BRIDGE Virtual Forum (Third Sector and PPGs)
Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th March 2022
(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.
Mike Chantler – Wirral CCG
Jeannette Morgan – Citizens Advice Wirral
Dominic Griffiths – Energy Projects Plus
12pm minutes’ silence – National Day of Reflection
Jessica Keen – North West Genomic Medicine Services Alliance
Yunus Mogra – North West Ambulance Service
All – Info sharing
Mike Chantler – Wirral CCG
- COVID infection rates are currently very high but serious illness and mortality are lower due to vaccination rates and treatment protocols
- Spring Booster Campaign for over 75s and clinically extremely vulnerable – will be offered a second booster
- Long waiting lists will take time to work through across the country
- Integrated Care Boards are due to come into effect in July – this is an opportunity to have more autonomy to decide locally what’s right for Wirral and to treat VCF sector as equal partners in designing and delivering services
Jeannette Morgan – Citizens Advice Wirral
- Citizens Advice Wirral can offer practical support and advice across many areas including benefits, debt and money management, food, fuel and housing
- National Citizens Advice has undertaken research which shows the impact of the cost of living crisis: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-work/policy/policy-research-topics/energy-policy-research-and-consultation-responses/energy-policy-research/crunch-point-protecting-households-from-record-energy-bills-in-the-coming-months/
- Partners can refer directly into Citizens Advice Wirral: https://citizensadvicewirral.org.uk/partner-referral-form/ – they are very busy right now but will attempt to contact people 3-4 times
Dominic Griffiths – Energy Project Plus – [email protected]
- There are things we can all do to reduce our energy usage and to reduce our energy bills:
- Read your bill and learn your usage
- Make changes now to reduce your usage
- Request a smart meter
- EPP will prioritise helping those most in need – those already struggling to afford heating/energy bills
Jessica Keen – North West Genomic Medicine Services Alliance
- North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance is seeking feedback from those who have had DYPD testing as part of cancer treatment: contact [email protected] to contribute
Yunus Mogra – North West Ambulance Service
- Demand is beginning to rise again after a cautious reduction in February
- Moving to a single triage system for NHS 111 and 999 will speed up triage and ensure a better patient experience
- Staff have been issues iPads with translation and interpretation services including BSL support, which is being trialled with Deaf staff first
Citizens Advice- BRIDGE Forum presentation
EPP – Crunch Time Fuel Poverty Briefing
DPYD patient feedback_Updated April 22
