Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS

Heat-health Watch Alert: Level 3 – Heatwave Action

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Issued at 8:27am on Wednesday, 25 July 2018.

There is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions between 9:00am on Monday and 9:00am on Saturday in parts of England.

NHS Choices have published a guide to how to cope in hot weather.

Hot weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients.

More details about the weather alert is available on the MET Office website.

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn’t harm you or anyone you know.

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main risks posed by a heatwave are:

  • dehydration (not having enough water)
  • overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
  • heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Who is most at risk?

A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:

  • older people, especially those over 75
  • babies and young children
  • people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
  • people with mobility problems – for example, people with Parkinson’s disease or who have had a stroke
  • people with serious mental health problems
  • people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
  • people who misuse alcohol or drugs
  • people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those doing sports

Level 1 alert: be prepared

The Meteorological Office has a warning system that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely. Level 1 is the minimum alert and is in place from June 1 until September 15 (which is the period that heatwave alerts are likely to be raised).

Although you don’t have to do anything during a level 1 alert, it is advisable to be aware of what to do if the alert level is raised. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives.

Public Health England (PHE) has advice on how to stay safe during a heatwave (PDF).

Level 2 alert: heatwave is forecast

The Met Office raises an alert if there is a high chance that an average temperature of 30C by day and 15C overnight will occur over the next 2 to 3 days. These temperatures can have a significant effect on people’s health if they last for at least 2 days and the night in between.

Although you don’t need to take any immediate action, follow these steps in preparation:

  • Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio, TV or social media, or the Met Office.
  • If you’re planning to travel, check the forecast at your destination.
  • Learn how to keep cool at home with the beat the heat checklist (PDF).

Level 3 alert: when a heatwave is happening

This alert is triggered when the Met Office confirms there will be heatwave temperatures in one or more regions.

Follow the instructions for a level 2 alert. The following tips apply to everybody when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable, and reducing health risks.

Tips for coping in hot weather

  • Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler.
  • Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
  • Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
  • Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
  • Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.
  • Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
  • Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
  • Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
  • Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
  • Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that is affecting your health or someone else’s, get medical advice.

You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Visit GOV.UK to find your local authority.

Level 4 alert: severe heatwave

This is the highest heatwave alert in Britain. It is raised when a heatwave is severe and/or prolonged, and is an emergency situation.

At level 4, the health risks from a heatwave can affect fit and healthy people, and not just those in high-risk groups. These groups include the elderly, the very young and people with chronic medical conditions.

Follow the information given above for a level 3 alert. Check that anyone around you who is in a high-risk group is coping with the heat.

How do I know if someone needs help?

Seek help from a GP or contact NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell and shows symptoms of:

  • breathlessness
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • intense thirst
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • cramps which get worse or don’t go away

Get the person somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink.

Insight Healthcare Calderdale Mindfulness Workshop

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Insight Healthcare are holding a Mindfulness Workshop on Tuesday 16 January, 6pm – 7:30pm. 

You must be over 18 and registered with a GP in Calderdale to attend this mindfulness workshop.

The event is free to attend but places must be booked using this Eventbrite website. You will need to produce your ticket at the event.

The venue is to be confirmed but it will be in central Halifax, Calderdale, West Yorkshire.

The workshop will be presentation based and will look in detail at mindfulness skills and techniques and how you can implement them into your every day life.

This workshop will be great for you if your are:

  • Interested in improving your self-care and wellbeing
  • You are experiencing stress and anxiety
  • Interested in Mindfulness or developing mindfulness skills

Book now for this free event

Calderdale Talking Therapies is part of Insight Healthcare, a not for profit organisation and an experienced provider of free talking therapy services on behalf of the NHS.
We are able to help those who are registered with a GP in Calderdale and are aged 18 and over.  This service provides help to people experiencing common difficulties such as: low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, panic, anger, phobias, trauma, bereavement, loss, relationship difficulties and family problems.

For further information contact linsay.denton@insighthealthcare.org.uk

 

Project Search in Calderdale Helps Young People with Learning Disabilities

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A new scheme in Calderdale is helping young people with learning disabilities to prepare for life in the workplace.

Calderdale Council, Calderdale College and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust launched ‘Project Search’ in September 2017 and it’s already having benefits for the 12 young adults involved.

The scheme offers a year-long supported internship combining classroom-based learning delivered by Calderdale College and work experience with the Council and the NHS. The aim is to boost opportunities to learn new skills to help secure full-time, paid employment.

Cllr Megan Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:

“We want to ensure that when people with learning disabilities leave school or college, they have access to good-quality, paid jobs and can achieve their full potential. Project Search is a great opportunity for them to gain knowledge and practical experience in a safe and supported environment.” 

Laura Lavender, Team Leader – Employability & Life Skills, Calderdale College, said:

“We are so proud of our interns’ progress so far – they have really stepped up to the challenge and have become real assets to the teams they’re working in. Project Search is a fantastic supported internship model which we are hoping will make a big difference to the long term career prospects of the young people taking part. We are thrilled to be involved in this project and are dedicated to ensuring its success.”

The Council and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust are working together to provide a variety of work experience to the young people enrolled on the scheme. From September to December 2017 the work placements are based at the Council, and from January 2018 they will be provided at Calderdale Royal Hospital.

Where can I go to get more information? 

You can speak to a member of staff at Calderdale College, your C&K Careers advisor at your school, Lead the Way or the SEND Team. Leaflets about Project SEARCH can be posted to you by calling the Admissions Team at Calderdale College, phone: 01422 399316, or pick one up from the College Admissions Team.

Calderdale Council on being Winter Wise

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It’s getting cold out there! Calderdale Council have produced a short film for a guide to staying Winter Wise.
Winter is a time when people are at more risk of injury or illness. By thinking ahead you can reduce risk and be prepared should the cold weather hit suddenly.

You can also download the download the Stay Winter Wise booklet.

Have Your Say on How Prescriptions May Change

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Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) want to know what you think about plans to change the way that some medicines and products are prescribed.

The CCG’s aim is to ensure you have a long, healthy life and be active and independent for as long as possible but they also have a limited budget. Because of this they need to make decisions on what to buy so the funding is in place for the right services.

The CCG spends more than £600,000 on lower value medicines and products. These are items that many people already buy for themselves. They include:

  • Baby milks and infantile colic products
  • Multivitamins and vitamin D
  • Emollients (moisturisers) for minor dry skin conditions
  • Cosmetic products, including eflornithine for facial hair
  • Antifungal nail paints
  • Sunscreen products

By not prescribing these items the money could be spent on more effective treatments which have a more positive impact on patients’ health.

CCG also spends about £80,000 every year on prescribing branded medications instead of prescribing non-branded (generic) medicines.

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Training to help you get back into work – Courses at Recovery College

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Calderdale Recovery College have free courses and places available. Below is what’s coming up over the next month.

Do you know someone who is thinking about going back to work? Then this series of courses may just help:

Employment Tool Kit:

Your Rights at Work – Monday 30 October 10.30am – 12pm 

Back by popular demand:

Mindfulness x 8 session – Wednesday 1 November 11am-12.30pm
Achieving a state of peace x 1 session – Monday 30 November 10am-3pm

All the above courses are taking place at Hope Street Resource Centre, Hope Street, Halifax, HX1 5DX.

Many of the courses may be able to support professional development and training needs.

More information: www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/about-us/recovery/calderdale/

Recovery College Calderdale offers a range of courses and one off workshops with the aim of improving mental health through learning.

The courses focus on being mentally healthy, staying well and developing the knowledge and strength to overcome the challenges we can all face at times in our lives. Building our personal resilience, having confidence and self-esteem, to be able to make decisions and to believe in ourselves.

The courses are co-designed and co-delivered by people with real life experience, who work in conjunction with health professionals, education providers and trainers to share what works for them.

Courses aren’t therapy – the aim is to provide a positive learning approach in which to share knowledge and provide the space to reflect on your own health and understanding.

You are not referred to the Recovery College, simply enrol yourself for any of the courses that are of interest to you. Courses are open to all adults with personal experience and we welcome carers, supporters and professionals too.

If you are new to the college you will be invited to an induction session where you will find out more about how it works, the courses on offer and to answer any questions that you may have.

For further information please contact Recovery College Calderdale on 01422 393339  or email calderdale.recovery@swyt.nhs.uk

Understanding How the Local NHS Works – VAC Training

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This session on Friday 23 June 10am – 12pm will describe the national landscape and local responsibilities for commissioning and providing NHS services.

Participants will gain an understanding of how the NHS fits together and who has responsibility for providing specific local services.  The purpose of this session is to provide an overarching understanding of a complicated system and provide a who’s who and who does what within the local NHS.

Who is this session aimed at?

The session, to be held at VAC, 8B Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY, will be useful for Engagement Champions and voluntary community and social enterprise (VCSE) groups who want to provide local services in partnership with the NHS.  It would also be useful to those who just want to understand how the NHS fits together.

Costs range from £30 to £80 depending upon the structure of your organisation. The course is booked online at http://cvac.org.uk/training but for further information email the training administrator at training@cvac.org.uk  or call 01422 348777.