More Birmingham patients with long term conditions offered advice and support with just one call

More people in the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham with long term conditions are being invited to join an innovative telephone-based health service.

Birmingham OwnHealth is a support and advice service aimed at people with long- term conditions, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure, stroke or TIA ("mini stroke"), chronic kidney disease or are aged over 65 and would like help with a range of conditions. The service is available in several languages, and members work with a designated Care Manager over the phone to help manage their condition better.

There are currently 5,000 active members, but there are many more places available for eligible people.

Within in the next few weeks, invite letters will go out to suitable patients of Dr Ramjohn and Dr Zaman of Ward End Medical Centre and to patients of Dr Sangra, both based in Washwood Heath Road, as well as people with Dr. Akhtar's practice at the Alum Rock Medical Centre in Highfield Road.

Caroline Nolan, Divisional Director for Strategy and Redesign at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: "People should take the opportunity of joining this fantastic service, and people who receive an invite letter from their practice will receive a follow-up phone call in the following few weeks.

"We are looking forward to welcoming even more people onto the service, which will help them to manage their own conditions better, live more independently and have a better quality of life."

Ask your GP or other health professional about joining Birmingham OwnHealth or go to www.birminghamownhealth.co.uk for more information.