Can you help Royal Victoria Hospital and Roxburghe House? #dundeewestend

Royal Victoria Hospital and Roxburghe House are currently looking for volunteer drivers who can help transport patients to their appointments.

NHS Tayside offers mileage reimbursement and training.

Come and join the wonderful and vibrant community of volunteers and staff.

To find out more contact the team at tay.volunteeringroxburghedundee@nhs.scot or call 423128.

Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website

The Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website aims to provide high-quality mental health and wellbeing services advice within GP Practices across Dundee.

The key objectives include:

+ Accessible Support: Ensuring individuals can access the right support for their mental health and wellbeing when needed.

+ Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Offering a team-based approach that includes general practitioners, link workers, mental health nurses, support workers, welfare advisors, and volunteers.

+ Community Collaboration: Working alongside community partners, third sector, and specialist services to provide comprehensive care.

+ Guidance and Resources: Providing referral guidance and digital options for those seeking support for themselves or loved ones.

+ Comprehensive Services: Offering a range of services at GP practices or nearby, tailored to meet individual needs.

Key Features :

The Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website offers a variety of features to support your mental health:

+ Information and Advice: Access a wide range of articles and guides on mental health topics, including stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

+ Support Services: Find information on local mental health services, including counselling, therapy, and support groups.

+ Self-Help Resources: Explore self-help tools and resources, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies.

+ Crisis Support: Get immediate help and support in times of crisis, with information on emergency contacts and helplines.

You can access this really helpful website at http://tiny.cc/health-well-being

Tayside Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy Service

The NHS Tayside Children and Young People's Speech and Language Therapy Service's advice line is available on Dundee 740317.

The service offers advice, guidance, reassurance, and strategies for parents, carers, and professionals who have concerns about a child or young person's speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties.

The advice line is open on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am and Thursdays from 4pm to 6pm.

Pharmacies open over the New Year holiday

GP arrangements over the New Year

 

GP services - public holidays

GPs in Tayside will be closed on Monday 1st and Monday 8th May.

Find out more ➡️ rightcaretayside.scot.nhs.uk

GP services on Monday

Most GP surgeries in Tayside will be closed on Monday 10th April. Please check your practice’s opening times.

Make sure you get the right care in the right place this Easter.

Find out more ➡️ rightcaretayside.scot.nhs.uk

GP services over the Easter holiday

From NHS Tayside :

Most GPs in Tayside will be closed on Monday 3rd April.

Please ensure you have enough of your regular medication before the public holiday and only order what you need.

Invergowrie Medical Practice update

A number of residents have contacted us about the unfortunate possible closure of the Invergowrie Medical Practice from 16th June.

Although this is situated across the boundary with Perth and Kinross, of its 1891 patients, 343 are in Dundee and of these 108 live in the West End.

The current position is that a group of representatives from NHS Tayside and the Perth and Kinross and Dundee health and social care partnerships has been established and it will consider five possible options :

• Invitation to submit a business case for another GP Practice to take over the practice contract
• Merge with another independent practice
• Merge with one of the two Dundee practices already operated directly by NHS Tayside
• Operate the practice directly by NHS Tayside
• Close the practice and disperse patients across other practices in surrounding areas

The outcome of the options appraisal will subsequently go before the Perth and Kinross and Dundee health and social care partnerships in due course and a final decision will then be made by NHS Tayside.

We are pleased to speak with any West End resident about the situation.

Ryehill Health Centre - latest update #dundeewestend

Further to our earlier updates about the impending closure of GP services from the Ryehill Health Centre, residents have contacted up to ask why letters - promised by NHS Tayside by the end of May - advising patients of which practice they are being transferred to from 1st July, have yet to arrive.

We queried this with the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and have been advised by the Senior Manager Service Development and Primary Care as follows :

"As you have noted the impact of the Friockheim closure on the 31st May has slightly delayed finalising information for Ryehill patients, for which we apologise.

The team is in the final stages of this and I now hope to have this complete and letters posted very soon.

I will update you when I know when this is."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader raises Ryehill Health Centre with Cabinet Secretary for Health #dundeewestend

As recently reported in the Courier (see below), the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has intervened in the Ryehill Health Centre concerns by raising the issue with Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.

Alex said :

“I have raised the concerns over Ryehill Health Centre with the health secretary at the request of West End Councillor Fraser Macpherson who has already asked NHS Tayside to consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients having to be disbursed to other GP practices.

“The impact of having to absorb 5400 patients into other local GP practices would be very significant, adding to pressure in these other practices but also meaning that all the Ryehill patients will have to be found new GPs – a huge task.

“It would make a lot of sense for the health board to take over the direct running of Ryehill and I have asked the health secretary to step in to ensure that NHS Tayside taking over the direct running of the health centre is firmly on the table.”

I had already written to Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of Tayside Health Board, and Grant Archibald, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside seeking clarification of the Health Board’s commitment to the 5400 Dundee patients affected by the proposed closure of the Ryehill Health Centre and saying it should do all it can to keep the practice open.

NHS Tayside needs to be much clearer as to how it will support the patients at Ryehill and I have asked for assurances that the Health Board has discussed all the options and will consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients disbursed to other GP practices.

NHS Tayside and the Health and Social Care Partnership have to be clear as to how it is tackling the Ryehill medical practice’s decision to relinquish its contract with the Health Board and supporting the thousands of patients involved to have access to GP services locally.

I cannot accept that, after so many years of service to the community, the approach of the Health Board is to simply accept it closes. It must look at the option of running the practice itself to keep it open. NHS Tayside already directly runs four GP practices across Tayside including the Maryfield Health Centre. If it can be done there, it can be done at Ryehill Health Centre.

I am very pleased that Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has now raised this with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care as we need assurances from ministers and from the health board that the proposal to save Ryehill Health Centre through direct NHS Tayside management will be actively considered by the Health Board.

It strikes me as infinitely preferable that the health board keeps the practice open under NHS Tayside management than closes it which would mean thousands of people having to be found a new GP. Adding 5400 people across the other GP practices in Dundee will simply add to the pressure on these practices and the quality of service and I don’t see that as in any way the best outcome.

Ryehill Health Centre - an update #dundeewestend

I have written to Lorna Birse-Stewart, Chair of Tayside Health Board, and Grant Archibald, Chief Executive of NHS Tayside seeking clarification of the Health Board’s commitment to the 5 400 Dundee patients affected by the proposed closure of the Ryehill Health Centre and saying it should do all it can to keep the practice open.

NHS Tayside needs to be much clearer as to how it will support the patients at Ryehill and he has asked for assurances that the Health Board has discussed all the options and will consider taking over the running of the health centre rather than see it closed and the patients disbursed to other GP practices.

The Health Board and the Health and Social Care Partnership have to be clear as to how it is tackling the Ryehill medical practice’s decision to relinquish its contract with the Health Board and supporting the thousands of patients involved to have access to GP services locally.    

I cannot accept that, after so many years of service to the community, the approach of the Health Board is to simply accept it closes.    It must look at the option of running the practice itself to keep it open.   NHS Tayside already directly runs four GP practices across Tayside including the Maryfield Health Centre.   If it can be done there, it can be done at Ryehill Health Centre and I am seeking assurances that this will be actively considered by the Health Board.

Although I was sent a briefing about the Ryehill situation earlier this week, there has been a lack of clarity on exactly how patients will be supported to have GP access in the future.

It strikes me as infinitely preferable that the health board keeps the practice open under NHS Tayside management than closes it which would mean thousands of people having to be found a new GP.      

Adding 5400 people across the other GP practices in Dundee will simply add to the pressure on these practices and the quality of service and I don’t see that as in any way the best outcome.

Getting things done - Westgate Health Centre #dundeewestend

Many West End residents use the Westgate Health Centre for their GP services.

I have received requests that the practice has a handrail added outside the entrance to assist patients with mobility difficulties parking in the disabled parking bays to get from there to the GP entrance.

I raised this with NHS Tayside and its Medical Director has helpfully responded as follows :

"NHS Tayside is committed to ensuring our sites are accessible for patients and I can confirm that improvements to ramp access have been made and automatic doors have been installed at the health centre in recent years.

The issue regarding the lack of handrails has been passed to our Property Team and I can advise that a handrail will be designed and fitted as soon as possible.   This is being done in consultation with the Westgate Practice Manager.   

We will also undertake an assessment of the roadways and footpaths as required to ensure the continued safety of patients."

GP and chemist services tomorrow

Most GP surgeries across Tayside will be closed tomorrow - Monday 27th July.

However, many chemists in Dundee are open tomorrow and are listed below :

Health and work support - a reminder about advice from NHS Scotland

Health and work support - advice from NHS Scotland

Power of Attorney - Start the Conversation

Power of Attorney is a campaign funded by the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the importance of having a Power of Attorney granted to a trusted relative or friend. 

The campaign involves a partnership between NHS Tayside, Angus, Dundee and Perth and Kinross Councils and local law firms.

Many people are unaware that if they become ill or injured and are unable to make decisions for themselves, no one else can do this on their behalf unless they have legally been given power to do so through a Power of Attorney.

The campaign is encouraging people to talk to trusted family and friends about establishing a Power of Attorney.

Whatever age you are, it is important to think about and make plans for the future. The first step is to have conversations about your wishes, hopes and fears about how you would like to be cared for if you become ill.

If you are in hospital, a care environment or even your own home, no one can act for you to pay bills, manage your welfare or make key decisions unless you have made your plan.

Having a Power of Attorney in place can ensure that your wishes are carried out quickly without prolonged legal negotiations. Your next of kin is powerless without Power of Attorney.

The campaign website: www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk provides valuable help and information.

For further information about the campaign in Tayside download the "With Power of Attorney, the Future is in your hands" booklet.   Hard copies of this booklet can also be obtained by calling 425500.

Last couple of days ...

Over the past couple of days I have had a number of useful meetings regarding West End issues, including speaking with constituents on a number of local matters.

On Tuesday morning, I had a very useful discussion on local policing matters with Inspector Alistair Black of Police Scotland, our local police inspector.   I also met with Iain MacKinnon, the new President of Dundee University Students' Association and thereafter, along with Angela Mehlert, the Chair of the Friends of Magdalen Green, I met with Dr David Rodley of the University of Dundee's School of Engineering, Physics and Maths, together with four students.   The purpose of the latter meeting was to discuss progress with the renewable energy lighting project at Magdalen Green, and it was good to learn about progress towards this being installed, hopefully towards the end of 2013/early 2014.

The Friends' Committee met later on Tuesday and Angela and I were able to update the committee on the lighting project progress.    In a very positive committee meeting, we discussed progress with the Roseangle Playpark Campaign, including the upcoming orienteering event and the photographic competition.   We also agreed that the Friends of Magdalen Green event as part of West End Christmas Fortnight will be a Soup and Pudding Lunch at Dundee West Church on Saturday 7th December.  More details to follow!

Yesterday, I had a very worthwhile meeting with a constituent and her family members along with Valerie Busher, Community Fundraising Development Manager at Maggie's Centre.   The issue is the access to Maggie's Centre from Ninewells Hospital for those travelling on foot, particularly for patients and those with mobility difficulties and we discussed matters like improved signage and promotion of the hospital's mini-bus service.   I'm very grateful to Valerie for the time she spent with us yesterday and she is kindly progressing the issues with NHS Tayside.

Last night, I attended the Harris Academy Parent Council Annual General Meeting, the first meeting the Parent Council has held in the Lawton Road site.   It was an extremely well-attended AGM at which Mandy Trickett was elected the new Chair and Lesley Teviotdale was elected the new Vice Chair.   Graham McKay, the retiring Chair was thanked for all his work as Chair.    Harris Academy opens this morning for the first time at its decant site in Lawton Road and I was able to update parents on the bus transport situation.    We had a tour of the school after the meeting and thanks go to all the staff who have put in a huge effort to get the building ready for the 1000+ pupils who will return to school today.

Here4U project seeks volunteers

A new community project in Dundee aimed at supporting people who are receiving end of life care at home, is seeking volunteers.

The Here4U project provides extra support to these people and offers the opportunity of social interaction to improve the individual’s quality of life. It is a service for people who have a life-limiting illness and are receiving palliative care.

Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of individuals and their families facing the problems associated with life-limiting illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering. It provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms and offers a support system to help the family cope during the person’s illness and in their own bereavement.

The project is seeking people 18 years of age and over, from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse experience. They should be able to dedicate between two and four hours per week to the project. Sometimes those who have cared for someone receiving end of life care decide to volunteer themselves.

Community Volunteer Service Manager Derek McFarlane said, “Volunteers will build a relationship with an individual who is receiving palliative care. The relationship is based upon trust, support and confidentiality, and the volunteer will offer social support over a period of time.

“We are looking for volunteers who can give a commitment of time to the service. They should also have the ability to get along with others and be someone who values others’ opinions and beliefs whilst being able to listen.”

All volunteers will receive training and will have regular meetings to discuss how they are managing with the volunteering role and to offer them support. Associated expenses will be able to be claimed back.

For further information contact Derek McFarlane, Community Volunteer Service Manager, Roxburghe House, Dundee, DD1 1SP, call 01382 423134 (office hours Monday – Friday) or email dmcfarlane1@nhs.net.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms screening

As part of a national screening programme, men aged 65 in Dundee and the rest of Tayside will be invited to attend a local clinic to receive an ultrasound scan which can detect Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) – a condition that affects one in 20 men.

The condition affects the aorta - the main artery that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. As people get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak and balloon out, forming an aneurysm. AAA is most common in men aged 65 and over. Most are unaware that they have the condition and will have no symptoms. For many men the rupture of the aneurysm is the very first sign of the problem. 

For further information on AAA screening call the NHS inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88 or visit the Screening Scotland website at www.nhsinform.co.uk/screening.