News

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT) is linking up with SilverCloud, the UK’s leading digital platform for mental health, to provide free access to online wellbeing programmes.

The investment will allow anyone struggling with common mental health problems like anxiety and depression, possibly worsened by the pandemic, to have instant access to the free online resources.

Dr Ellen Wilkinson, chief clinical information officer at CFT said: “Clearly the pandemic is increasing people’s uncertainty, worry and levels of stress. The impact digital therapies can make is crucial. They enable us to improve access to instant, practical, evidence-based support which anyone can use from the comfort of their own home.”

The trust has secured 12 different SilverCloud courses. These are available on its website and include modules on anxiety, depression, mindfulness, sleep, money worries, stress and Covid-19. There are also courses which address the mental health impacts of living with long-term physical health conditions like diabetes and chronic pain.

The self-guided learning includes; interactive tools, activities and videos based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They are accessible across all devices day or night and have been designed by mental health clinicians.

Dr Wilkinson continued: “We want people to take the information and techniques they learn online and apply them to their everyday lives. The courses can help people with anxiety and depression recover to levels that are much in-line with one-to-one talking therapies.

“In fact, our county’s own talking therapy service, Outlook South West, uses SilverCloud for that very reason. We are really keen for more people to benefit from therapies like this, especially when getting out and about to use healthcare services in-person is more difficult.”

The online resources are suitable for anyone aged 16 and above. Access is immediate with no referral required. All people need to do is log onto the system from a computer, smart phone or tablet at any time of the day or night.

Rob Fierek, 71 from Albaston near Gunnislake, said: “I started a programme because this year has been really tough mentally. Anything like this which can help me deal with the challenging thoughts and emotions I’ve had in recent months is well worth a try. I am not great with computers but still found it easy to sign up. It’s got lots of useful tips and relevant advice for me to put into action.”

Sign up to the free online programmes.

If you are struggling with your mental health, speak to your GP or contact the Cornwall Mental Health Response Line on 0800 083 5300.

Events and celebrations have moved online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Remembrance Day will be no different.

Helston Community Hospital’s annual armistice event will be taking on a different format this year, broadcasting online on Friday 6 November at 7pm, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Despite the disturbance to normal event plans, Neill Wilson, veteran’s link at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, wasn’t letting COVID-19 stop him from organising a stand out evening to mark Remembrance Day.  

Neill commented: “This year’s event will certainly be different. Although we are spread across the UK, we are all in this together, and without each other, there isn’t society.

“The event will be a chance to not only remember our fallen war heroes, but also those we have lost due to the pandemic, as well as say thank you to everyone that has supported the NHS through this tough time.”

The Microsoft Teams live event will showcase music from Hannah Abigail and harpist, Ruth Wall; poetry readings from the wider community; Helston Hospital Players will take the audience on a visual journey of remembrance; and the evening will end with a short service. 

“The virus has changed the way that I work as a performer.” Hannah Abigail commented. “When Neill approached me, I didn't realise the individual journeys that we would go on to get us to the event. It has been fun and frustrating all at the same time. It is such a pleasure to perform and reach out to a wider audience. This event means so much to me, as Neill had said right at the beginning of our journey in June, let's not let this virus stop us; we have to start to live again.”

Anyone who would like to join the event can join by typing this address into their web browser: https://bit.ly/2FZZFwp

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, alongside a team of leading researchers and national charity SUDEP Action, have been awarded a grant from the UK’s largest health research funder, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to investigate how best to have epilepsy risks discussions, that will have a positive and potentially life-saving impact.

In the UK, there are more around 600,000 people with epilepsy (1 in 103 people). At least 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day in the UK. However, 21 people with epilepsy die each week in the UK, many of them are young and otherwise healthy. Over 50% of epilepsy deaths are potentially preventable with better access to services and improved risk communication - which emphasises the need for effective discussions about epilepsy safety.

There is significant research showing the importance of communicating information about the risks linked to epilepsy deaths, including those linked to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy – when someone with epilepsy dies suddenly & prematurely and no cause of death can be found).

Evidence-based tools are already freely accessible to support these vital conversations. However, there is limited research into how best to actually have these conversations, so that they make a difference and help people with epilepsy, with the support of their health professionals to positively take actions to reduce their risks.

This study aims to identify and showcase best practice examples, to support future clinical discussions (& patient involvement in these) and produce guidelines exploring how best to hold conversations about risk.

Dr Cordet Smart (Research lead, University of Exeter), is an expert in analysing the language used in conversations and will be heading up this exciting project. Supported by a research team including:

• Dr Rohit Shankar MBE, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT).
• Dr Craig Newman, Director, UXC.
• Sammy Ashby, Deputy Chief Executive, SUDEP Action

Both Dr Shankar and Dr Newman already work closely with SUDEP Action as part of the SUDEP & Seizure Safety Checklist and EpSMon projects.

Dr Shankar commented, “The quality of communication is the bedrock of good clinical practice. However, there is little work and evidence on how and what to communicate especially in sensitive issues such as discussing risk of harm in epilepsy. I am delighted that CFT and I are not only part of this innovative national research but leading it clinically. We hope this study will contribute to improving outcomes for people with epilepsy significantly.”

The project, starting in summer 2020, will record epilepsy risk discussions between clinicians and their patients. These recordings will then be analysed using a method called ‘conversational analysis’ to find themes and to identify best practice. The clinicians and people with epilepsy will also have a follow up interview/questionnaire which will help support the analysis.  

The research team will then identify the best methods for sharing their findings with the epilepsy community to enable more effective, positive epilepsy risk communication.

Dr Cordet Smart commented: “Having the opportunity to lead on a project that could have real world impact for people with epilepsy is both exciting and humbling.  I feel lucky to work with SUDEP action who work so closely with people with epilepsy, their families, and bereaved families. This has enabled me to really connect with how important communication of epilepsy is.  

Conversation Analysis is a method of really understanding how communication works, and I am really hopeful that it will provide us with insights into how clinicians can best use language to have helpful conversations with their patients that will impact on people with epilepsy and their lives.”

The project will work with four different clinical teams based around the UK, led by:

• Professor Matthew Walker - Consultant Neurologist at University College London, and President of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) British Branch
• Phil Tittensor - Consultant Nurse for the Epilepsies at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, and Chair of the Epilepsy Nurses Association (ESNA)
• Professor Hannah Cock – Consultant Neurologist at St Georges, London and Chair of the Education Committee of European Academy of Neurology (EAN)
• Dr Arjune Sen – Consultant Neurologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Head of the Oxford Epilepsy Research Group

A core group of people living with epilepsy will also be involved as a group to support the project. SUDEP Action, as part of their role in this project, will be sharing updates and findings of the research and will look to engage with their supporters as part of this work so the view of those bereaved by epilepsy are also represented.

Sammy Ashby commented, “SUDEP Action are delighted to be involved in this crucial project, and to have it recognised by NIHR as being important shows how recognition is increasing of the need to tackle epilepsy deaths through improved risk communication. With 21 epilepsy-related deaths each week in the UK, and nearly 50% of them thought to be potentially avoidable, action needs to be taken now to save these young lives.

This project could bring us one step closer and will hopefully lead to better conversations between clinicians and people with epilepsy about risks. We know that knowledge saves lives, so now is our chance to prove it.”

Find out more about this research project here: http://bit.ly/NIHREpilepsyRiskCommunication

To learn more about epilepsy related deaths, managing epilepsy risks, and the support SUDEP Action can provide to people with epilepsy, health professionals and those bereaved by the condition, please visit www.sudep.org

NHS Kernow is seeking the views of the wider community as part of next steps regarding the future use of Edward Hain community hospital.

The clinical commissioning group has been working with the local community since January 2019, to identify and review options in relation to the future of Edward Hain community hospital in St Ives based on the needs of its communities.

Edward Hain community hospital’s 12 inpatient beds were temporarily closed in February 2016 due to fire safety concerns, with some outpatient podiatry and community mental health clinics still operating from the site.

The Edward Hain community stakeholder group, made up of groups such as the Edward Hain League of Friends and people who use and work in health and social care and residents, has now concluded its work to develop and appraise the identified options for health and care provision at Edward Hain community hospital. After careful consideration, the group determined there was only one option which should be fully evaluated. This was to reinstate the 12 inpatient reablement beds and continue with existing community clinics in a fire safety compliant and refurbished building at Edward Hain community hospital.

This shortlisted option was fully evaluated by a panel made up of representatives of the local community alongside experts working across health and care. The evaluation process and the criteria and scoring system to evaluate the option was developed and agreed with the community stakeholder group. The evaluation panel reached the conclusion that this option is unviable because the minimum scores for safety, financial affordability and financial sustainability were not met. Other criteria such as workforce, deliverability, impact and environment were also considered as part of the evaluation and scored low.

Dr Neil Walden, Edward Hain clinical lead, said: “This work has taken place in partnership with the community since the beginning and in the spirit and commitment to this ethos we want it to continue before any final decision is taken.

“The work completed with the community stakeholder group so far has found that Edward Hain community hospital is no longer the best place for us to provide health and care. Our next step, in line with our promise to engage openly and transparently, is to  seek the views of the wider community on this recommendation. This will provide everyone with the opportunity to comment and provide feedback ahead of this work coming to a conclusion.”

We are asking the public to tell us:

1. If Edward Hain Community Hospital was not available, how would this affect you, your friends, family and community, and what might help with any concerns you have?
2. If we moved the podiatry clinics from Edward Hain Community Hospital to  another location in St Ives, how would this affect you, and what might help with any concerns you have?
3. If we moved the mental health clinics from Edward Hain Community Hospital to another location in St Ives, how would this affect you, and what might help with any concerns you have?
4. Do you have any ideas about how we can continue to improve health and care services or access to these in Penwith and St Ives?

The further engagement, led by NHS Kernow in partnership with our health and care system partners, will take place over four weeks starting from Wednesday 7 October and ending on midnight on Wednesday 4 November. The feedback from this engagement will help the Governing Body to reach an informed decision later in the year about the future of the hospital. There are a number of ways people can share your views with us, including during a virtual public meeting being held on 22 October via Microsoft Teams at 5.30pm.

For more information about how to share your views with us, or to learn more about the community engagement work that has taken place as part of this project so far, please visit our dedicated Edward Hain engagement webpage here: www.kernowccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/engagement/integrated-community-services-plans/edward-hain-community-hospital/

The NHS in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly yesterday (Tuesday 6 October) officially declared a ‘Climate Emergency’.

The declaration made by NHS Kernow Clinical Commissioning Group, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) and Cornwall Partnership Foundation NHS Trust (CFT), sees the NHS join forces with Cornwall Council in a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Representatives across health and care made the promise at the Cornwall Climate Health Skills Lab event, which was previously postponed from March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In declaring a ‘Climate Change’ emergency, the NHS recognises the threat faced to public health as a result of global warming and seizes some of the opportunities to lead and work a more sustainable life that has been presented during the pandemic.

Helen Charlesworth-May, NHS Kernow’s accountable officer/strategic director for public health and care for Cornwall Council, said:  “Climate change is something that’s very important to us. People across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and our staff across health and care can all play a big part in reducing the carbon footprint of our services and buildings where healthcare is provided."

Currently the NHS accounts for approximately 4% of all UK carbon emissions. NHS England and NHS Improvement has set out plans to address that percentage, stating it wants the NHS to become the “world’s first carbon net zero national health system.”

Dr Tamsyn Anderson, interim joint medical director for CFT, said: “We have already started taking steps to reach our ultimate goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

“Both CFT and RCHT have reduced their carbon emissions in recent years by investing in better buildings, infrastructure and waste management and CFT has a made a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions and waste usage since 2013/14. The Trusts share onsite energy generation systems and are part of a national trial into using reusable face masks and clinical gowns. However, there is much more to do.”

Thom Lafferty, director of strategy and performance at RCHT, said: “The need to address climate change has unified all health commissioners and providers in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“We have learnt, through our response to the COVID-19 pandemic that we are stronger together and we are all inspired by this. We want everyone to work together make sure that sustainability is at the centre of health care in Cornwall.”

Other steps that have already been taken include

• ​Installing 70 additional cycle shelters and securing four electric vehicle charging points at RCHT. ​
• A recycling machine for face masks and surgical tray wraps.​
• Piloting the reuse of anaesthetic gases

The two-day Cornwall Climate Health Skills Lab, which runs until Thursday 8 October, and provide colleagues from across the NHS an opportunity to start telling their organisations how things can be done differently to achieve the ambitious goal.

Dr Rob White, NHS Kernow Governing Body member, said:  “We want to listen to the views of our colleagues and partners across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to develop a ‘Green Plan’ within six months. By working together I believe we can, here in Cornwall, achieve a net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”

The ambition is supported by RCHT, CFT and NHS Kernow’s boards and governing bodies.

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