NHS Wirral – Marie Armitage, Director of Public Health and Dr Abhi Mantgani, Medical Director

Dr Mantgani updated the Forum on St Catherine’s Health Centre which was now going for final approval to the Strategic Health Authority, the project should start end of this year.  There was a new walk in centre at Eastham Clinic to deal with minor injuries so people don’t have to go to travel to Arrowe Park Hospital or Victoria Central Health Centre.  Also started a scheme in Birkenhead for a Drop-In Centre, which would be nurse-led with support by doctors and would be open Mon-Thurs until 8am and Friday until 6.30pmHealth check leaflets were available for people in the 40-74 age group to receive their health check to identify people who are at high risk of cardio vascular disease/diabetes, etc.  We would also send health trainers to go to hard to reach population to do these checks.  The Health Centre on Laird Street now has a new builder and building expected to be opened in February.

Marie Armitage encouraged anybody who normally had the seasonal flu jab to go along this year.  She then briefed on the expected rise in swine flue over the winter.  Certain people would be entitled to have a swine flu injection including the over 65’s with other health conditions.  Marie encouraged use of the vaccine as the risk of spreading was significant.

Confirmation was given that work on Townfield Lane Surgery would restart and it should be ready in 12-14 months. 

A member of the audience asked about whether it might be possible for humans to get Cat flu.  Marie would some research on that.

The Chair thanked Maria and Abhi on behalf of the Forum.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital – Joyce Magennis

Joyce updated on the major issue of controlling infection and reducing incidence of MRSA and Clostridium Difficile which was still a priority for the Trust and gave an update of the improving stats. 

Updates on standards, including being named for the third year running one of the country’s Top 40 performing hospitals by an independent benchmarking company, were given. 

Details of provision of new services were highlighted, including a major capital investment for Women and Children at Arrowe Park Hospital, this being due for completion in Spring 2011.

Joyce also briefed on the new easy-to-use website and encouraged everyone to use this facility. 

Full details of Joyce’s update can be found on pages 12-13 of the forum papers.

A member of the audience referred to some discussion at Planning committee about the possibility of moving the bus stop nearer the hospital.  Joyce could take back to the Estates Office.  They are looking at changing the direction of the traffic and when that happens could move the stop.

Councillor George Davies referred to the comprehensive wrap-around for the Wirral News this week, which covers all this information.  The Forum noted that 40% of Arrowe Park Hospital, within 2 or 3 years, would have single rooms with ensuite facilities.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service – Ritchie Clark

The update report for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services could be found on page 7 of the forum papers.  Ritchie highlighted ongoing initiatives. 

There was reduction in the number of deliberate fires on Wirral.  Undertaking partnership work with Wirral Roadsafe Team and holding a number of events where trained firefighters and Roadsafe Team have been in public venues and invited people to come along and have their child car seats checked to see if they have been correctly fitted.  2 further events were planned for 14 November in Heswall Aldi and Morrison’s in West Kirby, with a view to continue through 2010.

Winter Warm Campaign leaflets were available this evening.  Would be offering Electric Blanket testing and free replacements blankets if found unsafe.  Also offering to exchange chip pans for deep fat fryers and provide free energy efficient light bulbs.  Events were running at Birkenhead and Wallasey Fire Stations.

Also at Birkenhead Fire Station, free health checks for over 40’s.  There are gym facilities there which are already used by NHS Wirral.  Need to call and book an appointment.

Pat Landsborough asked whether MF&RS provided a call and collect service for blanket testing?  Ritchie responded that it would be difficult to do that because of the logistics.

A member of the audience queried why her smoke alarm was making a noise for no apparent reason.  Ritchie thought it may be defective and suggested calling the free-phone number and it could be replaced.

A member of the audience asked about whether they undertook carbon monoxide tests.  These alarms look similar to smoke alarm.  No checks were carried out on them, however if you noticed the colour had changed you would need to get your appliance checked.

A member of the audience asked what was being done to address arson on places like Bidston Hill, especially in the build up to Bonfire night?

Ritchie confirmed that, together with Wirral Council Community Safety, they were looking at what areas where getting anti social behaviour fires were occurring.  They would target problem areas to stop vehicles being able to get into those areas.

Merseyside Police – Inspector Roy McGregor

In the Mischief Night lead up, Police were visiting shops in relation to sale of alcohol.  There was also a Wirral wide operation using staff from other areas to go on foot in anti social behaviour areas.  The Police wanted to provide some reassurances to the public and wanted to ask for help from communities.  If anyone heard about illegal fireworks, stockpiles of wood etc. they could make arrangements to get removed.

Police wanted to gain public confidence and satisfaction in their service.  Crime was falling but feel public perception is that people don’t believe that.  There was a drive to engage with the community in more visible policing.  The Forum was invited to take “Your Voice Counts” leaflets.  Roy briefed on a campaign running with Tesco in producing a computer/mobile phone database which increased the opportunity to get stole phones back to you. 

Councillor Smith thanked the Police for the reduction in anti social behaviour in the Tapestry Gardens new development area.  He also asked if they could look at speeding vehicles on Bidston Rise.

Inspector McGregor agreed that Police would target areas.  They use community volunteers, trained to use speed guns, in association with Community Support Officers.  Councillor Smith asked whether he would contact Jean McIntosh directly.  Agreed.

A member of the audience raised concerns from local residents regarding youths in the area managing to get alcohol despite controls in place.  He asked what was being done regarding visible policing?

Inspector McGregor referred to different types of policing and different response times to 999 calls.  CSOs were patrolling the majority of time on foot.  The Police need communities to tell them of problems, so they know where to send officers.

Pat Landsborough referred to the great service provided by the Police locally, however they would like continuity.  Inspector McGregor is committed to working hard for the local area for as long as he is in this position.

Donny referred to dialogue with Police around problems at the last Bidston Moss Steering Group meeting.  He invited Inspector McGregor to the next meeting on 1 December.  Inspector would check his diary and get back, however he thought it might be better to meet before that date.

Chris Batman, Deputy Director of Adult Social Services

Chris, as Lead Officer for this meeting, briefed that the Council was obliged by law to consult on its governance arrangements.  He drew attention to a consultation period until end of November.  All councils have to consider elected mayoral system and were inviting views from the public regarding the decision they would make in December.  The 2 options were:

1 – Continue with the present sort of arrangements with one difference - currently Council takes a leader over 12 months.  Under the new arrangements the leader would be elected for 4 years and choose members of the Cabinet.

2 – Wirral to consider going for an elected mayor system. 

More information was available on the Council website.  Papers were available tonight to pick up, with details of the consultation process and people encouraged to send views in.