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Archive for category: Health service

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Face coverings required in some healthcare settings across Devon

/in Health, Health service, Village News/by

Face masks must be worn again in a number of healthcare settings across Devon, due a national rise in cases of COVID-19.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has said:

“To help us keep our patients, staff and visitors safe, we are asking all visitors and patients to please wear a face mask in any areas where clinical care is provided.”

That includes inpatient wards and clinical rooms in hospitals, community sites, primary care sites and at vaccination centres. They add:

“We understand that for some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions, and these people will remain exempt.”

They are also asking people to continue to follow hand hygiene measures when visiting a Royal Devon healthcare setting.

Take Care – Refresh Your Air

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take-care-refresh-your-air_original

Why is fresh air so important?

Making sure there is good ventilation in a room is something we sometimes overlook, but it’s one of the basic measures we should all be taking to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus (COVID-19).

When a person infected with coronavirus coughs, talks or breaths, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. While larger droplets fall to the ground quickly, smaller droplets and aerosols containing the virus can remain suspended in the air for some time indoors, especially if there is no ventilation.

Opening windows to bring in fresh air from outside is important. The more fresh air there is to breathe, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles.

With roughly one in every three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms of having it, it’s important to take every precaution, and remember that good ventilation is one of those measures.

The government has updated the guidance on its website this week about how to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

How to Find Your NHS NUMBER>

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Ways you can find your NHS number

Most of the time we don’t need our NHS number, but for those going for the Covid vaccine at the moment we do.

Here are some easy ways to find your NHS number. They appear in most documents or letters sent to you by the NHS, such as your:

  • prescriptions
  • test results
  • hospital referral letters
  • appointment letters
    or
  • click on this link for the NHS number finder!

 

The NHS APP

If you don’t have any of the above to hand, you can download the “NHS APP”. You can get it on Google Play, if you have an Android phone (anything other than the Apple brand) or Download on the APP store.

You will have fun identifying yourself using photos and video. There are only a few questions to answer before your details are sent to confirm your identity. A few hours later you will receive confirmation by email and will be allowed access through the APP which:

  • has your NHS number
  • lets you book appointments
  • reorder repeat prescriptions
  • and provides access to a range of other healthcare services.

Coronavirus and Mental Health Guide

/in Health service/by

A new guide to better Mental Health during the Coronavirus pandemic has been issued by the “Rehab 4 Addiction” organisation.

The Guide has been  created to assist increased understanding and awareness of all aspects of dealing with the stress of bereavment and the lockdown. With the current COVID-19
pandemic, many who live with depression are struggling to stay afloat during mandated or self-isolation.

The aim is that this informational guide can be one of many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a safe and supportive environment, especially during these times.

You can find the guide online at https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/coronavirus/mental-health-coronavirus

Rehab 4 Addiction serves as an online resource to people dealing with substance abuse.

 

Supporting People with Deafness and Hearing Loss during Covid 19

/in Health service, Services/by

I hope you’re doing well during these difficult times. As you may be aware, this week is national Deaf Awareness Week, founded by the UK Council on Deafness to help highlight the everyday barriers many people with deafness and/or hearing loss face in the UK today.

For this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide of how your group can continue to support those around you with deafness, hearing loss, and tinnitus during the Covid-19 lockdown. For a group that already often feel marginalised, social distancing and remote contact can lead to overwhelming feelings of isolation.

Click here to download our comprehensive guide:
Managing Hearing Loss and Tinnitus During Covid 19>

The Guide offers information on a range of topics, including:

  • finding local hearing aid repairs services,
  • important communication tips,
  • hearing loss aware video-calling etiquette, and
  • considering mental health and wellbeing needs.

Please remember that we are available to support you with any queries on how to reduce isolation for those with hearing loss at this time.

I hope you find the pack useful.

Take care and stay safe,

Best wishes

-Jason Sculthorpe
Project Coordinator Devon and Cornwall
Action on Hearing Loss

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