Members of the public interested in local health issues are invited to the forthcoming governing body meetings of their local health commissioners.
NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG hold their bi-monthly governing body meetings in public, so that people can listen to the discussions and the decision making processes of the doctors, nurses and other health professionals that make up these forums.
In partnership with Sport England and The National Lottery, Mencap have launched The Round the World Challenge. The Round the World Challenge aims to support people with a learning disability to get out and get active in a way that is flexible, fun and empowering.
Mencap Liverpool & Sefton have secured funding from national Mencap to deliver the Round the World Challenge in Sefton. This exciting initiative involves turning hours of physical activity into a round the world adventure, and participants can pick which route to take and will receive postcards and rewards along the way – such as rock climbing, water sports and horse riding.
The Round The World Challenge will give participants the opportunity to try a variety of different sports they may have never tried before, and provide a further opportunity to get involved in a wide range of community-based activities.
Mencap Liverpool & Sefton Round the World Challenge Launch Event
Thursday 23rd January 2020, 1pm-3pm
Mencap Cottage House, Mariners Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L23 6SX (map)Come along and try out new activities including Zumba, Boxing and Table Tennis!
Please callin for mroe information and how to sign up, or alternatively please contact Mencap Liverpool & Sefton on 0151 707 8582 or alternatively please email contact@mencapliverpool.org.uk
How does the Round the World Challenge work?
The Round the World Challenge is all about turning hours of fun sports and physical activities into a round the world adventure. You can take part in a variety of activities including Zumba, boccia, walking rugby and more traditional sports like football, cycling and tennis.
Then you register the time spent on any type of exercise each week and this is then used to calculate the distance travelled around the world.
You can choose from three different routes:
You’ll receive a postcard from a different location as the number of hours of activity you do takes you further around the world.
Click here for more information about Mencap’s Round the World Challenge
Community groups and local organisations can now apply for support to help run projects as part of
Sefton’s Borough of Culture year.
The Borough of Culture initiative is part of the Metro Mayor’s Culture programme which saw
Liverpool City Region become the first in the country to commit to spending the equivalent of 1% of
its annual £30 million devolution funding from government to stimulate cultural and creative
activities.
Groups can now express interest in securing support from Sefton Council with their proposals. This
may include bidding for money to help them organize events throughout 2020 with two different tiers
of funding available – up to £5K and £5k-£15K.
It may also include support with such areas as event management, communications and marketing, or connections with other partner organisations.
Forms are available to download at www.sefton.gov.uk/sefton2020 and once completed, will be
reviewed and if support is allocated, groups will be notified within 4 weeks for non-financial support
and for support up to £5K and 10 weeks for £5K-£15K applications.
The Borough of Culture (BoC) title is awarded by the Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority to
one of its six local authorities (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral) on a
rotating, annual basis.
2019 was Wirral’s year while 2020 will be dedicated to Sefton with a raft of new, existing and
community led events planned for the year.
The focus of Sefton’s year will be on stories, looking at two key elements, local history and the
environment.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member Communities and Housing, and lead sponsor for the Borough of
Culture Year, is asking community groups to really consider applying for funding.
She said: “While we are looking at organising some spectacular larger scale events as part of our
Borough of Culture Year, the foundation of our year will be the smaller events organised by our
valued communities.
“This is where this support and the funding pot comes in really helpful as it can enable more
localised community groups and organisations to give them a boost in arranging something to
celebrate Borough of Culture.
“2020 and the Borough of Culture will be all about engaging with our communities and making sure
as many people as possible get involved and embrace all cultural elements our wonderful borough has to offer.
“If you are group and are thinking of running something during 2020, please get in touch, download
the form and tell us your plans! This way we can make sure our year of events appeals to everyone
right across Sefton.”
For more information and to download the forms, visit sefton.gov.uk/sefton2020 or email
BOC2020@sefton.gov.uk.
Find mindfulness courses in the Sefton area and book a place now on the next course near you.
Find out more about the courses or read what people are saying.
£54.00 / £42.00 | DETAILS & BOOKING
£249 / £195 | DETAILS & BOOKING
More information
If you want to find out more without committing to a course, check out our classes. Feel free to ask if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
For more information please visit http://mindfulnessmerseyside.co.uk/ or call Paul on 07867 974716
Mindfulness Merseyside is a trading name of Mind Body Matters CIC, a Community Interest Company (No 10163890)
Local people in Sefton are encouraged to support Sefton’s Food banks this festive period and help to back the final theme for the Year of Friendship, ‘Giving’.
This year, Sefton Food banks have launched a Reverse Advent Calendar which encourages more people to give, rather than receive, this Christmas. The calendar gives a suggested donation for each day of the Advent and includes essential items like tinned tomatoes, tinned potatoes, instant mash and tinned fruit as well as toiletries and Christmas items like chocolate, nuts, stuffing and gravy.
On World Diabetes Day (14 November 2019), NHS South Sefton and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are urging local residents to become familiar with the warning signs of diabetes to try and spot the condition sooner.
Edge Hill University Medical School (EHUMS) has an ethos of social accountability and community engagement, with the aim of showing students that health and social care does not just take place in NHS premises.
EHUMS has been working in partnership with Sefton CVS to provide 2nd year medical students with personal learning about the community context to health and social care. The placement will involve the students engaging with a community project, which would result in recommendations or lasting benefits to the voluntary organisations.
12.30pm-4pm
SING PLUS CENTRE
53 CAMBRIDGE ROAD
SEAFORTH
MERSEYSIDE
L21 1EZ
Click here to download the information poster
Please come along to find out more about how your organisation can become involved with our medical school.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE and for more information please email ehumscommunityengagement@edgehill.ac.uk
The deadline to register is Friday 8th November.
Due to the overwhelming success of the Learning Event (SCRs) held in June, Sefton LSCB will be hosting a further repeat event for the multi-agency workforce. The event is FREE to attend and we have again secured actors from AFTA Thought (Training Consultancy) to deliver the learning from Sefton Serious Case Reviews using the ‘voice of the child’.
All staff/volunteers working with children, young people and their families including: all practitioners, managers and senior leaders connected to the children’s workforce in Sefton.
Click here to download the event information, and to book your place please click here or follow the link in the information poster.
Many of us may be making plans for the bank holiday on Monday 26 August. If you are unfortunate enough to have an illness or injury over the long weekend, this information could help you get back on your feet in no time.
NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG suggest you could be getting better sooner if you see your local pharmacist or contact NHS 111 (by phone or online.)
Some local pharmacies are open on bank holiday Monday and may be able to give you the advice and medication you need, without having to wait to see your GP. You can find your local pharmacy bank holiday opening times on the CCGs’ websites.
If you do need to see a doctor or nurse, there are now GP appointments at weekends and weekday evenings across Sefton. You can either book an appointment via your GP practice, or NHS 111 can book an appointment with your nearest service – so long as you are registered with a GP practice in Sefton.
The NHS 111 freephone number is available any time day or night. Trained call handlers can give you the advice you need, or direct you to the service best suited for your need.
Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management at the CCGs in Sefton, said: “At any time of year, it’s a good idea to have a well-stocked medicine cabinet to treat common illnesses or minor injuries. Paracetamol, bandages, plasters, painkillers, indigestion remedies and a thermometer would help most healthy adults deal with most minor illnesses and ailments.
She added: “If you need any further advice, I would recommend calling NHS 111, going to NHS 111 online or visiting your local pharmacy. These services are excellent options for dealing with any non-urgent medical concerns.”
You can find the pharmacy opening times for each CCG area here:
South Sefton: https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/may-and-august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/
Southport and Formby: https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/may-and-august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies/
This summer, Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) are coordinating a network of community venues and local organisations to offer children, young people and families access to food during the school holidays—especially those who would normally be in receipt of free school meals during term time.
Click here for details of the VCF sector provision during Summer 2019 (PDF)
This service is open access and is available to all regardless of income throughout the school holidays, and we hope this will compliment the service being provided by Sefton Council from the Family Wellbeing Centres across the borough.
Click here to donate online and support this year’s Access To Food initiative
Sefton 4 Good are hoping to raise valuable funds to support the access to food initiative, and are appealing to the general public, local businesses and organisations to donate what they can.
All funds raised will go to support local not-for-profit voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector organisations who are providing this service during the summer holidays.
NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are inviting local people to attend their combined ‘Big Chat’ and annual review events in September.
The events are an opportunity for residents to find out about the work that their local CCG has carried out in the past year. Attendees are also invited to share their experiences of local health services and give their views about the CCGs’ latest and forthcoming programmes and plans for the next 12 months.
Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and NHS South Sefton CCG chair, said: “These events give people the chance to have a chat with their local health commissioners and share their feedback about our plans. We will also combine these events with our Annual General Meeting (AGM), so people can find out about how well we have performed during the past year.”
Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG chair, said: “There will also be a ‘marketplace’ of information stalls promoting local health, care and support services. Some of the services attending the events will include Macmillan, Healthwatch Sefton and a 7-day GP extended access.
“The feedback we receive during these kinds of events is really useful. I encourage anyone that is interested in finding out more about local health services and commissioning, and who is interested in sharing their views on these topics, to attend one of our ‘Big Chat’ events.”
The ‘Big Chat’ events will take place on:
Residents are encouraged to attend the event for their local CCG in order to get the most relevant information.
People are asked to register in advance by emailing southportandformby.ccg@nhs.net for the event on 10th September, or southsefton.ccg@nhs.net for the event on 12th September. You can also register by calling 0151 317 8456.
For more information on the events visit the CCG websites:
https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/our-chat-events
https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/our-chat-events/
Health professionals in Sefton came together on Monday 8th July to hold a ‘Big Tea’ and cake bake event to raise money for a local NHS charity.
‘Big Tea’ events are being held across the country raising money for NHS Charities Together on and around the 71st birthday of the National Health Service. These donations will be distributed to a number of NHS charities throughout the UK to help further support and benefit local patients.
As NHS charities make a huge difference to the lives of patients and their families and the wonderful staff who care for them, members of staff from NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG decided to bake cakes and raise money for The Walton Centre Charity, one of the many NHS charities that will benefit from the ‘Big Tea’ events.
Located in Liverpool, The Walton Centre is a specialist hospital trust dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services.
Fiona Taylor, chief officer at the CCGs in Sefton, said: “It was great to take a break and celebrate another fantastic year of the NHS. Thank you to everyone at the CCGs who participated in the bake sale by baking or buying some of the delicious treats here today. All the money raised will go to our local Walton Centre Charity, which helps so many people in our area.”
“I would also like to take this time to thank all of our staff, who work tirelessly to support people in our community. Last year was a big birthday for the NHS but it’s still nice to mark the occasion by doing something like this for charity this year. “
The CCGs are now encouraging others to hold their own ‘Big Tea’ celebrations in appreciation of the NHS. You can hold a tea party with friends or organise your own charity bake sale.
Further information, resources and a Plan a Party guide are available at www.nhsbigtea.co.uk
Healthcare in Sefton will only work if people get to have their say – urges former midwife, Anne Major.
Anne, from Southport, who also used to be a neonatal nurse, is encouraging others to speak out as part of the national ‘What Would You Do?’ campaign, led by independent health and social care champion Healthwatch Sefton.
The campaign aims to encourage people in Sefton to share their views about how extra money from the Government should be spent on local NHS services.
The Government is investing £20 billion a year in the NHS as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Local organisations are now being asked to explore how services should change locally to make the NHS work better for people.
Anne, who is also Healthwatch Sefton locality representative for Central Southport, said: “When I have been at listening events at Southport and Formby hospital with Healthwatch Sefton we get fantastic comments and feedback about health services through talking with and listening to people.
“Patients are the experts. Each and every one of them has a story to share – whether that’s good or bad. I would encourage others to take part in the campaign and make sure their voice is heard.”
Anne has had plenty of first-hand experience with health and care services in the borough, having worked as a midwife and neonatal nurse for more than 30 years. She has personal experience of the NHS due to her husband having had a quadruple heart by-pass and is passionate about ensuring that the care of her family and community is the best the NHS can provide.
Maureen Kelly, Chair of Healthwatch Sefton, added: “The NHS only works when the voices of the people who use it are heard. This is a once-in-a-generation chance for local people to help decide where this extra money from Government should be spent in our NHS services in Sefton.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible about what works, what doesn’t and how they think local health services should be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it. Sharing your experience with us is quick and easy – and could make a big difference.”
People can share their views via this online survey.
Sefton residents are being asked for views about a number of local health policies, being reviewed to make sure NHS resources are used on the most effective treatments.
NHS South Sefton (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are working together with Halton, Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington CCGs to review a group of policies for procedures and treatments that are known as Criteria Based Clinical Treatments (CBCT). These are routine procedures that are known to have medical benefit only in very specific situations, or for a small number of people.
Throughout Sefton’s Year of Friendship, Sefton Council is dedicated to reducing loneliness by making residents aware of the many groups and activities on offer throughout the borough.
The Council would like to highlight the Stroke Association’s work to tackle isolation for Sefton residents who are recovering from a stroke.
Sefton residents are being asked for views about a number of local health policies, being reviewed to make sure NHS resources are used on the most effective treatments.
NHS South Sefton (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are working together with Halton, Liverpool, St Helens and Warrington CCGs to review a group of policies for procedures and treatments that are known as Criteria Based Clinical Treatments (CBCT). These are routine procedures that are known to have medical benefit only in very specific situations, or for a small number of people.
This is the third phase of the review, which aims to keep NHS care up to date with the latest national clinical guidelines, methods and technology, whilst also making the best use of NHS resources.
The policies that Sefton residents are being asked to provide views on in this latest phase are:
At the same time, the CCGs are letting people know about updates to their policy for Botulinum toxin treatments, bringing it in line with national guidance from NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Pan Mersey Area Prescribing Committee.
Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “It is right that we regularly review the services we commission to ensure that we’re providing the most effective treatments that make the best use of our limited NHS resources.”
Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and acting chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “This review of policies is about looking at the latest guidelines, treatments, methods and technologies and where there is very little or no evidence of effectiveness, there is no benefit in offering them to patients.
Craig added: “Any procedure comes with risk, so it’s important patients are offered those with the maximum clinical or functional benefit, not for cosmetic or psychological reasons. As clinicians we will explore other, more suitable treatments for patients with these types of needs.”
The information gathered will be used to help develop new or revised polices.
No final decisions have been made at this stage and it is important that as many people as possible give their views to help shape local NHS policies for the future. Patients who might not be eligible for treatment will still be able to apply through an Individual Funding Request (IFR) where appropriate.
More details on proposed changes to the policies being reviewed along with a survey, open until 7 July 2019, can be found on each CCG’s website www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk or www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk or by emailing mlcsu.involvement@nhs.net or calling 01782 872 506.
More than two million people are being given an opportunity to tell the NHS about their experiences of using services at their GP practice. The GP Patient Survey invites a sample of people aged 16 and over from over 7,000 practices across England to take part.
Following the success of a previous listening event, Macmillan Cancer Support has organised another one in Crosby next month.
At the initial event, people said:
Now they want to hear your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about future Community Health Care Services in Cheshire & Merseyside based on your experiences or the experiences of family and friends.
The listening event will be on Friday, 8 February at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre between 10am and 12noon.
For more information or to book a place at the event contact Joe on 0151 330 0552 or email joehemington@expandinghorizons.co.uk or Claire on 07458 062979 or email clevans@macmillan.org.uk
NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding people that there is still time to give their views and experiences about using and choosing different urgent care services when they need immediate or same day health advice or treatment.
The commissioner, which plans and buys the majority of healthcare for south Sefton residents, has been out and about encouraging people to get involved as part of a review of ‘urgent care’ services since early December 2018.
Urgent care includes services for physical and mental health problems ranging from pharmacies, GP practices, GP out of hours services, the NHS 111 phone line and website, walk-in centres, accident and emergency (A&E) departments/ and 999.
Up until 31 January 2019 the CCG is asking people to complete a questionnaire about these services for adults, children and young people. The information gathered will be used to help develop proposals for how urgent care could look in the future.
Dr Craig Gillespie, GP and acting chair for NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “From our conversations with residents over the past few years we know that some find the current range of urgent care services difficult to choose from and confusing. Sometimes when people don’t know which service to choose they use accident and emergency, which puts extra pressure on hospitals, and means that people might have to wait longer for their treatment.
“This review is the first step towards making sure that our services really meet local needs, so we have been encouraging as many people and NHS staff as possible to get involved and tell us what it’s like to use or work in these services and how they could be better and easier to choose from in the future.
“We’ve been out and about across south Sefton encouraging people to take part and would like to thank the organisations who have helped us reach residents so far, also a big thank you to those who have filled out a survey already.”
The review will also consider how new NHS national guidelines for urgent care services and the introduction of ‘Urgent Treatment Centres’ might be put into place in south Sefton.
NHS South Sefton CCG is carrying out its review with partners across north Merseyside as patients often use urgent care services across this wider area. So, the CCG is also encouraging residents in Southport and Formby who use urgent care services in north Merseyside to complete a survey.
Complete an online questionnaire and find out more on the CCG website: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk
Healthwatch Sefton is helping us to make the questionnaire available to anyone who may find it difficult to take part online. So, for help to complete a questionnaire, request a paper version, or for another format call Freephone 0800 206 1304, email info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk or text 07434 810 438.
The Orrell Trust is launching a Memory Café later this month to help support people living dementia or memory loss and their carers’.
The group will enable people who are living in similar circumstances to meet on a regular basis to take part in gentle exercise, games, sing-alongs, arts and crafts and memory box workshops.
Sefton Sexual Health Service is considering bringing the age of access for free Emergency Hormonal Contraception in Community Pharmacies down to under 25s only. In order to make sure there are no adverse consequences for women accessing this service and local participating pharmacies, an equality impact assessment must be carried out.
It’s November, which means that as a part of ‘Movember’, health teams in Sefton are focusing on men’s health this month.
NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are encouraging men in the area to look after their health and make sure they know about some of the most common health problems that could affect them.
This week sees the launch of the Civil Society Futures report – the result of a two year inquiry into the future of the VCSE orgs & what the sector needs to do to adapt to economic and social challenges over the next decade & beyond.
This survey is for Sefton’s VCFSE Sector to help us understand the current levels of local knowledge about social investment and the interest in finding out more about it. It should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
All Aldi stores will close from 6pm on Christmas Eve until Thursday 27th December 2018 to give staff a well-earned break, and stores will be donating unsold fresh food to good causes in the local community.
Each of the UK stores will select one charity from their local area who may benefit from a donation.
In preparation for winter and the illnesses the cold weather can bring, Healthwatch Sefton and the two NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in the borough are working in partnership to raise awareness of where local residents can get free, fast and expert advice from their local pharmacist.
All pharmacists offer expert advice on minor illnesses and ailments and should be your first port of call for conditions like coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as advising on healthy eating and stopping smoking.
They can recommend the best over-the-counter remedy to start treating your symptoms as soon as possible, without the need for an appointment. They can also signpost you to which local service can help you if they can’t.
In addition to the free advice already available from high street pharmacies, some also offer the Care at the Chemist scheme, which is available to all patients registered with a Sefton GP. It is intended to improve access for patients suffering from minor ailments to the medicines they need to treat the illness without the need to see your GP.
If you don’t pay for your prescriptions then you can ask to join the Care at the Chemist scheme to get free medicines for a range of everyday health ailments.
The range of common, everyday illnesses and ailments included in the scheme comprises: athlete’s foot, cold sores, conjunctivitis, constipation, cystitis, diarrhoea, fever, haemorrhoids (piles), heartburn and indigestion, infant colic, nasal congestion, sore throat, sprains and strains, toothache, thrush, and warts.
However, during engagement work with pharmacies, locality representatives from Healthwatch Sefton – the health and care consumer champion – highlighted the difficulty people may have in knowing which pharmacy was part of the scheme. 
Maurice Byrne, Healthwatch Sefton Locality Representative for Maghull, explained: “It is important for people to bear in mind the options available to them when it comes to seeking medical advice or information. But, if you don’t know which pharmacy is part of the Care at the Chemist scheme, then it can be difficult to make that choice.”
Susanne Lynch, head of medicines management at the NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:
“All pharmacists are highly trained experts who can give advice on common illnesses and ailments, advising on the best over-the-counter medicine to treat your need whether they offer Care at the Chemist or not.
“You also don’t need an appointment to see your pharmacist. They have private consultation rooms so you can talk to them in confidence.
“If they are unable to treat your symptoms or have any concerns they will sign post you to the correct service.
“You can find out more about Care at the Chemist, including a full list of participating pharmacies from both CCG websites.”
The following pharmacies are currently part of the Care at the Chemist scheme:
Southport & Formby;
Bispham Road Pharmacy, Southport
Cambridge Road Pharmacy, Churchtown
Crossens Pharmacy, Rufford Road
Formby Health Rooms & Pharmacy, Liverpool Road
Fylde Road Pharmacy, Southport
Hesketh Park, Queens Road, Southport
Sedem Pharmacy, Churchtown
St Marks Pharmacy, Southport
Woolleys Internet Pharmacy, Bispham Road, Southport
South Sefton;
Crosby/Waterloo
Alexanders Pharmacy
Cohens Chemist
Higgins Pharmacy
Crosby Road Pharmacy
Netherton
Cohen’s Chemist
Netherton Pharmacy, Durham Avenue
Maghull
Meadows Pharmacy, Station Road Pharmacy.
Bootle
Knowsley Road Pharmacy
Superdrug Pharmacy, Bootle Strand.
NHS Southport and Formby Commissioning Group (CCG) is asking if we know how to spot the signs of a ‘hypo’ and how to treat it.
A ‘hypo’ is hypoglycaemia, this is where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low and mainly affects people with diabetes, especially if you take insulin, or tablets from the families of tablets called sulfonylureas (such as gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide) or glinides (such as Repaglinide or Nateglinide).
There are a number of signs to show your blood sugars may be too low:
– feeling hungry
– sweating
– tingling lips
– feeling shaky or trembling
– dizziness
– feeling tired
– a fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
– becoming easily irritated, tearful, stroppy or moody
– turning pale
You can reduce the chance of having hypos by eating regularly and if you drink alcohol to follow advice about sensible drinking.
Dr Douglas Callow, clinical lead for diabetes at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Many people with diabetes will recognise the signs to show that their blood sugars are dropping – their mood will drop, they’ll feel hungry and shaky.
“Someone who knows they’re at risk should carry dextrose tablets or a small carton of smooth orange juice – you want something that works quickly, and that probably isn’t a chocolate bar.”
If not treated, you may then get other symptoms, such as:
– weakness
– blurred vision
– difficulty concentrating
– confusion
– unusual behaviour, slurred speech or clumsiness (like being drunk)
– feeling sleepy
– seizures (fits)
– collapsing or passing out
You may need to eat more carbohydrates both before and after physical exercise.
With the risks of passing-out, it’s important for those injecting insulin or taking diabetes tablets to check their blood glucose level before driving. They should not set off on their journey if their blood glucose level is less than 5mmol/L.
Dr Callow added: “It would also be sensible to keep glucose treatments in the car at all times and if they have a hypo whilst driving to stop the car as soon as possible.
“Take the keys out and, if it’s safe to do so, move into the passenger seat before treating the hypo. Don’t ignore the symptoms.”
You can find out more about diabetes and hypoglycaemia on the NHS website:
STOPTOBER has driven over one million quit attempts to date and is the biggest mass quit attempt in the country. It’s based on research that shows if you can stop smoking for 28-days, you are five times more likely to stay smokefree for good.
To help people prepare and remain smokefree during Stoptober, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has produced a short animation, packed with useful tips and advice.
Stoptober offers a range of support to help people on their quitting journey, including an app, daily emails, e-cigarettes and lots of encouragement from the Stoptober online community.
In your adult years the lifestyle choices you make can dramatically increase your chances of becoming ill. Smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable deaths in England, accounting for more than 80,000 deaths each year.
Alison Foster, Smokefree Lead for the Trust said: “Making changes can improve your health right away and considerably increase your chances of staying healthy.
“Some of the benefits to your health include: carbon monoxide levels, blood pressure and pulse returning to normal, breathing becoming easier and energy levels increasing.”
For further information on the benefits of quitting smoking, visit: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/Stop-smoking
For Stoptober resources and support, visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/be-healthier/quit-smoking/stoptober/
Health commissioners are inviting south Sefton residents to come to their ‘Annual Review meets Big Chat’ event on Thursday 27th September 2018.
NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is combining its annual review meeting with a ‘Big Chat’ style event, and this year will also be celebrating 70 years of the NHS.
So, as well as finding out about the CCG’s performance and achievements over the past 12 months, the event is a chance for residents to give their views about the organisation’s latest work to shape services.
This year, the event will include a marketplace with a range of health and wellbeing related stalls that people can browse ahead of the start of the main programme, which will combine a mix of presentations and interactive, table based discussions.
Dr Craig Gillespie, acting chair for the CCG, said: “This will be our 10th ‘Big Chat’ event in South Sefton. We really value the feedback and suggestions we gather from all those who come along to the events, so we hope to welcome many local people to our annual review.”
He added: “We are also hosting a marketplace, where colleagues and partners from neighbouring health organisations will have information stalls promoting a range of local health services.”
Copies of the CCG’s annual report and accounts for 2017-2018 will also be available for people to take away.
The event begins at 1pm with a marketplace and refreshments, with the main agenda taking place from 2pm to 4.30pm at Bootle Cricket Club, Wadham Road, Bootle, L20 2DD. The marketplace and refreshments will be available from 1pm.
Anyone who would like to come along is asked to confirm their attendance, along with any special requirements they may have, by calling 0151 317 8456 or emailing: southsefton.ccg@nhs.net
Local NHS leaders are reminding Sefton residents that there is a free, confidential service to support people with anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions.
Sefton Council’s ‘Sefton in Mind’ campaign launched on Monday 10 September, covering the 30 days that fall between World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day (10 October). The campaign aims to promote positive mental health across the borough and signpost residents to the many services available to them.
Geraldine O’Carroll is the Senior Manager for Commissioning and Redesign at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG. She said: “Everyone goes through difficult times, but sometimes our problems affect our day-to-day lives and we may feel that we can’t cope. If you are in this situation, you’re not alone.
“I recommend contacting Access Sefton for confidential advice and treatment. They can offer appointments at a variety of locations including GP surgeries across Sefton; and can also offer telephone-based or computer-based therapy where appropriate. They will work with you to find an option that’s best for you.”
Access Sefton is available to anyone aged 16+ and registered with a Sefton GP. You can self-refer via the website www.insighthealthcare.org/accesssefton, by phone 0300 303 2708 or email CWP.AdminAccessSefton@nhs.net. You can also ask your GP to make a referral for you.
Ryan Forrest, Deputy Operations Manager at Access Sefton, added: “As well as anxiety, depression and stress, talking therapies are an effective treatment for other common mental health conditions, including phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic.”
As part of the Sefton in Mind campaign, Sefton Council wants to know which parts of Sefton have a positive influence on your mental health. The aim is to create a positive mental health map of Sefton, showing the places where people go to feel better and in turn help reduce the social isolation that can often be a symptom of depression.
To get involved and help create the map, tell us about your favourite place and tweet it along with a photograph to @SeftonCouncil or alternatively email to communications@sefton.gov.uk.
