Tackling Cancer Together

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WANDERERS fans will benefit from a host of cancer advice and information at the Bolton Wanderers vs Cambridge United match at the Toughsheet Stadium on Saturday, 2 March, thanks to a Bolton-wide collaboration of organisations who want to ‘tackle cancer together’. Tackling Cancer Together, an event hosted at the ground before and during the match brings together a range of services and professionals for anyone worried about or wanting to find out more about signs, symptoms and support. The organisations involved include Bolton GP Federation, Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Bolton Macmillan Cancer and Support Services, Bolton Hospice, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Healthwatch Bolton, Answer Cancer and Bolton Wanderers Supporters’ Trust. The event, which runs from 12pm, aims to build awareness of cancer screening programmes, provide opportunities for fans to access information and support, and get a free basic health check. Cambridge United fans and people not attending the match are also welcome to attend. On entry into the ground, pocket-sized cards will be handed to fans with a QR code that takes them to a webpage full of information and links to support all in one place. Bolton GP Federation’s Head of People and Quality and cancer survivor, Sue Higson, said: “Statistically, one in two of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, equating to approximately 10,000 people attending the match potentially being affected by cancer in some way. “We want anyone who has concerns, symptoms, needs support for themselves or others to know that they have somewhere to go, and have confidence in taking that first step. Based on personal experience, it literally can be lifesaving.” If you would like more information about the event, please email comms@boltongpfed.co.uk.

United We Run – Bolton

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WOMEN leaders from across Bolton donned their trainers for a 2.5k walk and a 5k run through the town centre and Queens Park on Saturday, 6 January, aiming to inspire women in communities to embark on a journey towards a happier and healthier life.

United We Run is a groundbreaking national initiative designed to empower women to prioritise their health and wellbeing and has been brought to Bolton thanks to a collaboration between Bolton GP Federation, Bolton Council, Bolton Wanderers in the Community and Her Spirit.

The group of around 25 women, representing all ages, stages of life and fitness levels, also pledged to run or walk 31 miles in 31 days throughout January – with the emphasis not being on speed or distance, but on the collective journey towards becoming fitter, stronger and healthier.

Her Spirit is a mobile fitness app that creates a female only community that motivates, coaches and connects women together, helping them to get started, stay motivated and meet other like-minded women to talk, walk, run, swim and cycle together in real life.

As part of the Bolton movement, women are also being supported with a 10-week run course across the borough and in our communities to ignite and connect women to run together and run safely. And thanks to sponsorship from Bolton GP Federation and the team at Her Spirit, access to the Her Spirit app will become available for free to 12,000 Bolton women who currently struggle to access or afford online support and coaching.
Bolton GP Federation Chief Officer, Michael Smith, said: “Exercise is the one thing that can have the biggest impact on people’s health and happiness – and if we could bottle that and prescribe it in a pill, we would.

“As part of our commitment to tackling health inequalities, we want to do everything we can for Bolton people to get the most out of being more active. This sounds simple, but we hear just how hard this can be when juggling lives, families and other commitments.

“In talking to and listening to our communities, we identified some key things that we could do to help make this a bit easier. Working with partners and our communities, we will soon be handing out free access to the Her Spirit online community, with access to coaches, virtual challenges and live online classes.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Adults and Wellbeing, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “It is extremely important that we work together to increase physical activity amongst women, to help narrow the gap of ill health when compared to men.

“We are committed to working with our partners to create opportunities, including United We Run, to remove barriers so that anybody can get involved no matter what level of ability.

“With a rich heritage in sport and being the host town for IRONMAN UK, the world’s largest IRONKIDS and Night Run, there are lots of events for local people to aim for.”

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said: “I am delighted to be part of the United We Run campaign to inspire women in our communities to start their fitness journey. It was a privilege to take part in the Bolton launch run on Saturday amongst other local partners. With the aim of closing the ethnicity gap and encouraging women from all backgrounds to join in, I am committed to ensuring women feel safe whilst out running.”

Holly Woodford, Co-Founder of Her Spirit, said: “We know that women have multiple barriers to being active and over the last three years 500,000 women have already dropped out of running, yet 6.7 million women want to run1.
“Issues around safety are also a real issue and a global survey by Adidas in 2023 found that 92% of female runners felt unsafe running outside. Working with Bolton is so important to buck these trends and we are excited to be partnering to make a real difference to women in Bolton and around the country.”

Head of Community at Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Richard Slater, said: “The vision of Bolton Wanderers in the Community is to create a connected Bolton without disadvantage, and both the United We Run initiative and Her Spirit fitness app align perfectly with this.

“We are looking forward to working with our partners and communities to deliver access to the Her Spirit online community. The ability the app has to bring people together can have a positive impact on the number of women feeling inspired, connected and safe to exercise.”

More information can be found at www.unitedwerun.co.uk/bolton/

Notes to Editors:

The following organisations were represented at Saturday’s launch walk and run:

  • Bolton GP Federation
  • Bolton Council
  • Bolton Public Health
  • Bolton Wanderers in the Community
  • Bolton Integrated Care Partnership
  • Bolton CVS
  • The Bolton Family
  • GMP
  • Bolton NHS FT
  • Bolton FM

For further information contact:

Jack Ayling

Communications Officer

jack.ayling@boltongpfed.co.uk

Statement regarding Bolton Health Hive

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Bolton Health Hive, located in the Market Place shopping centre, is a facility created by Bolton GP Federation to improve access to general practice services for Bolton people – and we absolutely welcome anyone to pop in to receive a warm welcome and one of our services.

The information printed in the Bolton News on 4 September and again on 15 December, that stated the clinic was a ‘walk-in’ centre and likened it to ‘Lever Chambers’, was factually incorrect. This has resulted in some people arriving at the clinic, with expectations of being treated for illnesses and injuries that are outside of what the clinic can offer, which have also led to people taking their frustrations out on staff and some complaints.

I would like to re-iterate that the Bolton Health Hive is a facility for all Bolton residents to access some of the services they would usually access at their GP practice, with no appointment required. This includes Covid and flu vaccines (subject to vaccine supply and eligibility), health checks, smear tests, and health and wellbeing advice.

A full timetable of what is available at the clinic on each day, along with the locations for the Mobile Health Hive is available here: https://boltongpfed.co.uk/healthhive/. If anyone is unsure and wants to double check before travelling, they can call the Health Hive on 01204 916241.

If people are ill or injured, they should access services in their usual way – via their GP, Pharmacy or A&E if appropriate.

Dr Kamran Khan
Chair, Bolton GP Federation

Mobile Health Hive – Press Release

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PRESS RELEASE

12 December 2023

BOLTON HEALTH CHECKS COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU

From this week Bolton people can access vital primary care health services from a nearby street or car park, thanks to Bolton GP Federation and funding from Greater Manchester NHS.

The Mobile Health Hive, based on the Bolton Health Hive in Market Place, will be touring parts of the town by the federation team to offer health services and advice throughout December and January – a time when people are at their most vulnerable and health services are feeling the pressures of winter.

Hitting the road on Thursday, 14 December, at Lidl, Derby Street people are invited to drop by the van (with no appointment needed) for a range of services they would normally access via their GP practice, including health checks, blood pressure checks, lifestyle advice including stopping smoking, cancer screening advice, Covid and flu vaccines. Importantly, the van offers space for people to sit down and talk to the friendly team and get tips on how they can keep on top of their health. If you are unwell, please access services in your usual way.

The van is open to anyone living, working and visiting Bolton. Priority will be given to vulnerable people, such as pregnant women and adults from African and Caribbean communities where uptake in important health checks and vaccines are traditionally low.

The van will visit Deane, Daubhill, Rumworth, Halliwell, Great Lever, Breightmet and other areas in and around Bolton town centre.

The following locations have so far been confirmed, with more being added to the timetable daily.

Federation Chair, Dr Kamran Khan, said: “General practice is working at full capacity. The demand for health services increases day by day, and this can lead to difficulty for people accessing services. The Mobile Health Hive is here to help with this.

“The Mobile Health Hive has been made possible by GP practices, Bolton Council, local businesses, Bolton CVS and other voluntary and community groups all working together on behalf of the people of Bolton.

“Our federation team is made up of health care professionals who have the time to sit and talk to people; to answer questions and alleviate fears, and to be easily accessible, within the community and without the need for an appointment.

“Please pop into the Mobile Health Hive and let others know in your neighbourhood.”

The latest timetable can be accessed by visiting www.boltongpfed.co.uk/healthhive and by following updates on our social media channels.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Attached:

  • Mobile Heath Hive photo
  • Promotional poster

For further information contact:

Jack Ayling

Communications Officer

jack.ayling@boltongpfed.co.uk

Lucy – My time at Bolton GP Federation

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During my time at Bolton GP Federation, I have been provided with some excellent experiences and given many opportunities that I can take forward with me.

When I first arrived at the federation, I was apprehensive about entering a different environment and wasn’t sure what to expect. However, upon arrival I was greeted and instantly felt very welcome. Clear instructions were given to me and there was always someone around to offer help and guidance if it was ever needed.  Everyone works together to create an excellent workspace and a positive attitude towards their work and I immediately felt like part of the team.

I spent most of my time in the executive office and the Primary Care Network office completing a variation of different tasks, like completing important training courses that I can take forward with me and working on a research project regarding barriers the NHS face providing healthcare and what can be done to break these down. I spent a day at Bolton Health Hive observing Covid vaccinations taking place and completing surveys with patients afterwards. The nurses were keen to demonstrate their roles to me and I am thankful to have been given this experience as it has exposed me to more career ideas to consider for the future.

I also got given the chance to take part in a Charity Committee meeting with several members of the Federation where they discussed different charities in and around Bolton to fund and support. This impressed me as it showed me how eager the Federation are to aid and grow the community around them.

I completed a session of Communications Training with members of staff which enabled me to learn how to communicate better with others and understand different perspectives on people’s opinions and actions. This is one of many things the Federation has provided me with that will be useful to me throughout my next steps in life.

I am so thankful for everything Bolton GP Federation has done for me over the past week and I hope that one day I will be able to work in such positive conditions with colleagues that are as passionate about their work and care for their colleagues in the same way all of the staff do here.

Real Living Wage Accreditation

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PRESS RELEASE

20 October 2023

Bolton GP Federation becomes a Living Wage Employer

Bolton GP Federation has joined over 12,000 employers in the UK by becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Supporting the Greater Manchester ambition to become the first city-region to pay all employees a real Living Wage, this recognises an existing commitment to the people who work for the federation are guaranteed to be paid a wage rate based on the cost of living.

As a Living Wage Employer, Bolton GP Federation has demonstrated commitment as a responsible employer by paying the real living wage and is voluntarily taking a stand to ensure their employees can earn a wage which is enough to live on.

Chief Officer Michael Smith said “We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation. As an NHS employer in Bolton, we recognise and take very seriously our opportunity to create real social value for the people and families of Bolton and this accreditation solidifies that.”

For more information about Real Living Wage Employer visit https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/economy/living-wage-city-region/

Westhoughton: Community Garden Supports Mental Health

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An open day to celebrate a new community garden – the first of its kind in Daisy Hill, Westhoughton – was held on Tuesday, 10 October at Daisy Hill Cricket Club to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

The garden, which has received funding from Bolton GP Federation and organised by the cricket club in partnership with the Westhoughton Primary Care Network (PCN) Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW), showcased all the fantastic work the volunteers have done and promoted the mental health benefits of gardening, being outdoors and socialising, to over 60 people.

The social prescribers joined forces with the cricket club in April 2023 to create a safe, peaceful place for the community. The funding has helped towards two large, sturdy benches (picture attached) and a summer house that was put together by a team of local volunteers.

One of the volunteers, Martin, said: “I was more than happy with the turnout and interest. I’m not ashamed to say that this project has been a lifeline for me and has helped my mental state immensely and it’s all thanks to the help from the Westhoughton social prescribers”.

The day attracted people from across the Westhoughton community, including local GP and Chair of Bolton GP Federation, Dr Kamran Khan, Christine Makinson from the Mental Health Independent Support Team, and Westhoughton Mayor Deirdre McGeown, who said: “I had a great time and was amazed at all that’s been achieved, it’s a little haven; honestly a beautiful place.”

Westhoughton Social Prescribing Link Worker, Julie Wright said: “To see the whole community join and enjoy the blossoming garden has been truly amazing, new friendships have been formed, and we have recruited new volunteers. It has been an uplifting and positive experience to hear the lovely comments from the residents and other services. I can’t thank the Cricket Club and all the Volunteers enough.

“In Westhoughton, we are so lucky to have lots of services working together for the benefit of all, I have worked with some inspiring people on the garden project, it really is a joy to come to work.”

Following the initial success of the garden, a new ‘Chatty Benches’ project will be starting there on Friday, 13 October, and will run every Friday between 11am and 12pm. Social prescribers will be at the garden for anyone who would like to come down, have a brew, meet new friends or get information about support.

If you would like more information about the Community Garden, please contact Julie Wright on 07546 305455 or email Julie.wright10@nhs.net.

Bolton GP Federation Chair’s Report/in /by

This is my first report as Interim Chair and I want to start by saying an opening thanks to our previous Chair, George Ogden, and hope he is enjoying his around-the-world adventure on a yacht.

Taking on this role has prompted me to reflect on what we, as a federation team, are here to do. Supporting our family of practices and PCNs to deliver the very best primary care services for the people of Bolton will always be at the very forefront of everything we do and plan to do. We do this by thinking creatively, collaborating, developing and improving local services. The ‘can do’ attitude is very much a reflection of what practices do on a daily basis.

Over the last few months, in response to feedback from our board and shareholders, we have been putting a lot of emphasis on communication and embedding this into our team culture. For the fed team and the practice teams to be truly joined up requires two-way communication, a shared understanding and open dialogue – and we’re focussing hard on this. We have introduced a variety of new communication and engagement opportunities, including having regular shareholder events and introducing Bolton Connect newsletter, highlight reports, and an Intranet platform accessible by all staff including practice teams. Please do feedback if you have any other suggestions to improve communication.

Our refreshed approach to communication will also help us be a more accountable and transparent organisation, which is also why I am making my Chair’s report publicly available.

The new board is shaping our strategic direction with much-valued input from our practices, patients and partners. We have consulted with our practices at a recent event and have been guided to focus on some very relevant, challenging and earnest priorities for the next few years. These areas include:

  • Digital
  • Estates
  • Health Inequalities
  • Support to practices and PCNs
  • Workforce

We want to be collaborative and action-focused so that we deliver on these in a way that benefits practices, PCNs and partners but ultimately improves the health and wellbeing of Boltonians. At our next practice event on Tuesday, 19 September at 6.30 pm, we’ll be looking at the estate crisis in more detail and developing a plan to help expand space for general practice in Bolton. One such project has started already and I’d like to thank the fed team with the opening of ‘The Health Hive’. This new space allows patients to access their vaccines, health checks and lipid optimisation therapy in the town centre. Is this model something that we could roll out into other areas and communities in Bolton?

By trusting your fed team to deliver on your collective behalf, we’re seeing some great achievements and impacts; from providing high-quality management and workforce for PCNs to delivering hundreds of evening and weekend appointments. Please follow this link to our Intranet for some updates on those services.

Finally, I wanted to use this opportunity as a reminder of all the work that your fed team (board and officers) does on your behalf that’s not always visible, locally, across GM and nationally. We are not just here to deliver services; we have an important role in seeking out and taking every possible opportunity to influence change too. We do this by positioning the federation as a go-to, solution-focused, innovative, equal partner.

The team work hard to embed primary care into important system-wide discussions to represent our local needs and priorities. One example of this is in relation to the work in Bolton to develop family hubs and a women’s network – these are equally great opportunities to help tackle inequalities and increase uptake for vital health checks and cancer screening, in communities where we may currently struggle to reach.

Thanks to our practices for your continued support. You can be confident that the fed team will continue to bang the drum for general practice and help support with the pressures we face in providing high-quality care for our patients.

Dr Kamran Khan

Interim Chair
Bolton GP Federation

OFFICIAL LAUNCH: Bolton Health Hive

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OLTON Health Hive (Unit 9b next to H Samuel, Market Place, Bolton town centre), a new walk-in health clinic opened by Bolton GP Federation in April this year, gets its official VIP launch on Tuesday, 5 September.

Bolton GP Federation Interim Chair and Vice Chair, Drs Kamran Khan and Saveena Ghaie, will be joined by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Mohammed Ayub at 11:15am, to officially cut the ribbon and formally declare the Health Hive as ‘bringing health to the high street’ and to celebrate welcoming more than 2,500 people through its doors.

The Health Hive, the first of its kind in Bolton, currently runs a number of NHS primary care services for and on behalf of Bolton GP practices, providing much- needed additional space and helping Bolton people access important health and wellbeing support in a convenient location.

The main services delivered from the hive do not require an appointment, and people are welcome to walk-in any time Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), between 10am and 4pm. Services are free and currently include health checks*, Covid vaccines, blood tests, pill checks, social prescribing and advice and guidance on improving health, such as stopping smoking, losing weight and getting active.

Other services, such as cholesterol management therapy, are available by invitation and appointment only.

Dr Khan said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of Bolton along to the hive, by way of a celebration of this fantastic facility in our town centre. We’re very proud of the hive and are looking to open others around the town.

“We have worked closely with our communities and partners to understand what people experience when trying to access health services. The hive is here to help remove some of the barriers that people tell us about, including by being easily accessible, with no appointment needed, and with trusted health professionals who provide a warm welcome and time to chat.

“Everybody is invited to call into the hive anytime

Bringing health to your high street – Press Release

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Bolton Health Hive, a new clinic established by Bolton GP Federation that will deliver vaccines and support Bolton people with their health needs, is set to open in the town centre this week (Wednesday, 26 April). 

Following the success of their Covid vaccination clinic in Bolton Market Place, and to provide support and additional capacity to GP practices, the federation’s clinic is moving from the former unit at 10a Market Place (former Index store) to a new unit at 9b Market Place (the former Gregg’s store adjacent to H Samuel).

The Hive provides much-needed additional space for primary care services in Bolton, at a time when practices are struggling to find additional room within their own buildings.

As well as providing Covid vaccinations, work is underway to deliver other ‘walk-in’ primary care services, such as health checks and cancer screening. 

Federation Interim Chair, Dr Kamran Khan, said: “The Health Hive has been created to support our GP practices and to help Bolton people access important health services and support in a convenient location.

“We have worked very closely with our communities to understand some of the inequalities that they face around accessing health services, and the Hive is here to help remove some of those barriers.

“This includes providing services from a place that is easily accessible, at a time that is convenient without the need for an appointment, with trusted health professionals who have time to chat to people to alleviate concerns or nervousness. 

“We’re excited to create a real buzz around the Hive, and to see how the services we offer can grow further by working with our partners and understanding more about what people need from the Hive.

“If things go well, we will work with our Primary Care Networks, partners and our communities to open up other Health Hive sites across Bolton.”

Initially, the Hive will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Covid vaccinations will be made available to anyone from within or outside of Bolton that meet the criteria.

PRESS RELEASE  

Notes to Editors:

The Spring Covid Booster is currently offered to:

  • over 75s
  • people living in elderly care homes
  • over 5s with a weakened immune system

Photograph attached: Bolton Health Hive almost ready 

For further information contact: 

Jack Ayling Communications Officer

jack.ayling@boltongpfed.co.uk

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