Cheshire and Merseyside Kidney Care Network provides an overview of kidney services in the local area, as well as being a comprehensive resource of information, advice and education about kidney disease for patients, Carers and healthcare professionals.
The National Kidney Federation is the national kidney patient charity in the UK, and aims to promote the best renal medical practice and treatment, the health of persons suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Established Renal Failure (ERF), and to support the needs of friends/relatives who care for kidney patients. Their helpline (call 0845 601 0209 or email [email protected]) and website can provide information and advice such as dialysis away from base, dietary advice and support for carers. They also facilitate a regional Advocate, who can provide information and support, liaise with local kidney patient associations and represent patients’/Carers’ interests – for more information about this service please contact Dennis Crane on 0161 740 5550 or email [email protected]
There is also a North West region Kidney Patients’ Association support group that meet up on a regular basis. For more information about the group please contact Geoff Burgess at [email protected]
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become weaker and more likely to fracture. If you are worried about osteoporosis you should visit your GP for a referral for a scan.
The National Osteoporosis Society have a helpline (0808 800 0035) staffed by nurses who can answer medical queries relating to osteoporosis. For more information see www.theros.org.uk
Further information about Osteoporosis can also be found via the NHS website www.nhs.uk
Please also see links below to eating well and exercising regularly, which can help the prevention of osteoporosis.
The Mersey Region Epilepsy Association are an independent charity that works towards improving the quality of life for people with epilepsy, and their families/Carers. They are able to provide information and support by phone (helpline 0151 298 2666) or face-to-face (appointments can be made at the Glaxo Neurological Centre in Liverpool or home-visits can also be arranged).
Epilepsy Action is a national charity that runs a freephone helpline (0808 800 5050) service for anyone who would like more information about epilepsy (e.g. concerns about a recent diagnosis, medication, driving, family planning) and is staffed by Advice and Information Officers all with an extensive knowledge of epilepsy related issues. Epilepsy Action St Helens hold meetings on the first Tuesday of the month in the Millennium Centre Lounge between 11am and 12.30pm. Contact Stuart Woodyer on 01744 630844.
Further information about epilepsy can also be found via the Epilepsy Society (helpline 01494 601 400), Epilepsy Research UK and the Joint Epilepsy Council.
The Stroke Association is a national charity that works to help people of all ages who have been affected by having a stroke. Locally they have a base within St Helens Hospital where they can offer information, advice and support as well as help with communication. They also have an activities based fortnightly support group, an allotment project and can offer volunteer home visits.
The Stroke Club is a local social group affiliated with the Stroke Association that meets up on a monthly basis at the United Reformed Church.
The Health Improvement Team provide a ‘Stroke Support’ service, made up of Health Improvement Team staff and community volunteers working in partnership to raise awareness of the preventative measures of stroke and mini-stroke. They work closely with stroke survivors to increase their quality of life and offer them support and motivation to assist them back to recovery e.g. by increasing physical and social activities.
http://www.aclsmedicaltraining.com/nih-stroke-scale/ is another useful site.
The NHS run a campaign called ‘Act FAST’ to raise awareness about recognising people who may have suffered a stroke – click here to view their website and further information about strokes.
http://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/msk-physio
Over ten million people in the UK are affected by arthritis, and Arthritis Care is a charity that works with and for all people who have arthritis. They have a freephone helpline (0808 800 4050) to provide practical and emotional support, covering topics such as how to manage pain, information about specific conditions and what exercise or diet may be appropriate.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society run their own helpline (0800 298 7650) for information, medical advice or emotional support. The St Helens branch of NRAS have a support group that meets up every two months at the Town Hall.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with arthritis but think you have some of the symptoms then it would be best to get some advice from your GP. The Rheumatology Practice Development Unit at St Helens Hospital cares for thousands of arthritis sufferers throughout the region.
Further information about arthritis can also be found at Arthritis Research UK.
Another useful link would be www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/
NWBH NHS Foundation Trust Physiotherapy Service can give information and advice on musculoskeletal conditions see http://www.nwbh.nhs.uk/msk-physio
Diseases which can affect the lungs include asthma, bronchitis, cancer, emphysema (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Legionnaires’, pneumonia and TB (tuberculosis).
The British Lung Foundation provides practical and emotional support for people affected by lung disease. Their helpline (0845 850 5020) team is made up of Respiratory Nurses, Welfare Benefits Advisers and Counsellors to provide support, and there is also a local support group (called Breathe Easy) that meets up on a monthly basis to socialise, enjoy days out and listen to guest speakers. The BLF also run a pen-pal befriending scheme, awareness and lung-testing events and a web community and online surgery.
Asthma
Asthma UK is a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the 5.4 estimated people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. Their telephone advice line (0800 121 62 44) is available for any concerns that you may have about asthma – they receive queries about what asthma is and what causes is, triggers, symptoms, treatments, inhalers, allergies, exercise, diet and many other concerns.
Tuberculosis
TB Alert is a charity dedicated to helping people with Tuberculosis in the UK and abroad.
Approximately 5% of people in St Helens have been diagnosed with diabetes, however many more could have diabetes without being diagnosed, especially linking in with obesity and old age.
If you are concerned that you may have diabetes you can get checked by contacting your GP, who may refer you on to the Diabetes Team at St Helens Hospital. Certain branches of Lloyds Pharmacy can also conduct free diabetes checks.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes then Diabetes UK can help support you in a number of ways. Their telephone (0845 120 2960) or e-mail ([email protected]) Careline can provide dedicated practical and emotional information/support about living with diabetes. They run socialising ‘care events’ (e.g. holidays and weekend breaks) for children and families affected by diabetes, an advocacy service, online support forums and they also have a presence in St Helens through a local support group that meets up eight times every year at St Helens Town Hall.
For further information about diabetes please also see websites at NHS Choices, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
If you have a cough, cold, flu or infection you can speak to your GP, a local pharmacy or visit the Walk-in Centre for further information and advice regarding medication or vaccinations.
It is recommended that you receive a free annual flu-jab if you are over 65, pregnant, have a serious medical condition, are living in a care home, are the main Carer for an older/disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you are ill, or if you are a frontline health or social care worker. If you do not fall within one of these groups you can also receive a flu-jab through a pharmacy or private health-care provider. For further information about the flu-jab or any other vaccinations arrange to see your GP.
The Health Improvement Team provide an eight week programme for people with chronic or long-term conditions (aged over 18), called the Expert Patient Programme (EPP). The aim of the course is you enable people with chronic/long-term conditions to manage the effects of their condition more effectively, and cover aspects such as healthy eating and gentle exercise, dealing with pain/tiredness, relaxation, low mood/depression and working effectively with your Health Professional.
The HoneyRose Foundation is a locally based charity dedicated to raising money and organising special days for terminally ill people aged over the age of 40. Their mission is to provide a memorable day for people who are suffering from a life threatening or terminal illness by giving them a special day/weekend to remember and enjoy. By doing this, it helps to alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and also provide the family with a great deal of pleasure and a lasting memory of their loved one.
Macmillan Cancer Support can provide information and support for everyone affected by cancer. They have an office on the lower ground floor of St Helens Hospital that has information and leaflets to take away, plus you can talk to someone in confidence face-to-face or by phone/e-mail.
TIC (Teen Info on Cancer) is a website designed to give information and advice about children and young people who have been affected by cancer. This also includes stories, videos and an online community to interact with others who have gone through similar experiences.
