Archive for February, 2015

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is joining forces with Macmillan Cancer Information to offer free health and well-being clinics for people affected by cancer. The first event will be held on Thursday 19 March 2015.

The clinics will provide an opportunity for people to find out how to access local support, information and advice to help them and their families adjust to life with and beyond cancer. The first clinic will be held on Thursday 19 March, 1pm to 3.30pm, Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Jackie Brunton Cancer Services Manager/Lead cancer Nurse at the Trust, said: “We’re delighted to join forces again with the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, building on the success of the previous two health and well-being clinics in 2014.  We would also be delighted to welcome friends and family to come along as we understand how a cancer diagnosis affects not just the person with cancer.”

Cancer nurse specialists will be on hand to offer advice and support along with local organisations including Sefton Active Lifestyles, local benefits advisors and Sefton/West Lancs Carers Support.

Information on fitness, walking groups, diet, benefits, stopping smoking, and carers’ support will also be available as well as the opportunity to talk to other people living with and affected by cancer, who may have had similar experiences. There will be refreshments available and parking at the NCP car park near the venue is 80p.

Interactive sessions will also be held, including:

• A presentation on the benefits of physical activity during and after cancer 
• A tai chi taster session
• Mini make-up classes from Boots No7
• Healthy food demonstrations
• Hand massages from Sefton OPERA (Older Persons Enabling Resource and Action)

Barbara Flowers, who manages the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, a partnership with Southport and Formby CCG, said: “We understand how patients can often feel they lose the safety net of support they receive while attending the hospital regularly for treatment. These events are designed to help people to return to everyday activities and make the most of the good things in their life. If you have any questions, we are here to help.”

Places are free but limited, booking is essential. For information or to book a place contact Helen, Barbara or Sarah at the Southport Macmillan Information and Support Centre on or

Further events will be held this year at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre on the following dates:

• Thursday 9 July               4pm – 6.30pm
• Thursday 12 November   1pm – 3.30pm

The SUPPORT Stop Smoking Service from Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust  encouraged Sefton residents to “Love your Heart” at an event at the Strand shopping centre in Bootle on Thursday 12th February.

The event was to highlight how breaking the relationship with cigarettes is good for the heart. Coinciding with February’s National Heart Month, Sefton people were encouraged to have a ‘heart to heart’ and discuss their smoking habits and reduce their risk of having cardiovascular problems in the future.

People were informed of the importance of stopping smoking and the dangers of 2 hand smoking in line with the new legislation that could introduce a ban on smoking in cars with children by October 2015. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, meningitis and ear infections (Smokefree NHS).

The event was a huge success; the team spoke to over 250 smokers with 50% taking away stop smoking packs and 35 signing up to the service, either by setting a quit date on the day or leaving their details to be contacted by the service.

Anyone in Sefton can attend for support to stop smoking, no appointment necessary and if you’re not quite ready to stop altogether, the team can help set a reduction plan with the aim of becoming completely smoke free. Additionally, they can also help break any habits with your electronic cigarettes and vapourisers with the goal of becoming completely habit free.

To find your nearest start-up session with the stop smoking team, call Healthy Sefton on (8am – 8pm seven days a week, calls are charged at local rate).