The temptation might be to run away from all the challenges that have been accumulating during these years of Brexit-fuelled paralysis!

But assuming a bit more positivity, Philip Anderson poses the question specifically about our national health service.

This jewel in the crown of British identity could do with a polish: how would you improve the NHS if you were Prime Minister?

 

Shortly before Christmas, news came out of the first prosecution by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for failing to provide safe care.

Derbyshire County Council has the dubious distinction of being the first local authority prosecuted since the CQC was given this power in 2015. They have been fined £500,000.

More information here

 

This Friday, 10th January, sees the launch of the fourth annual Unique Arts Awards.

Organised by mouth and foot painting artist Tom Yendell, the competition is open to children and young people with disabilities. 

There are some great prizes, both for the individual artists and their school.

You can read more here.

 

Frail and elderly individuals are more prone to falling, and are frequently unable to get up again without help, even if they are not injured.

Harrogate Neighbours, an elderly care charity, has seen the response time for dealing with a fallen person go from six hours to 15 minutes, since they were supplied with a Raizer emergency lifting chair by Yorkshire Care Equipment.

Read more about it here.

 

I'm sure you know by now that nutrition is one of those subjects we care passionately about at Independent Living!

Eating properly and staying hydrated are essential to health and well-being – so what could be more important than the quality of food in hospitals?

The Patients Association would like you to take part in their survey of hospital meals, if you have spent at least one night in hospital during the past six months.

Here is the survey

 

Design & manufacture for disability - DEMAND - is a charity that develops products to help children and adults with disabilities.

They are looking for people who think they could benefit from an Adaptable Balance Board, Wheelchair-accessible Play Kitchen (shown here) or Transforming Therapy Trike to become ‘test pilots’ and help put the designs through their paces.

Read more here

 

Don't forget that you can apply to join the Independent Living Facebook group, if you would like to spend more time discussing these themes with other interested people. 

There are various ways you can get in touch with us: email me; visit our Facebook page and leave a message there; or if it's short and sweet, Tweet!

Previous newsletters are archived here.

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Thank you for reading and best wishes for the New Year once again,

Frances