Archive for October, 2014

NHS Southport and Formby clinical commissioning group (CCG) is inviting people to come along to its next Big Chat event to help them turn strategy into action.

The CCG holds regular Big Chat events to update residents about their work and to gain views about health services.

So far, the CCG has held three Big Chats along with a series of smaller, more focused Mini Chats. The feedback gained from these events has helped NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS South Sefton CCG to develop a joint five year strategy for improvement.

Dr Rob Caudwell, Chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We’ve been really fortunate to have had such good involvement from local people and our other partners in developing our strategy.

The CCGs published their five year strategy for improved health in Sefton in September. It sets out a shared vision for better health and wellbeing in the borough, along with a number of priority areas that will help the CCGs to make improvements to local services over the next five years.

Rob added: “We’re keen to share our thinking around our next steps and to get people’s feedback on how they think we can turn strategy into action.”

The Big Chat takes place on 19 November, 1pm to 4pm, Royal Clifton Hotel, Promenade, Southport, PR8 1RB.

Places will be offered on a first come first served basis. To book your place, please call or email

England’s Chief Inspector of Hospitals is encouraging local people to come along to a listening event where they will be able to tell inspectors what they think of the services provided by Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

Inspectors want to hear about people’s experience of care at the hosptials over the past year, and about where they would like to see improvements made in the future.

The listening event starts at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 5 November at the Royal Clifton Hotel and Spa, The Promenade, Southport, PR8 1RB.

All the views and experiences gathered at the event will help inspectors from the Care Quality Commission decide what to look at when they inspect the trust from the week beginning 10 November.

The trust will be given an overall rating as a result of the inspectors findings.

The Chief Inspector, Professor Sir Mike Richards, announced last year that he will lead significantly larger inspection teams than before, headed up by clinical and other experts including trained members of the public.

Sir Mike said: “The new inspections are designed to provide people with a clear picture of the quality of the services in their local hospital, exposing poor or mediocre care as well as highlighting the many hospitals providing good and excellent care.

“We know there is too much variation in quality – these new in-depth inspections will allow us to get a much more detailed picture of care in hospitals than ever before.

“Of course we will be talking to doctors and nurses, hospital managers and patients at the trust. But it is vital that we also hear the views of the people who have received care at the trust, or anyone who wants to share information with us. This will help us plan our inspection, and so help us focus on the things that really matter to people who depend on this service.

“This is your opportunity to tell the team what you think, and make a difference to the NHS services in the local area.”

If you are unable to attend the listening event, there are a number of ways you can make sure your experiences are heard.

You can give your views to the inspection team at any time:

• By completing an online form
• By emailing –
• By writing to – CQC, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA
• By phoning – 03000 61 61 61

Sir Mike’s inspection team is expected to look in detail at eight key service areas: A&E; medical care (including frail elderly); surgery; intensive/critical care; maternity; paediatrics/children’s care; end of life care; and outpatients.

A full report of the inspectors’ findings will be published by the Care Quality Commission later in the year. The trust will be one of the first to be given one of the following ratings:  Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement, Inadequate.

 

Sefton’s yearly flu vaccination campaign is underway. Free flu vaccination is being offered to all pregnant women, all children aged 2 to 4, residents of all ages with a health condition and everyone aged 65 and over.

Each winter, tens of thousands of people in England end up in hospital because of flu. Flu can be very serious. In the UK, about 600 people a year die from a complication of seasonal flu. This rises to around 13,000 during an epidemic.

Flu is a really unpleasant illness, which most people recover from themselves over about a week. Some people are at a much greater risk from the serious effects of flu, including pregnant women, the very young, people of any age with health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and older people.

A very important message in the campaign this year is that pregnant women should protect themselves and their unborn baby by getting their free flu vaccination as soon as possible. Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result, increases the risk of a mother and unborn baby becoming seriously ill from flu.

Since last year, there has been a new nasal spray for all young children aged 2 and 3 years and this year, the spray is also being offered to all 2, 3 and 4 year olds to protect them from flu.

The flu virus is very unpredictable and, some years, flu causes more sickness than others because new strains emerge and spread.  This is why it is really important for people eligible for a free flu vaccination to get it every year.

Dr Janet Atherton, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be very serious and should not be underestimated.  I strongly encourage people who are eligible for a free flu vaccination to take up the offer to protect themselves.

“Pregnant women can safely have the flu vaccine at anytime in pregnancy to protect themselves and their unborn baby. The vaccine reduces the risk of complications of flu like premature birth and pneumonia and all pregnant women should take up the offer.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “People with long term health conditions are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and should protect themselves with a free flu vaccine even if they feel healthy.

“Parents of children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old may not know that their children should have a free flu nasal spray so we want to spread this message. The spray is simple, quick and painless and available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds through the GP.”

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Older People and Health said: “The flu vaccination campaign is a really important public health campaign to protect Sefton residents who are at greater risk of serious effects from flu.  We want to make sure that everyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccine is aware that they need it and know how to get it. It is free because you need it.  I urge anyone at risk of flu to speak to their GP about protecting themselves.”

NHS Southport and Formby CCG is supporting the Be Clear on Cancer ‘Blood in Pee’ campaign.

Launching on 13 October, the Be Clear on Cancer campaign will run for six weeks across England with the aim of raising awareness of a key symptom of both bladder and kidney cancers – blood in pee. The campaign encourages people who notice blood in their pee to see their doctor straight away. These cancers are more treatable if they are diagnosed early.

Adverts will appear on national TV and radio. There will also be events in public areas such as shopping centres.
Around 17,000 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year and these cancers account for around 7,500 deaths each year.

Visible ‘blood in pee’ is a key symptom for bladder and kidney cancers. Yet when asked to name cancer signs and symptoms, only one in three people mention unexplained bleeding. People need to know that if they have this symptom, they should see their GP without delay.Other bladder cancer symptoms include:

• Needing to pee very often or very suddenly
• Pain while peeing

Other kidney cancer symptoms include:

• A pain below the ribs that doesn’t go away
• A lump in your stomach

Dr Anant Sachdev, a GP who features in the Be Clear on Cancer advertising, said: “It‟s important for people to be aware of the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer. If you notice blood in your pee, even if it’s just the once, tell your doctor.

“It’s very straightforward for your doctor to examine you and decide whether to arrange further tests. If your doctor suspects it might be bladder or kidney cancer, you will be urgently referred to a hospital and they will then organise tests, and, if necessary, treatment. You will either get reassurance that it isn‟t cancer, or if it is you will have a better chance of successful treatment.

“You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out – it might be a sign of something else that needs treatment. And if your symptoms persist, go back to your doctor – they’ll want to help.”

For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer, please visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee

Are you interested in helping to shape your community health services? The NHS can be one of the most rewarding careers, with the ability to change people’s lives every day.

This is an exceptional opportunity to share your talents and expertise to make a positive difference to the lives of people in your community.

The Trust is the largest provider of community services in Merseyside, delivering preventative care, diagnostics, treatment and healthcare for Liverpool, Sefton and surrounding areas.

So if you are looking for an opportunity to support specialist community  aspiring service and help change lives for some of the most in need, then this role is for you.

For an informal and confidential discussion with the Chair of the Trust, Frances Molloy, regarding the role please contact her PA Vicky Taylor on or to apply visit: www.ntda.nhs.uk

Closing date 11am Thursday 6 November 2014

 

Do you know a young person in Sefton who shines out?

The Sefton Shining Stars Awards, organised by Sefton CVS, recognise and celebrate the achievements of Sefton’s children and young people aged from 6-16.

The emphasis of the awards is on achievements outside the normal school curriculum areas, and rewarding children and young people who may not normally gain recognition.

This year’s categories are:

• Achieving and Caring
• Volunteering
• Inspiring Change
• Achiever of the Year Award
• Language and Culture Award
• Changing Attitudes
• Bravery Award
• Personality of the Year Award
• Participation Award
• Shiniest Star Award

The deadline for nominations is 18 November 2014. For more information about the categories and how to nominate your Shining Star contact Michael Killen on ext 201 or email .

If your life has been affected by cancer then why the Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Clinic is for you.

It is a chance for anyone affected by cancer and their family and friends, to find out about support, information and advice,  vailable locally.

The afternoon will include information stalls, a short talk, a healthy eating demonstration, exercise and relaxation taster sessions, along with FREE refreshments.

Cancer Nurse Specialists, Benefits Advisers and other key organisations will be available for advice and support.

The Health and Wellbeing Clinic takes place on Thursday 23 October from 1pm until 3.30pm. It is being held at the Family Life Centre, Ash Street, Southport PR8 6JH.

Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information and to book your place please drop in to the Macmillan Information and Support Centre, Scarisbrick Ave, Southport. PR8 1NW or call .

Macmillan Information and Support Centre is a partnership between the cancer charity and NHS southport and Formby CCG.

 

 

Sefton Council is offering local parents and carers respite of 15 hours FREE childcare per week for their two year olds, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

The free childcare has many benefits for you and your family, including:

• The chance for your child to play, learn and socialise with other children
• The chance for your children to access quality childcare that will help them to be school ready
• Free time time for you to use as you wish, whether attending college or training, or spending more time with your other children

You are eligible for this excellent offer if :

• You receive Income Support
• You receive Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance or Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Your two year old receives Disability Living Allowance or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Your two year old is looked after / fostered by you
• You are a Care Leaver aged under 25yrs
• You receive Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit and an income less than £16,190
• You receive the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• You receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The free childcare is organised by Sefton Council’s School Readiness Service, who use a range of providers including children`s centres, childminders, participating schools and private, voluntary and independent nursery settings.

If you want to know more call into your local children`s centre, nursery or speak with your Health Visitor.

Alternatively visit www.sefton.gov.uk/childcare or call the School Readiness Team on .

Sefton’s yearly flu vaccination campaign is underway. Free flu vaccination is being offered to all pregnant women, all children aged 2 to 4, residents of all ages with a health condition and everyone aged 65 and over.

Each winter, tens of thousands of people in England end up in hospital because of flu. Flu can be very serious. In the UK, about 600 people a year die from a complication of seasonal flu. This rises to around 13,000 during an epidemic.

Flu is a really unpleasant illness, which most people recover from themselves over about a week. Some people are at a much greater risk from the serious effects of flu, including pregnant women, the very young, people of any age with health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and older people.

A very important message in the campaign this year is that pregnant women should protect themselves and their unborn baby by getting their free flu vaccination as soon as possible. Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result, increases the risk of a mother and unborn baby becoming seriously ill from flu.

Since last year, there has been a new nasal spray for all young children aged 2 and 3 years and this year, the spray is also being offered to all 2, 3 and 4 year olds to protect them from flu.

The flu virus is very unpredictable and, some years, flu causes more sickness than others because new strains emerge and spread.  This is why it is really important for people eligible for a free flu vaccination to get it every year.

Dr Janet Atherton, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Flu can be very serious and should not be underestimated.  I strongly encourage people who are eligible for a free flu vaccination to take up the offer to protect themselves.

“Pregnant women can safely have the flu vaccine at anytime in pregnancy to protect themselves and their unborn baby. The vaccine reduces the risk of complications of flu like premature birth and pneumonia and all pregnant women should take up the offer.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “People with long term health conditions are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu and should protect themselves with a free flu vaccine even if they feel healthy.

“Parents of children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old may not know that their children should have a free flu nasal spray so we want to spread this message. The spray is simple, quick and painless and available for 2, 3 and 4 year olds through the GP.”

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Older People and Health said: “The flu vaccination campaign is a really important public health campaign to protect Sefton residents who are at greater risk of serious effects from flu.  We want to make sure that everyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccine is aware that they need it and know how to get it. It is free because you need it.  I urge anyone at risk of flu to speak to their GP about protecting themselves.”

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LHCH) is holding a free health awareness event on ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnoea’ in Southport on Wednesday 15 October

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep.  It is a relatively common condition that affects more men than women.  In the UK, it is estimated that around 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women have OSA, which is often associated with being overweight.

Dot Price, Senior Respiratory Clinical Physiologist at LHCH will discuss the condition and the risks associated with it, along with the treatment available.

Doors open at 6.30pm and the event starts at 7pm at the Ramada Plaza, Promenade, Southport, PR9 0DZ. 

All are welcome to attend this free health awareness event which promises to be both informative and interesting. 

For more information please visit www.lhch.nhs.uk. To book your place please contact or email