downsmail.co.uk
Health Measures to avert GP crisis
PLANS to avert a crisis due to a shortage of GPs in the area have been revealed to Downs Mail. This follows publication of a
study which shows 40% of GPs in Kent plan to leave general practice in the next five years. Already many patients are in dif- ficulties. A local NHS consultation meeting was told by a member of Maidstone Hospital A&E staff that pressures on the department were largely caused because the public either could not register with a GP or a timely appointment was im- possible. In neighbouring Swale the Iwade practice should have five GPs – and there are none. A study by Kent Local Medical Committee shows most of the 40% planning to leave will be retiring, and there are not enough young re- cruits to replace them. Of the 250 Kent surgeries sur- veyed, half already have at least
CPR scheme SECAmb is inviting schools and
community groups to register their interest in Restart a Heart – a CPR awareness campaign.
The trust is keen to hear from schools and community groups aged Year 6 and upwards inter- ested in taking part and from healthcare professionals who could help deliver the training. Email
restartaheart@secamb.nhs.uk.
Death rates
MORTALITY levels in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals are being closely monitored because recently they have been higher than anticipated.
A new medical director (Dr P. Maskell) has been appointed and hospital mortality is his priority focus. Mortality rates are not a sure reflection of care provided – but can be a warning sign.
Anorexia help AN all-age Eating Disorder Service
is to be operated in the area, often in a patient’s home if appropriate. The age group most at risk is 15- 24, with anorexia the third most common long-term illness among teenagers. It is the most common cause of death among young women in this age group.
More cost cuts THE local health budget-holding
NHS West Kent Clinical Commis- sioning Group has reviewed its op- erating budget for 2017/19 and says that “an extensive cost reduction programme is needed”.
This follows three reduction ex- ercises over the past two years.
34 Maidstone East June 2017
which includes Maidstone and Malling. Dr Bob Bowes, chairman of the budget-holding, GP-led NHSWest Kent Clinical Commissioning Group, told Downs Mail the survey results were concerning but not surprising. It reflected the national scene. He said: “West Kent CCG is cur-
one vacancy and 40% are short of nurses. This is at a time when the Kent population is increasing rapidly – and the number of people over 65 will grow by 25% in the next few years.
About one third of the respond- ing surgeries are in West Kent,
rently undertaking a full audit of GP premises to decide where fu- ture local investment is needed to ensure premises are fit for purpose and patients can get more tailored local care. “We are also looking at how we
can provide care differently by sharing services across a number of GP practices working in ‘clusters’, or combining GP and hospital serv- ices as we are proposing in Eden- bridge.
“This will provide opportunities
for greater innovation and for clini- cians to develop their skills andwe are hopeful this will attract new re- cruits to the profession. “The CCG is developing initia-
tives to analyse workforce gaps for GPs and practice staff, promote training and education, and ensure there is a sustainable and flexible workforce to meet future popula- tion needs. “Other projects to reduce pres-
sures on GPs, and make sure pa- tients across our area have access to the right care in the right place, in- clude training medical assistants to process paperwork more effec- tively to free-up GP time, promot- ing recruitment and retention schemes and increasing the use of technology for patients to book and cancel appointments online.”
Imagine a day without smartphone!
IMAGINE a day without a smart phone or tablet. Could you cope for 24 hours without social media and the web in the palm of your hand? Would you be prepared to spend the time with your family instead? National Unplugging Day is
promoting that notion on June 24 and the Kent Life Heritage Farm at Sandling, near Maidstone, is supporting the initiative. The campaign says traditional
family values are under constant attack from new technology and overuse from digital devices can cause mental and emotional problems. Kent Life general manager Natalie Cox said: “National Unplugging Day should be a day of celebration and fun. It’s a day where everyone should break free from technology to re- connect with themselves and those they love. Where better for families to enjoy a day unplugged from modern technology than at Kent
Life, which celebrates our rural heritage and countryside traditions.” Kent Life is a popular rural
heritage experience, set in 28 acres of countryside. The attraction has a working
farm, where visitors can enjoy learning about sheep, pigs, ducks, goats, alpacas, horses and ponies.
Over in “cuddle corner” children can get up close and personal with a variety of smaller, furry animals. Prices: adults £9.95, children
(three to 15 years) £7.95, concessions £8.95, family ticket (two adults and two children) £29.95. Under-threes and members go free.
Visit
www.kentlife.org.uk Drive to improve urgent care
A DRIVE to improve urgent and emergency care in the area is to be emphasised by the local budget- holding GP-led NHS West Kent Clinical Commissioning Group. But the group sees meetingNHS England’s expectations as “a signif- icant challenge”. These include treating 90% of A&E patients within four hours by September this year and 95% by March 2018. FromApril 10-16, Maidstone and
Tunbridge Wells hospitals’ A&E performancewas 88.2%. NHS England is also pressing
for: “front-door clinical screening” inA&Edepartments and measures to support patient flow; special mental health care in A&Es; sup- port for care homes; the role of ur- gent treatment centres. SomeGPstreaming does occur in
local A&Es and the group plans to improve the system. Discharge sup- port initiatives are in place and these will be enhanced. The group haswonextra funding
to enhance staffing and hours for specialist mental care support in both its A&Es.
Aplan for support for care homes should be complete by July. The role of urgent treatment cen-
tres across West Kent is being re- viewed. NHSEngland expects 40% of the country to benefit from access to GP appointments at evenings and weekends by March 2018, extend- ing this to the whole country by March 2019. The local group says it is also de- veloping partnerships among key local providers to integrate care in the area.
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