10 November 2009
The NHS across the East Midlands is supporting the first national Self Care Week which will run from 9 – 15 November 2009, to raise awareness of the active role everyone can make to improve their own health and wellbeing.
All of our lives can be improved by taking better care of ourselves, which could include taking regular exercise or managing a long term health condition. Self Care Week aims to:
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Raise awareness of self care and how it can help everyone, not just those with long term and chronic conditions
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Encourage people to use the range of information and resources to help them to self care including the NHS Choices website
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Explain how care planning and new technology can assist people with self care
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Encourage patients with long term conditions to discuss a personal care plan with their GP or nurse.
Almost one in three people in the UK suffers from a long term condition, and three out of every five of them are aged over 60. With an ageing population, the number is set to rise by 23% over the next 25 years which emphasises the importance and clarifies that managing your own care does not mean less support from the NHS.
Self Care covers every aspect of living a healthy life, from brushing our teeth to looking after ourselves when recovering from illness. People with long term conditions are already doing this well but some are still unaware of the choice of support and information available to help manage their condition. For instance, everyone with a long term condition can have a personalised care plan, access to courses and support groups as well as knowing about the right equipment to help live healthy and stay independent.
NHS Trusts around the region are highlighting the importance of self care as part of this dedicated awareness week and the support available to patients all year round.
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Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust (PCT) has introduced Self Care diaries for people living with and affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure. These diaries help to support people in self monitoring, behaviour change and lifestyle modification aiming to help them live well with their conditions.
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NHS Lincolnshire has launched a new section on its website that provides simple steps that people can make to take control of their health and well being, including how to get the most from your local pharmacy, developing a self care plan and information about equipment available to help with health conditions.
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Bassetlaw PCT are taking their self care health advice out to the people they service, by holding dedicated sessions for carers, older people, parents and other key community groups to explain the importance of managing their condition as proactively as possible.
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NHS Nottingham City uses specialist monitors to help around 800 people each year living with long-term conditions, measuring their vital signs in a way that meets the individual needs of the patient, respects their privacy, and educates patients to be more aware of their own symptoms and to proactively manage them. It also supports independent living, promotes patient self-management and reduces the need for repeat hospital admissions.
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NHS Nottinghamshire County has introduced their Expert Patient Programme, which is a six week course run by people living with a long term condition that offers tools, techniques and confidence to people to help them to manage their condition better on a daily basis.
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NHS Leicester City have focused on helping NHS staff to understand the importance of self care by offering free health checks, advice on diet and nutrition and personal training sessions.
Lorraine Wright, Long Term Conditions lead at NHS East Midlands said: “Self care focuses on empowering people to play an active role in managing their condition alongside the everyday pressures they face. This awareness week aims to highlight the various health information and options available to people so they can make an informed and independent choice. This awareness week provides an opportunity for patients, carers and healthcare professionals to focus on the importance of self care for people living with a long term condition.”
Health Minister Ann Keen said: “As a nurse I’ve seen the difference it makes to patients’ wellbeing when they are well informed and involved in decisions about their care. I would encourage everyone who has a long term health condition to speak to their GP or nurse to make sure they have all the support they need and agree a Personalised Care Plan. I hope that Self Care Week encourages people to take control of their health and wellbeing with the support of their healthcare professional and begin to self care."
If you are living with a health condition, or just want to learn how to look after yourself better, ask your healthcare professional for information on the advice and support available or visit www.nhs.uk/yourhealth.
