Healthwatch Wirral – May 2023 BRIDGE Forum Snapshot

BRIDGE Forum News Newsletter - 25 May 2023

BRIDGE Virtual Forum (Third Sector and PPGs)
Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th March 2023

(Bridging Resources Information Direction Guidance for Everyone)

The purpose of this meeting is to share regular information across all sectors, identify issues encountered and discuss how we can work collaboratively in a connected and integrated way to help improve the pathways into services for Wirral residents.

Nesta Hawker – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside – Neighbourhood Model

Steven Kelly – Wirral Ways to Recovery – Lower My Drinking app

All – Info sharing

Full minutes: May 2023 notes

Nesta Hawker – NHS Cheshire and Merseyside

  • The Neighbourhood Model is a new approach to addressing health inequalities in Wirral by working more closely with local communities and build on joint working from the pandemic
  • There will be 9 Neighbourhoods across Wirral identified by postcode – this does not affect Primary Care Network footprints
  • A bottom-up approach is key, led by community leaders, including the voluntary sector – there are VCSFE representatives on the steering group
  • The first phase will identify two Neighbourhoods as ‘trail blazers’ to set their own priorities in terms of health inequalities

Presentation (Powerpoint download): Wirral Neighbourhoods Model

Steven Kelly – Wirral Ways to Recovery – Lower My Drinking app

  • Lower My Drinking app is free for anyone living or working in Cheshire and Merseyside and available on a wide range of devices
  • There was a significant increase in people drinking at home during the pandemic and seeking treatment – this app can be used by anyone who wants to work on reducing their drinking
  • Designed by psychologists and behavioural scientists – uses scientifically-proven tools to help you set and work towards drinking goals

Presentation (Powerpoint download): Lower My Drinking app

Promotional materials (PDF download): Lower My Drinking resources for health professionals

Info sharing

  • Healthwatch Wirral – GP Enhanced Access survey – please take and share! https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SX8K2LZ
  • Barnardo’s Action with Young Carers Wirral
  • North West Ambulance Service – calls have settled into a more medium pattern but mental health calls are still peaking at certain times/days – area of focus for NWAS currently, looking at recruiting for more mental health practitioners to support both 999 and NHS 111 calls – can provide a longer update in June
  • Living Well Bus – June dates:
    • Sunday 4 June, Seacombe Children’s Centre, 10.30am – 4pm
    • Saturday 17 June, Rock Ferry Library One Stop Shop, 10.30am – 4pm
    • Friday 30 June, Birkenhead town centre, 10.30am – 4pm

Update on the COVID-19 spring vaccine for immunosuppressed people:

People with a weakened immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, you can get the COVID-19 spring vaccination by 30 June. This includes if:

  • You have or previously had blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
  • You have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • You have HIV (at all stages)
  • You have a genetic disorder affecting the immune system
  • You are having a treatment such as biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • You are treated with certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, including strong steroids (such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate, depending on your dosage)
  • You are treated with long-term immunosuppressive medicines for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis.

If you’re unsure if you have a weakened immune system, speak to your pharmacy team, GP practice or specialist for advice.

Eligibility guidance

Patients with a weakened immune system are being advised to bring an NHS letter describing the health condition or treatment that weakens their immune system, or a repeat prescription or a medicine box for the immunosuppressive medicines they are taking.

Health professionals are being encouraged to actively identify anyone under their care who may be eligible and provide information about COVID-19 vaccination.

Book a vaccination appointment

You can book by:

If you book an appointment and then decide to go to a walk-in clinic or Living Well Bus, please just remember to cancel your appointment.

After 30 June 2023

  • If you are eligible for a spring vaccination, or if you haven’t had your 1st or 2nd dose, the last date you will be able to get vaccinated is 30 June.
  • After this date, you will only be eligible for a 1st or 2nd dose if you are at increased risk from COVID-19 and in most cases, you will have to wait until the autumn to get these vaccinations. If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, an exception may be made if your clinician advises you to get vaccinated sooner.