Nwicker60
21-Jun-11, 13:19
Information access for carers of those with long term health conditions
MEMBERS of the public who have or care for someone with a long term health condition are now able to access information on their condition, get details on what support is available to them and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle thanks to the ‘Staywell’ Self Management Programmes recently introduced in NHS Highland.
Staywell Self Management programmes are web based questionnaires that, as well as details on where support is available, aim to help people test their knowledge of their condition and provide targeted information on the areas where a knowledge gap is identified.
Self management means looking after yourself and your general health, allowing you to manage your life and not just your condition but it relies on people having access to the right information.
While available to people in the NHS Highland area, initial focus will be on the Mid Highland area (Ross and Cromarty, Skye and Lochaber) with some GP Practices and community teams in the area already using the programme as part of their regular reviews with patients with long term conditions.
Sue Menzies, who is Long Term Conditions Manager for the Mid Highland area, is keen for people to use this service so they can feel confident in managing their condition but also know how to get support if needed.
She said: “It’s not always easy to find the right information about your condition but the Staywell self management programme can help with this.
“The more people know about their condition the more successful they will be at managing it so it is important that people have access to the right information, education, support and services.”
There are currently three Staywell programmes available in NHS Highland –
• Staywell COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Staywell Diabetes and
• Staywell Self Management Support
People can access these programmes through the following website address: www.highlandhealthinfo-staywell.co.uk (http://www.highlandhealthinfo-staywell.co.uk) or, for those who do not have internet access, it can also be accessed by phone on 0300 123 2303. An NHS24 call handler will arrange to talk the person through the questionnaire and will then arrange for the appropriate information and/or leaflets to be sent out to them. Calls are open from 8am – 9.30pm, 7 days a week and calls to the number are free.
Ms Menzies said: “It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. All questions ask for yes, no or not sure answers and there is no right or wrong response.
“It is designed to help you receive the right type of information and advice relevant to you and your understanding of your condition.”
MEMBERS of the public who have or care for someone with a long term health condition are now able to access information on their condition, get details on what support is available to them and information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle thanks to the ‘Staywell’ Self Management Programmes recently introduced in NHS Highland.
Staywell Self Management programmes are web based questionnaires that, as well as details on where support is available, aim to help people test their knowledge of their condition and provide targeted information on the areas where a knowledge gap is identified.
Self management means looking after yourself and your general health, allowing you to manage your life and not just your condition but it relies on people having access to the right information.
While available to people in the NHS Highland area, initial focus will be on the Mid Highland area (Ross and Cromarty, Skye and Lochaber) with some GP Practices and community teams in the area already using the programme as part of their regular reviews with patients with long term conditions.
Sue Menzies, who is Long Term Conditions Manager for the Mid Highland area, is keen for people to use this service so they can feel confident in managing their condition but also know how to get support if needed.
She said: “It’s not always easy to find the right information about your condition but the Staywell self management programme can help with this.
“The more people know about their condition the more successful they will be at managing it so it is important that people have access to the right information, education, support and services.”
There are currently three Staywell programmes available in NHS Highland –
• Staywell COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Staywell Diabetes and
• Staywell Self Management Support
People can access these programmes through the following website address: www.highlandhealthinfo-staywell.co.uk (http://www.highlandhealthinfo-staywell.co.uk) or, for those who do not have internet access, it can also be accessed by phone on 0300 123 2303. An NHS24 call handler will arrange to talk the person through the questionnaire and will then arrange for the appropriate information and/or leaflets to be sent out to them. Calls are open from 8am – 9.30pm, 7 days a week and calls to the number are free.
Ms Menzies said: “It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. All questions ask for yes, no or not sure answers and there is no right or wrong response.
“It is designed to help you receive the right type of information and advice relevant to you and your understanding of your condition.”