The year got off to a flying start with the monthly Council meeting in Ballycarry Community Centre. Wendy Carson, Community Development Worker for Ballycarry and Islandmagee welcomed members to the area, shared details of local GP and pharmacy provision and voiced concern at the distance for local people from Antrim Hospital.

Gill Burns, Acting Head of Service, Community Addiction Service, Homefirst Community Trust brought members up to speed with activity within the Board-wide service. “There is much focus on drug use, however, alcohol dependency is still the major problem” she commented.

Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! Staff are now much better informed about what to do in the event of a fire having attending a fire safety training session.

Trolley waits, staff shortages and hospital acquired infections featured highly on the agenda when members met with United Hospitals Trust Board.

“People in the Centre were very happy and were being kept busy with different activities. Many had been placed in outside jobs in the community, they all wanted to tell me about their jobs with great enthusiasm” commented Beth Adger, following her visit to Antrim Adult Centre.

Spreading the word about the work of the NHSSC was Noel Graham when he met with East Antrim Local Health and Social Care Group.

The NHSSC, acting as an independent assessor, submitted a report to Antrim Hospital on the Intensive Care Unit.

Do you know what our role is? Too often health and social services staff are unsure of our remit. To help rectify this we participated in complaints handling training for staff in Causeway and Homefirst Community Trusts.

A Council visiting team headed north to meet with staff and patients of Lodge Health, Coleraine. Patients spoken to expressed their
appreciation of the quality of the services provided.

On home ground. The Council’s Research Officer, Sue Ashton, returned to England to take up a post with Sheffield University.

“Why Waste?” The findings of the review of drug wastage in the Antrim/Ballymena area were shared with members by Andrea Linton,
Pharmaceutical Prescribing Adviser, Northern Health and Social Services Board. During the study, carried out over a four-week period in two pharmacies, 1819 medicines, with a total value of £20,000, were returned by 897 patients. Remember - think before ordering repeat prescriptions and to safely dispose of any unwanted medicines.

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The Council said farewell to fellow member Anetta Crawford and to Chairman Joe McFadden. Appointed to the NHSSC in late 1997, Joe
McFadden was nominated Vice-Chairman in June 1999, taking on the role of Acting Chairman in late 2001 before becoming Chairman in
2002. Presenting Joe with a gift, incoming Chairman Tom Creighton paid tribute to the tremendous amount of time, effort and energy given by
Joe in advancing the work of the Council and wished him well for the future.

Respiratory illness is one of the top three causes of disease. Lung cancer is the most common fatal cancer in men and may soon overtake
breast cancer as the most common fatal cancer in women – staggering facts gleaned from a visit to the Regional Respiratory Centre at
Belfast City Hospital. Thanks to Professor Elborn and staff for leading a tour of the facility.

Staffing levels featured high on the agenda during a visit to the Ross Thomson Unit, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine. Later in the year, however, Council welcomed the good news that five additional staff nurses had been appointed.

Spreading the word. A presentation was given to Antrim Carers Community Group on the role of the NHSSC.

Presidential visit. Noel Graham, NHSSC Chief Officer joined other invited guests and staff to meet the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese when she visited Causeway Hospital, Coleraine.

Noel Graham, NHSSC, Chief Officer, is introduced to Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, during her visit to Causeway Hospital, Coleraine

In the Torrens Hall, Doagh, local retired Minister Rev Fenton provided an insight into the local area. He commented “Doagh is an expanding village. Local people are registered with a GP in either Ballyclare or Templepatrick. Although there are several local residential facilities for the elderly there would still appear to be a shortage of places and childcare facilities in the area could also be improved upon. There are no dental surgeries in Doagh although there are two in Templepatrick and three in Ballyclare.”

United Hospitals Trust Business Plan 2003/2004 was given the once over when members and staff met with Bernard Mitchell, the Trust’s Chief Executive and Hazel Findlater, Director Commissioning and Information Services.

It’s tasty, tasty, very, very tasty, agreed those members who sampled the cooked, chilled meals at tasting events organised by Homefirst Community Trust.

Homefirst Community Trust consulted with the NHSSC about the transfer of community dental services from Glengormley Community Services Centre to Whiteabbey Health Centre. Provided that service users were satisfied with the suggested move, NHSSC members saw no reason why this should not proceed.

Janet Montgomery, Chairperson, Independent Health and Care Providers addressed members on the fee structure within private nursing homes. A non-profit making organisation IHCP represents the providers of some 9000 patients/residents and hundreds more receiving care in their own homes or in housing schemes.

An access audit conducted at the NHSSC premises identified inadequacies in meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

“There is a relaxed and sympathetic environment for the young residents who demonstrated by the internal condition of the property that they had a respect for their surroundings” commented those members who visited Dhu Varren Children’s Home, Portrush.

On the first anniversary of the Human Organs Inquiry Report, Noel Graham, NHSSC Chief Officer heard Dr Henrietta Campbell, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety provide an update on implementation of the Report’s recommendations.

GPs across the United Kingdom voted to accept a new contract. Hailed as the most fundamental change in primary care over the last 50 years, the new contract is designed to benefit not only GPs and primary care professions but most importantly patients.

Noel Graham, Chief Officer, NHSSC, headed to Moneymore to give a presentation on the role of the Council to the Mid-Ulster Local Health and Social Care Group.

Council staff participated in Clinical and Social Care Governance training. Delivered by the Service Improvement Team at the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety staff where given training on the skills of quality improvement.

Marina Bigger, Janet Montgomery, Rae Morrison, Tommy Nicholl, George Kernohan and Hugh McKenna joined the Council ranks.

“Of the 509 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, 105 are in the northern area, about one third of which are independent. They dispense 6m prescription medicines annually at a cost of £75m” stated Denis Morrison, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Northern Health and Social Services Board when he met with Council members to discuss Making it Better – a Strategy for Pharmacy in the Community. In its response to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Council broadly agreed with the thrust of the Strategy.

Administration Committee members recommended searching for alternative office accommodation following consideration of the access audit on the premises.

Look no further. Staff reviewed ophthalmology outpatient appointment letters and forwarded comments to Causeway and United Hospitals Trusts.

Review of HPSS structures put on hold. The Permanent Secretary, Clive Gowdy, announced that he was putting a hold on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety review of health and personal social services structures, initiated as part of the Developing Better Services, until the way forward was clearer following the Review of Public Administration.

Explaining the work of Cookstown Local Strategy Partnership was its Manager, Maggie Bryson. Much to members’ surprise the themes seen as central to the future development and well-being of Cookstown, as contained within the Cookstown Community Plan in 2001, did not include health and social services.

Tom Creighton, NHSSC Chairman
invites Maggie Bryson to take the floor.
As Manager, Maggie explained the work of
Cookstown Local Strategy Partnership

The appointment of John Millar brought membership up to its full complement

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New Research Officer, Sandra McElhinney took up post. Sandra graduated from the University of Ulster in 1993 with a BSc Honours Degree in Social Psychology and Sociology making a career in social research ever since.

Planning for Winter 2003/2004 was the theme of a presentation given to members by Alan Marsden, Senior Development Manager, Service Performance and Development, Northern Health and Social Services Board. He commented “each year the Board is required by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to develop a comprehensive Plan to meet the increased demands on hospital, community and primary care services over the winter period. The Winter Plan was developed based on the lessons from the previous years in terms of what worked well and the obstacles which had to be overcome.”

Council goes on the buses. For a 12 week period NHSSC adverts appeared on the rear panels of 34 buses based throughout the Council area.

NHSSC goes on the buses.
A bus in Ballymena displays the NHSSC advertisement

Stranocum was the venue for a presentation on the role of the NHSSC to the village’s Community Group.

It was off to Castledawson for two Council members where they visited the local GP Surgery. The three doctor partnership, together with other members of the primary health care team, provides general medical services to local patients.

Ellis Court in Carrickfergus is the largest of Homefirst Community Trust’s residential facilities for people who have a learning disability, providing accommodation for up to 24 people. Three distinct services are provided – supported living scheme, residential care and respite services. Visiting members commented “the respite service is invaluable to the families concerned but can present difficulties to those managing the services in such areas of gender mix. Some residents have become tenants, they claim their own benefits, these changes have greatly enhanced their lives and independence”.

In Ballymoney, Victor Kennedy, Community Development Officer with Carnany Community Association drew members’ attention to the lengthy distance from the Health Centre and the expense of taxis, the difficulty in getting a home visit from the out-of-hours Dalriada Doctor on Call service and lengthy waits for hospital appointments for the residents of the 189 dwellings in the estate.

What is FOI? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives the public a general right of access to all types of written information held by public authorities. With the first part of the Act coming into effect on 1 November 2003 the Council added the final touches to its Publication Scheme which lists information it makes available to the public.

Staff underwent training in the new performance review system. The new system helps ensure that all staff understand their role in meeting the Council’s objectives, are motivated and given the opportunity for training and development.

Homefirst Community Trust’s George Sloane Adult Centre in Ballymena offers day care for 100 people with learning difficulties, who may also have physical disabilities. “Staff should be absolutely commended for the amazing work they achieve considering the constraints of the building they must work within”, commented the visiting team. Concerns about the standard of the building were shared with the Trust.

The Country Medical Practice, Armoy is a dispensing practice. In addition to its own daily surgeries, the Practice also holds a daily morning surgery in Dervock. Visiting members commented “although the Country Medical Centre was not purpose built it has been developed into a very welcoming, spacious and exceptionally clean facility.”

Full steam ahead for builders at Antrim Hospital. Noel Graham, NHSSC Chief Officer attended the Launch of new building developments – a 24 bed ward, chemotherapy unit and MRI/Accident and Emergency extension.

In Northern Ireland there are around 22,000 babies born each year. Almost all are delivered in consultant obstetrics units, with only a few in a mid-wife led unit and an even smaller number at home. Councils responded jointly to the consultation on community midwifery units. They supported their development following piloting and highlighted the need for robust planning and inclusion of services users in their development.

Donned in white caps and coats several members and staff toured the food production unit at Knockbracken Healthcare Park and sampled the chilled meals produced there and now served in the Homefirst Community Trust area. Top marks for the standard of hygiene, the quality of food and the infrastructure in place.

Proposed and seconded. Tom Creighton and Irene Johnston take on the hot seats of Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Tom commented “I look forward to my new role. Indeed it is my intention to seek a higher profile for the Health and Social Services Councils and greater recognition of their role by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety” and Irene “I am very much interested in improving health and social services for everyone and will endeavour to work on the public’s behalf to make sure their views or concerns are passed on to those who plan and manage the services.”

If you’re an adult with a learning disability who may also have a physical disability, Magherafelt Adult Centre, offers day care from Monday to Friday on a full or part time basis. Visiting members recommended improved accessibility and car-parking for wheelchair users, interior decorating and a total transformation of the garden. Friends of the Centre play a large part in various events and provide a valuable community dimension to the work done there. Keep up the good work.

“Armour Day Centre, Ballymoney not only provides the opportunity to learn new skills or develop old ones but, perhaps more importantly, it helps people to socialise, especially those who live alone” commented the visiting team.

Getting to grips with Agenda for Change. Staff attended an information session to hear details of the new pay, grading and terms and conditions for all health and social services staff employed on Whitley terms and conditions.

Health and well-being brought to the fore for ethnic minorities. Council staff participated in a Health and Well-Being Fair aimed at promoting a better understanding of local services for health, social care and education, particularly for people from different ethnic backgrounds. The Fair provided an opportunity to find out about GP services, dental services, hospital services, health promotion, smoking cessation, women’s health issues such as breast screening and cervical screening as well as services for children such as childhood vaccinations, internet safety and tackling bullying.

NHSSC staff Jackie McNeill, Information/Complaints Officer (left) and Sandra McElhinney, Research Officer (right), outline the information on display at the Health and Well-Being Fair for people from ethnic backgrounds

On the front line. GP receptionists were informed of the role of the NHSSC as part of a training course.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety announced the structures to be established at regional, Board and local levels to oversee the implementation of Developing Better Services: Modernising Hospitals and Reforming Structures over the next 10 years and beyond. Implementation structures will be followed through with the Northern Health and Social Services Board and any involvement of NHSSC clarified.

Mental health featured high on the agenda when Betty Given, Community Development Officer for Rathenraw Community Development and Health Project joined members to talk about her work in both Rathenraw and Stiles Housing Estates. The provision of mental health services for children and young people was welcomed but she felt gaps still existed. “Families need to be able to access services before reaching crisis point and support needs to be available for those families with a child in psychiatric care particularly in coping with the situation and in dealing with the stigma surrounding mental illness. Schools should also be addressing the subject of mental health.”

Betty Given, Community Development Worker with Rathenraw Community Development Project meets NHSSC staff and members

Rosemary Simpson, Director Social Care and Disability, Homefirst Community Trust updated members on the rolling out of the chilled meals delivery service across the Trust.

Face lift for Tobernaveen wards. NHSSC Chairman and Chief Officer were delighted to attend the official launch of the refurbished acute admission wards at Holywell Hospital, Antrim. Congratulations to Homefirst Community Trust on the improvements.

Several members and staff braved the icy road conditions to participate in a 24 hr casualty watch at Causeway Hospital, Coleraine. The aim of the watch was to assess the Accident and Emergency department from a patient’s perspective, by observing and scoring the quality of the facilities and services available and establishing feedback about patient experiences through a questionnaire. During the 24 hour period 75 people attended casualty.

Visit to Hugomont Children’s Respite Unit in Ballymena, a purpose built bungalow offering respite and longer term residential care to children who have a severe learning disability with challenging behaviour and/or physical disability including those with complex health needs. Although delighted that such a Unit now exists visiting members were worried that there remains a lack of resources for some of these young people approaching adulthood. Word of a proposal for a transitions unit for the young people currently accessing the Unit was welcomed.

From People to Parents. For the great majority of people, the ability to have children is not a problem. But that is not the case for everyone. In Northern Ireland, it is estimated that at least one in seven couples may have difficulty having children. The NHSSC recognises the Government’s commitment to publicly funded fertility services in Northern Ireland but is aware of the ever-increasing gap between service demand and service provision. The NHSSC welcomed the introduction of an interim service and the opportunity to comment on the long-term provision of fertility services in Northern Ireland.

Check-up for GP out-of-hours services. Members and staff once again descended upon the headquarters of Dalriada Doctor on Call, to hear, at first hand, about developments within the GP out-of-hours service. Dominating the agenda was the option for GPs, under the new General Medical Services Contract, to opt out of providing 24 hr care for patients. With the likelihood that this will happen, the Northern Health and Social Services Board will take on the responsibility for providing out-of-hours medical care and is currently working closely with GP practices and Dalriada Doctor on Call to ensure a smooth transition.

Spinal Cord Injuries Unit, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, gets the once over. “The wards were bright and cheerful, all the more important because some patients have been known to reside there for up to one year. Staff also act as educators and facilitators for those in their care, helping their patients to be prepared and to set and achieve personal goals”. Issues relating to funding were raised with the Northern Health and Social Services Board.

Behind the scenes at Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast. 320 service users attended a Regional Prosthetic Service Open Day organised by staff and the Prosthetic User Forum. On display was a range of artificial limbs currently available in the market place, the comprehensive range of health service products available at Musgrave and of course Council literature. An inspiration to guests was Chris Moon, an amputee who lost two limbs clearing land mines in Africa. Chris told his extraordinary story of overcoming the odds, competing in international marathons and raising funds for charity.

Caught on camera at the Prosthetics Open Day at Musgrave Park Hospital are (from right) Brenda Cuthbert, member of the Prosthetic User Forum, Roger Parke, Consultant in Rehabilitation, Green Park Healthcare Trust, Geraldine Miller, Regional Disablement Service Manager and Noel Graham, NHSSC Chief Officer

Gloucester Park Day Centre in Larne is “well maintained, resourced and supported by outside agencies. It has strong community links and provides a good service to users” remarked the visiting team. Issues relating to car parking, staffing levels and the training kitchen were taken up with Homefirst Community Trust.

Causeway Trust under the spot light. Lengthy waiting lists for out-patient appointments and occupational therapy, gaps in children’s services, reduction in local private nursing/residential home places and under-resourced mental health services all featured on the agenda when members met with Causeway Trust Board. Tom Creighton, NHSSC Chairman remarked “this was an extremely worthwhile meeting and I can assure the public that this Council will be taking every opportunity to highlight the need for more funding on a recurrent basis to enable the Trust to forward plan and to provide continuity in service provision.”

Any freedom of information legislation is only as good as the quality of the records to which it provides access. This was the clear message put across to staff attending a workshop to highlight the importance of records management in the Health and Personal Social Services. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 creates a statutory right of access by the public to all records held by public bodies (with some exemptions). The Act will be brought fully into force on 1 January 2005.

Community consulted. At a consultation workshop held by the Antrim and Ballymena Local Health and Social Care Group, Noel Graham, the NHSSC’s Chief Officer, together with around 60 local community and voluntary sector representatives, put forward views on how members of the local community could be encouraged to input into the way health and social care services are delivered in the future.

One year on and Robert Lee, Community Development Worker with Carrickfergus Neighbourhood Development Group reported progress. Since he last met NHSSC members locums had been appointed to reduce GP appointment delays, five Occupational Therapist posts were about to be advertised for the Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey areas and ambulance response times had improved. Robert saw health benefits in Leisure Centre facilities being affordable and accessible to everyone, he called for an increased number of Occupational Therapists to be trained and stressed the importance for local ambulances to have the best possible equipment on board in light of the increased distances travelled since Whiteabbey Hospital Accident and Emergency Department ceased accepting trauma patients and children.

Opened in June 2002, Ardrath House Children’s Home in Magherafelt is a much needed facility in the Mid-Ulster area. “All in all, this was a pleasant home in a quiet residential area,” commented the visiting team.

Review Team meets stakeholders. As part of the Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability, Professor Roy McClelland, Convenor, Adult Mental Health Working Committee met Council members from the four Councils to discuss adult mental health services.