Health and wellbeing professionals held a ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ event at Foulston Park in Devonport to show what a new way of working could mean for people across Plymouth. They included Specialist Nurses from Livewell Southwest, Health Improvement Advisors from One You Plymouth, the Diabetic Eye Screening Service and the NHS South West Liver Check team. They were joined by organisations such as Improving Lives Plymouth, Plymouth Community Homes and Devon and Cornwall Police.
Livewell Southwest Wellbeing Services Manager Mel Edwards
Wellbeing Services Manager Mel Edwards said: “We have had some really positive stories from people who have been able to get lots of things sorted. For example, some came to get their feet checked but then had their blood pressure checked and got their flu jab by the Devonport pharmacist. It is easy access. The model is absolutely right to support people in the community and to give them almost a one stop shop, to come in and have an appointment and make the most of all the other offers that have been there today.”
Jason getting his bloods taken by Michelle Beer from the Long Term Conditions team
Jason is one of the patients who benefited from the Community Assessment Day. He said: “I have missed a lot of appointments for my feet and my diabetes because I am suffering with anxiety. When Livewell called me to come to Foulston Park which is close to where I live, I needed this. Just to get out. They have looked at my feet, I have had my bloods taken and got advice on my mental health. It was good to talk to the nurses. I feel a big sense of relief.”
Podiatry Clinical Lead Cathi Smith and Practice Lead for Nursing Sonia Green
Sonia Green is the Practice Lead Community Nursing. She said: “We had one gentleman booked in for his podiatry appointment at ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ instead of going to Mount Gould Hospital. He was intent on just having that appointment and nothing else. But whilst he was having his feet checked, he explained he was eating digestive biscuits for breakfast, which is not great for a diabetic. He didn’t understand the sugar content, so we were able to encourage him to speak to the Diabetic Specialist Nurse, Dietician, and Long Term Conditions team who are going to see him at home to discuss a Complex Geriatric Assessment. This looks at all your health and wellbeing needs and identifies any future follow-up appointments and referrals onto other services.
“This was a really good opportunity today to speak to each of those specialists and get advice from voluntary organisations too to see what is available close to where he lives.
“There was also a gentleman who was passing by who signed up to a veteran’s group. He explained he was quite lonely at home, so is now really looking forward to meeting new people in his community. He loved Foulston Park and I think that has been the theme of the day. People have really enjoyed the space, being able to talk to lots of different people, professionals, and take some sort of health advice away with them.”
People could have their liver checked at the South West Liver Unit
Health Improvement Advisors in the One You Plymouth team carried out health checks
Mary Cox, Neighbourhood Delivery Lead said: “This is a great model of neighbourhood working because it encompasses many of the ambitions of neighbourhood health; providing care closer to home, the shift from treatment to prevention, empowering people and communities, and improving staff collaboration and experience.
“The combination of targeting assessments and interventions that people need from health and social care, being in a community venue and alongside partners across the voluntary and community sector meant that people had a truly holistic health and wellbeing offer within their neighbourhood. As well as some great outcomes for people, staff from all organisations fed back how much they enjoyed the day and how much they learnt from each other. We will definitely do it again!”
