Member Article

Healthwatch Newcastle Praises Community Team

An NHS learning disabilities team has been recognised as part of Healthwatch Newcastle’s Nominate a Star scheme.

The Newcastle Community Learning Disabilities Team, part of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), was nominated by a member of the public.

The Nominate a Star scheme enables patients and service users to give positive feedback to healthcare teams and celebrate the care they have received, recognising the contribution staff and services make.

Karen Bell, Pathway Manager for the Community Team Learning Disabilities, said: “We were very surprised when we found out but it’s a great achievement. We’re a close knit, dedicated team, and I’m really proud. The recognition has come at a difficult time for us, so it has been a real boost.”

The team works with people with learning disabilities who have mental health problems, physical health problems or behaviours that challenge. Made up of nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapy, physios and speech and language therapists, the team provides specialist learning disability care that cannot be provided by general services.

They offer a range of services, from mental health assessments, specialist physiotherapy and support in accessing hospital appointments. Karen added: “The work we do makes such a difference to people’s lives. Giving people access to health and social care is really important. Our aim is to make sure people stay out of hospital and are able to live fulfilling lives in the community.”

As with all Healthwatch Star Awards, the person nominating a social care or health worker remains totally anonymous. The Star Award aims to recognise any member of the local community who has helped to make a difference in someone’s health and social care. An individual, team, department, organisation, or service can be nominated whether they are a professional, volunteer, patient, or member of the public.

Phill Capewell, Interim CEO at Healthwatch Newcastle said: ‘At Healthwatch Newcastle we champion outstanding health and social care services that are meeting the needs of local people. We love to help recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of health and social care champions, awarding Healthwatch Star awards to people and services nominated by the public for special recognition. “It is heart-warming to hear that the Newcastle Community Learning Disabilities Team have impressed someone so much that they have nominated them for a Healthwatch Star. It’s a privilege to help recognise the work that this team and others do for the benefit of people in our community.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .