A major conference this Friday (11 May) will bring together nurses from across the South of England to share experiences and learn from the best examples of nursing care.

 The following day will be International Nurses’ Day, an opportunity to celebrate the contribution made by nurses everywhere.

As part of the reform of the NHS, a National Commissioning Board Authority has been established which will have four regional directors as part of its senior leadership team.  They will provide strategic leadership for the Board across the regions, including co-ordination and oversight of local areas teams.

Andrea was Chief Executive of South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) from 1 October 2009 until 1 October 2011 when the SHA merged with South East Coast SHA and South West SHA.

She said:  “I am delighted to have been appointed to this post and really looking forward to helping to shape a commissioning system for the health service that improves outcomes for patients.”

Prior to joining the Strategic Health Authority Andrea was the Chief Executive of NHS Oxfordshire, a post which she took up in October 2006. Early in her career she worked in research, health policy and public health strategy roles before taking on a series of increasingly senior roles in Oxfordshire Health Authority.

One of her first tasks as a regional director in the new NHS will be to work with Primary Care Trusts and SHA clusters to co-design a proposal for the final model of the Commissioning Board’s network of local area teams.

Ends

Notes:  The NHS Commissioning Board press release can be seen at http://www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/category/news/

The campaign will run from 8 May to 1 July 2012 and aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor. Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable.

Lung cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, as many as 80% of people are alive five years after diagnosis compared with only seven per cent diagnosed at a late stage.

Dr Mike Durkin, Medical Director for the SHA cluster commented: “It is a common belief that cancer is a death sentence. This really isn’t the case and dispelling that myth could save lives. If caught early, cancer is treatable and early diagnosis is extremely important with lung cancer. Therefore, if you have had a cough for the past three weeks or more, you must visit your GP to get checked out.”

The earlier people spot these signs and are diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. If England’s survival rates for lung cancer matched the best in Europe, an extra 1,300 lives could be saved each year.

For further information about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/lungcancer

There has been a dramatic improvement over the last year in the number of patients across the South of England receiving specialist stroke care.  Stroke patients are now also benefiting from new discharge support teams which provide intensive rehabilitation in the patient’s own home.

Today the vast majority of stroke patients (87%) across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire are spending at least 90% of their hospital stay on a specialist stroke unit, compared with 56% last year. Previously half of all stroke patients were being admitted onto general assessment units and the time between having a stroke and treatment was generally too long.

As part of a major upgrade of local stroke services, stroke patients across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire now have access to six specialist hyper acute stroke units, improving chances of survival and a better quality of life. The six units open 24/7 across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire; mean that more patients now have access to lifesaving thrombolysis treatment:

• Wycombe Hospital in Buckinghamshire
• John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford
• Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading
• Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester
• Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth
• Southampton General Hospital
• The Isle of Wight has a specialist stroke unit which is planning to introduce thrombolysis in the next few months.

Katherine Staley, Head of Operation’s at The Stroke Association, said: “These figures show an important improvement in emergency stroke care. We know that people who have a stroke are 25 per cent more likely to survive, make a better recovery and spend nearly a week less time in hospital if they treated in a stroke unit and receive care from a specialist, co-ordinated team made up of experts in stroke – such as consultants, nurses and physiotherapists.”

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in England with 110,000 people having a stroke each year, with around 5,000 from the four counties.  A quarter of strokes occur in people who are under 65 and usually without warning. During a stroke brain cells die, so fast action is needed to stop further brain injury, improving chances of survival and helping to prevent disability.  Three hours after symptoms begin, the benefits of thrombolysis reduce.

Dr James Mapstone, Director of Acute Care across the four counties, comments: “A huge amount of work has gone into improving local stroke services. In partnership with local ambulance services, the region’s cardiovascular network, local commissioners and the Stroke Association, we have designed a seamless service.

“With stroke, time is critical, so it is important that the right treatment can begin without delay. Ambulance crews are trained to take patients directly to a specialist unit, which may not be the local hospital, but it means lifesaving treatment can start immediately.

“The NHS is also working closely with social care to improve quality of life for stroke survivors and their carers. Patients are also now more likely to return home, rather than move into a care home with the help of new discharge support teams which provide intensive rehabilitation in the home.”

Dr Mapstone added: “Only a hospital can confirm a stroke for sure, but everyone can help by knowing the signs of stroke and calling 999 quickly if they suspect someone is having a stroke.”

Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – Is their speech slurred?
Time – Call 999 if you see any one of these signs.

The Stroke Association provides services across the South of England call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 303 3100 or go to www.stroke.org.uk.

To learn more about stroke visit NHS Choices.

Ends

Notes to Editor

For further information or to arrange an interview please call Sarah Eastman, Communications Officer on 01635 275613 or Graham Groves, Communications Manager on 01635 275657 at NHS South of England.

What is a stroke?

Almost three quarters of all strokes are ischaemic, caused when blood flowing to the brain is blocked. A haemorrhagic stroke is when blood vessels burst. Both types of stroke reduce the blood supply to the brain which causes brain cells to die, so quick action is needed to stop further brain injury.  Thrombolysis dissolves blood clots in ischaemic strokes, the most common kind, caused when blood flowing to the brain is blocked.  A third of people who have a stroke are left with a long-term disability.

Hyper acute stroke units

All specialist stroke units have completed a rigorous assessment and are regularly measured against a strict set of standards so patients will receive the same high quality of care wherever they live. All stroke units are staffed by specialist stroke doctors and nurses. Patients are assessed for therapy services within 72 hours of admission, so rehabilitation can begin at the earliest clinically appropriate time. All units have access to CT or MRI scanners so patients have rapid access to a brain scan.

Quotes relating to local stroke services

Dr Jane Williams, Consultant Nurse in Stroke Care at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, said: “Patients really benefit from the familiarity of being in their own home. The team develops personalised rehabilitation plans to suit individual patients and their families.

“The stroke service has made huge improvements over recent years, but we are definitely not complacent and have exciting plans in place to further develop our service. We plan to co-locate our hyper acute stroke unit and stroke rehabilitation wards, launch training on mood assessment and further develop the use of simulation training.”

Pauline Chapman from Portsmouth had a stroke 15 weeks ago.

After a week on the stroke ward Pauline was transferred to the rehab ward and is now back at home focusing on regaining her independence with the support of the community rehabilitation team.

Thanks to her husband, John, who quickly spotted the signs of stroke, Pauline was rushed to the stroke unit at the Queen Alexandra Hospital where treatment began immediately. John recalls:  “I immediately suspected that Pauline was having a stroke as I’d seen the FAST campaign. The left side of her face was slack and her speech became increasingly slurred. She also lost feeling in her left hand and side. I knew I had to get her to hospital quickly so dialled 999 and the operator was calming as I explained what was happening. The paramedics arrived prepared for Pauline’s condition and their speed of response was reassuring.

“On our arrival to the stroke until I was surprised at the preparation which had already taken place as the consultant wanted Pauline to have a brain scan. Throughout Pauline’s stay the professionalism and care has been outstanding and they always seem concerned with my health as well as Pauline’s.”

Pauline is keeping a journal of her stroke experience: “Stroke was a shock because I’m a pretty strong person so I was not going to let it get the better of me. I was determined to set myself little targets and keep positive and I was by the rehab staff to do just this.

“Having to rely on help to dress and shower is not good for one’s confidence, but my dignity was maintained.

“I am now able to walk slowly with a zimmer and shower and dress without help, but I still have a long way to go.

“I can’t praise too highly the wonderful care and support I’ve received and I’m certain I would not be as well recovered had it not been for the specialist stroke team.”

Isle of Wight resident, Peggy, who was treated for a stroke on the Island, said:  “A big thank you to everyone in the stroke unit, also the team that called daily to my house. There was always someone there when you needed them. I am making steady progress which is due to you all.”

Deaf British Sign Language users living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can now access free, confidential psychological therapy for depression, bereavement and confidence building.

As part of the NHS drive to improve access to psychological therapies, NHS South of England has joined forces with SignHealth, a national charity for Deaf people, to provide a specialist service called ‘British Sign Language (BSL) Healthy Minds’. The unique service is one of only a few in the country and offers therapy for Deaf people who are feeling low, depressed, anxious, stressed or having problems sleeping.

The service is aimed specifically at the Deaf community – a specific term (using capital D) for those whose first and/or preferred language is British Sign Language. Others who are deafened or hard of hearing are generally able to access mainstream services with technical support and deaf awareness training for staff and practitioners.

Deaf people often have poor access to mainstream mental health services mainly due to a lack of therapists fluent in British Sign Language. Therefore the local NHS is funding two Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners fluent in British Sign Language to give deaf people equal access to psychological therapies alongside the general population.

There are more than 6,000 Deaf adults across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 101,107 in England. Around 40% of deaf people suffer with stress, depression, anxiety, panic or sleep problems, compared to 20% of the general population. For many, being Deaf is associated with social exclusion and reduced educational and employment opportunities. Unemployment within the Deaf community is 13% compared to 4% of the general population.

A Deaf person from the North West of England, where the service has already helped local people, said: “I have had therapy before from hearing service but it was no good. This is the first time I have felt confident with someone because they sign to go through my problems and feel I am getting proper help. I can now go out and travel on the bus without feeling panicky”

Deaf people who think they might benefit from the service and would like to know more should ask their GP for a referral to SignHealth Psychological Therapy service or contact the service directly, either by:

• Text: 07966 976747
• Post: SignHealth Psychological Therapy Service, 5 Baring Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2NB
• E-mail: info@bslhealthyminds.org.uk

Visit www.signhealth.org.uk for more information.

For more information about the NHS’s mission to improve access to psychological therapies visit www.iapt.nhs.uk/

Ends

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Sarah Eastman, Communications Officer, NHS South of England on 01635 275613.

Deaf Awareness Week http://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/daw/index.htm

NHS South of England comprises South Central, South East Coast and South West Strategic Health Authorities, which clustered on 3 October 2011

 Today is World Asthma Day – the second day of Asthma Awareness Week -and health teams across the South West are taking the opportunity to encourage sufferers to ensure that they are managing their condition effectively.

 There were nearly 80,000 emergency hospital admissions for asthma in the UK in 2008/09 – and it is estimated that up to three quarters of these could have been avoided. In many cases a simple review of how people are managing their condition can make all the difference.

 For example a new scheme in Bristol has already helped reduce hospital admissions for asthma sufferers in the city by around 20% in the past year.

 Dr Steve Holmes, a regional respiratory lead and member of the British Asthma Guideline group is convinced that regular reviews of people with asthma and their treatment can further reduce asthma related hospital admissions.

 He said: “Research has shown that a lot of people, particularly adults, often have symptoms that can be controlled but are accepting the way the disease affects their lives. In some cases people do not know their problem can be improved, in other cases people aren’t using their inhaler medications effectively.  Increasingly there are other inhaler devices and medications available to use if things aren’t working out. It may even be that we can reduce their treatment if the condition is well controlled over a period of time.

 “There are also people who haven’t been diagnosed as having asthma but who suffer from symptoms that they have never really got around to getting checked out. If people have any concerns about their breathing they really should see their GP; asthma can usually be easily managed but if left undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, it can be dangerous.”

 An innovative scheme called IMPACT (Improving the Management of Patient’s Asthma and COPD Treatment) programme introduced by NHS Bristol along with the National Service for Health Improvement (NSHI) and pharmaceutical company TEVA UK means that GP practice staff are now receiving support and training from specialist nurses to improve their asthma management skills. This includes supporting patients with inhaler technique checks, asthma management plans and tailoring treatment to ensure that asthma symptoms are controlled.

 NHS Bristol has run the IMPACT programme across the city within GP surgeries. In surgeries where the programme has been run they have seen a reduction in the number of emergency admissions by their asthma patients. As the programme is proving so successful there are already plans to extend the programme further in the South West and across the country.

 The advice from Dr Steve Holmes and his colleagues in Bristol is that asthma sufferers ask their GPs to review their current treatment programme if it hasn’t been looked at for a while. And, if people are experiencing unexplained breathing difficulties it is worthwhile seeing the GP or practice nurse for assessment as there are many treatable causes of breathlessness.

 If managed correctly asthma should not stop sufferers from doing anything, indeed some of the country’s best sportsmen and women are asthmatic including marathon runner Paula Radcliffe * and England footballer Paul Scholes.

 Ends

 Notes for Editors:

 Key facts

• 5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).
• There were 1,131 deaths from asthma in the UK in 2009 (12 were children aged 14 years or under).
• On average, 3 people per day or 1 person every 8 hours dies from asthma.
• An estimated 75% of hospital admissions for asthma are avoidable and as many as 90% of the deaths from asthma are preventable.
• 42% of people with allergies say that their allergies affect their social life.
• 61% of people with asthma say that their asthma stops them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Children, parents and asthma

• One in 11 children has asthma and it is the most common long-term medical condition.
• On average there are two children with asthma in every classroom in the UK.
• The UK has among the highest prevalence rates of asthma symptoms in children worldwide.
• If one parent has asthma, the chance of their child developing asthma is approximately double that of children whose parents don’t have asthma.
• Every 17 minutes a child is admitted to hospital in the UK because of their asthma.
• Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases your baby’s risk of being wheezy or having breathing difficulties.
• Children living in damp, mouldy homes are 1.5 to three times more likely to experience coughing and wheezing.
• One in 8 children under 15 with asthma symptoms experience attacks so severe they can’t speak.
• Only 65% of parents are confident that their child’s PE teacher knows what to do in the event of an asthma attack.

The costs of asthma

• The NHS spends around £1 billion a year treating and caring for people with asthma.
• The estimated annual cost of treating a child with asthma is higher than the cost per adult with asthma.
• In 2008/09 up to 1.1 million working days were lost due to breathing or lung problems.

What people with asthma say

• 42% of people with asthma tell us that traffic fumes discourage them from walking/shopping in congested areas.
• 33% of children with asthma (or their parents) say that asthma can result in being left out of sports activities at school.
• Over a quarter of people with asthma have missed days off work in the past year because of their asthma.
• 65% said that they have had an asthma attack where they have been unable to talk.

Emergency hospital admissions

• An estimated 75% of admissions are preventable.
• There were over 79,794 emergency hospital admissions for asthma in the UK in 2008-09. Of these, 30,740 were children aged 14 years or under.
• A child is admitted to hospital every 17 minutes.
• People who do not have a written personal asthma action plan are four times more likely to have an asthma attack requiring emergency hospital treatment.

 http://www.asthma.org.uk

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/asthma/Pages/Asthmahome.aspx

 * For information about how Paula Radcliffe deals with her asthma visit – http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/asthma/Pages/PaulaRadcliffe.aspx

 Regional Bristol figures and stats provided by NHS Bristol’s IMPACT project team.

 For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr Steve Holmes contact Emma Green, Communications Manager on 01823 361382 or email emma.green@southwest.nhs.uk

Despite the recent downpours, we are all hoping that summer is on its way and the bank holiday will bring some sunshine. However people living in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, men in particular, are being urged to protect their skin from the sun and look out for changes to moles.

The warning comes as NHS figures reveal men are more likely to die from malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, despite it being more common in women. The majority of cases are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or sunbeds.

Oxfordshire, Hampshire and coastal areas such as Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have some of the highest rates of malignant melanoma in England. Almost 10% of the 7,271 people under 75 years old diagnosed in England each year are from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Around 342 local men under 75 years old are diagnosed each year, a rate of 16.8 per 100,000 of the population, compared with around 370 women, a higher rate of 17.9. This is worse than the average incidence rate for England at 13.2 per 100,000 of the population for men and 14.6 for women.

Each year around 59 local men die from the disease, a rate of 2.9 per 100,000 people, compared with 37 women, a rate of 1.8. The local mortality rate is higher than the average for England, which is 2.4 per 100,000 of the population for men and 1.7 for women.

According to a YouGov survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK last summer, this may be because men are less likely to protect their skin and in many cases don’t get their skin checked out until it’s too late.

The survey revealed over 50 per cent more men than women forget to protect their skin (23 per cent versus 15 per cent of women) and 75 per cent more men than women are not worried about getting sunburnt (8 per cent versus 14 per cent). Less than half of men (47 per cent) use at least factor 15 sunscreen compared to two thirds (66 per cent) of women. Men are also less likely to spend time in the shade (60% of men versus 72% of women) or cover up with clothing (41% of men versus 45% of women).

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Director of Public Health for NHS South of England said: “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and people can do a lot to avoid skin cancer by protecting their skin and avoiding sun beds.

“Check your skin regularly for changes to any moles, or new areas of pigmentation and see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes. When skin cancer is caught early, treatment is more likely to be successful, and fast action saves lives.

“These figures suggest that men might be less likely to take action than women, as more men die than women despite fewer men actually getting skin cancer – our message to them is, make sure you get any moles that are changing their appearance, or unusual lesions checked out as it could save your life”.

If you work outside keep covered up and wear a hat and sunglasses when possible. Apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen for sports before you start work and reapply at lunch time. Spend your lunch break in the shade.

Check your skin regularly for changes to any moles, or new areas of pigmentation and see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes. Your GP will check a suspicious area of skin for free. If malignant melanoma is detected early there is a 97% survival rate. However, once the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically and life expectancy can fall to a matter of months.

If you notice any of the below changes to a mole you should tell your GP immediately. If a mole is:

• getting bigger
• changing shape or getting an irregular edge
• changing colour – getting darker, becoming patchy or multi-shaded
• itching or painful
• bleeding or becoming crusty
• Inflamed.

People most at risk are those with fair skins, lots of moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer. The SunSmart website has lots of information about protecting you and your children.

Ends

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Sarah Eastman, Communications Officer at NHS South of England on 01635 275613.

Sun Awareness Week is run by The British Association of Dermatologists www.bad.org.uk/site/715/default.aspx

For more information about skin cancer visit the Skin Cancer Hub http://www.swpho.nhs.uk/skincancerhub/default.aspx

Statistics have been provided by the NHS Information Centre and relate to people aged under 75. The data has been pooled over a three year period from 2007 to 2009. Annual figures relate to an average of three years observed cases. The rates are directly standardised rates per 100,000 of the population. The figures are published online https://indicators.ic.nhs.uk/webview/

Incidence and premature mortality from malignant melanoma across South of England (2007-09)

Under 75 years incidence of malignant melanoma

Under 75 years mortality from malignant melanoma

Figures relate to an average of three years observed cases. The rates are directly standardised rates per 100,000 of the population. The figures are published online https://indicators.ic.nhs.uk/webview/

NHS South of England comprises South Central, South East Coast and South West Strategic Health Authorities, which clustered on 3 October 2011.

It’s Depression Awareness Week (22 to 28 April 2012) and NHS organisations across the South of England are encouraging people to take stock of their mental health and to seek help from one of the many sources available if they are struggling to cope.

The word ‘depression’ is used to describe everyday feelings of low mood which can affect everyone from time to time. Feeling sad or fed up is a normal reaction to experiences that are upsetting, stressful or difficult and  those feelings will usually pass.

However, people affected by depression are not just sad or upset. Depression is an illness which means that intense feeling of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by physical effects such as sleeplessness, a loss of energy, or physical aches and pains.

Depression Alliance, the leading UK charity for people affected by depression, runs Depression Awareness Week every April to make more people aware of this treatable condition and to dispel the stigma which can surround it.

The charity points out that sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of depression. As a general rule, anyone who has experienced four or more of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, should seek help.

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating
• Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting
• Undue feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Sleeping problems – difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual
• Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends
• Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive and/ or sexual problems
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about suicide and death
• Self-harm

Liz Redfern, CBE, Chief Nurse at NHS South of England, said: “Depression can sometimes make everyday things such as speaking to friends, eating a meal or even just getting out of bed feel almost impossible to manage.

“It can feel confusing when simple things once taken for granted become so difficult and many people can start to lose their confidence or self worth. Sometimes people may have to take time off work, find it hard to spend time with friends or family and can feel too exhausted to do the things they used to enjoy.

“Not being able to ‘see’ depression in the same way you could diagnose a broken arm or leg can often make it difficult to explain to others why  it seems so hard to get out of bed or to concentrate at work.

“People with depression can often feel unable to talk to their family, colleagues and friends about what they’re experiencing and may feel like they have to hide it from those around them. They might hope it will go away by itself, or that they just need to ‘toughen up’ and ’snap out of it’.

“Depression is different for everyone, but just like any other illness it can get better with the right help and support. There are many different ways of managing depression that can help people to lead a normal, healthy and active life. “

Anyone who is worried about their mental health should consult their GP.

General advice is available from mental health charities such as  Mind, the Depression Alliance and The Samaritans (details below).

Initiatives in the South West include Plymouth Community Healthcare piloting a programme where women who are identified as suffering from stress and depression either whilst being pregnant or once the baby has been born are offered one to one support from a Child Psychotherapist. Women are identified by healthcare professionals such as midwives, GPs or Health Visitors and referred to Plymouth Community Healthcare’s Infant Mental Health team (part of CAMHS).

In Gloucestershire, mental health bosses are urging people not to suffer in silence.

Consultant clinical psychologist Alison Sedgwick-Taylor said an estimated 60,000 people in the county battle anxiety or depression.

She said: “Not all of those people are going to need treatment but it does mean that number of people will have anxiety and depression.

“Those people will need to do something about managing their own moods and a proportion of them will have a clinical disorder that will need active treatment, either through medication or psychological treatment.

“There are probably a lot of people suffering in silence and we want more people to come forward and get help.”

Anyone can be affected by depression, regardless of gender, age, or the amount of money they earn, said Mrs Sedgwick-Taylor who works for 2gether NHS Foundation Trust across Gloucestershire.

The condition can also vary in its severity.

“At its worst it can be life threatening,” she said. “It can make people suicidal or put them in a state of mind where they lose the will to live.”

The cause can often be something which is seemingly insignificant, she said.

And while some people need to see their GP and seek help from medical professionals, others can take their own steps to make themselves feel better.

Mrs Sedgwick-Taylor is clinical lead for Let’s Talk, a county service for people with anxiety and depression which offers information and therapy.

“There is masses you can be doing to prevent yourself getting low and depressed, for example getting busy, physical exercise and being kind to yourself,” added the consultant.

Notes to Editors:

For more information on depression or Depression Awareness Week, see

http://www.depressionalliance.org/

• Mind is the leading mental health charity for England and Wales

http://www.mind.org.uk/

0300 123 3393
info@mind.org.uk

• The Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings

08457 909090

http://www.samaritans.org/

For more information on this news release please contact NHS South of England communications team on 01823 361365 or 361366

It’s Depression Awareness Week (22 to 28 April 2012) and NHS organisations across the South of England are encouraging people to take stock of their mental health and to seek help from one of the many sources available if they are struggling to cope.

The word ‘depression’ is used to describe everyday feelings of low mood which can affect everyone from time to time. Feeling sad or fed up is a normal reaction to experiences that are upsetting, stressful or difficult and  those feelings will usually pass.

However, people affected by depression are not just sad or upset. Depression is an illness which means that intense feeling of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by physical effects such as sleeplessness, a loss of energy, or physical aches and pains.

Depression Alliance, the leading UK charity for people affected by depression, runs Depression Awareness Week every April to make more people aware of this treatable condition and to dispel the stigma which can surround it.

The charity points out that sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of depression. As a general rule, anyone who has experienced four or more of these symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, should seek help.

• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Persistent sadness
• Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Difficulty concentrating
• Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting
• Undue feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Sleeping problems – difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual
• Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends
• Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive and/ or sexual problems
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about suicide and death
• Self-harm

Liz Redfern, CBE, Chief Nurse at NHS South of England, said: “Depression can sometimes make everyday things such as speaking to friends, eating a meal or even just getting out of bed feel almost impossible to manage.

“It can feel confusing when simple things once taken for granted become so difficult and many people can start to lose their confidence or self worth. Sometimes people may have to take time off work, find it hard to spend time with friends or family and can feel too exhausted to do the things they used to enjoy.

“Not being able to ‘see’ depression in the same way you could diagnose a broken arm or leg can often make it difficult to explain to others why  it seems so hard to get out of bed or to concentrate at work.

“People with depression can often feel unable to talk to their family, colleagues and friends about what they’re experiencing and may feel like they have to hide it from those around them. They might hope it will go away by itself, or that they just need to ‘toughen up’ and ’snap out of it’.
“Depression is different for everyone, but just like any other illness it can get better with the right help and support. There are many different ways of managing depression that can help people to lead a normal, healthy and active life. “

Anyone who is worried about their mental health should consult their GP.

General advice is available from mental health charities such as  Mind, the Depression Alliance and The Samaritans (details below).

Initiatives in the South West include Plymouth Community Healthcare  piloting a programme where women who are identified as suffering from stress and depression either whilst being pregnant or once the baby has been born are offered one to one support from a Child Psychotherapist. Women are identified by healthcare professionals such as midwives, GPs or Health Visitors and referred to Plymouth Community Healthcare’s Infant Mental Health team (part of CAMHS).

In Gloucestershire, mental health bosses are urging people not to suffer in silence.

Consultant clinical psychologist Alison Sedgwick-Taylor said an estimated 60,000 people in the county battle anxiety or depression.

She said: “Not all of those people are going to need treatment but it does mean that number of people will have anxiety and depression.

“Those people will need to do something about managing their own moods and a proportion of them will have a clinical disorder that will need active treatment, either through medication or psychological treatment.

“There are probably a lot of people suffering in silence and we want more people to come forward and get help.”

Anyone can be affected by depression, regardless of gender, age, or the amount of money they earn, said Mrs Sedgwick-Taylor who works for 2gether NHS Foundation Trust across Gloucestershire.

The condition can also vary in its severity.

“At its worst it can be life threatening,” she said. “It can make people suicidal or put them in a state of mind where they lose the will to live.”

The cause can often be something which is seemingly insignificant, she said.

And while some people need to see their GP and seek help from medical professionals, others can take their own steps to make themselves feel better.

Mrs Sedgwick-Taylor is clinical lead for Let’s Talk, a county service for people with anxiety and depression which offers information and therapy.

“There is masses you can be doing to prevent yourself getting low and depressed, for example getting busy, physical exercise and being kind to yourself,” added the consultant.

Notes to Editors:

For more information on depression or Depression Awareness Week, see

http://www.depressionalliance.org/

• Mind is the leading mental health charity for England and Wales

http://www.mind.org.uk/

0300 123 3393
info@mind.org.uk

• The Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings

08457 909090

http://www.samaritans.org/ 

For more information on this news release please contact NHS South of England communications team on 01823 361365 or 361366

Tom Best, from Melplash, has a bold ambition to run the Dorset coastline over three days in August, to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and awareness in skin cancer treatment and survival as well as raising funds for Cancer Research UK.  He will be joined by his brother Harry and brother-in-law Simon Mitchell from Newmarket in Suffolk.

It may still be spring, but the trio are already planning the gruelling, hot weather challenge to shine the spotlight on skin cancer and to make more people aware of early signs and symptoms which can save lives if the disease is caught early enough.

Tom and Harry’s father, James, died in May 2011 after a delay in diagnosis meant that by the time his cancer was detected it had already spread to his neck, lungs, brain and stomach. If detected early there is a 97% survival rate, however, once the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically and life expectancy can fall to a matter of months.

Tom said: “It started with just a small growth on Dad’s ear that then began to grow rapidly. When Dad first went to the doctor there was no suggestion that it might have been skin cancer and it just never crossed our minds. It wasn’t the classic ‘nasty looking’ mole and Dad had never been a fan of sitting in the sun anyway.”

Although James underwent several different types of treatment at local hospitals, he died from the illness at the age of 62, just short of a year from being diagnosed.

Dr Mike Durkin, Medical Director for NHS South of England, said: “It is important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer and to take precautions when out in the sun. If you notice any changes to the skin you should see your doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out.

“Early diagnosis is key in any illness and it’s always better to raise any concerns with your as soon as possible.

“I wish Tom, Harry and Simon the best of luck with their formidable challenge; it is for an excellent cause. The more that can be done to raise awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer and the importance of seeing a doctor sooner rather than later, the better.”

Tom and his family were shocked to discover that the South West has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the UK. On average there are 9,693 cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in England and 1,391 of those are in the South West.

They were also surprised to hear that although more women are diagnosed with the condition a greater number of men die from it. In many cases men leave it too late to get themselves checked out.

Latest figures from the South West Public Health Observatory show 14 per cent of deaths from skin cancer in England each year are in this region.

Tom said: “We were shocked to find out that the South West is a hotspot for skin cancer as it’s just not something that we were aware of. We certainly didn’t know of the dangers or symptoms which is why we now want to do something to make people aware.”

That is why Tom and his brothers are in training for the gruelling three-day 100 mile run along the Dorset Coastline – including scaling Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.

Tom said: “It was Dad’s idea to do something to raise awareness of skin cancer after his diagnosis; he even took to the skies in a glider despite being half paralysed from the illness. When I suggested running the coastal path he thought we would be mad taking on such a challenge.  However, I think it needs to be something tough and hard to do in order to make people take notice. And it’s certainly going to be tough!

“We will run from Bournemouth to Lulworth Cove, then Lulworth Cove to Abbotsbury and finally from Abbotsbury to Lyme Regis. Because we are planning the run for the August bank holiday (25– 27) we’ll hopefully be running in the sunshine and so be able to demonstrate the sun safety message.”

The trio began their training after Christmas despite the freezing temperatures, running in their local areas during the week and practising along the coastal path at weekends. They are looking forward to training in the warmer weather but will be taking care to protect themselves from the sun.

Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer, so if you are out enjoying the warm weather remember to:

• Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Make sure you never burn
• Aim to cover up with a T shirt, hat and sunglasses
• Remember to take extra care with children
• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen

People most at risk are those with fair skins, lots of moles or freckles, or a family history of skin cancer. The SunSmart website has lots of information about protecting you and your children in the UK and abroad.

Anyone wishing to know more about the campaign or to sponsor Tom, Harry and Simon at http://www.justgiving.com/dorsetcoastalrun, or even better, step out and support them on route.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Melanoma symptoms

There are definite signs that a mole is suspicious and should be seen by a doctor. If you have a mole that is:

• Getting bigger
• Changing shape, particularly getting an irregular edge
• Changing colour – getting darker, becoming patchy or multi-shaded
• Itching or painful
• Bleeding or becoming crusty
• Looks inflamed

 You should go to the doctor straight away. Moles with 3 or more different shades of brown or black are particularly likely to be melanoma.

Melanomas are most common on the back in men and on the legs in women.

Pre-cancerous moles can usually be removed under local anaesthetic. An early melanoma can be cured in this way. But if you leave them, they can become very difficult to treat.

It is important to note that it is not just moles to be aware of – any skin abnormality should be checked out.

 * Statistics provided by the South West Public Health Observatory.

 For further information please contact Emma Green on 01823 361 382 or Jonathan Cramp on 01823 361 362.

 NHS South of England comprises South West, South East Coast and South Central Strategic Health Authorities which have been working as a cluster since 3 October 2011.