Work to support shielders in Buckinghamshire praised
The CCG's work has been used as an example of best practice.
The way people with long-term conditions have supported in Buckinghamshire this year has been highlighted as an example of 'best practice'.
The Self Care Forum has praised Bucks CCG's Live Life Well project, calling it 'inspiring and outstanding' for how people were supported whilst shielding.
The team were shortlisted in the Self Care Forum Coronavirus Innovations Awards.
The Awards focused on practice and innovations in self care that were put in place during the pandemic, which made a difference to people and the community.
The CCG was shortlisted with their 'Patient Education for Long-Term-Conditions' entry, and its work will be highlighted as an example of good practice to other healthcare organisations.
The CCG's entries focused on three different initiatives:
- The Live Life Well online education sessions, which are now being delivered in partnership with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning. These sessions were originally open to people who were shielding during the first lockdown to help support them with their self care. They gave healthy lifestyle information in an interactive form to help during those difficult times. These sessions have now been made available for any resident in Bucks, as the information covered is of benefit to all.
- The CCG's Long Term Conditions team designed a series of messages to be sent out to patients' mobile phones, with information and links to advice to support them across a range of lifestyle and wellbeing topics. These included Type 2 diabetes education, physical activity, smoking cessation, alcoholism, and monitoring blood pressure at home.
- As part of the CCG's drive to encourage wellbeing, when colleagues started working remotely, the 'Wellbeing Wednesday' sessions were launched. The weekly session provides a 'midweek pause' through a gentle stretch followed by a different form of mindfulness each week and was made available for all staff in April and continue to run.
The CCG's team was told "The judges felt your work in connecting people and targeting those most vulnerable was inspiring and outstanding", and that other CCGs could benefit from their approach.
Dr Raj Bajwa, Clinical Chair of NHS Buckinghamshire CCG, said:
"We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for these awards, and to have the hard work of our team recognised. We have some very dedicated and passionate members of staff who have been determined to support people in Buckinghamshire through some very tough times - particularly people who have been shielding and are living with long-term conditions.
"Helping people to understand ways they can make a few simple changes to their lifestyle can have a huge impact and help them to lead healthier lives for longer. We're very proud that our work is being held up as a good example to healthcare organisations across the country."
Helen Donovan, Self Care Forum chair and Professional Lead for Public Health at the Royal College of Nursing said:
"Self care has been an essential part of the nation's response to COVID19. Hand washing, social distancing and mask wearing helps to protect ourselves and others against coronavirus.
"But many people have needed more support and this has led to exemplary innovation as individuals and organisations have stepped up to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in their communities."