From April 2022 there will be an Integrated Care System (ICS) for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area (which includes the city of Portsmouth).    The ICS exists in shadow form as it develops all the systems to be in place ready for 1st April 2022.   Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group are working with the shadow Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICS (HIOW ICS) to plan the future of health and care provision.  More information about the detail for Portsmouth City and the updated Portsmouth Blueprint (for health and care) will be available later in the year.  In the meantime you may be [...]

GP practice staff invited to share views  Healthwatch is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We listen to people’s experiences of these services and make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers use this feedback to improve care. This autumn, local Healthwatch from across the south of England are working together on a project looking at access to GP practices. Part of this work will be to gather feedback from GP practice staff to understand: -  How their role has changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, -  What practices do well and - What challenges they face. If you work in a GP practice, please share your experiences [...]

World Mental Health Day is on 10th October 202. The new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) launched the Better Health-Every Mind Matters campaign to support the nation’s mental wellbeing. The campaign heroes the little things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and how they can make a big difference; helping us to lead happier, healthier lives and cope with life’s challenges. Take the free, NHS endorsed Mind Plan quiz. By answering five simple questions, adults will get a personalised mental health action plan with simple, practical tips to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and show [...]

Here is information about the COVID-19 vaccination booster programme issued by the NHS COVID-19 booster programme (hampshiresouthamptonandisleofwightccg.nhs.uk) We have received the following information from Solent NHS Trust who will be providing booster jabs for Portsmouth: Solent NHS Trust will be offering the booster jab at St James’ Hospital.  Those contacted by the NHS can book an appointment at St James’ via 119 or the national booking website. The booster vaccine will be offered through a range of services: primary care teams will vaccinate care home staff and residents health and social care staff will be directed to book their appointments through employers members of the public will be [...]

October COVID-19 vaccine drop-ins: at St James' Hospital Portsmouth, Locksway Rd, Portsmouth,  PO4 8LD From 1st October the COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be open for booked appointments and walk-ins as follows: Open to anyone over 16 years of age for first dose vaccinations, and second dose vaccinations for Astra Zeneca if it has been at least eight weeks since the first dose. Monday: 8am - 3pm Tuesday: 8am - 3pm Wednesday: 8am - 3pm Thursday: 1pm - 8pm Friday: 1pm - 8pm Saturday: 8am - 8pm Sunday: 8am - 8pm

Car parking charges are soon to be re-introduced at St Mary’s Community Health Campus. Solent NHS Trust has been made aware of the problem that patients have been facing in trying to find parking spaces on the community health campus whilst parking charges had been suspended during the pandemic. The Trust hopes that by re-introducing charging for parking it will reduce the number of cars parked in the spaces on the campus while free parking had been available and enable patients once again to park and access treatments at St Mary’s.

Invitation to watch Clarissa - a film from Groundswell Healthwatch England have been in touch with Alan Knobel, Manager of the Portsmouth Homelessness Unit to provide details of a film which he thinks might prove useful in terms of our general discussions and understanding around homeless healthcare. This important film aims to create change through insights within the storyline of the main character, Clarissa. Her story is one of trauma, the importance of trust, and how this impacts someone’s experiences of healthcare. It has been woven together from real experiences of people trying to access the healthcare system while facing homelessness in the UK. Groundswell would like [...]

October is Black History Month, and Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust are delighted to recognise and celebrate this month in partnership with the University of Portsmouth. Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust would love for you to join them on Tuesday 12th October for  a virtual event where they will celebrate the hidden history of black people in Portsmouth by sharing and uncovering untold stories. Special guests Dr Melanie Bassett, Research Fellow in Public Engagement and Dr Natalya Vince, Reader in North African and French Studies from the University of Portsmouth will be talking about their project ‘Portsmouth Black History: Recovering Untold Stories for New Generations’. Plus, the inspiring Marie [...]

Government guidance issued 1st October explains how you can apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, you're unable to be vaccinated and/or tested for COVID-19. Goverment guidance on how to apply for proof you're unable to be vaccinated/tested for COVID-19 Some individuals are unable to be vaccinated and/or tested for medical reasons. Here is guidance issued by the Government on how to apply for proof that you have a medical reason why you should not be vaccinated and/or tested. If you are a resident in England and have taken part, or are taking part, in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial you can apply using this guidance for [...]