The Lodge Health Partnership is committed to reducing our impact on climate change

Ventolin (a specific brand of Salbutamol inhaler) is a particularly large volume inhaler which contains lots of propellant (a greenhouse gas). Changing from this to an alternative brand which contains the same drug Salbutamol, such as Salamol, means a lot less of the harmful propellant is released into the environment.

You may notice that the name of your inhaler has changed to Salamol when you next request your Ventolin prescription. This is still the same medicine and the same type of inhaler, although is better for our planet.

Further steps that we can take together to help the environment by tackling those inhalers that harm our environment will be discussed at your next Asthma Review appointment.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to return used inhalers to your pharmacy for disposal, and not to put in your waste bin which goes to landfill.

Thank you for caring.

For more information, please visit www.greeninhaler.org.

Asthma Advice

At the lodge we are lucky enough to hold specialized clinics for patients suffering from asthma. We have a dedicated team specially trained in asthma to help you and advise you when you are both well and unwell

Asthma can come and go as you develop from childhood to adulthood. It is very important that we see you or speak to you annually for a review especially if you are using inhalers.

There are many different types of inhalers, and our specialized team will help you navigate your way to the correct inhaler for you and teach you how to use them to be the most effective.

We are in the process of switching brands from salbutamol inhalers which is a particularly large volume inhaler which contains lots of propellants (green house gases) to an alternative which contains the same drug, such as salamol, which means a lot less of the harmful propellant is released into the environment.

You may notice that the name of your inhaler has changed when you next request your Ventolin inhaler. Be assured this us the same medicine and the same type of inhaler.

It is important that we see you regularly in the clinic – especially if you have a few episodes of wheezing over the past 12 months and have used a few inhalers as you may be under treated and may need further treatment.

Information can be accessed from www.asthma.org.uk/advice or www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma

If you would like to have a review please do not hesitate to contact us at the Lodge Health Partnership where we can make an appointment for you.

Condolences from Marie Curie

If this is a difficult time for you, we’re here to help

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Marie Curie offers our sincere condolences to her family, the country and the Commonwealth at this sad time. We’re especially thinking of His Majesty the King, Charles III, who has been Royal Patron of Marie Curie since 2003.

The death of someone in the public eye can also remind us of our own more direct losses and bereavements, bringing those feelings back into sharp focus. This may be an especially difficult time for colleagues or patients who have experienced a bereavement, are anticipating a bereavement, or are thinking about their own mortality or end of life planning.

We offer free bereavement support via our Support Line to people who are grieving, whether due to a recent loss or one from some time ago. Call 0800 090 2309 to speak to a trained member of the team. And there’s a range of articles, information and support on our website www.mariecurie.org.uk that you may find helpful.

Bereavement Visiting Group for Redbourn

Bereavement Hertfordshire

HPFT Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

Macmillan

From the moment you’re diagnosed, through your treatment and beyond, Macmillan are right there with you, offering emotional, physical and financial support.

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

East of England Cancer Alliance (FAQ)

Cancer Alliances bring together clinical and other senior leaders in the health sector, as well as patients and members of the local community, across a defined geography to plan for and lead the delivery of the Independent Cancer Taskforce’s ambitions and reduce variation in outcomes and improve access to high quality, evidence-based interventions across whole care pathway.

Website: www.canceralliance.co.uk

Cancer Research UK

Together we will beat cancer.

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Hertbeats

Hertbeats is a Cardiac Support Group formed to provide practical advice, information and help to cardiac patients and their families within the St. Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield areas. Find out more

Cardiac Rehabilitation Service

The Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Service (West Hertfordshire) provides a comprehensive package of care to patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. It supports people to confidently return to their chosen lifestyle and activities and reduce their risk factors for a further cardiac event. Find out more

Rennie Grove Hospice Care

Rennie Grove Hospice Care is a charity providing care and support for patients diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness and their families. Find out more

Carers in Herts

A local, independent organisation offering support and signposting for carers. Find out more

Your Guide to Care and Support

If you look after someone with an illness or disability, whether that person is young or old, or a relative, partner, child or friend who lives with you or not, you are a carer. Visit NHS Choices

Carers' Breaks and Respite Care

Find out more

Giving Someone Power of Attorney

Find out more

Babble

Babble is an online community for young carers, a space for friendship, support,
advice and fun. Find out more

Youth Talk

Youth Talk is committed to helping and supporting young people in the District of St Albans. Find out more

Register a Carer

Find out more

Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that’s most common in children, It usually causes a bright red rash to develop on the cheeks. Find out more

Fever in Children

A fever is a high temperature. As a general rule, in children, a temperature of over 37.5C (99.5F) is a fever. Find out more

Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point. Find out more

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect young children. Find out more

Headlice

Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair. They’re particularly common in children. Find out more

Further information

From warts and measles to chickenpox and tonsillitis, find out how to recognise some of the most common childhood conditions NHS Choices – Childhood Illness

St Albans Children's Centre

Helping children in Hertsmere and beyond reach their full potential by offering a network of quality services which are accessible, affordable and enjoyable for children and those who care for them. Find out more

CAHMS

Please view information regarding CAHMS below:

• CAHMS: Waverley Rd – St Albans

Herts Urgent Dental Care

Find out what to do when your dental surgery is closed and you have an urgent dental problem. Visit the website

Type 2 Diabetes

Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes.

If left unchecked, Type 2 diabetes is a very serious health condition that can cause long term health problems.

It can lead to sight loss, kidney failure, loss of a limb, and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Having diabetes also puts you at greater risk of becoming very unwell if you catch COVID-19. Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can have a huge impact on you and your family and can mean lots of changes to the way you live your life.

You can turn that risk around. The first step is to check your individual risk of developing the disease. The Diabetes UK risk tool can help you find out if you’re at risk. If you’re over 40, overweight or from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background you are likely to be at higher risk. It takes just a few minutes to check and could be the most important thing you do today.

Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/risk

Please talk to your GP if your risk score is moderate or high.

Your doctor may suggest a blood test and for you take part in our free Healthier You diabetes prevention programme.

Diabetes Advice

There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 where the body does not produce any insulin at all (usually develops in childhood or teenage years) and the patient must go on insulin straight away, or usually type 2 diabetes whereby the patient does produce insulin, but it does not work efficiently and tablets alongside diet and exercise is needed.

Patients get type 2 diabetes for various reasons. 1. Patients are more susceptible due to ethnicity-usually Asian, 2. Patients have a family history and 3. Overweight or obesity. Sadly, obesity is the most common cause in the UK.

We have a specialized diabetic team at the Lodge Health Partnership. It is a chronic disease and has many long-term repercussions if the patient is left untreated or undertreated. Sadly, the most common cause of blindness in the UK is from poorly controlled diabetes. Alongside this renal disease is common in type 2 diabetes if also left untreated.

Therefore, it is very important that the team sees you and discusses options with you regularly, so we can reduce the side effects of long-term damage.

If you have any symptoms such as increased thirst, passing urine more regularly or if you are getting thrush and feeling unwell, please ask your nurse/GP to assess you for type 2 diabetes.

Information on diabetes can be found on www.diabetes.co.uk.

Information on diet can be found on www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes.

Spectrum

Spectrum are a social care and health charity that supports and enables people to change their lives for the better and achieve positive and life-affirming goals. Find out more

The Living Room

Breaking the cycle of addiction. Find out more

Talk to Frank

If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.0300 123 6600 Talk online

Drinkline

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.0300 123 1110

Further information

For more information about the benefits of drinking less, top tips and more visit NHS Choices – Drinking and Alcohol
Alternatively, for more information on how drug misuse can be harmful to your health visit NHS Choices – The Effects of Drugs

Healthy Living Pack

Download our pack for top tips on leading a healthy lifestyle

Hertfordshire Health Walks

A full programme of walks across St Albans District including St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Sandridge and Bricket Wood. Visit the website

Health in Herts

Find out about Health in Herts

Feeling Tired All The Time?

Please see our Feeling Tired All The Time? leaflet.

Holly Health App

Lodge Health Partnership has partnered with Holly Health, an app which uses habit change coaching to help you make small changes to improve both mental and physical health. It covers four main areas- sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental wellbeing.

How it works

• Follow the link https://hollyhealth.io/lodgehealth to get started.
• Once you are set up and logged in you will be asked some questions to get an idea of your motivations, current behaviours and health goals.
• It then helps you create daily habits, suggesting ideas depending on the information given.
• They can then track your progress to see how you are getting on.
• It also provides resources to further inspire and motivate you, such as articles, videos and recipes.
• Reminders can be set up to help you complete the daily habits.
• Users can start a conversation with Holly Bird (AI) at any time if you are needing more information or some extra support.
• 8 weeks after signing up, you will be asked questions to assess progress.

Important to note – the app does not share any details with us regarding your individual use of the app or your progress etc.

Please see video linked below for further information about Holly Health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lft5vnd0nQ0

Health and Care Videos

Their aim is to use short and simple videos to help you and the people you care for.

Website: healthandcarevideos.uk

Healthwatch Hertfordshire

Healthwatch Hertfordshire is the independent consumer voice for health and social care in Hertfordshire.

Website: www.healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk

Dementia

Leaflet: Dementia: Helping your brain to stay healthy

Healthy Start - Give your kids the best start in live

Over five thousand Hertfordshire families are missing out on £100’s of food and milk vouchers

Are you pregnant or have a child under four? Did you know you could be missing out on free fruit and vegetables or milk?

If you are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old you could be entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers worth £3.10 per child per week, to spend on milk, plain fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and instant formula milk. You can also use them to buy pulses and canned fruit and vegetable as long as they have no fat, salt, sugar or other flavouring added. The vouchers can be redeemed at local retailers.

If you are entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers you will also get free vitamins designed to help pregnant and breastfeeding women and growing children.

Pregnant women and every child over one and under four years old can get one voucher every week. Children under one year old can get £6.20 per week.

To be eligible you should be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. Check your eligibility on Gov.UK: Health Start.

For example, a parent with a new baby and a 3 year old could get vouchers worth almost £500 a year.

You can still receive the vouchers if you live with your partner and they receive one of these benefits or you are the dependent child of someone who receives them. If you are pregnant and under 18 you do not have to be in receipt of any benefits to qualify.

Take-up of the vouchers is very low, around 40 percent, so check you are entitled as soon as possible to prevent missing out. You can pick up an application leaflet at your GP’s or baby clinic. Alternatively you can phone for a form on 0345 607 6823 or download and print one from www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/how-to-apply.

Due to COVID19 restrictions the form does not need to be signed by a health professional.

You can also use the benefit-checker on the County Council’s website, and access free information about benefits that you might be missing-out on – www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/benefit.

• Healthy Start Poster

StreetLink - the rough sleeping reporting project

StreetLink enables the public to alert local authorities in England about rough sleepers in their area. Visit the website

Open Door Homelessness Service

The Open Door Homelessness Service is a night shelter and daytime drop-in for vulnerable people in St Albans. Find out more

Centre 33

Helping homeless people in St Albans. Visit the website

Emmaus

Emmaus St Albans is a homelessness charity providing up to 33 formerly homeless people with a safe home environment and the opportunity to work. Find out more

West Hertfordshire Hospitals

Find out more

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals

Find out more

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre

Find out more

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Find out more

Planning your Pregnancy

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can improve your chances of conceiving and having a successful pregnancy. Follow these steps

Antenatal Care

Calculate your Due Date

Your Antenatal Appointments Explained

Find Maternity Services Near you

Postnatal Care

You will be very busy looking after your baby, but remember to go for your postnatal check with your GP at around six to eight weeks after the birth. Please make an appointment with a doctor close to when your baby will be 8 weeks old in order that the doctor can do a postnatal check and a growth and development check of you baby.

Your postnatal check

Further information

Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, you should find it here – NHS Choices – Your Pregnancy & Baby Guide

Our Antenatal Clinics

Antenatal clinics are held at all 3 of our sites on different days.

Antenatal Care Schedule

Find out more

Pregnant Patients - Whooping Cough Vaccination

Make sure you and your baby are protected.

Samaritans

If something is troubling you, call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.116 123 Find out more

Mind

Information and Support for all mental health issues. Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393 Find out more

Rethink

Help, information and support for all those affected by mental illness. Find out more

Further information

For more information about mental health, ways to cope with it and more visit

NHS Choices – Mental Health

One You – Feeling Stressed?

Hertfordshire Partnership

We provide mental health and learning disabilities inpatient care and treatment in the community for young people, adults and older people in Hertfordshire. Find out more

Youth Talk

Youth Talk is committed to helping and supporting young people in the District of St Albans. Find out more

Spot The Signs and Save a Life

• Spot the Signs Campaign Guide

Feeling Tired All The Time?

Please see our Feeling Tired All The Time? leaflet.

Togetherall

Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Joining Togetherall provides something that has always been important for good mental health and wellbeing: a community for shared experiences and mutual support. The platform promotes a sense of belonging and connection through community. Which is accessible anywhere, anytime, 24/7.

Joining togeatherall community empowers people to seek and provide support for their mental health and wellbeing in a welcoming and safe environment.

Someone somewhere will know how you’re feeling right now, perhaps even have gone through it themselves and they’d love to hear your story.

No judgement. No stigma. This is a place where anyone can begin their journey towards better mental health.

Take assessments, complete courses, journal and learn more to understand your mental health.

To become part of the togetherall community please go to: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/ to register.

The Sandbox: New online Mental Health Digital Advice and Guidance Service for 10-25s

The Sandbox is an NHS funded service to support children and young people in Hertfordshire with their mental health and well-being.

• This new free NHS funded service launches on 1st April 2023 and offers a website, with access to games, worksheets, group chats and online events for children, young people, their parents/carers, teachers and other professionals.
• The Sandbox provides access to internet enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) or one to one support from professional therapists by text, phone, online chat or video call, based on a triage of the young person’s needs.
• Website: 24/7
• Therapy sessions: 7am-10pm Mondays-Fridays and 10am-10pm Saturdays and Sundays
• Live Chat: 10am-8pm Mondays-Fridays

Signing up is easy and doesn’t require a referral from a professional. Visit sandbox.getcerebral.co.uk.

NHS Service Launches Free Dealing with Depression Webinar

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) primary care mental health service in Hertfordshire and Mid Essex have launched a new innovative free online webinar to support residents dealing with low mood and depression.

Find out More

Information for Children and Young People from NHS Hertfordshire

NHS Hertfordshire has put together a document containing information on several resources that are there to provide mental health support for children and young people:

Information for Children and Young People – Feb 2021

Explaining PSA Testing

Please see our Explaining PSA Testing leaflet.

Reporting Concerns

If you are worried or concerned about a child or a vulnerable adult please visit Hertfordshire Gov: Report a concern about an adult or Hertfordshire Gov: Report concerns about a child or request support for more information and how to report your concerns.

Family Planning Association

They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK. Find out more

Brook

Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year. Get advice now

Sexual Health Help Line

The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice 0845 122 8690

Further information

For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit NHS Choices – Sexual Health

LGBTQ* Clinic

The LGBTQ* Clinic offers non-judgemental holistic sexual health care across a full
range of sexual health services designed to meet the specific needs of the
LGBTQ* community. Find out more

St Albans Sexual Health Clinic

The clinic offers all methods of contraception, screening, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, evening walk-in clinic for the under 25s, condom provision and GUM services. Find out more

Get Support Now

Choose from an app, Quit Kit, email, SMS and face-to-face guidance. Sign up now

Further information

For more information about the benefits of stopping smoking, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Stop Smoking

One You – Thinking of quitting?

Vaccination Information

Pneumococcal vaccination – NHS Choices

Shingles vaccination – NHS Choices

Understanding HRT

Please see our Understanding HRT Leaflet.

Menopause

Menopause Symptoms

Change is inevitable – how you handle it isn’t. Did you know that headaches, joint pains, trouble sleeping, hair loss and dry skin are all symptoms of the perimenopause? Please view the below poster for further information.

• Balance Poster

Your essential guide to navigating menopause successfully.

• Understanding menopause leaflet

FAQs

Find out more about Common Women’s health conditions: NHS: Women’s health

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme could help you if you are living with obesity and also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. If you match the criteria you could benefit from the free 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme, It’s completely free and easily available via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

• You must be 18 or over
• Have a BMI greater than 30. The BMI threshold will be lowered to 27.5 for people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.
• You must also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
• The programme is only available to people with a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.

Contact the surgery today via our website to find out how the programme could benefit you. For more information, please view the digital weight management patient leaflet.

Weight Watchers

Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle. Find out more

Want to get more active

Get help and advice from NHS Choices including 10 Minute workouts, 12 week fitness plan, running & cycling for beginners and much more. Get help now

Slimming World

You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight. Find out more

Get started on the nhs 12 Week Weight Loss Plan

The plan is designed to help you lose weight and keep it off. Get started now

Am I a Healthy Weight

Calculation your BMI using this NHS Choices Tools

Further information

For more information about the benefits of losing weight, top tips and more visit

NHS Choices – Weight Loss

One You – How healthy is your food?

One You – How much have you moved today?

QEII Urgent Care Centre

Address: The New QEII Hospital, Howlands, Welwyn Garden City Herts AL7 4HQ

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day

Times for X-rays:  08:00-23:00

Walk-ins: 08:00-22:00, including suspected fractured / broken bones and head injuries

Telephone: 0143 831 4333

St Albans City Hospital IUCH

Address: Waverley Road , St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5PN

Opening hours: 09:00-18:00

Telephone: 0172 786 6122

The Integrated Urgent Care Hub treats urgent but not life-threatening health conditions. It offers appointments between 09:00 and 18:00, seven days a week and provides access to diagnostic services such as x-rays. Patients are booked into the service, often with same day appointments, through NHS 111 or their GP practice. It is not a walk-in service.

Hemel Hempstead Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre

Address: Ground Floor, Jubilee Wing, Hemel Hempstead Hospital, Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempstead Herts HP1 4AD

Opening Hours: 08:00-22:00

Telephone: 0144 448 7452

Watford General Hospital

Address: Level 1, PMOK Block, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road Watford Herts WD18 0HB

Opening hours: 24 hours

Urgent Treatment Centre Opening Hours: 08:00-14:00

Telephone: 0192 321 7758 or 0192 321 7759