January 2010

The month after Christmas is traditionally cold and wet, but it is fair to say that many of us were not prepared for the prolonged winter weather with its snow and ice.

A concept of maintaining services for clients during adverse conditions is something we talk about and reflect in our policies, but thankfully only rarely have to test. The first part of the year has tested these preparations and found team members to be resilient and committed to maintaining all of our services for some of the most vulnerable people in our locality.

The winter pressures and the planning and hard work that went into maintaining services through the Pandemic Flu outbreak have demonstrated the strength of partnership working and the value of integrated planning across agencies to cover these extreme eventualities.

Being an Integrated Care Organisation Pilot, and the work that I have been involved with in relation to Social Enterprise and health, has led to a few opportunities to get into the spotlight and promote our services. This month one of my patients participated in a documentary news item for Channel 4 to highlight the specific needs of the older drug user, providing some food for thought for those of us commissioning and providing services as to how we can prepare for this growing group of individuals with physical and psychological needs relating to their age. I wish to thank the patient involved and the PCT’s Communications department for working closely with WISMS to produce this informative piece.

Other members of the partnership have taken up the opportunity for WISMS to contribute to the NHS Photographic Library. I am looking forward to spotting one of the members of the team in an NHS publication in the future.

Finally, I would like to draw attention to those members of WISMS and its partner agencies who are participating in 'The Big Sleep Out'. This initiative will bring together members of staff from across the partnership who will be experiencing a night under the stars, for one night only, to raise awareness of homelessness issues in our area. The grounds of Wakefield Cathedral will provide the backdrop and I am sure there will be plenty of photo opportunities, so watch this space at the next blog. Proceeds from 'The Big Sleep Out' will be going to Wakefield Churches Nightshelter, Community Awareness Programme (CAP) and Turning Point and if you want to make a contribution, please contact Helen Thompson at Helen.Thompson@turning-point.co.uk

That's all for now; until the next time,

Linda