wirral link newsletter november 2011

Audrey Meacock (LINk Vice-Chair), Peter Walton (LINk Board member) and Karen Prior (LINk Support Team) recently met with the Chair and CEO from Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology (CCO), Alan White and Andrew Cannell. Items discussed included service relocation, changes to commissioning, quality accounts and enter & view visits. LINk members have indicated that the potential relocation of services is of concern, so this was at the top of the agenda.

CCO and Commissioners are hoping to build a comprehensive world class non-surgical cancer centre run by CCO co-located on the same site as the Royal Liverpool Hospital. This does not mean withdrawing cancer

services from the Wirral site, it is about investment in cancer services and they would remain an independent Trust. Services would still run at Aintree / Walton and at chemotherapy clinics across Merseyside and Cheshire. It was stressed that this would only happen if it is in the best interest of patients and any possible opening of this new service would not be before 2017. Cancer treatment is highly prioritised by local Primary Care Trust Clusters, and a cancer centre adjacent to an acute site is potentially beneficial – CCO think it could be a World Class Centre and could improve patient safety.

Forthcoming changes in the commissioning process will have an impact on cancer services - this may be particularly significant in the case of newer, expensive tumour-specific drugs.

As a result of this meeting the LINk will be holding a coffee morning early next year to provide members with a full update about the plans for CCO – both Alan White and Andrew Cannell have offered to attend. Details of this event will be sent to LINk members and published on www.linkwirral.org.uk.

Over the past few months a number of LINk members have expressed an interest in becoming authorised representatives for the purposes of carrying out Enter and View visits. To facilitate this, six volunteers attended a training session on the 4th of November. The training covered the legalities of Enter and View visits, best practice for representatives, and the procedures and standards that are required for a successful visit.

The LINk has the statutory right to carry out Enter and View visits to premises where state-funded care is being provided (with certain exceptions). Authorised Representatives are the volunteers who carry these visits out and write a report.

Pending CRB checks being completed, these six volunteers will now join the Enter & View team. The new authorised reps are:

• Kate Gratwick• Chrissy Jones• Lorraine Keilaus• John Keilaus• Paul Engle• Marilyn Kennett• Heather WardThe Enter & View group has

been working hard to prepare new protocols for reporting visits – these were agreed at the board meeting on November 10th and can be found on the LINk website.

We have also been working with Julie Walker and Mal Price from Wirral Council to establish a protocol to improve information sharing between the LINk and the Council.

The LINk’s promotion and distribution team is slowly growing. We are still looking for volunteers who can spare an hour or two to help us make sure their community is informed about what the LINk is doing, by taking newsletters, leaflets and dignity in care cards to local community venues. We want to make sure that Dignity response

cards, in particular, are available in every GP, dentist, optician, library, community centre throughout the Wirral. The best way we’ve found of achieving this is for local people to each take responsibility for a couple of the venues that they regularly use.

If you can spare a couple of hours to help your community have the opportunity to say what they think about health and social care services we need to hear from you!

Issue 12

We Need Your Help

Authorised Representatives

Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology (CCO)

By Phil DaviesLINk Support Team

By the LINk Support Team

At Hoylake Community Centre on 14th October, the subject of the LINk coffee afternoon was feedback on the Arrowe Park Site Strategy consultation. Mike Chantler from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust talked about the consultation that had happened earlier in the year, the decisions that had been reached about the future of Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospital sites, and the changes

that had been made as a result of the consultation. An account of the consultation and the strategy was published in the August newsletter.

Arrowe Park Coffee Afternoon


L I N K E D U P N E W SNovember 2011 “Growing Stronger Communities - by joining together, many whispers become one voice”

Attendees at a LINk coffee morning


Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology

WE NEEDYOU!

A chance for you to give your views for LINk / HealthWatch future workplan - Friday 25th November, Birkenhead Park Pavilion, 12 noonPlease book a place via the LINk Support Team

November 2011LINKED UP NEWS

By October 2011, NHS Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral were required to identify three or more community or mental health services to be opened up to “any qualified provider” (AQP) to offer services. A public consultation has been run across Wirral, Warrington and Cheshire to help identify which services local people would like to see opened up to wider choice of clinicians.The consultation asked which of 8 services should be considered for “Any Qualified Provider”. A total of 122 responses were received and a majority of respondents felt there would be a number of benefits to opening services out to the independent sector including reducing waiting times and

providing patient choice. The accountability, integration of service, follow-up and complaints procedure were all areas of concern for members of the public. Concerns were also raised regarding the potential for this process to lead to privatisation of the NHS. From the responses received the majority of the general public supported implementation of Any Qualified Provider in any of the 8 services identified, furthermore additional services were suggested such as maternity services. The respondents however were not in favour of services such as Emergency Services being opened out to Any Qualified Provider.The full conclusions and recommendations from the report are available on the LINk website.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published their third annual report into the state of health and adult social care in England for the year April 2010 to March 2011. They say that “we are able to see an emerging picture of improvements in some areas and others where more work is needed. The NHS has continued to make advances in infection control but management of medicines and the use of restraint are in need of improvement.”

The topics that the report covers are: • The shape of health and social

care provision• Access to care services• Choice and control• Quality and safety

You can read the report online at http://www.cqc.org.uk/stateofcare2010-11.cfm

The LINk continues to share our Enter and View reports and other feedback from the community with the CQC, and are actively considering how to continue and develop this relationship as we move towards becoming Local HealthWatch.

CQC is working on developing HealthWatch England, the national body that will oversee local HealthWatch organisations. They have set out a plan for developing HealthWatch England, beginning this month with the start of the recruitment process for its Chair (to be in post by April 2012)and continuing right the way up to envisioned launch in October 2012.

Any Qualified Provider Report

State of Care 2010-11 Provider Consultation Report from CQC

By the LINk Support Team By the LINk Support Team

The LINk’s Dignity and Respect Campaign and Survey continues to gather pace. We have now distributed around 8000 of the feedback cards throughout the Borough, with another 7000 still waiting to go out. At the moment our

response rate is a little above 1%, which is above where we expected to be at this point – our experience has been that most people take the cards and fill them in at a later date. Significant numbers of the cards are still on display across the borough, so the rate of returns to cards taken is actually much better than 1%.

We intend to compile an interim report on the survey responses at the end of the year, but continue distributing and collecting the survey cards throughout the transition to HealthWatch next year. This will help us build up a continuous picture of Dignity and Respect in care services.

We still need your help to distribute the cards (see page 1), and are relying on you to give any feedback of care services that you might have – you can submit feedback via the website, and please encourage other people you know who have experienced care services recently to do so as well!

Dignity and Respect campaign

At this time of year, it’s a good idea to make sure you stock up your medicine cabinet, Making sure you safely store some essentials that can help you and your family to cope with common complaints such as colds, coughs, stomach upsets, flu

and earache, will mean that you are better prepared.

It will also mean that A&E, 999 and GP services have more time to deal with serious and life-threat-ening conditions, such as heart-at-tacks, strokes, breathing problems and serious accidents.

Some basic essentials that every-one can use include:

Paracetamol or ibuprofen if • you have a temperature caused by coughs, cold and fluParacetamol and ibuprofen can • also be used for pain relief for complaints such as earache, stomach ache, sore throats,

general aches and sprainsAnti-diarrhoea and re-hydra-• tion mixtures for adults if they have an upset stomach.A thermometer•

Don’t forget, antibiotics have no effect on conditions such as coughs, colds, flu or stomach upsets.

Seasonal Advice from NHS WirralBy NHS Wirral

By the Dignity in Care Sub-Group

The LINk believes that being treated with Dignity & Respect is a basic human right, not an optional extra

Join our Dignity in Care CampaignVisit www.linkwirral.org.uk

The LINk is aiming to be increas-ingly involved in the consultation over plans to create two centres of excellence for Vascular Services in Merseyside. One will combine specialists in Wirral and Chester and also cover Warrington, with the other shared between the Royal Liv-erpool and Aintree hospitals north of the Mersey. At present there are seven centres, including one at Ar-rowe Park.

Representatives of Wirral LINk, with other regional LINks, put sev-eral questions to the PCT cluster representatives, which we are wait-ing answers for. We are also work-ing with the PCT to ensure that the consultation over these proposals is widespread and meaningful, and gives Wirral residents the chance to air their views.

We are already receiving com-ments from people who are con-cerned about the potential changes. We will be contacting all LINk members as soon as more details about the consultation process have been released.

Latest NewsPatients Association launches • damning reportAny Qualified Provider - Report • from Public ConsultationTo all patients of Sandstone • Medical Centre, West KirbyPersonal health budgets• CQC launch set-up plan for • HealthWatch EnglandJoin a NETSCC panel or • boardHealth Secretary: Local • HealthWatch to be able to trigger independent inspectionsWirral Cultural Diversity • Festival Day 2011JSNA Update• Patient and carer perspective • on Respiratory CarePoint of Care testing for HIV• Council asks residents to help • balance its budgetCall for members of NETSCC • Patient and Public Involvement Reference GroupCQC report on management of • controlled drugs

Latest ConsultationsCaring for our future White • Paper consultation

Vascular Services Review and Consultation

Recent news from linkwirral.org.uk




The LINk ‘Host’ organisation, VCA Wirral, will be relocating from their current offices at Birkenhead Fire Station to premises in Liscard on 1st December 2011. The LINk Support Team will be included in this move, so from December 2011 our address will be:

VCA Wirral Wallasey Office220 - 224 Liscard RoadLiscardWallaseyWirralCH44 5TN

Our telephone and email addresses wil remain the same.

There may be some slight disruption on the 1st and 2nd of December as we move - if you can’t get hold of us by phone please send us an email and we’ll do our best to get back to you.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a member-driven, international organization in which no dues or fees are charged for membership. All they ask is for a potential member to have a desire to stop using drugs. Members recover from the disease of addiction by application of the principles contained in the Twelve Steps. The programme is based on a set of spiritual principles, and they have no affiliation with any other organisation.

Narcotics Anonymous is a twelve-step approach to recovery with the primary purpose of helping any individual stop using drugs. NA’s programme focuses on an addict’s recovery from the disease of addiction, rather than any specific drug. Through their group meetings and the therapeutic value of one addict helping another, addicts learn how to live drug-free and productive lives.

To get a copy of a list of local meetings email: [email protected]. More information about Narcotics Anonymous is available at www.ukna.org and a Merseyside Area of Narcotics Anonymous (MANA) website is under development at www.mana-ukna.co.uk

A new carers group is being set up in West Kirby for any carer in the West Wirral area. The aim is to provide a local venue where carers can get the information and support they need, including mutual support, and where they can be signposted to other agencies for more specific help.

The group will meet on the first Thursday of the month at West Kirby Methodist Church, Westbourne Road from 12.00 – 2.00 and the first meeting is on December 1st.

The group will be facilitated by Sue Gladden (formerly of Wirral Carers Centre and Family Tree), Rev Jim Dobson, who is a carer for a son with cerebral palsy, and a number of volunteers, most of them former carers. Lunch will be provided (Rev Jim makes very good soup!) and this will be followed by either an information session or an activity (craft, gentle keep fit, etc). Replacement care may be available if needed.

If you live in this area you are very welcome to go along. If you are a bit unsure about coming along on your own then they will ensure you are met at the door and welcomed in. Please contact Sue Gladden on 07968 236 854 or the church office 0151 625 3224 for further details.

If you live in the Pensby area a similar group, Carers Together, meets at St Michael & All Angels Church, Gills Lane on the second Thursday at 11.45 - contact Carol Jordan 07932 251198.

Office Move Narcotics Anonymous New Carers GroupBy the LINk Support Team By the LINk Support Team By the LINk Support Team

The Northwest Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) is putting together a new patient experience programme. Building on last year’s programme the Trust are using a number of different ways to gather patient experience through interviews with patients at hospitals, observations on ambulances, telephone and online surveys and focus groups across the region.

Ambulance Service staff will be visiting the Countess of Chester Hospital, Leighton Hospital, the Royal Liverpool Hospital, Macclesfield District General Hospital and Aintree Hospital over the next few months covering Accident and Emergency departments, Out Patient Clinics, Discharge Lounges (where

applicable) and Ambulance Liaison Rooms. Staff will also be on board Patient Transport vehicles to observe patient journeys.

The Trust wants to hear from patients about all aspects of their experiences of using both the Patient Transport Service and the Emergency Ambulance (999)

Service in order to improve for the benefit of all patients.

If you would like to share your experience, get involved in a focus group in your area or find out more about this year’s programme, you can email [email protected] or contact the LINk Support Team and we will forward your details.

Northwest Ambulance Service provides ambulance cover to the Wirral

Northwest Ambulance ServiceBy NWAS NHS Trust

Patient Association CARE • campaignRT @RadioClat1386AM: Ra-• dion Clatterbridge is now on air (1386AM)CWP Annual Report•

Follow the LINk at www.twitter.com/LINkWirral

Recent Tweets!

Wirral Local Involvement Network (LINk) c/o VCA Wirral, 220-224 Liscard Road, Liscard, Wallasey, CH44 5TNTel: 0151 203 2111Fax: 0151 666 5300Email: [email protected]

LINk Support Team Karen Prior, LINk Manager Ext. 203Elaine Evans, LINk Support Officer Ext. 211Phil Davies, LINk Comms & Information Officer Ext. 207Lisa Phillips, LINk Admin Support Officer Ext. 209

To contact LINk staff call 0151 203 2111 (+ Ext)Office Hours 9.00am - 4.30pm


Editor: Phil DaviesDesign: Phil DaviesTo subscribe or change your contact details, phone 0151 203 2111

LINKED UP NEWS is published on behalf of Wirral LINk by:VCA Wirral, 220-224 Liscard Road, Liscard, Wallasey, CH44 5TN

Copyright © 2011 Wirral Local Involvement Network (LINk)

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this news-letter is accurate, but we cannot guarantee accuracy and our articles do not con-stitute legal or professional advice.Opinions expressed in the newsletter are not always to be taken as expressing the opinions of Wirral LINk or VCA Wirral. Advertisements, products or services listed are not necessarily recommended by Wirral LINk or VCA Wirral.

I was rather concerned, after a recent visit to the walk in centre at Mill Lane, Wallasey, that patients were being asked about their personal details at an open plan reception desk situated in one corner of the waiting room.

Although I was sitting away from the desk I could hear the name, address, telephone number and date of birth for every person attending the unit. On some occasions the person was asked to repeat their details as the unit was very busy and at times quite noisy.

Should the management consider an alternative measure or relocation of the desk to protect people’s privacy?

Name and address suppliedShortly after a recent visit to a

local NHS facility I was surprised to receive promotional material through the post from private companies trying to sell me products related to the problem I’d been treated for. I’m sure it was just a coincidence, but I’d be interested to hear if anybody else has had a similar experience.

Name and address suppliedSend your thoughts, queries and

letters to [email protected]

LINk Board Meeting in PublicThursday January 19th 9.30am start at Birkenhead Park Pavilion.Observers are most welcome at these meetings, but we would be grateful if you could let us know in advance if you intend to attend.Workplan GroupA ‘Brainstorming’ session to look at issues that should be considered by the LINk over the next year, and proposed actions to address these issues, will be held at Birkenhead Park Pavilion on November 25th at 12noon. Please contact the LINk Support Team if you’d like to attend.Communications Sub-GroupThe next meeting of the Communications Sub-Group will be held at Christchurch Centre, Bebington on Wednesday 30th November starting at 10.00am. Please call the LINk Support Team if you would like to attend.Childrens and Young Persons Sub-GroupThe next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th December at Christchurch, Bebington at 10am.

LettersClassifieds and diary

Lasting Power of Attorney

Contact Details

Q Is LPA only UK legislation?A The Mental Capacity Act in its entirety (including LPA, Deputy etc as it’s within the MCA) is legislation in England and Wales only. Other legislation may apply and differ in other parts of UK.

Q If a friend (attorney) steals from you and prosecuted and the donor has no-one else, what happens? A Under certain circumstances the OPG may refer the matter to the Court of Protection. The court may revoke the LPA. The court may then consider whether the authority previously given to an attorney can be managed by the court making a single decision or by appointing a deputy. (CoP Ch 7.72)

Q Is it compulsory to issue notice of intentions?A It is not compulsory to issue a notice of intention. If a notice of intention is not issued the donor would need to have 2 certificate providers (re capacity). Therefore the options are either 2 Certificate Providers OR 1 certificate provider and 1 notice of intention.

Q Can you change things in the LPA (re cost)?A No. Each LPA is given authorisation for the decisions stipulated at the time it is made. The LPA is also authorised as a certificate that the Donor lacked capacity to make that decision. If changes were wanted a new LPA, therefore process, would need to be instigated to ensure the safeguards for the donor are ensured such as lack of capacity for the change that is required (certificate of capacity). (Info given by OPG)

Q Can you appoint more than one deputy?A The court can appoint two or more deputies and state whether they should act jointly, jointly and severally, or jointly in respect of some matters and severally in respect of others. (CoP Ch 8.42)

Q When donor passes away and a will has not been made, what happens?A Any LPA or Deputy in place previously ceases to have authority at the point of death of the donor. In this circumstance an attorney or deputy is expected to inform the OPG and they will nullify the authority then due process of intestate (died without a legal will) and testate (died with a legal will) will apply. (Info from OPG)

Q Is there an appeal process?A This question, I think, was meant around Court of Protection decisions? It was difficult to get an answer as it would depend on the particular decision. The Court deals with a lot of different things including LPA, Deputy and decisions for individuals in extreme circumstances. The court acts primarily in the welfare and best interest of a decision/individual according to the legislation. Depending on the decision you are appealing against there are other bodies such as local ombudsman, higher law systems etc to go to. The Court of Protection can be contacted to answer any specific queries. (Info from OPG)

Q If the person has no capacity to make a will – what happens after death? A Deputy (if one in place) could apply to Court of Protection to ask to make a will on persons behalf before the event. If no will in place any LPA or Deputy would have no bearing on due process through intestate and testate (see previous question). Any LPA or Deputy ceases when person passes away.

Your Questions Answered

The LINk hosted a coffee afternoon on 28th September in St Saviours. The theme of the afternoon was Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). 30 attendees listened to a presentation by

Karen Blair of Wired. The session was very informative and below are some questions which were asked, accompanied by the responses from Karen. During the presentation Karen talked about the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice which can be downloaded from http://bit.ly/eRiL8s

By Karen PriorLINk Support Team

LINKED UP NEWSIf you have articles, events or features that you would like to see in the next edition of LINKED UP NEWS, please contact Phil Davies.The next edition deadline is 1pm on Friday February 3rd 2012.

wirral link newsletter november 2011

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