604 4391 DementiaWeb for Kent and Medway: www.dementiawebkentandmedway.org.uk Alzheimer’s and Dementia Family Support (01634) 338630 Dementia Carers Friendship Group (01634) 377254 Dentistry NHS Medway dental helpline (for help finding a dentist) 0800 0141 538 West Kent primary care dental service – for patients with physical, mental, social or dental special needs.

Ask your dentist for a referral if you need one.

DentaLine (for emergencies at night or weekends) 01634 890300

Diabetes Medway Community Healthcare specialist diabetes service (01634) 238657 Medway Kids, for families of children with Type 1 diabetes in Medway: www.medwaykidsdiabetes.org.uk Diabetes UK Medway and Swale group For more information contact South East regional office: 01372 731 363 Disability Medway Community Healthcare Children and Young People’s Development Services (01634) 334280 Disability Information Service: (01634) 838947 Isle of Grain Disabled and Carers Group: 01634 270425 Contact a Family: 020 7608 8700, www.cafamily.org.uk Domestic Violence Asian Project: 01634 581771 Medway Domestic Abuse Forum email: medwaydaf@aol.com Respect phoneline: 0845 122 8609, www.respectphoneline.org.uk Women’s Support Service: 01622 761146 Drugs Turning Point, support and treatment for people aged 18+ in Medway: 01634 830114 KCA (Prescribing and Counselling): 01634 830114 Needle Exchange Scheme: 01634 845678 Narcotics Anonymous: 0845 373 366, www.nauk.org.uk Young people’s drug and alcohol services: KCA 01634 338640; Kenward Trust 01622 814187 Drug Proof Your Kids: 01634 332209 Talk to Frank/ National Drugs Helpline 0800 776 600 Eating disorders Early diagnosis is important. Speak to your GP. Epilepsy Epilepsy Action helpline 0808 800 5050, www.epilepsy.org.uk Equipment Community Equipment Loans Service 01634 334860 Eyes For a list of opticians in Medway, see www.nhs.uk

Falls prevention Medway Community Healthcare falls prevention service 01634 810953 Families Medway Family Information Service: 01634 335566, www.medwayfisd.com Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222, www.parentlineplus.org.uk ChildLine 0800 1111 Feet The Podiatry Appointment Centre: 01322 622202 Footcare services for older people – Age Concern, Chatham 01634 811938, Medway Age Concern 01634 572616 Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Support Group Medway: 01634 865925, www.fibrosupportmedway.ik.com GPs It is always best to see your own GP. For practice details, see www.nhs.uk or Your Guide to GP Practices and Pharmacies at www.medwaypct.nhs.uk Health visitors are based at: All Saint’s Children’s Centre, Chatham 01634 338833 Balmoral Gardens Healthy Living Centre 01634 337500 Keystone Centre, Strood 01634 717755 Kings Road Clinic, Chatham 01634 844670 Lordswood Healthy Living Centre 01634 337444 Parkwood Health Centre, Rainham 01634 234400 Rainham Healthy Living Centre 01634 337600 Rochester Healthy Living Centre 01634 334276 Sunlight Centre, Gillingham 01634 338679 Walter Brice Centre, Hoo 01634 253611 Woodlands Children’s Centre, Gillingham 01634 338624 Healthy Living Medway Health and Lifestyle Team offers one to one advice and support to help people achieve healthier lifestyles: 01634 338600, email: halt@sunlighttrust.org.uk For advice and guidance, see www.bettermedway.co.uk or www.nhs.uk/livewell

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Local services

Healthy Weight Mend 2-4: 01634 333103, Mend 7-13: 01634 333741, www.mendprogramme.org Tipping the Balance: 01634 333101, email: tippingthebalance@nhs.net Exercise Referral: 01634 333720, email: medwayexercisereferral@nhs.net Heart conditions British Heart Foundation heart helpline 0300 330 3311 (local rate, 9am-6pm Mon-Fri) www.bhf.org.uk Kidney conditions National Kidney Federation helpline: 0845 601 0209, www.kidney.org.uk Learning disabilities Medway Learning Disabilities Team: 01634 337433 Shout Out: 01634 338600 Valuing Medway People Partnership: 01634 337568, www.valuingmedwaypeople.org.uk The Challenging Behaviour Foundation: (01634) 838739, www.challengingbehavior.org.uk Carers’ Relief Service: (01634) 715995 DGSM yourChoice (local Mencap group): 01322 281833

Mental health Information about local services and ideas for staying well at www.bettermedway.co.uk, www.signpostuk.org and www.liveitwell.org.uk Mental Health Matters, emotional support and advice in the evenings and at weekends: 0800 107 0160 Depression/ anxiety self-help group for women: 01634 718471 Mental Health Service User Engagement Project: 01634 812850, www.mhsuep.org.uk Medway and Swale Advocacy Service 01634 713739,www.msap.org.uk/ Rethink Advice and Information Service 0207 840 3188 or 0845 456 0455 (open 10am-2pm Mon-Fri), e-mail: advice@rethink.org YoungMinds, the voice for young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544, www.youngminds.org.uk PAPYRUS young suicide prevention society.

HOPElineUK 0800 068 4141 www.papyrus-uk.org Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 Motor Neurone Disease Motor Neurone Disease Association: (01634) 846330 Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis Society (Medway): (01634) 238502

Maternity Midwifery phoneline: 01634 825188 (for newly expectant mothers who want to book their first midwife appointment direct)

NHS Continuing Healthcare NHS Medway Continuing and Funded Nursing Care Team on 01634 335045.

ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Kent and Sussex Alternative ME group (KASME): 01634 270425

NHS Direct For health advice and reassurance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, NHS Direct: 0845 4647, www.nhs.uk

Mediation Medway Mediation (01634) 832285 – free, impartial and confidential service to resolve neighbour disputes.

Older people Age Concern, Chatham 01634 811938 Medway Age Concern 01634 572616 Medway Older People’s Partnership 01634 812850 Medway Pensioners’ Forum 01634 842333 Medway Pensioners’ Pop-in 01634 409422 Welcome Day Centre 01634 844639 Chinese Elderly Community Association 01634 338600 WRVS Information Centre for people over 55, 95-97 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4DL: 01634 844390

Medway LINk www.themedwaylink.co.uk, 01303 297050 MedOCC Medway Community Healthcare’s MedOCC offers urgent care round the clock. Between 6.30pm and 8am Mon-Fri, and at weekends, phone 01634 891855 if you need an urgent appointment which cannot wait until your GP practice opens.

During the day, ask your GP practice to refer you to MedOCC if you need an urgent appointment which they cannot provide.

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Osteoporosis National Osteoporosis Society Medway Support Group: 01634 719266, www.nos.org.uk

Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s UK: 0844 225 3734, www.parkinsons.org.uk Medway Parkinson’s Disease support group: 01634 831407 Patient Transport Patient Transport Booking Service: 01634 825192.

Eligibility criteria apply.

Pharmacists In Medway, most pharmacies can provide free medicine for minor conditions, if you do not normally pay a prescription charge.

Many also offer free emergency hormonal contraception.

For details of opening times, see see www.nhs.uk or Your Guide to GP Practices and Pharmacies at www.medwaypct.nhs.uk Physiotherapy Medway Healthcare adult physiotherapy service 01634 833959 x 3016, see the service’s page at www.medwaypct.nhs.uk for self-referral form Post natal depression Speak to your GP or health visitor if you are finding it hard to cope.

Rapid response Medway Community Healthcare rapid response team 01634 382900 (care for people recovering from illness or injury) Sexual assault East Kent Rapeline (women and girls only) crisis line 0800 458 2818, support line 01227 450400, both open Mon-Fri 6.30-9.30pm Family Matters (counselling for survivors of sexual abuse/ assault) 01474 537392, www.familymattersuk.org Sexual Health Medway Maritime Hospital GUM clinic (genito-urinary medicine), green zone on level 3 Walk-in service, 9am – 3.45 pm, Monday to Friday: 01634 838948.

Elm House, GUM clinic and contraception and sexual health clinic – phone 01634 400123 for details of walk-in and other clinics For information on sexual health, relationships, contraception, STIs, pregnancy, advice for parents, and where to go in Medway for free, confidential advice and support, see www.medwaysexualhealth.co.uk

Smoking Stop Smoking Service: 0800 2346805, www.smokefreemedway.co.uk Speech and language therapy Medway Community Healthcare speech and language therapy: 01634 833711 For adults with acquired communication disorders and /or swallowing problems Medway Community Healthcare children’s speech therapists are based at: Lordswood Healthy Living Centre: 01634 337436 St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Rochester: 01634 810968 Parkwood Health Centre: 01634 234400 Rainham Healthy Living Centre: 01634 337630 Rochester Healthy Living Centre: 01634 334280 Cleft Lip and Palate Association (Kent): 01227 452131 Spina Bifida Kent Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus: (01474) 536501 Stroke Stroke Association (Medway Stroke Club and Working Age Club): 01634 382868, www.medwaystrokeclub.org.uk Stroke Association family support service and Dysphasia-Communication Support service: 01622 351969 Terminal illness The Wisdom Hospice 01634 830456 has 15 inpatient beds. Teams also provide specialist palliative care at home and at Medway Maritime Hospital; a day hospice Monday – Friday; psychosocial and family support to patients and friends; and bereavement support.

Walk-in Centre Medway NHS Healthcare Centre offers GP and nurse care 8am-8pm 7 days a week: 01634 575232 Wounds service Medway Community Healthcare wounds service 01634 810925 Medway Community Healthcare tissue viability and dermatology service 01634 810919

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Looking after yourself and your family

Getting the right care

To protect against infection Wash your hands often and thoroughly – it should take 15-30 seconds. Don’t forget fingertips and backs of hands!

John Kerr, 42, from Rochester was able to avoid going to A&E thanks to care from MedOCC.

Clean hard surfaces – germs can linger for days on TV remote controls, light switches, telephones, door handles.

Mr Kerr, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, called the out-of-hours GP and nurse service after an infected insect bite saw his leg swell and his temperature soar.

Use a tissue to catch coughs or sneezes, throw it away and wash your hands.

A GP called at his home and prescribed antibiotics.

If you get a cold or tummy bug stay away from other people, drink a tumbler of water an hour and take great care with hand hygiene

“It was late at night and without MedOCC, I’d have had to call out one of my care workers – or even an ambulance - to get me up to hospital,” says Mr Kerr (pictured above).

Be prepared A well-stocked medicine cabinet will help you treat common illnesses such as colds, indigestion, headaches and constipation.

“It would have been an awful nuisance. I was very pleased with the service I got from MedOCC – it was the care I needed without any hassle.”

Ask your pharmacist for advice about what to keep in stock – and remember to keep it out of the reach of children.

Remember to renew prescriptions in plenty of time. If you run out your pharmacy may be able to tide you over – take the packet along and ask your pharmacist.

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MedOCC, run by Medway Community Healthcare, is on 01634 891855.

For useful information on treating cuts, nosebleeds and other minor ailments go to www.nhs.uk

Urgent help when you need it NHS Direct For health advice and reassurance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Also has details of GPs, pharmacists, dentists, opticians, clinics and other local services.

0845 4647 www.nhs.uk

Pharmacies Medway pharmacies open late at night and on Sundays include: Asda, Chatham Sainsbury’s, Hempstead Valley Karson’s, City Way, Rochester Balmoral Gardens Healthy Living Centre, Gillingham (opening in September 2010)

01634 663010 01634 360256 01634 405700 01634 581815

GP To find a GP practice where you can register, see www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories It’s always best to see your own GP. But if that is not possi ble, and even if you are not registered with a GP practice, you can use other NHS services including the walk-in centre, minor injuries units and MedOCC.

DentaLine For dental emergencies and urgent symptoms at night and weekends

01634 890300

Mental health In a mental health crisis, contact your GP. Or Mental Health Matters helpline (5pm-9am Mon-Fri, 24 hours at weekends) Or KMPT crisis mental health services:

0800 107 0160 01634 825381

Walk-in centre For care by GPs and nurses, 8am-8pm 7 days a week Medway NHS Healthcare Centre, 547-553 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, ME7 5LF 01634 575232

Minor injuries units For minor injuries that might need cleaning, stitching or dressing, open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week at: Sheppey Community Hospital, Plover Road, Minster-on-Sea, Sheerness, ME12 3LT 01795 879104 Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, Bell Road, Sittingbourne, ME10 4DT 01795 418300

MedOCC For urgent care at nights and weekends You must ring first – you cannot be seen if you just turn up.

01634 891855

(Your GP practice can also arrange for you to be seen during the day by MedOCC if you need an urgent appointment which they cannot provide – ask the practice to refer you.)

Emergency care For serious and life-threatening injuries and illnesses, phone 999 or go to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Please keep emergency services free for those who really need them.

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You may like to use this section to keep your useful numbers handy: ■ Doctor ■ Dentist ■ Local pharmacy ■ Late night pharmacy ■ Opticians ■ Health visitor ■ Clinic ■ Other

Get involved: Your views are important. To share your opinions and help us make services better for you and other people in Medway: Email: itsyournhsmedway@nhs.net Phone: 01634 335173 Medway Local Involvement Network (LINk) The Medway LINk is your local independent network of local people and community groups working together to influence and improve Medway's health and social care services. The LINk provides a forum for concerns about service provision and quality, and works with those who plan and run services to bring about real change. Why not join the LINk and help shape local services? www.themedwaylink.co.uk, 01303 297050 Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service is here to help with your health related queries and concerns.

Friendly staff will also be delighted to pass on any compliments or comments to services.

Phone 0800 014 1641 (10am-4pm Monday to Friday) or email pals@medwaypct.nhs.uk You can contact us at our headquarters: NHS Medway, Fifty Pembroke Court, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4EL 01634 335020 Website: www.medwaypct.nhs.uk This guide has been produced by NHS Medway Information in it can be made available in other formats and languages on request to itsyournhsmedway@nhs.net or by ringing 01634 335173.