Your CCG newsletter

It's important to test regularly for COVID-19 and follow the current self-isolation guidance to keep our families, friends and communities safe. 

The two main tests for COVID-19 are:

• PCR tests – mainly for people with symptoms, they're sent to a lab to be checked
• rapid lateral flow tests – only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test

PCR tests, if you do have coronavirus symptoms, can be booked at local test sites, or a home test kit can be requested if you cannot get to a test site.

Find more information, including dates and locations for Mobile Testing Units throughout January in Sefton, on the Sefton Council website here.
 

Free rapid lateral tests are for when you do not have symptoms. Rapid test kits can be ordered online from the government website or collected from various locations in Sefton, subject to availability. You can find out more about this on the Sefton Council website here. 

Self isolating
You can find current guidance on when you need to self-isolate on the NHS website.

After all the indulgence of the festive season, together with Sefton Council we're encouraging you to get the new year off to the right start by taking better control of your health.

We're reminding you about the number of great resources available to you if you are looking to make positive changes to your lifestyle. This includes local service Living Well Sefton, which offers individual and group support around a broad range of issues from eating better and being more active, to managing debt. All Sefton residents are eligible and can self-refer via the website or by calling 0300 323 0181. 

Another good change to make this new year is to give up smoking. Sefton Council’s Smokefree Sefton service provides advice, support and therapy to help people break the habit. You can also find tips and guidance about drinking less and a range of lifestyle advice on the Better Health website. 

Dr Kate Clark, who is executive medical director at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust, said the fast spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant was creating extra pressure across the NHS.

She said: “Winter is always a challenging time for our hospitals and this year is no exception. Our staff are working hard to maintain emergency care and urgent cancer treatments as well as routine and planned care.

As we start the new year, we need patients and their families to help us to help you. We need your support helping us maintain our hospital services and getting us all safely through the winter.”

This includes:

• Supporting the return home of patients who have completed their treatment and are ready to leave hospital. This will ensure there are beds available to support the anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients in the new year
• Consulting the NHS111 website first when you have an urgent health need. It will point you to the most appropriate health care service, which may include A&E
• Getting vaccinated – this remains our strongest defence against COVID-19 and the impact of flu

Staying well this winter is important for your health and for older loved ones and neighbours. Our handy winter health checklist will help you stay healthy and informed, with signposting to various support services and advice - from how to look after common ailments yourself at home, to staying warm, to looking after your mental health and wellbeing.

Find information and support on our website here.

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