Salford City Radio

15/01/2025

NHS Greater Manchester Leads the Way in Dementia Diagnosis

NHS Greater Manchester ranked second in the country for dementia diagnosis rate
A higher diagnosis rate helps ensure people with dementia can get the help they need sooner
Early diagnosis means people with dementia can get the right support before problems become urgent – helping to avoid unnecessary hospital visits
Greater Manchester is setting the standard for dementia diagnosis, being the top performing region in the North West for dementia diagnosis and second best in the whole of England. The latest figures from NHS Digital show that 75% of people in Greater Manchester aged 65 or over who are estimated to be living with dementia, had a recorded diagnosis of dementia in November 2024 – significantly above the national NHS targets.

Early diagnosis of dementia is life changing. It helps individuals and their families understand the condition, make informed decisions about care, and access the support they need to live well. The benefits include:

Access to support services: Timely diagnosis opens the door to therapies, support groups, and treatments to manage symptoms effectively.
Financial benefits: Early identification ensures patients can access financial benefits and legal protection.
Better understanding and support: A diagnosis helps explain symptoms, so there is better understanding and assistance from family, friends, and caregivers.
Memory and thinking issues aren't always caused by dementia. Early assessment can identify other treatable conditions such as depression, anxiety, or thyroid problems, ensuring the appropriate care. Early intervention helps improve a person's quality of life and can help prevent unplanned hospital admissions, which account for a significant portion of dementia-related healthcare costs.

Greater Manchester's success stems from the unique set up of its integrated care system, which promotes collaboration across the healthcare system and wider public sector. Dementia is a regional priority, with local standards in place for GPs and other healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care and experience for those affected by dementia. The updated Greater Manchester Dementia and Brain Health Quality Standards are online. People concerned about their own health or that of a loved one can use them to help guide conversations with professionals when seeking advice and support.

Through the city-region's Dementia United programme to champion improvements, local services are working to ensure people living with dementia get the timely diagnosis and care they deserve – helping families get the support they need, when they need it.

Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester said: "We are proud that Greater Manchester is leading the way in dementia diagnosis. Early diagnosis makes a life changing difference, helping people and their families access the support they need to live well. While there is no cure yet, we are committed to ensuring everyone affected has access to the care and resources they deserve.

"Our focus is on providing compassionate care that makes a real difference for people with dementia and their loved ones in Greater Manchester, starting with early diagnosis to ensure they get the right support from the very beginning."

If you or a loved one are worried about memory or thinking issues, don't wait. Speak to your GP to arrange an assessment.

We’re working to make Greater Manchester the best place to live for everyone affected by dementia.

15/01/2025

RHS Garden Bridgewater Houseplant Weekend 2025

Friday 31 January – Sunday 2 February 2025

This January, RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley, Salford, invites plant enthusiasts of all levels to embrace the magic of houseplants during the popular Houseplant Weekend.



Whether you're just starting out or are already a dedicated plant parent, this event offers a expert talks, practical demonstrations, and great shopping opportunities to help you cultivate a thriving indoor garden. With winter keeping you indoors, now is the perfect time to bring nature inside and learn how to create your own indoor oasis.



The weekend will be hosted by renowned houseplant expert Tony Le-Britton (), whose Instagram community of over 230,000 followers celebrates the beauty of indoor plants. Tony is also the author of Not Another Jungle and owns two houseplant stores under the same name. Alongside Tony, The Houseplant Doctor Joe Bagley (), will share his expertise. Joe, who runs the highly regarded UK-based website ukhouseplants.com and is the author of How to Make Your Houseplants Love You (due in March 2025), will offer accessible advice for plant lovers of all backgrounds.



Over the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy:

Expert talks & demonstrations: Gain valuable insights from horticulturists, plant care specialists, and indoor gardening experts.
Plant Advisory Team: Meet with RHS advisors daily from 10am-2pm for personalised plant care guidance.
Traders Market: Browse a curated selection of plants, flowers, candles, and hand-designed cards from Freddies Flowers, The Flowerstop at Bridgewater, Leaves and Prickles, Dibley’s Nurseries and Written By Emma. Open daily, 10am to 4pm.


Full Event Programme:



Friday 31 January

10:30am – 11:00am: The Flower Stop at Bridgewater presents tips for showcasing blooms at home.
11:30am – 12:15pm & 1:45pm – 2:30pm: Jen Horseman takes us into the world of cacti and succulents.
12:45pm – 1:15pm: Lynne Tudor, RHS Garden Centre Manager, delves into choosing the perfect plant for your space.
3:00pm – 3:30pm: RHS Plant Advisors Andy Vernon & Clare Preston-Pollitt offer guidance on caring for houseplants through the winter.


Saturday 1 February (hosted by Tony Le-Britton)

10:30am – 11:00am: Leo Yaffe explores how houseplants enhance our wellbeing.
11:30am – 12:15pm & 1:45pm – 2:30pm: Joe Bagley shares tips for keeping your houseplants healthy.
12:45pm – 1:30pm: Dr Paul Dibley reflects on growing up with houseplants and delves into Streptocarpus.
3:00pm – 3:30pm: RHS Plant Advisors Andy Vernon & Clare Preston-Pollitt discuss caring for orchids, with a focus on Dendrobiums and Moth Orchids.


Sunday 2 February (hosted by Joe Bagley)

10:30am – 11:00am: Freddies Flowers demonstrates arranging seasonal flowers at home.
11:30am – 12:15pm & 1:45pm – 2:30pm: Expert advice from Tony Le-Britton on how to never kill a houseplant again!
12:45pm – 1:15pm: Faye Howells guides us on choosing the right plant for the right space.
3:00pm – 3:30pm: RHS Plant Advisors Andy Vernon & Clare Preston-Pollitt demonstrate techniques for refreshing, repotting, and dividing houseplants.


Join us for a weekend full of inspiration, plant care tips, and expert guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture your love for houseplants and bring new life into your home during the colder months.



For more information and to book your tickets, please visit RHS Houseplant Weekend

https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rhs-garden-bridgewater/viewevent?EFID=3666&ESRC=CMS



Houseplant Weekend tickets

Tickets are available for entry to RHS Garden Bridgewater, with spaces for talks and workshops allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid disappointment, we encourage early arrival. Please note that visitors are not permitted to bring their own plants, but are encouraged to bring any questions for the experts.

Enjoy a day out at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford – a stunning new 156 acre RHS Garden in the heart of the North West

09/01/2025

Due to a rise in flu cases among children aged 5-14 years old, NHS Greater Manchester is urging parents and carers of school-aged children who haven’t been vaccinated already to act now.



Extra flu vaccine clinics have been set up just for school aged children across Greater Manchester that will start this Saturday 11th January and end on 18th January 2025 (full information can be found here:

Extra flu vaccine clinics have been set up for school aged children across Greater Manchester that missed out at school. The clinics start Saturday 11th January 2025 and end on 18th January 2025.

09/01/2025

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06/01/2025

06/01/2025

AUDITIONS for MATILDA

AND HER CLASSMATES in Manchester

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S NEW TOUR OF THE
MULTI-AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL MATILDA to hold auditions for MATILDA AND HER CLASSMATES in Manchester



It was announced today (6 January 2025) that the Royal Shakespeare Company’s smash hit production of Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book will hold auditions for Matilda and her classmates in Manchester in February and March 2025. This is for the upcoming tour of the UK and Ireland which opens in Leicester on 6 October 2025 and runs until June 2026, including performances at Manchester Palace from 26 March – 25 April 2026.



The producers of the Matilda The Musical tour will audition children for the role of Matilda who are aged 9 to 12 on 1 July 2025, and under 4’3” tall. Her classmates need to be aged 9 to 13 on 1 July 2025. Boys must be under 4’10” tall, and girls must be under 4’6” tall, with brilliant dancing and singing skills! Boys must have unbroken voices. Rehearsals will take place in July and August 2025 in Manchester and London, and performances will be from October 2025 to June 2026, on tour.



All children must be available for the entire rehearsal and performance period. At the audition, children will be asked to perform a short poem, speech or monologue. They will also be asked to sing something and will be taught a dance from the show. All children cast for all the roles need to live within travelling distance (an hour’s drive time) of central Manchester, so they can live at home and attend their own schools. There is further information about how to audition on: https://uk.matildathemusical.com/about/auditions-tour/.



The internationally renowned musical - which continues to play to packed houses in the West End at the Cambridge Theatre and has been seen by 12 million people across 100 cities around the world – will begin performances in Leicester on 6 October 2025.



The show will celebrate its 15-year anniversary when it opens at Curve, Leicester in October 2025, before travelling to Bradford, Liverpool, Plymouth, Sunderland, Edinburgh and Manchester. Further tour dates will be announced later this year.



For all tour booking information visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matilda-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/



This anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical. The award-winning film adaptation made by the core creative team received its World Premiere at the London Film Festival in October 2022, was on BBC1 this Christmas and can be watched on Netflix.



Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.



Casting and further creative team details will be announced in due course.

Matilda The Musical, the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, is heading back out on tour across the UK and Ireland from October 2025.

16/12/2024

NHS urges public to help get their family home for Christmas



As the year draws to a close and the holiday break approaches, NHS leaders across the North West are urging the public to help get their loved ones home for Christmas.

As the cold season starts and winter viruses flourish, the NHS will be under increased pressure, with more patients coming into hospital sick and space urgently needed to treat them.

Hospitals across the country struggle throughout the year with patients who are clinically ready to be discharged from hospital sometimes meaning other people wait longer for an emergency admission and a bed to become available.

Never is this more of a challenge for the NHS than over the Christmas and New Year period, when those beds are vital to treat the sickest people, and NHS England North West's Medical Director for System Improvement and Professional Standards, Dr Gareth Wallis is urging family members to do everything they can to get their loved ones home in time for Christmas this year.

"Our NHS staff are already working harder than ever to treat the sickest patients many of whom require time in hospital for treatment for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or other seasonal sicknesses," he said.

"At the same time, it is always the case at this time of year that the NHS is caring for high numbers of patients who are actually ready to go home and spend the Christmas break with their families.

"Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some but once you have had the care that you need in hospital, research shows that going home will help you get better much faster.


"The longer people stay in a hospital bed, the harder they may find it to get up and about as you get better. So, it's really important that we work with families and patients to get them home when it is safe to do so.

He added: "If you have a loved one or family member in hospital, help us get them home this Christmas if they are well enough to leave hospital.

"The benefits of continuing recovery at home, where patients are in a more familiar and relaxed environment, are huge, especially with the love and support of their loved ones."


NHS staff across the North West are working closely with patients to plan for them to leave hospital safely where they are medically fit to do so, making space on hospital wards to care for the growing number of people waiting to be admitted, either in an emergency or for a planned operation.

Patients can help prepare for going home by staying as active as possible while they are in hospital – this will also help people get better faster and reduces the chance of problems when they go home.

Other top tips for families and friends bringing someone home from hospital include:

Make sure they have their prescription medicines available or help by picking them up before the festive period, or before bad weather hits.
If your loved one needs help while GP practices or pharmacies are closed, NHS 111 is here for them, visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on what to do and where to go. A little care can go a long way.
Ensure they have sufficient amounts to eat and drink.
Make sure there are no trip hazards to prevent falls.
If your loved one needs to go out then ensure they have sturdy shoes with a good grip. A scarf around the mouth will help to protect them from the cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.

16/12/2024

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14/12/2024

We are saddened to hear the awful news of our much loved volunteer Stephen Doyle (Sonic Diary). He has been part of Salford City radio since the start and has played a vital role in ensuring our survival, his larger than life attitude and positive spirit really is at the heart of our station.

Everyone at Salford City Radio sends their love and support to Stephen’s friends and Family.

13/12/2024

'Tidal Wave' Of Flu Hitting Hospitals Across Greater Manchester

NHS Press Release

Flu hit hospitals in Greater Manchester even harder last week, as a 'tidal wave' of infections led to a 49% increase in hospital cases in the city-region in seven days.



In just one week, hospitalisations increased from 61 patients (25th November – 1st December) to 91 (2nd December – 8th December) in the city-region. While the North West as a whole saw a 28% increase – with 1,153 patients with flu in hospital last week, up from 825 the week before.



That's why NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging all eligible people to get their flu vaccination without delay if they haven't already – to avoid "festive flu" when mixing over the Christmas break and to protect the elderly and most vulnerable people.



Winter vaccinations are being offered at football clubs, supermarkets and Christmas events as the NHS braces itself for a rise in winter viruses as we head towards Christmas, in less than two weeks. With shoppers across Greater Manchester able to add a flu jab to their Christmas shopping list with mobile vaccination vans located in supermarket carparks and town centres.



Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows flu cases are currently highest among 5 to 14-year-olds, but adult cases are expected to rise significantly once schools and nurseries close for Christmas, as the NHS contends with a 'quad-demic' – with flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all reaching record levels for this time in the year.



People have just over a week left to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service – until the autumn vaccination programme officially ends on Thursday 19th December.



Still, NHS Greater Manchester is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families and friends over the festive period and into the new year.



Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester: "We can't emphasise enough how important it is for anyone who hasn't already had their flu vaccine and is eligible to do so. It is our best defence against flu and is vital for protecting those and everyone around them who are most at risk.

"It can be easy for those who haven't experienced it to dismiss flu as a bad cold because it is something that comes around every year, but the effects from getting it can be devastating as it can increase the risk of developing serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or make existing conditions worse.

"While a healthy person may recover in a couple of weeks, for some people the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

"So get a vaccine and don't let flu spoil the festive season!"

Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.



It is still possible to book your vaccinations after 19th December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer appointments, and you may need to travel further.



The NHS is also offering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75 to 79. Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.



People can continue booking the flu and COVID-19 vaccine through local services until Tuesday 31st January. After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.



For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 19th December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you're 18 or over.



Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.



Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West said: "It normally takes around two weeks for a flu vaccination to offer maximum protection, meaning it's vital that those wishing to be protected over the festive holidays get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible and it only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online.



"NHS staff across the North West are working incredibly hard under severe pressure, with a rise in common respiratory illnesses impacting our services earlier than ever.



"Winter vaccines are the best way we can protect ourselves, while also helping to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS workers who will be very busy during Christmas."



Those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:



· pregnant women

· all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2024

· primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)

· secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

· all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

· those aged 65 years and over

· those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups

· those in long-stay residential care homes

· carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

· close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

· frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

11/12/2024

Christmas Health Advice: Keep The Festive Cheer Going By Stocking Up On Repeat Prescriptions



With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, NHS Greater Manchester is urging anyone who has repeat prescriptions to check they have enough for the festive period when several pharmacies won't be working usual hours.



Many GP practices and pharmacies will have different opening hours over Christmas and New Year and will be closed on Wednesday 25th December and Thursday 26th December, then again over the New Year period on Wednesday 1st January 2025 – making it harder for patients to access medicines at short notice.



That's why NHS Greater Manchester is trying to help people keep the festive show on the road, by reminding anyone who takes regular medicines on repeat prescription to check they have enough to last them through the holidays and any Christmas getaways – making sure they order what they need to tide them over from their GP surgery by Friday 13th December at the latest.



Every bank holiday and festive season, NHS 111 sees huge increases in people getting in touch because they've run out of a prescription medicine. By being prepared, you can save yourself time and ensure NHS 111 is there for those who really need it during the busy winter months. But in the event that they don't have enough, please do still contact NHS 111 who will be able to help.



Chief Pharmacist for NHS Greater Manchester, Kenny Li said: "It's important for anyone who takes medication regularly to ensure they have enough to last them over Christmas and New Year – especially if you are planning any trips to see family in another part of the country, or abroad – so that you don't risk running out.



"Planning ahead, re-stocking your medicine cabinets with both prescription and everyday medicines for cold and flu and knowing when your GP practice and local pharmacy is open means you have one less thing to worry about so you can simply enjoy the festivities with family and friends. But please still ensure that you're only ordering prescription medication if you need it so that we don't risk any shortages for those that really do.



"Ordering your repeat prescription has never been easier – either put your order in through the NHS App or order as you usually would."



As well as ordering prescriptions, NHS Greater Manchester wants to make sure that everyone knows where to go if they have any health issues as the weather gets colder – a particularly busy time for the NHS as a whole.



Local pharmacies remain an easy and convenient way to get instant expert advice about minor conditions – and in many cases avoid the need to go to A&E or wait for a GP appointment. Under Pharmacy First, your pharmacist can now assess and treat more conditions including sore throats and urinary tract infections without the need for a GP appointment or prescription. If your health issue isn't one of the Pharmacy First conditions or something a pharmacist can't already help with, you may be advised to see your GP. How pharmacies can help. To find out when your local pharmacy is open over the festive period visit: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/bankholidaypharmacy/



If you have pain in your mouth, teeth or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800. It is available 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays, for those who need urgent help when their dental practice is closed, or do not have a regular dentist. A charge may apply.



Greater Manchester's Urgent Eye Care Service can provide help quickly if you have a sudden change in vision, red or painful eyes or new flashes or floaters. The service is available throughout the week including evenings and weekends.



Go to Minor and urgent eyecare services to find an optician that is part of the service. This is not a walk-in service so always call first.



For mental health crisis support there are free 24/7 helplines covering Greater Manchester. For Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan residents, call 0800 953 0285. For Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop the number is 0800 014 9995.



Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester added: "It's always useful to have a basic self-care kit at home to manage the symptoms of minor health conditions. This can include painkillers, plasters, anti-diarrhoea tablets and flu and cold medication, all of which can be bought from your local supermarket or pharmacy.



"But if you need expert advice use NHS 111 online or call 111 to get assessed and be directed to the right place which may be a pharmacy or a walk-in centre. If you have a serious or life-threatening injury, go straight to A&E. The NHS is here for you if you need it."

Find the Bank Holiday opening times of a pharmacy near you in Greater Manchester.

05/12/2024

NHS Greater Manchester Providing 53,000 Extra GP Appointments This Winter



This winter, NHS Greater Manchester is set to provide around 53,000 additional GP appointments for patients thanks to the Winter Surge Hub scheme – following its success last winter.



Introduced last year, the Winter Surge Hubs aim to meet seasonal pressures to help GP practices across all ten areas of Greater Manchester, by providing additional appointments between November and March.

Winter weather, particularly cold air, can affect anyone with long-term lung illnesses. During winter, people with lung conditions are much more likely to end up feeling unwell as seasonal triggers like cold weather, colds, coughs, flu, and damp can make it harder to breathe.

Together with a rise in winter illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and Norovirus, the NHS often faces much greater pressure during the winter months – both in the community (including GPs and pharmacy services), and in secondary care in hospitals.

That's why NHS Greater Manchester, which is responsible for health services across the city-region, has funded for the second year in a row approximately 53,000 extra GP appointments through the Winter Surge Hub schemes.

As a result of the Hubs last winter, thousands of additional GP appointments took place November 2023 – March 2024 (3,400 a week) – by increasing the amount of face to face and telephone appointments available on evenings and weekends. Making it easier and more convenient for patients to get same-day help for their medical issues and illnesses that don't require urgent care. Something that is set to happen again this year.

Rob Bellingham, Chief Officer for Commissioning for NHS Greater Manchester said:



"We recognise the additional pressures that winter brings, and we always want to do everything we can to support GP practices and the NHS during this really busy time of year. That's why we are pleased to have been able to bring back the Winter Surge Hubs, after their success last year.

"The additional support provided by the Hubs, combined with our Get To Know Where To Go campaign, means that we can make sure that people across the city-region get the care they need more quickly and closer to home when they really need it."



"We are grateful to all the GP providers and their teams whose hard work contributed to the success of the Winter Surge Hubs last year and have made it possible to establish them again this winter."



The increased capacity for appointments created by the Winter Surge Hubs last year received a positive response from patients and staff across Greater Manchester.



A Tameside Practice Manager said: "Winter access has been great, it has hugely helped our capacity. We have received positive patient feedback and a boost in staff morale to be able to offer increased appointments both in house and out of hours."



The Winter Surge Hubs are running from November 2024 to March 2025. During this time, people should continue to contact their GP Practice in their usual way to book GP appointments when they really need them, while also considering whether another service like their local pharmacy or calling NHS 111 may be better suited to helping them. For more information about alternative health help and advice services and the Get To Know Where To Go campaign visit:

This booklet shows the range of NHS services available to you and your family. Keep it handy, so when you’re not feeling well, or need treatment straight away, you know where to go.