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Bid to ‘futureproof’ local NHS services seeks involvement from local people

29 May 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

Shaping Care Together logoShaping Care Together is a programme run by local NHS leaders across West Lancashire, Formby and Southport that seeks to ‘futureproof’ NHS services by exploring new ways of working, as well as utilising money, staff and buildings to maximum effect.

It will prepare our local NHS to meet the challenges of the future – both those we know about and those that cannot be foreseen – delivering high-quality services that are affordable, efficient and, above all, safe.

It will also look at ways in which the NHS can deliver more services in the local community.

Engagement

An initial round of engagement earlier this year saw hundreds of responses from local people and groups, raising issues as diverse as the quality of hospital buildings and car parking, right the way through to how different parts of the NHS can be more joined-up and how we can best help patients to manage long-term conditions.

Chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Trish Armstrong-Child, explained: “The NHS is always evolving as we make use of the latest technologies and clinical developments. So, from time to time, we need to take a detailed look at the services we provide and the resources we have and look for the best ways of delivering them in the future.

“This means putting safety at the heart of everything we do, as well as maintaining the highest possible standards. The Trust has been really successful at doing just that in recent years, but as COVID has shown us, we need to look ahead at the challenges we know about – as well as those we don’t – and prepare now.”

Challenging

She added: “We have seen over the past year just how brilliant the NHS is at responding to emergencies, so we need to ensure we are able to do that in coming years as well. Of course, we also have to work within the financial package we are given and deal with a challenging situation in terms of the national shortages of qualified staff, which are issues for the entire NHS.

“Shaping Care Together does what it says on the tin. We want to hear what people really value about the NHS. There is so much support for what we do, but we are always looking to make things even better, so we want people to fill in our questionnaire and tell us about the improvements they want us to make.”

Get involved in Shaping Care Together by completing the questionnaire. 

Sefton’s GPs encouraging residents to contact NHS 111 for urgent medical advice over Bank Holiday weekend.

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News

NHS treatment information posterSefton’s GPs are encouraging residents to contact NHS 111 first if they need urgent medical advice and support over this May Bank Holiday weekend.

People who need urgent health care across Sefton are being asked to contact NHS 111, which is staffed by trained professionals and clinicians, who will direct people to the most appropriate health service.

Fast and simple

Use NHS 111 either online by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 if you do not have access to the internet. It is fast and simple and the easiest way to be sign posted to the right service that you or a loved one needs. This could be a local pharmacy, GP or a walk-in centre. In an emergency, you should call 999.

Dr Rob Caudwell, GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “NHS 111 is there any time to advise you how to safely manage your condition at home, or direct you to the right health service for your needs, which may include a local walk-in centre, GP, pharmacy or hospital.

“If you are assessed as needing to attend a hospital, you will get a timed appointment at a hospital emergency department. Remember, in a life-threatening medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, stroke or serious injury, you should always call 999 straight away.”

Right service

Dr Craig Blakey, GP and urgent care lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “The NHS is coming under immense pressure as restrictions are eased and residents need to access health care.

“We are still here for you and 111 is vital in ensuring that you are guided to the right service you need whilst helping to ease pressure on our vital health services.“

You can use NHS 111 either by visiting the website 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.

Trusted advice

You can also find trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions on NHS.uk and the NHS app which provides secure access to a range of NHS services.

For anyone experiencing life-threatening illnesses or injuries like stroke, heart attack or loss of consciousness, continue to dial 999 right away.

For detailed information on health services including pharmacy times over the weekend please click here.

You can also check @NHSSSCCG or @NHSSFCCG on Twitter, or ring NHS 111.

People in Sefton encouraged to have their second COVID-19 vaccine

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized
Get your second vaccine poster
Get your second vaccine poster

The NHS in Sefton is reminding all residents to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine booked in as soon as possible, to get maximum protection and help curb the spread of the virus across the borough.

Following updated national guidance, NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are also encouraging people aged over 50 to take up the offer of bringing forward their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when they are contacted, to ensure they have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity.

Brought forward

Sefton residents who are over 50, and those who are clinically vulnerable, are now able to have their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks after their first dose. Anyone who is due their second vaccine and is in one of the top nine priority groups, will be contacted by the NHS to let them know when and how to rebook.

If they had their vaccine at a GP led vaccination site, their GP will be in touch with them to book them in for their second dose earlier than planned.

For those who booked via the national booking service they will be contacted by the NHS to rearrange for an earlier date. Once contacted, they will then need to cancel their existing second dose appointment online or by calling 119. When they have cancelled their existing appointment, they will be able to book a new date at around 8 weeks after their first vaccine dose, or as soon as possible after that.

Increased defence

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby (CCG), said: “While the first dose of the vaccine does give good protection from the virus, the second dose gives you an increased and longer-lasting defence, so we encourage those eligible to get their second dose as early as possible by bringing their appointments forward when contacted to do so.”

“The vaccines have been proven to be highly effective against COVID-19, including against the new variant first identified in India, so getting both your doses as soon as you are able will help us to keep our communities in Sefton protected.”

Never too late

Dr Craig Blakey, GP and urgent care lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “More than 170,000 people in Sefton have received their first dose of protection so far, and over 111,000 have already been fully vaccinated.

“Vaccines are safe, effective and it’s never too late to get your jab so if you’re eligible – do not delay booking in for your appointment.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19.”

NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate Sefton residents according to national guidance on priority groups and anyone aged 30 and over can now book their jab through the national booking system.

There are several vaccination centres across Merseyside that anyone eligible can make appointments at, including nine pharmacies in Sefton based in Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

First or second

When invited, people in Sefton will be able to book their first or second doses by calling 119 or visiting the national booking service website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People 39 and under without underlying health conditions, as well as pregnant women, will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.

Council-commissioned Winter Hub for Sefton snaps up national award

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council
Winter Hub Award on Display
Sefton Council’s Award on display at the Winter Hub.

Sefton’s new Winter Hub has won the Winter Services category of the National Highways Awards.

Located in Netherton, the Winter Hub is Sefton Council Highways team’s ‘gritting HQ. It has the capacity to store 3,500 tonnes of salt – 2 ½ times that of the previous depot which is what’s needed to treat nearly 470kms of the Boroughs’ main road network.

Winter Service

Sefton Council commissioned the Winter Hub after its previous depot was deemed no longer adequate. The Council commissioned it through the Winter Service contractor and joint award winners, Graysons H&E Services and purchased the facility upon completion.

This winter, Sefton Council successfully operated its fleet of gritters from the new facility for the first time. In addition to the storage warehouse, the site also includes office accommodation, staff mess room, toilets, meeting and training rooms and office space.

Significant improvement

The Hub was entered in the Winter Service category of the National Highways Awards, which is for projects that show a significant improvement in winter services.

Making the award, the judges said that the Sefton Council and Graysons H&E Services scheme has provided the Borough with a new depot that meets the requirements of the latest guidance. They described it as ‘a good example to other authorities how the guidance can be achieved’.

Delighted

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, welcomed the news, saying: “We were pleased to have this new, purpose-built facility open and operational to keep the Borough’s roads safe over the winter and were absolutely delighted when it picked up this prestigious national award.

“The ‘Winter Hub’ is a fantastic investment for the Council that will allow us to deliver winter services effectively and efficiently both now and long into the future. And, despite its name, will provide us with an improved and cost-effective base for our operations all year round.”

Bank Holiday beach goers urged to remain cautious when visiting the Sefton coast

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News

As national restrictions on the numbers of people allowed to meet up outdoors have eased further, Sefton Council and its coastal partners are urging caution as people make plans to visit its popular beaches this Bank Holiday.

While the Council is prepared for the busy weekend and school half term holidays with extra bins and beach car parking, temporary toilet facilities and an increased presence of Green Sefton Rangers and volunteers – it is urging people to remember that Covid-19 safety measures are still in place.

Vigilant

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Many of our local residents, and visitors from further afield, will be looking forward to visiting the coast as the weather hopefully improves this weekend and larger groups are now allowed to meet outdoors.

“However, people need to continue to be vigilant so that our coast remains a safe place for everyone to spend time. This means social distancing should still be observed, even at the beach, and people should be mindful that close contact should be minimised to only a few friends and family.”

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “Although we are less likely to catch Covid in the open air it’s still possible, which is why it’s important still to follow the basics of hands, face and space when meeting with others.”

Travel safely

Those thinking about visiting one of Sefton’s coastal gateways are reminded to travel safely, thinking about ways to walk or cycle where they can and to follow Covid-19 guidance when using public transport. They should also plan ahead to avoid traffic delays and are reminded to park responsibly away from residential areas.

People may want to consider a visit to one of Sefton’s parks, where playgrounds and sports facilities offer a space for people of all ages to spend time outdoors. Or similarly, a visit to a local high street or town centre for a spot of shopping or a bite to eat will help to support businesses who’ve just reopened in line with Covid-19 measures.

Cllr Moncur added: “We’re doing all we can to work with our communities and partners like the emergency services to safely manage visitor numbers. We hope that the further opening of indoor hospitality, and fewer restrictions on travel for staycations, will ensure that our coast does not face the same pressures it did this time last year.”

Environmental sensitivity

Visitors are also reminded of the environmental sensitivities and how they can play their role in protecting the landscape by taking litter home and not lighting fires or BBQs anywhere at the coast.

Mark Shaw, Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service Manager, said: “We are asking people to remain respectful not only to each other but to the environment around them when they meet in larger groups. The Sefton Coast is an internationally protected nature reserve and we need your help to keep it that way.

“I want to appeal to the small number of inconsiderate people who do chose to dispose of their rubbish irresponsibly or think it’s OK to have a fire or BBQ at the beach, that this damages rare habitats and takes away limited resources from ourselves and our partners to clear up the mess left behind.

“We want to welcome people back to our beaches safely, but we ask in return that they behave responsibly and with consideration to each other, local residents, our staff and our beautiful environment.”

Anyone planning a visit to the Sefton coast should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches to find out about travel options and facilities at its beaches and to read its Visitor Action Plan for 2021.

The Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership brings together organisations who want to ensure the safety of visitors and residents along the 22-mile coastline. Members include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, British Transport Police, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and others.

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