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 Rural Insight Survey - help needed!!! http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=643910&amp;feedid=4202 <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/46_4fb60d72ec207351703262.jpg" alt="Rural Insight Survey - help needed!!!" /></p><p>The Rural Services Network is undertaking its second survey into the views and experiences of rural people in England. Last year as part of the Rural Insight Survey it generated over 1300 responses. The results of the survey can be viewed at <a href="http://www.ruralinsight.org.uk/">www.ruralinsight.org.uk</a>. We do hope you will assist us with the development of this survey which will provide a really important data source. Responses will help us to both chart the key issues in rural England and consider how the views and experiences of rural people about living and working in the countryside have developed over the last 12 months. <strong>We encourage you to complete the survey as we can then get a more comprehensive breakdown of the results at a Leicestershire level. </strong></p><p>The survey can be straightforwardly accessed by <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SDVGCLF">clicking on this link</a> - surveys are to completed by the <strong>end of June</strong>. If you would like any information about the survey or have any queries about its questions please contact: Ivan Annibal at: <a href="mailto:Ivan.Annibal@sparse.gov.uk">Ivan.Annibal@sparse.gov.uk</a></p> #643910 Fri, 18 May 2012 10:36:03 +0100 Foster Care Fortnight 14 – 27 May http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=641870&amp;feedid=4202 <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84fab7ddd868a9889802304.jpg" alt="Foster Care Fortnight 14 – 27 May" /></p><p><strong><em>"Could you make space for a child?"</em></strong></p><p>According to the Fostering Network a child comes into care every 22 minutes across the UK.</p><p>Children need foster carers following a family crisis, if their parents become ill or if their family home is unsafe. This could involving caring for them for anything from a few days right though to the rest of their childhood.</p><p>Fostering a child is one of the most challenging but also rewarding things you can do and anyone can make a success of fostering. It doesn't matter whether you are married, cohabiting, single, gay or straight and we are looking for foster carers from all racial, religious and cultural backgrounds.</p><p>If you are interested in changing children's lives by becoming a Leicestershire foster carer visit:</p><p><a rel="external" href="http://www.spaceforachild.com/" title="Fostering website address">www.spaceforachild.com</a> or email: <a rel="external" href="mailto:spaceforachild@leics.gov.uk" title="email address for fostering team">spaceforachild@leics.gov.uk</a></p><p>You can also call 0116 305 0505 or freephone 0800 587 7767.</p><p><a rel="external" href="http://www.leics.gov.uk/fostering_brochure.pdf" title="fostering brochure">www.leics.gov.uk/fostering_brochure.pdf</a></p><p>More information about the Fostering Network visit: <a rel="external" href="http://www.22minutes.org.uk/" title="Fostering Network 22 minutes website">www.22minutes.org.uk</a></p> #641870 Thu, 10 May 2012 15:03:55 +0100 Local clinical groups lead national NHS reforms http://www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/Library/168LocalclinicalgroupsleadnationalNHSreforms.pdf <p>Three pioneering groups of local GPs could be among the first in the country to be recognised as being ready to take on full responsibility for planning and buying most of the health services needed by people living in their area, they were told today.</p><p>Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), West Leicestershire CCG and East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG have all been selected by the new NHS Commissioning Board Authority to be among 35 CCGs nationally to go through the 'authorisation' process first. Authorisation aims to ensure that CCGs meet safe thresholds to assume their full statutory responsibilities and are ready to take on responsibility for health care budgets for their local communities.</p><p>More than 200 CCGs across the country will go through the authorisation process in one of four waves between July and January 2013. Being included in the first wave is recognition of the progress made across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by GPs and managers at the CCGs, working in partnership with the local Primary Care Trust.</p><p>Professor Azhar Farooqi, co-chair of Leicester City CCG said: "We are delighted to be included in the first wave of the authorisation process. We've worked extremely hard to get to this point and the progress we've made is testament to the effort of everyone involved. This is just the start of the process but it gives us the drive to build on what we've done so far in fulfilling our ambition for all people in Leicester to live longer, healthier lives."</p><p>Dr Nick Pulman, chair of West Leicestershire CCG said: "Giving clinicians more responsibility for the way the NHS operates and the services it provides can only be a good thing. We've made excellent progress so far and have already put in place a number of improvements that make sense to patients and are delivering better health outcomes. We are looking forward to this next chapter."</p><p>Dr Dave Briggs, chair of East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG said: "This is great news for all of us. We've benefitted from excellent support from the PCT, which has allowed us to develop at a pace that felt right. We are excited at this great opportunity to develop the quality of services for patients locally and very much up for the challenge of proving that we have what it takes to formally take on these new responsibilities."</p><p>Catherine Griffiths, chief executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCT Cluster, added: "Right from the outset of the reforms the PCT Cluster has been committed to supporting the CCGs to develop quickly but appropriately. I have personally been struck by the energy and drive of the GPs and others involved and the way in which they have risen to the challenge so well. I have complete confidence that they will shine during the authorisation process and build upon the foundations they have each laid to deliver high quality, cost effective and sustainable health services that meet the needs of their communities for years to come."</p><p>As part of the authorisation process CCGs will be will be judged on their readiness to deliver safe, effective and sustainable services for local people that improves quality, reduces health inequalities and also delivers better outcomes for patients. In total CCGs will have to meet 118 authorisation requirements across six key domains, which are:</p><ul><li>· Strong clinical and professional focus which brings real added value</li><li>· Meaningful engagement with patients, carers and their communities</li><li>· Clear and credible plans for the future that are affordable</li><li>· Proper constitutional and governance arrangements</li><li>· Collaborative arrangements for commissioning with other CCGs, local authorities and the NHS commissioning board and others</li><li>· Great leaders who individually and collectively can make a real difference.</li></ul><p>CCGs are a cornerstone of the Government's NHS reforms which aim to give frontline clinicians a stronger leadership role in the running of the NHS, giving patients more information and choice, and focusing on healthcare outcomes that are among the best in the world. All CCGs will take on their new commissioning duties, if authorised, on 1 April 2013.</p><p>For more information about the authorisation process, visit: <a href="http://www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/auth/ccg-auth-facts/">http://www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/auth/ccg-auth-facts/</a>.</p><p>ENDS</p><p><strong>For interviews or more information please contact senior media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or</strong> <a href="mailto:liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk">liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk</a></p><p>Notes to editor:</p><p>In October 2010 NHS Leicester City and NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland joined forces to form a 'cluster', in line with the requirements of the Department of Health. Although we share one Cluster Board and our staff work across the city and county boundaries, we have not legally merged, and retain our separate statutory duties. Together we serve a population of more than a million people. Cluster formation is an interim stage in the reform of the NHS, involving ongoing transfer of most local commissioning functions to GP-led clinical commissioning groups.</p> #640580 Fri, 04 May 2012 11:34:42 +0100 Big Society Rural Action Seminar May 3rd http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=639315&amp;feedid=4202 <p>The popular Rural Action Seminar will take place in the Council Chamber at Leicestershire County Council May 3rd from 5.45.pm when the buffet will be available.</p><p>Speakers will include Corin Birchall from Kerching Retail services who will be speaking about the free advice service for Rural Shops funded through the Leicestershire Rural Partnership, Community members from Shepshed introducing their successful Community projects following a community led plan, Katherine Lightbown who can offer free support from professionals such as architects, lawyers surveyors through Pro Help, Polly Rolfe presenting the work of the Community Foundation. The RCC will be updating everyone on the Rural Community Broadband Fund, 4 Ways to Warmth project Energy best Deal and Neighbourhood planning There will be a wealth of information available on sevices that are of interest to the community. Everyone is welcome. To book a place email dcook@ruralcc.org.uk or call 0116 2689706</p> #639315 Tue, 01 May 2012 17:07:59 +0100 Boosting Leicestershire's Broadband: Last few weeks to complete our survey! http://www.leics.gov.uk/broadband <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f8d39a67837d786906076.jpg" alt="Boosting Leicestershire's Broadband: Last few weeks to complete our survey!" /></p><p>The internet is transforming the way that we live, work and play. It is driving business innovation and growth, ensuring that people can access services, is opening up new opportunities for creative learning and will help transform how we deliver public services. Whilst some areas benefit from super-fast broadband a significant proportion, mainly within rural areas, are left in the slow-lane.</p><p>Leicestershire County Council is working with a range of public, private and voluntary organisations and communities to deliver super-fast broadband to all premises in Leicestershire by 2017, subject to securing necessary funding. Initially our vision is to deliver to over 90% by 2015. To help us achieve this 2015 target the County Council has allocated £4m to match the Government's £3m.</p><p>In addition to this investment it is critical that we raise demand for super-fast broadband. To date we over 3000 questionnnaire responses from Leicestershire households and businesses have been received in support of plans to improve broadband connectivity.</p><p>There is still time for those who live or work in rural Leicestershire to respond. Please complete the online survey available at <a href="outbind://16/www.leics.gov.uk/broadband">www.leics.gov.uk/broadband</a>. The survey closes on the 30th April 2012. It is anticipated that deployment will commence in 2013.</p><p>For more information please contact Matthew Kempson (<a href="mailto:matthew.kempson@leics.gov.uk">matthew.kempson@leics.gov.uk</a>, 0116 305 6179)</p> #637570 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:48:12 +0100 Fostering and Adoption OPEN DAY on Saturday 21 April http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=637588&amp;feedid=4202 <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f8d447849476606489989.jpg" alt="Fostering and Adoption OPEN DAY on Saturday 21 April" /></p><p><strong><em>"Could You Make Space For A Child?"</em></strong></p><p>Leicestershire County Council is holding an <strong>open day</strong> in Market Harborough on <strong>Saturday 21 April</strong> for all leicestershire residents, where you can find out more about what fostering and adoption involves and hear about the advice and support available.</p><p>Members of the fostering and adoption teams will be on hand to answer your questions.</p><p>The open day will take place between 10am and 2pm at Harborough Community Opportunities Centre, 36 Roman Way, Market Harborough, LE16 7PQ.</p><p>If you are interested in changing children's lives by becoming a foster carer or adoptive parent come along to the open day or for more information visit:</p><p><a rel="external" href="http://www.spaceforachild.com/" title="space for a child adoption and fostering in Leicestershire">http://www.spaceforachild.com/</a></p><p>You can also call 0116 305 3051 or freephone 0800 587 7767.</p><p><a rel="external" href="http://www.leics.gov.uk/adoption_brochure.pdf" title="adoption brochure">www.leics.gov.uk/adoption_brochure.pdf</a></p><p><a rel="external" href="http://www.leics.gov.uk/fostering_brochure.pdf" title="fostering brochure">www.leics.gov.uk/fostering_brochure.pdf</a></p> #637588 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:18:35 +0100 Pre-Driver Days are booking up at Mallory Park. http://www.tjunction.org.uk <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f8d8e23baa53296953459.jpg" alt="Pre-Driver Days are booking up at Mallory Park." /></p><p>Don't miss your chance to experience what it's like to drive on a Pre-Driver Day for 16/17 year olds.</p><p><em><strong>Mallory Park</strong></em> is a great course to learn essential skill before you start driving lessons. They are great fun and include:</p><p>an <em><strong>introduction to driving</strong></em>,</p><p><em><strong>issues relating to speed</strong></em>,</p><p><em><strong>reaction tests</strong></em> and also</p><p>a <em><strong>practical off road driving session</strong></em></p><p>Accompanied by a qualified driving instructor in a dual controlled car the course is fantastic value and only costs <em><strong>£35 for a full day</strong></em>.</p><p>If you are interested in a <em><strong>Pre-Driver course</strong></em>, call <strong>0116 3056607</strong> now to book your place and spread the word to your friends and family.</p><p><strong>Please be advised places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.</strong> You can also enter online by completing an application form which can be found on the T-Junction website: <a href="http://www.tjunction.org.uk/" title="T-Junction">www.tjunction.org.uk</a></p><p>The Pre-Driver courses being held at Mallory Park in 2012 are as follows:</p><ul><li>Monday 16th July</li><li>Tuesday 17th July</li><li>Tuesday 24th July</li><li>Tuesday 14th August</li><li>Monday 20th August</li><li>Tuesday 21st August</li><li>Tuesday 23rd October</li></ul><p><a href="http://www.tjunction.org.uk/" title="T-Junction">www.tjunction.org.uk</a></p><p>Completed forms should be sent to:</p><p>Pre Driver Days, Road Safety Team<br />Department of Environment & Transport<br />Leicestershire County Council<br />County Hall, Glenfield<br />Leicester. LE3 8RJ</p><p>Please note all students are required to bring a packed lunch with them and must dress appropriate for the weather.</p> #637705 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:33:41 +0100 Last chance to become a Waste Action Volunteer! http://www.lesswaste.org.uk <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f8593b96f431286736050.jpg" alt="Last chance to become a Waste Action Volunteer!" /></p><p>Don't miss your chance to become a WAV!</p><p>The deadline for applications to our latest round of recruitment to the Leicestershire Waste Action Volunteers is <strong>5.00 PM</strong> this <strong>Friday, the 13<sup>th</sup> April.</strong></p><p>It's a great opportunity to:</p><p>learn new skills, meet new people and do your bit to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.</p><p>Full training and support are provided; you can find more details and an application form at <a href="http://www.lesswaste.org.uk/">www.lesswaste.org.uk</a> or call 0116 305 7005.</p> #636584 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:47:00 +0100 NHW Public Liability Insurance for 2012/13 http://www.leicestershirenhw.com/public-liability-insurance-2010.html <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/28_4f8033381827a762975318.jpg" alt="NHW Public Liability Insurance for 2012/13" /></p><p>We are pleased to announce that we have secured funding from the Home Office for 2012/13 to be able to provide FREE Public Liability Insurance for all Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch scheme across England and Wales.</p> #627168 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:02:45 +0100 Olympic Torch Dress Rehearsal - 20 April 2012 http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=635404&amp;feedid=4202 <p>The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has chosen Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to stage a full dress rehearsal to test the operations around the Olympic Torch Relay. This will take place on Friday 20 April.</p><p>Attached is a leaflet and map which will explain how this may affect local residents along the route in more detail.</p> #635404 Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:02:17 +0100 Boosting Broadband - Over 2000 responses! http://www.leics.gov.uk/broadband <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f7d6d83e7250226923502.jpg" alt="Boosting Broadband - Over 2000 responses!" /></p><p>Leicestershire County Council (LCC) is working with district and parish councils, communities and the Rural Community Council to help improve broadband connectivity across the County.</p><p>LCC is seeking to invest £4.3m to help ensure that at least 90% of the Leicestershire population has access to super-fast broadband by 2015. Our wider vision is to ensure all premises have access by 2017.</p><p>In addition to this investment we launched a broadband survey on the 1st March. To date over 2000 responses have been received. Thank you! There is still time to register demand! Please visit <a href="http://www.leics.gov.uk/broadband">www.leics.gov.uk/broadband</a> for more information.</p><p>We have published the interim distribution of responses by parish. Please see the attachment. Ullethorpe and Claybrooke Magna are top with over 110 responses each. So far no response has been received from 49 parishes.</p><p>For more information please contact Matthew Kempson <a href="mailto:broadband@leics.gov.uk]Matthew">broadband@leics.gov.uk</a> 0116 305 6179</p> #635318 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:15:26 +0100 CCG demonstrates progress at first public board http://www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/Library/162CCGwilldemonstrateprogresswithfirstpublicboardmeeting.pdf <p>Leicester people will have a chance to see Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group's work first hand when its board meetings open to the public in April.</p><p>The first board meeting to be held in public takes place on Tuesday April 17 from 1pm to 5pm at St John's House, 30 East Street, Leicester, LE1 6NB.</p><p>Leicester City CCG is set to take over responsibility for planning and buying most of the health services needed by people living in the city from April 2013 as part of the Government's NHS reforms which were given Royal Assent last week.</p><p>The CCG, which was set up in shadow form early last year, is already working alongside the outgoing Primary Care Trust in many areas, including negotiating and managing the main local healthcare contracts. This includes taking a lead role on the contract with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for a wide range of acute healthcare services, including A&E. The city CCG is also working with neighbouring CCGs and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) to develop mental healthcare, support for people with learning difficulties and the city's community health services.</p><p>As part of its plans for the future the CCG has also drafted its first commissioning strategy setting out its main healthcare objectives for the next three years. Its priority aims are to tackle heart disease and serious breathing disorders, as two of the biggest causes of early death in Leicester compared to elsewhere in the country, while improving mental health services and the care of the frail elderly.</p><p>Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask the CCG questions about agenda items at this first public board meeting, with 20 minutes set aside for questions from the floor. Items on the agenda include CCG finances and the commissioning strategy. There will also be an update on the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Emergency Care Network programme to reduce the current overreliance on emergency and urgent care, reduce unnecessary admissions and ensure people receive the best possible treatment for their needs in the most appropriate place.</p><p>Professor Azhar Farooqi, co-chair of the Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "This is an ideal opportunity for the public to find out just how well we have progressed with health plans for the city. We have asked our key stakeholders to identify their priorities for health as well as getting a head start on plans to improve GP services by implementing annual quality reviews. This will allow us to ensure all practices across the city are providing a good service.</p><p>"GPs are already taking responsibility for the management of budgets so money can be spent on patients in the most appropriate way. We have also increased the eligibility criteria for an NHS Health Check so more people can be diagnosed and treated earlier.</p><p>"Leicester City CCG is determined to lead the way in implementing plans for clinical commissioning and strives to be one of the first CCGs to be given authorisation to operate. We will continue to work very closely with the PCT to develop and take these plans forward."</p><p>The agenda and papers will be available to view approximately five days before the meeting on the CCG website at <a href="http://www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/">http://www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/</a>.</p><p>After the April meeting, the next CCG board meeting of Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group will take place on Tuesday May 8, at 1pm at St John's House, 30 East Street, Leicester, LE1 6NB.</p><p>ENDS</p><p><strong>For interviews or more information please contact senior media and public relations officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or</strong> <a href="mailto:liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk">liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk</a></p><p>Notes to editors:</p><p>Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group was formed earlier this year as part of the changes proposed to the NHS under the Health and Social Care Act. Clinical Commissioning Groups were formerly known as GP consortia. Leicester City CCG represents 65 GP practices and serves a patient population of 360,000 patients.</p> #635145 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:50:34 +0100 Choose Better over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend http://www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/Library/161ChooseBetterovertheEasterbankholidayweekend.pdf <p>Families are being urged to Choose Better if they need medical care in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland during the long Easter weekend this month.</p><p>With some GP practices due to close from Good Friday (6 April) to Easter Monday (9 April), it is important everyone knows the most appropriate place to go when feeling unwell:</p><p><strong>Self care</strong> &ndash; every day illnesses like a headache, hangover, sore throat or cough can be treated at home by using over-the-counter medicines. Your local pharmacist will be happy to give you more advice. If you are unsure about the right treatment call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.</p><p><strong>GP </strong>&ndash; For problems such as vomiting, ear pain, sore belly and backache that cannot wait until your GP surgery opens, call the Out of Hours service which will be on your surgery answerphone service.</p><p><strong>Minor injury or urgent care services</strong> &ndash; for cuts, sprains and strains visit your local minor injury service at the venues listed in the table below or for urgent medical care than cannot wait until your GP surgery opens call the Out of Hours service on 0845 045 0411.</p><p>Loughborough walk-in centre</p><p>24 hours</p><p>Oadby and Wigston walk-in medical centre</p><p>8am-8pm</p><p>Lutterworth Minor Injury Unit at Fielding Palmer Hospital</p><p>9am-9pm</p><p>Market Harborough Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Market Harborough District Hospital</p><p>9am-9pm</p><p>Latham House Medical Practice, Melton: Minor Injury and Illness Unit</p><p>Melton Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Melton Mowbray Hospital</p><p>Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm</p><p>Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9.30am-1.30pm</p><p>Rutland Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Rutland Memorial Hospital</p><p>Monday to Friday 9am-9pm</p><p>Leicester Royal Infirmary Urgent Care Centre</p><p>24 hours</p><p>The Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre</p><p>8am-8pm</p><p><strong>A&E</strong> &ndash; if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of blood or loss of consciousness go straight to A&E or dial 999 in an emergency.</p><p>Dr Rish Prasad, general practitioner at Willowbrook Surgery, Thurncourt Road, Leicester, said: "Most GP practices will be open as usual on Saturday April 7 but may be closed or offer shorter surgery hours on other days. Always make your GP your first port of call if you feel unwell. Make sure elderly relatives and neighbours who live on their own have enough of their prescriptive medicines to last them over the bank holiday and ensure prescriptions are put in at the doctors in plenty of time so you don't run out. Pop in to your local GP or pharmacy and ask then for their opening times over the bank holiday.</p><p>"Ensure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet containing plasters, cold and flu treatments, rehydration sachets and paracetamol. Most minor illnesses such as colds, flu and tummy upsets can be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids."</p><p>For details of pharmacies open in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland over the Easter Bank Holiday visit the Choose Better website at <a href="http://www.choosebetter.org.uk/_Pharmacy.aspx">http://www.choosebetter.org.uk/_Pharmacy.aspx</a>.</p><p>For out of hours emergency dental advice in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland call 0845 840 0065.</p><p>ENDS</p><p><strong>For interviews or more information please contact media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or</strong> <a href="mailto:liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk">liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk</a></p><p>Notes to editor:</p><p>In October 2010 NHS Leicester City and NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland joined forces to form a 'cluster', in line with the requirements of the Department of Health. Although we share one Cluster Board and our staff work across the city and county boundaries, we have not legally merged, and retain our separate statutory duties. Together we serve a population of more than a million people. Cluster formation is an interim stage in the reform of the NHS, involving ongoing transfer of most local commissioning functions to GP-led clinical commissioning groups, in line with the Health and Social Care Bill, now before Parliament and the House of Lords.</p> #634907 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:46:46 +0100 East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG reveals progress at public Board http://www.lcr.nhs.uk/Library/163EastLeicestershireandRutlandCCGrevealsprogressatfirstpublicBoardFINAL.pdf <p>People in East Leicestershire and Rutland will have a chance to see the CCG's progress first hand when its board meeting opens to the public in April.</p><p>The first board meeting to be held in public takes place on Tuesday April 10 from 11am to 1pm at Leicester Racecourse, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL.</p><p>East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG (ELRCCG) is set to take over responsibility for planning and buying most of the health services needed by people living in this area from April 2013 as part of the Government's NHS reforms which were given Royal Assent last week.</p><p>The CCG, which was set up in shadow form early last year, is already working alongside the outgoing Primary Care Trust, in many areas, including negotiating and managing the main local healthcare contracts. It serves over 318,000 patients in Melton, Rutland, Market Harborough, Blaby District, Lutterworth, and Oadby and Wigston.</p><p>As part of its plans for the future the CCG has also drafted its first commissioning strategy, based on public engagement, which sets out its main healthcare objectives for the next three years. Its priority aims are to tackle ill health that can contribute to a range of long term conditions, focus on bringing care closer to home for patients and improving end of life care.</p><p>Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask the CCG questions about agenda items at this first public board meeting, with 20 minutes set aside for questions from the floor. Items on the agenda include CCG finances and the commissioning strategy. There will also be an update of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Emergency Care Network programme.</p><p>Dr. Dave Briggs, chairman of the ELR CCG, said: "The public will have the opportunity to listen to significant discussions on the buying of healthcare for patients in East Leicestershire and Rutland.</p><p>"We remain focused on improving care and health outcomes for patients with chronic conditions and we are putting a particular focus on improving services for patients with dementia and tackling long term conditions including diabetes and lung conditions."</p><p>The agenda and papers will be available to view approximately five days before the meeting on the CCG website at <a href="http://www.lcr.nhs.uk/_Clinicalcommissioninggroups-EastLeicestershireRutlandCCG.aspx">http://www.lcr.nhs.uk/_Clinicalcommissioninggroups-EastLeicestershireRutlandCCG.aspx</a></p><p>After the April meeting, the next CCG board meeting of East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG will take place on Tuesday May 8, 2012. Timings and venue are to be confirmed.</p><p>ENDS</p><p><strong>For interviews or more information please contact senior media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or</strong> <a href="mailto:liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk">liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk</a></p><p>Notes to editor:</p><p>East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group (ELR CCG) was formed earlier this year as part of the changes proposed to the NHS under the Health and Social Care Act. Clinical Commissioning Groups were formerly known as GP consortia. The ELR CCG represents 33 GP practices across Market Harborough, Rutland, Melton and surrounding areas.</p> #635193 Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:01:10 +0100 Support for Community Groups http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/charnwood/viewer.html?itemid=634628&amp;feedid=4202 <p><strong>Does your community or voluntary group need some practical help or 'people power'?</strong></p><p>We have teams of employee volunteers who could help complete a one-day practical or strategic Team Challenge. Examples of Challenges include indoor projects such as giving a tired, well-used room a 'makeover' and lick of paint, and outdoor challenges such as helping create a garden area or clear woodland in a nature reserve. (Please note that Team Challenges do not include technical, structural or construction work).</p><p>If you have a possible Team Challenge, please contact us to discuss what is required. Short profiles of all available Team Challenges are promoted to Leicestershire Cares member businesses for employee volunteers to choose which to take up.</p><p><strong>Are you looking for professional advice?</strong></p><p>Leicestershire and Rutland ProHelp is a network of professional firms offering <em>free advice and strategic support</em> for one-off projects for the voluntary and community sector. Member firms include solicitors, marketing and PR consultants, accountants, architects, IT and web consultants, and surveyors who commit to offering support free of charge each year on a range of projects.</p><p>For further information about either ProHelp or Team Challenges, please contact Katharine Lightbown or Rosie Colls at Leicestershire Cares: 0116 275 6469 or email <a href="mailto:katharine@leicestershirecare.co.uk">katharine@leicestershirecare.co.uk</a> / <a href="mailto:rosie@leicestershirecares.co.uk">rosie@leicestershirecares.co.uk</a></p> #634628 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:25:18 +0100 LRP Conference 2012 - Huge Success! http://www.oakleaves.org.uk/leicestershire-rural-conference.html <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/46_4f6b05c436667584203129.jpg" alt="LRP Conference 2012 - Huge Success!" /></p><p>The LRP held its biennial conference back on 1st March, the weather was fabulous and a most enjoyable and informative day was had by all 110 delegates. Adam Henson started the day with an inspiration talk which set the tone well for an interactive day of discussions and debate. We would like to thank all those who took part on the day for making it one of our most successful and memorable events ever. We had very positive feedback on the conference (see detailed evaluation report) and we look forward using your points and suggestions raised through feedback to help shape our work in the year to come.</p> #631633 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:19:37 +0000 2012 London Olympics Scam Alerts http://www.london2012.com/about-this-website/stay-safe-online.php <p>Watch out for scam emails</p><p>It has been drawn to our attention that London 2012's name has been abused in relation to some email scams and other fraudulent or inappropriate conduct.</p><p>Details of scams can be found on the official site under the 'Stay Safe Online' pages using this link.</p> #631064 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:28:01 +0000 London 2012: Olympic torch relay street-by-street routes http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17358291 <p>The street-by-street route the London 2012 Olympic torch relay will take around the UK has been set out.</p><p>The links contain each day's route along which the Olympic Flame will be carried.</p><p>A total of 8,000 torchbearers will take the torch on its 70-day journey which begins in Land's End on 19 May.</p><p>Use this link to check whether it is coming to your neighbourhood</p> #631029 Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:05:18 +0000 Independent Fostering Panel Members wanted http://www.leics.gov.uk/fostering <p><img src="http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/uploads/84f61b4da971bf681212856.jpg" alt="Independent Fostering Panel Members wanted" /></p><p><strong>Would you like to be part of improving the lives of children and young people in care?</strong></p><p>Leicestershire's Fostering Panel needs to reflect the broad richness of our local community and so we are looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience to join our central list of <em><strong>Panel Members</strong></em>.</p><p>You will need to be able to read and analyse reports and be available to share in monthly Panel meetings.</p><p>You will be paid expenses up to £20 per hour.</p><p>Please contact:Liz Cooke</p><p>Team Manager</p><p>Family Placement Team</p><p>Room 600</p><p>Tel 0116 3054861</p><p><a href="mailto:Liz.cooke@leics.gov.uk">Liz.cooke@leics.gov.uk</a></p><p><a href="http://www.spaceforachild.com" title="Space For A Child">www.spaceforachild.com</a></p><p><a href="http://www.leics.gov.uk/fostering" title="Fostering in Leicestershire">www.leics.gov.uk/fostering</a></p> #630181 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:59:47 +0000 Spring savings for park and ride users http://www.quicksilverbus.co.uk <p><strong>Spring savings for park and ride users</strong></p><p>Discounted travel on park and ride services will be just the ticket this spring thanks to a series of money saving vouchers. Shoppers, commuters, residents and visitors can save up to 15 per cent on journeys from the three Park and Ride sites over the coming weeks. The deals are:</p><ul><li>A 10 trip ticket available for 10 return journeys within two months for £22.50 (usual price £26), available for purchase between March 19 and April 28** just £2.20* a day with a voucher</li><li>A four week ticket for £35.50 (usual price £42), available for purchase between March 19 and April 28** just £1.48* a day with a voucher</li></ul><p>Lesley Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: The park and ride is an easy way to get out and about this spring for shoppers, commuters and people visiting the city's attractions. Travelling by bus not only takes out the hassle of finding a parking space but it is a good value and a more environmentally friendly alternative to the car."</p><p>The vouchers will be available in local newspapers, can be downloaded from www.quicksilverbus.co.ukor can be picked up from terminal buildings as well as on park and ride buses and at selected libraries, service shops and other local outlets (while stocks last).</p><p>For more information about the three park and ride services and for terms and conditions, visit <a href="http://www.quicksilverbus.co.uk/">www.quicksilverbus.co.uk</a>, alternatively copies can be requested by calling the helpline on 0116 305 0002.</p><p>The ticket offers are only available when presenting the driver with a promotional voucher within the offer periods.</p><p>The park and ride service is run jointly by Leicester City and Leicestershire County Councils.</p><p>Notes:</p><p>* Based on the passenger using the service six days a week.</p><p>** Passes can be purchased at any time during the offer period, <br /> even on the last days of the promotion.</p> #629864 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:55:13 +0000