Archive for November, 2015

Two hospitals will be offering support to families remembering lost loved ones in the weeks before Christmas.

The Baby and Child Remembrance Service will be held at Ormskirk hospital and led by the Trust chaplain, the Rev Martin Abrams.

“The run up to Christmas can be a very exciting and special time, but it can also heighten a sense of loss, grief and isolation,” said Martin. “We hope the short, informal service will be supportive to anyone who has suffered a child or baby loss.

“The Salvation Army band will join us and we will be writing the names of loved ones on baubles to hang from our Christmas tree.”

The event will start with refreshments in the main Ormskirk hospital entrance at 6.30pm on Tuesday 1st December before moving to one of the hospital gardens for the service.

During December, Trees of Remembrance will also be available in the prayer and quiet rooms at both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals.

Visitors will be welcome to write the name or names of loved ones on a decoration and hang it from the tree.

Following The Met Office weather alert, NHS Southport and Formby CCG would like to remind people that severe cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.

The Met Office has issued a Level 2 cold weather alert across northern England for the weekend ahead (Friday 20 – Monday 23 November). This means there is a forecast in which there is at least a 60% chance of severe weather, with average temperatures to drop to 2°C or below.

Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or somebody you know can be obtained from the winter health pages at NHS Choices or from your local chemist. Alternatively, if you have any concerns about your health or that of somebody you know, you can also call NHS 111.

Details of the cold weather plan can be found here – whilst advice from The Met Office about cold weather can be found on the Met Office website.

It is NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG’s) final Governing Body meeting of 2015 next week and anyone with an interest in its work is welcome to come along.

The CCG holds its bi-monthly Governing Body meetings in public, so people can hear them discussing and making decisions about local health services.

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals who make up the committees will discuss a range of issue including the performance of the services they commission, like hospitals and community care.

There is a chance for people to ask questions prior to the start of the formal meeting.

The meeting begins at 1pm and takes place on Wednesday 25 November, taking place at the Family Life Centre, Ash St, Southport.

Anyone who is interest in attending is asked to call to confirm their attendance.

Papers are available to view ahead of the meeting.

NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire are encouraging people this self-care week to be aware of how they can look after themselves this winter.

By keeping fit and healthy, individuals can take control of their own health, manage minor illnesses and effectively manage long-term conditions.

If you do need further help, think carefully and examine the number of options available to you across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire:

• Through the NHS Care at the Chemist (minor aliments) scheme your local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and medicines for a range of common illnesses and ailments, without the need to see a GP.
• When your local GP surgery is closed call NHS 111, who will direct you to the appropriate service available to you in your area
• If you have a long-term condition, prepare for winter by ensuring you do not run out of your medication but do only order what you need. Many pharmacists offer repeat prescription services without the need to see your GP.
• Use 111 rather than calling 999 for non-emergencies. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Claire Heneghan, chief nurse of NHS West Lancashire CCG, “It’s important that people know when and how they can treat themselves and when they should seek further advice. By taking simple steps to look after yourself this winter, you can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.”

Dr Robert Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “When it comes to treating minor ailments and illnesses, examine the options available to you. You can get plenty of advice from your local chemist as well as on the NHS Choices website. Remember, the accident and emergency departments and ambulance services are for life-threatening conditions. By selecting the right option, you can help the NHS to direct their focus to the patients who need it the most.”

More information on how everyone can use self-care to improve their health and wellbeing is available on the NHS Choices website.

 

Pregnant women across the borough are being urged to make sure they get the flu jab this winter.

The flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu as it
reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk – including expectant mothers.

If you are pregnant, you are eligible for the flu vaccination it is free of charge – it’s free because mothers need it.

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of complications and potential harmful consequences for both the mother and baby if you catch the flu such as premature birth.

Pregnancy naturally weakens the body’s immune system and as a result mothers may be less able to fight off infections, increasing the risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of flu.
Local resident, Nicole Cowan, said: “This is my second pregnancy and I also had the flu jab when I was expecting my first baby. I think it’s really important to be vaccinated as it protects both me and my baby and it’s great that the NHS is offering the jab for free to pregnant women like me.”

The flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy; it does not carry any risks for you or your baby.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing, said: ““Flu is a highly contagious illness that spreads rapidly. It can cause serious complications for at risk groups, such as expectant mothers and people with long term health conditions.

“Despite us having a relatively mild autumn so far, the flu jab is the last thing on people’s minds, especially expectant mums.

“However, for many people flu is an unpleasant illness but for pregnant women it is extremely dangerous and can be lethal.

“My advice for anyone eligible for the free flu vaccination is to get it now before flu starts to circulate in the Sefton community.”

Free flu vaccinations are being offered to all pregnant women, all children aged 2 to 4, residents of all ages with a long term health condition and everyone aged 65 and over. Most people who are eligible can get vaccinated at their local GP practice.

Dr Wendy Hewitt, clinical lead for children and maternity, NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, added: “You can have the flu vaccine at any point in your pregnancy and not only is it safe for you and your baby, it’ll reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill as a result of flu from things like pneumonia, premature birth or even miscarriage.

“The added advantage is that your baby will continue to be protected from flu for the first few months of their life. Talk to your GP or midwife if you have any questions and they’ll be happy to help.”

Pharmacists in Sefton’s two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) will be reminding residents about the range of services available in local chemists, and encouraging them to make appropriate use of NHS services during Ask Your Pharmacist week (9-15 November).

Often, people make unnecessary trips to the GP or even A&E, when their neighbourhood chemist could help instead. In recent years, pharmacists have expanded their role, and now provide a wide range of clinical and public health services, within easy reach of the people who need them most. However, whilst most people go first to their chemist for medicines and medicines advice, many don’t know about the range of other healthcare services on offer in chemists.

NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have made this easier with their Care at the Chemist scheme, providing fast expert advice and medications for a wide range of conditions, without the need for a doctor’s appointment.

Mr Wear, who has been visiting Ryders Chemist in Formby since 1988, said: “I have been coming here a long time now and the pharmacists have always been approachable. I use Care at the Chemist a lot and find it extremely useful, the advice they give is invaluable and it can save a lot of time rather than getting an appointment at the doctors.”

Susanne Lynch is the CCGs’ head of medicines management and the Sefton mum of two and uses Care at the Chemist if her boys are under the weather. Susanne said: “Our Care at the Chemist service helps keep people up to speed with what is now on offer on their doorstep in pharmacies – a uniquely accessible healthcare professional workforce who can deliver expert medicines advice and an expanding list of public health services.

“Your local pharmacist is a good first contact point for advice on many common health concerns – it is certainly mine. While most people will go first to their pharmacist for medicines advice, many don’t know about the range of other healthcare services provided by pharmacies on their doorstep and the level of expertise there. Pharmacists are available without appointment and are able to deal with a wide range of ailments, as well as offering uniquely accessible advice on maintaining and improving your health.

“Here in Sefton we promote this regularly through our Care at the Chemist scheme but this awareness week will promote this wider and will hopefully alert patients to the services on offer at the chemists on their doorsteps.”

Activities are planned across the country during Ask Your Pharmacist Week including health checks in shopping centres, community talks, chemist window displays and visits to chemists by local dignitaries.

Anyone of any age who is registered with a Sefton GP can get Care at the Chemist. Simply call into your chemist and ask to be registered onto the scheme. It is best if you use your usual chemist but if you are using one that does not know you; you will be asked to bring proof of identity.

The NHS is joining forces with Macmillan Cancer Information at a free health and wellbeing clinic in Southport on Thursday 12th November.

The event is organised by Macmillan Information and Support Centre in partnership with Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The event at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre is an opportunity to find out how to access local support, information and advice to help patients and their families adjust to life with and beyond cancer. It will run from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Jackie Brunton, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust’s lead cancer nurse, said: “We’re delighted to join forces again with Macmillan, building on the success of previous health and well-being clinics. 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.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to find out what local support, information and advice is available to them, their families, carers and friends to adjust to life with and beyond cancer. Clinical nurse specialists will also be on hand. There will also be:

• Healthy food demonstrations
• Hand massages from Sefton OPERA (Older Persons Enabling Resource and Action)
• A benefits advisor
• Representatives from local cancer support groups
• A performance by the Living Well Centre/Macmillan Singing Group
• Expert-led sessions around fitness, wellbeing and Macmillan’s work

Helen Jones, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre Manager, 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 Macmillan Information & Support Centre on /7 or email .

Sefton council is offering subsidised parking at 80p per car.