Stakeholder Newsletter - December 2022

The Blog – Prof Joe Rafferty CBE

In his latest blog, Chief Executive Prof Joe Rafferty CBE has written a summary of 2022 and looks ahead to the new year.

I’ve decided to look back in my final blog of 2022 on another busy year for Mersey Care, which I know has been challenging for many of you. On behalf of the Executive Board, I’d like to thank everyone who has overcome many challenges over the last 12 months and went the extra mile to care for our population. We’ve had a CQC inspection, the impact of a COVID-19 pandemic and we’re continually looking to improve what we do.

Read Joe's blog in full on our website.

Trust wide news

Rosie Cooper joins as Chair

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is delighted Rosie Cooper has now joined the Trust as Chair.

“It’s no secret the NHS is facing challenging times and, as someone who has campaigned for health equality all my life, I look forward to helping drive Mersey Care to the highest standards of care for all its patients, service users and carers across Cheshire and Merseyside.”

Find out more on our website.

Mersey Care ends dormitory wards in Liverpool

Dormitory wards are set to end in Liverpool after work has now begun on a new state of the art 80 bed mental health facility based on the site of the old Mossley Hill Hospital in the city, approved by the Treasury and Department of Health. More information can be found on our news pages.

Change of phone numbers

The following clinical service telephone numbers at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust have changed.

There be an automatic message allowing the caller to be put through to the new number for the first three months, after which the new number will have to be dialled. We will inform all patients of these changes by letter.

Fulfil your potential and SPREAD YOUR WINGS with Mersey Care

We have launched ‘Spread Your Wings’, our biggest ever recruitment campaign designed to increase positive perceptions and attract people to working for the NHS in mental, learning disability and community health in North West England. 

Spearheading the new drive is a specially commissioned film that features a wide range of staff who share their pride in working for Mersey Care and their positive experiences of living and working in Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Find out more

Physical health news

Mersey Care deliver catch up immunisation clinics for Liverpool children

Liverpool children who may have missed one of their routine immunisations at their GP will have the chance to catch up with a series of clinics being held over the next month.

Our School Immunisation Team will be hosting a series of weekly ‘catch-up clinics’ offering children in Liverpool any childhood immunisations that may be overdue. Find out more on our website.

NHS England keen to learn from the Telehealth Team

Telehealth is one of our key priorities this winter, as it aims to alleviate system pressures by scaling up the virtual wards. Recently, Joe Rafferty and the Telehealth Team hosted a visit from NHS England, so they could share learning and help shape future care models.

They also shared their journey from its launch in 2011 to becoming the only Telehealth Hub for Virtual Wards across Cheshire and Merseyside. For more information on the service, including our latest video and animation, visit: www.merseycare.nhs.uk/telehealth

What to do in a power cut

Our Community Equipment Service has started to share information with service users about how to be prepared and maintain their equipment during a power cut. This could include a variety of items such as air mattresses, hoists, profiling beds and recliner chairs.

There is also a dedicated section on our website with details on how to prepare in advance and where to go for further information: https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/power-cut-advice

We are urging Cheshire and Merseyside residents to ‘Help Us Help You’ this winter

We have launched a new campaign aimed at easing pressure on hospital A&E departments and demand for inpatient beds this winter.

Our new campaign, which marks the start of Self Care Week, is aimed at residents of Cheshire and Merseyside who may need access to services during the winter months, which are traditionally high in demand for NHS services. Read more on our website.

Mental health news

Leigh Moss Hospital

Please note the address for Leigh Moss Hospital is 1E Thomas Lane, Knotty Ash, Liverpool, L14 5NX, or phone 0151 250 6097 (Not 7 Thomas Lane as previously stated on Google.

The hospital provides a 16 bedded mixed gender dementia care unit and is the office base for our older people’s community mental health team (Liverpool and Kirkby complex care CMHT).

Liverpool Community Alcohol Service (LCAS)

LCAS offers a non-medical, psychosocial intervention for those who experience problem drinking. They can also support with referrals to inpatient detoxification or signpost to community services.

Some people notice they need help with alcohol use when they start to think their drinking is having an impact on aspects of their life such as relationships, work or mental and physical health, or perhaps a family member or friend may suggest they are drinking too much alcohol.

LCAS accept mostly self-referrals and will accept referrals from any other agency or community service. Those being referred from other parties should be aware and agreeable to the referral.

Available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and referrals can be made by phone: 0151 471 7784.

For additional support please contact:

• The Brink on 0151 703 0582
• Drink Aware Drinkaware Home | Drinkaware
• The Samaritans on 116 123
• In an emergency always call 111 or 999.

The Life Rooms latest news

Christmas can be a difficult time for some, adding extra pressure and stress to our lives and increasing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and sadness.

The Life Rooms want to remind you that you are not alone. Anybody feeling overwhelmed with their mental health can get help and support, through their range of services. Their free events also aim to support you with life struggles, and the following events are taking place in The Life Rooms across December:

Is your family struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis?

Transform Lives Company are holding an event at The Life Rooms in Lee Valley Millennium Centre to provide parents and carers with advice and support during the current cost of living crisis, also in partnership with The Brain Charity and Torus.

This event is free to attend and can support you with:

• Employability support
• In-work worries e.g. the cost of travelling to work
• Confidence coaching
• Improving your wellbeing
• Making the most of available financial support.

Events are being held at Lee Valley Millenium Centre, Childwall Valley Road, Liverpool, L25 2PR. To attend of for more information, call 0151 472 4099

Amparo drop in sessions

If you or someone you know has been affected or impacted by suicide, then come to Amparo drop-in sessions based across The Life Rooms sites in Liverpool and Sefton.

Amparo offers confidential, practical, and emotional support to anyone affected by suicide. Their experienced Liaison Workers can listen to your needs and assist you in accessing the support you need. call 0151 472 4099 for more information about these drop in sessions.

Warm Hub at The Life Rooms

The Life Rooms will be a Warm Hub during the colder months. Warm Hubs are heated, safe places where you can expect an inclusive and friendly environment and talk to others over a hot drink.

You can get practical tips and advice on saving energy costs and keeping safe and warm at home. Just call 0151 472 4099 or pop into any one of their sites for more information.