News

More than 30,000 falls prevention guides have been distributed to healthcare practices across east Surrey to support the older population who have either had a fall or are at risk of falling.

The national lockdowns resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic have seen many people cooped up at home for long periods, which may have led to muscle weakness and sometimes a reduced sense of balance, increasing the risk of falls.

First Community Health and Care has joined other NHS organisations across Surrey in using technology which will see patients benefit from improved record sharing.

The Surrey Care Record is a digital, locally shared record enabling the secure sharing of patients’ health and care data between authorised health and care professionals across the Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership, of which First Community is a part.

First Community Health and Care have donated 120 laptops to a local appeal which provides refurbished laptops and internet access to disadvantaged children.

The Level Up project run by Raven Housing Trust, with support from Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead was set up to address the urgent need for IT equipment for some local children to enable them to study at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

First Community is proud to release the results of their 2020 NHS staff survey. The feedback in the annual survey is extremely positive with the majority of staff indicating First Community really is an outstanding health care provider and employer.

Over 330 staff took part in the survey with a response rate of 75%, compared with 62% for similar organisations. 

Staff feedback includes:

First Community are proud to announce that 1000 housebound patients across east Surrey have now received their first coronavirus vaccination.

As part of the biggest inoculation programme the country has ever launched, First Community nursing teams have worked closely with GP and primary care colleagues to ensure the most vulnerable patients are protected across east Surrey. 

As Covid-19 cases across Surrey continue to fall, First Community Health and Care is preparing for an increased demand for its Long Covid rehab service.

Since its launch at the end of December, more than 80 patients have been referred to the Long Covid rehab clinic pathway, with many suffering persistent symptoms including continued coughs, shortness of breath, fatigue and a limited tolerance to exercise, months after having Covid-19.

First Community’s district nursing teams have been supporting the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations to housebound residents in east Surrey.

So far more than 200 elderly, housebound people have received their vaccination since community nurses began assisting local GPs in carrying out the vaccinations at the end of January.

Volunteers willing to give a patient’s perspective on NHS community services in east Surrey are being sought for a new patient panel.

First Community Health and Care is launching the panel to enable the public to have more input into the way its community health services are provided and developed.

To achieve its aim of delivering community based healthcare that suits the needs of its patients, First Community wants to listen to the voices, views and opinions of those in the community it serves.