Diseases
Addison's disease
Addison Disease Self Help Group
The Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) is the UK support group for men, women and children with adrenal insufficiency. The group is a UK registered charity and the support group has been running since 1984. The group has around 850 members, of whom nearly 640 are women. They range in age from roughly 8 to 91 years old. Most of the members live within the United Kingdom.
AIDS/HIV
THT was one of the first charities to be set up in response to the HIV epidemic and has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV, and improving the nation's sexual health, ever since.
ACET is a practical and compassionate response to HIV & AIDS and works to support the rapidly growing ACET International Alliance. The Alliance is a group of independent organisations around the world working to reduce the rates of new HIV infections, care for those affected by HIV & AIDS and support AIDS orphans.
Allergy
Allergy UK is the country's leading medical charity dealing with allergy and we are here to help you.
Our dedicated helpline is manned by a team of fully trained allergy advisors. However, it's not just a helpline - in fact, it's a lifeline, providing invaluable support and information for allergy sufferers.
We can give you the time and support that is so important when faced with what can be life changing conditions.
Allergy and allergy tests - A guide for patients and relatives. June 2002.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was established in 1991. FAAN's membership now stands at more than 25,000 worldwide and includes families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff, representatives from government agencies, and the food and pharmaceutical industries. FAAN serves as the communication link between the patient and others.
The latest medical news and information for patients or friends/parents of patients diagnosed with allergies. From The Doctors Guide.
Alzheimer's Disease
Anaemias
Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatism Council
The Arthritis Research Campaign (arc), founded in 1936, raises funds to promote medical research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritic conditions: to educate medical students, doctors and allied healthcare professionals about arthritis and to provide information to people affected by arthritis and to the general public.
More than seven million people in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis or a related condition. Arthritis is the second most common cause of time off work among both men and women. One child in every thousand has a childhood form of arthritis, belying the perception that it is a conditon that only affects the elderly.
arc is the only major medical research charity in the UK investigating arthritis in all its forms. Millions of pounds are provided every year for grants funding research, education and training.
It includes practical advice on management of rheumatic disease: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
General Practitioners in Asthma Group (GPIAG) are an educational and research group for GPs with an interest in asthma. It was formed in 1987 and has steadily grown in strength and influence, with current membership standing at more than 715. It holds an annual Scientific Meeting, with presentations from group members and invited speakers, and the proceedings are published in a journal for distribution to the full membership. Members receive regular newsletters and factsheets giving a brief overview of specific asthma topics. Sister groups have been established in Australia, Canada, Ireland and Holland.
The British Thoracic Society is the official body of respiratory specialists. It was formed in 1982 by the amalgamation of the British Thoracic Association and the Thoracic Society. It has grown over the last few years to include medical practitioners, nurses, scientists and any professional with an interest in respiratory disease. In March 2000 there were 2017 members. The Society is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Its core functions are:
The relief of sickness of people with respiratory and associated disorders by the promotion of the highest standards of clinical care and the undertaking of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of respiratory and associated disorders, and disseminating the results of such research
The preservation and protection of public health by the provision of information in matters concerning respiratory and associated disorders and how they might be prevented.
Micro Medical - Offers Simple Spirometry equipment.
Clement Clark International
National Asthma & Respiratory Training Centre - Offers a range of distant learning courses.
Data published by the World Health Organisation indicate that:
• Annually, seven million new cancer patients are diagnosed throughout the world
• Annually, five million people die of cancer
• 1 in 3 of the population in Western nations develops cancer
• 1 in 4 of the population in Western nations dies of cancer
Useful websites
Information, policy documents and advice for healthcare professionals involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer. The Department’s overall cancer strategy is set out in the September 2000 ‘NHS Cancer Plan’.
This site forms an integral part of the Macmillan Support Programme for the PC Ca Leads community. Logged in users are able to view an enhanced version of the site and participate in the discussion forum, which aims to encourage PC Ca Leads to share experiences and good practice.To be eligible to access the secure area you must be a PC Ca Lead registered with the Macmillan Support Programme.
The cancer screening programmes in England are nationally coordinated. BreastCervixBowelProstate
Provides access to the following documentation:
• Manual of Cancer Services Standards
• Cancer Information Strategy
• National Database of Radiotherapy Provision
• Survey of Palliative Care Provision
• Cancer Nursing Strategy
• Referral Guidelines & Referral Proforma
Primary Care is a new addition to the Cancer Services Collaborative 'Improvement Partnership' and was established in 2002 with the aim of fully integrating primary care into the work of the CSC. It has three priorities:
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early diagnosis - focussing on early diagnostic pathways
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communication - professional to professional and professional to patient and carer
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supportive care throughout the pathway - focussing on patient information, cancer registers and co-ordination of the pathway.
One of the so-called 'cross tumour areas' - because of its impact on all cancers throughout the patient pathway the CSCIP is working together with the Networks and the Cancer Action Team to redesign processes so that patient and carer experiences of cancer care are improved.
Currently 34 pilot projects focussing on mapping the primary care journey from the patients perspective, eliciting patient views about primary care cancer services, working with their specialist colleagues to identify bottlenecks and then develop an action plan.
The projects are brought together in a series of workshops to share issues, challenges ad successes.
The primary care toolkit is being revised to equip the teams with basic redesign skills applied to primary care to support clinical teams to look at the services they provide. The project guidance includes easy instructions to:
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set up and organise mapping the patient journey
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understanding human dimensions of change
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integrate primary care into service redesign
This major new study by the Commission for Health Improvement and the Audit Commission looks at the progress the NHS has made in England and Wales on implementing the framework set out in the Calman-Hine report, a key report on cancer services published in 1995. The report is structured around patients' experiences of cancer and the complicated system of multiple services with which they come into contact.
The Befriending Network was established in the UK in 1994 to help improve the quality of life for people living at home with a terminal or life-threatening illness. Our trained volunteers offer emotional and practical support through their regular visits. The person who is being befriended decides with the volunteer how the relationship is to develop.
This site provides information and guidance on the national initiative to provide datasets that will assist cancer service providers in the sharing of data across all healthcare boundaries and support patient care and comparisons of cancer information.
This site provides information and guidance on the national initiative to provide datasets that will assist primary care cancer service providers in the sharing of data across all healthcare boundaries and support patient care and comparisons of cancer information.
The purpose of this site is to provide an information resource to help you understand the genetic basis of cancer and to be able to interpret new discoveries in the field of cancer genetics. We have created the site in three sections that interconnect but offer different ways into both clinical and basic information on cancer, genetics, and the role of genetics in causing cancer. OR... just start anywhere your curiosity suggests.
The Royal Marsden in conjunction with local groups in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster have compiled a handbook and website (www.CancerSupportUK.org.uk) for local people with cancer and their families. The Handbook and website covers information about local support and advice centres, social services and welfare advice, complementary therapies and cancer services.
This guide contains over 100 pages of links to cancer related information. Many sites contain information for both the public and for health professionals. For your convenience sites which are intended exclusively for health professionals are labelled as such. The pages are regularly updated with new links, and are periodically verified using a link-checker.
An exhibition of images and words of the emotions and feelings experienced during my cancer journey
Credible, current, comprehensive cancer information from the National Cancer Institute (USA), including types of cancer, cancer treatment options, clinical trials, cancer literature, cancer genetics, risk factors, prevention, testing, and more.
A UK comprehensive cancer resource. Providing information to the public and health professionals. It includes links to free cancerlit and Medline searches. There is an interactive section to allow users to access information to their specific circumstances.
Helps people with cancer, their families and friends live with cancer. Cancer nurses provide information, emotional support and practical advice by telephone or letter. Booklets, factsheets, a newsletter, website and CD-ROM provide information.
Address: 3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3DR
Tel: 020 7 6969003
Fax: 020 7 6969002
Cancer information freephone: 0808 800 1234
website: www.cancerbacup.org.uk
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Controversial cancer topics CancerBACUP's Medical Advisory Committee Reports. These reports listed below are written for doctors on complex and controversial cancer topics and can be accessed from the links below with permission from CancerBACUP.
CancerBACUP www.cancerbacup.org.uk |
Patient information booklets, cancer support groups and links to other cancer sites.
Cancerline UK is a resource website for cancer networks and multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) working in primary and secondary care, and is provided by AsraZeneca Oncology as a service to oncology and cancer care in the UK. The information on the website has been independently re-viewed and edited by recognised experts in the field of cancer. The site aims to offer a range of educational and informational services as well interactive tools for different members of the MDT's with the aim of making their job easier and allowing them to focus on patient care.
These can also be found on the NHSWeb at http://nww.doh.nhsweb.nhs.uk/cancer/. Suggested referral proforma can be found on http://www.doh.gov.uk/cancer/proforma.
Helpline provides information and snpport about neurological disorders for patients, carers and health professionals. Free, confidential and open: 9am-lpm weekdays except Wednesday. 10am-6pm on Wednesday.
Address: 7 Winchester House, Kennington Park, Cramner Road, London, SW9 6EJ
Tel: 0808 8081000
E-mail: info@bbiforg.uk
website: www.bbsforg.uk
Provides social and emotional support for people with cancer and their families and friends. One-to-one, group and telephone counselling by trained counsellors, and telephone link enabling people in similar circumstances to be put in touch with one another.
Address: Jane Scarth House, 39 The Hundred, Romsey, Hants S051 8GE
Tel: 01794 830374
website: www.cancer-care-soc.demon.co.uk
This cancer resource site has information available on many different aspects of cancer, investigation and treatment.
View the latest UK incidence and mortality figures at www.crc.org.uk Detailed reports on cancer statistics. Some reports deal with specific cancers; others address patterns of incidence, survival and risk.
CRC CancerStats provide....
• UK incidence, survival and mortality data
• An analysis of trends for the UK
• An analysis of known risk factors and genetic predisposition, where understood
• A discussion of the impact of screening programmes and of early detection
• A summary of the basic science and pathology
• A brief discussion of symptoms and treatment, with carefully chosen references
• An overview of world-wide variations
The Northern & Yorkshire Cancer Registry And Information Service (NYCRIS) is responsible for the collection, analysis and dissemination of cancer data for the whole of the Northern & Yorkshire region.
Opened in 1980 with a clear vision - of a new, holistic approach for cancer patients embracing a partnership between orthodox medicine and the best complementary therapies and care. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre aims to be a centre of excellence offering healing and positive healthcare to people affected by cancer, and to their supporters.
Cares for people in crisis. Volunteers provide local services including transport and escort, medical loan and domiciliary care. For more information, contact your local branch.
Address: 9 Grosvenor Crescent, London SWIX 7EJ
Tel: 020 72355454
Fax: 020 7245 6315
website: www.redcross.org.uk
A Directory of Cancer Resources & Support Organisations ( A reciprocal link site )
Regional Cancer Websites
This website has been developed by Regional Cancer Modernisation Team to provide information about all aspects of cancer. It is aimed mainly at health professionals but can also be used by members of the public. Within the site you will find National Clinical guidelines, including the two week cancer referral guidelines, NICE, SIGN and BASO, referral pathways to North West Cancer Units, palliative care prescribing guidance, good practice standards, the SPOTLIGHT and HELP educational series, information leaflets for patients and their carers, links to reputable medical journals, such as the BMJ and Bandolier, and links to voluntary cancer organisations.There are four main information groups.
• Clinical Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of particular cancers, including national guidelines and referral forms to local hospitals in the North West Region.
• Educational material to enhance learning for health workers. This will be most useful for people in primary care but can also help other health professionals, even those working in hospitals.
• Information for patients and their carers, written in plain language and easily printed out to be given to people to take home and read at their leisure.
• Information on government and regional office initiatives to improve cancer care, such as the Cancer Plan, details on the new cancer networks and the membership of the North West Regional Cancer Modernisation Team.
This web site is for cancer patients, their families, friends and carers.
In it, you can…
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find out about cancers, tests and treatments, side effects and many other subjects
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get advice on living and coping with cancer
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find out about cancer services in the Northern Cancer Network (NCN)
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look for sources of information, advice and support.
Information in this site is tailored to patients in the NCN area. If you live outside the area, you may still find this site to be a useful source of information. Please remember, though, that clinical practice may be different in your area. Please speak with your own health care team if you have a query about this.
Useful Books
CancerBACUP Feeling Beter - Controlling Pain and Other Symptoms of Cancer(1999) CancerBACUP Order Today!
Summerton N. Diagnosing cancer in primary care. Oxford, Radcliffe Medcial Press. 1999 Order Today!
Site Specific Information
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.
Since the founding of the CF Trust in 1964, we have been working to improve the lives of people with CF, raise the profile of CF and fund research into a cure. Our objectives are to: Fund medical and scientific research to develop a cure and provide effective treatments for Cystic Fibrosis. Ensure appropriate clinical care for those with Cystic Fibrosis. Provide information, advice, support and, where appropriate, financial assistance to anyone affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
| Sound of success | ||
| In the first of a new series, Graham Clews looks at how one practice won beacon status through its work with the deaf and hard of hearing. | Research carried out by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People has shown that almost a quarter of patients leave a consultation with their GP not having heard or understood what their doctor told them because of hearing difficulties. |  |
| And with deafness affecting one in five people over the age of 18, Bristol GP Judith Langfield has been awarded NHS beacon status after gearing her surgery up to improve communication with deaf and hard of hearing patients. Herself a hearing aid wearer for five years, Dr Langfield says she understands the difficulties faced by people whose hearing is not perfect. 'I have been in situations where 1 have had to ask three times what someone is saying and still not understood. You don't feel you can keep asking, she says. 'And when a patient is speaking to their doctor, it can be even more difficult to go on asking for things to be repeated, so people just go away not knowing.' Dr Langfield has had tiny amplifiers installed in the consultation rooms at her two-partner surgery, which makes it easier to hear what she, or her fellow doctor, is telling the patient. All staff at the practice have been on deaf awareness courses that have taught them how to speak more clearly and slowly, face the person they are talking to and be willing to repeat themselves. |
And a mini loop system has also been put into the reception area, which transmits to anyone wearing a hearing aid within three feet of the reception desk. The surgery also has a textphone that allows deaf people to contact the surgery without having to use an intermediary. Dr Langfield says: 'This all came about because 1 am hard of hearing myself. There has been more interest in communication skills in surgeries generally, and this makes it easier for our hard of hearing patients 'It has been a huge success and you see patients' eyes fight up when they see the loop in the reception and find out the improvements we have made.' Dr Langfield hopes her surgery's beacon status will act as a spur to other GPs to make their practices more hard of hearing-friendly. 'Hopefully, other doctors will follow our lead, And I think the minimum surgeries should have to introduce is basic deaf awareness training for GPs and surgery staff, and some portable amplifiers to make hearing easier,' she says. |
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| SEPTEMBER 16 2000 BMA NEWS REVIEW |
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The Royal National Institute for Deaf People
RNID is the largest charity representing the 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK. Our vision is a world where deafness and hearing loss are not barriers to opportunity and fulfilment.
Deafblind UK is the national association of deafblind and dual sensory impaired people in the UK.
Depression Alliance assists people affected by depression, thorough campaigns such as depression awareness week, their aims are to raise awareness of depression and support those with the illness through ideas such as self help groups.
Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales working for a better life for everyone experiencing mental distress.
Accu-Chek.co.uk is a diabetes resource for patients. If you have questions or need information about anything related to diabetes, we want you , the patient to easily find your answers here. This site is a tool - a tool you can use in whatever way suits you. By providing the information you need, we hope to help you help yourself. This site should be used as part of a total diabetes care plan - one that also includes the advice and recommendations of your doctor and Accu-Chek.co.uk. Accu-Chek.co.uk is operated by Roche Diagnostics Limited.
Health matters to us all, whoever we are. Whether we are young or old or from any section of the community - your views count. Now here's your chance to put the public at the heart of health and healthcare as never before - a new way of doing things. A large network of local health forums is being set up all over England. With legal powers - Patient and Public Involvement (PPI). The PPI forums will be able to speak up for the public on health. First members for the new forums are being sought. Working with other PPI Forum members, you will: encourage others to get involved, find out what people really think about health locally and take action, independently watch over the quality of local healthcare, shape decisions which impact on your health, influence local and national decisions as part of a growing network of public involvement & be a force for fairness and change.
A diabetic control program allows the selection of a clinical scenario in which the dose and type of insulin can be change. The insulin and glucose levels are displayed graphically over a 24hr period thus allowing monitoring of your 'patient' and management!
A guide to using Novo Nordisk Insulins and Devices
Insulin Pumps
http://www.insulin-pumpers.org.uk
Useful Books
Hillson, R Diabetes: The Complete Guide - The Essential Introduction to Managing Diabetes. Vermilion Order Today!
Haynes, A.J. The Insulin Factor: Can't Lose Weight? Can't Concentrate? Can't Resist Sugar? Could Syndrome X Be Your Problem? Thorsons Order Today!
The aims and objectives of NADG are to promote more efficient working of charitable and voluntary organisations of and for disabled people.
It is concerned with the well being of disabled people undertaken by voluntary groups in the areas of:
The Borough of Redcar Darlington
The Borough of Middlesborough Gateshead
The Borough of Stockton Newcastle
The Borough of Hartlepool Sunderland
North and South Tyneside
Northumberland
North and South Durham Cumbria and Districts
The BDA's role has been raising awareness of the evidence and effects of dyslexia. We now also aim to develop and encourage services that meet the needs of dyslexic people. In this way we will shape services to meet need. Our vision is of a dyslexia friendly society that will enable all dyslexic people to reach their potential. Currently the BDA is launching a "Wake up 2 Dyslexia" campaign in order to raise awareness of dyslexia and get funds for the BDA.
Website of the European Society of Primary Care Gastroenterology
Useful websites
Has over 14,500 members in 60 countries and campaigns for better detection methods for those at risk. Supports research into glaucoma its causes detection and treatment.
Gulf veteran's illnesses: information pack
The MoD has produced an information pack aimed at providing general practitioners and other health care professionals with information which they may find helpful in dealing with health issues raised by Gulf veterans. The site can be found at http:www.mod.uk/policy/gulfwar/index.htm Also at: http:www.gulfwar.mod.uk
Useful websites
Affectionately known as "The Zipper Club", is a non profit making organisation run by volunteers and established to provide support to cardiac patients and their carers.
About C.I.R.T
For every 1000 people in this area one person will die of a heart attack this year. Less than 5% will survive without resuscitation and defibrillation in the first 8 minutes. A First Responder scheme can change this statistic!
The North East Ambulance Service and Lifesavers (The Royal Life Saving Society UK) have formed a working partnership. With the aim to bridge the gap between the `999' call to the emergency services and the arrival of the paramedics.
The aim is to establish a number of community based volunteer first responder groups, trained to respond to cardiac / collapse victims and to deliver first aid until an ambulance arrives. This is not a subsitute to the ambulance service but an additional response, an ambulance will always be dispatched before a Community First Responder.
Studies have shown that if a series of events take place in a set sequence, a heart attack victim has a greater chance of survival. The events listed are known as the "Chain of Survival".
• Early Access
• Early Resuscitation
• Early Defibrillation
• Early Advanced Life Support
When put into practice by increasing public awareness, training in basic life support and use of community based defibrillators, this set sequence has improved the pre-hospital survival rate by between 25% - 30%.
This web site covers the Cramlington group, however there are groups in other parts of the country!
The NHS hepatitis C website. It provides you with the facts about the disease and information about how to prevent it, what to do if you think you might be at risk, treatment and useful advice if you have been diagnosed. There are answers to frequently asked questions about hepatitis C, materials that you can download and links to sources of additional information.
Useful websites
InCirculation.net is the educational resource for healthcare professionals providing access to internationally-focused cardiovascular information on the internet. You can review the latest news articles without logging in, but registration allows you to access all the information and have the choice of receiving an e-mail informing you of the latest updates to the site.
The Blood Pressure Association is a young organisation - launched in October 2000 - and significant progress has been made already. A few of their activities are outlined here:
A fundamental part of their work is to draw attention to the need to improve detection, management and treatment - and through their ongoing "Know your Numbers!" campaign, they are determined that everyone in the UK will realise the importance of knowing what their blood pressure levels are. We run a national blood pressure testing week to raise interest and understanding of high blood pressure amongst the media and general population. This event also provides a research opportunity to gather up-to-date facts about people's awareness of the seriousness of high blood pressure, and their health habits.
They are represented on Government committees:
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To improve the management of people with high blood pressure
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To extend and update the standards used to measure the accuracy of blood pressure monitors available to the general consumer
They have a wide range of literature offering guidance on medication, home monitoring, and lifestyle changes - to name a few.
They run an annual national blood pressure testing week to drive home the important message that everyone should know their blood pressure and what steps they can take to lower it - whatever the level.
British Hypertension Society Also at: http://www.bhsoc.org/ Background
The British Hypertension Society (BHS) was founded in 1981 to provide a forum to bring together research workers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
It is limited to 250 members and includes clinicians, physiologists and other scientists. It is a registered charity (No. 287635).
Activities
The BHS is primarily a scientific organisation and holds its Annual Meeting every September at a University campus in the UK or Ireland. The programme includes all aspects of research in hypertension and related vascular disease (coronary heart disease and stroke) and ranges from cell and molecular biology to physiology, clinical studies, therapeutic trials and epidemiology. The Pickering Memorial Lecture is given every year by a distinguished guest in memory of Sir George Pickering, Professor of Medicine at St. Mary's Hospital in London and at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford.
While the Annual Meetings are concerned with clinical and scientific issues, the society does have responsibilities towards the dissemination of information on hypertension and improvement of clinical practice. Committees of the Society have published on clinical awareness and on techniques of blood pressure measurement. The Society has also published guidelines on the management of high blood pressure, most recently September 1999.
British Hypertension Society Guidelines British Hypertension Society Guidelines summary
Journal of Hypertention online Lippincott Williams & Wilkins is pleased to provide access to online full-text content published in the print version of Journal of Hypertension starting with the January 1997 issue. All of the content published in the printed journal will be available in both HTML and PDF formats, with all associated images, on this web site. New content will be posted on or about the time that the print journal mails.
European Society of Hypertension American Society of Hypertension European Society of Hypertension British Assosiation of Stroke Physicians WHO Hypertention advice
Useful management tools
Hypertension Audit protocol Coronary Heart Disease risk assessment chart
A Urodynamics Home Page,Urology Department Southern General Hospital Glasgow Urodynamics is the investigation of the function and dysfunction of the lower urinary tract.
------------------------------------------------ Geriatric Department, University College London Age Concern Continence Foundation Incontact Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths
National Kidney Research Fund
The National Kidney Helpline Loacl call rate 0845 300 1499 Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm
What is it?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain, usually caused by a viral or a bacterial infection. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection is usually more serious than other kinds.
What Causes it?
Like other infections, such as coughs, colds and chickenpox, meningitis is caught by being in close contact with someone who already has it. That is why we can vaccinate against some kinds of meningitis - the vaccine helps your body prepare to fight off the infection.
Who Gets It?
Meningitis is, fortunately, rare. It is more common in children .- 80 per cent of cases of meningitis are in the under-fives - and your child is most at risk between the ages of six and 12 months.
What are the symptoms?
This depends on the age of the person affected. Babies or toddlers will not be able to tell you if they have a headache. They will get a high fever and be irritable or floppy. They may vomit or have a convulsion, and later may get drowsy and difficult to rouse. If they are older, they may complain of a sudden, severe headache that sometimes goes down into the top of the back,' and bright lights will distress them. A rash is often quite a late sign in meningitis. It is usually deep reddish purple and blotchy, and does not fade if you press a glass against it.
When should I go to my GP?
Meningitis is a serious condition, and the sooner it is treated the better. All children get fevers but most of them are because of harmless viral infections from which they will completely recover in a few days. If your child is also drowsy or starts vomiting, complains of a headache and does not like the light, seek medical help immediately.
Call your doctor straight away to discuss your child's symptoms. The doctor may be able to reassure you but otherwise will want to see your child as soon as possible. If it is difficult to contact your own doctor, you should take your child to the nearest casualty department.
What tests will my GP want to do?
After examination, if your GP thinks your child may have meningitis, the doctor may give him or her an injection of antibiotics before sending your child straight to hospital, where your child will need blood tests, and a lumbar puncture which is a tiny sample of fluid taken from the spine.
What is the short term treatment?
Meningitis is treated by antibiotics given into your child's vein.
Is long term treatment needed?
Meningitis itself does not need any long-term treatment. If your child has any complications, he or she may need long-term follow-up.
How can I stop this from happening?
There is a vaccine against one of the bacteria that causes meningitis, which your child will be offered at the same time as his or her diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines. If your child is in close contact with someone who gets meningitis, he or she may be offered antibiotics or a vaccination to prevent the illness occurring. There is little risk unless your child has been in regular close contact with the affected person.
A Meningitis Resourse Pack (cost £20) is available from The National Meningitis Trust, Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Glos GL5 3TJ. Telephone (01453) 7800
24-hour support line: (0345) 538118
Fax: (01453) 768001
Website: www.meningitis-trust.org.uk
www.inmed.co.uk Has been created and designed to provide an innovative and up-to-date resource for all those involved in the teaching of medicine and healthcare.
Within this site you'll find a host of information including resources for healthcare students and professionals, teachers and lecturers, plus expert lectures and a page for news releases. There are also links to other sites, reading lists and details of relevant products and services.
This website is managed by inmed Ltd., a company wholly owned by the Meningitis Trust; the UK's leading meningitis charity.
Menopause Information Launched by Solvay Healthcare providing answers to commonly asked questions on the menopause and HRT.
Changing Minds Changing Minds is a five year anti-stigma campaign organised by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Changing Minds is a campaign about us, all of us, and how mental health problems touch our lives.
As doctors we are taught to categorise and label illnesses including mental health problems. Diagnoses can be invaluable but patients tell us that, sometimes, such labelling becomes a comment on them as a person rather than their illness. It can then seriously disadvantage them as individuals and in their search for help. And "them" includes "us".
The above Report was generated from a broad medical base including the BMA, other Royal Colleges and users of services. It appears under the banner of the Changing Minds: Every Family in the Land campaign.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists The online mental health resource
Mental Health Foundation The Mental Health Foundation is the UK charity improving the lives of everyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities. We use our research, service development and information to increase understanding and meet people's needs.
Samaritans The Samaritans is a registered charity based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that provides confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing; and that increases public awareness of issues around suicide and depression
If you need to speak to a Samaritan call
08457 90 90 90 in the United Kingdom or
1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland
or email jo@samaritans.org
Institute of Psychiatry
Regional Mental Health Websites
Mental Health Services in Northumberland
Self help guides - from Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust
Migraine Action Association The Migraine Action Association (formerly the British Migraine Association) is a registered charity with over 17,000 members. It provides information on all aspects of the condition and its management.
Motor Neurone Disease Association The only national organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to the support of people with MND and those who care for them.MND describes a group of related diseases affecting the nerves, known as motor neurones, in the brain and spinal column which send signals to the muscles. When the motor neurones degenerate, this leads to weakness and wasting of muscles, initially in the arms or legs. Currently there is no cure. More information about the disease can be found on the website.
A network of over 80 Branches nationwide exists who offer friendship and support to people with MND in their locality. Many of them have or are developing their own websites to help make it easier for those people who are affected by the disease to get in touch with their local Branch.
Multiple Sclerosis Society A helpline and information Service is based in the Society's headquarters and takes queries from health and social care professional as well as people whose lives are affected by MS, including family members. The Information Service also provides a wide range of publications on different aspects of living with mulpile sclerosis. These include: -
What is MS?
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Making the most of life with MS
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Sources of support
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Managing MS symptoms
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Complementary therapies
Understanding MS research
The MS Society has developed a support package for professionals working in primary care .... A guide to MS - for GPs and primary care teams
It has also produced a guide for professionals on MS and Palliative Care. This guide 'MS and Palliative Care - A guide for health and social care professionals' will help health and social care professionals to meet the palliative care needs of people who are severely affected by MS. It is also available in hard copy - please email Service Development team or phone 020 8438 0742.
The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre is about you, whether you have been diagnosed with MS recently or for years, or if you are a relative, friend, carer, a professional in the field of MS or just plain interested in Multiple Sclerosis.
The Society and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide range of programs— including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.
A comprehensive, international and up to date information resource developed by MS experts worldwide.
Sexually transmitted infections
The Bure Clinic is a GUM clinic run by the James Paget Hospital NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth. It has information on all the common STIs in a question-and-answer format.
More than 3,700 Northumberland residents have had a sexually transmitted infection in the last year - Newcastle GUM Clinic Annual Report 1997. Check out how to be a perfect lover on the net http://www.perfect-lover.org
Are the national organisation of spinal cord injured people. Representing all of their interests regardless of how the impairment occurred, whether or not it has resulted in full or partial paralysis.
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This site strives to improve the availability of accurate health information for women. Focusing on reproductive issues, visitors to this site will find articles on pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage, PCOS, endometriosis, pregnancy complications and other issues important to a woman's well-being. Women’s Health was originally created by Dr. Danny Tucker in 1997. Dr. Tucker is a consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist in Taranaki, New Zealand
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/womens_health/
Information and advice on the most common health issues affecting women, including breast cancer, eating disorders, heart disease, depression and fertility
The telephone Helpline of the National Asthma Campaing offers independent information, support and advice to people with asthma, their families, and carers. It also gives advice to health care professionals, social workers and teachers. In fact anyone with an interest in asthma. All calls are dealt with in confidence and the advice offered is unbiased and independent. It is not a substitute to seeing a doctor or nurse but should be seen as a valuable resource complimenting the former with educational material and additional information. Where appropriate calls are followed up with educational literature. The National Asthma Campaign produces a wide range of free booklets and factsheets for patients, a Management Pack for health professionals and a School Pack to help teachers.
Allergy UK is the country's leading medical charity dealing with allergy and we are here to help you.
Our dedicated helpline is manned by a team of fully trained allergy advisors. However, it's not just a helpline - in fact, it's a lifeline, providing invaluable support and information for allergy sufferers.
We can give you the time and support that is so important when faced with what can be life changing conditions.
Allergy UK is the country's leading medical charity dealing with allergy and we are here to help you.
Our dedicated helpline is manned by a team of fully trained allergy advisors. However, it's not just a helpline - in fact, it's a lifeline, providing invaluable support and information for allergy sufferers.
We can give you the time and support that is so important when faced with what can be life changing conditions.