Covid-19
Experts give reassurancs on Covid vaccine in relation to fertility and pregnancy
Two experts from Liverpool Women’s Hospital have put a short video together to provide some reassurance about issues relating to fertility and pregnancy.
You can hear from Alice Bird (Consultant Obstetrician) and Andrew Drakeley (Consultant Gynaecologist and Clinical Director for the Hewitt Fertility Centre) in this short three minute video.
Your Experiences of Accessing Care & Support During the Pandemic - Report
Background
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cheshire & Mersey Healthwatch network felt it was important to understand what people in our local areas were experiencing when trying to access health care for long-term conditions and any other health concerns, not related to the COVID virus.
The Cheshire & Mersey local Healthwatch network includes Cheshire East & West, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington and Wirral. This is an established network that has worked in collaboration on many joint pieces of work, including work around the NHS Long Term plan
and A&E attendance.
We would like to express our appreciation to Healthwatch Liverpool who developed a survey which they shared with the rest of the network, so that what we were asking in the survey was fairly consistent but we could adapt the questions if required.
Healthwatch St Helens would like to make it clear that this survey was intended to allow local people to voice their concerns and providers and commissioners to understand what challenges they might encounter further down the line, as a result of the Covid crisis. It was, in no way, intended to criticise or put providers under added pressure, during this unprecedented time.
How did we collect your views?
We would like to express our appreciation to Healthwatch Liverpool who developed a survey which they shared with the rest of the network in order that what we were doing was consistent but the questions could be adapted as required.
The survey was published on our website and was promoted widely via Twitter, Facebook, our monthly newsletter and our various usual communication channels. We contacted all GP Practice Managers in St Helens who sent out the link to the survey, via text, to all of their patients.
What did you tell us?
We received 2573 responses to the survey, with over 300 people choosing to give us additional information about their experiences. Some people left their contact details because they wanted to tell us more or they wanted help or support. Everyone was contacted by the Support Team and were signposted to other organisations for support where necessary.
The full report can be found in the attachment below.
Downloads
experiences_of_accessing_treatment_during_covid_-_report.pdf
COVID-19 Information From Public Health England
Public Health England have produced COVID posters and information that is available in 11 languages and free to share.
Test and Trace
- Translated posters promoting drive through testing and self-isolation are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.
Symptoms
- Translated posters promoting ‘cough’ and ‘loss of taste’ symptoms are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.
Stay Alert to Stay Safe
- Translated posters promoting the use of face coverings on public transport and safe distancing for young people are now available in 11 languages from the Campaign Resource Centre.
- A new ‘face covering exemptions’ toolkit containing posters, social statics and badge/card is now available from the Campaign Resource Centre.
Social Media Animations: New ‘hands, face, space’ messaging with youth focus are now available from the Campaign resource centre: https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/stay-alert-to-stay-safe-/resources/social-media-animations/
Covid-19 and Tier Restrictions
We hope this quick guide about Covid 19 guidelines will be useful.
We strongly encourage all of our members to read the full guidance on the government’s website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert
If you are a VCFSE organisation in St Helens and have PPE requirements, please contact Halton & St Helens VCA.
Covid19 - Tier 3 Restrictions For St Helens
The government has told St Helens, together with the Liverpool City Region/Merseyside, that we will be going into tier 3 – the highest level of risk in the new national three-level alert system.
We have been told this is because our hospital admissions are high and increasing. St Helens and Whiston Hospitals have seen the number of COVID-positive patients double over the last week and cases have gone up by 30 over the weekend.
Tier 3 restrictions will come into force from Wednesday 14 October:
- Pubs and bars to require customers purchase a substantial meal alongside the purchase of alcohol. If they cannot do this they must close.
- Gyms and leisure centres to close.
- Betting shops, casinos and adult gaming centres to close.
- No mixing with anyone not from your household or support bubble socially inside or in private gardens, hospitality or certain ticketed venues.
- Rule of six applies in open public spaces like parks and beaches
- Advised against travel outside affected area, except for things like work, education, transit journeys. Those in affected area advised against overnight stays in other parts of the UK. People outside of the area advised against overnight stays in the area.
Further guidance includes:
- Organised sport allowed in outdoor settings.
- Places of worship allowed to stay open with no household mixing allowed.
- Colleges, schools, nurseries and registered childminders can continue to operate.
- Informal childcare bubbles allowed for children under 14.
- 15 people allowed at weddings ceremonies, receptions not allowed.
- 30 people allowed at funerals and up to 15 people at wakes.
This guidance is on top of other guidance in place for St Helens Borough which includes:
- People should work from home wherever possible.
- Face masks are compulsory for bar staff and non-seated customers, shop workers and waiters, and when using taxi or private hire vehicles.
- Fines for not wearing masks or following rules have been increased to £200 for the first offence.
- Late-night restrictions for hospitality requiring them to close between 10pm and 5am.
- Parents should wear face coverings when they arrive at the school gates to pick up or drop off their children and not gather in groups of more than six at the school gates.
- Schools should continue to stagger drop off/pick up times.
- You are advised to avoid visiting care homes except in exceptional circumstances.
NHS services will continue to be open as normal - it is important that you still attend appointments and follow guidelines to keep safe while attending these.
These are new restrictions, St Helens Council will have updated regulations as things are updated / changed:
https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/coronavirus/latest-updates-and-information/
Letter To Essential Workers
We have received the email below from Susan Forster,
Director of Public Health containing information for all Essential Workers.
EMAIL SENT ON BEHALF OF SUE FORSTER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH, ST HELENS
Dear People's Board member,
I want to thank you for your continued work to tackle the spread of COVID-19 and support the population of St. Helens through this pandemic. The next few months over winter are indeed going to be extremely challenging.
I am looking at all ways to reduce the spread of the virus in St. Helens and have therefore prepared this letter for front line workers. This letter is to just remind us all of safety measures both within work but also within our personal lives we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus. I would be obliged if you could send this letter, on my behalf, to front line workers within your service.
I know everyone is working incredibly hard however now the rates are so high locally we all need to do all we can to prevent further spread, if this letter helps in any way then that is positive.
Best wishes
Sue
Susan Forster
Director of Public Health
Peoples Department
Public Health & Wellbeing Division
St. Helens Council
The Gamble Building
Victoria Square
St. Helens
WA10 1DY
Tel: 01744 673232
Mob: 0778 860 0113
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk
PA: Joanne Taylor
Tel: 01744 67321
Downloads
Covid-19 Survey
As the current situation with #COVID19 is ongoing, we are keen to capture how this may be affecting you. We have designed a short survey to capture your thoughts & experiences.
Keep Well and Keep Safe
https://www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk/covid-19-survey
Corona Virus Advice in Different Languages
Downloads
albanian-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
arabic-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
bengali-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
dari-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
farsi-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
french-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
hindi-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
kurdish-sorani-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
kurdish-sorani-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
mandarin-covid19-guidance-13032020.pdf
pashto-covid-19-guidance-13032020.pdf
portuguese-covid-19-guidance-13032020.pdf
spanish-covid-19-guidance-13032020.pdf
turkish-covid-19-guidance-13032020.pdf
Corona Virus Information In Different Languages On YouTube
A small task and finish group within Leeds City Council have been working to provide translated and audio materials in 11 different languages: Polish, Romanian, Urdu, Arabic, Czech, Punjabi, Tigrinya, Farsi, Slovak, Kurdish Sorani and Bengali.
There are three different videos which focus on:
Spot the signs - This short film contains information to help people spot the signs of coronavirus and gives advice for households with possible coronavirus infection.
Handwashing advice - This short film contains information about how you can help stop the spread of viruses, like coronavirus, by practising good respiratory and hand hygiene.
Essential advice - This short film contains information for households with possible coronavirus infection. Please be aware that this is an evolving situation and public advice may change.
Please find the link for the videos playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLggQFjpTLgpIq0r7-nFO9mT6j8Yk2vKBt
Easy Read Advice On The Coronavirus
This Easy Read document is based on the ‘Advice on coronavirus for places of education’ from Public Health England.
Downloads
St Helens OK2ASK Suicide Prevention - COVID-19
Support for those who are struggling with their mental health during this difficult timehttp://www.oktoaskcampaign.co.uk/covid-19/
A list of fantastic resources, which includes boredom busting activities for those who are self isolating or feel isolated. Chatter Box includes things such as museum and aquarium virtual tours, online concerts, online learning and more.
http://www.oktoaskcampaign.co.uk/covid-19-digital-resources/
Isolation Note
If you need an isolation note you can request this digitally. The online system went live at the end of March and enables patients to digitally request an isolation note which can then be emailed to you - reducing the burden on GP practices.
COVID-19 Domestic Abuse Campaign - Domestic Abuse, Safer Community Partnership, St Helens Council
1) All domestic abuse services are running as normal, via different mediums and the police will prioritise DA calls, enter homes, arrest perpetrators irrespective of COVID-19.
Make the call to safe2speak, 24hr HelpLine 01925 220 541 if you need any DA related help or emergency accommodation.
Ring the police if you’re unsafe 999 and dial 55 if you’re unable to speak
2) Neighbours and bystanders of DA are needed more than ever to have the confidence to respond to DA disturbances and make that call, 101 or 999 should it be an emergency.
3) Perpetrators of domestic abuse are given the message to seek help now, before it’s too late. Confidential help is available via Respect on 0808 802 4040
Kind To Your Mind
The “Kind to Your Mind” Cheshire and Merseyside partnership campaign went live on Monday 13th April https://kindtoyourmind.org/
The online resources are for anyone living and working in the Cheshire and Merseyside area and include apps, courses, podcasts to support mental health and wellbeing https://kindtoyourmind.org/alma/
There is also a 24/7 support phoneline to support anyone who needs help https://kindtoyourmind.org/support-near-me/
Update Advice About Use of Ibuprofen and COVID-19
CHM PUBLISH UPDATED ADVISE IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC QUESTIONS
The Commission on Human Medicines’ Expert Working Group on COVID-19 has concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 or worsening of its symptoms.
Patients can take paracetamol or ibuprofen when self-medicating for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever and headache, and should follow NHS Advice if they have any questions or if symptoms get worse. Patients should always read the patient information when taking over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, and follow the instructions on how to take the medicines.
For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/commission-on-human-medicines-advice-on-ibuprofen-and-coronavirus-covid-19
New 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Number
North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched the crisis line to provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to people of all ages, including children and young people, who need urgent mental health support. More details are below.
What to do if you need urgent help for your mental health:
If you are in a mental health crisis and you need urgent help, please call the new crisis line on 01925 275 309 and NHS staff will support you to get the help you need.
The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages, including children and young people.
The crisis line is now the first port of call for St Helens residents experiencing a mental health crisis. The line is operated by people in the local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS 111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be redirected to this local service.
Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems. Call the crisis line, to be directed to the best local service to support you.
You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help for your mental or physical health.
Details of the crisis line and other sources of help available, including how to look after your mental health generally and during the covid-19 pandemic can be found:
Family Support Service
A new family support service has been launched so that family members can stay in touch with patients in St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
penPALS – relatives can send messages, pictures, photo’s to their relatives and they can arrange for them to be taken to the patient on the ward
Family support – relatives can contact them to get updates on their relatives in hospital
The details of how each of these new services can be contacted are shown below
Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Centre
Macmillan Cancer Support & Information Centre are operating a patient/carer telephone hotline offering support & information to anyone who has a concern about cancer /cancer treatments or needs support during this time the number is 01744 646985.
Guide Dogs New Phone Line To Support People With Sight Loss During COVID-19
Guide Dogs are providing answers and information for people with sight loss and their families during the coronavirus outbreak. They can help you identify ways to continue living actively, independently and well, refer you to their other services or help you access services by other providers. Please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Guide Dogs has changed the way it provides services in response to social distancing, with every channel being used flexibly to give you choice and access to expertise and advice promptly. For example, Guide Dogs staff can now arrange to contact you regularly by phone to provide individual support through the social isolation period. To access this and other services available, please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or visit https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/covid19 to find out more.
Deafblind customers who use BSL should contact Guide Dogs via the webpage https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/covid19, clicking on the SignVideo logo on the right hand side, or through a SignVideo app. This connects you to a SignVideo interpreter who will then connect to the information line.
For more help and support during the pandemic, please click the link below to go to our dedicted COVID-19 section of the website:
http://www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk/covid-19
Bereavement Support and Grief in Connection With COVID-19
Here is some information about grief and bereavement in connection with Coronavirus, (COVID-19) from NWBH
https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus-dealing-bereavement-and-grief
These resources have been put together to share how bereavement and grief may be affected by this pandemic. It covers some of the different situations and emotions bereaved people may have to deal with.
For more help and support during the pandemic, please click the link below to go to our dedicted COVID-19 section of the website:
Downloads
Hospital Discharge Survey St Helens
Cheshire & Merseyside Health and Care Partnership recognise that the skill, energy and compassion of the VCSE sector is proving vital in keeping our communities strong and safe. We also recognise the huge pressure that this is putting on the sector’s staff, volunteers & budgets.
One of the areas that we would like to find out more about is how the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector can support the process around discharging people from hospital.
This will help us formulate a view about whether we need to try and influence for greater investment in this area and what additional capacity may be needed to manage the additional demand on these types of services.
This piece of work is being led by staff from Halton and St Helen's VCA and CVS Cheshire East who have been seconded to work for the CM Health and Care Partnership.
We would appreciate your support by completing the following short survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CM_Out_of_Hospital
For more help and support during the pandemic, please click the link below to go to our dedicted COVID-19 section of the website:
http://www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk/covid-19
GP Face to Face Access Letter
Please find attached letter on GP Face to Face Access, from the Health and Care Partnership for Cheshire and Merseyside.