News
'Do It For Yourself' campaign
- Details
- Thursday, 08 July 2021 15:08
- Lynn Dougal
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but catching it early improves treatment options and means more people are surviving.
We’ve become a nation of DIYers, spending more and more time taking care of our homes. BUT, when it comes to our health, many of us are putting off looking after ourselves.
If you or someone you love is experiencing the following symptoms don’t delay. ‘Do It For Yourself’ and speak to your GP today.
A persistent cough
Not every cough is a COVID Cough. Having a cough for three weeks or more, or a change in a cough you have had for a long time.
Breathlessness
Feeling breathless for no reason or getting out of breath doing things you used to be able to do.
Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired or experiencing tiredness or lack of energy on an ongoing basis.
If you have any of these symptoms, or if something just doesn’t feel right, it could be your body telling you something is wrong, so it’s important to speak to your GP as soon as possible.
It may be nothing serious, but your GP will be able to put your mind at ease or refer you for a chest x-ray if they think it’s necessary.
The NHS is open and ready to see you safely through face to face, phone and online appointments.
On the lookout for Festival Makers to keep Lumiere shining
- Details
- Wednesday, 07 July 2021 10:55
- Lynn Dougal
Want to help make this year’s Lumiere the brightest and best yet? Durham County Council is working with festival producers Artichoke to recruit volunteer Festival Makers who will welcome visitors to the city, direct people to the Lumiere installations and also be the face of the festival.
Organisers want to hear from people aged 18 and over who have a friendly personality and a passion for the festival, as well as different skills and life experiences.
Find out more: http://ow.ly/pnXm50FpNRE
Thinking about whether you can Talk Before You Walk
- Details
- Monday, 05 July 2021 10:57
- Kath Clements
Public urged to only visit A&E if 'absolutely necessary' as NHS pressures continue
Health officials are taking urgent action to urge the public to keep A&E free for serious emergencies only.
With pressures mounting on local NHS services, doctors in County Durham are asking the public not to just to turn up to A&E but to think pharmacy, GP and 111 first.
The urgent plea is aimed at reducing the number of inappropriate visits to local A&E departments and raise awareness of alternative services available for people needing urgent medical advice and treatment.
Dr Stewart Findlay, chief officer, NHS County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “The message is clear, please do not just go to A&E if it's not a serious emergency.
"Alternative treatment options are available and finding the right service for you may be quicker and closer to home. A&E is there to deal with genuine life-threatening emergencies only.
"If a medical need is not life threatening visiting a local pharmacy, contacting your GP practice, or calling NHS 111, who can arrange appointments with a GP, pharmacy, or urgent treatment centre, means that you won't have to spend hours waiting in A&E, and treatment can be given quicker to those really in need of urgent care."
A&E services in County Durham are available for the following conditions:
- loss of consciousness
- acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
- chest pain
- breathing difficulties
- severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- severe allergic reactions
- severe burns or scalds
- stroke
- major trauma such as a road traffic accident
If people do turn up with minor ailments and don’t need to be there - they will be re-directed to a more appropriate service for their needs.
Anyone concerned about mental health issues is encouraged to contact the local Tees Esk & Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) crisis service on freephone number 0800 0516171.
Advice on what to do in a mental health emergency is also available at www.tewv.nhs.uk/crisisadvice.
Sue Jacques, chief executive, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) added: “The support we have seen for the NHS has been amazing over the last year.
"We now need to ask people to keep this up and continue do their bit to protect the NHS and each other".
Further guidance on when you should go to A&E can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/when-to-go-to-ae/
Beware! Fake Covid Vaccine Passport
- Details
- Tuesday, 06 July 2021 09:17
- Lynn Dougal
A Covid Vaccine Passport scam email is going around that purports to be from the NHS and informs recipients that they can apply for their “Digital Coronavirus Passports”
Clicking on the link within the email, takes you to a convincing but fake NHS website that asks for personal and payment details. (for an admin fee)
Your vaccination status is obtained FREE through the NHS App, website or by calling the NHS on 119.
More information can be found on the gov.uk website;
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
Let’s Be a Covid Safe County
- Details
- Thursday, 01 July 2021 18:30
- Kath Clements
- Remember, even if you have had both doses of the vaccine you should still test twice a week to help to prevent the spread of Covid.
- Having the vaccine can prevent serious illness but it does not stop you from catching, or spreading, Covid-19.
- Find out how to access local testing sites or order home testing kits at www.durham.gov.uk/CovidLFT
- Remember, having both doses of the vaccine can prevent serious illness. To find out more go to durham.gov.uk/coronavirus
LFD Testing Site
An assisted testing site is being set up in Consett Library from today until Saturday 10th July
It will be there between:
Date Time
Friday 2 July 9.30am – 1pm
Saturday 3 July 9.30am – 12.30pm
Monday 5 July 9.30am – 1pm
Tuesday 6 July 9.30am – 1pm
Wednesday 7 July 9.30am – 1pm
Thursday 8 July 9.30am – 1pm
Friday 9 July 9.30am – 1pm
Saturday 10 9.30am – 12.30pm
