HAPS Newsletter March 2022

Welcome to the HAPS March Newsletter

What makes you happy?

March 20th is International day of happiness, this led us to asking what makes us happy? I asked the team to tell me the first thing that sprang to mind when I asked them what made them happy.  I thought I would share their responses here.

  • The sun,
  • When loved ones are happy
  • Her doggy “singing” to her when she arrives home from work
  • Long walks in the outdoors
  • Cocktails
  • Tea being ready when they get in from work
  • Connect services being awarded the Carer Friendly Service Quality Mark

What makes you happy? We would love to hear when you call in to us.

 

Problems and Tips

 In the next few newsletters, we thought we could include a little section on common problems and tips to help remedy.

SORE SKIN

 

Poor fitting Appliance

Recommended Action

The stoma may change size and shape leading to exposed skin. Exposed skin can become sore.         

Remeasure the stoma and cut the correct sized hole to ensure a good fit. Fitting the appliance correctly will protect the skin and allow healing to take place.

 

Skin Sensitivity

Recommended Action

The skin may discolour when the

appliance is changed.  If the skin remains discoloured in the shape of the appliance’s adhesive, then this may be due to a sensitivity.

If possible, email a photo to your Stoma Care Nurse for review.

Often, using an alternative appliance will help resolve the issue.  Sometimes a mild topical steroidal treatment is needed to treat the area

 

Easter Holidays

We will soon be approaching the next holiday period of Easter. Whilst its lovely to be able to spend time away from work with loved ones it does mean that we need to make sure you all have enough products and don’t need to order over the days we are shut.  Below are our opening times for over Easter.

Thursday 14th  April – 08.00-17.00

Friday 15th April (Good Friday) – Closed

Saturday 16th April (Easter Saturday) – Closed

Sunday 17th April (Easter Sunday)– Closed

Monday 18th April (Easter Monday)– Closed

Tuesday 19th April – 08.00-17.00

 

Stoma support groups

Would you like to be in touch with other individuals who may have shared the same experiences as you? The following groups all welcome new members and contact details are below;

Colostomy UK;  Support – Colostomy UK – Supporting and empowering you

 Ileostomy association  We are strong – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

Urostomy association. The Urostomy Association – Support & Information for patients and carers

 

Connect Prescription Services Website

We will be posting live information on the service phone-lines on the website. There’s information on how to order your prescriptions, frequently asked questions, and some useful contacts. The link to access this is below;

https://connectprescriptions.com/

 

Ways to Order

In addition to telephoning in your order you can also email your prescription when it is due. Simply confirm your details (Name, DOB, address) and the items required. We will process the request and respond to your email with confirmation of receipt.  Please forward your request to;

connect services.hccg.haps@nhs.net

Please be aware, if you are planning a holiday to order your supplies within plenty of time.

Our busy periods on the phone lines tend to be Monday all day and the first and third Wednesday afternoon of each month. Tuesdays after a bank holiday are also very busy and wait times on the phone may be longer. We apologise for any delay during these times.

Our quietest times on the phones tend to be our extended hours between 17.00-20.00 Monday and Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 09.00-13.00

 

Bank holiday closed dates 2022

Friday 15th April 2022

Saturday 16th April 2022

Monday 18th April 2022

Monday 2nd May 2022

Thurs 2nd June 2022

Friday 3rd June 2022

Saturday 4th June 2022

Monday 29th August 2022

Monday 26th December 2022

Tuesday 27th December 2022

Monday 2nd January 2023