Citizens Advice Sefton are recruiting for 4 new job vacancies, and the closing date for all posts is 5pm on Friday 28th June 2019.
Click here to visit the Citizens Advice Sefton website or download the different job packs below. Alternatively email recruitment@seftoncab.org.uk or call 0151 282 5650 ext 108 to request paper copies.
The Health and Wellbeing Trainers are a forward thinking and dynamic team that works in South Sefton’s Virtual Ward, to improve health outcomes for adults with long term conditions. The successful applicant must be passionate about tackling health inequalities, and have a person-centered approach which encourages these adults to set achievable reablement goals.
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.
Sefton Council is delighted to celebrate the official launch of Sefton’s Year of Friendship 2019.
A recent launch event was held at Waterloo Community Centre highlighted the positive impact friendships have on peoples’ lives. Over recent years there has been an increase in loneliness within certain groups across Sefton, which has a detrimental impact on health and well-being.
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.
Sefton CVS are working in partnership with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Sefton Council and NHS South Sefton CCG & NHS Southport & Formby CCG to host two upcoming workshops looking at a community-based model of services in Sefton.
These workshops will give you and your organisation the opportunity to both hear in more detail about these ideas but also to shape the way you or your organisation wants to be involved.
Click here to download the event invitation
Click here to download the booking form (Word / PDF)
The two workshops planned in Sefton are:
Wednesday 3rd October, 9.30am-2pm – Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre (CLAC), Cambridge Road, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 1RR (click here for map)
Wednesday 10th October, 9.30am-2pm – Waterside Lodge, Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RY (click here for map)
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
To book your place, please complete and return the attached booking form to events@seftoncvs.org.uk or call 0151 920 0726. Alternatively, please return the booking form to the address below:
Freepost RTCG-HGXH-LHRS
Sefton Council For Voluntary Service
3rd Floor, North Wing, Suite 3b, Burlington House,
Crosby Road North,
LIVERPOOL,
L22 0LG
Please include details of any dietary or accessibility requirements. Bookings are available on a first come first served basis.
Treasure Sefton – the local network for better mental health – is supporting the 30 days of Sefton In Mind campaign which runs from Monday 10th September to Wednesday 10th October.
The 30 Days of Sefton in Mind campaign covers the 30 days that fall between World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). The campaign aims to use this 30 period to promote positive mental health across the borough and signpost residents to the many services available to them.
The South Sefton Macmillan Community Navigators service have teamed up with Sefton CVS’s Community Connectors project to host a series of Macmillan Coffee Mornings across Sefton this September.
Click here to download the event flyer
Everyone is welcome to join us, and please see below for details of each event:
MAGHULL
Wednesday 19th September, 10am – 12pm
Maghull Town Hall,
Hall Lane, Maghull, L31 7BB
BOOTLE
Wednesday 19th September, 10am – 12pm
Strand By Me Shop, Lower Level,
Strand Shopping Centre, L20 4SZ
SOUTHPORT
Friday 21st September, 10am – 1pm
Southport Community Centre,
Norwood Road, Southport, PR8 6HQ
For more information about any of the Coffee Morning events, or to confirm your place, please email navigators@seftoncvs.org.uk or call Sefton CVS on 0151 920 0726 to speak to the Macmillan Community Navigator team.
Sefton CVS in partnership with South Sefton CCG and Southport and Formby CCG will deliver a pilot project working directly with Sefton residents who are using urgent care services inappropriately.
Salary: £28,485
Location: Based at Sefton CVS Burlington House however the post is borough wide and will require some travel
Responsible to: Deputy Chief Executive, Sefton CVS
This role is fixed term for 18 months.
Job Purpose:
The post holder will manage a team of ‘Outreach and Intervention Workers’ who will work with ‘high intensity users’ to reduce the number of emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled care interactions. The ‘Outreach and Intervention Workers’ will focus on positive behaviour change addressing those issues that are contributing to residents utilising care services inappropriately.
The post holder will also manage a team of ‘Reablement Health and Wellbeing Trainers’ working as part of the ‘Virtual Ward’.. The focus of reablement is on helping older people “to do for themselves” in their own home rather than “doing it for” them. Reablement is about supporting adults to achieve maximum independence and regain the skills and confidence they may have lost as a result of poor health or as a consequence of having spent a period of time in hospital.
Downloads:
Job Description & Person Specification (Word / PDF)
Application Form (Word / PDF)
Guidance Notes (Word / PDF)
Diversity Monitoring Form (Word / PDF)
Criminal Convictions Declaration (Word / PDF)
The closing date for completed applications is 5pm on Monday 17th September 2018.
Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th September 2018. Please note: candidates must be available to attend interview.
All completed applications and for any enquiries, please email recruitment@seftoncvs.org.uk.
However you are planning to enjoy the long weekend, the local NHS has some useful information for how to take care of yourself in case of illness or injury.
Debbie Fagan, chief nurse for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “Most minor illnesses and ailments can be effectively treated at home with a well stocked medicine cabinet at any time of year but remember to store things like painkillers and antihistamines safely and out of the reach of young children. Your local pharmacist will be happy to advise you about the over the counter preparations that can help.”
She added: “If you’re out and about over the bank holiday weekend, you could add a small first aid kit to your bag or the boot of the car, just in case. Drinking plenty of water and protecting yourself from the sun are also simple ways to take care of yourself.”
Although GP practices will not be open on Monday 27 August, some local pharmacies will be open if you do need help unexpectedly. Pharmacists can give advice and suggest treatments for a range of minor illnesses and injuries. With no appointment necessary, you can get back to enjoying your weekend rather than waiting to see a GP.
You can visit the CCG websites to see which pharmacies will be open this bank holiday:
You can also find details of other services that can help if you’re unwell, including walk in centres and NHS 111, which is available anytime and for free by calling 111 and also now available online at www.111.nhs.uk.
Local Solutions are looking for Care Support Workers in Maghull, Aintree, Orrell, Netherton, Waddicar, Sefton, Lunt and Lydiate.
Are you:
Compassionate, Responsible, Committed, Enthusiastic, Respectful and Caring?
What Local Solutions offer
Please Apply
Call – 0800 988 2355
Website – www.localsolutions.org.uk
Apply Online – www.cognitoforms.com/HumanResources5/ApplicationForm
The latest newsletter from the Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board is now available. Click here to download (PDF format).
Safeguarding agencies across Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral are working together to ensure that adults are able to live in safety and free from abuse and neglect.
From April 2017 the existing Safeguarding Adults Boards in these areas have formed the Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board to work together to achieve more effective and personalised safeguarding. The new combined board has been running for twelve months and has built on the work of the previous Safeguarding Adults Boards and the valued contributions of partner agencies.
For more information about the Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board, please visit www.merseysidesafeguardingadultsboard.co.uk.
Members of the public who’re interested in learning more about health commissioning across Sefton can attend the latest governing body meetings.
NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are holding their next meetings in July, with doctors, nurses and other health professionals discussing the performance of local health services, such as hospitals and community care.
NHS Southport and Formby CCG will hold its meeting on Wednesday 4 July with NHS South Sefton CCG’s meeting taking place the following day on Thursday 5 July.
Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and NHS South Sefton CCG interim chair, said: “For the governing body it’s important that the public are always part of the decisions we make, this is why it’s great to see local people in attendance.
Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG chair, said: “I’d welcome members of the public who wants to know more about health services in our area to come and hear the discussions that take place.”
A local GP is returning to the NHS Southport and Formby CCG governing body for her meeting as the new clinical lead for planned care. Formby GP Dr Emily Ball has lived in the town since 2004, after growing up in Crosby and training in Nottingham.
NHS Southport and Formby CCG meeting will take place on Wednesday 4 July at the Family Life Centre, Ash St, Southport at 1pm. Papers will be made available here beforehand: www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/about-us/governing-body/governing-body-meetings
NHS South Sefton CCG meeting will take place on Thursday 5 July at Merton House, Stanley Road in Bootle at 1pm. Papers will be made available here beforehand: www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/about-us/governing-body/governing-body-meetings
Attendees may also be able to ask questions before the meeting formally starts. To confirm attendance or for more information please call 0151 317 8456
Local health commissioners are encouraging Sefton residents to examine their options if they become unwell over the bank holiday weekend.
Anyone who thinks they may need to access health services over the bank holiday is being urged to check opening times for walk in centres, GP practices and chemists and also think about ordering any repeat prescriptions they need before the long weekend begins.
Dr Craig Gillespie, local GP and acting chair of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “The bank holiday weekend can be a good opportunity to relax and unwind but it’s important people know how to access health services, should they need to. Many GP practices will be closed on the bank holiday, so it’s particularly important for people to examine their options if they become poorly.”
Dr Rob Caudwell, a Southport GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “There are a variety of services on offer to people such as the advice on the NHS choices website, and the NHS 111 telephone number. Pharmacists are also available to provide free, confidential advice about common health problems such as coughs, colds and sore throats.”
The local NHS in Sefton is also reminding people that A&E and 999 services are for life-threatening and serious conditions.
Feeling Unwell? – Examine Your Options
Across the region there are a range of health services to support people if they feel unwell or have any health concerns. There are services which you may be unfamiliar with, but could be more appropriate and convenient for you depending on your specific issue.
Pharmacy Services
Many pharmacies will be open throughout the bank holiday weekend and the best way to find out which pharmacy is open and when is to visit our ‘Your Services Health page’.
Your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential and expert advice on a range of health issues. They can also help you to self-care and prepare for many common illnesses and offer advice on which medicines to keep in stock at home.
In Sefton – whilst all pharmacies provide advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses and ailments, a number in Sefton offer Care at the Chemist, which ensures our most vulnerable patients who don’t routinely pay for their prescriptions have free and easy access to over the counter medicines they may need without the need to see a doctor.
NHS.UK
You can find a wealth of trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs, pharmacies in your local area by visiting www.nhs.uk. This useful website also includes a handy symptom checker.
NHS 111
When you need medical help or advice fast, but it is not a 999 emergency, you can also call the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
If you need medical care for illnesses you cannot treat yourself, then your GP should be your next port of call.
Your Local GP
Your GP should be your first point of contact for non-emergency illnesses you can’t treat yourself. Your GP is available from 8.00am to 6.30pm weekdays.
If you don’t have a GP, you can register with your local surgery. If you’re not sure where this is, you can find out at: www.nhs.uk or call 0300 77 77 007.
GP Out of Hours Service
If your local surgery is closed, you can still see a GP with the GP out-of-hours service; just call 111 and you can speak to a local GP over the phone or face to face if necessary.
It is very likely that you and your family will be seen and treated more quickly using the out-of-hours service than if you were waiting to see a doctor in A&E, especially at busy times.
Walk-in centres
Litherland Walk in Centre is open 8am – 8pm every day. in Litherland Town Hall, Hatton Hill Rd, L21 9JN. Call 0151 475 4667.
No matter where you live in Sefton you can simply drop in – there is no need for an appointment and all ages can get treatment here. The service treats minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to accident and emergency (A&E). Remember A&E is for serious and life threatening illnesses or injuries.
West Lancashire Health Centre – 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
Skelmersdale Walk-in Centre – 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
Patient Access
Manage your repeat prescriptions and make GP appointments from the comfort of your own home, without having to venture outside, by using the new FREE Patient Access website and smartphone app. Simply search for ‘Patient Access’ in the app store.
Remember though, if using Patient Access for the very first time, you will first have to contact your GP practice so that you can register to use the app.
For information about services that can help in south Sefton over the bank holiday please visit our ‘Your Services Health page’.
