News

A new Cornish dance has been created by members of the Kernow British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and was launched in Cornwall this week.

The Cornish Shuffle is set to Harry Glasson’s beautiful Cornwall My Home and is encouraging all ages and abilities to get moving outdoors and have fun whilst re-connecting with family and friends in a safe way. Creator of the Cornish Shuffle, NHS Psychiatrist Beth Chapman explains, “Social connections help us to combat stress and being active benefits every system in our bodies including the immune system. This sort of light-hearted fun may have been missing for some people recently. I hope people will have a giggle whilst shuffling and feel better for it”.

The Cornish Shuffle is endorsed by the NHS, the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and Cornwall Wildlife Trust. It is inspired by a story of recovery; to help Cornish communities, families, friends and colleagues to have a go and release some happy and health-boosting hormones. Whilst the Cornish Shuffle can be done indoors, there is a strong emphasis on being outside. Cheryl Marriott from Cornwall Wildlife Trust said “Cornwall Wildlife Trust jumped at the chance to be involved. We know that people have appreciated the wellbeing benefits of being outside in nature more than ever this year. The Cornish Shuffle encourages us to continue being active outdoors and enjoy all the physical and mental health benefits that brings”.

Psychiatrist Beth is keen to point out that you don’t need to have any experience of dancing to have a go. “We would like everyone to try it. We have broken down the moves into three sequences for people to copy and they can be done jumping around or from sitting. If our moves don’t grab you then make up your own!”  Each of the dance’s three sequences has a Cornish theme to make them easier to remember and there are online videos to demonstrate them all. The promotional video featuring Cornish residents dancing the Cornish Shuffle can be found on You Tube by searching for ‘Cornish Shuffle’ or visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCERi4iHbij4NldIcYmlFgGg

The creators are asking groups to film themselves doing the Cornish Shuffle and upload and share their videos to the platform of their choice using the hashtag #CornishShuffle.

Health professionals in other parts of the UK have already been inspired by the   Cornish Shuffle so it seems likely that other counties will follow suit. It is hoped that locals and visitors alike will get shuffling this summer.

Residents across Cornwall have been doing their bit during the coronavirus pandemic by staying home to save lives, but now that restrictions are easing, older people are being encouraged to get more active.

The British Geriatric Society, Age UK and the Centre for Ageing Better have all expressed concerns about the likelihood that, with the ongoing pandemic, older people are more likely to restrict their usual activities

With growing concerns about the impact of low levels of physical activity, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) is launching a new campaign, #SitLessMoveMore, aimed at the 135,000 people in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly who are over 65 years old.

Alex Gorree-Wery, a physiotherapist and falls specialist at CFT explained why it’s so important for the over 65s to get moving: “While people are helping to keep themselves safe, and minimise the spread of the virus, they are putting themselves at risk of ‘deconditioning’. Basically, when we are inactive our muscles become weaker and we may then lose confidence in doing everyday activities. This makes us less independent and able to enjoy life. The #SitLessMoveMore campaign is being introduced to encourage older people to build more movement into their daily lives, even if it’s something simple like standing up during TV adverts.

“As a physio and falls specialist I know deconditioning can be reversed,” Alex continued. “We need to act now to get the message to older people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to sit less and move more. It’s an approach more than an exercise programme because it’s about all the little changes each day that add up to a big difference overall.”

Wendy Bellman, 90, from Mount Hawke, was referred to the falls service earlier this year.

She said: “After I fell, I was too afraid to go out. I wanted help to get out and about again like I used to. Donna from the falls service visited me several times and showed me some exercises which helped with my balance. Moving about more loosened me up and once I was walking better, I had the confidence to get out and about again. It helped me get my whole life back together again.”

As part of the campaign, adult community services staff including district and community nurses are being encouraged to have conversations with their patients about sitting less and moving more with the help of prompt cards.

Marie Prior, clinical lead for frailty, falls, and ageing well programme, said: “Many of the factors that cause people to age differently can be influenced by the choices we make such as how active we are, our diet and how we look after ourselves. Frailty and falling are not an inevitable part of ageing, but there are biological changes that come with ageing that decrease our ability to bounce back from stressors, making physical activity really important if we are to age well.

“Research last year showed that even light exercise can make a difference. It’s about keeping older people independent for as long as possible, ensuring they have a good quality of life. As health and care professionals, we all need to use every opportunity we have to start having a conversation and encouraging people, especially older people to increase their activity levels.”

Adults should aim to be active daily, in bouts of at least 10 minutes and total at least 150 minutes per week. The prompt cards are available for anyone to use to start a conversation about sitting less and moving more: www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/frailty-falls-and-ageing-well

Following the relaxation of lockdown measures last month, patients from Longreach House in Redruth are looking forward to getting back to their weekly walking group.

Led by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) senior occupational therapist John Galvin, the ward’s Thursday walk to nearby Carn Brea can once again get underway. The group was established as part of a national green walking initiative led by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

Billy*, a patient who has previously enjoyed taking part in the group, said, “It’s really peaceful walking through the village and is much more enjoyable than just going to the shop and back. I enjoy the walk.”

John added, “Getting off the ward and out into the open is really therapeutic for our patients – and this is definitely reflected in what they tell us when we return from our walk.

“Being outside and off the ward with a therapist and other patients allows us to relax and for conversations to flow much more naturally. Stepping away from the clinical environment, being focussed on where we are going and our surroundings allows people to reflect on their experiences and put things into perspective. As a therapist, it also gives me a better opportunity to get to know my patients and what tools I can use to motivate them and promote their recovery.

“As well as helping to improve people’s mental health, the walks also improve fitness and help people to connect socially.”

The success of Longreach House’s green walking group has been published as a case study on the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare’s website. John shared the findings of his group at the launch event of a green walking recovery guide which was opened by president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Adrian James.

The findings from the local study formed the foundation of the green walking mental health recovery guide, which is available online.

“It has been a real privilege to be a part of this project. Above all it has really benefited our patients. The importance of getting off the ward for fresh air and space cannot be underestimated and it's really exciting that we have contributed to the guide,” said Lydia Lawson, professional lead occupational therapist.

“We now plan to expand the project to our other inpatient site and we are keen to run similar groups in our community services, so people can to continue to access green walking groups when they leave hospital.”

Leanne Griffin, ward manager said: “This project has provided an amazing opportunity for the patients to engage in physical activity organised by very enthusiastic members of staff.

“Patients have missed the weekly walk during the pandemic and are keen to restart it this week. Good physical health and taking part in physical exercise has a huge impact on our mental wellbeing and is something we encourage at every opportunity.”

Longreach House continued to provide the weekly walks up until lockdown in March, but the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from participating in daily activity. During June, patients and staff took part in a virtual 30 day step challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for much needed sports equipment.

* the name has been changed

A new system is being introduced for people in Cornwall who need urgent – but not emergency – NHS care.

People will be urged to contact NHS 111 by phone or online, at any time of day or night, to find out where they should go and when.

If needed, experienced clinicians will make a referral directly to the emergency department (ED) or to another treatment unit.

People turning up at ED without a referral from NHS 111 may be directed elsewhere or have to wait until referred patients have been seen, unless they need immediate treatment.

This is a new way of accessing urgent care in Cornwall, to make sure everyone stays as safe as possible during the covid pandemic.

It is being introduced as tourism businesses reopen, heralding the arrival of large numbers of visitors.

The new system will help the NHS manage the flow of patients when capacity in waiting rooms is much smaller than before, to maintain distancing and reduce the risk of infection. The waiting room at ED in Truro, for example, has capacity for only seven people with two-metre distancing, compared to 40 before the pandemic.

Contacting 111 first means everyone will get the right treatment, more quickly - and probably closer to home as well.

It also means that visitors to Cornwall don’t need to look up details of NHS services if they need urgent treatment. The 111 advisers will do all that – and book them in where possible.

Arrangements have not changed for people with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Please continue to dial 999, as before.

The Cornwall scheme is one of several being introduced around the country in response to the pandemic and the ongoing need to protect people from infection. Other parts of the NHS are likely to follow suit over coming weeks and months.

Dr Iain Chorlton, NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group Governing Body chairman, said: “This is all about keeping people safe in a covid world, when we need to maintain distance and can’t have lots of people just turning up at A&E in an uncontrolled way. Cornwall is one of the first parts of the country to try out the system, given that we’re expecting a lot of visitors over coming days as the tourism industry reopens.”

Mark Woolcock, chief operating officer with Kernow Health CIC, which runs the NHS 111 service for the county, said: “We’ve got an experienced team of highly-qualified clinicians here in Truro who’ll be available night and day to make sure people get the right treatment when they contact us via NHS 111.

“That might mean you’re sent on to ED, but the great majority won’t need that and are likely to be pointed to one of our other units, where they’ll be seen quicker - and probably closer to home as well.”

Dr Toby Slade, emergency medicine consultant at Royal Cornwall Hospitals in Truro, said: “Nobody’s going to be locked out of ED at Truro, but those turning up without referral from NHS 111 may be asked to go elsewhere for treatment.

“And those who’ve come via NHS 111 will always have priority for treatment unless there’s a clear medical need.

“We can’t take chances by having too many people in ED at one time, so our advice is: Just contact NHS 111 by phone or online, to find out where you should go and when. They know exactly what’s best for your condition and where to go for the right treatment.”

 

A unique 18ct white gold rainbow gemmed ring, designed and donated by an anonymous jeweller, is being auctioned to raise money to support frontline NHS staff during the pandemic.

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) launched the auction Sunday 5 July, on the 72^nd birthday of the NHS, alongside their COVID-19 appeal, for anyone to bid on the mesmerising and entirely bespoke multi-stone ring. 

The kind-hearted jeweller has been in the business for more than three decades and moved to Cornwall five years ago to open his own shop in Wadebridge.

“I wanted to give something back to the NHS. Seeing how the rainbow was becoming a symbol for the NHS I thought it would be nice to make a ring in the same theme,” the caring craftsman said.

“I’ve never made anything for charity before, but I was thinking about how I could help locally and wanted to support the efforts of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.”

Phil Confue, Chief Executive at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust commented: “We’ve never received a donation of this kind before. All over the country people have been getting creative to raise money and this is just one of the ways that Cornwall has shown unity.

“Despite the difficult circumstances that we’re all facing at the minute, it has really shown how people can come together in times of need, and this ring will be a symbol of the selfless work that our NHS staff are doing.”

Having started as an apprentice at the age of 17, the jeweller worked in London’s Hatton Garden making jewellery for small and large retailers including some of London’s top West End jewellery shops.

Stephanie Pomeroy, Fundraising Manger commented: “It’s an honour to receive this ring from such an esteemed jeweller. I’ve never seen anything like it before and it is sure to be a talking point. We can’t thank the generous donor enough for auctioning the ring to raise money for our COVID-19 Appeal.”

This vibrant piece features seven individual gemstones – amethyst, tanzanite, blue sapphire, green sapphire, yellow sapphire, fire opal and ruby – all set in 18 carat white gold.

Make a bid on this one-of-a-kind item before Sunday 12 July, 21:00, knowing that the money raised will support the health and wellbeing of the heroic frontline NHS staff at CFT: https://givergy.uk/cpf

The NHS is calling on people living and visiting Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to have fun, stay safe and if they need health care to use the most appropriate service as it gears up for a very busy ‘bank holiday-style’ weekend.

With pubs, bars, restaurants, tourist hotspots and accommodation beginning to reopen after more than 100 days of coronavirus lockdown this weekend, the county is going to be much busier than it has been in recent weeks.

Toby Slade, emergency department consultant at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, said: “We can appreciate that people will want to get out and about and make the most of the opportunities that have not been available for so long. As such we’re preparing for a very busy weekend – I’ve heard it described as New Year’s Eve, if New Year’s Eve fell on a sunny bank holiday and lasted up to 24 hours.”

Toby and his NHS colleagues want everyone to enjoy these new freedoms but added: “We know with more people out and about there are greater risks. Think about how much alcohol you’re consuming, please act sensibly – we want to keep you safe.”

The emergency department will remain open for business for serious and life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as heart attacks or strokes. In instances such as these people should go straight to the emergency department or dial 999.

If a situation arises that is urgent but not serious people are asked to use NHS 111.

He said: “Help us to help you by using NHS 111. Dial 111 or go online to 111.nhs.uk where you can find a full range of local health services. If you aren’t sure what to do and you have a minor injury use 111 and they will direct you to the most appropriate location to get help.”

"Anyone who does attend the emergency department will find that the waiting room is much smaller than before to maintain social distancing at two metres and reduce the risk of infection to other patients and staff. Following initial assessment, our patients will be requested to wait outside or in their cars - to ensure the reduced waiting room capacity is only for vulnerable patients who really need it."

Iain Chorlton, GP and NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group chairman, said: “I would like to remind people that despite us seeing things beginning to reopen we are still very much in the middle of a pandemic and this is far from over. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s response and support to the crises has been really impressive but we need to keep going.”

“One of the most important actions people can take is if you aren’t sure what to do and you have a minor injury use 111 and they will direct you to the most appropriate location,” he added.

He also has advice for those visiting the county now lockdown restrictions are being lifted.

Dr Chorlton added: “It is also important that if you are unwell and need to see a doctor that you contact your own GP practice even if you’re a visitor and the practice is outside of Cornwall. My practice and practices up and down the country are offering video appointments which mean we can see patients safely and quickly during the pandemic.

“This weekend marks 72 years of the NHS and the best way you can say thank you is to use the right services and follow social distancing guidelines.”

This month, it has been confirmed that the innovative partnership which has enabled the provision of overnight services at Stratton Hospital will remain in place until 31 March 2021 and then will be part of the annual contracting round.

The service is provided by an advanced clinician from Kernow Health CIC, who deliver the county’s urgent care service out of hours. The service is accessed by calling NHS 111 and treats people who would historically attended the minor injury unit out of hours, or who need an appointment with the out of hours GP service.

Phil Confue, Chief Executive of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust confirmed, “We are delighted to be able to maintain the innovative service at Stratton until the end of the financial year.

“The overnight service provides peace of mind to people in the far north of Cornwall and over the border in Devon. We have been able to achieve this solution by working together with Kernow Health CIC in response to what the community have told us.”

Fundraisers aren’t letting coronavirus stop a charity hike for a mental health unit in its tracks – instead they’re taking part in a virtual hike of the UK.

Patients and staff from Longreach House in Redruth set off on Monday 1 June on their month long virtual walk between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

During the 30 days, they will cover the extraordinary distance of 874 miles without setting a foot outside the grounds of the unit, hoping their epic efforts will raise £6,500 for much-needed gym equipment.

Lucy McCormick, Sport and Exercise Technician at Longreach said: “We have a diverse range of patients at Longreach and our current exercise equipment is limited. We hope to raise enough funds to purchase a Cardio Wall which is an amazing versatile piece of equipment and would be a hugely beneficial for patients and staff.”

After only 14 days, they have already covered an impressive 498 miles, now working their way through Dufton on their way to Alston.

Sam Martin, Carbis Ward Manager commented: “The challenge has come at a much needed time. It has really helped to motivate staff and patients, promoting a camaraderie of working together to achieve the target. It’s been amazing to see the patients getting really involved, tracking their steps, and walking more.”

One patient even wants to continue the challenge after they are discharged: "I think it is very beneficial having a Steps Challenge whilst in hospital. It gets you out in the fresh air, in nature, keeps you occupied and helps an important cause. It makes you feel part of a community."

Clinical Psychologist, Catherine Collins said this about the benefits of physical activity: “Engaging in physical activities has a proven evidence base for helping to improve low mood. This is because low mood is often associated with social isolation and depleted energy levels creating a vicious circle which keeps the mood depressed.

“Starting a programme of physical exercise is likely to involve social contact, and we know that getting exercise is energising in itself, kicking off an upward spiral of improved mood. It is important to start small with achievable goals, then you can enjoy feelings of success and achievement as additional positive side effects.”

Longreach House are raising funds to purchase a CardioWall to benefit a wide range of patients.

Harry Stevens, Director and Co-Owner of Rugged Interactive, said: “The CardioWall has been very popular in schools, gyms, physical rehab centres and retirement villages. And we have recently had an amazing response from mental health units too.

“Its secret is that whilst it offers both physical and mental challenges, to the user it just feels like they’re playing a game. It’s the game that is the motivator, and that motivation is what’s so valuable for patients in NHS Mental Health units.”

Support Longreach House this June and help them raise £6,500 for gym equipment: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/longreach-steps-challenge

After 46 years of being qualified, Margaret North will retire from her clinical nursing role today [Friday 12 June].

Rosalie Brown, Home First Team Lead Kerrier commented: “It is with grateful thanks we wish to celebrate Margaret as she retires. She has worked with the Kerrier Integrated team since 2008, initially as a Rapid Assessment Team Nurse.

“Throughout her time at Kerrier, Margaret has used her clinical skill and knowledge extensively to support the patients in the community. She has also worked alongside Adult Social Care colleagues, developing close working relationships that supported joined up working across the Health and Social Care services.

“Margaret never forgets to thank the team members working with her on a daily basis, ensuring the support workers are safe, well and supported. The daily email she sends to each one has a personal touch and is a demonstration of her professionalism and dedication. 

“Margaret is to continue her other role as RCN union representative, using her nursing skills and knowledge to the support the nursing profession and nurses.

“It is with warm hearts that we wish Margaret happiness and joy. We know we will hear from her again as she tirelessly works for the RCN. The team will miss her very much. A big thank you from the Kerrier Home First and the Integrated Care Team.”

A new dedicated 24/7 mental health telephone service for anyone in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly worried about their mental health is now available.

Plans for the dedicated mental health support, advice and triage line were accelerated up as part of the ongoing response by the NHS to the coronavirus pandemic.

The telephone service is available to anyone, regardless of their age, all day every day by calling free on 0800 038 5300 and was launched by the Trust on 5 May 2020.

Dr Adrian Flynn, consultant psychiatrist at CPFT, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer round the clock access to mental health support, advice and onward care, to anyone, regardless of their age.

“If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, the team behind our 24/7 free telephone service will listen to you and determine how best to help.”

Dr Flynn added: “In response to the pandemic and acknowledging the impact this challenging time can have on people’s mental health, Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national director for mental health, asked all mental health trusts to accelerate this aspiration. With the launch of this new service our hope is whatever the time of day or night people who need mental health support will know it is freely and easily available to them via one dedicated telephone number.”

South Western Ambulance Service Trust, NHS 111 and GPs will also be able to use the new mental health telephone service if they are worried about a person’s mental health.

Anyone already receiving mental health support and services should continue to access their care in the same way.

More details about the 24/7 telephone service and additional mental health and wellbeing support is available here: https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/i-need-help-now