The Voice of PLC September - October 2011 Newsletter

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)
A Charitable Support Group for Plymouth Cancer Laryngectomees

The Voice of PLC
September – October 2011
Address: c/o 80 Warleigh Avenue, PLYMOUTH, PL2 1DH, Devon, UK
Mobile: 07745819828 (text only) Email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://plymouthlc.webs.com

FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR GREETINGS!
Written by Edward (Ted) BURNETT

Welcome Members and Friends!
B EST WISHES TO Susan STEPHENSON for her birthday
th
on Sunday, 25 September 2011. Susan is staunch
and loyal member of PLC. Have a lovely day Susan!

Well, our first year of PLC has passed! In fact, it's
been more than a year, and I think it’s been quite an
interesting time for us all.
H APPY BIRTHDAY TO Alan Derek PEACEY for Wednesday,
th
28 September 2011. Alan is a Friend of PLC although
he resides in Norway!
We’ve had a wide range of guest speakers and
managed a few outside trips and events.
I should like to thank everyone for their help and
C ONGRATULATIONS TO Ted & Liz BURNETT for Friday,
st
21 October 2011 on the occasion of their anniversary.
Ted was the Chair of PLC for 2010 – 11. And we all know that
support during our first year... to name just a few: behind any good man is a good woman! Well done Liz!
The Staff of the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Centre
who have been excellent hosts and have always
made us all very welcome!
Maggie, Emer and Julia for their part in giving us the
D EVOTED HUSBAND. This is for all women who think
men are heartless!

help, support and advice any time we needed it.
Geoff, who as I think you will all agree, has worked
tirelessly as our Club’s Secretary.
Jean, for all her hard work as Treasurer in sorting out
the finances for our Club.
And finally I should like to thank all our Members and
Friends for showing their support.
Because without you we would not have a club!
Many thanks!

Ted
Chair, PLC

EDITORIAL COMMENT
I NTERNET Links. If you’re reading this on-line and come
across words with blue lettering that are underlined, then
you can click on these links and be taken directly to another
site for more information on that particular topic.
If you read this on Microsoft Word, you can put your cursor
over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl) Key and click! Ed.

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC)
In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support
Registered Charity Number: 273635
Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support

A Member of The Plymouth Third Sector Consortium (PTSC)

Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon,
Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

THE PLC SEPTEMBER 2011 MEETING R AFFLE. Because of the few numbers attending the
September 2011 Meeting it was decided to dispense
O UR SEPTEMBER 2011 Meeting took place at the
Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center at Derriford
with the monthly raffle this time.

S
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Hospital on Monday, 5 September 2011 at 11 a.m. There UBSCRIPTIONS. Because of the few numbers attending
were only seven of us in attendance including three Friends. the September 2011 Meeting it was decided not to
Another member joined us later. The business side of the collect any subs this month.
meeting was kept very brief with Ted simply giving an
overview on forthcoming events.
 Mr. Charles HANDLEY of Countrywide Supplies Ltd.
T REASURER’S REPORT. Because of the few numbers
attending the September 2011 Meeting it was decided
hold over the report until the October 2011 Meeting.
gave us an informative talk regarding his products.
He reminded us once again that before ordering THE PLC CHARABANC TRIP
something new from his catalogue we should
always remember to first seek approval from
Maggie or Julia. As all Members attending were
S EVEN INTREPID PLC MEMBERS met at the Roborough
th
Tesco’s Car Park at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 10 September
2011 to go on a Coach Trip to Dartmeet to enjoy a real
alrerady customers of Countrywide it was difficult to
Devon Cream Tea. Dartmeet is set in a particularly
judge whether Charles was content or frustrated!
beautiful part of Dartmoor with rolling tors (hills) and a
Ted presented Charrles with a Plymouth Tie Pin /
fast-flowing running river.
Lapel Badge and a Thank You Card on behalf of all
The sun even managed to
Members.
shine for us! The journey
 Mr. Michael W.M. BRIDGER, a Consultant Surgeon to and from Dartmeet
at ENT Derriford Hospital will be retiring fairly soon meanders through some
He is widely respected amongst medical staff and lovely scenery and it was
patients alike, and will be missed. We were so a rare treat for the drivers
grateful to him for giving up some of his valuable amongst us to be able to
time to give us an extremely informative talk about take in those views...
his lifetime’s work on head-and-neck cancers and rather than concentrating on the road! We held a raffle
how treatments have changed over the years. He during our Cream Tea that realised £8 which we promptly
was a pioneer in his field in his day! Mr. BRIDGER handed over to Patrick, our driver, as his tip for the day!
also gave an update on which direction he thought Fiona won the prize so she’ll be supplying the prize for our
treatments might go in the future, touching upon October 2011 Meeting.
laser and transplants. All very interesting! Ted then
presented Mr. BRIDGER with a Certificate of
Appreciation on behalf of all Club Members.
In the picture: Ted BURNETT presenting a Certificate of
Appreciation to Mr. Michael W.M. BRIDGER.

Photograph courtesy of Liz BURNETT

More photographs at: Photobucket.com (fullscreen slideshow),
and PLC Facebook page (smaller but faster).

Photographs courtesy of Liz BURNETT → View Slideshow

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only)
or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com
2

N
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Charabanc OVEMBER 2011. Monday, 7 November 2011:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John MCKENNA of ColeBROOK Housing Carers has kindly
accepted our invitation to be our Guest Speaker.
This 1920 Punch cartoon shows UK government
ministers in a charabanc.
D
th
ECEMBER 2011. Monday, 5 December 2011:
A charabanc or "char-à- Members agreed at the August
banc" is a type of horse- 2011 Meeting that Ted should book a
drawn vehicle or early Christmas Dinner to be held at the
motor coach, usually Acropolis Restaurant in Plymouth City
open-topped, common Centre at 7 p.m. Members also agreed
in Britain during the that the cost of this event should be
th
early part of the 20 offset by Club Funds.
century. It was especially popular for sight-seeing or
works outings to the country or the seaside, organised DERRIFORD HOSPITAL CANCER SERVICES
by businesses once a year. The name derives from the
GEOFF ATTENDED AN Internal Head & Neck Validation Panel
French char à bancs (carriage with wooden benches), th
th Meeting at Derriford Hospital on Monday, 15 August 2011.
the vehicle having originated in France in the early 19
Geoff was in attendance as an observer in an attempt to gain
century.
a continuing insight into the Peer Review Process. Should
Although the vehicle has not been common on the
anyone wish to have further information, please don’t
roads since the 1920s, a few signs survive from the era;
hesitate to contact Geoff.
a notable example at Wookey Hole in Somerset warns
that the road to the neighbouring village of Easton is
unsuitable for charabancs. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
LARYNGTECTOMY CLUBS
(NALC)
THE PLC FORECAST OF EVENTS
C ALENDAR of EVENTS. A copy of the Club’s Calendar of
Events, including Future Entertainments for the next 12
P LC RECEIVED A COPY of the minutes of the meeting of
th
the NALC General Committee held on Monday, 4 July
2011. NALC only ever send the one copy so if anyone wishes
months or so, is available on our Club’s website. Please keep to see a copy then do please let Geoff know. PLC was not
yourselves up-to-date by taking an occasional peek! represented. Just for interest, these are the main points
covered:

S
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EPTEMBER 2011. Wednesday, 14 September 2011:
 Attendance. 18 representatives from across the UK
The Speak Easy Club in Cornwall has invited Members of
were in attendance.
PLC for a trip to Devoran, near Truro, for a Soup & Sandwich
lunch. Members of the Recovery Club from Cornwall have  Finance. Current Account: £65,235.54
also been invited. Those who have given their names to Business Account : £34,818.63
Geoff so far have a car seat reserved. Anyone else wishing to  AGM. The AGM was held in London but the turnout
attend should notify Geoff as soon as possible so as to avoid was poor. Geoff and Jean represented PLC.
disappointment. We aim to meet up at Devoran Church at
12 noon.  Annual Luncheon. The Annual Lunch was held on
th
Sunday, 4 September 2011 at Penrith. Although

O
th
CTOBER 2011. Friday, 7 October 2011: invited, none of our Members attended.
A Laryngectomee Study Day is being organised by  Larynx Transplants. An article will be published soon
Julia and Maggie. It will be held at the Mustard Tree in the CLAN Magazine.
Cancer Support Centre. Please make a note of this date in
your diaries as we have cancelled our normal Club Meeting  Next Transplants. An article will be published soon
rd
for Monday, 3 October 2011! Our Club Meeting will take in the CLAN Magazine.
place in the Double Room of the Mustard Tree between 11
th
and 12 noon on the 7 ... just prior to lunch. Members PLC ON FACEBOOK
should note that we have been invited to attend both
morning and afternoon sessions, as well as lunch, which
has kindly been provided by our Medical Equipment
K ANDA, OUR WEBMASTER, has now put our Club on
Facebook. Please do go online and take a look. Go to
Facebook and then put Plymouth
Suppliers. So do please come prepared for a longer stay Laryngectomy Club into the Search Box!
than normal! Click THIS to view the full programme. A hard Alternatively, just click on this link. When you
copy of the programme is attached for those not on-line. get there, please show us your support by
clicking on the LIKE button. And do please
leave a comment... this is YOUR Facebook Page!

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THE RECOVERY CLUB, CORNWALL NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS
G EOFF EMAILED A copy of the August 2011 Newsletter to
those of our members on-line. Those not on-line should
contact Geoff for a hard copy. Some of us will have the
DISCLAIMER
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are
not necessarily those held by the PLC Committee nor its Members.
opportunity of meeting up with members of The Recovery
Club on our trip to Devoran in September 2011. The Recovery
Club and the Speak Easy Club will both be in attendance!
A GIFT OF a Voice. I wanted to share with you the story A
Gift of a Voice which is about my efforts to speak again.
It was posted in the Georgetown University Homepage as a
That's good news!
feature story and can be seen on-line at:
http://gumc.georgetown.edu/news/stories/230883.html
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For those not on-line, it’s repeated below... I do hope that
you will find it inspirational!
From: THOMAS Nicola (TORBAY CARE TRUST) Thanks!
To: Geoffrey READ saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
Itzhak BROOK, MD, MSc
Sent: Thu, 11 August, 2011 9:27:01
Subject: RE: PLC NEWSLETTER Professor of Medicine
Georgetown University
Geoff, Washington DC, USA
Blog site: driBROOK.blogspot.com
Thanks for your newsletter. I’ve added your website Email: ib6@georgetown.edu
address on our website, on the support page. The link is:
http://www.peninsulacancernetwork.org.uk/public/others THE GIFT OF A VOICE
upport/Pages/HeadNeck.aspx
STARING AT THE AUDIENCE, Dr. Itzhak BROOK was nervous.
Hope this is OK! In front of him were doctors and cancer survivors. He thought
Nikki about surviving Israeli wars and the time he lost a patient, but
nothing would prepare him for his first speech after losing his
Nikki THOMAS vocal cords to cancer.
Network Nurse Director
Peninsula Cancer Network
Outfitted with a prosthesis to help him speak, BROOK faced a
www.peninsulacancernetwork.org.uk challenging audience: would they stay or would they go?
www.facebook.com/peninsulacancernetwork What BROOK learned after his speech would help him realise
Editorial Comment: Thanks Nicola! I hope other organisations the power and gift of his voice.
will follow your lead! Ed. As a professor at Georgetown University Medical Center,
BROOK is revered for his professionalism and ability to teach
THE SOUTH WESTERN medical students the art and science of medicine. A natural at
the sciences, BROOK discovered his affinity for medicine as a
AMBULANCE SERVICE young child.

G EOFF RECENTLY VISITED the South Western Ambulance
Services Training College recently where he met up with
Lizzie RYAN, the Education
“Growing up my parents believed in a solid education,” says
BROOK. “I felt an obligation to make something of my life and
my passion for medicine evolved throughout high school.”
Business Manager. It was agreed BROOK finished medical school in Jerusalem, Israel and
that the Ambulance Service completed fellowships at Ivy League universities in the United
Emergency Control Room for our States, publishing research on anaerobic microbes and head
region could flag-up the names and neck infections. He says it was in paediatric infectious
and details of our Club Members diseases where he felt most at home.
so, in the event of a medical emergency, the Service could “When I was a doctor of internal medicine, I lost a couple of
ensure that their paramedics could be properly briefed that the patients and that was hard for me,” says BROOK. “But when I
patient was a Laryngectomee so they would know what to do, went [in]to paediatrics and infectious diseases, I felt I could
and more importantly, what not to do! The Service could also fight and win on behalf of my patients... it was so rewarding
ensure their ambulances would be kitted out with any special for me.”
neck-breathing equipment that may be necessary. Along the way BROOK lectured medical students and
The Data Protection Act forbids me passing anyone’s personal physicians and treated patients using his voice as an
details to anyone else without that individual’s authority. So if instrument to share his love and passion for medicine.
you wish to take part in this scheme, would you please That all changed in 2006 when BROOK was diagnosed with
complete the attached form and email it, or pass it back to me? cancer.
I will then ensure that your details are passed on to our local After learning he had throat cancer, BROOK explains he was
Ambulance Service. “shaken to the core” and did not share it with his friends or
This authorisation will need to be renewed every six months colleagues.
but don’t worry... the Club will send out reminders. One last “It felt like a death sentence,” says BROOK. “I asked my
point: Laryngectomees do not have to be Club Members to children and wife to keep the news private because I did not
participate in this Scheme and we have passed blank forms to want to feel stigmatized as a cancer patient for fear of looking
Julia and Maggie to dish out to their patients as required. weak and vulnerable.”

4

BROOK felt as if his lucky star was gone. So when he was asked to give a lecture to a large group
But, with the love and support of his family guiding him, following his treatment, BROOK hesitated, but after much
BROOK made it through the gruelling radiation appointments thought he accepted the invitation.
that required a leave of absence from work and teaching. Although he feared people would walk out of the room,
While recovering from the first round of treatment, BROOK unable to understand or cringe at his airy, soft whisper, he
received some unexpected news from his doctor. began to speak. “I am Dr. Itzhak BROOK,” he said. “I am a
His cancer was back with a vengeance. This time, BROOK did cancer survivor.”
not have a choice except to tell his friends and family his To his surprise, no one left the room. Instead, all remained
diagnosis was bleak. silent as he recounted the story of his amazing fight with an
BROOK and his wife felt it best to tell their children in person, eventual victory.
not over the phone. He met with them face-to-face so that he This first public speech after cancer awakened a new passion
could answer their questions. in him... to share his story with patients and doctors,
“Each one of my five children is special and we took a lot of encouraging patient-doctor communication and active
time deciding how to tell them my cancer had returned,” says patient participation.
BROOK. He now tours the country giving lectures and presentations,
His daughter, Sara BROOK, was devastated. “My dad had no longer the hesitant individual afraid to share his voice, but
always been a symbol of strength in my life and his sickness a man who has learned that his soft whisper has the impact
forced me to accept that he was vulnerable,” she says. of a shout.
“Although he has approached his sickness with the same By Tressa KIRBY, GUMC Communications
persistence he's exhibited during previous challenges, cancer Published July 20, 2011
is such an unknown and powerful force. It's a scary fight.”
After revealing the news to his family and friends he was
surprised at the outpouring of emotional support. People did
not stigmatise him or turn their backs, instead they embraced
C ANCER LARYNGECTOMEE TRUST. Geoff has received a
hard copy of the September 2011 edition of their
Newsletter. Please contact Geoff if you wish to see a copy.
him. Alternatively, you can contact the Trust at:
BROOK found an otolaryngologist who would see him
through his darkest days. The doctor informed BROOK that Cancer Laryngectomee Trust,
his only hope for a cure was to remove his larynx... a National Association of Neck Breathers,
procedure that would leave him voiceless. P.O. Box 618,
“All of my life I have used my voice to teach and to Halifax HX3 8WX
communicate with patients,” says BROOK. “The thought of Telephone: (01422) 205 522
losing my voice was terrifying but I didn’t have a choice... it Website: www.cancerlt.org
Email: info@cancerlt.org
was lose my life to cancer or lose my voice... I chose losing my
voice.”
BROOK did receive some good news prior to surgery. His
doctors told him a voice prosthesis might allow him to speak
C ARE QUALITY COMMISSION (CQC): The CQC has now
published its Annual Report & Accounts for 2010/11. This
shows that they have now completed the task of registering
again one day in the future, but it would be a slow and
tedious process. This hopeful possibility that would help get all adult social care and independent
BROOK through surgery. healthcare services, as well as private
After the surgery, BROOK fought frustration and depression ambulances and dentists... almost
and faced additional health issues as a result of surgery. 30,000 services in total... to the timescales set in legislation.
Then there were the uncertainties of the voice prosthesis... They say that this meant diverting resources away from core
how would his voice sound? What if the prosthesis failed to inspection functions for a time, leading to a temporary drop
work? in the numbers of inspections. Inspections will now become
The surgery to insert the voice prosthesis was successful, but the top priority. An electronic copy of the report is available
speaking again did not come easily. Learning to speak at: http://www.cqc.org.uk/publications.cfm?fde_id=18566.
included additional speech pathology visits and, as BROOK The report is 100 pages in length so Geoff cannot help out
feared, he was not immediately comfortable with the sound those not on-line!
of his new voice.
“Imagine not sounding like yourself,” says BROOK. “I spoke
with a soft whisper... I had no idea how people might react.”
C LAN NEWSLETTER. CLAN is the official magazine of the
National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC). The
Plymouth Laryngectomy Club is affiliated to NALC.
Following physical therapy and learning to use his prosthesis,
BROOK rebounded. He returned to teaching and the medical The September 2011 edition of CLAN is online now!
profession. But, this time, he was going to do it differently. Click to view it fullscreen
He no longer remains distant from his patients. Download the pdf (825.82 KB)
Now he hugs them, he comforts them. He encourages them I have received some hard copies
to use their voices and to speak up when something is wrong. which I will be redistributing to
He knows what it’s like to be in their shoes. members who are not on-line.
“Our voice is our most powerful tool. It’s our biggest I do hope you all get the time to
advocate for our health and wellness,” he says. read this edition as there are
some insteresting snippets inside it.

5

E XERCISE, NOT REST, is Important After Ops. This article
th
was published in The Herald on Thursday, 11 August 2011.
ROBSON, who was the Thailand national coach at the time,
went to doctors after having difficulty swallowing and feeling a
lump on his throat. He underwent surgery and radiotherapy.
MACMILLAN Cancer Support has launched a campaign to
ROBSON said yesterday: ‘It was great news that I had in the
encourage people in Plymouth affected by cancer to exercise
letter. Things seem to be going well for me.’
more.
He said he was overwhelmed by the level of support from the
The Move More campaign follows a report that showed the
public.
importance of physical activity in the recovery and long-term
'I’ve been getting messages all the time and I have had great
health of cancer patients. Patients have long been
support from fans throughout the world and at West Brom,
encouraged to rest after treatment, something which Move
Middlesbrough, Thailand and obviously United.
More shows puts cancer patients at risk.
'I’d like to thank everyone for that.'
Macmillan Cancer Support has estimated that at least 1.6
ROBSON joined the Reds in 1981 for a then British record of
million cancer survivors are at risk of long-term health
£1.8m.
problems and the recurrence of some cancers because they
In what was a barren decade by their standards his all-action
are not exercising enough. The report found that 150
performances helped them lift the FA Cup in 1983. ROBSON
minutes of exercise a week can cut the risk of breast cancer
also lifted the Cup Winners Cup in 1991, the Premier League in
recurring by 40%, compared to those doing less than an hour.
1993 and 1994 - the same year the Red Devils also won the FA
Similarly, the risk of bowel cancer returning can be reduced
Cup.
by roughly half by doing six hours of moderate physical
He won 90 England caps and scored 26 goals.
activity per week and the risk of dying from prostate cancer
can be reduced by up to 30% with 150 minutes of moderate To read more please click on this link.
exercise a week.
The survey found that many health professionals are not
aware of emerging evidence that exercise could improve
recovery and long-term health. The survey showed that 72
T HE MONKEE WHO Sings Better Than Ever Because He
Had Throat Cancer. This article was published in the Daily
th
Mail on Tuesday, 16 August 2011.
per cent of GPs and 60% of oncologists do not discuss the
Having long ago turned his back on his wild rock past, Peter
possible benefits of exercise with their patients.
TORK had every reason to
David CROSBY, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "There
think he was in
really needs to be a cultural change, so that health
reasonably good health.
professionals see physical activity as an integral part of cancer
But two years ago, The
after care, not just an optional add on."
Monkees star received
He added: "It doesn't need to be anything too strenuous...
terrifying news... the dry
doing the gardening, going for a brisk walk or swim all count.
throat and husky voice
Health professionals can refer patients to a variety of services."
he’d developed were
signs of cancer of the
neck. The diagnosis was
‘a real jolt’, says the 69-
year-old.
His symptoms first appeared in the autumn of late 2008.
If you wish to read more, then please click on this link.
I 'VE BEATEN CANCER, says Ex-England Star Bryan ROBSON
after being given the All Clear. This article was published
th
in the Daily Mail on Friday, 26 August 2011.
All clear: Bryan ROBSON has
N EW PATIENT TRANSPORT Policy for Plymouth. NHS
Plymouth is carrying out a piece of work about the
production and implementation of a Patient Transport Policy,
beaten throat cancer after he
the purpose of which is to make sure that they are in line with
received a letter from a doctor
that treated him.
national practice and that they have clear guidance on the
management of patient transport. Additionally, the policy
Former England football captain hopes to ensure that resources are targeted to the right
Bryan ROBSON has declared people at the right time, with the appropriate level of
that he has beaten throat support. This policy has been developed in conjunction with
cancer. both NHS Devon & Cornwall & Isles of Scilly NHS Trust, to
The 54-year-old said he was ensure a standardised approach for all patients across the
given the news in a letter from South West Peninsula.
the specialist who treated him. They would welcome any feedback that people might be able
ROBSON will now have another to give. If any groups feel it would be useful for NHS Plymouth
check-up to make sure the rest of his body is clear but says to come out and discuss it with them they would be happy to
medics are confident that will be the case. do this.
It was revealed in March that the former Manchester United The national policies which have been used to inform the
star, nicknamed ‘Captain Marvel’, had been diagnosed with the production of local policy are as follows:
disease.

6

• Health Care Travel Costs Scheme
• Patient Transport Service

Further supporting information is available on the NHS
Plymouth Website.
Editorial Comment: Geoff applied to have PLC included in
Let us know what you think about patient transport and
the POD and we have since been added.
how it could be improved... we need to hear from you by
th
12 September 2011. Please contact the Plymouth LINk
Support Team:
Freepost RRZE-AGZT-EXRS
T RIO APPOINTED TO Help Run New Health Company.
This article was published in The Plymouth Herald on
st
Wednesday, 31 August 2011:
LINk Support Team
Unit 15, HQ Building, TWO former police chiefs and a banker will help run a new
237 Union Street, company set to take over Plymouth's Community Health
PLYMOUTH, PL1 3HQ, Devon.
Telephone: (01752) 202407
Services.
Mobile: 07533 432200 Morris WATTS, Jim WEBSTER and Marie KERR have been
Website: www.plymouth-link.co.uk appointed as non-executive directors of Plymouth
Email: info@plymouth-link.co.uk Community Healthcare.
The social enterprise will take control of community health

P LYMOUTH HEALTHWATCH Information Event. This event
nd
will take place on Thursday, 22 September 2011 from 9
a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Charter Room of Plymouth Guildhall.
services, 2,200 staff and a £90million budget from NHS
Plymouth, the city's Primary Care Trust (PCT).
The shift is part of nationwide changes, started under Labour
 Discuss how HealthWatch can represent local views and being taken on by the coalition. It is taking shape
 Find out about the Government’s plans for HealthWatch alongside other NHS reforms including giving GPs wider
 Share your ideas about how it could work funding powers when PCTs are abolished. Duncan CURRALL,
Please contact Plymouth LINk to let them know if you would Plymouth Community Healthcare chair designate, said he was
like to attend and give your preferred date at: delighted to announce the three appointments.
Plymouth LINk Support Team The new organisation, which will provide community and
mental health services for the people of Plymouth, is due to
Freepost RRZE-AGZT-EXRS, st
Unit 15, HQ Building, be launched on Saturday, 1 October 2011.
237 Union Street, Please click on this link to read more.
Plymouth, PL2 3HQ, Devon.
Telephone: (01752) 202407
Email: info@plymouth-link.co.uk
T RIPS & DAYS Out on Offer to Care for Carers. This article
th
was published in The Herald on Friday, 12 August 2011:

S OCIAL CARE DIRECTORY Launched. This article was
published in The Plymouth Herald on Wednesday, 17
August 2011.
th CARERS are invited to take part in free summer activities.
Carers Champions are working with other organisations to put
on a range of events in coming months... for
PLYMOUTH City Council has launched a new carers and the people they support.
online directory of Social Care & Health Options include massage treatments, meal
Services. out, trips to Paignton Zoo, a backstage tour
The Plymouth Online Directory (POD) has been of the Theatre Royal with lunch, and a trip to Buckfast Abbey.
designed to make information more accessible There will also be a course on Assertiveness & Confidence
and give people greater choice and control Building. Some activities require a £2 deposit.
over the services they want to use. For more details and to secure a place call Carers Champions
The website draws together information about health and team on (01752) 211348.
wellbeing, highlighting services and organisations to help
people maintain their independence in their own homes.
It contains information on local and national charities,
community groups and organisations offering advocacy
W HAT IS THE Equality Delivery System (EDS)? The
EDS has been designed to support NHS organisations
to deliver better services for patients and communities which
services, money advice and training, employment and are personal, fair and diverse. It will help organisations meet
volunteering opportunities the requirements of the Equality Duty which include having
Councillor Grant MONAHAN, Cabinet member for Adult due regard for the need to:
Health & Social Care, said: "People are increasingly choosing  Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment & victimisation.
to organise their own services and POD will help by bringing  Advance equality of opportunity between different groups.
the information together into one place and making it easier  Foster good relations between different groups.
to understand and navigate."
The primary purpose of the EDS is to create conversations
Dr. Peter RUDGE, Chairman of the Plymouth Health service's
between NHS organisations and their patients, the public and
Commissioning Group, added: "The council's development of
stakeholders. These conversations will help us to assess our
the POD is a wonderful step forward in our efforts to help
performance, and with your help enable us to agree what
patients, clients and professionals navigate their way to
equality objectives should be prioritised and the actions
everyday solutions to meet their needs."
required.

7

Getting involved
The first step for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS
Plymouth (provider and commissioner) is to migrate from our
A LTERNATE MEANINGS FOR Common Words. A
newspaper has published the winning submissions to its
yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate
existing Equality Schemes (strategy and action plan) to the meanings for common words. And the winners are:
new EDS. This will need to be in place by April 2012 and to 1. Coffee, n.
help us do this we are running various engagement activities The person upon whom one coughs.
which aim to:
2. Flabbergasted, adj.
 Ensure you know what is happening, when it will happen and
how it will affect you. Appalled by discovering how much weight one
has gained.
 Increase the opportunity for feedback and input into the EDS and
develop partnerships to help assist with the delivery of the EDS. 3. Abdicate, v.
 Work with you, in particular diverse communities to understand To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
what the priorities are.
4. Esplanade, v.
 Achieve a shared understanding of the EDS. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
 Explain why we are taking a particular action.
5. Willy-nilly, adj.
th
We are holding an event on Wednesday, 26 October, from Impotent.
9.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., at the Welcome Hall, 4 Fore Street,
6. Negligent, adj.
Devonport to start this conversation (lunch provided). The
Absentmindedly answering the door when
aim of the session is to:
wearing only a nightgown.
 Inform you of the EDS and how your input can help shape and
deliver the best solutions to meet the needs of the people of 7. Lymph, v.
Plymouth. To walk with a lisp.
 Involve you in the development of the EDS objectives and an 8. Gargoyle, n.
opportunity to comment on the EDS.
Olive-flavoured mouthwash.
 Help us assess where we are as an organisation (analysing and
grading performance). 9. Flatulence, n.
Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who
At the end of the session you will receive an Equality
has been run over by a steamroller.
Champion pack which can be shared with others to help start
the assessment process. We are also committed to ensuring 10. Balderdash, n.
the conversation continues after the grading process so that A rapidly receding hairline.
together we can identify objectives that will benefit 11. Testicle, n.
communities and deliver better outcomes. A humorous question on an exam.
We hope that you are able to attend and please let know by 12. Rectitude, n.
th
Thursday, 15 September 2011 via the contact details below. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by
Further details will be forwarded nearer the time. If you are proctologists.
unable to make this date we would still like to hear from you.
13. Frisbeetarianism, n.
Email: plh-tr.Equality-Diversity@nhs.net The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto
Post: Equality & Diversity Organisational Development the roof and gets stuck there.
Building 4
Derriford Business Park 14. Circumvent, n.
Derriford, An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by
Plymouth PL6 5XN Jewish men.
Telephone: (01752) 437251 or (01752) 437610.

P ENINSULA HEAD & NECK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
(PHANCS) ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Are you interested in a support group for head and neck
cancer patients and carers? Our grateful thanks to :
This could take the form of:
Group meetings, One to One meetings,
Information / advice by post or E mail
An on line web site, Telephone help line,
Or a combination of the above. THE PLYMOUTH DIOCESE
We have established that there is a need for such a group http://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/
and are in the early planning stage.
If you would be interested in helping with setting up the for their assistance in reproducing copies of
group please contact Mac Merrett. this newsletter
Email phancs@btinternet.com Tel. 01392 8412490

8

The Voice of PLC September - October 2011 Newsletter

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The Voice of PLC September - October 2011 Newsletter