UPDATE - No Significant Down-time Required

Rescheduled Server Work

22 Sep 2008

We have had an update on the proposed work to change the server for our catalogue system, and there is now no need for an extended period of 'down-time'.

The work will still go ahead from Tuesday 23rd September, but is now being spread over a full month, and the only down-time required can be scheduled for overnight at a weekend.

Short Down-time

So there will still be a period when our on-line system is unavailable, but it will be overnight at a weekend, so should cause no problems to our users or our office.  This is very welcome news.

There is always a chance that things may not go as smoothly as hoped, and some disruption may be caused, but this is unlikely.

Improved Servers

The new server systems will bring many improvements, such as more 'mirroring' and duplication of our data, faster switching to duplicates in case of failure, and more connections to the Internet to take-over in case of failure there too.  So, although our servers have proved very reliable before, the chances of problems will be reduced even further.

Please note that these changes improve the reliability of our presence on the Internet, but there are still things that can go wrong and stop access at the user's end, e.g. problems with your ISP, the NHS network, your office network, etc., which are out of our control.

Sexual Health Week - Materials

4 Aug 2008

This week is Sexual Health Week - 4th to 10th August.  It is run by the FPA (Family Planning Association).

We have a small number of the campaign material packs available so, although the week is now underway, if you need some materials at the last minute, give us a call on 01753 63 8678.

This year's campaign is "It's My Right!" and highlights the right of people with learning disabilities to have sex and relationships, just like anyone else.

HPV Vaccination Leaflets Available

29 Jul 2008

The new leaflets, explaining the HPV vaccination programme for girls, are now in stock and available to order from us.  The vaccination program is to target 12 to 13 and 17 to 18 year-old girls and will start in September this year.  Initially it was to be available for the 12 to 13 year group only, but has now been extended  to the 17 to 18 year-olds too.

The leaflet explains about the virus, cervical cancer and all about the vaccine, including how and when it is given.  It also explains about possible side effects and where to get more information.

Cancer Prevention

The vaccine protects against the HPV, human papillomavirus virus, which causes cervical cancer.

There are over 100 types of HPV but only 13 of them are known to cause cancer.  The vaccine protects against just two of these, but they are the types that cause 70% of all cervical cancers, so it provides a considerable level of protection.  The vaccination is a series of three injections given over a few months.

For more information, see the website - www.immunisation.nhs.uk/hpv

Ordering

To order copies from us, and to list other items we have on the HPV virus:

1. Go to our on-line catalogue
2. Log-in (so you can place an order)
3. Type  hpv  into the KEYWORD box
4. Click Search at the bottom of the page.

Dirty Birtie Hygiene Leaflet for Children

9 Jul 2008

There is a new leaflet available (for download) aimed at educating children on the importance of hygiene, e.g. washing hands.  It is part of the Department of Health 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It' campaign.

The leaflets are four page A5 size and is only available as a download.

It is in a cartoon strip style and tells the story of 'Dirty Birtie' who has "revolting habbits".  It shows the various bad habbits he has and highlights how this will spread germs, but he gradually learns from others what he should be doing.

You can download the leaflet from the DH website on the link below.

Song

There is even an MP3 sound file of a nursery rhyme based on the message, and a PDF file of the words so you can join in!

Download at:

Web:  www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_085121

New Feeding Leaflet - Your Baby

19 Jun 2008

There is a new leaflet available produced by the Food Standards Agency, called "Your Baby - Feeding your baby in the first year".

It gives the latest up-to-date advice on everything from initial feeding on breast milk or milk formula, right on to weaning on to solids.

Download Only

The leaflet is only planned to be available as a download for now.  You can download it from the link below:

eatwell.gov.uk/yourbaby  - 404KB PDF File

It is also listed in our catalogue but only as a download link.

New Collection Point in Windsor

King Edward VII Hospital

21 Dec 2007

An early Christmas present! - for some of our users.

We have recently arranged a new collection and return point at King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor, which will be of use to our users in the Windsor area that don't have direct access to the NHS Internal Post.  Until now the nearest collection point for Windsor was the Slough one at Upton Hospital.

The new point is located at the main Reception desk in the entrance hall at King Edward, which is accessed around the back of the hospital, from the main car park.  Long-term parking can be a problem at the hospital, but if you are just popping in to collect or return items then there are dropping-off areas around the roundabout outside Reception.  Please be careful not to block access and don't stay longer than required though.

Ordering

When booking or ordering items on the system there is now a 'Windsor Collection Point" option on the 'Delivery method' list.  However if you intend to use Windsor as your preferred collection point then you should go into your 'Personal Details' option and set it as your default delivery method, and don't forget to click 'Submit' to save the changes.

Benefits

This new point will not only help certain users in Windsor but should also take some of the pressure off the Slough point.