IRU - Monday 22nd August 2022

Welcome to this week's Information Round-up! 

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Do you have an NHS Dentist? 

Last week we asked you if you are registered with an NHS Dentist? The majority of you said Yes (70%). We wanted to ask the question because it has been heavily featured in the news recently with people finding it hard to gain access to an NHS dentist. People have also turned to DIY dentistry as 9 in 10 practices are not taking on new patients. 

Healthwatch Stockport receive anywhere between 5-15 calls/emails a week asking if we know anyone that are taking on new patients. Unfortunately in the Stockport area there isn't any dentist taking on NHS patients. 

We would like to remind you that if you are with a NHS dentist and you haven't been to your dentist in over 6 months, then it would be good practice to contact your dentist and make sure you haven't been taken off as a patient. We have heard some horror stories where people are no longer with their dentist practice because they haven't had a check up in over 6 months. 

We are constantly checking in with NHS Dental practices to see if they are taking on new patients. This is a nationwide problem. 

You can read our report on accessing NHS Dental services in Greater Manchester.

There is no poll this week.

Do you want to be a Senior Officer for Healthwatch Stockport? 

We are recruiting for a senior officer to join the team here at Healthwatch Stockport. For more details on the role please click the button below.

More information 

Autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programme official publication

The Government has published its letter on the Autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programme, available to view here. It sets out the actions to take, as well as operational details systems to consider, when finalising plans for the autumn COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine programme.

The 2022-23 General Practice Enhanced Service Specifications and Community Pharmacy Advanced Service Specification for the Seasonal Flu Programmes have also been published by NHS England.

Vaccination pop up clinics continue during August

The vaccination clinics at One Stockport Hub and Trinity Methodist Church in Mersey Square remain open. The current opening times are below.

One Stockport Hub, Mersey Square, Stockport town centre

Open on Saturdays only: Age 12+: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Age 5 to 11: 9am to 1pm.

No appointment required.

Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, Bramhall, SK3 8TP

Open every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

Appointments must be booked in advance for 5-11s at Trinity Methodist Church, and are available on Sundays only, via the National Booking Service online, or by calling 119 free of charge.

The full range of vaccination opens can be found here.

Network invitation:  Sport/Physical Activity for Social Good

Message from Steve Flynn (BOOST)

BOOST has been asked to lead on the development of a new sport and physical activity network for the VCFSE sector in Stockport.

We’re working with Stockport Council and Sector3 to develop one a number of VCFSE networks launching in the coming months.

It’s early days yet and we don’t want to be too precise on the ‘purpose’ as that will be for the network to determine, but in short what we are looking to do is to bring organisations, groups and individuals together from across the sector who are (or are interested in) delivering sport and physical activity for social good. That could be health and wellbeing, community cohesion, social inclusion, crime prevention, personal development etc etc.

The hope is that the network (snappy name to be decided) will give us, and others, a clearer sight of what is being delivered across the borough and that it will also show:

1. how we might identify opportunities to collaborate whilst avoiding duplication;
2. how we can improve the awareness of our activities (service users and other providers/referrers etc) and where necessary, make them easier to access;
3. how we can demonstrate the impact of our work and in doing so, improve the opportunities for funding (local and external) as well as the potential for commission and contracts;

I’m hoping that we can kick things off with an inception meeting and this is scheduled for Thursday September 15th, 1.30pm – 3.30pm at Cornerstone.

Please register here so that we can prepare enough tea and biscuits!

Register here

The plan is for a fairly informal meet to share ideas on what a network could look like, how it might operate and how it can enhance what we do for the people of Stockport.

Stockport Jobs Fair

Message from Polly Riggs (Stockport Council)

Stockport Council is hosting a Jobs Fair to showcase the wide range of opportunities available at the council. The fair will be held on 13th September, from 11am – 6pm, in the Town Hall ballroom, and all are welcome to attend.

Many residents might not know about the different positions available within the council. From business support to democratic services and a wealth of social care recruitment opportunities, Stockport Council is the perfect place to build your career.

Bring your CV along, meet with our team members and have a chat about the roles on offer right now.

Sign up via Eventbrite, or just drop in!

[Opportunity] Become an NHS Ambassador

Sign up to become an NHS Ambassador and Help build the future workforce of the NHS. Now in its fourth year, Health Education England’s NHS Ambassador programme connects NHS staff with schools and colleges with the aim of inspiring the future generation to consider a career in healthcare. Staff can volunteer either virtually with schools across the country and/or in-person within their local communities.

The programme is already supported by thousands of NHS staff who volunteer their time to support activities such as career insight talks, mock interviews, CV support and becoming school governors.

An information pack is attached with information on how to get involved and frequently asked questions about the programme.

Contact: Emma John, Relationship Project Manager, Greater Manchester Workforce Bureau, email: emma.john@nhs.net, phone: 07917 511 676.

[Opportunity] Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Members – Stand in our Governor Elections

Message from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

Our governors represent the interests and views of both our public and staff members, alongside the general public. Governors play an important role in the governance of the Trust seeking assurance from the Board of Directors and helping to shape the Trust’s future priorities and plans.

It is really important that we have governors representing all areas served by the Trust. We are holding elections in the following constituencies for a 3 year term of office:

• Public – Bramhall & Cheadle (4 seats)
• Public – Marple & Stepping Hill (4 seats)

We are also holding a by-election in the following constituencies for a 2-year term of office:

• Public – Tame Valley & Werneth (1 seat)
• Public – Heatons & Victoria (1 seat)
• Staff (2 seats)

Nominations will open on Tuesday 26 July 2022 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 August 2022.

How to apply

To be a governor you must be a member of the Trust. To find out more information about the elections, the role of a Governor or to complete a nomination form online, visit: www.cesvotes.com/stockport22 or contact the Membership Team on 0161 419 5164 or membership@stockport.nhs.uk.

[SURVEY] Pride in Practice LGBT Patient Experience Survey 2022

Message from LGBT Foundation

The Pride in Practice LGBT Patient Experience Survey 2022, by the LGBT Foundation, is open until Wednesday, 31 August, 2022. The survey helps find out about the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people accessing GP practices, dental surgeries, community pharmacies, and optical practices.

If you are LGBTQ+ and want to share your experiences you can take part here. Feel free to share the survey within your own networks or amongst family and friends too.

Take the survey now