Earlier this year we highlighted the public's concerns about long waiting lists for urgent equipment such as bath lifts.

Lynn Jones, Northamptonshire County Council Commissioner, and Katharine Parker, Public Engagement Manager, attended our last social care group meeting to speak about the current situation and plans to commission a new service for the provision of equipment in the county.

The county council recognises that there is a waiting list  -  including some people who have been waiting more than a year for a bath lift  - and Northamptonshire LINk will lobby the council and PCT to ensure that this waiting list is tackled before a new tender contract is in place.

The LINk has agreed to provide a representative on the Integrated Community Equipment Services board in order to represent the public and will also enquire about the possibility of an independent chairman or co-chairman being a part of that board. 

Representatives from the council and PCT said that they will regularly attend LINk meetings to update us on the tender process and the waiting list. If you would like to hear more about this issue, come along to future meetings of the LINk social care group.

If you are a patient, family or carer who has experience of major trauma, then your views are needed.

Major trauma is defined as multiple injuries caused by an event. 

The NHS’s major trauma improvement forum wants people to share their experiences and suggestions.

You can do this on the major trauma online forum or by telephone 0207 239 7806. 

Corby residents aged between 40 and 74 are entitled to a free health check as part of a new pilot scheme. Visit NHS Northamptonshire's website or speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist, or the minor injuries unit in Corby or call 0800 587 0879.   

There is now a team of dementia care advisors in the county whose aim is to enable people living with dementia and their families and carers to maintain the best quality of life.

There are four advisors who provide advice on the condition, local services and how to access  them, benefits, legal aspects and other helpful information.

To find out more, get in touch with the team. The contacts are:

Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire  -  Rob Hasker  -  07884 118693

South Northamptonshire and Daventry  -  Fiona Lockhart  -  07773 364580

Kettering, Corby and District  -  Alice Spence  -  07717 485045

Northampton and District  -  Liz Sturgess  -  07884 118944

The service is available from Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. Upon contact with the team, you will be able to make an appointment with an advisor who will provide advice and guidance. Ongoing support is available for the person living with dementia and their family.

New proposals will give patients a much greater choice of GP practice.

The Department of Health is running a consultation to seek views from the public, healthcare professionals and other NHS staff.

The consultation sets out the different options for organising healthcare for patients; and the potential implications of their choices if the current system of GP practice boundaries is removed.

Take part in the consultation online before May 28th to add your views.