Developed with clinical leaders, the proposals – supported by NHS staff as well as patient groups and cancer charities – aim to simplify and update cancer standards, based on the recommendations of the Independent Cancer Taskforce.
Patients, clinicians and the public will be asked to share their views on the proposed standards over the next month, with a report setting out the changes published today.
Cancer currently has a complex set of nine separate performance standards, with different targets covering different routes into the system, for example, screening or a GP referral.
The new plan proposes ensuring patients have the same opportunity for faster diagnosis and treatment, including:
These new standards aim to make diagnosis and treatment timelines easier to understand for people with suspected cancer and their families, while also helping to diagnose cancers earlier and save more lives.
Before the faster diagnosis standard was introduced, access standards for cancer have remained unchanged since 2009. The current two week wait target sets no expectation of when patients should receive test results or actually get a confirmed diagnosis.
Cancer care has been prioritised throughout the pandemic with latest data showing the number of people getting checked for cancer increased by over half a million (512,110) in one year between December 2020 and December 2021.
In December alone, there were over 215,000 urgent referrals for cancer and more than nine out of 10 people started treatment within one month.
Dame Cally Palmer, NHS National Director for Cancer said: “Access standards have been key to improving timeliness of treatment for people with cancer since they were first introduced in 2000.
“As we see advances in diagnosis and treatments for cancer, it is only right that these standards are modernised – so that we can ensure patients are diagnosed more quickly and are given the treatment they need as soon as possible, helping us save even more lives.
“These proposed changes are an important part of improving cancer care and so from today, the NHS will be inviting views from patients, staff and the public”.
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer for NHS England, said: “We know that people having tests for possible cancer want to know the results quickly, and updating the standards to reflect this will help us to make sure we are able to deliver the best possible care.
“We are encouraging colleagues in NHS cancer services to share their views on the consultation to ensure we have standards that are better for people with cancer”.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “As part of our 10-Year Cancer Plan, we want to offer patients the best possible care and treatment.
“These proposals will help us speed up diagnosis times and treatment, and save more lives.
“The NHS wants to hear from as many people as possible – and is seeking advice from patients, staff and the public. Please, make your voices heard”.
Under the new proposals, the NHS would focus on the time from referral to people finding out their results within a maximum of 28 days. This faster diagnosis standard has a clearer focus on measuring and incentivising early diagnosis, rather than just time to first be seen.
Areas where the new standards have been tested have shown that performance against the 62-day referral to treatment standard was significantly higher (74.9%) than the control group (71.7%) when using the new measures.
Proposals are in addition to the target announced in the elective recovery plan, published last month, which outlined the NHS aim to return the number of people waiting more than 62 days from an urgent referral back to pre-pandemic levels by March 2023.
Catherine Harper-Wynne, Chair of the Breast Cancer Faster Diagnosis Group, said: “The proposed update in standards provides a better reflection of our current clinical approach and allows for greater flexibility to offer patients the most efficient route to diagnosis, allowing us to start treatment as quickly as possible. For breast cancer patients, there is evidence, from the pilot already completed, that a higher proportion of patients had cancer ruled out within 28 days”.
Jane Lyons, CEO of charity Cancer52, said: “People with rare and less common cancers often have vague symptoms and it can take longer for their cancer to be diagnosed. So a commitment to a diagnosis in 28 days for all cancers, including those that are more challenging to diagnose, is a good step forward. Earlier diagnosis can mean more people start treatment sooner and more lives will be saved, and we support work to help the NHS meet its ambitions to diagnose more cancers faster and earlier”.
Patients have told the NHS that the focus on achieving a rapid diagnosis or ruling out of cancer is the right one, and is more meaningful to patients than the timing of a first appointment.
Anyone wishing to submit their views to the consultation can do so on our website or by email to england.reviewofstandards@nhs.net.
01 Jul 2022
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside launched on 1 July 2022 and has now replaced the clinical commissioning group infrastructure. This website will no longer be updated. Please visit www.sthelenscares.co.uk for all local health and care news and information.
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28 Jun 2022
Covid infections are continuing to rise in the UK with an estimated 1 in 35 people in currently infected – an increase of 23% on the week before.
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20 Jun 2022
With the closedown of St Helens CCG on 30 June, Geoffrey Appleton, the CCG Lay Chair, will take up a new role as Deputy Chair at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust on 1 July.
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16 Jun 2022
The first ever St Helens Cares Recognition Awards took place on 9 June as part of the inaugural St Helens Cares Festival to pay tribute to people working across health and social care in St Helens in both a paid and voluntary capacity.
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13 Jun 2022
St Helens Cares – the integrated health and care system in St Helens which sees organisations working together to improve outcomes for residents – is conducting a residents’ survey to understand how people are feeling about living in the borough of St Helens.
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31 May 2022
Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease, but there are a number of confirmed cases in the UK which continues to rise. Click here for more information on symptoms or what to do if you think you have been in contact with someone with monkeypox.
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30 May 2022
The NHS is expecting an extremely busy weekend across the St Helens area over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend and is encouraging anyone who needs to check symptoms or get health advice to use the NHS 111 online service first www.111.nhs.uk.
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30 May 2022
St Helens and Knowsley CCG’s in partnership with NCT, the UK's largest charity for parents, are pleased to offer expectant first time parents in St Helens antenatal parent education delivered by NCT Practitioners.
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23 May 2022
A number of local pharmacies will be open in St Helens over the upcoming June bank holiday days
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12 May 2022
Health and care services are undergoing one of the biggest and most exciting changes in decades. From July 1st 2022, the way health and care services work together across Cheshire and Merseyside will change.
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14 Apr 2022
St Helens Cares – the integrated health and care system in St Helens which sees organisations working together to improve outcomes for residents - has been shortlisted in the Care and Health Integration category at national Municipal Journal (MJ) Achievement Awards 2022.
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11 Apr 2022
Bernadette, who has underlying health conditions, was recently referred to the service after testing positive for Covid-19 and becoming unwell.
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08 Apr 2022
Healthcare leaders are sharing advice for getting the help you need in St Helens over the Easter bank holiday weekend (15-18 April) should you become unwell.
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07 Apr 2022
A number of community pharmacies across St Helens borough will be open over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
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06 Apr 2022
Residents in St Helens are being urged to stay vigilant for symptoms of Covid-19 after cases in the borough have risen again sharply again in recent weeks.
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01 Apr 2022
Free testing for Covid-19 from the NHS has ended for most people in England. Free testing services have closed at: pharmacies, test sites and community collection points such as libraries, schools, nurseries and universities. However, a small number of people will still be able to get a free test.
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21 Mar 2022
The NHS is now contacting people who are eligible to make a Spring Covid booster appointment - prioritising those whose clinical need is greatest, starting with those who have had the biggest gap since their last dose.
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10 Mar 2022
NHS England has launched a consultation on proposed new standards that will help diagnose more cancers earlier and save lives.
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09 Mar 2022
St Helens Cares - the place-based partnership of health and social care organisations in the borough - is pleased to announce the appointment of current CCG Accountable Officer as the new St Helens Place Director, Mark Palethorpe.
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08 Mar 2022
Today, 8 March, is International Women’s Day. We will be sharing the stories of female role models here at the NHS in St Helens, using the #ThisLittleGirlIsMe theme to offer inspiration and advice to young women in St Helens. Read more about #IWD2022 at www.internationalwomensday.com
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04 Mar 2022
The CCG and partners are in the process of developing Children’s and Maternity Health Hubs at Lowe House Health Centre and would like our primary school children to design artwork for the walls.
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24 Feb 2022
The Prime Minister has set out his ‘Living with Covid’ plan which means an end to all remaining Covid restrictions in England, including the legal requirement to self-isolate, from 24 February.
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24 Feb 2022
NHS England and Prostate Cancer UK have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer and to encourage those who have concerns, or who are coming up to an age where they are at risk of the disease, to speak to their GP.
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14 Feb 2022
This February, NHS England and NHS Improvement is raising awareness of heart attack symptoms as part of the latest ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign.
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04 Feb 2022
A St Helens school that has excelled in putting children’s social and emotional learning at the heart of all it does, has been awarded Model School status.
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01 Feb 2022
It can be difficult to know which health care service is right for you. Find information on how to use different healthcare services here.
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01 Feb 2022
It can be difficult to know which health care service is right for you. Read more to find access to advice when choosing Healthcare services, provided in British Sign Language.
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27 Jan 2022
Joining the our COPD support group could help you manage your lung condition by sharing information and advice, helping you live well, and maybe even reducing the chances of an emergency hospital admission.
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27 Jan 2022
St Helens residents encouraged to keep Covid testing as Plan B measures end
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19 Jan 2022
The NHS has launched a new landmark campaign using the iconic Beatles song ‘Help!” to get the North West taking better care of their mental health.
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19 Jan 2022
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, OpCOURAGE offers specialist mental health care and wellbeing support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families
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18 Jan 2022
Self-isolation in England for people who test positive for Covid-19 has now been cut to five full days.
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11 Jan 2022
People who are asymptomatic (no Covid symptoms) and receive positive lateral flow test (LFD) result are required to self-isolate immediately and no longer need to take a confirmatory PCR test.
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07 Jan 2022
Local residents are being urged to get their Covid vaccinations as soon as possible as local infection rates in the area reach their highest levels yet.
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23 Dec 2021
The new Covid-19 drug is now being given as a transfusion to transplant recipients, cancer patients and other high-risk groups to help prevent people falling seriously ill - with initial tests suggesting it works against the Omicron variant.
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22 Dec 2021
People infected with Covid in England can stop self-isolating up to three days early if they test negative twice. You can now end quarantine after seven days instead of 10 by providing negative lateral flow results on day six and day seven.
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20 Dec 2021
With only a few days to go until Christmas Day, NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is urging patients not to leave it to the last minute to order repeat prescriptions, to make sure they have enough medication to last over the festive break as well as ensuring their medicine cabinet is well stocked.
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13 Dec 2021
0-19+ Health and Wellbeing Services in St Helens - accessing support during Christmas and New Year
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13 Dec 2021
Local NHS services in St Helens along with Warrington, Halton and Knowsley, have come together for a week of action on social media to give people a glimpse of life at the front line of a range of NHS services
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13 Dec 2021
The CCG has issued a reminder to residents in the light of the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding Covid booster jabs that there a number of ways to get a vaccine and that local pharmacy sites have good availability for anyone looking to get their booster vaccination.
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07 Dec 2021
A year ago this week, the biggest vaccine campaign in the history of the NHS began as 90-year-old grandmother, Margaret Keenan, became the first person worldwide to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 jab following clinical approval.
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01 Dec 2021
An NHS initiative that invites current and ex-smokers to get a MOT of their lungs is being expanded to include other areas of Merseyside - including St Helens
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26 Nov 2021
The UK's Health Security Agency says its analysis of English data shows Covid vaccines are safe in pregnancy, reinforcing international evidence.
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19 Nov 2021
The Covid Oximetry @ home service which St Helens has successfully rolled has won a prestigious healthcare award
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19 Nov 2021
Booster vaccines for some housebound patients in St Helens are being delivered by a pharmacy company and not the patient’s GP practice.
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18 Nov 2021
The announcement is timed to raise awareness of World Antibiotic Awareness Week which runs from 18 to 24 November, in conjunction with the NHS Antibiotic Guardian campaign.
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15 Nov 2021
This self-care week (15-21 November) St Helens residents are being reminded that self-care doesn’t necessarily mean ‘do it yourself’.
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09 Nov 2021
No walk-in sessions for boosters are available this week at Saints due to the site being fully booked with appointments for both 12-15 year olds and booster jabs.
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02 Nov 2021
The Cheshire and Merseyside Health & Care Partnership (C&M HCP) have launched a period of engagement until Wednesday 10th November regarding the constitution of the new Integrated Care Board for Cheshire and Merseyside.
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29 Oct 2021
Appointments for 12-15 year olds to get their Covid jab can now be booked at Saints or other vaccination centres in addition to the roll out in schools.
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20 Oct 2021
Data from Public Health England shows almost a fifth of the most critically ill Covid patients are unvaccinated pregnant women.
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19 Oct 2021
General practice staff are asking for patience and support as they work through their busiest ever period.
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18 Oct 2021
Where to get a Covid PCR test in St Helens if you have symptoms of Coronavirus.
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15 Oct 2021
People in St Helens aged 50-77 are being asked to look out for a letter from the NHS inviting them to volunteer to take part in the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
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14 Oct 2021
Millions of people will be invited to get their flu vaccine from this week as part of the biggest annual flu drive in NHS history
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05 Oct 2021
Information on who is eligible for Covid booster jabs and flu vaccinations and how to get yours.
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16 Sep 2021
The Government has published its winter plan for managing Covid-19. This includes information on vaccination roll out for children aged 12-15 and third doses for those over 50.
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14 Sep 2021
CCG Governing Body member, Dr Greg Irving, along with our Primary Care Networks, GP providers and Edge Hill University have been shortlisted at the General Practice Awards 2021 in the category of Clinical Improvement: Chronic Conditions.
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14 Sep 2021
The mobile Covid-19 vaccination service bus will be at St Helens RLFC car park on Friday 17 September from 12pm to 3pm offering first and second Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccinations for all those eligible.
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10 Sep 2021
The St Helens CCG annual general meeting (AGM) will take place on Tuesday 28 September both in person at The World of Glass and virtually.
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06 Sep 2021
The JCVI have announced that people over the age of 12 with severely weakened immune systems should have a third vaccine dose to top up protection against Covid-19. However, currently, mass vaccination of all 12-15 year olds is not recommended.
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31 Aug 2021
From Wednesday 1 September 2021, the Healthy Child Programme in St Helens, which includes Health Visiting, School Nursing and an Enhanced Service replacing the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), will be provided by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. These services are part of a new 0-19 Health and Wellbeing Service.
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31 Aug 2021
The Covid-19 mobile vaccination service bus will be in St Helens town centre on Tuesday 31 August putside St Helens College from 10am - 3pm, offering walk up first and second doses of Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
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25 Aug 2021
GPs in St Helens are warning parents of a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – also known as bronchiolitis – during late summer and autumn which is much earlier than usual.
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18 Aug 2021
Further to changes to Government guidance some children and young adults will be eligible to receive a covid vaccine.
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18 Aug 2021
St Helens residents suffering with the effects of Long Covid are being urged to seek out local support services to help them overcome the debilitating effects of the illness - initially by contacting their GP.
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02 Aug 2021
Vaccination uptake in St Helens continues to be good- and among the highest of all boroughs in Cheshire and Merseyside with the most recent figures showing that uptake among over 50s in the borough is extremely high and over 87% have had both doses, this rises to 97% for over 80s and 99% for those aged 75-79.
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28 Jul 2021
St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group and St Helens Borough Council are offering free transport to Saints for anyone who still hasn’t had their first vaccine or can’t get back there for their second dose.
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28 Jul 2021
The vaccination bus offering first and second AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccinations returns to Earlestown Market on Friday 30 July from 9am - 1.30pm.
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15 Jul 2021
Our TALKFEST engagement sessions are back week commencing 26 July 2021. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, our TALKFEST events will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams and we have also set up a freephone telephone number so that anyone who isn’t able to use Microsoft Teams is able to dial in and listen.
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13 Jul 2021
From Monday 19 July, patients attending a GP surgery in St Helens will still need to wear a face mask, socially distance and use hand sanitiser with staff continuing to wear PPE.
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09 Jul 2021
As the nation prepares for England v Italy in the Euro 2020 final, the North West’s vaccine lead has urged people ‘keep Covid-19 offside’ and come forward for their jab.
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01 Jul 2021
Join us for a brew to celebrate the 73rd birthday of the NHS and raise a mug to thank NHS workers
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25 Jun 2021
A&Es are seeing record numbers of 'mildly ill' children - with most able to be treated at home with over the counter medicines.
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23 Jun 2021
The Mobile Testing Unit will be at Chancery Lane car park until Thursday 24 June inclusive.
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23 Jun 2021
The mental wellbeing of many people will have been impacted directly by Covid-19, whether through the virus itself, the impact on jobs or the economy, self-isolation or the tragedy of losing a loved one.
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16 Jun 2021
Cheshire and Merseyside Health Care Partnership has commissioned a 12 month pilot of the shout text service to offer free 24/7 access to mental health support, advice and signposting.
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15 Jun 2021
To mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week, the NHS and Public Health in St Helens are reminding patients of the importance of booking an appointment for a cervical screen when invited - GP practices continue to offer these appointments adn have done throughout the pandemic.
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14 Jun 2021
Researchers for the Zoe Covid Symptom study say a headache, sore throat and running nose are now the most commonly reported symptoms linked to Covid infection in the UK.
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03 Jun 2021
As lockdown restrictions ease, Directors of Public Health in Cheshire and Merseyside are relaunching a campaign to ‘Spread the Facts’ about how young people can play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
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03 Jun 2021
As England moves towards the ‘new normal’ NHS leaders in St Helens are issuing a clear message that primary care services are open to treat patients. However, people will see a difference as services are restored.
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27 May 2021
The GP-led vaccination clinic on the ground floor at Saints will finish on Friday 28 May. However, the mass vaccination service on the first floor will continue. Here's what you need to know if you had your first vaccine with the GPs and are waiting for your second.
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24 May 2021
New data from Public Health England shows that people who receive a single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine have around 80% lower risk of death from Covid-19 compared with unvaccinated individuals. And protection against death from the Pfizer vaccine rises from approximately 80% percent after one dose to 97% percent after 2 doses.
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20 May 2021
The rapid tests, which produce a result in just half an hour, are used to detect asymptomatic cases but there are concerns over the way they are being used, following reports of an increasing number of people using the home test kits when they are showing symptoms.
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17 May 2021
All GP practices have been and continue to be open - caring for St Helens patients, but in a different way. Read our information about what you need to do if you think you need a GP appointment.
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12 May 2021
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and our GP clinical lead for mental health in St Helens, Dr Laura Pogue, has some advice on how getting outdoors can be really beneficial
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10 May 2021
Download the NHS app on your smartphone or tablet to see proof of your Covid-19 vaccination status.
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07 May 2021
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued advice to the UK government on the use of the Covid-19 Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine going forward for people aged under 40.
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22 Apr 2021
The vaccination programme in St Helens Borough has now delivered over 100,000 first doses and more than 20,000 - second jabs.
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20 Apr 2021
You have a legal duty to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19 or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate. Find out more about financial and practical support here.
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16 Apr 2021
Please attend when called for your second vaccine and read further information on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and advice from the government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation
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07 Apr 2021
Almost a million people across Cheshire and Merseyside, who are expecting their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, are being encouraged to take up the offer as soon as they are invited.
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30 Mar 2021
The local NHS expects to see an increase in pressures on the health system from this week as lockdown rules are eased and the Easter bank holidays close some services and people are reminded to use 111 first.
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29 Mar 2021
GP practices in St Helens are now in the process of calling back patients in order of when they received their first dose of the vaccination at the GP-led clinic on the ground floor at Saints.
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25 Mar 2021
The vaccination programme continues to make strong progress. Thanks to the thousands of people involved, in under four months the health service in England has given the vital first vaccine dose to more than half of all adults - some 24 million people - opened more than 1,600 vaccination services, and visited over 10,000 care homes.
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23 Mar 2021
The CCG, along with St Helens Borough Council, St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust and other organisations are joining the National Day of Reflection today to mark the anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown.
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22 Mar 2021
The MTU is at Chancery Lane, St Helens until Wednesday 24 March then moving on to Eccleston Park Golf Club.
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18 Mar 2021
NHS St Helens CCG and St Helens Borough Council are delighted to announce that St Helens Cares was highly commended for the Health and Local Government Partnership Award at the 2020/21 HSJ Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to integrated health and social care.
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12 Mar 2021
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is teaming up with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to launch a campaign promoting vaccine safety.
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11 Mar 2021
The CCG is supporting the campaign by NHS Blood and Transplant to get more men to come forward to donte plasma to help Covid-19 victims.
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11 Mar 2021
The new Merseyside & Region Stoma Service would like to hear the views of stoma patients regarding the new service and the planned changes to the way prescriptions are issued - join the online information sessions on March 23rd.
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10 Mar 2021
On 8 March 2021, Public Health England, supported by the Stroke Association, relaunched the national “Act F.A.S.T.” stroke campaign.
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26 Feb 2021
Two million people across the North West of England have received their Covid-19 vaccine and thousands more are now being asked to book their appointments.
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22 Feb 2021
St Helens Borough key workers are being urged to use the testing facilities in place to get tested before children go back to school, to help catch more Covid-19 cases before they spread.
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17 Feb 2021
Mike Hale, 66, a patient at Mill Street Medical Practice, was one of the first patients to receive a pulse oximeter after being referred to the Covid Oximetry at Home service stating that the service "saved his life".
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15 Feb 2021
The NHS has today started vaccinating people aged 65 to 69 and those who are clinically vulnerable against Covid-19 with over one million people already invited to book a jab.
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15 Feb 2021
The vaccination programme – the biggest in NHS history – is off to a strong start. In just two months, the health service has vaccinated more than 15 million people, opened more than 1,500 vaccination services, visited over 10,000 care homes and issued over six million invitations from the National Booking Service.
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12 Feb 2021
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, visited the St Helens Saints stadium virtually today to see first-hand the efforts of those involved in delivering of Covid vaccinations and say thank you for their efforts.
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08 Feb 2021
People in England aged 70 and over who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid and who would like to be are today being asked to contact the NHS to arrange a jab.
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08 Feb 2021
The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for housebound patients has now been completed in St Helens.
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08 Feb 2021
A new test site for people with symptoms of Covid-19 opened on Friday 5 February in Earlestown. The Local Testing Site will be in place seven days a week at Fairclough Street Car Park from 8am to 8pm every day.
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08 Feb 2021
The vaccine roll out in St Helens continues at pace with a reminder to those who are in priority group four (aged 70 and over or clinically extremely vulnerable) to make sure they make their vaccination appointment when contacted by their GP practice.
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02 Feb 2021
Dr Mike Ejuoneatse, GP at Central Surgery and Medical Director for St Helens CCG, has a message for patients about accessing GP surgery appointments during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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01 Feb 2021
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has reported that almost one in five adults were likely to be experiencing some form of depression during the pandemic. They found a marked increase in anxiety at the beginning of lockdown – with almost half (49.6%) of people reporting high anxiety.
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27 Jan 2021
Every care home resident in St Helens has now received their Covid vaccination.
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25 Jan 2021
Health and social care workers are now able to book their vaccine appointment in line with the guidance set out by the Joint Committe on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) which puts them in priority group 2.
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19 Jan 2021
Patients in St Helens suffering with Covid-19 can now receive extra support in the form of remote monitoring of their pulse and oxygen levels through the Covid Oximetry at Home Service.
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18 Jan 2021
Vaccinations continue at Saints with a mass vaccination centre now open on the first floor while GPs continue their vaccination clinics for patients on the ground floor.
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15 Jan 2021
GPs and primary care staff have been busy this week vaccinating residents and staff in almost all care homes in the borough, including Mary, 108 who lived through the pandemic of 1919.
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13 Jan 2021
St Helens GPs will be contacting the remaining patients in the over 80s group who haven't yet been vaccinated over the course of the next week - but what should you do if you have received a letter from the NHS nationally inviting you to book a vaccination further afield? Read more here.
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08 Jan 2021
St Helens GPs have taken delivery of the first batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine later today ready for use next week.
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06 Jan 2021
The Covid-19 vaccination programme is being rolled out further across Cheshire and Merseyside. To vaccinate people as quickly as possible, we need to recruit lots more staff to work at large vaccination sites in a variety of locations, starting in St Helens.
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05 Jan 2021
England is in lockdown to try to prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus cases. Primary and secondary schools are closed to almost all pupils, and people are instructed to stay at home.
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04 Jan 2021
St Helens GPs are reminding everyone that is due their second Covid-19 booster jab this week to attend their appointment as booked, despite media reports that a second dose is not being given in some areas.
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31 Dec 2020
As this most challenging of years comes to an end, get your New Year off to a healthier start by making some small changes to your lifestyle which can have a big difference to your health and wellbeing.
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31 Dec 2020
NHS St Helens CCG has welcomed the news that the government has approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for use in the UK. This gives us a further vaccine with which to protect the people of St Helens.
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22 Dec 2020
Pharmacies and other NHS health services remain open over the Christmas and New Year period, though with reduced opening times.
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17 Dec 2020
Saints legend Bill Adair is the first St Helens patient to receive the Covid-19 jab as GPs begin vaccinating over 80s in the borough as part of NHS’s biggest ever vaccination programme with 355 people receiving the Pfizer jab on the first day.
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15 Dec 2020
The local vaccination service run by local GPs and their teams will open in St Helens tomorrow (Wednesday 16 December), as the rollout of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history gains further momentum.
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11 Dec 2020
Frank Heaton from Burtonwood has had quite a year. When he noticed his eyes and skin turn a strange yellow colour, he immediately called his GP in St Helens to get it checked out.
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10 Dec 2020
People with mental health worries in St Helens are being urged to seek help in a new phase of the NHS’s ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign.
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10 Dec 2020
With the first Covid vaccines happening in hospital hubs around the country, the NHS in St Helens is getting ready to begin vaccinations. Find out more here.
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03 Dec 2020
GP surgeries and pharmacies in St Helens have been working hard to vaccinate patients as part of the biggest flu programme in UK history, with people aged 50 to 64 now being invited to have their free flu vaccination.
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26 Nov 2020
From Wednesday 2 December, the UK national lockdown ends but St Helens will move into Tier 2 'High Alert' of the government’s alert system.
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18 Nov 2020
St Helens CCG with St Helens Borough Council are delighted to announce that St Helens Cares has been shortlisted for the Health and Local Government Partnership Award at the 2020 HSJ Awards, recognising the outstanding contribution to healthcare.
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17 Nov 2020
Self Care Week is the annual national event that aims to raise awareness of what we can do to improve our physical health and mental wellbeing.
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17 Nov 2020
As we all adapt to life with the new national restrictions in place until 2nd December, St Helens Public Health team remind people when they need to self-isolate from coronavirus (COVID-19) and that support is available for those in urgent need.
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16 Nov 2020
From Tuesday 17th November, local residents are urged to contact NHS 111 first if they need urgent – but not emergency - NHS care
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16 Nov 2020
A NEW role has been created to help young people battling with eating disorders in Knowsley and St Helens to help spot the illness early and provide access to services more quickly.
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13 Nov 2020
The CCG Governing Body this week, through lead Governing Body GP Dr Mike Ejuoneatse who sits on the NHS England NW BAME Strategic Advisory Board, made nine pledges to address the concerns and needs of our BAME employees and communities and reduce inequalities.
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12 Nov 2020
St Helens CCG with St Helens Borough Council have together appointed Mark Palethorpe to the joint role of Accountable Officer for the CCG and Executive Director for Health and Social Care for St Helens Borough Council.
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06 Nov 2020
Under updated government guidance, people classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' should only go out for exercise and to attend health appointments.
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05 Nov 2020
GPs, hospitals, maternity services, and community and mental health services are continuing to see patients for both new and ongoing conditions, and people who need help or advice should seek it.
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04 Nov 2020
A new local Covid-19 Testing Station is now open at the former fire station on Parr Stocks Road and will be open every day excluding bank holidays until the end of January.
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27 Oct 2020
St Helens CCG's Accountable Officer, Prof Sarah O’Brien, has been appointed as an Honorary Professor for Edge Hill University’s new Medical School in recognition of her expertise and the mutual values she shares with Edge Hill to improve people’s life chances.
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26 Oct 2020
As the number of coronavirus cases and people hospitalised with Covid-19 in St Helens continue to rise, a local GP urges residents take steps to stay fit and healthy to try and combat the virus.
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19 Oct 2020
Half of all St Helens GP practices have joined forces to offer mass flu vaccination clinics at Saints 'Totally Wicked' stadium.
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14 Oct 2020
GPs in St Helens are reminding members of the public that practices are open for business - even though they are operating in a different way.
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13 Oct 2020
People classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' and have previously been shielding will receive updated guidance tailored to the local area in line with the new Local Covid Alert Levels.
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13 Oct 2020
The prime minister has announced a new three-tier system of restrictions in England to try to stop the spread of coronavirus with St Helens, along with the rest of the Liverpool City Region, placed in Tier Three - Very High.
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01 Oct 2020
St Helens is one of a number of areas to face tougher Covid-19 restrictions following a recent increase in infections - as a mobile testing unit is deployed again in the town centre this weekend.
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30 Sep 2020
If you have been diagnosed with breast, prostate or colorectal cancer in the past 18 months please help the NHS and Public Health England improve quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer in the future by taking part in this survey
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28 Sep 2020
NHS St Helens CCG and the Council’s public health team are running a number of community engagement sessions next week with clinicians and commissioners updating on key health and social care issues in St Helens.
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24 Sep 2020
We're pleased to announce that our TALKFEST engagement sessions are back beginning w/c 5th October 2020 - and this time they're taking place virtually.
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24 Sep 2020
People are being urged to download the government's official contact-tracing app following its official release. NHS Covid-19 instructs users to self-isolate for 14 days if it detects they were nearby someone who has the virus.
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23 Sep 2020
There's a lot of confusion over testing and self-isolation. Read the up to date advice from the NHS Test and Trace service on whether you should get a test.
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18 Sep 2020
Residents in St Helens will face new measures in its attempts to stop the significant rise in Covid-19 cases. The new restrictions have been announced by Government and will apply to all council areas across Merseyside as it is made an area of intervention today.
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17 Sep 2020
Local GP and CCG governing body member, Dr Hilary Flett, has produced some advice for parents who aren't sure if their child's 'back to school' cold symptoms could be Covid.
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17 Sep 2020
A mobile testing unit will be based in Earlestown on Thursday 17th September and in Rainhill on Friday 18th September as a result of a continued rise in coronavirus cases in the borough.
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16 Sep 2020
Professor Sarah O’Brien, Clinical Accountable Officer at St Helens CCG and Executive Director of People’s Services at St Helens Council, is leaving her dual role after being offered the post of Executive Director of Strategy & System Development for the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership.
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10 Sep 2020
Residents living in the most affected areas in St Helens will see increased communication and be encouraged to avoid mixing with different groups of people in a short space of time following a steep rise in confirmed coronavirus cases.
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14 Aug 2020
The CCG is helping recruit people who fit certain criteria to take part in a clinical trial to help find a treatment for people for Covid-19.
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10 Aug 2020
Social distancing, washing your hands, wearing a face covering and getting a test remain the most important things you can can do to help stop the spread in St Helens as the infection rate begins to creep up.
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07 Aug 2020
With the weather set to be warm this weekend remember if you are making the most of it to stay safe and keep your distance to protect yourself and others from Covid-19.
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04 Aug 2020
Dr Martin Breach, a GP based in Haydock, updates patients on how GP services are currently operating in the St Helens area.
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03 Aug 2020
The further relaxing of shielding guidance came into effect on Saturday 1 August with shielding now officially paused.
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30 Jul 2020
People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days, rather than seven.
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29 Jul 2020
Wearing a face covering is now mandatory in shops, supermarkets, banks, post offices, enclosed transport hubs and when buying food and drink to take away in England. Read our guidance and advice on what to do if you are on the exemption list.
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27 Jul 2020
Public Health England has launched a major new adult health campaign to support people to get fit and lose weight - something that can help in the fight against Covid-19 and other diseases.
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17 Jul 2020
Find out how to take part in a consultation on the future of the borough of St Helens.
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10 Jul 2020
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on Wednesday 8 July at 12.30pm.
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03 Jul 2020
North West Boroughs Healthcare has upgraded its existing 24/7 mental health crisis lines to Freephone numbers. This means they are now free to call from both landlines and mobile phones.
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03 Jul 2020
Dr Mike Ejuoneatse, local GP and governing body lead for St Helens CCG, urges the public to play their part and stay safe as pubs and bars reopen this weekend.
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30 Jun 2020
Join us on Wednesday 8th July at 12.30pm for the NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group AGM which this year will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.
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29 Jun 2020
Details have been announced of the plans for the weekend of July 4th and 5th when everybody is urged to take part in the biggest ‘thank you’ the country has ever seen on the birthday of the NHS which will culminate in an epic pause for applause at 5pm on Sunday 5 July.
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26 Jun 2020
The UK Government has set out a roadmap for the clinically extremely vulnerable on the future of the shielding programme with guidance changing on 6 July and again on 1 August.
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24 Jun 2020
Anyone over the age of five who is showing symptoms of coronavirus - continuous cough, high temperature, and a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste - can now apply online to get tested at a mobile testing unit at the former Eccleston Park golf course car park in Rainhill from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 June.
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24 Jun 2020
A second regional testing centre for Covid-19 has opened in Cheshire and Merseyside at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The centre is now testing residents, key workers and NHS staff with pre-arranged appointments.
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18 Jun 2020
Face coverings are now compulsory for anyone attending hospital - including GP practices based in hospital buildings - Marshalls Cross at St Helens Hospital and Newton Community Hospital Practice
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18 Jun 2020
This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15–21 June 2020), women in St Helens are urged to book their cervical screening appointments - with GP practices carrying out routine screening appointments.
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16 Jun 2020
Adults aged 26 and above will be able to access mental health and wellbeing support online for free thanks to a new service for St Helens residents which launches today - Monday 1st June
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15 Jun 2020
The keys to Cheshire and Merseyside’s major new specialist cancer hospital, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, have officially been handed over to the NHS, following the completion of construction and will open to patients on Saturday 27th June.
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12 Jun 2020
We are pleased to announce that Dr Mike Ejuoneatse, our Lead Governing Body GP, has been nominated to join and been accepted on to the NHS England North West BAME advisory group for a fixed two year period.
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05 Jun 2020
During National Volunteers Week, the CCG along with St Helens Council and St Helens Cares partners are supporting the 'Be a Care Hero' campaign to boost the numbers of care workers in the short term and help care for the elderly at home and in care.
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04 Jun 2020
Statement from NHS St Helens CCG on the Covid-19 mobile testing unit at Eccleston Park golf course.
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01 Jun 2020
The government has updated the guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 and have been advised to shield. The update comes into effect from today - Monday 1st June.
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28 May 2020
The new NHS Test and Trace service has now launched across England which will help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
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21 May 2020
People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 with a third of deaths in England associated with the condition, according to new NHS research.
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18 May 2020
Local GP and clincial lead for mental health in St Helens, Dr Laura Pogue, gives some advice to anyone struggling with mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.
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15 May 2020
Former footballer, Andy Cole, and award-winning doctor Dr Rangan Chatterjee, have joined the NHS and local authorites in Cheshire and Merseyside to help key workers and the public be ‘Kind to their Mind’ during Mental Health Awareness Week taking place this year from 18-24 May.
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14 May 2020
A new advice line for St Helens residents has launched this week to offer advice and rapid access to those who are experiencing symptoms they’re worried may be cancer.
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07 May 2020
Testing for Covid-19 has increased across the country with many others eligible for testing in addition to health and care key workers.
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07 May 2020
People in St Helens are being urged to support pharmacists after reports of aggression and anti-social behaviour towards them following increases in demand for their services
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30 Apr 2020
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, how you have an appointment your GP, nurse or other GP surgery staff will be different to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Read our guidance on how to have a succesful video consultation.
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29 Apr 2020
Children and young people in St Helens aged from 11-25 are able to access free mental health support via Kooth.com, an online counselling and wellbeing platform - something that could prove a lifeline for anyone struggling during the Covid-19 crisis.
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29 Apr 2020
Dr Mike Ejuoneatse, a local St Helens GP and CCG Governing Body member, is urging people to not put off seeking medical help if they show signs of a stroke or TIA/mini stroke (transient ischemic attack) during the Covid-19 crisis amid concerns that attendance at GP surgeries and urgent care services are significantly less than normal
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28 Apr 2020
The NHS in St Helens is reminding people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) that they can continue to use their local services and seek emergency and urgent care straight away when they need it.
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24 Apr 2020
Following reports of potential hoax calls from people purporting to be from NHS 111, residents are reminded to not give out any personal banking details over the phone.
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21 Apr 2020
Dr Sue Hyde, a St Helens GP and Governing Body member is urging all parents to attend their childhood immunisation appointments as usual following concerns that outbreaks of diseases such as measles may occur following people delaying vaccinations due to a fear of contracting coronavirus.
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21 Apr 2020
The St Helens Carers Centre continues to provide support to unpaid carers and their families with staff working remotely to provide continuity of this service in the borough.
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14 Apr 2020
PEOPLE living in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington who are experiencing a mental health crisis can now access mental health support via a new 24/7 dedicated mental health crisis line: 01925 275 309. This complements the existing 24/7 mental health crisis line in Wigan: 01942 636 395.
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11 Apr 2020
Community pharmacies will be open on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday in addition to a number opening on Easter Sunday.
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09 Apr 2020
All GP surgeries in St Helens will be supported to remain open on Good Friday and Easter Monday this year - with community pharmacies also opening for several hours.
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09 Apr 2020
Information for people who have received a 'vulnerable patient' text or letter about shielding.
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08 Apr 2020
Dr Paul Rose, GP lead for cancer services in St Helens, urges people with health concerns to not put off making a GP appointment during the coronavirus crisis.
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07 Apr 2020
A new online system went live at the end of March to enable patients to digitally request and be emailed a note if they need to self-isolate - reducing the burden on GP practices.
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06 Apr 2020
Latest coronavirus (Covid-19) advice for members of the public (updated 6 April) including social distancing guidance.
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30 Mar 2020
A number of community services in St Helens will transition to new providers on 1 April 2020 as part of a local approach to health and care services delivered in the community as part of the St Helens Cares partnership.
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25 Mar 2020
St Helens CCG has teamed up with the council and other partners in St Helens Cares to support the Street Champions volunteer scheme run by St Helens Voluntary and Community Action (VCA). Could you join us?
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04 Mar 2020
The CCG has commissioned online counselling and wellbeing platform, 'Kooth' for children and young people age 11-25 who live in St Helens.
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03 Feb 2020
St Helens residents who visit their GP with stomach and bowel problems are now being given a new non-invasive test to complete at home, which can effectively rule out the presence of bowel cancer, meaning that fewer patients with specific symptoms will need to undergo an endoscopy procedure in hospital.
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23 Jan 2020
The CCG has produced a series of leaflets for parents giving advice on what to do if your child has one of the six most common conditions that children and young people present with to Urgent Care that can be downloaded from this site.
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22 Jan 2020
With this week (20-26 January) marking Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, St Helens CCG are supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust ‘Smear for Smear’ campaign and urging women in the borough to attend their cervical screening test when invited.
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16 Jan 2020
St Helens CCG is supporting a national push to persuade men to start donating blood this new year - vital due to a serious gender imbalance in new donors.
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16 Jan 2020
Health services and commissioners in St Helens, Knowsley, Warrington, and Halton have joined forces again to promote their innovative campaign #letsdoittogether.
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02 Jan 2020
If your GP is fully booked when you want an appointment, did you know that your practice can offer you an alternative with a GP in one of four locations across St Helens?
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20 Dec 2019
Being prepared isn’t just about having the presents wrapped and turkey stuffed, it’s also about getting your repeat prescriptions requests in and having your medicine cabinet well stocked.
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17 Dec 2019
Make the right choice in St Helens this Christmas if you or a family member fall unwell with our guide to NHS services in the community.
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13 Dec 2019
Wiht two thirds of toddlers still not vaccinated against the flu, the NHS in St Helens is urging parents of toddlers to get the nasal spray vaccine at their local GP surgery.
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12 Dec 2019
The St Helens Shared Care Record has been shortlisted in the system and data integration category award at the national Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards 2020, recognising outstanding dedication to improving health and care.
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02 Dec 2019
NHS St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group and its partners in St Helens Cares are this week launching a campaign to encourage the public to understand the importance of keeping A&E free for those who really need it and knowing what alternative NHS services are available in the community and when to use them.
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29 Nov 2019
From 1st December 2019, St Helens residents will benefit from a more local approach to health and care services delivered in the community with the St Helens Urgent Treatment Centre, Community IV Therapy Services and the Looked After Children service being delivered by a new provider.
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20 Nov 2019
The CCG is supporting the Met Office's 'WeatherReady' campaign to ensure members of the public can prepare for and cope with severe weather, and keep themselves and their property safe.
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18 Nov 2019
This World Antibiotics Week (18-24 November), find out how you can play your part to stop antibiotic resistance which is fast becoming a problem across the world.
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04 Oct 2019
More than 25 million people - nearly half the UK population - will be offered a flu vaccine in the biggest winter flu vaccination campaign the NHS has seen. And for the first time, all primary school children will be offered the nasal spray vaccine.
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03 Oct 2019
Following a 12 week consultation into the 'Care at the Chemist' scheme in St Helens, the CCG has decided to continue the service in its current form.
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25 Sep 2019
Students from secondary schools in St Helens were given a taste of what life could be like studying medicine and working for the NHS in an event aimed at inspiring future generations of young people in the borough.
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20 Sep 2019
Four St Helens residents share their personal stories in a series of films showing how the Contact Cares service in St Helens has made a difference to their lives
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20 Sep 2019
St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group wants to hear the views of the public as it reviews the future of its ‘Care at the Chemist’ scheme.
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13 Sep 2019
St Helens GP and Clinical Lead for Cancer, Dr Paul Rose, is calling on residents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of blood cancer to help improve rates of early diagnosis during Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September.
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03 Sep 2019
This September NHS St Helens CCG is supporting Organ Donation Week which runs from 2 – 8 September.
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13 Aug 2019
Newton and Haydock patients to benefit from Community Pharmacy appointment pilot
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07 Aug 2019
If you don't have a life threatening illness or injury, please use the St Helens Urgent Treatment Centre which currently has a waiting time of 2 and a half hours.
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19 Jul 2019
NHS England and NHS Improvement have published the first ever national patient safety strategy to support NHS staff and organisations to ensure wherever NHS care is delivered, it is provided in the safest possible way.
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12 Jul 2019
The CCG has received its annual assurance rating from NHS England as part of the Improvement and Assessment Framework (IAF) and is rated 'good' for 2018/19.
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