by Editor | Jun 3, 2013 | Press Releases
Press release: How to solve the crisis in A&E, and reduce health inequalities 3.6.13
Summary
Since 1.4.13, when the Health and Social Care Act 2012 took effect, the responsibility for the NHS passed from central to local government. The present crisis in A&E is therefore the responsibility of every elected councillor of every Local Authority. They should act through the new committees created for that purpose, namely their Health and Wellbeing Boards.
The chairmen of the new Clinical Commissioning Boards (CCGs) sit on this committee ex officio, and they have the power to do this, as they control about 2/3 of the NHS budget (£65 bn pa nationally, and £400 mpa locally in the city of Brighton and Hove) Councillors can solve the crisis in A&E by telling their CCGs to do what Prince Charles told the World Health Organisation conference 8 years ago (in May 2005) and integrate into the NHS the best of complementary therapy.
Polls show 3 out of 4 patients want complementary therapy (such as yoga classes) free on the NHS, and 1 out of 2 GPs suggest they try it. However, the patient has to pay, which most cannot afford. This is the cause of health inequalities. The rich get complementary therapy, and learn how to live healthily, but the poor cannot afford it, so on average suffer long term conditions 18 years before the rich, and die 9 years earlier, as found by the Marmot report in 2010.
This paper proposes a scheme in which the GPs can prescribe training courses (such as the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 8 week course, which is NICE-recommended for depression) in the form of a voucher. Patients can trade it for a free course where it is now provided by the third sector, and the facilitator can claim the value from the commissioners in arrears, (as pharmacists now do for drugs.)
Problem. The NHS system is broke
Aneurin Bevan’s promise that the state would look after everyone from the cradle to the grave by giving away free treatment (mainly drugs) has not worked, as public health has declined, as 1 in 4 of us (15 million) now have at least one long term condition. Last year, GPs wrote a billion monthly prescriptions, which implies that half the population are on 3 drugs continuously, the second to counteract the side effects of the first, and the third to counteract the side effects of the second. Unless in emergency patients have to wait a fortnight for an appointment to see their GP, and patients now have to wait 12 hour at A&E.
Solution. Allow GPs to prescribe courses which give patients self help tools to prevent, heal and cure their conditions.
The solution lies in the word ‘doctor’, which comes from the latin verb ‘doctare’, meaning ‘to teach.’ Doctors’ original function in society was to teach people how to live healthily, but this was hijacked by the drug companies, for whom they have become pill pushers. GPs should revert to their original function as teachers, by prescribing NICE-recommended courses which teach self help techniques to prevent, heal and cure dis-eases and long term conditions.
The Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 8 week course is NICE-recommended for depression (CG232004, and CG123 May 2011) This is clinically indicated for one in three patients presenting with anxiety. Transport for London provide it for their sick staff, and have thereby reduced their staff absence rate by 73%. It is provided free on the NHS, but unless you are suicidal, the waiting time is excessive, so GPs cannot readily prescribe it.
Under the NHS constitution, patients have the statutory right to NICE-recommended treatments (including the MBCT course) if their doctor says it is clinically appropriate. Theoretically, the MBCT course is clinically appropriate for the 160,000 patients in Sussex who are depressed. However, the old Primary Care Trust (PCT) only commissioned about 8,000 patient places pa of MBCT courses, which means that the waiting time for a course for depressed patients s 160,000/8,000= 20 years.
To enable GPs to prescribe a MBCT course as easily as Prozac, and for the patient to obtain a course within a few weeks, the CCG should create a voucher system by which the patient could cash the prescription with and private provider of the MBCT course. There are many of these in every town, and they are providing them like evening classes for between £150 and £370 per client.
I have created a company called Social Enterprise Complementary Therapy Company (SECTCo) to provide this voucher scheme in Brighton and Hove. For further details, see www.sectco.org.uk, and www.rteginaldkapop.org sections 9.56,9.57, and 9.59, or contact John Kapp, 22, Saxon Rd Hove BN3 4LE, 01273 417997, [email protected], after 10.6.13.
by Editor | Apr 7, 2013 | Events, Music
Learn to play a string instrument!
Over 50? Always wanted to play a string instrument?
Then Silver Strings is for you.
This new 9 week course will ease you into learning the basics in a group
-we even provide the instruments!
Course fee £36.00
West Hill Hall, Compton Avenue
Wednesdays starting 24th April 2013 2-3:30pm
Call Jackie Duncan at Age UK B&H 01273 720603
by Editor | Oct 19, 2012 | Brighton, Local Information, Where to Go
Singing for Pleasure has 4 venues in the Brighton area.
Forget all your Troubles and Sing! Sing! Sing!
For more info about Singing for Pleasure Click Here:
[contentbox headline=”SPECIAL OFFER.” type=”normal”] When you take out a term membership for 6/8 weeks you can sing at all 4 venues WITHOUT any extra charge. That works out at £1.25 for each singing session.[/contentbox]
Venues
Tuesday daytime sessions take place at St Phillip’s Church Hall,
New Church road,
Hove, BN3 4BB.
View Google Map
Wednesday daytime sessions take place at the Methodist Church Hall,
Southwick Street,
Southwick, BN42 2NA.
View Google Map
Wednesday evening sessions are at St Leonard’s Church Hall,
Glebe Villas,
Hove, BN3 5SN.
View Google Map
Thursday afternoon sessions are at the Methodist Church Hall,
Ladies Mile Road,
Patcham, BN1 8QE.
View Google Map
Open to all aged 15 or over.
Times
Tuesday afternoons at St Phillip’s Church Hall.
- Doors open 2.00pm
- Singing from 2.20pm to 3.20pm
Wednesday afternoons at Southwick Methodist Church Hall.
- Doors open 2.00pm
- Singing from 2.45pm to 4.00pm
Wednesday evenings at St Leonard’s Church Hall.
- Doors open 5.30pm
- Singing from 5.50pm to 6.50pm
- NEW! Classical section will follow the main singing session.
NEW! Thursday afternoons at Patcham Methodist Church Hall.
- From 18th October 2012
- Doors open 1.45pm
- Singing from 2.00pm
Prices
- Trial session just £3.50.
- Course of 10 classes for only £5 each.
- Regular single session fee £7.00.
[mappress mapid=”11″]
Terms and Conditions
Singing for Pleasure is divided into 10 week terms with the addition of some odd weeks. Fees are payable for the 10 week term at the founders’ price of £50.00. Weekly only fees are £7.00 per weekly session. It is not possible for roll-overs or refunds of any term fees paid for. Payment can be made by cheque payable to Showtime Productions and sent to 122 Nevill Road Hove BN3 7BT or paid for on the singing night.
Please note it is very difficult to precisely time each session because the halls are very popular and are usually booked back to back but they should be for approx 1 hour duration.
With so many people joining times may vary slightly – please be understanding.
What you can look forward to subject to confirmation.
Social to invite your friends at the end of each term.
Appear on stage twice a year at Hove Centre for the Martlets Musical Spectaculars in front of up to 900 people.
For more information call Robert or Corinne on 01273 555089
Or use the form below to Send Us a Message
or Request a Call Back.
Robert and Corinne Blass Run
Singing for Pleasure
[contact-form-7 id=”3452″ title=”Roberts Singing 1″]
by Editor | Oct 19, 2012 | Communities, Press Releases
Forget All Your Troubles &
Sing! Sing! Sing!
Singing for Pleasure have just opened
their 4th Brighton Singing group in Patcham
Following the success of their other 3 singing groups Simon, Robert and Corinne opened their 4th Singing group in Patcham Brighton on 18th oct 2012
Everyone of all ages and singing abilities are welcome to join Singing for Pleasure.
Singing for pleasure has now opened in Patcham providing another great opportunity to sing your hearts out for pleasure for health & for charity. Just come along and join us every Thursday at the Methodist Church Hall Ladies Mile Road. No need to read music, no auditions and don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, as part of the sessions Simon gets everyone in tune with some easy and fun singing exercises. Sing for Pleasure is a very sociable and friendly group. Come along from 2pm-3pm each Thursday. Call Corinne or Robert on 01273 555089 for More Information
What exactly is “Singing for Pleasure”?
It’s just that, “Singing for Pleasure” everyone comes a long and has fun, once Simon gets playing there’s not a long face in the room. No one is listening or looking at anyone else, so there’s no need to be shy, just let rip and sing to your hearts content.
Singing for pleasure has now opened in Patcham providing another great
opportunity to sing your hearts out for pleasure for health & for charity come
along and join us every Thursday at the Methodist Church Hall Ladies Mile Road
no need to read music no auditions don’t worry if you can’t sing we are a very
sociable and friendly group from 2pm-3pm tel for Information Corinne or Robert
01273 555089
Fantastic Health benefits as well!
Apart from making everyone feel great, there are even more health benefits with Singing for Pleasure.
- Reduce stress and improve mood
- Lower blood pressure
- Boost the immune system
- Improve breathing
- Reduce perceived pain
- Improve a sense of rhythm
- Promote learning in children
- Forge comforting memories
- Promote communal bonding
- Provide comfort
- Motivate and empower
Simon the Conductor and Musical director of
“Singing for Pleasure”.
Your in great hands with Simon!
Simon Gray, conductor and musical director of Singing for Pleasure, studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and enjoys a varied musical career encompassing a wide range of musical styles from pantomime and children’s shows to opera and the concert platform.
He was principal conductor for both Regency Opera and English Festival Opera and has made guest appearances with European Chamber Opera, and English Country Garden Opera as well as many smaller companies.
He has conducted concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, The Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St John’s Smith Square as well as many other venues around the UK. He has conducted opera and major touring musicals, as well as West End shows and has musically directed pantomimes with a host of stars.
In 2007 year he had the honour to conduct the 200th anniversary celebration of The Theatre Royal, Brighton.
In 2008 & 2009 Simon was invited to Norway where he took up a position as Choir Master on board the MS Midnatsol as she cruised the Norwegian coastline. Performing beneath the Northern Lights is a wonderful experience!
You can find out more about Simon at his website www.musictheatre2000.com.
Robert and Corinne Blass
Robert and Corinne have been involved in show groups for over 30 years having produced big Musical shows in Brighton over the last 10 years raising over £150 000 for local charities.
They both organise all the Singing for Pleasure events, joining in with the singing as well as assisting all the members of the four groups.
Where to find Singing for Pleasure.
You can find the Singing Groups at the following venues:
Venues
Tuesday daytime sessions take place at
St Phillip’s Church Hall,
New Church road,
Hove, BN3 4BB.
View Google Map
Wednesday daytime sessions take place at the
Methodist Church Hall,
Southwick Street,
Southwick, BN42 2NA.
View Google Map
Wednesday evening sessions are at
St Leonard’s Church Hall,
Glebe Villas,
Hove, BN3 5SN.
View Google Map
Thursday afternoon sessions are at the
Methodist Church Hall,
Ladies Mile Road,
Patcham, BN1 8QE.
View Google Map
Open to all aged 15 or over.
[mappress mapid=”11″]
Times
Tuesday afternoons at St Phillip’s Church Hall.
- Doors open 2.00pm
- Singing from 2.20pm to 3.20pm
Wednesday afternoons at Southwick Methodist Church Hall.
- Doors open 2.00pm
- Singing from 2.45pm to 4.00pm
Wednesday evenings at St Leonard’s Church Hall.
- Doors open 5.30pm
- Singing from 5.50pm to 6.50pm
- NEW! Classical section will follow the main singing session.
NEW! Thursday afternoons at Patcham Methodist Church Hall.
- From 18th October 2012
- Doors open 1.45pm
- Singing from 2.00pm
Prices
- Trial session just £3.50.
- Course of 10 classes for only £5 each.
- Regular single session fee £7.00.
For more information call Robert or Corinne on 01273 555089
Or use the form below to Send us a Message
or Request a Call Back.
[contact-form-7 id=”3452″ title=”Roberts Singing 1″]
by Editor | Sep 24, 2012 | Events
Lucky 7 for AVT Connect –
7 events in 7 weeks for 7 clients
at Brighton Dome
The Dome in Brighton is known for many things. Which one stands out the most? Perhaps it’s ABBA winning the 1974 Eurovision song contest and then going on to become one of the world’s greatest ever bands. It was also where Pink Floyd first performed Dark Side of the Moon and Jimi Hendrix, Nina Simone, The Smiths and Led Zeppelin, have all played there.
There’s no limit to the events that can be staged at Brighton Dome from a large conference, an intimate meeting, impressive exhibition, exclusive banquet, gala dinner, awards ceremony, formal seminar or corporate party. All five venues within the complex can be used individually or combined and there are also three additional external break-out facilities, all situated within 100 metres. Corporate clients include Microsoft, American Express, L’Oreal, BBC and Barclays and organisations return time and again because of the flexibility of the spaces and the expertise of in-house production services team.
AVT Connect feels honoured to be a preferred supplier at the Dome and is no stranger to producing events in each of their five venues and in the numerous breakout rooms and spaces that are also available. From mid June to the end of July, AVT produced six events for a variety of different and interesting organisations which couldn’t be more different to the rock star heritage spoken about above.
As a preferred supplier, AVT has a wealth of experience integrating successfully with the in-house facilities and technical team. All of these events required flown screens, great connectivity, presentation slides, layers of lighting and sound. They required AV Technicians on hand to stage manage and co-ordinate all the different elements to ensure a flawless delivery and each of the events had their own unique story to tell.
EPIZONE European Research Group (ERG) / Institute for Animal Health – Annual Meeting at Brighton Dome (13th-14th June)
The theme of the 6th annual meeting was “Viruses on the move” and reflects the ever changing virus landscape. This poses continuing and new threats to animal and human health and food security and provides challenges for control of animal diseases. The meeting addressed the latest developments aimed at monitoring and understanding the evolution, emergence, transmission and spread of epizootic viruses. AVT received the following feedback, “The high standard of the audio visual equipment and expert, helpful and friendly technical assistance was a major factor in making our EPIZONE meeting a great success. We have received a lot of very positive feedback about the meeting and we will have no hesitation in recommending AVT to others.”
Ampersand: The Web Typography Conference – organised by Clearleft (15th June)
Typography can be described as “the mechanical arrangement of language”. With over 10 different speakers on the subject, including Professor Phil Baines, the Senior Typographic Lecturer at Central St Martin’s College, this conference represents all the latest developments in web typography. Neil Harrison, AVTs Head Technician said of the conference, “ I never imagined so much work went into designing a web font , the alphabet has to be designed for upper case, lowercase, superscript, postscript and then there’s symbols, numbers and punctuation. Furthermore, I didn’t realise the passion that exists for fonts, there are some real font nerds out there which is great!”
BASHH / ASTDA (Joint Spring Meeting) British Association for Sexual Health and HIV / American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association (27th-29th June)
BASHH is the lead representative body for those practicing sexual health including management of STIs and HIV in the UK. Whilst the nature of some of the subject matter could be considered to be somewhat sensitive, this was the first time that AVT had used Wi-Fi to send all presentations from speaker preview to technical operations, instead of the usual hard wired network. This saved the client money and was a seamless delivery of audio visual slides.
Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness: ASSC16 – hosted & organised by Brighton & Sussex Medical School: A partnership between the Universities of Brighton and Sussex with the NHS (02nd-06th July)
The ASSC is an academic society that promotes rigorous research directed toward understanding the nature, function, and underlying mechanisms of consciousness. Their 16th annual meeting took place in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall and Pavilion Theatre and the Corn Exchange was also used for presentations and display. There was talk of having real live tissue from Einstein’s brain on display for people to view, which didn’t happen at the last moment, much to the disappointment of several people!
Arts Marketing Association (10th-12th July)
The Arts Marketing Association (AMA) is the professional development organisation for arts marketers and audience development professionals. There are around 2,000 AMA members, mainly arts professionals who attended the three day event which at various times occupied the Dome Concert Hall, the Pavilion Theatre and various break out spaces such as the Dome mezzanine and Pavilion bar. It was a highly successful conference as underlined by their glowing testimonial, “We were 100% delighted with the delivery of services from AVT Connect at our conference in Brighton. All the services were delivered as promised and we would definitely look to use AVT Connect again, if the opportunity arose. Thank you so much!”
Graduation Ceremony for the University of Sussex (03rd- 06th July) & Graduation Ceremony for the University of Brighton (23rd-27th July)
It gave AVT immense pride to produce the University of Brighton and University of Sussex graduations. Spread over four days, the University of Sussex graduations hosted a total of 2,225 students – the biggest number ever to attend the summer ceremonies. They were awarded their degrees by the University of Sussex Chancellor, Sanjeev Bhaskar, at Brighton Dome, watched by 6,000 guests, family and friends. Hundreds more were watching around the world as the ceremonies were broadcast live online, for which AVT provided the feed.
The record number of 5,000 University of Brighton graduating students at this year’s summer award ceremonies shared the stage with nine honorary graduates including Jonny Ball (Doctor of Science), the man who taught millions to ‘think of a number’, and Harvey Goldsmith CBE (Doctor of Arts), the legendary rock impresario.
