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If you have some news that you would like to see on this page, please contact Louise on 01606 786374 or louise@cheshirecommunityvoice.co.uk
~ New Code of Practice on Consultation ~
A new Code of Practice on consultation has been released based on the results of a review of Government consultations in 2007. This involved many people who regularly respond to Government consultations. Many thanks to those of you who participated in this review.
The new Code will apply from November 2008 to all central Government departments' formal, written consultation exercises. Other public sector organisations are invited to sign up to the Code. A list of organisations adopting the Code will be published in November. Where the new Code refers the reader to supporting guidance, this will become available by November. Please see the new code by clicking the link below:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/bre/policy/scrutinising-new-regulations/reviewing-consultation-process/page44083.html |
~ Western Cheshire PCT Need Your Views ~
Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust are seeking comments on their Draft Communications and Engagement Strategy. They are keen to incorporate the views of patients and the public into this strategy and invite your feedback before Friday 22nd August 2008. The draft strategy itself, a covering letter and a form for your feedback can all be downloaded by clicking the links below:
Click below to download:
Covering Letter (Word document 36kb)
Draft Communications & Engagement Stragegy (Word document 901kb)
Feedback Form (Word document 77kb)
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~ New Minor Ailments Leaflet ~
Central & Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust have recently implemented a new service at your local pharmacy which will give you more choice for advice and treatment concerning certain minor ailments. A leaflet on the service has been produced and can be downloaded below.
Click here to download the bulletin (PDF document 117kb). To get Adobe Reader please click here to download it now. |
~ New Community Hospital for Northwich ~
Central & Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust have given the go-ahead for a new community hospital and in-patient unit in Northwich. The new project will actively seek to involve the community in its development. For more information contact Geoff Wood on 01606 275281 or geoff.wood@cecpct.nhs.uk
The new hospital will look to provide:
Modern primary care and community hospital facilities
Increased access to a range of responsive services
More support at home or in purpose-built community beds
Expanded community teams to support people with long term conditions
Increased access to diagnostic and outpatient facilities in the community
A base for community mental health teams to support service users at home |
~ Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust Awarded Foundation Status ~
Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust, which run Leighton Hospital & Victoria Infirmary has been awarded NHS Foundation Status as of April 1, 2008. A rigorous assessment was conducted before the award was given and this included assessment of financial viability, good governance and legal constitution. The Trust had to demonstrate consistent high-performance and robust future plans.
Foundation Status will give the Trust greater freedom to develop services in line with patient requirements as well as providing local people with greater opportunities to contribute to decision making. |
~ Cheshire Receives Funding for Single Assessment Project ~
Cheshire is only 1 of only 4 councils with Social Services responsibility to be offered funding to implement a Single Assessment Project that aims to improve the care of older people. The scheme will mean older people will only need to provide their details once. With their consent these will be shared among any other groups working with that person, including Social Services and the Primary Care Trusts. Click the following link to read more.
Click here to be taken to Cheshire County Council's website to read more on this story. |
~ Two Crewe Primary Care Facilities Nominated for Awards ~
The Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre in Crewe and Rope Green Medical Centre in Shavington have been short-listed to receive a Mayor’s Oscar for the Category of ‘Best Building Design of the Year’. The Mayor’s Oscars is an annual event at which the Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Maurice Jones recognises nominees for their contribution to the life of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich. |
~ Feedback on Changes to Older People's Services ~
In October 2007, Cheshire Community Voice ran a consultation workshop entitled "Possible Changes to Residential Short Stay and Day Services for Older People in Cheshire". This focused on the proposed closure of three centres: Lightfoot Lodge in Chester, Santune House in Crewe and Bexton Court (left) in Knutsford.
Feedback has now been posted on the website of Cheshire County Council and can be viewed by clicking the link below. The three centres will now be closed using a phased approach over 3 years. This aims to better cope with organisational changes during the period that may come about as part of the Local Government Review.
Click here to be taken to Cheshire County Council's website to read the feedback. |
~ Official Opening of Eagle Bridge Centre in Crewe ~
Local dignitaries, Eagle Bridge staff, GP’s and Patient Representatives were treated to an ensemble of voices from pupils of the Mablins Lane Community Primary School Choir and also the Wulvern Choir at the official opening of the Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre, Crewe. The name of the building has a link with Crewe’s railway history and passers by will see the Eagle from the old Eagle Railway Bridge kindly restored and donated by Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd.
The Honourable Gwyneth Dunwoody MP cut the ribbon and officially welcomed the new £10million health development by Assura Property, in conjunction with LSP Developments for three local GP Surgeries and Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, into the local community.
Dr Mike Freeman, GP, said, “Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing Centre is an exciting, modern facility that will help meet the health care needs of the local community for many years. There is the opportunity to provide a wide range of health related services in response to the needs of the local population". |
~ Legal Challenge Against Cheshire 'Split' Unlikely to Go Ahead ~
 Cheshire County Council remain opposed to the splitting of Cheshire but it seems unlikely that a legal challenge will be made due to the "unacceptable risk" to public funds. Cheshire County Council leader Paul Findlow said, "Our first duty must always be to the council taxpayers of Cheshire. Consequently, we cannot justify action which, should it fail, would considerably increase the additional financial burden that partition will impose".
Click here to be taken to Cheshire County Council's website to read more on the story. |
~ Decision Deferred on Closure of Community Support Centres ~
Cheshire Community Voice ran a consultation workshop in October 2007 entitled "Possible Changes to Residential Short Stay and Day Services for Older People in Cheshire". This focused on the proposed closure of three centres: Lightfoot Lodge in Chester, Santune House in Crewe and Bexton Court in Knutsford.
It was announced on 31st January 2008 that it is unlikely a decision will be made until the two new Unitary Authorities come into being in 2009. For more information on the decision please click one of the following links to Cheshire County Council's press releases:
http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/PR/2008/january08/37-08.htm
http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/PR/2008/january08/38-08.htm |
~ Local Involvement Networks Bulletin ~ Issue 9 ~
 The Department of Health have issued the latest national newsletter for the Local Involvement Networks (LINks) called "Getting Ready for the LINks". This includes the latest news, questions from the 'frontline' and an update from Cambridgeshire.
Click here to download the bulletin (PDF document 352kb). To get Adobe Reader please click here to download it now. |
~ £250,000 Funding Bid to Deliver Social Care ~
 Cheshire Community Voice found themselves in the papers this week. Read on to see what the Northwich & Chester Chronicle had to say:
NORTHWICH volunteers giving the ‘marginalised and excluded’ of Cheshire a voice are bidding for more than £250,000 of Government money.
Cheshire Community Voice (CCV) is an independent voluntary organisation, active for two years, helping individuals, service users, carers and their families to inform and influence the health and social care agenda.
The £257,000 launches Local Involvement Networks (LINks) which will give a greater number of local people a voice in commissioning health and social care, enabling them to influence key decisions about the services they use and pay for.
Hilda Yarker, chief executive of CCV, said: “It would enable us to build capacity in the community, providing training and support.”
So far, around five organisations are bidding for the cash, including national charities and private companies.
Hilda added: “If a big national charity gets it, what do they know about Cheshire and the people that live here? We’re here already.”
Applications must be in by the end of this month before presentations will be made by those shortlisted. The charity’s objective is to influence the planning of services from the point of design to the commissioning stage through to final delivery. Its website contains a database, currently with 250 people registered, for individuals to express their views on social care.
Hilda says: “I believe there’s power in numbers, there’s power in a collective voice saying: ‘That isn’t good enough’. It’s public money and should be spent wisely. Those at a senior level at PCTs are very much on board and are listening to the public. They want to know that they’re giving a service people want.”
One issue CCV will soon be inviting opinions on is the idea of direct payments for elderly care. Under the plans, relatives of those who have lost their independence would be given money and then choose to pay someone to look after their loved one or pay for a place in a care home. |
~ Western Cheshire Voices ~ Your Views on Local NHS ~
Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust is seeking your views about your local NHS health services.
Dr Foster Intelligence is undertaking this survey on their behalf. All of your responses are confidential. Your identity will not be linked to your responses in any way. If you have any queries please contact Eleanor Sibley on 020 7332 8884 or Western Cheshire Primary Care Trust on free phone 0800 132996; minicom (phone for the deaf) 01244 650385.
All surveys completed by January 23rd 2008 will go into the draw for £100 worth of gift vouchers you can spend at local exercise and fitness centres.
To start the survey, click the following link and click "start survey". No password is required.
www.framework.web.com/surveys/050005
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~ Opportunity to Feedback on Mental Health & Disabilities ~
 There is currently a new piece of research being conducted on behalf of Cheshire County Council and the Office for Disability Issues. They are looking for anyone living within the Congleton area with a physical or mobility impairement or with a mental health condition who needs to use information on topics such as education, health, equipment, transport, housing and benefits. The objective is to get feedback on the current information services and any improvements that could be made. Anyone who takes part will be paid £80 for helping with this important project. An informal focus group will be held in Congleton at the beginning of February. Help will be provided with taxis if people haven't got transport. Anyone interested or needing more information can call Wendy on 0161 482 2512. All information gathered is anonymous and strictly confidential.
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~ Changes in Home Care for Older People ~
 Older people are going to be given the right to choose their own care as part of a reform to be rolled out in April 2008. Social care minister Ivan Lewis said: 'This is the end of a paternalistic and controlling culture and the beginning of a new way for older people and those with disabilities to be in charge of their lives.' As part of the new system, those in need of care will be paid a monthly sum. This can then be used to 'shop around' for the best packages of care. People will be able to choose how to spend the money and may choose to spend more on help with cleaning or food. The shift of funding from local authorities to individuals is likely to create a market where agencies will compete to offer the best standards of care at the best price.
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~ Result of Cheshire Local Government Review ~
Following the delayed decision on Cheshire's Local Government Review, a formal announcement was made yesterday (18th December, 2007). It has been decided that Cheshire will be split into 2 Unitary Councils. This means that the current Cheshire County Council and 6 Borough Councils will be abolished in place of two County Councils:
1. The City of Chester & West Cheshire
(Merging Chester, Ellesmere Port & Neston & Vale Royal)
2. East Cheshire
(Merging Crewe & Nantwich, Macclesfield, Knutsford & Wilmslow and Congleton)
This proposal was initially put forward by Chester City Council, Vale Royal District Council, Macclesfield Borough Council and Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council. It is expected that the new structure will come into being in 2009.
For more information click one of the links below:
Cheshire County Council
Chester City Council |
~ Result of CCV LINks Consultation ~
 Cheshire Community Voice held a consultation for our members on 5th December 2007 regarding the latest document from the Department of Health on the LINks (Local Involvement Networks). This document was entitled " Community Consultation on the Regulations for Local Involvement Networks (LINks)". We were thrilled that so many of our members were able to attend and keen to contribute. We have created a document with the collated views expressed at the meeting and those handed in separately by our members. This has now been handed over to the Department of Health. We will be in touch as soon as we have further information regarding this consultation. The document of compiled views is available by clicking on the link below.
Download the document by clicking here (Word document 77kb) |
~ Government Response to Effective Consultation ~
 In June 2007, the Government launched a review of its consultation policy. This was entitled "Effective Consultation: asking the right questions, asking the right people, listening to the answers". The Government received 114 responses to the document and has now published a response document. Click below to download the response.
Download the response by clicking here (PDF document 165kb). To get Adobe Reader please click here to download it now. |
~ Second Issue of the Cheshire LINks Newsletter ~
 This edition gives up to date information on national and local LINks' developments, including the passing of the bill with Royal Assent, funding for the LINks and procuring a Host. It also includes feedback from the workshop on the 15 October and notification of a third Cheshire LINk Workshop, which is scheduled to take place towards the end of February 2008 (details to follow)
Download the newsletter by clicking here (Word document 116kb) |
~ New Group for Black & Minority Ethnic Groups ~
 A new voluntary group "Cheshire BME" has been launched as a result of a Government mapping exercise in 2006. Findings showed a lack of services for Black and Minority Ethnic Groups in East Cheshire. Cheshire BME aims to provide a visible presence and a strong voice through signposting and advocacy. Membership is free and open to everyone over the age of 18. For more information call Mike on 07807 746952 or email cheshire.bme@hotmail.com
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~ Mental Health & Wellbeing Directory ~
 Central & Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust have recently launched a mental health & wellbeing promotion website. This is an up-to-date directory listing useful contacts and helpful information relating to mental health. If you have any amendments or comments please contact Emma Leigh emma.leigh@cecpct.nhs.uk
Click here to visit the directory. |
~ The Eagle Has Landed ~
 Cheshire Community Voice has been very involved in the Community Steering Group for the brand new Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre in Crewe. This group has aimed to ensure the community can use the building for the things that matter to them. This has included the building of an IT centre, signposting service and community cafe. The new building made the news this week. Click here to see what local press had to say.
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~ Primary Care Mental Health Services Looking For Representatives ~
 The Central & Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust are currently undertaking a review of Primary Care Mental Health Services in Central Cheshire. They are recruiting for some service user representatives to sit on a Service Development Group. The Service Development Group will meet for the first time in mid October, and they hope to recruit at least 4 user representatives from across the Crewe and Nantwich and Vale Royal areas by this time. Below is some information about the kind of person they hope to recruit for the role. If you know of anyone who may be interested please encourage them to get involved.
Download more information here (Word document 465kb) |
~ Healthy Living Newsletter: Issue 5 ~
 The Central Cheshire Older People's Health Improvement Group have released Issue 5 of their "Healthy Living" Newsletter. This issue focuses on Beating the Flu, Living Well - Eating Well, Exercising During Winter and Keeping Warm - Myths and Facts. If you know of anyone who may find the newsletter useful please pass it onto them or alternatively contact us with their address and we will happily put a copy in the post for them.
Download the newsletter by clicking here (PDF). To get Adobe Reader please click here to download it now.
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~ First Issue of the Cheshire LINks Newsletter ~
Issue 1 of the 'Making the LINk in Cheshire' newsletter has just been released. The establishment of LINks forms part of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill, which is currently going through the Parliamentary process. Once the Bill becomes an Act, the expectation is that Councils with Social Services Responsibilities (CSSRs) will have a duty to establish a LINk in their area, which will replace the Patient and Public Involvement Forums and act as an independent network for local groups and individuals to have a stronger voice on issues relating to health and social care. The newsletter includes key facts, developments in Cheshire and an invitation to the Cheshire LINk event.
Download the newsletter by clicking here (Word document 112kb)
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~ NEW: Free Interpersonal Skills Training ~
 Cheshire Community Voice are thrilled to announce that we will be holding two training sessions at Burton Manor, near Neston on the Wirral. This free course has been designed with public engagement in mind and aims to help those who are often intimidated or too nervous to share their ideas and engage fully. The course will run from November 1st-2nd and March 3rd-4th. For more information please visit our training page by clicking here and book early!
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~ A Big "Thank You" to Our Retiring Chairman ~
 Brian Bowles kindly stepped into the role of Chairman in the Spring of 2006. Brian's contributions to the charity have been invaluable particularly in our first critical year. We'd like to offer our thanks to Brian for all his hard work. Brian will continue to work with Cheshire Community Voice as a member of the Board of Trustees.
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~ Older People Services Review ~
 Cheshire County Council are currently undertaking a review which may be of interest to you. The review, called "Possible Changes to Residential Short Stay and Day Services for Older People in Cheshire" includes proposals to provide specialist services to older people with dementia and the closure of three residential centres across Cheshire. Cheshire Community Voice are hoping to collate our members views on this consultation and will be running a consultation focus group in October. Dates and venue will be posted here as soon as they are confirmed.
In the meantime please tell us what you think of the consultation by visiting our forum. We will take comments made on the forum to be included in our response to Cheshire County Council. Download the consultation below and then visit our forum by clicking here. You will need to register an email and password when you first use the forum. This is completely free of charge and can be anonymous if you wish.
Download the consultation by clicking here (Word document 84kb)
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~ Cheshire Community Voice Community Events ~
Cheshire Community Voice are holding two events for all community members to discuss the role of Cheshire Community Voice in your community. This will include discussion around the LINks (Local Involvement Networks) and the future of the Local Care Forums. Your contribution at these events is very valuable to us and we are happy to reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses including mileage. Please let us know if you can attend by emailing louise@cheshirecommunityvoice.co.uk or calling 01606 786374.
Come along and tell us what you would like to see us doing in your community to encourage public engagement in Health & Social Care?
Eastern & Central Cheshire Event:
Tuesday, 4th September 2007 (2pm-4pm)
Winnington Park Recreation Club, Park Road, Northwich, CW8 4EB
Western Cheshire Event:
Thursday, 6th September 2007 (10am-12pm)
Ellesmere Port Civic Hall, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0AZ
You are welcome to attend either event. Please just let us know in advance.
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~ Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre, Crewe ~
 Cheshire Community Voice has been very involved in the Community Steering Group for this project with the aim of ensuring the community is involved in the new building on Dunwoody Way in Crewe.
The second issue of the Update leaflet has been released by the Primary Care Trust. You can download it by clicking here. If you do not have a PDF reader you can download a free copy from Adobe by clicking here. If you would like a paper copy of the leaflet please get in touch by emailing your postal address to louise@cheshirecommunityvoice.co.uk or call 01606 786374.
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~ Get Involved: Disability Equality in Cheshire ~
 The Central & Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) are currently consulting on their Disability Equality Scheme. The aim of this is to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are considered in everything from providing services, employment, policy development and communication. A workshop was held in Crewe on 5th June where local groups and community members had the opportunity to get involved. As a result of this and the continuing consultation, the PCT have developed a draft Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan. To make the consultation meaningful, it is essential that your comments and feedback are incorporated into this scheme. If you would like to comment on the scheme please fill in the comments form and either email it to louise@cheshirecommunityvoice.co.uk or post it to CCV, Waterside House, Navigation Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1BE before the 13th July, 2007.
Please click on the documents below to download in Word format:
DRAFT Disability Equality Scheme
Disability Equality Action Plan
Comments / Feedback Form
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~ Local Government Review - A United Cheshire? ~
 Cheshire Community Voice recently attended a Local Government Review concerning the recent bids for the proposed re-organisation of Cheshire. Two of these bids; for a Unitary Cheshire (Cheshire County Council) and Two Unitary Councils - East & West (Chester City Council), are currently being reviewed by Central Government. A third bid has been proposed by Congleton Borough Council for an improved version of the two-tier system currently in place. There is much debate concerning the financial implications and provision of services that will result from the proposed changes. The criteria that the bids are being assessed against are 1) affordability 2) stakeholder support 3) leadership 4) neighbourhood empowerment 5) service delivery & value for money. You can share your views in our forum or to share your view with the Government contact structures@communities.gsi.gov.uk or write to Unitary Structure Consultation Team, Zone 5/E8, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU. Get your opinions in before 22nd June 2007. A final decision is expected at the end of July.
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~ Alice Tligui Training Programme Announced ~
 Alice Tligui is an experienced trainer specialising in subjects relating to migration, community cohesion and integration. A former international aid worker with experience in DRC, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Romania, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Zambia, as well as 3 years as Chief Executive of the International Health Exchange - a charity that trains health workers to work abroad - she has a wealth of personal experience to draw from in her current work. Since 2002, she has worked in Refugee Awareness in the North West, training many public and voluntary sector workers in the region. Her new courses include 'Women From Abroad and Domestic Violence', 'New Migrant Right & Entitlements' and 'Extending Our Cultural Awarness'. Check out our Events page for more information or contact Alice at tligui@tiscali.co.uk.
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~ Parent Carer Newsletter May 2007 ~
 This is the most recent newsletter from the Parent Carer Network (Cheshire & Merseyside Child Health Programme). This provides a summary of the work of the network over the past 18 months and a key piece of work consulting with parents and carers on key health issues for children. This focuses on children & young people with long term health needs.
Click here to download the newsletter (PDF). To get Adobe Reader please click here to download it now.
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~ Real Change Not Short Change for Carers ~
 New research from Carers UK shows almost three-quarters of people are financially worse off since becoming a carer. This is in stark contrast to the £57 billion contribution carers make to the economy each year. Over 1 million people spend more than 50 hours a week caring unpaid for family and friends. You can help by supporting the campaign. Click here to visit the Carers UK website and they will send your message to Gordon Brown.
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~ Do You Fancy Yourself as the Next Andy Warhol? ~
 The new Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre on Dunwoody Way, Crewe is looking for all budding artists to decorate its walls. You will work with a professional artist to create a piece of art for the centre. Your work of art will then tour on the Crewe Art Circuit, visiting various locations in and around Crewe. For more information and to get involved please contact Jocelyn McMillan on 01270 537234 or email her on jocelyn.mcmillan@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
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