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We are delighted to announce that we have been featured in the Independent Healthcare Providers Network’s ‘Working together during the second and third waves of covid19’ report which can be found here Last year we were featured in their ‘Working together during covid19’ report which highlighted the NHS partnerships that provided primary, community and diagnostics services in supporting throughout the first wave of covid we endured which can be found here This new ‘Working together during the second and third waves of covid19’ report is a follow up that highlights the NHS partnerships that have given continual support through the second and third waves of the pandemic. This ensures that patients are still receiving that vital care that they need. Demonstrating support to the NHS and patients across the country through these extremely difficult times. Health services across the world have endured an enormous strain during these times. From providing virtual support for vulnerable parents, young people, and families across the country. They have deployed mobile clinical research facilities to help in the development of the covid vaccine and the delivery of thousands of remote physio appointments. Ourselves and many others have had a significant contribution in helping the NHS clear the backlog across a range of services. These services include dermatology, ophthalmology, and gynaecology. We will continue to support and assist the NHS in every way we possibly can. For full links: https://www.ihpn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Working-together-during-2-3-wave-covid-final.pdf https://www.ihpn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Working-together-during-covid19-2-1.pdf For all IHPN's other publications: https://www.ihpn.org.uk/resources/publications/

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve inside of your wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage and when the nerve is being compressed, it can start to cause discomfort in your hand. Signs that may imply you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome: Tingling sensation in your hand and fingers Numbness / burning sensation in hands Weak grip; unable to hold objects correctly, dropping objects frequently Symptoms often appear gradually and worsen over time, it is advised that when early signs are presented that you contact your GP to have them reviewed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed via a physical examination and x-rays which can then reveal the root of the problem. Potential Causes Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by an array of different contributing factors: Over usage of the same hand/wrist motions Trauma or injury to the hand and/or wrist such as sprains or fractures Excessive manual work Genetic - Your carpal tunnel may be smaller in size compared to others, ultimately increasing the risk of the nerve being affected High blood pressure Underlying health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes Incorrect positioning of your hands and wrist when using a mouse and keyboard Excessive exposure to vibrations, often caused by power tools Treatments Non-Surgical: If early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are detected and reviewed before they escalate then your carpal tunnel can be relieved of the pressure without the need for surgery. This can be achieved through different forms such as splinting, medicines or therapies. Surgical: If non-surgical treatments are not successful or signs of carpal tunnel syndrome are not acted upon then surgery may be the next step. The two types of surgical procedures that can be performed are: Open carpal tunnel release: Your surgeon will separate the transverse carpal ligament which in effect will relieve the pressure from the median nerve and create more room within the carpal tunnel to prevent any reoccurring pressure. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: This is the same procedure as open carpal tunnel release, however your surgeon will use an endoscope (small camera) to see inside your hand/wrist. Our Services Here at Healthharmonie we currently operate minor surgery within Doncaster and Stoke & North Staffordshire. Our clinics are community based to allow you to be seen locally instead of having to visit a hospital. These clinics are easily accessible and offer free car parking for your convenience. More information on our Ophthalmology Services here. Our hand surgery is performed by our two specialist’s Dr Srinivas, who is the leading consultant for Birmingham University Hospital and Mr Morgan, who has over 30 years of medical experience. Our leading medical consultants provide a wealth of knowledge and you can be reassured you are receiving the best treatment. To access our hand surgery services, please speak to your GP who can provide further details. If you have any questions regarding carpal tunnel syndrome/carpal tunnel surgery, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact us page.

‘Sun Awareness Week’, run by The British Association of Dermatologists is now up and running. The campaign itself is monitored by their skin cancer prevention committee which is derived of medical professionals who specialise in skin cancer, vitamin D & public health messaging. Whilst we all enjoy our sunny days, we must also be cautious with how we expose ourselves to it. There are several precautions we can take when being out in the sun and the following tips can help in protecting your skin: As minimal as this may seem, wearing sunglasses can positively influence how the suns affects you. They serve from an ophthalmology perspective in that they protect your eyes from UV radiation. Sunglasses can aid in reducing the risk of you developing eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration due to overexposure of UV rays. The sun is usually at its most intense period of the day between 9am – 3pm so wearing your sunglasses during this time frame can provide for the best protection. Clothing is essential when being out in the sun to cover up your skin, especially the areas of your body that burn easily like your face, neck, and shoulders. Wearing dark or bright colours will absorb the sun's UV rays to stop them from being absorbed by your skin instead. The thicker the materials you wear the more protection they will serve. Denim, wool and synthetic fibers are wonderful examples to best protect yourself as opposed to the thinner materials that are available. Wearing accessories like hats can also aid with keeping these easily burned areas covered, not to mention there are some extremely fashion forward ones available on the market. Sunscreen also comes into play here and it is important to use types that contain a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 and above. Ensuring your sunscreen is waterproof is also something to look out for, even if you are not swimming this still helps to combat sweat when you are exposed to hot temperatures so that it does not come off easily as your day progresses. Many people make the mistake of applying sunscreen when they are already outside, however applying your sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house ensures your skin has enough time to absorb it all in. The amount you use is also often applied incorrectly; it is recommended that you apply roughly 35g of cream to your skin in each application and repeating these applications throughout the day is always advised every 2 hours. Not only does sunscreen help to reduce the risk of skin cancer but it also aids in preventing your skin from aging. Seeking cover from the sun can give your skin a break from the heat, it only takes between 10 – 20 minutes for your skin to start burning. When shade is available to you it is always wise to keep cool within it, especially between the previously stated peak radiation times of 9am – 3pm. If you want more information or have any concerns regarding sun protection, please book an appointment with your dermatologist. Similarly, please contact your ophthalmologist if you have any questions surrounding the subject.

We are dedicated to working with commissioners and NHS Trusts to offer a bespoke solution to aid the reduction in waiting lists backlogs. At such a challenging time for the NHS, assistance with capacity is key to ensuring patients receive the care that they need within suitable timeframes. Our approach to insourcing is underpinned by collaborative working. We take time to understand the challenges faced by NHS Trusts and build responsive models of care that offer long-term solutions. Historically, we have worked with Wye Valley Trust to aid capacity in Cataracts surgery. In January 2021, the Trust approached us again to provide support following challenges experienced in the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, The Trust was facing extended RTT wait times which was impacting upon patients wellbeing. HealthHarmonie reviewed the pathway to identify the different factors which were limiting the service, which allowed us to understand how we could support and offer improvements. Our bespoke solution consisted of a pathway reconfiguration which resulted in staffing capacity increases and additional working hours. This allowed the Trust to expand capacity safely and efficiently, offering short term aid to RTT wait times but also a sustainable long term solution. Our solution was mobilised in just four weeks, and we provided a cohort of staff which included Consultants, Nurses: Ward, OPD and Theatre and HCAs. Our staff work outside Wye Valley Trusts usual hours to increase the capacity of patients seen in a period of time and maximise use of facilities . Additional patients are booked by the Trust, communicated to HealthHarmonie to be seen and treated. We have developed a seamless pathway to provide positive patient experiences within targeted timeframes. Our partnership initial contract with Wye Valley Trust was intended for 3 months, however after delivery of positive results, our contract has now been extended and we continue to provide weekly clinics to support the Trust in RTT wait time achievement. We are proud to have built a long-term relationship with the Trust. If you would like to find out more about the services we offer or our approach in insourcing, please use the contact us form and a member of our integrated care team will be in touch.

Identifying Menorrhagia from a GP’s standpoint can prove difficult depending on the patients’ symptoms, there is a very fine line between ‘heavy periods’ and Menorrhagia and the patient may not be entirely aware of these differences or even be familiar with the term ‘Menorrhagia’ at all. Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy or prolonged bleeding in which during the menstrual cycle there is more than 80ml of blood loss or the menstrual cycle lasts longer than the duration of 7 days. Many experience blood loss that they would describe as heavy, but which may not be significant enough to be classified as Menorrhagia. This makes the broader definition of ‘heavy periods’ tricky to pin down as it can vary by individual and by cycle. If your patient complains of heavy periods, how do you ascertain their symptoms? You could ask them questions like: Do you have to change your sanitary products every hour or two? Are you passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (about the size of a 10p coin)? Are you bleeding through onto your clothes or bedding (flooding)? Do you need to use two types of sanitary product together? - for example, tampons and pads? Have you got palpitations, tiredness, dizziness etc? If you get period cramps, when do they start and end (to distinguish between primary? and secondary dysmenorrhoea)? Do you get any bleeding in between periods or after sexual intercourse (red flag)? The heavy periods could be associated with age, contraception, pathology like fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, anticoagulants, bleeding or clotting disorders etc. In women under 45 years of age, you can try hormonal (combined or progesterone only pills, mirena/levosert intrauterine system, medroxyprogesterone acetate 10 three times a day D15-25 every cycle) +/- non hormonal (tranexamic acid 1gm 3 to 4 times a day for up to 4 days every cycle +/- mefenamic acid) medical options and refer them if not responsive to the therapies. If there are red flag symptoms, they should ideally be referred for scan and review in community gynaecology clinic/secondary care or for outpatient hysteroscopy if over 45 years of age. If you have any questions about Menorrhagia please do not hesitate to contact us on 0121 454 7779 or via our contact us form.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the NHS is currently facing a large backlog of patients. This means the wait times for appointments could be longer than usual. Here at HealthHarmonie, we are meeting and exceeding the current government RTT (referral to treatment) of 18 weeks. As a result, after receiving a referral from your GP you could be seen in a matter of weeks with us rather than waiting months. We are currently performing hand surgery within 18 weeks following your GP’s referral. What do we do? We currently treat Carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a numb, sometimes painful tingling within your fingers which is due to swelling on your carpal tunnel which is applying pressure to a nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated through minor surgery to the affected area. The carpal tunnel surgery procedure consists of you receiving local anaesthetic which means you will return home the same day as the operation is performed. The local anaesthetic will numb both the hand and wrist to remove any feeling from this area. You will be lay down in a comfortable position and once the anaesthetic has taken effect the surgery will commence. The surgery will take around 30 minutes to complete. The purpose of the surgery is to relieve the median nerve from any pressure and alleviate symptoms. Once complete the anaesthetic may take a few hours to wear off so it is important to be aware of your surroundings in order to protect your hand from being hit or injured. Our surgical procedures are completed and performed by our two specialist’s Dr Srinivas, who is the leading consultant for Birmingham University Hospital and Mr Morgan, who has over 30 years of medical experience, so you are guaranteed to receive the best professional care possible. ​ Our clinics We currently operate within Doncaster and Stoke & North Staffordshire. Our clinics are community based to allow you to be seen locally instead of having to visit a hospital. These clinics are easily accessible, offering free car parking for your convenience. To access our hand surgery services please contact your GP. If you have any questions regarding hand surgery appointments, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our ‘contact us’ page.

Your Gynaecology health is very important, and getting any symptoms addressed can be a swift and seamless process. Here at HealthHarmonie we thoroughly encourage you to be booking in your Gynaecology appointments with your GP to be assessed and make sure you are receiving the care you deserve. We understand that you may be slightly apprehensive following the COVID-19 outbreak. We want to reassure you that we are following the COVID guidelines which are being implemented throughout our clinics to ensure you receive the best care. Any doubts you may have regarding women’s health is always worth getting checked by medical professionals. Our leading clinicians and staff are all very friendly and incredibly understanding. They are here to help and will listen to any concerns you may have. Dr Pallavi Latthe is our lead in Gynaecology who is here to give you the best information and advice possible on how to look after your body. Talking to our clinicians and having their professional input can help to put your mind at rest for any worries and concerns you may be experiencing and provide you with the next steps in going forward with your health. We offer a one-stop shop so that you as a patient can be seen, assessed and treated in one appointment where possible. We understand that having Gynaecology appointments can be an uncomfortable thought for some so if you have any questions regarding these appointments, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our ‘contact us' page.

It goes without saying that within the past 12 months, the NHS has faced unprecedented challenges. COVID-19 has placed increased pressures on all aspects of healthcare, with NHS Trusts seeing wait times significantly increase, and some Trusts needing to reduce planned procedures. The effects of this will be felt by Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups for months to come, even when the pandemic begins to ease. Forecasts have shown a potential 78% increase in waiting lists over the course of 2021. We know that as these challenges continue, the pressure increases upon NHS Trusts to meet the needs to not only new patients but existing patients awaiting ongoing care or review. ​ The NHS increasing Capacity Framework has been introduced as a route to allow NHS Trusts and CCGs to commissioning support services to aid these wait times, without the need for lengthy and costly procurement processes. As part of the application process, all suppliers on the Framework have undergone vetting to ensure appropriate registration, insurance, and policies to provide high quality, safe patient care. ​ HealthHarmonie is a supplier on the Framework, offering services such as ophthalmology, dermatology, gynaecology, hand surgery and diagnostic imaging (non-obstetric ultrasound). For any Trust or CCG that approaches us, we undertake a scoping exercise to understand specific service need and review our capacity to provide this support. We develop bespoke service models in line with Trust/CCG needs and review these collaboratively to identify a solution that works. ​ As a provider, we have stringent capacity demand processes in place that allow us to be truly flexible in delivering services. We have incorporated risk stratification of current hospital waitlists and well as virtual appointments to ensure patient access. ​ Our approach is to minimise risk to patient health, reduce current waiting lists and also facilitate long-term support to NHS Trust capacity. We operate integrated service models of care, developing strong joint relationships to allow a holistic approach to patient care. ​ “During this unprecedented time it has been a delight to work with an organisation that has been totally proactive is assisting the CCG and more specifically the Commissioning Team to realign the Community services to deal with the pandemic. HealthHarmonie have been very supportive of the change required and have always forwarded and interpreted the constant legislation that has been surging through from the government and NHSE sources, proposing how they can adapt to it on a regular basis. This has been a real boon during these hectic times” – Commissioner Feedback 2020 ​ If you would like to find out more about the Framework or working with HealthHarmonie, please contact us via our contact us page.

Sleep is often overlooked and not seen as a priority in everyday life. However, sleep is linked to promoting good health and well-being. Regular and undisturbed sleep routine is essential to keeping good mental health and helps with mood. In UK, we average between 5.78-6.83 hours a night, yet the national sleep foundation advises healthy adults need between 7-9 hours a night. By investing in good quality sleep can improve cognitive function therefore improving concentration and productivity. Physically your body will be more energized which is linked to better mood and a regulation in hormone. Sleep is vital as this is the time your body and mind can repair and recharge. ​ To get a better night sleep, there are simple lifestyle habits you can incorporate. This include: Establishing a good bedtime routine and sleeping at the same time every night Keep a comfortable temperature in the bedroom Limit your screen time before bed and keep a low light level when you sleep Abstain from large meals and caffeine a few hours before bedtime Winddown your day with gentle exercises We spend a third of our lives asleep, therefore sleep is essential, and we should look to improve it where possible. Happy world sleep day!

We’re a community healthcare provider committed to delivering the highest quality of dermatology, gynaecology, ophthalmology, ultrasound and minor surgery services. We are patient-driven, providing what would typically be considered hospital treatment closer to home. Trusts under pressure Population growth, budget cuts and staff strikes are just a few of the challenges facing the NHS presently and it comes as no surprise that Clinical Commissioning Groups are starting to realise the benefits of using additional healthcare providers to relieve the pressure on local hospitals. ​ We recognise that hospital care must be as smooth and efficient as possible and it’s important that secondary care appointments are reserved for those who really need them. Indeed, the long wait times and hectic emergency centres that arise from the inappropriate use of secondary care services sacrifice the quality of patient care provided. It’s our mission to help remove unnecessary strain from secondary care by offering less immediate services outside of hospitals and in local GP surgeries, allowing hospitals to focus on major procedures and urgent care. ​ NHS Trusts across the country are struggling to meet the NHS standards of referral-to-treatment wait times and we cooperate with them to help improve their healthcare statistics throughout our operation. We’ve been working with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust to help ensure that two-week wait patients are seen within this designated timeframe. Royal Berkshire NHS Trust were struggling with the number of patients presenting at eye casualty and by seeing those patients who are better suited to the community service as they arrive, we’ve enabled the hospital to significantly reduce their eye casualty wait times. ​ Cutting costs, not quality Our service provision is charged at an average of 80% of the NHS standard tariff, affording a 20% saving to our commissioners. By allocated these savings towards areas that require improvement, trusts can ensure that the patient receives the best healthcare possible whilst focusing their efforts and finances to achieve and maintain the high standards that have been set for them. ​ We save trusts money whilst delivering the highest quality of healthcare and we’re unwilling to sacrifice the quality of patient care for financial gain. With an NHS Choices rating of 4/5 stars and an abundance of positive patient feedback, we are proud to deliver a safe service that satisfies patients. Our NHS experienced clinical leads set an example of exceptional patient care and are pioneers within their respective fields, closely monitoring the quality of our services and auditing those who deliver it. We work closely with other primary and secondary care providers to ensure efficiency and continuity in patients care pathways and are delighted to be helping to improve the health of our local communities. We provide additional capacity to NHS hospitals. ​ Just around the corner We do everything we can to support our commissioners and yet the patient is still at the forefront of our mind here at HealthHarmonie. We always strive to provide quality healthcare that is just around the corner. People have busy lives and traveling to distant hospitals for treatment isn’t an option for some of us. Convenience is key, and by offering evening and weekend clinics we hope to boost our accessibility to those who work throughout the day. These out-of-hours clinics already run in areas such as Birmingham, Stafford and Nottingham, and have received great response from the local community. ​ We recognise that out-of-hours is very much the only time everyday workers, busy parents or children in education can attend doctor’s appointments, so to us it is clear that we must strive to operate in hours where people can attend without having implications on their daily lives. ​ Together, we can cut costs and improve hospital waiting times to provide the best healthcare possible for our patients. Contact us on 0121 454 7779 or via our contact us form to find out more.

Like most people at school, I had no idea what I wanted to do in my career. I had an interest in Business, so a Business Administrator Apprenticeship at Sandwell College looked like a good starting point. It was important for me to work in an industry where I could help people and work for a company with opportunities to learn during my apprenticeship. Through the Apprenticeship I joined HealthHarmonie, it was my first proper job and honestly, I was nervous to start working in an office environment. My fears were alleviated on my first day when I realised how nice and welcoming everyone was! ​When I started in 2012, the company was small with only a handful of people working. I worked as a Booking Administrator, calling patients and booking their appointments, and I also had some experience working out at our clinics. ​ "My fears were alleviated on my first day when I realised how nice and welcoming everyone was!" After finishing my Apprenticeship, I was employed by HealthHarmonie on a full-time contract. This is unknowingly where my journey to operations began. My first taste of management came in the role of Ultrasound Lead. This included responsibilities such as; workflow management for the ultrasound booking team, liaising with sonographers and assistance with clinic scheduling. This was a steep learning curve for me, but it was supported by the management team within this role. ​ The company rapidly grew and in 2015 I was promoted to Team Manager. This was a huge step up as it meant direct managing of staff and sole responsibility for the department. I was now accountable for 8 Booking Administrators, which was crazy considering only a few years ago that was me! "I have met some great people during my time at HealthHarmonie and have made friends for life." I really enjoyed being part of Operations and the last few years as a Team Manager had made me confident in taking this next step. Getting this role is one of my biggest achievements in my career. James representing HealthHarmonie at the Health Investor Awards 2017 In 2017, an opportunity for an Internal Operations Manger came up within the company. I really enjoyed being part of Operations and the last few years as a Team Manager had made me confident in taking this next step. Getting this role is one of my biggest achievements in my career. I now report to the Operations Director, oversee the day-to-day running of our 5 services across the 3 operational departments and look after just under 50 staff members. Although there is a lot of pressure to perform and do well, I am always well supported by management and am constantly learning and developing. I have met some great people during my time at HealthHarmonie and have made friends for life. It’s always nice to know I have someone in the office to speak to for when I am just having one of those days. As for the company, I honestly think I wouldn’t have had all these opportunities if I had worked somewhere else. Helping patients and knowing that I am working to provide care for so many, makes the day worth it. I encourage anyone who is looking for the chance to be rewarded for their hard work, to join us. My story is just one of many, and it’s so nice to see others around me grow and develop too! ​ Interested in developing your career with us? Contact our recruitment team on 0121 454 7779 or send us a message via the contact form on our contact us page.

Happy International Women’s Day. We want to celebrate and reflect upon the progress women have made in the world of work and especially healthcare. Great strides have been made in healthcare due to women. This includes Marie Curie for her contributions to cancer and Florence Nightingale, a founder of modern nursing. Healthcare as we know it today wouldn’t be as revolutionary without strong female leads. Here at HealthHarmonie, we are proud to be gender-balanced and celebrate the fact we have so many female leaders in the organisation. ​ Mary Corridan, Chairman "I feel proud to be the female Chairman of HealthHarmonie. Having worked within healthcare for the entirety of my career, I am able to draw upon my vast experience to effectively provide leadership and strategic guidance to the board of directors and senior management team. I have reached this position through hard work, commitment, and a determination to succeed." Collen Brown, Head of HR “It is a pleasure working in HealthHarmonie with so many strong female leaders who have inspired me since starting my career within the organisation. Being one of the many female managers within HealthHarmonie provides me with admiration for my co-workers for the fact that within our organisation, gender is not a barrier. My transition into HR has been challenging, but I can only thank the management team for supporting me in this role. For me, inspiration comes from women like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama who have faced adversity but have not let this impact their success. True hard work is what will get you to where you want to be! Happy International Women’s Day” ​ Let's all celebrate the success of women from the past, present and future and let us keep fighting for equality!