Local News
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"Could you make space for a child?"
According to the Fostering Network a child comes into care every 22 minutes across the UK.
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.
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. More »
If you are interested in changing children's lives by becoming a Leicestershire foster carer visit:
www.spaceforachild.com or email: spaceforachild@leics.gov.uk
You can also call 0116 305 0505 or freephone 0800 587 7767.
www.leics.gov.uk/fostering_brochure.pdf
More information about the Fostering Network visit: www.22minutes.org.uk » Less
7 community projects have been submitted for the South Wigston Residents Forum. Each of these projects have requested a share of the £10,000 allocated to the Community Forum.
You can now view and comment on each proposal, offering suggestions for improvement. The information collated at this stage will help inform discussions at the Community Forum Budget Decision Night.
If you want to take part in the decision making on the night, you can now also book your place. The Decision Night will take place on 23rd May 2012, from 6-9pm.
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.
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. More »
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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:
- · Strong clinical and professional focus which brings real added value
- · Meaningful engagement with patients, carers and their communities
- · Clear and credible plans for the future that are affordable
- · Proper constitutional and governance arrangements
- · Collaborative arrangements for commissioning with other CCGs, local authorities and the NHS commissioning board and others
- · Great leaders who individually and collectively can make a real difference.
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.
For more information about the authorisation process, visit: http://www.commissioningboard.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/auth/ccg-auth-facts/.
ENDS
For interviews or more information please contact senior media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
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. » Less
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.
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
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.
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. More »
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.
There is still time for those who live or work in rural Leicestershire to respond. Please complete the online survey available at www.leics.gov.uk/broadband. The survey closes on the 30th April 2012. It is anticipated that deployment will commence in 2013.
For more information please contact Matthew Kempson (matthew.kempson@leics.gov.uk, 0116 305 6179) » Less
"Could You Make Space For A Child?"
Leicestershire County Council is holding an open day in Market Harborough on Saturday 21 April for all leicestershire residents, where you can find out more about what fostering and adoption involves and hear about the advice and support available.
Members of the fostering and adoption teams will be on hand to answer your questions.
The open day will take place between 10am and 2pm at Harborough Community Opportunities Centre, 36 Roman Way, Market Harborough, LE16 7PQ. More »
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:
http://www.spaceforachild.com/
You can also call 0116 305 3051 or freephone 0800 587 7767.
East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG (ELR CCG) is reviewing how community services are provided locally. In East Leicestershire and Rutland there are a number of community hospitals and other venues delivering healthcare services. These include:
- Market Harborough District Hospital
- St Luke's Hospital, Market Harborough
- Rutland Memorial Hospital
- Feilding Palmer Hospital, Lutterworth
- Melton Mowbray Hospital and St Mary's Maternity Hospital
- GP Practices e.g. Syston Health Centre
What do you want from your community services? What are your thoughts on elective care services (treatment and surgery which is pre-arranged and not urgent) and the Minor Injury Units? More »
Complete the survey online by the 13th May 2012.
If you would like translations, large print, hard copies or easy read versions please call Penny Harris on 0116 295 7571 or email getinvolved@leicestercity.nhs.uk » Less
Don't miss your chance to experience what it's like to drive on a Pre-Driver Day for 16/17 year olds.
Mallory Park is a great course to learn essential skill before you start driving lessons. They are great fun and include:
an introduction to driving,
issues relating to speed,
reaction tests and also
a practical off road driving session
Accompanied by a qualified driving instructor in a dual controlled car the course is fantastic value and only costs £35 for a full day.
If you are interested in a Pre-Driver course, call 0116 3056607 now to book your place and spread the word to your friends and family. More »
Please be advised places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. You can also enter online by completing an application form which can be found on the T-Junction website: www.tjunction.org.uk
The Pre-Driver courses being held at Mallory Park in 2012 are as follows:
- Monday 16th July
- Tuesday 17th July
- Tuesday 24th July
- Tuesday 14th August
- Monday 20th August
- Tuesday 21st August
- Tuesday 23rd October
Completed forms should be sent to:
Pre Driver Days, Road Safety Team
Department of Environment & Transport
Leicestershire County Council
County Hall, Glenfield
Leicester. LE3 8RJ
Please note all students are required to bring a packed lunch with them and must dress appropriate for the weather. » Less
Are you a group, club or business in the Oadby and Wigston Area? If you could offer a sixth form student a volunteer placement once a week, please contact Diane Trott, Youth Volunteer Co-ordinator Community Action Partnership (Leicestershire) by email on diane.trott@communityap.org.uk or by leaving a message at Community Action Partnership on (0116) 2810026.
Don't miss your chance to become a WAV!
The deadline for applications to our latest round of recruitment to the Leicestershire Waste Action Volunteers is 5.00 PM this Friday, the 13th April.
It's a great opportunity to:
learn new skills, meet new people and do your bit to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
Full training and support are provided; you can find more details and an application form at www.lesswaste.org.uk or call 0116 305 7005.
The Bassett Centre - Bassett Street South Wigston LE18 4PE Managed by Community Action Partnership www.owcommunityaction.org.uk
- Work clubs– welcome to our friendly work clubs at the Bassett Centre – Mondays 1-3 pm for all and Wednesdays 2 - 3 pm for 16-25 year olds. We can help with online searches, CVs, application forms, interviewing. You can help each other by sharing your experiences and encouraging one another. Free - just 50p for tea/coffee/biscuits
- Gentle seated exercise- Mondays 2 – 2.45 at the Bassett Centre with Nicky Appleton - £4 or 3 sessions for £10. Contact Nicky on 07882284564
- Wednesday April 25th Spring Online – Silver Surfers event - 9.30 am until 12.30 pm. Free refreshments. Find out about: our regular classes, Skype, email, family history, surfing the web, Facebook, new interests, holidays. Guest presenters – Ian from Leicestershire Cares Online, Adam from the Wigston Records Office. A friendly welcome will be given by our present learners. Book at the Bassett Centre or contact Sue Hill – 2784230
- Regular computer classes at the Bassett Centre – Mondays and Wednesdays – 10 -12 - £3 with refreshments – turn up or ring Sue – 2784230
Coming up at the Bassett Centre – school holiday activities June half term and Jubilee celebrations in June. Drop in to all of the above or contact Sue Hill – 0116 2784230 or email bassettbookings@btconnect.com
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.
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.
Attached is a leaflet and map which will explain how this may affect local residents along the route in more detail.
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.
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.
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 www.leics.gov.uk/broadband for more information. More »
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.
For more information please contact Matthew Kempson broadband@leics.gov.uk 0116 305 6179 » Less
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.
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.
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. More »
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
"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."
The agenda and papers will be available to view approximately five days before the meeting on the CCG website at http://www.leicestercityccg.nhs.uk/.
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.
ENDS
For interviews or more information please contact senior media and public relations officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk
Notes to editors:
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. » Less
Families are being urged to Choose Better if they need medical care in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland during the long Easter weekend this month.
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:
Self care – 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. More »
GP – 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.
Minor injury or urgent care services – 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.
Loughborough walk-in centre
24 hours
Oadby and Wigston walk-in medical centre
8am-8pm
Lutterworth Minor Injury Unit at Fielding Palmer Hospital
9am-9pm
Market Harborough Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Market Harborough District Hospital
9am-9pm
Latham House Medical Practice, Melton: Minor Injury and Illness Unit
Melton Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Melton Mowbray Hospital
Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9.30am-1.30pm
Rutland Minor Injury and Illness Unit at Rutland Memorial Hospital
Monday to Friday 9am-9pm
Leicester Royal Infirmary Urgent Care Centre
24 hours
The Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre
8am-8pm
A&E – 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.
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.
"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."
For details of pharmacies open in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland over the Easter Bank Holiday visit the Choose Better website at http://www.choosebetter.org.uk/_Pharmacy.aspx.
For out of hours emergency dental advice in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland call 0845 840 0065.
ENDS
For interviews or more information please contact media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
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. » Less
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.
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.
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. More »
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
The agenda and papers will be available to view approximately five days before the meeting on the CCG website at http://www.lcr.nhs.uk/_Clinicalcommissioninggroups-EastLeicestershireRutlandCCG.aspx
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.
ENDS
For interviews or more information please contact senior media officer Liz Thomas on 0116 295 7677 or liz.thomas@leicestercity.nhs.uk
Notes to editor:
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. » Less
Does your community or voluntary group need some practical help or 'people power'?
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). More »
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.
Are you looking for professional advice?
Leicestershire and Rutland ProHelp is a network of professional firms offering free advice and strategic support 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.
For further information about either ProHelp or Team Challenges, please contact Katharine Lightbown or Rosie Colls at Leicestershire Cares: 0116 275 6469 or email katharine@leicestershirecare.co.uk / rosie@leicestershirecares.co.uk » Less
Leicestershire County Council has made £10,000 available for community projects in the Oadby Residents Forum area. Want a share? This is your voice, your choice!
You can participate throughout the process:
• Apply for funding for your community
Put a funding proposal (up to £5,000) forward by 2nd May 2012 for a community project that will benefit the local area.
• View and comment on projects in the local area
From 3rd May 2012, you can see what projects have been put forward for your local Forum area and provide comments and suggestions. More »
• Vote for your favourite projects
Book your place at the Community Forum Budget Decision Night on 23rd May 2012, 6-9pm to discuss projects and vote for your favourites. (Booking starts on 3rd May 2012. Limited spaces available)
To find out more please visit the Leicestershire Community Forum website www.leicestershireforums.org or call the Information Line on 0116 305 7034. » Less
TUESDAY HEALTH WALK AT BROCKS HILL A weekly health walk takes place at Brocks Hill Country Park, Oadby at 12 noon organised by Community Action Partnership. Walkers meet at the bench in front of the visitors centre. There is a short walk around the park lasting 30 minutes and a longer walk approximately 50 minutes. For further details please contact the Sporting Change Team on 0116 2727670 or email alexa@cabd.org.uk .
TUESDAY SPORTS GROUP A weekly sports/activity group organised by Community Action Partnership is held at Parklands Leisure Centre, Oadby on a Tuesday 1.30pm – 3.30pm. The group is for adults with mental health difficulties and encourages regular physical activity through various activities and sports. The group is FREE to attend. For further details please contact the Sporting Change Team on 0116 2727670 or email alexa@cabd.org.uk .
