Let's spread awareness this October... Breast screening is an important aspect of women's health. It involves regular mammograms to detect any signs of breast cancer at an early stage. By raising awareness about breast screening, we can encourage women to prioritize their health and schedule regular screenings. Early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery. It's important to spread the word about the importance of breast screening and remind the women in our lives to take care of themselves. If you are invited to a Breast screening you should go. To get started with breast screening, it's recommended to schedule regular mammograms. Mammograms are X-ray exams that can detect any potential signs of breast cancer. It's generally advised for women to begin regular screenings around the age of 50+, but it's best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate timing for you. Additionally, performing breast self-exams on a monthly basis can help you become familiar with your breasts and detect any changes. If you notice anything unusual, make sure to reach out to your doctor right away. Remember, early detection is key! Take care of yourself. If you want to look more into Breast Screening, click on the links below... https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screening-mammogram/ https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening-breast

HART (Homeless Alliance Response Team) has launched an improved and more robust podiatry service, especially for the homeless people of Rochdale. Staffed by the Podiatry Service of the Northern Care Alliance it held its first clinic on the 09th June. The service, which is operated out of the Petrus drop-in centre on Great George Street in Rochdale has already proved extremely popular with the homeless community and appointments are now being made for the next clinic on 07th July. Research has shown that homeless and rough sleepers who take up the offer of a podiatry service are more than likely to move on and seek out the services of other health care professionals. “By providing services such as this as well as the other range of services that HART make available, we are able to build trust with patients who in turn are more likely to open up about other issues which we can then help with,” said HART nurse Elaine Stone.

Following the success of our HART Volunteer Service, we now provide a HART Outreach Service every week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For further information regarding this service including where it can be accessed View here

Empowering women with knowledge and support... Menopause awareness is super important. It's a natural phase that women go through normally later in life. It can bring out various changes in the body, like hot flashes, mood swings and changes in the menstrual cycle. it's crucial to raise awareness so that women can understand and manage these changes effectively. Remember, knowledge is power! How can I treat my menopause? Treating menopause involves managing the symptoms and supporting overall well-being. Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes and alternative treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen. vaginal cream, tablet, pessary, gel or ring, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness. However, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. What Can I Do To Help Improve My Menopause Symptoms? To improve menopause symptoms, you can take steps like staying active with regular exercise, managing stress through relaxation techniques, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies, and getting enough restful sleep. It's also important to seek support from healthcare professionals who can guide you on potential treatments or therapies. Remember, you're a strong Menopause Warrior! Sleep Tight and Wake Up Bright: Tips for a Restful Night During Menopause Sleeping tight during menopause can be a challenge, but here are some tips to help you catch those Zzz's. Create a soothing bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath. Keep your bedroom cool and dark for optimal sleep conditions. Avoid caffeine and spicy foods before bed. If hot flashes disrupt your sleep, try using a cooling pillow or keeping a fan nearby. And don't forget to prioritize self-care and relaxation during the day to promote better sleep at night. Links and support: https://www.balance-menopause.com/ https://rockmymenopause.com/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support/ https://www.absolutecollagen.com/pages/collagen-for-menopause-what-you-need-to-know? I'm not menopausal...So How Can I Help? For useful tips to help someone going through menopause click the links below: https://www.boots.com/inspiration-advice/wellness-advice/life-balance/wellbeing-advice/how-to-help-partner-through-menopause https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/menopause/how-to-support-someone-going-through-menopause https://www.alwaysdiscreet.co.uk/en-gb/incontinence-advice/menopause/coping-with-menopause https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/supporting-someone-through-the-menopause https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/support-menopause NHS help sheet for partners of those going through menopause 2 The Esplanade Rochdale UK Support Services The Money Helper service offers free and impartial money advice by telephone at 0800 448 0826 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm) or via WhatsApp (+44 7701 342 744) The Greater Manchester Resilience Hub provides a central point for mental health advice and support on 03330 095 071 or via email GM.help@nhs.net Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester who has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter how long ago. Call 0161 983 0902 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (Except bank holidays) or email gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net

Look here for a quick interactive animation on all the best routes to get into a career within Primary Care...

Hey there! We're thrilled to announce that the October LTI Sleep and Menopause session went off without a hitch! Huge thanks to all of you who came by yesterday and spent your afternoon with us. We hope you had a great time and that you found the session informative and engaging. It was truly wonderful to have you there. We're in the process of going through all the feedback we received, and we're excited to share our thoughts with you next week. If you weren't able to attend the session, no worries! We'll be recording them and uploading the videos to the website so you can catch up on what you missed. For anyone who wants further information on anything discussed at the session, please feel free to contact us via Sam Austin at the Academy samantha.austin9@nhs.net, and we will get in touch. We really hope you had fun with your goody bags! We just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for evaluating our session. We truly appreciate your time and feedback! We'll be in touch soon to see if anyone downloaded the suggested apps, and if there's anything else we can do to help you out. Don't forget to look out for the October Newsletter on the 18th, which coincides with WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY. You can expect lots of information from our session. Thank you once again for your support and participation. Warm regards, Mel and Rachael

Hey there! We wanted to share with you what we have been up to this week. We enjoyed spending some time with the Occupational Therapists from The Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT). It was such a great experience as we got to learn more about what they do behind the scenes. We focused on the education side of RCOT and on Occupational Therapy in Primary care. It was really interesting and a valuable insight into the RCOT world. We had a wonderful time working with Healthwatch and Action together to explore women's services in and around our local area. It was great to meet and chat with so many amazing professionals who shared their unique views and ideas on this important topic. We also had lots of fun discussing exciting opportunities in the region. We have, of course, been finalising our presentations for the session on the 12th of October 2023 at the LTI on Menopause and Sleep. The session is only open to all who work in Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Primary Care (receptionists, HCAs, Nursing staff), and if you would like to join us, the link is... https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/menopause-and-sleep-tickets-728765716877?aff=oddtdtcreator

We know how important access to quality healthcare is, especially in the Greater Manchester area; and we are driven and committed to providing the healthcare services that this area requires. Rochdale Health Alliance & Primary Care Academy understands this, and it is committed to providing a wide range of services to support the health and well-being of the community in the Rochdale borough. So what does RHA offer? 1. Supporting Primary Care Networks: RHA plays a crucial role in supporting six Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across the Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale (HMR) area. By providing essential back-office support such as finance management, recruitment, contract administration, employment of ARRS (Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme) staff, and training and development, RHA enables PCNs to focus on what matters most: patient care. Notably, RHA has been at the forefront in delivering vital services such as the mass COVID-19 vaccination program, ensuring that patients in the Rochdale borough receive timely and efficient vaccinations. 2. In Hours Same Day GP Appointments: Recognising the increasing pressure on GP practices and the difficulty patients face in securing appointments, RHA has introduced the In Hours Same Day GP Appointments Service. After triage at their own practice, patients can now be booked into same-day appointments if clinically required. This service ensures that patients receive the care they need promptly, reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall patient experience. 3. Enhanced Access: RHA has been commissioned by five Primary Care Networks to provide enhanced access to GP and other routine healthcare appointments outside of regular practice hours. These appointments are available during evenings (between 18:30 pm and 20:00 pm) and on Saturdays (between 9 am and 17:00 pm). This extended availability ensures that patients can access healthcare services at times convenient for them, promoting accessibility and patient-centered care. 4. Sunday and Bank Holiday Service: RHA's commitment to accessible healthcare extends to Sundays and bank holidays as well. Patients in need of healthcare services can access GP appointments and other healthcare resources between 08:00 and 16:00 on these special days. RHA understands that health concerns don't always adhere to the traditional Monday - Friday 9-5 schedule; and this service ensures that care is available when it's needed the most. 5. Homeless Alliance Response Team: RHA goes above and beyond in its mission to provide healthcare services to all members of the community. The Homeless Alliance Response Team is a primary care health service dedicated to the homeless and transient populations within the Rochdale borough. This initiative reflects RHA's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable individuals receive the care and support they require, as helping those who are the most in need, is a core value of ours. 6. Primary Care Nurse Service: The Primary Care Nurse Service offered by RHA supports residents in care homes on behalf of five HMR Primary Care Networks. This proactive service collaborates with various healthcare and social care professionals to provide comprehensive care. It includes annual health checks for every resident, management of long-term conditions, and the establishment of care plans and advanced care plans. Through this service, RHA plays a vital role in improving the overall health and well-being of care home residents. In conclusion, Rochdale Health Alliance is not just a healthcare provider; it's a partner in the well-being of the Rochdale community. By offering a wide array of services, from mass vaccinations to enhanced access appointments and specialised care for vulnerable populations, RHA demonstrates its unwavering commitment to ensuring that healthcare is accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centred. With RHA by your side, you can rest assured that your health and well-being are in capable hands.

Hey there! Can you believe we're already in week 3 of our journey? This week, we've been reaching out to our fantastic RHA/GP staff to gather their thoughts from our Menopause and Sleep Hygiene questionnaires, and we just wanted to give a big shout-out to everyone who took the time to respond to us - we really do appreciate it! We're currently working hard behind the scenes to create some awesome presentations and resources that we can share with you all. We hope that these resources will be a way for us all to learn together about these important topics. We're excited to leave behind a lasting legacy of knowledge on these topics, and we can't wait to share what we've come up with! We are also super excited as we have teamed up with the digital prescribing app Orcha. This prescribes apps to patients and staff, and we will be using this throughout our project. We will share more news about this in the coming weeks........ If you work for Rochdale Health Alliance or GP (HMR) setting and would like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you! You can complete our questionnaire by emailing Samantha.austin9@nhs.net

At Rochdale Health Alliance (RHA), we take immense pride in our mission to empower healthcare professionals through training, education, and workforce development. Since our establishment in 2016 by GP practices across the Rochdale Borough, we've been dedicated to reshaping the landscape of primary care. Our vision is rooted in collaboration, working closely with our members, partners, and stakeholders to enhance care and health outcomes for our patients while ensuring the sustainability of local primary care practices. With 31 member practices spanning Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale, we stand at the forefront of our integrated healthcare system. Our dedicated team is always at hand, offering invaluable support in areas ranging from finance and HR to communications and strategy. We believe that by strengthening our members, we elevate the quality of healthcare in our community. Our Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale Primary Care Academy play a pivotal role in nurturing the primary care workforce. This, in turn, ensures that our community benefits from well-trained and motivated healthcare professionals. We understand that the backbone of a robust healthcare system lies in its workforce, and that's why we are committed to the development of the staff involved in the healthcare industry. One of the hallmarks that sets us apart is our commitment to accessible healthcare. We offer services like same-day GP appointments and enhanced access outside standard practice hours, addressing the evolving needs of our patients. This flexibility has been a lifeline for our community, particularly during challenging times - especially with the COVID outbreak, where we were committed to helping the vital vaccination rollouts, at speed and scale; to protect the community that we serve. Our adaptability is a source of pride. Over the past seven years, we've navigated numerous national and local changes in healthcare, ensuring that we continue to grow and deliver on our commitments. It's a testament to our resilience and unwavering dedication - our experienced team and knowledge in key areas have allowed us to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances and ensured we are able to plan for the future to develop our services and offerings. If you're a healthcare professional or aspire to be one, or even just on the hunt for employment but have not considered primary care; we urge you to explore our employability programs. By doing so, you'll not only enhance your skills but also become an integral part of our ongoing transformation and be a force for good in the community you live in. Together, we can revolutionise primary care for the better. Visit our website today to learn more about our offerings and how you can be a part of this transformative journey, and nurture an amazing career in healthcare - whether you had planned to or not.

Hey there! After attending the Well-Fest event and collecting well-being questionnaires, we have found out what really matters to primary care staff. The results showed that Menopause and Sleep are two of the most important themes! We're thrilled to have this valuable information and can't wait to take action to address these issues. This week, we have created two different questionnaires on these topics to gather information on what staff would like from us, and how we can effectively communicate this information to the practices. We have spent a considerable amount of time collating data and brainstorming ideas. We have some exciting ideas in the pipeline...

Hey there, it's Mel and Rachael, the occupational therapy apprentices! We're super excited to be joining RHA and PCA for the next eight weeks as part of our extended scope placement. Looking forward to getting to know everyone! Let us tell you a little about ourselves! We're both pursuing Occupational Therapy through the apprenticeship program at the Northern Care Alliance (NCA). We're currently in our second year of studies at Sheffield Hallam University. Rachael works with the Community Neuro team and Mel is part of the Community Stroke team. We're so grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow in our field! So what is the extended scope or role emerging placement? Extended scope placement refers to a work placement where occupational therapists (OTs) work in emerging or non-traditional practice areas or settings that do not currently have an OT in post. This placement provides a great opportunity for us students to explore new roles, expand our skills, and address emerging needs in this area. Specifically, we have identified that we would like to work with GP practice staff, focusing on their health and wellbeing. We've just finished our first week at PCA, where we've been shadowing lots of different services. And we got to attend their amazing Wellfest Day! We had a great time chatting with the staff and gathering information. We're hoping to identify areas where we can provide some support and help out with any challenges they're facing. We'll keep you updated next week on what we find out!