Self-care service is healthy success
RESIDENTS with long-term health problems have praised a telephone-based support service being trialled by NHSWest Kent. One woman said CareCall had prevented her
from having a nervous breakdown. The system helps people with conditions such
as asthma, diabetes and heart disease take more control of their health. Qualified nurses, called health coaches, clarify medical terms, provide guidance about managing symptoms and assist in preparing patients for clinical appointments. Clea Llewellyn-Hurst, 29, from Snodland, said:
“I am a long-term sufferer of allergies, but after speaking to a health coach I was given the confi- dence to speak to my doctor about my symptoms. This led to me receiving the treatment I needed which has changed my life immensely.” Janet Luck, also from Snodland, is one of 21,000
people inWest Kent who have spoken to CareCall. The 67-year-old cares for her husband, who has stomach cancer. “CareCall gave me support just when I needed
it. The support from my health coach probably stopped me having a nervous breakdown.” A recent survey revealed 75% of patients using
the service described it as excellent or very good. Julia Ross, director of strategy at NHS West
Kent, said: “Not only are people learning to be more confident about managing their own health but self-care also promises to take pressure off hospital services by avoiding unnecessary admis- sions.” To contact CareCall, call freephone 0800 1691824.
Thieves target front gates FRONT gates were taken from five houses overnight in East Peckham. Three gates were taken from The Freehold and two from The Pound.
Santa and crew sail into town in style
SANTA cast aside his sleigh and opted for an unusual mode of transport when he came to Maidstone to open his grotto. He floated down the Medway aboard
the Kentish Lady, making use of the Christmas Park and Sail service, which had been threatened with clo- sure after Maidstone Council withdrew its sponsorship – until local firm, RAP Interiors, stepped in to fund the fes- tive cruiser. Joining Santa at the riverside was East Enders actress Melissa Suffield (Lucy Beale), who is appearing in Beauty and the Beast at the Hazlitt Theatre.
Shoppers can park free at Kent Life, Sandling, and catch the Kentish Lady from Allington Lock to Archbishop’s Palace for £3 return, £1 for children. The service runs on the two Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas, with hourly sailings (10am-5pm). Proceeds from ticket sales will go to
SOBS Maidstone, a charity that sup- ports survivors of bereavement through suicide. Santa is in his grotto at The Mall, on
the upper floor near Miss Selfridge, until Christmas Eve. Open every day from 10am, but 10.30am on Sundays. Entrance is £3 and includes a gift.
16 Malling
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