Projects

Screening
The Health Trainer team has been working with many of the G.P. practices in North East Lincolnshire, with a view to supporting them to improve the number of patients who attend for screening. This has so far been specifically targeted at Cervical and Breast screening, although this may be expanded upon soon. The four Health Trainers involved in this work; contact patients by telephone (sometimes after sending them a letter – dependant upon the G.P. practice), and speak to them about the reasons for their non-attendance. This has shown a multitude of reasons; and often things like childcare issues, work and transport are the reasons behind patient’s non attendance. The Health Trainers offer support to overcome the barriers to attending; give information and book further appointments for the patient. However sometimes patients do not see the importance of screening, or realise the impact it can have. The 4 Health Trainers involved in this project; have had additional training and are able to offer quite detailed information. This is about not only the benefits of being screened; but also about the process itself, they are even able to attend the screening with the patient if this is required.   

Health Checks
NHS Health Checks; are available to members of the public who are aged between 40 and 74, and who are not on the chronic disease register (such as those with Diabetes). Patients will be invited on a 5year rolling basis by their practice. The Health Trainer team works with a number of G.P. practices by offering lifestyle clinics within the practice building, or by taking referrals following health checks. This means that within these practices; patients who have had a lifestyle issue (such as smoking, alcohol, weight etc) identified following a health check, can have support for the issue straight away. This we feel will reduce any worries the patient may have; and enable them to address their issue(s) very quickly.   

Smoking in pregnancy
This project sees the Health Trainer team working closely with the Specialist Stop Smoking Service. It is a 2 part project; Health Trainers work within maternity services, contacting expectant ladies offering information and support predominantly in stopping smoking, but also with other lifestyle issues. This is done in partnership with specially trained smoking advisors; who can work with expectant ladies, with the Health Trainers often supporting other family members to quit. In addition to this Health Trainers work in some specific Children’s centres; supporting new parents and their families to quit smoking, which includes facilitating some small groups.  

Havelock
A Health Trainer; has been working within Havelock Academy for over 2 years supporting the staff, to help improve student health and that of their families. This is our first activity working with people under the age of 16, and it has proved to be very successful, with the Health Trainer being well regarded by both staff and students. This was also our first activity where we worked with families collectively (where appropriate), instead of solely 1-1 work.

Probation
The health of offenders / ex-offenders is generally worse then that of the general population; this is due to a number of reasons. To help address this issue; a Health Trainer now works within probation, supporting their client group with a number of lifestyle issues. This is proving to be very successful; especially in the areas of diet, alcohol and signposting/supporting into other services.

Life checks
This is a web based health check available to members of the public; it asks a number of health related questions and then gives a general recommendation, of which actions to take. Health Trainers link into this facility; offering far more detailed support and signposting, to a range of support services and on a range of health related issues.

Shoreline
This project sees some Health Trainers, working within the supported housing provided by Shoreline. They offer health related promotional activities; information and 1-1 support to the residents. They have also arranged multi-agency events within the residencies; which have been supported by groups and agencies such as, the Fire service, Falls collaborative and Citizens advice bureau.   

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
North East Lincolnshire is fortunate to have a dedicated team, which specifically targets COPD. Health Trainers work within this clinic, supporting their clients with a number of health and lifestyle issues. Health Trainers have also received training in how to use monitors, which help identify those who may have undiagnosed COPD.