Welcome

Welcome to our community update. This is NHS North West London's newsletter for local community and voluntary groups.

We would encourage you to help us by sharing the relevant content in your community newsletters and email updates aimed at your members and residents. You may also use this wording in social media posts. Images and some campaign materials in different languages are available on our resources page.

North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee 

The meeting takes place today at 10am (Thursday 14 March), and members of the public can join via webcast (or in person).

The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NWLJHOSC) comprises representatives from the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond and Westminster. It meets with representatives of NHS North West London to discuss and consider matters concerning the NHS. Any substantial changes are subject to consultation with this Committee.

You can find the full agenda and joining instructions in the pack.

Same day access to primary care

A new system to improve same day access to GPs and other primary care professionals is being introduced gradually across North West London. Patients consistently tell us that getting an appointment with their GP is difficult. This approach aims to prioritise continuity of care with their GP for those patients who need it, and timeliness of care for those who do not. ‘Same day access hubs’ will be developed with primary care networks, GPs and patients, and are already up and running in some areas.

People who need to see their GP that day are more likely to be able to do so; where appropriate, patients may be seen by a nurse, pharmacist or other clinician. All decisions about patient referral and treatment will be made by senior clinicians.

There is a video with more details on the NHS North West London website.

To find out more at a virtual residents’ forum, register via this link.

Bank holidays may affect pharmacy openings

Bank Holidays can affect the opening hours of local pharmacies. The attached table provides the opening hours for pharmacies in North West London which have been asked to open over the Easter Holidays.

Please note that Saturday 30 April 2024 is not a bank holiday; however there will be some pharmacies who normally open who will be closed on this day.

There may be additional pharmacies opening which are not listed. If the pharmacy your usually pharmacy is not listed here, then you can check their opening hours by searching at www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy or by calling NHS 111.  .

111 is for people who need medical help and advice when not in a life-threatening situation. Highly trained advisors, who are supported by healthcare professionals, are available on NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calling 999 is for emergencies only.

Are your children up to date with their vaccinations?

Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country.

Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability. 

If your child isn’t vaccinated, they’re not protected. 

It is important for parents to take up the offer of the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as they are offered ensure your child has the best protection.

However, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it is never too late to check if you can catch up. 

We are calling on all parents to check their child’s Red Book to see if the children have missed any vaccines or check with their GP if they are unsure.  

Please visit www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations for the full immunisation timetable and information on how to book.

Local meeting for International Women's Day

The Traveller Movement has organised a NW London inter-agency meeting. It takes place at 10 - 11.30am on Wednesday 20 March 2024 via Zoom. In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, the focus of this meeting will be on Women and Girls. This meeting is for local agencies (statutory services, charities, voluntary community groups) engaging with or looking to improve their engagement with Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities - with a focus on women and girls from these communities in NW London. 

Sign up and find further details here.

Latest on adult community-based specialist palliative care review

Over the last few months we have been working to get to a place where we can now publish the revised NW London model of care for community-based specialist palliative care for adults (18+). At the same time, we have also looked at how we can best deliver the new model of care and this has led us to a potential shortlist of five implementation options.

We have published an update that details all the work that has been carried out and the current position. View the latest update.

Remember there is still cost of living support available

We know many of our residents are still struggling with the cost of living. It’s important to remember there is still support available. This can include schemes and discounts to help individuals and their families, and those who are disabled or are Severely Mentally Impaired (SMI).

Our cost of living pages act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for information about these schemes, as well as local support and advice about the cost of living. 

The pages now include information about the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. It is designed to help support parents with the costs of buying milk, fruit, vegetables and instant formula, along with other selected items. It is open to parents with children under the age of four who meet an eligibility criterion.

Sign up and find further details here.