Two members of the NHS outreach staff attended last week’s FVA coffee morning for a chat about helping older people (50+) cope better at home, and to give tips on staying healthier and maintaining independence.  They also gave away free walking stick ferrules to those who wanted/needed them and promoted a medical emergency scheme for your home.

Message in a Bottle is a voluntary scheme for people living at home who might be reassured to know that essential information would be readily available to the Emergency Services should they suffer an accident or sudden illness. 

The scheme ensures that details are available about your medical history, medication, contacts and other vital information. This allows the Emergency Services to give safer and faster First Aid.

Information about you is stored in a specially designed plastic container. Marked with a green cross label, it is kept in a location that is common to every one – the fridge door. Another green cross label is affixed to the inside of your front door for immediate recognition by the emergency services.

Those present were given a free kit, including the tub and copies of the forms to store in your fridge. The whole idea was well received and, as there were fewer than normal people at the coffee morning, the NHS staff will be available again at the next coffee morning on 16th October.