Talking Health Newsletter - November 2021

Don’t forget to tell a work colleague, family member or friend they can sign up to receive the newsletter by registering on our Talking Health engagement and consultation website (select 'newsletter' option) see here or by emailing: occg.talking.health@nhs.net

You can now get your Pfizer booster jab at the Kassam Stadium vaccination site in Oxford as a walk-in without having to make an appointment if you are eligible – for more details see here

To get the vaccine you must have received your second COVID jab at least six months ago and be in one of the following groups:

• those living in residential care homes for older adults
• all adults aged 50 years or over
• frontline health and social care workers
• all those aged 16 to 49 years with a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19, and adult carers
• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

You can still make an appointment to have your booster jab at the Kassam site (and at other sites) if you are eligible via the national COVID-19 vaccination booking system see here

If you have an urgent - but not life-threatening - medical need visit NHS 111 online first rather than going straight to A&E. This online service will help you right away and if needed, a healthcare professional will call you back.

NHS 111 online first can be accessed via this website 111.nhs.uk and makes it easier for you to get the treatment you need in the right place. The service can also direct you to GPs, minor injuries and first aid units, pharmacies, emergency dental services, mental health support or other more appropriate local services. For further information see here

It’s self care week from 15-21 November. Self care is about making small changes in your life such as taking a daily walk or exercising more often, eating healthier food or finding ways to sleep better which can all improve your physical and mental health.

Check out the Self Care Forum for useful fact sheets to keep you well and healthy and help take the pressure off the NHS.

Please take part in a short survey to inform us about the re-procurement of Online Consultation, Video Consultation, and Text Messaging (SMS) used by local GP practices. For further information and to complete the survey see here which is open until Sunday 21 November 2021.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire wants to hear about your experiences of waiting for the hospital appointment or care you need. They would also like to know what advice, information, or support the NHS has given you while you wait.

This survey is for people who are waiting now. It is also for people who have had a hospital appointment or care in the last 18 months. When you answer the questions, please tell them about your most recent experience. If you have been waiting for multiple treatments, or have received one and are waiting for another, you can complete the survey more than once.

To take part in the confidential online survey, which closes on Tuesday 16 November, see here

The local NHS has produced a series of films exploring mental health issues including depression, anxiety, psychosis, self-harm and personality disorders. The latest video developed by Oxford Health Foundation Trust is about anti-depressant medication Fluoxetine (also known as Prozac) and explains why it is prescribed and answers some common questions about it. For further information and to view the film and others in the series see here

You can view and take part in Oxfordshire County Council's consultations.  
 
You can see more information about a specific consultation by visiting ‘Let’s Talk Oxfordshire’ (you will need to register if it’s your first visit)