Work to start on Bassetlaw Hospital’s Emergency Village

Works will commence this week to improve and enhance Bassetlaw Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), which, once complete, will support the urgent and emergency care needs of the Bassetlaw community for many years to come.

Following a visit from former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to Bassetlaw Hospital in early 2020, the UK government pledged £17.6 million to support Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s (DBTH) proposal to develop an ‘Emergency Village’.

Last week the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that the business case for the project had been approved allowing for construction to begin in the coming days. To commemorate this milestone, an official ground-breaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 13.

Dr Kirsty Edmondson Jones, Director of Innovation and Infrastructure at DBTH and the Project’s Senior Responsible Officer, said: “The development of the Emergency Village at Bassetlaw Hospital is an exciting and crucial step forward for our Trust and the local community. This investment will enable us to enhance and expand our Emergency Department, ensuring timely access to high-quality care for our patients. We are dedicated to creating a modern and patient-centred environment that caters to the needs of all individuals.

“With the expansion of our Emergency Department, we will be better equipped to provide accessible same-day services and deliver the best care to our patients. The return of 24/7 urgent and emergency paediatric care to Bassetlaw Hospital will also be a tremendous benefit to our local community, ensuring children receive the support they need closer to home often without the necessity of a transferal to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.”

The Emergency Village project began detailed work in 2021 with an internal team of clinicians and Trust leads working together with external specialist advisers and construction partners from Arcus and IHP Vinci. The project team has been engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the new build meets all necessary space and clinical requirements.

At the start of the project, the team began a consultation process, involving colleagues, patients, partners, and the Bassetlaw community. An overwhelming majority of respondents, 85%, expressed their preference for constructing a new Children’s Assessment Unit adjacent to the Emergency Department, enabling children to stay at Bassetlaw Hospital for a short stay, including overnight care.

The exercise also revealed that timely access to clinical treatment, availability of staff for assistance, and comfortable, inclusive surroundings were the top priorities for the new development. As part of the national business case approval process, the architects and designers have incorporated all the feedback received into the plans, ensuring that the Emergency Village meets the diverse needs of patients and staff alike.

To support the works taking place at Bassetlaw Hospital, a temporary ambulance route to the Emergency Department was created in late June and leads directly off Blyth Road. Anyone coming to the Emergency Department by car can continue to use the existing Blyth road entrance and park in the newly created car park on the north side of the hospital and use the Clinical Therapies entrance (during the hours of 5am to 10pm) as an alternative entrance or take the short walk to access the new pedestrian route to the Emergency Department from Blyth Road.

Kirsty concludes: “Throughout this planned construction, please be assured that our emergency department remains available for patients in a genuine emergency, and patient safety and care remain our priority. If you are attending the site whilst these works are carried out, please remember the main entrance remains open, as does the Clinical Therapies and Maternity entrances.” More details can be seen on http://dbth.nhs.uk

Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership Newsletter July 2023

Take a look at our latest newsletter from Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership.

National Clean Air Day

Air pollution can affect our health throughout our lives but some, including children and people, pregnant people and people with heart and lung conditions, are more vulnerable to its impacts than others.

Today is National Clean Air Day, and across the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICS, we are keen to raise awareness of the dangers of air pollution, and some of the things we can do to combat it.

The theme of this year’s Clean Air Day to clean up our air to look after your mind.

Did you know…

  • Children’s organs and immune systems continue to develop after birth, and as such that makes them especially vulnerable to dirty air and water? 
  • There is a link between being exposed to high levels of air pollution and low birth weight, and it can lead to premature birth or pregnancy loss?
  • In addition to the damage that can be done to your physical health throughout your life by air pollution, there is now research to suggest that air pollution could worsen brain functions, such as memory, and increase the risk of dementia?

Dr Helena Clements [Title] said: “Figures show that every year, air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK.

“By taking clean air action on June 15, and every day, we are improving our air quality and reducing our risk of developing mental health and brain conditions.

“Just taking a few minutes in your day to go and find an open space and take a few deep breaths can be so beneficial to our mental health.”

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, we are lucky to have ‘GreenSpace’- our green social prescribing service. GreenSpace is a way of connecting people to nature-based activities and green groups, projects and schemes in their local community. 

Dr Clements added: “Evidence shows that being more connected to nature and, through doing this, connecting with other people helps us experience lower levels of stress, fatigue and anxiety. 

“Green social prescribing is a growing movement which carries this principle forward, providing much-needed support to people who are struggling with their mental health, by connecting them with community groups, and local green initiatives for practical and emotional support.

“The Children and Young People’s Team have worked with children from local school Eco Clubs to create posters to be displayed in General Practice Waiting rooms. Children are increasingly aware of the importance of clean air and green spaces for their own health and wellbeing and that our actions to improve air quality are also good for the climate”

Visit https://www.cleanairhub.org.uk for more information about Clean Air Day, and Green Social Prescribing – NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB to find out more about green social prescribing.

Bassetlaw Volunteers’ Week celebration recognises extraordinary contributions

Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service has celebrated its 50th Anniversary in style with their biggest volunteer recruitment event to date, followed by Volunteer Awards ceremony to recognise and thank some of the most dedicated and inspirational volunteers in Bassetlaw.

The Volunteer recruitment event, which took place on Tuesday 6th June at Worksop Town Hall, was attended by over 100 people, all interested in finding out more about volunteering with one of the 27 local charities in attendance.

This will give local charities a real boost at a time when they are needed more than ever due to unprecedented demand.   Volunteering is also great for volunteers themselves and benefits include improving mental and physical health, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem, reducing stress and anxiety, developing new skills, and building friendships and social interaction.

One of the charities attending on the day, was Centre Place, who like a lot of local charities, have seen a spike in demand for services over the past few years.

Georgia Crossland, Service Manager, Centre Place, said: “It has been a fantastic day connecting with colleagues and seeing all the volunteer opportunities available in Bassetlaw. I am extremely proud of one of our volunteers, Nat, for winning an award and hope it gives other young people the confidence to explore volunteering. Nat has made a huge difference to the lives of children and young people through volunteering their time and sharing their ideas at our youth group. 

We are extremely grateful to all our volunteers who have supported our organisation over the past 26 years and look forward to welcoming new volunteers who share their valuable skills and knowledge with us. I also want to say a huge thank you to BCVS for organising this event and bringing everyone together, shining a light on our brilliant volunteers across Bassetlaw”.

The Bassetlaw Volunteer Awards Event followed the recruitment fair, to honour and thank exceptional local volunteers. 77 nominations were received in total by members of the public, with an independent panel of judges tasked with choosing the 8 winners.

Stephen Brown, Head of Corporate Services, Bassetlaw District Council, one of the judges, who presented the Bassetlaw Cost of Living Award said:

“Bassetlaw District Council is delighted to be able to support such an important event arranged by the BCVS. Volunteers play such a vital part in our local community supporting so many important services and activities for local people. Much of this work goes on with little appreciation so we are honoured to say thank you to those nominated for these awards – you are all winners”

Dr. Victoria McGregor-Riley, Locality Director, Bassetlaw and Mid Notts Place-Based Partnerships, also a judge who presented the Bassetlaw Health and Wellbeing Volunteer Award said:

“It was an amazing celebration of the many contributions of local volunteers who improve the lives of local people in Bassetlaw.  I was privileged to present the award for Bassetlaw Health and Wellbeing Volunteer of the Year. 

“The energy, effort and commitment inside and outside room is absolutely tremendous for the people of Bassetlaw.  I am proud to present the Health and Wellbeing Award in recognition of the huge impact volunteering has on the health and wellbeing of local people.“

Richard McHugh, In Sam’s Name, one of the winners of Volunteer of the Year said:

“I am absolutely speechless to have won the Volunteer of the Year award. And for Stewart Fisher (Sam’s Dad) to have also won the Health and Wellbeing Volunteer of the Year.  All the hard work and positive impact on the community has been recognised for the work we do – In Sam’s name”

In addition to the eight standard categories, there was an additional  “Lifetime Achievement Award”  presented to Fran Walker.

Fran has been a stalwart volunteer in Bassetlaw for over 50 years. She is the current Chair of Trustees at BCVS and has been a trustee since BCVS was first established 50 years ago.

Fran was delighted to receive the award and remains a shining example of lifelong volunteering who is an inspiration to all and who’s passion in life has always been to help others. 

Fran has also volunteered her time and expertise to a number of other charities in Bassetlaw including Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw, The Gatehouse Trust, and Manton Community Sports and Leisure, which is now the home of Bassetlaw Food Bank, another charity that is close to Fran’s heart.   

The award winners each won their categories for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to giving up their time to make Bassetlaw a better place. Without volunteers like them, the organsations they support would not be able to do the work that they do.   

More volunteers are always needed, and there is a variety of different roles that you can get involved with.

If you didn’t get chance to attend the volunteer recruitment event then don’t worry – BCVS will always be on hand to connect you with a volunteer role to suit your needs and interests. Just email bcvs@bcvs.org.uk, call 01909 476 118, or visit www.bcvs.org.uk/volunteer and they will soon start you an amazing journey that will not only change the life of others, but it could change yours too

Fantastic finale for Move More In May

Our Move More in May campaign reached a fantastic end with a finale at Langold Country Park.

Thank you to the hundreds of people who came along and to our amazing partners who worked so hard to make such a fantastic day!

Huge thanks to:

Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Services

Bassetlaw District Council

Bassetlaw Action Centre

Your Space Worksop

Centre Place

Talkzone

LGBT+ Service Nottinghamshire

From the Heart Charity

Now Food Hub

Bassetlaw Food Insecurity Network

Your Health Your Way

Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies.

Oakleaf Surgery FAQs

Oakleaf Surgery (branch site for Larwood Health Partnership)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – April 2023

  1. What is happening at Oakleaf Surgery?

We are planning to transfer your registration to either Harworth Medical Centre (branch site for Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (branch site for Tickhill Surgery) based on where you live. The transfer will take place between 16 and 30 June 2023.

If you would prefer to register with a different GP practice, you will be able to do so if the practice covers the area where you live. Details of practices near you can be found on NHS choices at www.nhs.uk. However, please wait until after 1 July 2023 to allow for the transfer process to finish.

  • Why are these changes happening?

In order to consolidate their staffing resources, the GP partners at Larwood Health Partnership, who run Oakleaf Surgery, have taken the decision to stop providing GP services from their site in Harworth. As a result GP services will cease to operate from this site after 30 June 2023. This was a difficult decision for Larwood Health Partnership to take, particularly after providing services at Harworth since July 2007. 

  • Will I have to go elsewhere to see a GP?

No, if you are being transferred to Harworth Medial Centre (Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery), the location will stay the same. Services will continue to operate from the current building at: Harworth Primary Care Centre, Scrooby Road, Harworth, Doncaster DN11 8JN. If you decide to remain a registered patient with Larwood Health Partnership, you will be required to attend one of the following other GP practices from 1 July 2023:

Larwood Surgery 56 Larwood Avenue Worksop S81 0HHVillage Surgery Long Lane Carlton in Lindrick Worksop S81 9ARLakeside Surgery Church Street Langold Worksop S81 9NW
  • Will there be any changes to the opening hours before and after the change takes place?

See your practice’s website or call the practice Reception. Information will also be provided in a follow-up letter you will receive in due course, if you are transferred to either Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre)

or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery).

  • Will I still see the same doctor/nurse/practice receptionists?

No. If you transfer to Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery) you will see their practice staff. If you stay with Larwood Health Partnership, you will continue to see their practice staff but it will be at one of their other sites (please see the details above).

  • Will the contact number be the same after the change takes place?

Please check your practice’s website for up-to-date details. Practice information, including contact details, will be included in the follow-up letter for those patients transferring to Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery).

  • Who are Harworth Medical Centre and Colliery Surgery?

Harworth Medical Centre is a branch practice of Riverside Health Centre and Colliery Surgery is a branch practice of Tickhill Surgery.

For more information about this practice, please visit their website:  https://riversidehealth.co.uk/ and https://www.thetickhillsurgery.co.uk/

  • Do I need to re-register with either Harworth Medical Centre or Colliery Surgery?

No, you are not required to re-register. You will be automatically transferred to either Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery) between 16 and 30 June 2023, to ensure this process is as seamless as possible for you.

  • I want to register at a different GP practice, am I able to do this?

Yes, if you would prefer to register with an alternative practice you will be able to do this, so long as the practice covers the area where you live. Details of practices near you can be found on NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk.

To register, please put in your postcode for a list of your nearest GP practices and contact your chosen practice to ask to register with them. Please wait until after 1 July 2023 before registering with a different GP practice, to allow for the transition process to be completed.

  1. Can I still get medical help/advice from Oakleaf Surgery before the change?

Yes, if you have any symptoms or are worried about or need medical help,   please continue to contact the practice to get the help you need, during this time.

  1. I had an appointment with my doctor/nurse at Oakleaf Surgery and was told to come back in six months for a check-up. What should I do?

If you have been asked to book a follow up appointment, we advise you to contact your new GP practice to arrange this. Your GP records will be transferred to your new practice, so any consultations or care plans that were made will be accessible to your new Doctor or Nurse, who will be able to continue with your treatment plan. Please contact your new practice to make the check-up appointment.

  1. What should I do if I have a routine appointment booked with a GP, Nurse or other healthcare professional?

If you have an appointment booked before the transfer date, your appointment will still be undertaken at Oakleaf Surgery. If you have an appointment that is scheduled for after the transfer date, this will be cancelled but you will be contacted and advised to arrange an appointment with your new surgery.

  1. Can I still book appointments online after the change takes place?

Patients will need to register to access online appointments.

  1. What should I do if I need an urgent on-the-day home visit?

Once you are transferred to a new practice, or have opted to stay with Larwood Health Partnership, you will contact your surgery as you would normally. If you are registered as housebound or terminally ill, home visits can be arranged if you are unable to attend the practice or currently receive home visits from the practice.

  1. What should I do if I need a repeat prescription?

If you have a repeat prescription that you usually request at your GP practice, you can do this online or you may be able to do this via the NHS App. If you cannot order your prescription online then you should call your practice. If you normally order your repeat prescription through your pharmacist, you can continue to do this over the phone.

  1. What should I do if I need to see a District Nurse or Health Visitor?

If you have an appointment booked, then this will remain the same. For any further enquiries, you can contact the Adult Community Hub for District Nurses on 0300 131 0300 and Midwives, Community Paediatrics & Health Visitors on 0115 9505907. They will be aware of the changes happening at the Oakleaf Surgery.

  1. What will happen to my medical records?

Your medical records will be automatically transferred to either Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre) or Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery) to support your on-going healthcare.

  1. How were the practices rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for all health and social care services in England. Their role is to check that GP practices and other healthcare providers deliver safe and good quality care that meets national standards – www.cqc.org.uk

Riverside Health Centre (Harworth Medical Centre) rated ‘Good’ overall in 2016.

Tickhill and Colliery Medical Practice rated ‘Good’ overall in 2016.

  1. I have a question or concern that isn’t covered by the information above.              What should I do?

For any general enquiries or help with registering, please contact our Patient Experience Team on 0115 8839570 during office hours (between 9am to 5pm) or email nnicb.patientexperience@nhs.net.

Oakleaf Surgery statement

Larwood Health Partnership which currently provides GP services at Oakleaf Surgery has decided to stop providing a GP service at their site in Harworth, and as a result will cease to operate from this site after 30 June 2023.

Oakleaf Surgery share the Harworth Primary Care Centre with two other GP practices. These are Harworth Medical Centre (Riverside Health Centre) and Colliery Surgery (Tickhill Surgery). Patients will be automatically registered with one of these two practices unless they express otherwise.

The transfer will take place between 16 and 30 June 2023. If any patients have any questions, please read our FAQ document or contact the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Patient Experience Team on 0115 883 9570 or email nnicb-nn.patientexperience@nhs.net.

Could you Move More in May?

The fantastic Move More in May community initiative is coming back to Bassetlaw!

The scheme aims to get us increasing our activity levels and giving our wellbeing a boost.

Move More in May encourages everyone of any age to keep track of how much they move, and then add their data to a grand Bassetlaw total to see how active we are together.

Dr Eric Kelly, Clinical Director of Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership, said: “It doesn’t matter how you move, just how much you move!

“Move More in May is all about local people of all abilities and ages being more active, having fun and connecting within their communities.

“Whether you enjoy pottering in the garden, running a marathon or seated exercise, we want you to get involved.

“Everyone knows the importance of regular exercise and we want to encourage as many people in Bassetlaw to get active! It doesn’t matter what form your exercise takes, just how much and how often!” he said.

Dr Kelly added: “There are a number of events taking place throughout the month and there will be a chance to have a health check and have a go on our smoothie bike!”

Getting involved is easy visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MMIM12023 and sign up. If you’re not online look out for our sign-up forms at one of the locations below.

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, including Fitbits and a healthy hamper.

Businesses and organisations are also urged to pledge their support for Move More in May by signing our special online pledge wall at https://bit.ly/MMIM-Pledge.Bassetlaw businesses understand the importance of health and wellbeing for their employees so it will be good to see lots of local employers signing up to this commitment.

As well as enjoying moving more in whatever way suits you best, you can also get involved in Move More in May at the following locations throughout May, where you will also be able to get a free health check

  • May 2: BCVS’s Right Royal Clean Up 10am-3pm at The Canch, Worksop
  • May 2: Bassetlaw Hospital
  • May 3: Worksop Market
  • May 4: Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall
  • May 9: Retford Primary Care Centre
  • May 11: Harworth and Bircotes Market
  • May 13: Nottinghamshire Show
  • May 14: Focus on Young People fun run/walk
  • May 18: Retford Market
  • May 30: Langold Country Park.

Move More in May is a joint initiative between a wide range of partners across Bassetlaw. This collaboration forms part of our work as a Bassetlaw Place Partnership. Further information about the Place Partnership can be found at: www.bassetlawplace.co.uk