North Wiltshire's dementia backlog is cleared by trust

The backlog of dementia patients in north Wiltshire has been cleared after changes to support services.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership said it has seen all 207 patients in the past six months.

A year ago, Trowbridge Alzheimer's Support said memory services were at "breaking point" with people having to wait over a year to be diagnosed.

Full Article on BBC News

Users and carers to gain right to independent advocacy through Care Bill

Service users and carers would gain a right to an independent advocate to help them participate in the assessment, support planning or safeguarding process under a government amendment to the Care Bill.

The provision would apply if the person would experience substantial difficulty in understanding, retaining or weighing up relevant information, or in communicating their wishes, and they had no family member or friend to speak up for them.

Full Article on Community Care

Patients could be able to Skype with their GP under new proposals

Under new proposals announced by Prime Minister David Cameron, patients will be able to see GPs seven days a week in and out of office hours - with the introduction of email, Skype and phone consultations.

Other services to be introduced from 2014-15 include electronic prescriptions, online appointment bookings and online registrations.

Full Article on Computing

EVENT: Sensory Issues and Autism Spectrum

Sensory Issues & Autism Spectrum

Saturday, 2^nd November 2013, 11:45am for 12.20 – 4.30pm

Garden Room, Blunsdon House Hotel, The Ridge, Blunsdon, Swindon, SN26 7AS
http://www.blunsdonhouse.co.uk/contact/how-to-find-us/

Autism Oxford Speakers on the Autistic Spectrum offering fascinating insights into their differences in sensory processing.

• Paul Isaacs - A graphic description of sensory perceptual issues eg walking into a room, travelling on a train and much more – an awesome account you will never forget!
• Richard Maguire - ‘Lying and Acting, the Sensory Cover-up - the powerful social pressures not to act in accordance with our sensory profiles and our need for sensory comfort in childhood and adulthood’

• Faye Brown – ‘The struggles of living with sensory issues, mine and my son’s, and strategies we use to cope’
• Catherine Green – A fascinating account of sensory issues in childhood which were overcome with maturity, and others which have persisted into adulthood
• Other Speakers – to be announced

The afternoon will include an invaluable Q & A session featuring all of the speakers

Professionals £50 plus vat; People with ASC/Family members £30 plus vat

Discounted places are available for those who need them – please ask us

For easy, secure booking go to www.autismoxford.org.uk

The Care Bill and its implications for carers

The Care Bill aims to simplify and improve on existing legislation for carers.

Carers Trust gave evidence to the Joint Committee on the Draft Bill and has been working hard with Government and in Parliament to secure further improvements for carers.

We are pleased with some of the changes to the Care Bill, which introduces:

• New improved rights for carers
• A cap on costs and social care funding reforms
• A focus on preventive and personalised services and improving individuals' well-being

Carers Trust remains concerned about some parts of the proposed legislation and is seeking clarification on:

• Charging of support provided to carers 
• Amendments to the duties for assessment and meeting needs which may make it possible for local authorities to unduly rely on carers

Full Article on Guardian Community Care

OFFER: Free osteopath consultations: 7th - 11th October 2013

You may be aware that October 7th to 11th is BackCare Awareness week and that the theme this year is "caring for the carers".

During this week, osteopaths Stephen Hudson and Lucy Osborne-Kirby would like to offer FREE initial consultations at the Ashfield Practice (Chippenham) for carers registered with Carer Support Wiltshire who are suffering from musculoskeletal problems (joint/muscle strains etc).

Osteopaths can provide rapid, drug free, relief from pain caused by the types of stresses that carers often subject themselves to when caring for others. Of the UK’s 6.5m unpaid carers more than 80% said that their physical health had been affected by their caring responsibilities and 70% now suffer with back pain and are at a greater risk of developing chronic pain. As holistic therapists, osteopaths deliver a combination of manual therapy and advice for carers on how to prevent injury through exercise, good technique and a healthy lifestyle.

Consultations are by appointment (just call the practice) and are on a first-come-first served basis.  The initial consultation would normally cost £50; it lasts for 1 hour and includes treatment and any appropriate advice regarding posture/exercises/lifestyle.

Please be aware that, should any further treatment be required/desired, normal fees (£36 per 30 minute session) would apply.

To get more information about osteopathy and about the Ashfield Practice, including directions and opening hours, please visit their web-site www.ashfieldpractice.co.uk

For more information about BackCare Awareness week, please visit www.backcare.org.uk

Cameron promises more flexible GP hours

David Cameron says he wants to offer more patients the chance to visit a GP in the evening or at weekends.

Under a scheme to be piloted in nine areas of England, surgeries will be able to bid for funding to open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

The prime minister said the £50m project would mean doctors "fit in with work and family life".

Full Article on BBC News