|
Changes to visiting times at
Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals
SOUTHPORT and Ormskirk Hospital NHS
Trust is changing visiting times to ensure patients can enjoy their lunch
without distractions. Visiting times at Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals will
now run from 1pm to 8.30pm. This does not include maternity and neonatal wards
which have their own visiting times. Visitors who come in to assist patients
with meals are still welcome from midday, they are just asked to identify
themselves to a member of staff on arrival.
Carol Fowler, Acting Deputy Director of Nursing, said:- "We extended our
visiting times last year as we recognised the importance of visitors in aiding
patients' recovery. Nutritious meals also play a large part in recovery and
we've noticed some patients becoming distracted at lunchtime and their food was
cold by the time they came to eat it, or they weren't eating at all. We hope by
adjusting the visiting start time slightly, our patients will see the benefit."
If friends and family find these visiting times are not convenient, they can
speak to the nurse in charge of the ward who will be able to help.
Care to share your experiences of the Royal?
THE Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen
University Hospitals NHS Trust is inviting patients and carers to share their
views and experiences of care provided across its Hospitals. The Patient
Feedback Group, which is open to all patients, their family members and carers,
will be held once a month with feedback being used to enhance the care provided
to patients. The next meeting will take place, on 7 December 2016, in the Royal
Liverpool University Hospital's Conference Room, from 4pm to 5pm.
Jenny Taylor, head of patient experience at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen
University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:- "Patients and visitors talking to
us about their views and experiences of our hospitals helps us to ensure we
continue to aim for the highest standards of care for patients. We want to
ensure that patients, relatives and carers have the opportunity to meet
regularly with us, our Governors and Patient Council members to discuss
patients' experience and care at our Hospitals."
For more information call:- 0151 706 4050 or send them an email
Jenny.Taylor@RLBUHT.NHS.UK.
Future meeting dates are available
online.
|
 |
Do you know your HIV status?
EACH year on 1 December it is World
AIDS Day and people in Liverpool are being urged to get their HIV status
checked. Tests can be done with a self test kit, like the kit we reported looked
at in the previous
edition as well as NHS Test centres.
In 2014, an estimated 103,700 people in the UK were living with HIV, 17% of who
were unaware of their infection. A total of 6,151 people were newly diagnosed
with HIV in 2014.
HIV is most commonly spread by sexual activities and the exchange of body fluids
and can also be transmitted through:- childbirth, breastfeeding and sharing
needles.
While some people may develop symptoms similar to flu within the 1st 2 to 6
weeks of catching the virus, others may not show symptoms for many years while
the virus slowly replicates.
HIV is still very much a current public health issue with the number of people
living with HIV in the UK having trebled in the last 10 years. People need to
remember that unprotected sex with new partners poses risks.
HIV testing needs to be normalised so it isn't viewed any differently from any
other blood test. There are now highly effective treatments for HIV and it
should no longer be seen with fear or stigma. Prompt diagnosis of HIV not only
saves lives but reduces spread of the disease. Treatment can keep the virus
under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a
healthy, active life. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective.
Sandra Davies, Director of Public Health in Liverpool said:- "We want to
increase awareness of HIV testing and reduce the stigma around it. It is easier
than ever to access testing for HIV including home sampling kits, but we know
there are still many people who are undiagnosed and living with the disease. We
want to encourage regular testing as early diagnosis means people can still live
a healthy active life and help prevent people going on to develop AIDS."
Steve Earle, Sahir House Services Manager said:- "Although having a HIV
test is a life changing decision for some people, the fantastic advancements in
medication over recent years means that knowing your status, as soon as
possible, can help people to live well with HIV. I sometimes meet people who
have waited a while to choose to test and most agree that they wish it was
something they had done sooner as with the medical and social support that is
available, people are able to get on with the rest of their lives."
HIV testing is quick, free and confidential. Everyone should know their status.
If you would like more information about:- 'World AIDS Day' or
want information to raise awareness, please visit:-
Sahir.Org.UK
Please let us know via emailing us to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.com.
To read about our Editors experience at
getting tested, when we looked at STI testing back in 2012, click on
here. |
