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Continue to stay safe and limit infections
The government has now ended legal restrictions in England and published a 'Living with COVID' plan. Find out more about what this means here.
In light of these changes, we are reminding residents that NHS staff, patients and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings unless exempt and anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should not visit a healthcare setting.
We are also reminding people that there are ways we can all to continue to stay safe and limit infection: by getting your vaccines, letting fresh air in when meeting indoors, wearing a face covering in crowded places, staying at home if you feel unwell and washing your hands regularly. Read more guidance on staying safe on the NHS website.
More information
Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you or your child has them. The government has set out updated advice on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
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Still need to get your COVID-19 vaccine? It's not too late
Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects. Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against the virus and it's never too late to get yours, whether it's your first, second or booster jab. Research has shown the vaccines help to:
- reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19
- reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19
- protect against COVID-19 variants
Where to get your COVID-19 vaccine
Southport Centre for Health and Wellbeing is open for COVID-19 vaccines for appointments only. Call 01704 395830 for more information and to book an appointment if eligible.
You can also find a local walk-in site or book an appointment by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website.
Children aged 12-15
All children aged between 12 and 15 are being offered two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s safe, easy and gives them the best protection against the virus. School aged immunisation teams will be going back into most schools to deliver second doses and first doses where still needed. Parents/guardians will get a letter or email with information about when this will happen and be asked to give consent. Alternatively parents can choose to book their vaccine appointment at a local vaccination service online or by calling 119.
Advice for those who are severely immunosuppressed
If you’re severely immunosuppressed, you should have had a letter from your GP or hospital consultant about the COVID-19 vaccines. If you didn’t or feel you should have, get in touch with them to ensure you’re as protected as possible. Find out more here.
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Do you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month health professionals in Sefton are urging residents to be aware of the symptoms to help detect the disease early and save lives. The key symptoms to look out for are:
- a swollen tummy
- a lump in the tummy
- feeling bloated
- pain or tenderness in your tummy
- loss of appetite
- feeling full quickly after eating
- an urgent need to pee or needing to pee more often or both
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- indigestion
- constipation or diarrhoea
- back pain
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
Ovarian cancer is the biggest gynaecological killer in the UK, with around 7,500 people being diagnosed each year (Ovarian.org.uk). The earlier the cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat, so it’s important to know what to look out for. Read more here.
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Sefton health bosses issue MMR vaccination reminder
With national reports of a "significant drop" in the number of children being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), health bosses are urging parents and guardians to make sure their children are protected.
As many as one in 10 eligible children under the age of five in England have not yet had both MMR vaccines.
These children are not properly protected, which means they are at risk of the serious effects these diseases can have.
Read more here.
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Macmillan provides cancer support to 7,000 people in Southport
Healthcare leaders in Southport are celebrating a decade of cancer support, as they mark the anniversary of the launch of the Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre.
Over the past 10 years, the centre, which is a joint partnership between Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), has helped over 7,000 local people affected by cancer. The team has also dealt with an incredible 131,000 queries from people who use their services via the centre itself and has also offered support at numerous health and wellbeing events, support groups and meetings in the community that the dedicated team organise and attend on a regular basis.
Read more here.
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Help us help you - Don't let the thought of cancer play on your mind
NHS England and Improvement has launched a new phase of the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign taking a radically different approach to detecting cancer earlier for patients, when it is easier to treat.
The campaign encourages people to contact their GP practice if they have noticed something in their body that doesn’t feel right and are worried it could be cancer. It also offers reassurance that most people who are referred for tests by their GP find out that it’s not cancer and that finding out sooner is always better.
The campaign is running in March and is the first ‘Help Us, Help You’ cancer campaign to focus on tackling the ‘fear’ of cancer rather than specific symptoms.
Read more here.
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New Aintree treatment hub means more patients can be given chemotherapy at home
A new chemotherapy treatment hub in Aintree will mean even more cancer patients in Sefton, north Liverpool and surrounding areas will be able to have essential treatment in the comfort of their own home.
The Clatterbridge in the Community Team from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust has opened a new chemotherapy hub at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Aintree. The new base will mean an expert team of nurses will be closer to patients in the surrounding area who are eligible to have chemotherapy treatment in their own home.
Read more here.
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How the NHS has shaped the person that I am - Fiona Taylor on 40 years of NHS service
Fiona Taylor, chief officer at NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS South Sefton CCG has shared her memories of a meaningful career, the experiences that transformed her from an eager teenager to an impactful leader, and why she prescribes a life of public service for those looking to make a difference with their work.
Read her blog here.
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Thousands of people in Southport and Formby invited to help NHS trial cancer test
Southport and Formby have been selected as two of several places within Cheshire and Merseyside to take part in the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear. Some people in Southport and Formby, aged 50-77, have been sent a letter from the NHS inviting them to volunteer for the trial.
Read more here.
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How to introduce solid foods
It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods for your child. The new Start for Life campaign offers guidance to help you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.
Visit the NHS website for advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.
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Sefton parent and carer SEND survey
Sefton Council is asking for feedback from parents/carers of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) on what is going well and what could be improved in our local area.
The survey focuses on education, health and social care services and the information and support you receive.
How to get involved
Find out more and complete the survey here. The survey will close on 31 March 2022.
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Your say on council's draft Education Excellence Strategy 2021 – 2025
Educational Excellence is the name of the services that support children, young people and adults when learning in Sefton.
Sefton Council is asking for feedback on their draft Education Excellence Strategy for Sefton, which lays out their plans on how to improve education services.
The survey asks for feedback on the three priorities that are needed in Sefton in relation to these services.
How to get involved
Find out more about the survey and find a link to complete it here. The survey will close on 3 April 2022.
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Sefton Childcare and Early Years Survey for parents and carers
Sefton Council is conducting a survey to find out from parents and carers what their experiences and needs are in relation to childcare.
Your views will help the team to decide how to assess if there is enough childcare provision in Sefton and plan new childcare services and ensure places meet the needs for local families.
How to get involved
Find out more about the survey and find a link to complete it here. The survey will close on 28 March 2022.
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Community groups urged to bid for new Sefton Crowd funding
A community led scheme which funds ideas that create more vibrant, resilient and connected communities is set to return for 2022. The community project funding opportunity is part of Sefton Crowd, a council initiative that aims to give anyone who lives locally with ideas about how to improve their area the opportunity to gain funding via the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform Spacehive.
The council has an allocated a dedicated fund of £50,000 for projects taking part in the programme, where there is an opportunity for local projects to get a pledge of up to £5,000. New groups are being invited to submit their ideas for new projects by April 27, 2022.
Read more here
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The care home cell in Sefton - case study of integrated working
We're sharing a case study on how partners are working differently together to better meet the needs of residents. During the pandemic the NHS, council and voluntary, community and faith (VCF) partners rapidly came together to support care homes in a group called the 'care home cell'.
This led to supporting onsite medicines management, remote GP consultations and achieving the highest vaccination rate of care home residents and staff in Cheshire and Merseyside.
The care home cell is providing a model of future working, focused on the needs of local people and it is a good example of how partners across health and care are working in a more joined up way together through Sefton Partnership. Watch the video below to find out more and click here to find out more about the Sefton Partnership.
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