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News

Covid-19

Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and in recent weeks there has been an increase in infections

It’s been a number of months since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and we are all enjoying some normality after a challenging two years which impacted all corners of life. As we now look forward to life without restrictions and head into the social summer holiday period, we must keep in mind that the virus has not gone away.

long covid

Help improve NHS Long COVID services

An important and exciting opportunity is being advertised for you to contribute your long COVID lived experience to help improve Long COVID services. NHS England’s Long COVID Programme sets the national policy and commissioning standards for post COVID services.


“Working with people with lived experience is vital to ensuring our work considers the needs of all those affected by long COVID. Please contact us if you feel you can bring your experience to our team.”
Hazel Nyamajiyah, Senior Policy Manager at NHS England and NHS Improvement

patient safety partner

First Community seeking to recruit two Patient Safety Partners

First Community has developed a new and exciting Patient Safety Partner role that is open to members of the public to work as an advisor to help us deliver safe healthcare across the organisation.

This is a new and innovative position which stems from a growing body of work both nationally and within First Community focusing on involving patients across all levels of healthcare with particular focus on improving safety.

Ian Grant

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Ian Grant makes huge improvements to his speech and returns to his love of producing music

East Surrey resident Ian Grant was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2016, and through sheer determination and support from Speech and Language Therapists at First Community Health and Care, he has improved his speech and helped produce a well-known cover song.

Following his PD diagnosis, Ian suffered with several associated symptoms including difficulties with his speech, which led to a referral to First Community’s Speech and Language Therapy Team to help manage his condition.

Wear a face covering header

Keeping everyone safe

There are no immediate changes to COVID Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) requirements in healthcare settings. This includes the requirement for staff, patients and visitors to wear a mask/face covering.

The consistent application of IPC measures, alongside the roll out of the vaccine programme and staff and patient testing, remains the most effective defence against the entry and spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.

Sarah Billiald, Chief Executive

Sarah Billiald, CEO explains why First Community is a great place to work

Today, First Community's Chief Executive Sarah Billiald shared a video explaining why First Community is a great place to come and work.

Sarah talks about the range of benefits and extra rewards on offer for people who work at First Community, and the organisations passion for supporting professional development and staff health and wellbeing. 

Click here to watch the full video. 

NHS mental health 'Help' campaign

NHS launch new mental health ‘Help’ campaign

On Monday 17 January, NHS England and NHS Improvement launched a new mental health campaign to highlight that feelings of anxiety and depression can affect us all - and the NHS is here to help.

The NHS provides a range of talking therapies for common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression which are free, effective and confidential. The ‘Help’ campaign will encourage anyone experiencing common mental health problems to seek help from these NHS services – either by referring themselves, or by contacting their GP.

festive opening arrangements

Festive opening arrangements

First Community would like to thank our staff, partners and all those working over the holiday period to provide health care across our local community.

Minor Injury Unit - Caterham Dene Hospital

Our Minor Injury Unit at Caterham Dene Hospital will remain open as normal from 8am to 8pm daily for those aged 18 and over throughout the festive period.