Please follow & like us

RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
YouTube
Instagram

Author: Martin Driver

Santa Claus spotted getting his booster jab in Sefton

16 December 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

Santa Claus with festive helpers at the Netherton Health Centre COVID-19 vaccination site.Once again, Santa Claus has stopped off in Sefton during his busy  pre-Christmas schedule.  This time he was getting his booster jab to make sure he’s fully protected.

As the final countdown to Christmas begins, staff at a COVID-19 vaccination site in Sefton were surprised by the arrival of a very jolly patient in a red suit, looking to get a jab.

‘Santa Claus’ visited Netherton Health Centre, where he had pre-booked an appointment to get his COVID-19 booster vaccination, under the alias Ron Clayton.

Snowed under

Arriving, unusually, by van rather than by sleigh, Santa explained that his reindeer were busy getting ready for their Christmas duties, but that even though he was ‘snowed under’ with festive preparations he knew it was very important to make time to get vaccinated as soon as he was eligible.

Santa said: “I’ve got a busy few days ahead, flying around to deliver presents to children all over Sefton and beyond! I wanted my long journey to be made as safe as possible for myself and everyone I visit, by getting my booster jab for extra protection.

“Mrs Claus and all of my elves have also had their booster jabs, to keep themselves and everyone else safe this Christmas. Some of the elves are over 100 years old, so obviously they had their vaccinations quite early on, but it’s never too late to come forward for your jab if you’ve not got round to it yet!”

After getting his vaccine, Santa declared that all the staff at Netherton Health Centre were definitely on his ‘nice’ list, before he waved goodbye to the team and set off back to the North Pole.

St. Nick himself

Jenny Macoy, site manager at the COVID-19 vaccination centre at Netherton Health Centre, said: “We were so glad to see St. Nick himself coming in to get his jab, even though he must have a busy schedule at the moment! Protecting yourself and others should definitely be top of everyone’s Christmas list this year.”

“The booster vaccine is important because helps improve the protection you have from your first two doses of the vaccine and helps give you longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Get yours booked in to stay safe this festive season.”

You can watch Santa’s visit here. 

The NHS is now offering all adults the opportunity to book their booster jab by the end of the year. Those now eligible to book are people who had their second COVID-19 vaccine at least three months ago, and are:

  • Aged 18 and over
  • Aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk from COVID-19
  • Frontline health or social care workers

Eligible

If, like Santa, you are eligible for your booster jab, you can call 119 or visit the NHS website to book an appointment, or find a walk-in vaccination site that is offering booster jabs, here: www.nhs.uk/covid-booster

Booster jabs are also available from local vaccination sites in Sefton, which are taking bookings by telephone for anyone eligible. Contact the local vaccination sites to get booked in:

Seaforth Village Surgery, 20 Seaforth Rd, L21 3TA: call 07979 938 229

Netherton Health Centre, Magdalen Square, L30 5SP: call 0151 247 6413

Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 44-46 Hoghton Street, PR9 0PQ: call 01704 395830 (phone lines open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm)

Find out more about local vaccination sites in Sefton by visiting: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk or www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk.

Last year, Santa visited one of Sefton’s testing centres for a rapid test to make sure he wasn’t passing on COVID without realising.

Melling resident Mary celebrates milestone birthday, plus one!

15 December 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

Melling resident Mary Burgess was surprised with a very special birthday party on Wednesday 15th December, after her 100th birthday celebrations were curtailed due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2020.

Melling resident Mary Burgess celebrating turning 101
Melling resident Mary Burgess celebrating turning 101

Last year she could only mark becoming a centenarian on her doorstep.

So, Mary’s friends from her local pensioners club wanted to throw her a belated party to ensure they could all mark the magnificent milestone together.

Mary attends Cabinet Member Cllr Atkinson’s monthly health and wellbeing club, so she attended the Holy Rosary Parochial Club to join the surprise.

Mary’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter to the left, Mary in the middle with Cllr Marion Atkinson to the right and club organiser Bobby to the far right.
Mary’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter to the left, Mary in the middle with Cllr Marion Atkinson to the right and club organiser Bobby to the far right.

There was a spot of bingo, afternoon tea and plenty of birthday cake.

Cllr Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, and Molyneux ward councillor said:

“Mary is a fantastic member of the local community and always first in line for bingo tickets when she attends my monthly health and wellbeing classes.

“It was just brilliant to celebrate in a small way with Mary and I hope that she feels special as she marks this incredible milestone.”

Born in Liverpool on 15th December 1920, Mary has lived in Melling for more than 30 years. She has five children and more than 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In her 90s she overcame breast cancer and is still an active member of two local pensioners clubs. Once restrictions began to ease, Mary was one of the first to return to the local clubs and wellbeing group. Most recently she’s enjoyed visits to Boundary Mill with one of the groups and has just got back from her ‘Turkey & Tinsel’ holiday in Bournemouth.

Thankfully Mary got through the worst of the pandemic with very few problems and is said to be enjoying using her bus pass once again for shopping trips to Liverpool and doesn’t know what she would do without it.

Happy Birthday Marvellous Mary!

Melling resident Mary Burgess celebrating turning 100 on her doorstep in December 2020
Melling resident Mary Burgess celebrating turning 100 on her doorstep in December 2020

Get vaccinated, get your booster and look after each other through this difficult winter period – a joint statement from the Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside

15 December 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

Our communities are once again being asked to step up to protect themselves and each other, and help to keep our fantastic front-line health and care services running this winter.  As Directors of Public Health, we are supportive of measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and in particular, the new variant, Omicron.

We knew that there was always a risk of new variants, and it is clear that Omicron is spreading very rapidly. The UK is now at COVID-19 alert Level 4 because we have extremely high transmission and rising rates of Omicron. We especially want to keep those who are most vulnerable in our local communities safe and prevent more people going into hospital and dying.

Everyone is being asked to get vaccinated and get their booster dose as soon as possible.  Demand for vaccination will be high and vaccination sites will be very busy, so please book ahead wherever possible, and be patient if you are queuing for your vaccine.

If you do experience symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, new continuous cough or loss/change of taste or smell), PCR tests can be booked by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119. If your test is positive, you must follow the guidance including self-isolating immediately.

It is also recommended you take lateral flow tests twice a week and also in advance of any social gathering/event. If you are notified that you are a close contact of a positive case of COVID-19 and you are fully vaccinated, you will be asked to do daily lateral flow testing for 7 days to check you are and remain negative. Children under 5 years old do not need a test and will not need to self-isolate. If you have not had two doses of the vaccine, you will need to isolate for the full 10 days.

Face coverings are required in most indoor public settings, except for pubs and restaurants or unless you are exempt. Office workers who can work from home should do so and from Wednesday (15 December), you will be required to show proof of full vaccination status, or a negative test in the last 48 hours, to enter certain venues such as nightclubs or major sporting events.

This is a time where we as a community need to come together and support each other. We need to continue to be kind to ourselves and others and carry on with the same steely determination to do the right thing that has kept us going since the beginning.

Building up your personal resilience is so important in times like this. Cheshire and Merseyside’s Kind to Your Mind campaign has plenty of resources to help you do just that. You can listen to podcasts, look at online therapies, download apps, and access helplines if you need them. There are plenty of options to suit you, all you need to do is visit www.kindtoyourmind.org

Masks, hand washing, social distancing and ventilation are all vital measures to mitigate this disease, but none more so than being vaccinated against it. That is the number one tool we have. If up until now you have not taken up your offer of the vaccine, please book your jab now. The same applies to your booster. They are safe, effective and millions upon millions of people across the country have benefited from it. Visit www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine to book now.

Stay safe,

Dr Matt Tyrer
Director of Public Health for Cheshire East

Ian Ashworth
Director of Public Health Cheshire West and Chester

Dr Ifeoma Onyia
Director of Public Health for Halton

Dr Sarah McNulty
Director of Public Health for Knowsley

Professor Matt Ashton
Director of Public Health for Liverpool

Margaret Jones
Director of Public Health for Sefton

Ruth du Plessis
Director of Public Health for St Helens

Thara Raj
Director of Public Health for Warrington

Julie Webster
Director of Public Health for Wirral

Get outdoors safely across Sefton this winter

14 December 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News

Sefton’s heritage parks and green open spaces, along with its 22-mile coastline and exciting nature reserves are here to be explored this winter.

Whether its walking, cycling or simply getting outside for a breath of fresh air, which many people may look to do over the festive break, the Council’s Green Sefton service is reminding residents to take care and to respect wildlife, as well as the landscape, when getting outdoors locally.

Cllr Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“This year we’ve continued to see unprecedented use of our outdoor spaces, particularly throughout the summer months along our beautiful coastline. We joined forces with colleagues and partners to implement our Coastal Action Plan and we were delighted with the support we got from residents and visitors, the vast the majority of whom took note to enjoy our beaches safely.

“Now we’re embracing the seasonal changes and the onset of winter, and I would encourage everyone to continue to make the most of some fresh air when they get outdoors, as well as enjoying everything that nature has to offer in our Borough. That’s not just on our coastline but also our canal walks, cycling routes and Sefton’s many small open spaces and parks.”

Downloadable resources and ideas for places to explore locally in Sefton are available on the Visit Sefton website visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk.

Residents are being urged to be prepared for winter differences before getting out and about around Sefton’s parks, coastline, and open spaces.

Cllr Moncur added:

“Following this advice and going through a quick check list before heading out and about will ensure that people get the best out of spending time outdoors.

“Similarly, the seasonal changes bring with them amazing wildlife spectacles. Rare migrating birds can often be spotted along our coastline, as can cattle and sheep that through their grazing are helping to manage vital habitats among the dunes. Please do show respect to both the landscape and the wildlife that we are so lucky to have in Sefton.”

A handy checklist covers everything residents, and visitors alike, need to know when enjoying the Borough’s outdoor spaces this winter.

  • Be prepared for winter weather with appropriate clothing and robust footwear.
  • Always check the weather forecast as conditions can change quickly and check tide times before you set out to the coast.
  • Take note of any safety signage at beach entrances – there are no RNLI lifeguard patrols on Southport or Ainsdale beaches during winter. Lifeguard cover is year-round at Crosby. If you or someone needs help at the coast call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • Remember that the evenings get darker earlier so carrying a torch or wearing reflective clothing would be advisable.
  • Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Remember that some of our gated parks may be locked an hour after sunset.
  • Take care close to water, especially in wet or icy conditions and do not attempt to walk on frozen water, ponds or lakes.
  • Avoid walking through woodland in high winds and keep away from any fallen or hung up trees until they have been made safe.
  • Sefton’s entire coastline is environmentally sensitive and protected – please respect this precious landscape.
  • Do not disturb wildlife, livestock or damage habitat – keep a close eye on dogs and keep them under control away from pools of water and resting birds. Similarly, horse riders should never ride through flocks of wading birds. If they are chased or disturbed intentionally it can result in serious harm to them.   
  • Leave nothing but your footprints – take all your rubbish home with you and recycle wherever possible.
  • Some facilities like public toilets may not be open in winter months at parks and nature reserves.
  • Beach car parks are closed and will not re-open until the spring – please park responsibly in the parking available nearby.
  • Walk or cycle rather than taking a vehicle where possible.
  • If walking or cycling in remote areas, ensure you take a fully charged mobile phone and be aware that signal may be poor.
  • Camping, BBQs and fires are not permitted.
  • Remember to follow current COVID-19 guidelines.
  • Report any emergency hazards or concerns to Sefton Security on 0151 922 6107.
  • Always follow the Countryside Code: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

For more advice, tips and updates from the Green Sefton service this winter, people are urged to follow them on social media:

Facebook: greensefton
Instagram: @greensefton
Twitter: @GreenSefton_

 

NHS to offer Booster booking to every adult by end of December

13 December 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year in a race to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some vaccination sites may offer a walk-in service for 18s and over  from tomorrow if they have spare capacity.

As the most complex and challenging phase of the rollout expands even further and faster, the NHS has asked every local area to dramatically increase the number of appointments they have in place for vaccinations.

Over the next week, opening hours for vaccine centres will be extended and every area of the country should have centres available that are open seven days a week.

More pop-up sites will be coming online with local areas looking at the most convenient sites for their communities – from trucks and buses in parks and shopping centres to sports stadiums and leisure centres.

There are already almost 3,000 sites across the country – more than at any point of the NHS covid-19 vaccination rollout. Even more new sites will go live throughout the week and dozens of new sites are available from today in the Midlands alone.

GP teams will be asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive said: “NHS staff were already working incredibly hard to deliver covid vaccines as swiftly as possible but the threat posed by Omicron is grave.

“Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.

“That is why the Government have asked us to prioritise boosters over other routine care.

“I know NHS staff will again, do everything in our power to rise to this extraordinary challenge and ensure the covid-19 vaccination programme provides as much protection as possible as we prepare for a new wave of infections that could be even greater than those that have gone before.

“The online booking system is already open to millions of people and will shortly open to all adults – please don’t hesitate with your booking and get boosted now.”

Dr Emily Lawson, director of the NHS covid-19 vaccination programme said: “The NHS is turbo charging the booster vaccination programme so that as many adults in England as possible can top up their immunity against the virus quickly.

“We know that speed is of the essence and so we will take every opportunity to improve access to the jab, from pop up sites in the community, GP teams doing even more vaccines each day and new sites opening up across the country

“The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as we load more appointments onto the system every day.”

Following the launch of a recruitment drive last week, the NHS is continuing to encourage people to come forward and help the NHS to save lives either as a volunteer or in a paid role in the programme.

NHS staff will also be redeployed so that they can focus on protecting the entire country as quickly as possible and military aid will be in place in every region across the country to support NHS staff with planning for the extra vaccinations.

Saturday was a record day for booster vaccines with 483,000 top ups reported in just one day and since the booster rollout started in September, more than 19 million doses have already been delivered in England.

NHS chiefs are urging people to not delay their booster and book their jab in the run up to the Christmas break.

The NHS has advised that the best way to get your booster quickly is by booking online or by calling 119 but if walk in centres have capacity to do so, they can vaccinate adults aged 18 and over immediately.

Search Box