What I got up to this week... Introduction: This week, I've been working on some exciting projects, including visiting Petrus and learning about what they do, brainstorming ideas for a new campaign, and taking photos and videos. Stay tuned for some amazing content coming your way! Day 1: let me take you through day one of my fifth week as a content creator apprentice. It was an exciting start as I attended a workshop on social media marketing. I learned some awesome strategies to boost engagement and reach on various platforms. Can't wait to implement them in my upcoming projects! Day 2: Day two of my fifth week as a content creator apprentice was all about getting creative. I worked on creating an infographic to accompany our future campaigns. It was a fun challenge to visually represent the information in a captivating way. Can't wait to share it with my audience! Day 3: On day three of my fifth week, I had arranged to meet up with Elaine one of the HART nurses, she informed me about Petrus and what they do, which is that Petrus provides residential and day support services to people who are homeless or in housing need. It offers a safe environment where people can develop their skills and independence to empower change. After I took a few photos and learned about Petrus me and Elaine then travelled to a hostel called 'Redfern House' where we set up a table of food and snacks and a hep c stall so the nurses could check the residents of 'Redfearn house' as they are in more of a vulnerable position and can be harder for them to maintain their health. What is Hep C? Hep C also known as Hepatitis C is a virus that affects your liver. It can be very serious if it's not treated. I took a few photos and learned so much about how caring and helpful Elaine was, It was inspiring to see how Elaine and people like Elaine come forward to help those in need and it gave me some fresh ideas for my upcoming projects. Can't wait to put those storytelling techniques into practice! Day 4: Day four of my fifth week was full of learning. I attended Juice Academy where I studied and trained for my content creator apprenticeship I learned some valuable tips and tricks to improve the visibility of my content online and how to understand the company I work for. It's exciting to think about how these strategies will help my work reach a wider audience. Day 5: Day five was full of creating content for our social media platform and raising awareness about respect in a GP practice, It is valuable that the public knows how to avoid these obstructions and the significance of respecting each other. I also created a post just about recruiting and raising awareness that Primary Care Academy is also a training and recruitment program and we would love for anyone interested to join! After spending a large amount of effort and research into that I continued to finish off this blog, it's been an exciting, educating and fun week, keep up to date for next week!

As you may well have heard in the news recently, there have been a number of cases of monkeypox in England. Recent cases have been predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men although as with any virus, this could possibly change. The source of these infections is currently being investigated because the evidence suggests that there may be the transmission of the monkeypox virus in the community, spread by close contact. Investigations are underway to establish links between cases. Those patients needing medical care are all in specialist infectious disease units. Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease, but there are a number of cases in the UK and that number is rising. Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox and most people recover within a few weeks. The virus can spread if there is close contact between people and the risk to the UK population is low. However, recent cases are predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and as the virus spreads through close contact, we are advising these groups to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns. Symptoms Unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area Fever Muscle aches Chills and exhaustion Headaches Swollen lymph nodes Current national situation It’s important to stress that numbers are incredibly low however all updates will be published via a rolling news story, where you’ll also find the latest case numbers- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-england-latest-updates Call to action If you think you have monkeypox symptoms – however mild: Contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health clinic immediately. Your call will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Avoid close personal or sexual contact with others until you know that this is not monkeypox. Please contact clinics ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician. Your call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Spreading awareness about cervical screening within the South Asian community... Nurse Zoe attended a cervical screening event to give the women who appeared at the event a better understanding of a smear test, as a nurse it makes it better for people to be given the correct information. The event was organized by CanSurviveUK at Deeplish Community Centre. Raising awareness in the South Asian Community about the importance of cervical screenings is crucial for women's health. What is Cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. It occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour. If left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. However, not all women with HPV develop cervical cancer. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer include smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and a family history of cervical cancer. In its early stages, cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge. Regular cervical screening, also known as a Pap smear or Pap test, is crucial for detecting abnormal cells in the cervix before they develop into cancer. It involves collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope. If abnormal cells are detected, further tests, such as a colposcopy or biopsy, may be performed to determine if cancer is present. It's important for women to prioritize regular cervical screenings and to discuss any concerns or symptoms with their healthcare provider. Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, and early detection plays a vital role in improving outcomes. Barriers to cervical screening amongst Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women aged 25-64 in North Manchester When it comes to cervical screening, several barriers can affect Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women aged 25-64 in North Manchester. One barrier is the lack of awareness and knowledge about the importance of cervical screening. Many women from these communities may not fully understand the purpose and benefits of getting screened regularly. Language and cultural barriers can also play a role. Some women may face difficulties in understanding the information provided during the screening process due to language differences. Additionally, cultural beliefs and taboos surrounding discussions about reproductive health can make it challenging for women to openly discuss and seek information about cervical screening. Accessibility can be another barrier. Limited access to healthcare services, including convenient appointment times and locations, can make it difficult for women to attend screenings. Factors such as transportation issues, work commitments, and family responsibilities can further hinder their ability to prioritize cervical screening. There may also be misconceptions and fears related to the screening procedure itself. Some women may have concerns about pain, discomfort, or embarrassment during the examination, which can discourage them from attending screenings. To overcome these barriers, it is crucial to raise awareness within these communities about the importance of cervical screening and debunk any misconceptions. Providing information in multiple languages and culturally sensitive materials can help address language and cultural barriers. Improving accessibility by offering flexible appointment options and ensuring that healthcare facilities are easily accessible can also make a difference. It's important to work collaboratively with community leaders, healthcare providers, and support organizations to develop targeted outreach programs that address the specific needs and concerns of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women in North Manchester. By addressing these barriers, we can strive to improve cervical screening rates and promote better reproductive health outcomes for these communities. How do I get checked? Getting checked for cervical cancer is an essential part of maintaining your reproductive health. The main method for checking for cervical cancer is through a procedure called a smear. Here's what you can expect during the process: 1. Schedule an appointment: Reach out to your healthcare provider to schedule a smear test. They will guide you on when it's best to have the test done based on your age and medical history. 2. Preparation: Before the test, your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid using tampons, vaginal creams, medications, or douching for at least 48 hours. It's also best to schedule the test when you are not menstruating. 3. The procedure: During the smear test, you will lie on an examination table, and your healthcare provider will gently insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open. They will then use a small brush or spatula to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. It's normal to feel some pressure or discomfort, but it should not be painful. 4. Results: The collected sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You will typically receive the results within a few weeks. If any abnormal cells are detected, your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps with you. Remember, regular smear tests are crucial for early detection of any abnormal changes in the cervix. It's generally recommended that women begin getting Pap smears around the age of 21 and continue every few years, as advised by their healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, it's always best to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalised guidance and address any specific concerns you may have. Taking care of your reproductive health is important, and regular cervical screenings are a proactive step in doing so! Remember! Getting a smear test is a harmless procedure. It's a routine screening test that helps detect any abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix. Identifying these changes early on, can prevent the development of cervical cancer or catch it in its early stages when it's highly treatable. The procedure itself may cause some minor discomfort or pressure, but it should not be painful. Remember, it's always important to prioritize your reproductive health and stay proactive with regular screenings. If you have any specific concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They are there to support and guide you through the process!

Just because Covid-19 isn’t headline news anymore, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to keep up to date with your vaccinations. To make it as easy as possible, we are still running a walk-in clinic on a Saturday between 10 am and 2 pm at No.1 Riverside in Rochdale. If you fit into any of the following groups, we can’t stress enough how important it is for you to receive your next vaccination. It couldn’t be easier; there’s rarely any queue and it takes just a couple of minutes for us to check your details and administer the vaccine. • First dose for people 12 years and over. • Second dose for people 12-17 years and 12 weeks since your first dose. • Second dose for people 18 years and over and 8 weeks since your first dose. • Booster for people 16 years and over if 3 months or more since your second dose. • Spring booster for people 75 years and over. • Aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed if 6 months since your last dose.

Wow, can you believe we're already in week 6? Time has really flown by! Anyway, we wanted to give you an update. We've finished gathering all the information from the LTI. We are happy to announce that we successfully delivered a session that improved your knowledge on two important topics: Menopause and Sleep . Please see the graphs below; we have some Menopause geniuses !! and Sleep Experts !!! We hope you enjoyed the sessions. For those of you who missed out, you can find the complete presentation on Sleep Hygiene and the new webpage dedicated to Menopause within the Health and Wellbeing section of the website. Graphs Menopause Posters Mel has also designed some posters that link with the Menopause page by just scanning the QR code . It would be great if we could get a vote on these posters to see which you guys prefer!!! We can then hopefully distribute these throughout practices. Poster One Poster Two Poster Three Poster Four

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Stonefield Surgery... Stonefield Surgery has done an incredible job, and they deserve a big congratulations for winning the competition. They actively supported the NHS local breast screening campaign and even won a competition for the best display. Naomi Duff, who is a Cancer Screening Improvement Lead from the Bolton, Bury & Rochdale Breast Screening Programme, visited the surgery on November 22nd to reward the Practice Manager, Jo Lees, with a certificate and some chocolates. Stonefield Surgery made a significant difference by supporting breast cancer awareness and stepping up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stonefield Surgery has gone above and beyond to raise awareness about breast cancer and screening, by creating a poster specifically geared towards men, even though breast cancer in men is rare. The surgery has always made efforts to promote breast cancer awareness, but due to COVID, the uptake has decreased. They hope that this new initiative will encourage more patients to go for screenings. The team at Stonefield Surgery is doing an incredible job in promoting early detection, which can help save lives. About Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a topic that deserves attention. It's a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Early detection through regular breast screenings and self-exams is crucial for successful treatment. It's important to spread awareness about the importance of screenings and support those affected by breast cancer. Around 55,200 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. That is around 150 people a day. 1 in 8 women in the UK develop breast cancer during their lifetime. 1 in 870 men develop it. Most of the women who get breast cancer have had their menopause, but about 2 out of every 10 (20%) are under 50 years old. Breast cancer risk can be affected by age, family history and lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking. Why should I be screened? Breast screening is a crucial part of early detection of breast cancer. It involves a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. Regular screening can help detect any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue, even before any symptoms are present. It's recommended that women aged 50-74 have a mammogram every two years. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best screening plan for you based on your individual risk factors. Remember, early detection saves lives! About the screening process... 1. Make an appointment: Reach out to your healthcare provider or a local screening centre to schedule your mammogram. 2. Preparation: On the day of your appointment, avoid using deodorant, lotion, or powder on your chest area, as they can interfere with the mammogram results. 3. Arrive at the screening centre: When you arrive, you'll be asked to fill out some paperwork and provide any necessary information. 4 . The mammogram: During the mammogram, you'll be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a gown. The technician will position your breast on a special X-ray machine, and a compression paddle will be used to flatten the breast temporarily. This may cause some discomfort, but it only lasts for a few seconds. 5. Image capture: The X-ray machine will take images of your breast from different angles. It's important to stay still and follow the technician's instructions. 6. Results: After the mammogram, the images will be reviewed by a radiologist. You'll receive the results within a few weeks. If there are any concerns or abnormalities, further tests may be recommended. If you are unsure about this screening procedure and would like to discuss it, they are holding a series of ‘breast screening information clinics’ at the surgery and would like to invite you to pop in for a chat. This 10-minute consultation will address any concerns you have and will fully explain what the test involves. To book a ‘breast screening information clinic, please contact the surgery and request an appointment. Telephone: 01706 646234 Email: stonefieldstreetsurgery@nhs.net Address: Stonefield Street Surgery, 21 Stonefield Street, Milnrow, OL16 4JQ Or you can pop into the surgery and speak to a care coordinator/receptionist about booking an appointment. Remember, their screenings are due in February 2024, so if you haven't been booked in or invited for a screening yet, don't worry.

Welcome to our inaugural 'Our Services - In-Depth' series! Today, we're diving into one of our most essential offerings: Enhanced Access Services. These services represent a vital extension to GP practices, providing flexibility and convenience to patients across Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale (HMR). What are Enhanced Access Services? Enhanced Access Services are designed to extend the standard services offered by GP practices. They are tailored to accommodate individuals with busy schedules, making it easier for them to access healthcare without disrupting their work or family commitments. It's important to note that Enhanced Access is not a walk-in service; appointments must be made through your GP practice reception. Booking Your Appointment If your GP practice doesn’t have any appointments available, they should offer you an appointment with the Extended Access Service. They will handle the booking process for you, ensuring that you receive the care you need in a timely manner. You may not see your usual health professional and your appointment will be at one of our locations within Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. What to Expect The Extended Access Service has a range of appointment types available. These may include: GP Appointments : Consult with a General Practitioner to address your medical concerns. Long-Term Condition Reviews : Receive comprehensive assessments and support for chronic health conditions. Health Checks : Monitor your overall health and identify any potential issues early on. Cervical Smears : Vital screenings to detect early signs of cervical cancer. Phlebotomy (Blood Taking) : Convenient blood tests to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Appointments are available during various times, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and even bank holidays. Whether you prefer face-to-face consultations or telephone appointments, our clinicians are here to accommodate your needs. Why Enhanced Access Matters The significance of Enhanced Access Services extends beyond mere convenience. In an era where local GP practices are often inundated with patients, these services play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on healthcare providers. By offering extended hours and additional appointment options, Rochdale Health Alliance ensures that patients receive timely care without overwhelming their primary care physicians. Looking Ahead Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and invaluable information from Rochdale Health Alliance. Together, we're committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services that prioritise accessibility, quality, and patient-centric care. For further inquiries or to book your Enhanced Access appointment, don't hesitate to contact your GP practice. We're here to support your health and well-being every step of the way. 👨‍⚕️ Going The #ExtraMile Rochdale Health Alliance - NHS Backed and Trusted. #NHS #RochdaleHealthAlliance #PrimaryCareAcademy #Healthcare #Employability #HealthcareRecruitment

At the recent New Beginning event held on the 03rd March, there were numerous reasons for those attending. Many service users attended to speak to the professionals there, but also a group presented stage dramas using actions rather than words. This was related to their recovery and the system barriers they faced during that and in some cases still do. Several of those who attended had been successful in their recovery up to date, and spoke openly about their success and challenges and aims for the future. Colin had been coming to Petrus every day for breakfast and was seen by HART for support with his health and well-being. He had his eyesight checked by the optician and had 2 sets of glasses prescribed. Needless to say - he was thrilled to bits! Colin also attends the Petrus gardening group, which is the allotment next door to Croft Shifa and last week, he got his new glasses and a new pair of work boots!

All GPs and GP trainees working wihthin HMR are welcome to join us in our GP Education event on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Bellavista Rochdale. Food, Education and Networking! Next event Wed 19th April 2023 at 7pm - Trans Health

Thank you to everyone in the RHA office who brought in a cake and donated. We've had a lovely day celebrating the 75th Birthday of the NHS!

What my week went like as a content creator... Week 8 is here... Are you ready for another exciting week as a content creator apprentice? Week 8 is here, and I can already feel the creativity flowing! As an apprentice. This week is all about diving into new topics and exploring fresh ideas. On day one I dived right into your 8th week as a content creator apprentice writing about Stone Field Surgery's winning in the breast screening competition I made sure to highlight their achievements and raise awareness about the importance of breast screening. I then had an insightful meeting with Dawn, Ruth, Jack, and Georgia, which included a lot of collaborating and brainstorming new ideas as it is always a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and staying up to date with the latest happenings. Later on, I began posting a feedback post on Instagram from the pre-employment program! It's essential to share others' experiences and engage with your audience. Lastly, teasing our audience with the upcoming cervical screening event at the Deeplish Community Centre was a great way to build anticipation and keep our followers engaged. Day 2 was productive! I started by working on the breast screening competition blog at Stonefield Surgery and emailing the practice manager to ensure the information was correct and okay for publishing. Later on at 12:pm, I attended the cervical cancer screening event with Nurse Zoe at Deeplish Community Centre it was an amazing opportunity to see Zoe in her element helping those in need and to capture some photos and videos. It's so important to raise awareness about these screenings and encourage the community to prioritize their health. Taking videos and photos to share on Twitter was a brilliant idea! Inviting everyone to join the event through social media, made a positive impact and spread valuable information. Day 3 was filled with productive and collaborative moments. starting off having a one-to-one with Ruth was a great way to stay on track and make sure I was doing well. it gave us time to start thinking ahead and brainstorming future campaigns for January. Planning is key! After our one to one, my next plan was to finish my breast screening blog, and I did! Then moving on to Sharing it on our Instagram story with a link to the blog section on the Rochdale Health Alliance website it was a smart move to drive traffic and engage your audience. Day 4 was another busy and exciting day for me! Starting the nurse forum blog and including the photos you took from your visit to Milnrow Practice as it is a great way to share our experiences and insights. Using my raw footage made it more realistic and I'm sure our audience will find it informative and engaging. I took the opportunity during my break to capture footage outside Petrus for my vlog with the HART nurses. Adding those clips will make my vlog even more interesting! After adding the clips together and finishing off the video I reached out to Petrus, reaching out to Petrus for permission to use the footage shows us as a company are professional and respectful. Lastly, after ticking the boxes on my to-do list I started creating leaflets and exploring different designs for future campaigns, I enjoyed it as it is a creative and important task making sure I pay attention to detail as it will surely make our campaigns stand out. Day 5, I feel like I've accomplished so much already i started by finishing both my nurse forums blog and my week 8 content creator blog felt like such an achievement. Moving on to creating a post for World AIDS Day on Instagram it was a wonderful way to raise awareness and show support. I then got stuck in continuing to plan for future campaigns and exploring different ways to promote our company. My creativity and strategic thinking will definitely make a difference. This week I feel like I'm making a positive impact with your content creation skills.

Here is a brief recap of this month as a content creator apprentice... Week 1 (1st - 5th July): The month kicked off with a whirlwind of activities. Monday involved printing NHS local service booklets, preparing materials for a Manchester library event, and completing mandatory training via Blue Stream. I also finished and posted my apprentice blog, shared the remaining award winners on Instagram, and edited the Peterloo video. Tuesday was all about the Manchester event, where I captured videos and photos, raising awareness through social media posts. On Wednesday, I finalised and shared my apprentice blog, created a Wellness Wednesday feature, and attended an EPA session. Thursday was dedicated to editing and posting footage from the Manchester Central Library jobs fair. The week wrapped up on Friday with a busy day assisting Mary and Zoe at an event in Rochdale Exchange with Hopwood college students gaining work experience, taking photos and videos, beginning a Meta course on website management, and completing it by the end of the day. Week 2 (8th - 12th July): Monday was a day of editing and posting Peterloo videos, including one featuring Sue-Ann. I also emailed Jenna about Owadi who started from our pre-employment programme and has now successfully secured a role in a GP practice, I planned interview questions and had a 121 meeting with Ruth. I then checked the responses from the survey I made for Hopwood students despite not receiving feedback from NHS app students, I made progress by discussing website linking with Our Rochdale and received some feedback due to my planning on adding our campaigns on our website. On Tuesday, I received and posted Race for Life photos, wrote and promoted a blog about the event, completed an evaluation campaign template, and created a database on Wix for practice designing the website, I also started to prepare for the next day's training at Carder Court. Wednesday featured a Wellness Wednesday post and a training session at Carders Court teaching a social media session and getting the students involved in creativity and an insight into my role it was an interactive session that the students seemed to enjoy, I captured videos, and took photos. The week concluded with Friday's tasks, which included posting about the school careers fair attended by Ruth and Rachel, planning a podcast and case study questions, and working on Bud’s tasks such as my end point assessment and portfolio. Week 3 (15th - 19th July): Monday began with checking emails and planning content for the week. I started creating a post about services RHA provides, edited and posted about Springhill Hospice education, and worked on editing Peterloo videos for Instagram reels and TikTok templates. I also created a "Meet the Team" template for Helen. Tuesday was another productive day with an EPA (End Point Assessment) session in the morning, followed by more Peterloo video editing and a discussion with Mary about a booklet ‘ What does RHA do for your Practice’ I started by researching and designing the booklet. On Wednesday, I posted a "Meet the Team" feature, researched pharmacy first information, started creating an animated pharmacy first video, reviewed footage from the interview with Sadhana, and continued working on the booklet. Thursday was focused on adding content to the "Services RHA Provides" post, editing the pharmacy’s first video, and making progress on the booklet. The week ended with Friday's tasks of editing and posting Peterloo videos, working on my portfolio, and continuing to print the booklet and analysing to see if there are any changed that need to be made. Week 4 (22nd - 26th July): The week started with a 121 meeting with Ruth on Monday, followed by finalising and emailing Mary about changes to the booklet. I finished and posted the "What Does RHA Offer" post, planned content for the week, researched Wellness Wednesday ideas, and started creating the Wellness Wednesday post. Thursday was dedicated to researching content for the upcoming week, including awareness days and National Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2024. I created a Hepatitis awareness post, added awareness days to the calendar, and started to plan an interactive post to engage the public about primary care and Rochdale Health Alliance. I also worked on a disabled free travel pass that would relate to the service we provide for work experience students and wrote up and posted the National Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2024 blog. On Friday I got started on my apprentice blog as this month is now coming to an end, I continued with my bud task and created a storyboard for a video I had created and wrote a report to then later on submit. July has been a month of growth, learning, and creative output. I’m excited to continue developing my skills and contributing to impactful projects in the coming months. It is a challenge balancing apprenticeship assessments and work tasks but it’s important to remain focused and always plan, make a to-do list to tick off your tasks, and you will then start to see your progress. Stay tuned for more updates!