Archive for January, 2015

A new online resource and support service called the ‘Local Offer’ has been launched for local children and young people age 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Local Offer is available as part of the Sefton Directory, and is a comprehensive information service for families, children, young people and professionals covering all aspects of special needs provision, including education, health and social care.

The Local Offer is a key part of government reform on Special Education Needs (SEN) and underpinned by a new SEN Code of Practice.

Sefton’s offer has been designed following consultation with local families, children, young people, and with the support of Sefton Parent Carer Forum.

Over time it is intended that the Local Offer will develop further and provide even more information. However, a dedicated Information, Advice and Support Service for the Local Offer is on hand to provide any information not yet on the site.

Colin Pettigrew, Director for Children’s Services in Sefton, said: “A wide range of stakeholders have played a part in developing and implementing Sefton’s SEN reforms and, in particular, the Local Offer.

“The Local Offer is a comprehensive information resource and the focal point of the way families of children with SEN and young people with SEN interact with local services. In addition, there is the opportunity to feedback on service provision and raise queries that will be essential in helping the council and its partners to further develop and improve the Local Offer and review services as appropriate.”

 Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools, Families and Leisure, said: “The SEN reforms in Sefton are about giving children, young people and their families the independence to make informed decisions about their lives and their futures.

“As it develops, the ‘Local Offer’ will increasingly become the place where they can access the kind of information and support to make those important decisions.”

View the Local Offer at www.seftondirectory.co.uk/localoffer or call the Local Offer Information, Advice and Support Service on or by email

Sefton Council is reminding residents to look out for vulnerable people and take care when out and about during the cold spell.

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Older People and Health, said: “We are encouraging everyone to be prepared for the severe weather. Older people and those with long term illnesses are particularly at risk during the winter months so it is crucial that people stay warm and that we all find time to check in on those who may be vulnerable.

“As the cold weather sets in we need everyone in our communities to be on the look-out for signs that something might be wrong. Whether it is milk bottles left outside, newspapers stuck in the letterbox or curtains drawn all day, any sort of unusual activity could be a sign that something is wrong and that someone is in need of help.”

 The Cold Weather Plan for England, which can be viewed at www.gov.uk/phe sets out a series of actions that health and social care organisations, voluntary and community groups, and individuals can take to plan for cold temperatures and help reduce cold-related illnesses and deaths.

Top tips include:

• Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over.
• Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.
• Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days.
• If eligible, seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some. Sefton Council offers help to residents who can obtain free, impartial advice on home heating and insulation as well as tips on how to save money on fuel bills. This information is available by calling the Energy Saving Advice Line free on . If you know a Sefton resident that is struggling to keep warm in their home, please contact the Affordable Warmth Team on .
• If you meet the criteria register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.
• Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
• Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby.

For more information visit www.sefton.gov.uk/coldweather or call Sefton Council on .

NHS commissioners from Southport, Formby and West Lancashire are asking for the views of patients, carers, staff and members of the public about breast care services.  This follows the closure of Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust’s service to new patients from September 2014.

From mid January to mid February, the two organisations – NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and West Lancashire CCG – will be attending a series of events for members of the public and running a survey to invite views on the changes at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, people’s experience of local breast services and their suggestions for the future.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG and local GP, said:  “Since the closure of Southport & Ormskirk’s service to new patients due to difficulties recruiting a radiologist, the CCGs’ priority has been to work with the hospital and other local trusts to ensure continued high quality and timely breast care for all new and existing patients.  Patients requiring follow up appointments have continued to be seen at Southport & Ormskirk, whilst arrangements were quickly put in place so that new patients could be seen at other hospitals of their choice.

“Patients in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire can still choose where they access treatment and care, with many opting to travel to alternative nearby trusts such as Aintree and Wigan. We’re welcoming views from everyone about all local breast care services not just those delivered in Southport and Ormskirk”.

The CCGs are now inviting people’s comments and suggestions about all breast care services to allow them to fully understand what patients’ views are on the services they are receiving and make sure the options available to patients in the future are the best they can be.  Although it is not possible to reintroduce all elements of the breast care service to Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, views sought during these discussions will help the two CCGs to address which parts of the service may be provided more locally again in the future.

Dr Jack Kinsey, local GP and board member of NHS West Lancashire CCG said: “It’s vital that we not only take these next few weeks as the opportunity to listen to the views and experiences of our local communities, but also as our chance to ensure those concerned understand what actions we have taken since to ensure their continued high quality care.  To support this involvement process, we have produced a leaflet explaining everything and are holding a few events across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire.  There is also a survey in place to allow us to listen to as many people as we can.  If you have a specific request or would like us to come and talk to you, we would like you to get in touch.”

Read the leaflet about local breast services and complete the survey online to make sure you have your say or you can call the patient experience team via or  for help or more information.

 

You can find out about changes to breast care services by reading our leaflet and share your views via our survey. We are welcoming your comments and experiences of using these services through to mid-February.

We are also attending a number of events that you are welcome to come along to. Places are limited, so please call our Patient Experience Team on to confirm your attendance:

• Tuesday, 27 January – Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre, Older Peoples Forum (Maghull): 1.30 –3.30pm, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Danefield Lane, Maghull L31 3DD
• Wednesday, 28 January – Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre, Older Peoples Forum (Southport): 1.30 – 3.30pm, Lord Street West Church, Southport, PR8 2BH
• Wednesday 28 January – Lift Up Cancer Support Group: 7pm – 9pm, Ormskirk Hospital Out Patients Department
• Thursday 29 January, In Stitch Cancer Support Group: 10am – 12pm, Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, 25–23 Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport, PR8 1NW
• Friday 30 January – Firm Roots Cancer Support Group 1:30pm — 3.00pm, St John’s Church Hall, School Lane, Burscough, L40 4AE
• Monday, 9 February – Sefton Cancer Support Group: 10.30am – 12.30pm: 1 Duke Street, Formby, Merseyside L37 4AL
• Thursday, 12 February – Lift Up Breast Cancer Support Group: 7 – 9pm: Lakeside Christian Centre, Fairway, Southport, PR9 0LA
• Tuesday, 17 February – Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre, Older Peoples Forum (Formby): 1.30 – 3.30pm, Formby Methodist Church, Elbow Lane, L37 4AF
• Tuesday 17 February – West Lancs Pensioners Forum: Community Centre at The Galleries, St Helen’s Road, Ormskirk

 

A NHS trust wants to hear what cancer patients, their families and carers think about the care they received in hospital.

Jackie Brunton, Cancer Services Manager at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We want to hear what was good and bad, how it made the patient feel and how it affected their experience of care.

“The event will centre on one-to-one conversations between patients and staff. To encourage as much openness as possible, the staff taking part won’t have been involved in the patients’ care.

“After the conversations, patients and staff will work together to establish any themes and develop ideas and suggestions for the Trust to consider.”

The event, which is supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, will be held on Thursday 5th February between 11am and 1.30pm at the Salvation Army, 65, Shakespeare Street, Southport. 

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Parking expenses will be paid.

To book a place email or call

Mersey Care NHS Trust plans to hold a public consultation regarding transforming medium secure services.

As part of the consultation three large scale public consultation events will be held:

• Friday 23 January 2015
  1.30pm – 3.30pm
  St Helens RFC,
  Langtree Park,
  St Helens,
  Merseyside, WA9 3AL
• Friday 30 January 2015
  1.00pm – 3.00pm
  Maghull Town Hall,
  Hall Lane,
  Maghull,
  Merseyside, L31 7BB
• Wednesday 4 February 2015
  6.30pm – 8.30pm
  Room F1,
  Indigo Centre,
  Maghull Site,
  Parkbourn,
  Maghull,
  Liverpool, L31 1HW

You can register by contacting Marjorie Morrison on or via email

Health commissioners in Southport and Formby are holding their first governing body meetings of the New Year next week and local residents are welcome to come along.

NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) holds bi-monthly governing body meetings in public to discuss local health services.

People attending will hear doctors, nurses and other health professionals, who make up the committee, discussing the performance of local NHS services. The CCG will also debate and make decisions about its work programme.

There is a chance for people to ask questions prior to the start of the formal meeting, which is being held on Wednesday 28 January – Family Life Centre, Ash St, Southport.

Meetings begin at 1pm, with an open public session where people can ask questions shortly before the formal session gets underway.

Anyone with an interest in local health is welcome to come along and is asked to call to confirm their attendance.

Papers for the meeting are published on this website before the meeting.

A NHS trust is beginning the New Year with a campaign to recruit more nurses.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has vacancies in general medicine, surgery and community as well as for nurses with specialist experience in anaesthetics and spinal injuries. 

“The Trust uses some brilliant agency nurses but we need a big injection of staff nurses who work only for us,” said Angela Kelly, Interim Director of Nursing and Quality.

“We have opportunities for nurses starting their NHS career, nurses wanting to return to practice and nurses looking to make that next move. What counts is you’re passionate about giving high quality compassionate care and share our values.

“We also offer flexible working arrangements, a supportive structured 18-month preceptorship for newly qualified nurses and a development programme for experienced nurses.”

The Trust recently recruited 10 nurses from Romania to start in February who will join nurses from Portugal who arrived at Southport hospital in summer 2013.

Angela said: “Many of the Portuguese nurses have stayed with us and become valued members of staff. We were equally impressed with the quality of the candidates we interviewed in Romania.

“Recruiting nurses is tremendously challenging for all NHS organisations but I believe we offer something special that makes this Trust particularly appealing.

“Southport and Ormskirk was among the first NHS trusts to offer truly integrated care to patients with community nursing teams leading the way in shaping, challenging and championing care delivered in the community.

“It works for our patients because many of them now get to stay at home and stay out of hospital, and it works for our nurses because the job is more rewarding as a result.”

Nurses interested in finding out more should contact Angela on or Carol Fowler, Interim Assistant Director of Nursing, at for information about the Trust, the Nurse Workforce Strategy, the wards and departments and how the Trust progresses and develops nursing skills and careers. Interviews will be held on Friday 30th January.

 

The Hospital Alcohol Liaison Team (HALT) at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are encouraging staff and patients alike to take part in Dry January.

Dry January is an initiative by the charity Alcohol Concern that encourages people to take a month off from alcohol following the excess of the festive period. HALT will be hosting a stand at Southport hospital in the first week of January explaining the benefits of going dry for January.

Research has shown that, after completing Dry January:

• 72% of participants had sustained reduced levels of harmful drinking six months later
• The 23% of people who had “harmful” alcohol consumption when they started Dry January are now in the “low risk” category
• 4% of participants were still dry six months on 

Mandy Smith, Lead Alcohol Specialist Nurse, said: “People who have taken part in Dry January have reported feeling healthier, losing weight, having more money and taking up new hobbies. There are great benefits to be had from taking part, even if it is just for the month!”

The HALT team also works in partnership with Lifeline Sefton and DISCOVER West Lancashire to provide support for those with alcohol dependency.

For more information on Dry January you can visit the HALT team at Southport hospital, outside the restaurant on the first floor, during the first week of January. You can also visit www.dryjanuary.org.uk