Our colleagues on our Healthwatch Barnet team have lots of information to help you stay well from now until summer. Here’s what they have to say:
Healthwatch Barnet says, “Stay well, Barnet!”
In association with North Central London CCG (NCL CCG) Healthwatch Barnet has launched a campaign to ensure that everyone in Barnet is equipped with the information they need to stay well from now until the arrival of the summer.
Project lead Melvin Lyons explains.
“There are lots of ways to protect yourself and your family from illness, and we’re highlighting 8 simple steps to help keep you well now and until the warmer weather arrives”:
1. Set yourself up against the two nasty illnesses doing the rounds – get fully vaccinated against COVID 19 and flu. We’ve got all the details on our website about how and where to go, and even what to do if you really, really don’t like needles.
2. Think the NHS is shut? Think again. The NHS is fully open for business, and we are listing all the different ways to access the right healthcare at the right time, whether that means a call to 111, a trip to a walk-in clinic, or booking an evening or weekend appointment with a GP (evening and weekend GP appointments are available seven days a week at GP hubs across Barnet).
3. Apps are a huge and helpful part of modern life, so if you haven’t yet, download the NHS App. It’s a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your phone or tablet. You can search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery on the NHS App, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments, order repeat prescriptions or search trusted NHS information and get health advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments.
4. Young children are prey to coughs, colds and chest infections, and this can be a particularly difficult time of year for them. We have information to help parents get the right medical support when needed, with resources available in more than half a dozen different languages.
5. Wellbeing means looking after your mental health as well as your physical health. If you’re feeling anxious, low or out of sorts, contact your GP practice about talking therapy. Your GP is there to help you – physically and mentally – and can refer you to the right service. There’s expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing on the Every Mind Matters website. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call our local NHS mental health helpline for 24-hour advice and support.
6. Everyone can and should be registered with a GP practice. GPs not only treat many conditions and give health advice, they can also refer you to other NHS services. Anyone in England can register and receive care from a GP practice. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number.
7. Local pharmacies can provide expert advice, as well as over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals and can make sure you get the help you need and can tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.
8. Look out for other people. Finally, let’s all keep in touch with our friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather.
For more information, contact Melvin on melvin@inclusionbarnet.org.uk or leave a message on the Healthwatch Barnet number 020 3475 1308. He’s happy to get invites to talk at events too, so get in touch!