Knowsley Healthwatch is looking to appoint an experienced Administrator to provide a range of administrative and clerical support services to the Healthwatch team, whilst the postholder is on maternity leave for nine months.
Category: Health
Men are encouraged to look after their health this November
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.
NAVCA: Civil Society Futures Report NOW AVAILABLE
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.
Sefton’s Social Investment Survey for local groups & organisations (closing Friday 30th November)
Sefton CVS, working in partnership with Sefton Council to explore the potential for social investment to finance solutions that address the challenges facing Sefton’s communities.
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.
If you experience any problems whilst trying to complete the survey, please email communications@seftoncvs.org.uk or call 0151 920 0726.
Aldi’s Christmas Food Donation Campaign – Important information for local charities (applications close Sunday 18th November)
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.
“Like Glue” Preview: Exploring the impact of relationship abuse in teenage relationships (9.30-10.45am, Monday 10th December)
On Monday 10th December, Sefton Council are hosting a special theatre performance at Bootle Town Hall exploring the impact of relationship abuse on young people. This performance is commissioned by the Office of the Merseyside PCC and Sefton Council’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisors Team and is free to attend.
Know your Care at the Chemist
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.
Do you know the signs of a ‘hypo’?
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:
Local NHS Trust Produces Stoptober Animation to Help People Quit for Good
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/
‘Big Chat’ about Health in South Sefton – Thursday 27th September 2018
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
Take a positive step towards feeling better – Access Sefton
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.
‘Working Together To Support Our Communities’ Workshops (Wednesday 3rd & 10th October)
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 supports 30 Days of Sefton In Mind (10th September – 10th October)
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.
Let’s Change Lives Together: Macmillan Coffee Mornings across Sefton this September
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.
Job Vacancy: Administration and Data Support Officer (Part-time, 17.5 hours per week) (closing 5pm, Monday 17th September)
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: £19,430 pro rata (actual salary £9,715)
Location: Based at Sefton CVS Burlington House however the post is borough wide and will require some travel.
Responsible to: High Intensity User and Reablement Co-ordinator
This role is fixed term for 18 months.
Job Purpose:
A team of ‘Outreach and Intervention Workers’ will work with ‘high intensity users’ to reduce the number of emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled care interactions. The ‘Outreach and Intervention Worker’ will focus on positive behaviour change addressing those issues that are contributing to inappropriate care seeking behaviours.
The Administration and data support officer will provide administrative and data management support to the project coordinator and the workers.
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.
Job Vacancy: 3 x Outreach and Intervention Worker, Full-time (closing 5pm, Monday 17th September)
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: £22,443
Location: Based at Sefton CVS Burlington House however the post is borough wide and will require some travel
Responsible to: High Intensity User and Reablement Co-ordinator
This role is fixed term for 18 months.
Job Purpose:
A team of ‘Outreach and Intervention Workers’ will work with ‘high intensity users’ to reduce the number of emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled care interactions. The ‘Outreach and Intervention Worker’ will focus on positive behaviour change addressing those issues that are contributing to inappropriate care seeking behaviours.
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.
Job Vacancy: High Intensity User and Reablement Co-ordinator, Full-time (closing 5pm, Monday 17th September)
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.
Tips for looking after your health in Sefton this bank holiday
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:
- https://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies-and-walk-in-centres/
- https://www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/august-bank-holiday-opening-times-for-pharmacies-and-walk-in-centres/
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.
Job Vacancies: Local Solutions are recruiting Care Support Workers
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
- Competitive Pay £8.05 – £8.40 (£16,889.60 pro rata)
- Enhanced Pay For Weekends
- Full & Part Time Positions Available
- Continuous Training & Development Opportunities
- Career Progression & Professional Development
- Smart Phone For Work Purposes
- Pension Scheme
Please Apply
Call – 0800 988 2355
Website – www.localsolutions.org.uk
Apply Online – www.cognitoforms.com/HumanResources5/ApplicationForm
Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board Newsletter Now Available (Edition 1)
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.
Public Invited to Governing Body Meetings
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
‘Examine Your Options’ this Bank Holiday
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’.
Have your say on Sefton’s Equalities consultation (closing 29th June)
Residents and visitors still have time to have their say on Sefton’s Council’s updated Equality and Diversity Policy.
The refreshed Equality and Diversity Policy 2016 – 2020 helps set out Sefton’s approach to making sure all staff are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills to meet the diverse needs of the borough.
Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “This is a very important policy and we encourage as many people as possible to take part in our consultation.
“The policy sets out our approach to equality and diversity for the next three years and shows how we meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
“In everything we do as a council, we make sure that our services are accessible and that we encourage supportive and cohesive communities.”
Those wishing to have a say on the policy have until June 29 to make their views known.
A draft copy of the refreshed policy is available to view online via http://www.engagespace.co.uk/sefton or by calling 0151 934 3202.
Leading Sefton health figures say ‘no’ to sugary drinks as part of GULP campaign!
Sefton Council is working with Food Active to promote the new GULP (Give Up Loving Pop) Early Years campaign called ‘Kind to Teeth’.
The campaign aims to improve knowledge and raise awareness of the health risks associated with consumption of sugary drinks in under-fives.
Developed by registered nutritionists, the campaign has been launched as part of National Smile Month and is the UK’s largest and longest running campaign to promote good oral health.
Research shows that by the age of five, nearly a third of children had obvious decay in their milk teeth. In another study, 12% of three-year-olds were found to have evidence of tooth decay having on average three decayed, missing or filled teeth – and sugary drinks are a major part of the problem.
This is despite the fact that babies are only recommended to consume breast milk (or formula milk if necessary) until six months and then milk and water are the best sources of hydration for babies and young children.
Sugar is not necessary for the diet, especially for children and when consumed in the form of sugary drinks, can cause a whole host of health issues, from tooth decay to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lots of sugar can often be hiding in many baby juices and other sugary drinks marketed at the early years.
The Kind to Teeth campaign has been developed by registered nutritionists, dental health and early year’s specialists and forms part of the well-known GULP campaign. It is aimed at parents of children under five years of age, to help promote healthier drinking habits in the early years and will involve a number of electronic resources for local authorities to utilise.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Improving the health of Sefton’s young children is a key priority for us, so I am very pleased that the Kind to Teeth campaign is being promoted in Sefton.
“Nearly a quarter of our 5-year-olds start school with dental decay and a quarter in Reception year are overweight or are an unhealthy weight by the time they start school. Tackling unhealthy drink habits in the early years is a crucial preventative measure to protect our young children against poor dental health and weight gain”
Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Sefton and Knowsley, added: “When children are young, we have a fantastic opportunity to influence healthy food and drink patterns, as habits are often established when children are young.
“This campaign will help to educate parents on the health risks associated with consuming sugary drinks in the early years, and emphasise that water is the best source of hydration for their young one. We hope it will help to influence healthy drinking patterns from the early years and throughout their growth and development into adulthood.”
Sefton CVS recognised for contribution to the NHS
Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) has been awarded the NHS 70 community partner of the year award, as voted for by staff of NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG.
Six things you should expect from Social Care Support
According to Healthwatch England, people have told them they want to feel listened to and involved in decisions about their social care.
It says: “With more than a quarter of a million people living in care homes and 673,000 adults relying on social care support to live independently, it’s vital that people are able to get the best out of social care.
“The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has developed guidance to help make you and social care professionals understand what care people can expect and how to support you to make decisions about your own care.”
Healthwatch England list six things you should expect from care services, according to NICE guidelines.
- You should be able to live your life with dignity and independence.
- Your care should be planned flexibly around what you want and need.
- You should understand what types of care are available, and the minimum care you can expect to have.
- You should have control over how your care is provided and paid for.
- The staff providing care should develop good relationships with you.
- Providers of social care should ask you and your family for your views, and use these to train staff and improve services.
Healthwatch Sefton always welcomes feedback from people in Sefton. If you have an experience of social care then you can submit your feedback via our website using this link.
Healthwatch Sefton offers Independent Complaints Advocacy Service
Healthwatch Sefton now offers an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service.
For anyone wanting to make a complaint about the care and/or treatment they have received from the NHS there are two options:
- We have a pack of self-help materials which provides supportive information including the NHS complaints process and an example framework for a first letter of complaint
- Or, if people prefer, there is a fully-trained advocate who can support people to make their complaint by providing free, confidential and independent help
More details of this service can be found on our website – https://healthwatchsefton.co.uk/independent-complaints-advocacy-service/
– along with a downloadable referral form and self-help pack.
If you want to discuss this service with the team then please contact Healthwatch Sefton on 0151 920 0726 ext 240.
Easter Bank Holiday Opening Times for Pharmacies and Walk-ins
As part of the ‘Examine your Options’ campaign South Sefton and Southport & Formby CCG’s have release the opening times, see below, for local pharmacies and walk-in centres over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend 2018.
All Sefton editions of the Champion newspaper will be covered with a useful ‘Examine Your Options’ guide to services and opening times over the holiday period.
Pharmacy Opening Times
Visit your pharmacist for confidential, expert advice and treatment of minor health issues.
You can also pick up over the counter medicines from your pharmacist to treat common conditions such as:
- Headaches
- Fevers
- Sore throats
- Coughs
- Indigestion
Your pharmacist will be happy to advise if you’re not sure.
Please note that the opening times below are only for the pharmacies we know are open, do check with your local pharmacy if they are not on the list.
South Sefton Pharmacy Opening Times
| Good Friday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday | |
| Alexanders Pharmacy Ltd 49 – 51 Stuart Road, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 0RY 0151 928 1457 |
Closed | 12:00pm to 2:00pm | Closed |
| Asda Pharmacy 81 Strand Road, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 4BB 0151 955 4110 |
9:00am to 6:00pm | Closed | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Asda Pharmacy Asda Superstore, Ormskirk Road Aintree, Liverpool, L10 3LN 0151 520 2921 |
9:00am to 6:00pm | Closed | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Boots Pharmacy The New Strand, Bootle, Liverpool L20 4SX 0151 922 1006 |
8:30am to 5:30pm | Closed | Closed |
| Boots Pharmacy Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 5SF 0151 924 4338 |
9:00am to 5:30pm | Closed | Closed |
| Boots Pharmacy 35 Seaforth Road, Bootle, Liverpool L21 3TX 0151 928 3733 |
Closed | 2.00pm to 4.00pm | Closed |
| Cohens Chemist 12-13 The Marian Square, Bootle, Liverpool, L30 5QA 0151 525 9541 |
Closed | 12.00pm to 2.00pm | Closed |
| Crosby Road Pharmacy 59 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 4QD 0151 928 3169 |
Closed | 2.00pm to 4.00pm | Closed |
| Day Lewis Pharmacy 5 The Crescent, Bootle, Liverpool L20 0DX 0151 525 2567 |
Closed | 10.00am to 12.00pm | Closed |
| Kellys Pharmacy 195 Altway, Aintree, Liverpool L10 6LB 0151 526 8140 |
Closed | 12.00pm to 2.00pm | Closed |
| Lydiate Pharmacy 28 Liverpool Rd, Lydiate, Liverpool L31 2LZ 0151 526 3879 |
Closed | 10.00am to 12.00pm | Closed |
| Superdrug Pharmacy New Strand, Bootle, Liverpool, L20 4SP 0151 922 6282 |
9.00am to 5.30pm | Closed | Closed |
Southport and Formby Pharmacy Opening Times
| Good Friday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday | |
| Asda Pharmacy Central 12 Shopping Park, Derby Road, Southport, PR9 0TY 01704 502260 |
9:00am to 6:00pm | Closed | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Boots Pharmacy 131 – 135 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport, PR9 9SD 01704 232464 |
8.30am to 6.30pm | Closed | Closed |
| Hillside Pharmacy 72 – 74 Sandon Road, Southport, PR8 4QD 01704 563 364 |
Closed | 10.00am to 12.00pm | Closed |
| Lloyds Pharmacy St George’s Place, Lord Street, Southport, P9 0AF 01704 531046 |
9:00am to 6:00pm | Closed | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Rowlands Pharmacy 15 Chapel Lane, Formby, L37 4DL |
Closed | 12.00pm to 1.00pm | Closed |
| Superdrug Pharmacy 10 Eastbank Street, Southport, PR8 1DT 01704 530994 |
9:00am to 5:30pm | Closed | Closed |
| Tesco Pharmacy Town Lane, Kew, Southport, PR8 5JH 0345 677 9628 |
9:00am to 6:00pm | Closed | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Whitworth Chemists Ltd 11 Norwood Avenue, Southport, PR9 7EG 01704 509394 |
Closed | 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Closed |
Walk-in centre opening times
Simply drop in to one of the centres and receive treatment for illnesses you can’t treat yourself – there’s no need for an appointment
Open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year, including Good Friday and Easter Monday
Litherland Town Hall, Hatton Hill Road, L21 9JN
Tel: 0151 475 4667
Open 8am to 8pm, Good Friday to Easter Monday.
116-118 The Concourse, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LJ
Tel: 01695 588 640
West Lancashire Urgent Care Centre
Open from 8am to 8pm, Good Friday to Easter Monday.
Ormskirk Hospital, Wigan Road, Ormskirk, L39 2AZ
Tel: 01695 588 800
Local Healthwatch to Revisit A&E
On Monday, 19 March staff and volunteers from local Healthwatch across Merseyside will be revisiting A&E departments in the region and talking to patients about the reasons for their visit.
A local Healthwatch spokesperson said: “We hope the simultaneous visits taking place from 9.30am to 12.30pm will provide a snapshot of why people use A&E and what people think about things like quality of care and waiting times.”
The first joint co-ordinated event took place last July when the majority of people said they had gone to A&E on the recommendation of a health professional. A follow up was due to take place in January but was postponed due to increased winter pressures and the flu outbreak.
A&E departments have been regularly in the headlines with usage rising, departments getting more pressured, waiting times growing and frontline staff working hard to give the care people need.
NHS England chief executive, Simon Stevens, said earlier this month: “It is quite likely February will turn out to have been the most pressurised month the NHS has seen in its nearly 70 year history.”
The Local Healthwatch and A&E departments that will be involved are:
- Healthwatch Liverpool – Royal Liverpool and Alder Hey
- Healthwatch Sefton – Southport Hospital
- Healthwatch Knowsley – Aintree Hospital
- Healthwatch St Helens – Whiston Hospital
Maureen Kelly, Chair of Healthwatch Sefton, says: “It will be interesting to hear the variety of reasons why people attend A&E, especially as our fellow local Healthwatch are asking the same questions in different parts of Merseyside. And the information gathered will be fed back in to providers and decision makers to help get our care right.”
Healthwatch Sefton wants to hear from anyone else who has recently used Southport Hospital’s A&E department by completing a short online survey on our website. Visit www.healthwatchsefton.co.uk or call 0800 206 1304 for further information.
Become a Governor at Aintree University Hospital
The Council of Governors at Aintree ensures that the hospital listens to the views of patients, local residents, staff and other interested parties, so it can make improvements to services and the information that is available about them.
Being a Governor at Aintree provides an opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in influencing how decisions are made and how services are developed, to have your voice heard and to represent the views of others.
How to apply
If you are interested in standing for election, further information and a nomination form can be obtained as follows:
- Online: ersvotes.com/aintree2018
- Telephone: 0208 365 8909
- Email: Enquiries@electoralreform.co.uk
- Text: Text 2FT AN and your name and address to 88802
- Post: The Election Centre, 33 Clarendon Road London N8 0NW.
The deadline for completed nomination forms is Tuesday 20 March at 5pm.
