Author: Ollie Cowan

A free half-day workshop about Single Handed Care will take place at Bootle Town Hall on Tuesday, 5 February.

This is a chance to find out more about Moving with Dignity, the Single Handed Care approach and how it fits in to the national approach to Care Provision.

This session will benefit:

• Carers
• Care Home staff
• Care workers
• Healthcare professionals

The introduction of Single Handed Care will mean that there is a potential for new care packages for those who are currently in receipt of double up care. This comes as developments in moving and handling indicate that in many cases a single care worker can provide care safely on their own.

In areas where Single Handed Care has been introduced, service users feel that they have more independence, a better relationship with their care worker and more dignity and privacy. In some cases, the new approach will allow people to have the choice to be cared for safely by a relative for longer.

The workshop will provide caregivers and other healthcare professionals with the opportunity to gain practical experience of the type of tasks and equipment that will be used to perform Single Handed Care.

The session will ensure that attendees are updated on what care professionals and service users can expect from Single Handed Care and work towards achieving successful outcomes for care workers, service users and Sefton Council.

To apply for a session, either morning (starting at 9am), or afternoon (starting at 12:45pm) please email admin.ots@sefton.gov.uk stating which session.

Cllr Paul Cummins, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The introduction of Single Handed Care has the potential to provide service users with more independence, dignity and privacy, allowing them to live the lives they’d like to live for longer.

“This free workshop is a fantastic opportunity for carers and healthcare professionals to find out more about Single Handed Care and raise any questions or concerns.”

Find out more about the sessions and the schedule here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/01d3fc8b-e6f5-4b52-ae2f-e123e2398d6c

Health commissioners and Sefton Council are supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (Monday 21 January – Sunday 27 January) which aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of screening.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton Council are encouraging women (aged 25 to 64) to have cervical screening to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. The test detects human papilloma virus (HPV) and signs of early abnormal cells.

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and primary care cancer lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Cervical cancer affects around 3,000 women in the UK every year, making it the most common form of cancer for women under the age of 35. According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, 75 per cent of these cases can be prevented through testing.   

“In both NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG the uptake of cervical screenings by eligible women in 2017/18 was decreased from the previous year. The decrease in the uptake of this screening is worrying; we strongly encourage all eligible women to have regular cervical screenings.”

Dr Debbie Harvey, Macmillan GP at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Women aged 25 to 49 are offered screening every three years and 50 to 64 year olds are every five years. When it’s time for your next smear test, you should be sent a letter inviting you to make an appointment. It’s quick and simple and it looks for the human papilloma virus (HPV). If positive for the virus, your sample will then be tested for early abnormal cells.

“Contact your GP if you think you may be overdue a test. Screening appointments can now be made with practice nurses and if it’s more convenient you can also book to have your screening with the 7 day GP service that operates evenings and weekends.” 

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is concerning to see that the uptake of cervical screenings in Sefton has declined; this means that many women may unknowingly be living with abnormal cells or signs of HPV.

“I urge all women in Sefton who are eligible for a smear test to make an appointment with their GP and help protect their health.”

Robert Music, chief executive of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “Cervical screening is the best way to help prevent cervical cancer. Yet screening uptake in England is at a 21-year low. This is especially concerning as we are seeing the number of diagnoses rise.  

“That is why during this year’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, it is more important than ever to ensure that people understand the steps they can take to reduce their risk of this disease.” 

For more information on cervical cancer and what the screening test involves, please visit: www.nhs.uk/cervicalcancer