HEALTH MAPS

Two ‘Health Maps’, developed by Wirral Health Authority, are directing patients to better health care. Published in December 2000, the maps are split into postcode areas and show where to find, and how to contact, health services including doctors, dentists, opticians, pharmacies, nursing homes and hospitals. The maps include important information about improving your health, self-medication and patient support helplines. They have been distributed to all Wirral GPs, libraries, colleges, voluntary organisations and Citizens’ Advice Bureaux. Revised editions are currently being prepared. For a copy of your local Health Information Map, please contact Wirral Health Authority on 0151 651 0011 ext 249.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE NHS

Replacing the old style Patient’s Charter a new guide to patients’ rights, responsibilities and national standards has been published. ‘Your Guide to the NHS’, launched in January 2001, fulfils the Government’s manifesto commitment to replace and clarify the Patient’s Charter. The Guide lets people know what they can expect from the NHS now and in the future and underlines the main aims of the ‘NHS Plan’. For a copy of ‘Your guide to the NHS’ contact Wirral Health Authority on 0151 651 0011 ext 248/249. Alternatively, the Guide is available at local GP practices, NHS Trusts, libraries and Wirral Community Health Council. Copies of the Guide are also available in the following languages: Hindi; Punjabi; Vietnamese; Tu r kish; Bengali and Arabic and can be obtained from Wirral Health Authority or the Wirral Multicultural Centre at 11 Conway Street, Birkenhead, telephone 0151 666 4547. Braille copies of the Guide are also available from the Health Authority.

LOOKING OUT FOR EYE PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Our innovative screening programme for patients with diabetes - one of the first of its kind in the UK - aims to prevent eye problems linked to the condition by caring for all patients jointly between the Eye Department at Arrowe Park Hospital, community optometrists and local GPs. After four years, we have successfully reached our goal of screening all 9,000 patients registered with diabetes in Wirral, thanks to the help of 28 accredited optometrists in 34 different practices. Optometrists closely monitor the back of the eye, which can develop a sight-threatening condition called diabetic retinopathy. This damages blood vessels and is a common cause of blindness, but can be treated effectively if caught early. Patients are recalled for check-ups every 12 months - and reminders are sent at 11,15 and 18 months to encourage attendance. As part of their assessment, they see their GP and have a blood test. Those with significant signs of damage are referred to hospital for further screening. Those whose sight is in immediate danger are seen within a few days and less urgent cases have appointments within two to four weeks. A scheme to keep a closer watch on patients following cataract surgery is successfully underway. Thirty-three optometrists at 27 different practices carry out checks six weeks after an operation. Results are fed back to the hospital to enable the Eye Department continually to improve the quality of care provided. Further developments in clinical governance arrangements are also aimed at ensuring that, wherever possible, patients receive the same high standards of care whether at home or in a community setting.

T he most far-reaching changes for pharmacy practice since the launch of the NHS in 1948 were announced in the Pharmacy Plan in September 2000. Ambitious plans to modernise services will be achieved fully over the next five to 10 years, but many improvements are already underway. All our planned measures are designed to put you, the patient, at the centre of things. We are shaping our future pharmacy policy around what you really need from us and have already come up with the following proposals.

Pharmacy supply of medicines
Work is underway with pharmacists that may soon enable patients exempt from prescription charges to obtain some medicines for minor ailments directly from the pharmacy.

Medicines review
Pharmacists will become much more involved in an on-going review of medicines with your GP and practice nurse.

Better access to pharmacies and pharmacists
Pharmacists are looking at new ways of working, to enable them to spend less time dispensing and more time advising the public. Many pharmacies offer late night opening and the new pharmacy at Arrowe Park Hospital’s NHS Walk-in Centre is open 365 days a year until 10pm. Together with new health initiatives such as NHS Walk-in Centres and NHS Direct, pharmacists’ services are being promoted across the 83 pharmacies in Wirral. Having the choice of all these services for minor illnesses and injuries means that you will only need to go to the doctor’s surgery when you really need to see a GP. We are always keen to hear your views on the pharmacy service, so please let us know what changes you would like to take place.