Sefton residents urged not to suffer domestic violence in silence this Christmas

Victims of domestic abuse and their families are being urged not to suffer in silence this Christmas. Merseyside Police has joined forces with local partners to tackle the issue over the festive period.

Sefton flu jab numbers hit 34,000

MORE than 34,000 people in Sefton have been vaccinated against flu this winter.But the local NHS body is reminding people who haven’t yet been vaccinated to make an appointment with their GP.People who have had letters asking them to come forward for the jab are being encouraged to do so.

A change for the better in the NHS

Amidst all the fury over student fees, a far more radical government policy proposal is going ahead with almost no scrutiny and very little discussion. Britain’s 152 Primary Care Trusts, which hand out money to GPs and pay for patients to go on to hospitals, are to be replaced by groups of doctors.

Will You Choose Well This Winter?

During winter, more people get ill or are injured than at other times of the year. This means the services provided by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and the wider NHS are needed more than ever.

Many people call the ambulance service for help with minor symptoms that could be treated more quickly by their GP, their local pharmacist or even by themselves with basic self-care, first aid and advice.

North Mersey Diabetes Action Group information

North Mersey Diabetes Action Group have issued a new information pack for user involvement in diabetes care.

Who are North Mersey Diabetes Action Group?


We are a group of service users who either have diabetes or are caring for someone with diabetes who want to be involved in the decision making processes and based on our experiences make a difference to services locally. We support each other but we are not a support group!

NHS will be 'tested to limit' by savings: MPs

The Coalition pledge to increase spending on health in real terms will not be met, the Commons Health Select Committee has warned. It means the scale of the savings required to meet rising demand with a shrinking budget is even greater.

The report quoted NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson saying: "It is huge. You don’t need me to tell you that it has never been done before in the NHS context and we don’t think, when you look at health systems across the world, that anyone has quite done it on this scale before."

Text messages will be sent to revellers in Sefton as part of a safety campaign over Christmas

MESSAGES will be sent out to mobile phone users alerting them of the dangers of excessive drinking over Christmas.
It is part of a Christmas Presence campaign launched to keep revellers and shoppers safe over the festive period.

Will you choose well this winter?

During winter, more people get ill or are injured than at other times of the year. This means the services provided by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and the wider NHS are needed more than ever.

PATHFINDER GP COMMISSIONING CONSORTIA ANNOUNCED

The Department of Health announced today the 52 areas in which pathfinder GP Commissioning Consortia will be starting work – there are a large number of these in the North West.

Fit for Survival

Fit for Survival
Charities, Governance and the Law
A free seminar for Sefton charities
Thursday 10th February 2011, 4pm to 6pm at Sing Plus,
Cambridge Road, Seaforth.
In the current economic climate there are a number of risks
facing the Charity sector. Our free seminar, presented by a
team of legal and accounting experts, will look at these risks
and key sector issues. The seminar is aimed at senior staff,
financial directors and charity trustees.
To book a place please contact Jenny Dexter: jenny.dexter@seftoncvs.org.uk
Or telephone 0151 928 2233 x118

Sefton Young Advisors

Today's story is written from a personal perspective........

Surgery for South Sefton area groups

In response to the cuts to public sector funding and likely impact on the Voluntary, Community and Faith sector, Sefton CVS is holding a surgery to support Groups who have concerns about their future funding and finances.

Norovirus Advice - Don’t let ‘winter vomiting’ spoil Christmas

Don’t let winter vomiting spoil the Christmas festivities as the continuing cold spell increases the risk of bugs, such as the norovirus, spreading in the community. 

North Mersey Diabetes Network, User Involvement

NORTH MERSEY DIABETES ACTION GROUP: Information sheet

Who are we?

We are a group of service users who either have diabetes or are caring for someone with diabetes who want to be involved in the decision making processes and based on our experiences make a difference to services locally. We support each other but we are not a support group

We are part of a national user involvement project being only 1 of 3 organisations selected across the country to take part in an exciting new but important development.

'Keep Warm, Keep Well' this winter

Sefton residents are being urged to take measures to ensure they stay healthy during the current cold weather, and to remember the needs of friends, elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during the cold weather.

Update from NHS Sefton: December 2010

Welcome to your latest update from NHS Sefton. This bulletin is designed to keep you informed of our latest news and developments. We hope you find it of interest and we welcome any comments you may have. Please use the contact details at the bottom of the bulletin to get in touch.

‘Big Society’ Big Debate is a FREE day of informal training taking place on Saturday 11th December.

‘Big Society’ Big Debate is a FREE day of informal training taking place on Saturday 11^th December.

Thanks to funding provided by Take Part those who participate in the day will each receive a £10 High Street Voucher (which are acceptable in loads of high street shops, and just in time for Christmas!). We’ll also provide lunch and refund your travel costs (public transport).

Regional health organisation shine in Sefton awards

Healthcare professionals from across Sefton have been honoured at a special awards ceremony hosted for the first time ever late last month. NHS Sefton and Sefton Council joined forces to hold the awards ceremony at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on November 24, and this week congratulated the winners on their achievements.

Aintree youngster Tom Henwood thanks North West Air Ambulance for rescue with charity bike ride

A young cyclist will go on the longest ride of his life to raise money for North West Air Ambulance after it came to his rescue.Nine-year-old Tom Henwood, of Aintree, was airlifted to Ormskirk hospital following a fall at school while playing football.

University Hospital Aintree's low death rates praised

A Liverpool hospital has below average death rates, according to an analysis of deaths in English hospitals. Monitoring body Dr Foster's report said University Hospital Aintree was one of 26 hospitals which had significantly lower than expected death rates.

Hospital teams triumph at Sefton awards ceremony

Staff at Fazakerley Hospital are celebrating after two teams came top in their categories at a recent awards ceremony.The medical emergency team won an award for ensuring patient safety, while the healthy bowel clinic topped the innovation section at the first annual Sefton Health and Social Care Awards on November 24.

Waterloo Community Centre Fundraiser

Waterloo Community Centre is holding a fundraiser/awareness evening on Friday 3rd December at the Old Bank Inn on South Road, Waterloo from 7pm onwards.


Tickets can be purchased from the centre or on the evening for £2.50 each and there will be live music and raffles for your entertainment. For more information contact Debbi on 0151 920 2708.

A £5m package of Sefton cuts threatens jobs and community services

Much-loved community services today face the chop in a ruthless package of Sefton Council cuts that threatens more than 150 jobs. Town hall bosses this morning will propose ‘tactical’ savings of £5.7m as they attempt to plug a huge budget deficit. Valued and well-used council services are to be stripped back or axed altogether.

Parents’ anger at an emergency meeting, organised to discuss the damning report on a children’s minor injuries unit in Southport

Parents gathered at an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the decision to axe a children’s minor injuries unit in Southport.The meeting was organised by hospital campaign group CARES and took place on Monday evening (November 22) at Christ Church on Lord Street.

Nominate unsung Southport hospital heroes at this year’s Pride Awards

TIME is running out to honour the hard work of Southport’s fantastic hospital staff and volunteers. Nominations for the showpiece Pride Awards ceremony, which takes place at Southport Convention Centre next year, close on Friday, December 3.

Merseyside hospitals come top and bottom of death rate list

Merseyside hospitals today came top and bottom of a list of death rates.A survey released by the Dr Foster hospital guide revealed mortality in the North West remained above national levels.

Sainsbury's offers GPs free premises as it launches national network of practices

source: Pulse - http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=35&storycode=4127854&c=1&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Exclusive: Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is to launch a nationwide general practice network by allowing GPs to set up branch surgeries free of charge in up to 204 of its stores, Pulse can reveal.

Southport GPs are against the town’s call for a walk-in centre for children

A TOP Southport GP insists there is no need for our resort to have a minor injuries unit for local children. Dr Niall Leonard, a practitioner at Roe Lane Surgery, said kids with minor illnesses were best treated by their family doctors. It comes as NHS Sefton reported that the vast majority of local GPs are not in favour of the walk-in centre.

Look After Yourself

Are you aged between 40 and 60 and live in the Linacre or Derby area? Would you be willing to take part in a group to let NHS Sefton know your thoughts and ideas on how you think they can help you improve your health and wellbeing?

Carer’s allowance and older carers – AGE UK

Carer Watch have long had serious concerns regarding older carers and how there is so little support for them.

Therefore we are pleased to see this campaign by Age UK and fully support it.

Sefton Shining Stars Awards 2010

Sefton LINk were pleased to sponsor an award at this year's Sefton Shining Stars event. The awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of young people, and Sefton LINk were the proud official sponsors of the Achiever of the Year Award 2010.

Please click here to download the event programme

Thanks to everyone who attended and made the night a great success!

Opportunity for Sefton LINk members - Join the Scrutiny Committee for Improving Services for Children in North Sefton

Sefton LINk has been invited to have a seat on the Scrutiny committee for improving services for children in North Sefton. This request has been through the LINk Steering Group governance process and it has been agreed that it is really important to have representation at this meeting. The LINk is therefore looking for an INDIVIDUAL member to represent the LINk. This could be someone who has children or grandchildren/ knowledge of childrens services/ resides in North Sefton.

Patient Opinion Newsletter November 2010

Please click here to download the November 2010 Patient Opinion Newsletter

Don't forget, you can follow the latest Patient Opinion submissions using the Sefton widget found at the bottom of this News Blog!

Sefton CVS Funding Finance Accountancy Cashflow Workshop

In response to the cuts to public sector funding and likely impact on the Voluntary, Community and Faith sector, Sefton CVS is holding a drop in surgery to support Groups who have concerns about their future funding and finances.

Merseyside Young Stroke Information and Support Group Christmas Ball

Merseyside Young Stroke Information and Support Group have announced the details of their Christmas Charity Masquerade Ball 2010 taking place at Southport Theatre on Friday 3rd December

Imagine Christmas Fayre

Mental Health charity Imagine are pleased to announce the details of their upcoming Christmas Fayre taking taking place on Sunday 12th December 2010 at St Monica's Social Club, Bootle.

Carers Rights Day 2010

Sefton Carers Centre are pleased to announce the details of the 2010 Carers Rights Day taking place on Thursday 3rd December at the Fomrby RAFA Club.

Sahir House - World Aids Day

December the 1st is World Aids Day and Sahir House, along with a number of drop in venues around Liverpool will offer free, confidential, rapid HIV testing on a number of dates.

Putting People First - Think Local, Act Personal: Next Steps for Transforming Adult Social Care

The health and adult social care sector has launched a proposed agreement for the next steps with transforming adult social care. Think Local, Act Personal sets out how councils, health bodies, providers and other community organisations will need to work more closely so individuals, their families and carers have greater choice and control over their care and support. It is anticipated that this proposed agreement will continue the work of the Putting People First programme when it ends in March 2011.

Linaker Primary Children's Centre's 'Good as New' sale

 Linaker Primary Children's Centre are pleased to announce the details of their 2010 'Good as New' sale taking place on Friday 26th November 2010 in Southport with all proceeds going to Children in Need

Axe falls on Southport’s promised kids’ minor injuries walk-in centre

SOUTHPORT’S much-awaited children’s minor injuries unit has been ditched by health bosses over “clinical safety” fears.

The kids’ unit – first promised in June 2008 by NHS Sefton – was deemed unaffordable by experts, in a report entitled ‘Improving Children's Services In North Sefton’.

Parents last night accused the Primary Care Trust of reneging on its pledge to provide the walk-in centre, seen as critical following the removal of children’s casualty to Ormskirk in 2003.

'Politically motivated' equality law to be scrapped

An equality law dubbed "socialism in one clause" will be scrapped, Home Secretary Theresa May said today.

The measure was intended to force public authorities to take into account disadvantage and inequalities when making decisions about policies.

But Mrs May, who is also the equalities minister, said in reality it was just another bureaucratic box to be ticked.

We want your views on the North Sefton Integrated Care Organisation

By April 2011, no Primary Care Trust can manage and directly provide community health services, with the aim of creating more effective and integrated services.

In north Sefton, Community Health Services (CHS) will in future be run by Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

NHS Central Lancashire, NHS Sefton and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust have agreed to create a new organisation which will see real partnership and the bringing together of services from primary care and hospital that are currently separate.

Liverpool doctors make eye cancer break through

DOCTORS in Liverpool have made a breakthrough in the battle against eye cancer.
A team of clinicians at the Royal Liverpool Hospital have found a genetic link indicating whether the cancer will spread.

Waterloo Community Centre fundraiser/awareness evening

Just to let everyone know that Waterloo Community Centre will be hosting a fundraiser/awareness evening on 3rd December 2010 at The Old Bank Inn, South road Waterloo at 7.30pm. 
The aim of the evening is to raise the profile of the Community Centre and the courses and activities that we offer.  Also, all monies raised will be used to provide more activities for the local community to become involved in.

Sefton Mental Health Service User Celebration Event

Come along to our Celebration Event to
find out what the forum has been doing
since our launch event in November
2009, find out about mental health
services and meet other
service users!

Blood donor sessions in Formby for November

NHS BLOOD and Transplant is aiming to increase the number of blood donors during the winter months, as seasonal illnesses often prevent regular donors from giving blood.

500 workers face joblessness after a Sefton social services provider admitted it may be unable to meet financial commitments

FIVE hundred workers today face possible job loss after a social services provider admitted it may be unable to meet its financial commitments.


Sefton New Directions, which provides vital services for vulnerable adults and the disabled – including meals-on-wheels, day centres and respite care – warned workers of “serious threats to the continuity of the business”.


The council-owned privatised company was set up in 2007 and signed a 10-year contract with the authority to deliver adult care services in the borough.

Sefton Council could cut 1000 jobs to make savings

Staff at Sefton Council were warned of 1,000 job cuts this week, as the impact of last week's Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) begins to take its toll.

Earlier this year the local authority's chief executive, Margaret Carney, estimated the council would need to make £53million in savings as the Coalition Government aims to get rid of the country's debt, but she said on Monday (October 25) she now believes it is the “minimum” that will need to be saved.

Recruitment campaign launched for 29,000 Census Collector roles

One of the largest current campaigns in the UK has begun as recruitment gets underway to fill over 29,000 temporary part time and full time vacancies to make the 2011 Census a success – and we need your help!

We would really appreciate the help of Sefton LINK in recruiting local people by spreading the word about the vacancies and directing people to our dedicated recruitment site: http://www.censusjobs.co.uk/

Diversity Week - Black and Ethnic Minority Communities event

As part of Sefton's Diversity Week, the Black and Ethnic Minority Communities Service Support informal market place event will take place on Friday 12th November at the Lakeside Christian Centre in Southport.

Where to go for fireworks fun across Merseyside

To commemorate the Year of Health and Well Being this year's free celebrations will see three of the city's major parks lit up in a spectacular display of fireworks orchestrated to a 20-minute specially produced “feel good factor” soundtrack.

As in previous years, there will be three displays – in Sefton Park, Newsham Park and Walton Hall Park. All start at about 7.30pm.

Log on to www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture

Sefton Council warns services may be “stopped altogether” in £38m savings drive

A Merseyside council has warned that services could be “stopped altogether” as it pinpoints emergency savings totalling £38m.

Leisure centres, libraries, community and cultural centres are among frontline Sefton services said to be under direct threat of being axed.

Scheme launches across Sefton to get families into shape

AN NHS-funded health scheme will launch across Sefton over the next month to help families get in shape.

The programme, based on the council exercise scheme MOVE IT, will encourage seven-16 year olds and their families to use interactive learning and physical exercise to achieve greater fitness for the next generation.

Sefton Council and NHS Sefton to implement inspections to help local sunbed salons prepare for 2011 legislation.

JOINT effort between Sefton Council and NHS Sefton is ensuring that sunbed services remain lawful.The two bodies will work together to carry out inspections at more than 50 premises to ensure new rules are implemented.

During the inspections advice and help will be given to ensure sunbed providers are ready for new legislation which comes into effect in April 2011.New rules have been laid out for sunbed salons and premises within the UK preventing any persons under the age of eighteen from using any ultra-violet based tanning bed.

2011 Census information

The 2011 Census is fast approaching and will be launched on 27th March 2011.

A census is a count of the population. We have had one in the UK every ten years to find out more about who we are as a nation. We ask everyone to tell us a bit about themselves to help census users decide how best to plan, fund and deliver the everyday services we all need – like housing, education, healthcare and transport.

Community Research & Consultation Training

There are 3 places left on the next Community Research & Consultation training is being held in November 2010.

"A Public Health Panacea?" event

12th Annual Fresh Lecture 
Urban Green Space: A Public Health Panacea? 
Presented by Professor C. Philip Wheater
6pm, Wednesday 10^th November 2010, Marybone Lecture Theatre

 The Centre for Public Health is delighted to be hosting the 12^th annual “Thomas Fresh” event in association with the Duncan Society.

Alzheimer's Society Christmas Ball Invitation

In preparation for this year's Christmas Ball, Peter Teasdale at the Alzheimer's Society has issued an invitation to the event along with information about the evening. Please see below...

Reaching out to carers innovation fund 2010/2011

The Government wants carers to be able to maintain a life of their own alongside their caring responsibilities. It is keen to improve early identification of carers so that they can be supported in considering their various options and make informed choices about their lives. We are therefore targeting a specific scheme at voluntary sector organisations in England who, in addition to their primary work with individuals with particular conditions, illnesses or with particular age groups, are also keen to support carers.

The Department of Health  is offering a fund for £1 million for organisations supporting carers as part of the government initiative to allow for carers to have a life of their own in addition to their caring responsibilities.

The Department of Health is keen to target carers at the early stages of their caring responsibilities to ensure they can be supported in considering various options and make educated choices about their futures.  To implement this initiative the Department of Health  is targeting specific schemes at the voluntary sector organisations in England who support carers.

Sefton and Northwest Zimbabwe Association event

SEFTON AND NORTHWEST ZIMBABWE ASSOCIATION present

An Enchanted Evening, for a very special reason...

Join us For SANWZA Food Day

Saturday 13th November 2010

5 pm till late

Emmanuel Church Hall

Cambridge Road

Southport, PR9 9RH

Sefton Equalities Partnership: Celebrating Diversity and Interfaith Weeks 2010

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service and Sefton Equalities Partnership are pleased to anounce to details of the Celebrating Diversity and Interfaith Weeks 2010. Please click the link below to download the event information (.pdf).

http://www.seftonlink2.org.uk/images/stories/diversityflyer.pdf

Department of Health Spending Review 2010

In line with the Government's commitment to protect health spending, overall NHS spending will increase by 0.4% in real terms over the course of the Spending Review period. This includes a 1.3% increase in the resource budget, and a 17% decrease in capital spending. The administration budget will be reduced by 33%, and reinvested to support the delivery of NHS services.

New support for GPs will cut the costs of commissioning

A new series of resources to support GP Consortia to design and commission services for patients was announced today by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley at the National Association for Primary Care Annual Conference.

The commissioning packs will provide GPs with a set of tools and templates to use when designing and buying services for their patients. The first of these support packs published today is for cardiac rehabilitation services and aims to support GP commissioners to design services that are suited to local needs and cost effective.

New NHS "111" telephone service ‘dilutes’ nurse role

The “significant dilution” of the role of trained nurses in the telephone service due to absorb NHS Direct has been laid bare in a parliamentary question.

Health minister Simon Burns has revealed only 38 per cent of staff at a pilot site for NHS 111, the single access point for all non-emergency NHS healthcare services, are registered nurses.

Department of Health makes choice an obligation

GPs may be given a contractual obligation to offer choice and hospitals will be required to offer appointments to named consultant-led teams from April 2011 under government proposals set out today.

The Department of Health has published aconsultation on Patient Choice alongside its proposals for an 'information revolution', and claims the two documents together will give patients more choice and a louder voice within the NHS.

Liverpool hospital shortlisted for national leadership award

A Liverpool hospital is celebrating after reaching the shortlist for the prestigious NHS awards.

Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, have been shortlisted by the NHS Leadership Awards and is competing to be recognised as the ‘NHS Board of the Year’ against two other NHS Trusts; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell &West Birmingham NHS Trust.

Statutory Consultation on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for NHS Sefton

What is the consultation about?

NHS Sefton has a duty to develop and publish a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) by 1 February 2011. The PNA is a statement of the pharmaceutical needs of the population of the PCT. It will be used to make decisions when applications are received to open new pharmacies, move existing pharmacies and which services should be provided by a pharmacy in a particular area or Sefton.

The Draft PNA is included for your information. NHS Sefton welcomes your comments on the document.

Southport eye tests reviewed after concerns about staff

Eye examinations of 536 diabetic patients are being reviewed after concerns about two members of staff at a Merseyside hospital.

The NHS will share the pain of cuts

Health service staff are not immune to cuts and patients could suffer, the nursing leader tells Denis Campbell.

Despite the cabinet finalising colossal spending cuts across government, the axe will not fall on health. David Cameron has decided that even in an age of austerity the NHS is different, special – too important to the public to endure its share of the pain.

Southport Hospital launches eye review after concern is raised about the work of two of its staff

DOCTORS at Southport hospital are reviewing hundreds of eye examinations after concern was raised about two of its staff.

Review agrees value of a core Summary Care Record

Reviews commissioned by the Health Minister Simon Burns have concluded that a Summary Care Record containing core patient information will prove valuable for patients needing emergency care, the Department of Health announced today.

Fears about transport links to hospital services will be left ‘dangerously inadequate’

Fears have been raised that transport links to hospital services in Maghull and Aintree will be left ‘dangerously inadequate’.

The government have cut Merseytravel funding by £10m, and Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson expects public transport in Maghull and Aintree to be hit hard.

Dutch IT experts visit Aintree University Hospital

A group of Dutch health IT experts have visited Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, England, as part of an annual initiative to visit areas of healthcare IT excellence in Europe.The group of 23 professionals, who came from hospitals from across the Netherlands and are all members of the Dutch Association for Medical Records Administration (NVMA), visited the trust to look at its electronic patient records system and a dashboard that aims to improve clinical performance.

Drop-in centres planned for Sefton MS sufferers

Support is at hand for multiple sclerosis sufferers in Sefton. The area branch of the MS Society is setting up new drop-in centres in Formby, Southport and Crosby, which will offer sufferers the chance to meet others affected by the disease and take part in a special yoga class.

Patients' views get digital treatment

People can now easily see patients' electronic feedback about their local health services - even if they are not computer users. A new digital service offered by Kirklees council will take data from Patient Opinion, a website founded by Sheffield GP Paul Hodgkin, to convey views on NHS organisations.

Health Inequalities Working Group

Sefton Councillors are currently working with NHS Sefton in undertaking a cross-cutting review of the underlying determinants of health. The aim of the review is to gain a better understanding of the inequalities in society that affect health and in particular how these play out for children of primary school age and their families/ the people around them.

Merseytravel Smart Ticketing Initiative

.  As part of our continued efforts to improve services, Merseytravel is embracing the Government's national policy to introduce smart ticketing across the UK on all forms of public transport. Over the next two years, Merseytravel's Smart Ticketing Initiative will begin the implementation of smart ticketing to improve the customer experience by delivering a range of new ticketing products across the Merseyside Region.

Merseytravel's ethos of 'putting the Passenger First' will ensure we offer a range of ticketing solutions which suit the needs of existing and new passengers.

Alzheimer's Society October 2010 Newsletter

The Alzheimer's Society - the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers - are pleased to present their October 2010 Newsletter. To download the PDF document, please click here

Sefton CVS offer FREE National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) are pleased to offer a selection of NVQ Level 2 Qualifications to local organisatsions and their staff. For full ifnormation, please download the flyer

For more information, please contact James Woods or Mike Sargent to arrange an appointment at the Sefton CVS NVQ open day whihc will take place on Thursday 7th October 2010 between 10.30am - 3.30pm at Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre. Phone 0151 920 0726 ext 106/325 or email james.woods@seftoncvs.org.uk

Update from NHS Sefton: September 2010

NHS Sefton have published the latest bulletin update which you can download here

Contents of the September 2010 update  inlcude...Janet now Acting Chief Executive

NHS Sefton's Annual General Meeting - Come along!

Residents are invited to come along to NHS Sefton’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 30th September to find out more about their local primary care trust. Visitors can look around an exhibition area highlighting the work of NHS Sefton, chat with health professionals and learn more about leading a healthy lifestyle.


It is a chance for people with an interest in local health and services to ask questions,hear about NHS Sefton’s performance last year and about its plans for the coming 12 months.

Click here to download the NHS Sefton AGM letter

Walk in centre for Southport children postponed

Health chiefs have gone back on their promises and are attempting to ditch plans for a children's walk-in centre a second time, Southport's MP has claimed.

John Pugh told The Champion yesterday (September 14, 2010) that NHS Sefton have postponed a proposal for a children's site amid worries that it will adversely affect children's services at Ormskirk Hospital outlined at a special stakeholders meeting held last Friday (September 10, 2010).

NHS Sefton wage error staff to repay cash

Hundreds of Merseyside health workers must pay back about £160,000 in wages because of a payroll error.

NHS Sefton staff, including nurses and healthcare assistants, were told about the mistake in letters this month.They are being given three years to repay the cash, varying in amounts between £20 and £4,500, after overtime payments were miscalculated.

Have Your Say!

We want you to have your say about the proposed changes to LINks by the Department of Health.

Across England, many people including the LINk membership already give up their time to help shape local health and social care services. In July 2010, the Government announced its plans to set up an independant champion for health and social care consumers called HealthWatch England.

Latest News from the Duncan Society

The Duncan Society Autumn – Winter (September 2010 – February 2011) Programme has now been published. Please click here to download a copy.

The programme booklet is available to download, print and circulate. All events are Free.

Details of each individual event will be sent out nearer the event date. Further information will be available on the Duncan Society website www.liv.ac.uk/ssp/duncansociety and for more information please contact the society on duncan-society@liv.ac.uk

2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing E-bulletin

Please Click Here to view September’s edition of our 2010 Year of Health and Wellbeing E-Bulletin.

If you have not received this email directly and would like to receive future emails or if you would like to unsubscribe, please email: katy.simic@liverpoolpct.nhs.uk.

The bulletin is in the form of a booklet; please click on the arrows in the bottom right hand corner to turn the page and use the magnifying glass symbol to enlarge the print.

For more information, please visit http://www.2010healthandwellbeing.org.uk/

NHS Sefton's "Have your say on the NHS White Paper"

The White Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS” was published in July 2010. This government paper sets out the future of healthcare in England . It signals greater control for GPs and the reform of current healthcare systems.

There are four consultations that go with the White Paper that will help finalise the government’s proposals.

Merseyside councils could foot the bill for a £166m spending spree on new health centres

Merseyside councils could foot the bill for a £166m spending spree on new health centres, they were warned this week.

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have spent the money building the facilities with the private sector over the past couple of years.

But councils may end up paying the £17.45m annual cost of renting the buildings when PCTs are abolished in 2013.

Free courses to help Sefton residents shed pounds

RESIDENTS in Sefton are being offered the chance to shed those pounds.

People can take part in one of the weight management courses set up by NHS Sefton, which aim to encourage healthier lifestyles and tackle obesity.

The courses are free and each one lasts for six weeks.

They are split into hourly sessions and people will be offered support to check on their progress.

Courses offer tips on how to set realistic manageable goals and the importance of being a healthy weight.

Sefton girls warned to vaccinate against cervical cancer before they are 18

GIRLS reaching their 18th birthday are warned time is running out to protect themselves from cervical cancer.

To be eligible for three doses of the free vaccine, Sefton youngsters must have the first one before their 18th birthday.

Women born between September 1, 1990 and August 31, 1992 need to have their first HPV dose by August 31 this year and can do so by booking an appointment with their GP.

The HPV vaccine protects against the Human Papillomavirus, which causes 77 per cent of invasive cervical cancer.

Anjila Shah, public health registrar at NHS Sefton, said: “We want to ensure that every girl in Sefton who is eligible, has the opportunity to be vaccinated against HPV. The school programme is very successful but 17 and 18 year olds are harder to reach as they are either working or in college.”

source: Formby Times

NHS Sefton appoints acting Chief Executive

NHS Sefton has appointed its former director of public health Dr Janet Atherton as acting chief executive.

The Liverpool Echo reported that Dr Atherton said: “This is an important time for the NHS in Sefton and I am pleased to be taking on this role.

“The PCT has a key role to play in leading local work to improve people’s health and make sure that people in the borough have high-quality, good value local services.”

Dr Atherton has been Director of Public Health at the trust and the local council since 2006, before this she undertook the same role at South Sefton Primary Care Trust from 2002.


The new chief executive will remain in her position until 2013, the date which the Government has proposed to cut PCTs.


Before being appointed as acting chief executive Dr Atherton was also in charge of the development of the Sefton Public Health Partnership, which aims to improve health services in the area by combining the skills of the PCT, the Council and the voluntary and community sector partners.

Labour Leadership Health Hustings

Socialist Health Association have arranged an event to which all the leadership candidates are invited at the Devonshire House Hotel 293-297 Edge Lane, Liverpool, L7 9LD

12pm - 3pm Tuesday 31st August

The focus of debate will be on health, social care, and the NHS.

Make a difference to NHS research – Become a patient/public board member

The Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme funds and monitors health research studies. It aims to support excellent clinical science with an ultimate view to improving health or patient care. We are currently looking for members of the public to join the EME funding board to ensure that the public are actively involved in health research. As a patient/public board member you will help to identify and raise issues from the perspective of patients and the public that are relevant to the research.
The EME programme is funded by the Medical Research Council and managed by the National Institute for Health Research.

Aintree University Hospital needs to cut '300 jobs'

Hundreds of jobs will have to be axed at a hospital on Merseyside as it prepares for widespread cuts to the NHS.

Aintree University Hospital has confirmed it needs to cut the equivalent of 300 jobs in the next few years. All 5,000 staff have been sent letters offering them voluntary redundancy and flexible working packages. A spokesman said the consultation was in "its early stages".

MS Society - Physiotherapy Service and Counselling Service

The Multiple Sclerosis Society, in partnership with NHS Sefton, provides a physiotherapy service offering advice, assessment and treatment for people with MS in this area. In addition to the pysiotherapy service, the MS Society are pleased to announce the launch of a counselling service available to people affected by MS.

The physiotherapist will work with you in a friendly manner to help you reach your goals, through sessions that are tailored to your needs. Carers can also get help and advice in moving and handling and managing day to day activities.

NHS Sefton launch 'Text to Quit Smoking' campaign

Smokers in Sefton now have another way to get help and quit the habit. NHS Sefton has teamed up with Cheshire and Merseyside Tobacco Control Programme to help people quit by text.

Anyone in Sefton who wants to quit smoking can now text 'Quit' to 80039 with their name and full postcode. They will then be contacted by NHS Sefton’s local stop smoking service, SUPPORT who will give advice on the best way to quit.

Southport's 'P' in the Park

NHS Sefton’s Sexual Health Service, ISIS, will be asking festival goers to pee in the park in a bid to stop Chlamydia in its tracks!

Members of the ISIS team will be on hand with their testing kits at the Jedi Music Festival, which takes place on Sunday 1st August at Victoria Park, Southport .

The test is straightforward and only requires a small amount of urine in a sample bottle. It’s now even easier, as those who take the test can receive the results via text message to their mobile phone.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK . It is transmitted through unprotected sex and it often has no symptoms so people may not realise they have it.