New Website in Beta
June 24, 2019
Just a brief update.
When I first started my blog I chose a platform called Ning. It was considered rare amongst 'hyperblogs' but it got spotted by others, in particular by the 'Talk Local' network. But eventually I transferred my affections to Typepad and I've used that as my base since 2006.
But I've rediscovered Ning and my affections for the platform have been reignited. So here's the result, It's a responsive design so it adjusts to suit the users' devices. In the PC or laptop mode, the front page is much richer in links and services. But it still works well in the mobile phone setting.
I'm likely to change the title of the blog from 'formbyfirst' (Previous) then to 'formbyblog' (Current) and finally, now it will be known as 'formbyonline'.
It will be less personal or entirely focussed on Formby in the future but while retaining that core idea the use of 'articles' will add a wider dimension.
Forums, Polls, and Groups are exciting extensions available on this platform which I've added to the site.
And I'm also hoping that people will become members (for free) and take advantage of running their own blog and contribute articles, forum discussion items and complete the occasional poll.
The original site will still be here but at some point relatively soon I won't update anymore.
New Website Link: Letters from Formby
Dad tees off fundraising thank you for Matt’s spinal injury care
June 20, 2019
A fundraising festival of golf is a father’s thank you for the NHS treatment his son received following a life-changing road accident.
Matt Sullivan was 18 in 2005 when his spinal cord was badly injured in the crash, leaving him with a high degree of paralysis and limited hand dexterity
He spent nine months in rehabilitation at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport and Formby District General Hospital, north of Liverpool.
Now 32, Matt is a successful wheelchair rugby player with Leicester Tigers WR – winners of the sport’s Super Series Division One in 2018 and 2019. He was also among players selected for the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby squad in the 2012 Paralympics in London.
He still visits Southport twice a year for continuing care and lives independently in his own specially-adapted apartment at Spinningfields in Manchester city centre.
As a thank you for the care Matt receives, dad John is using his year as captain at Bramall Park Golf Club, near Stockport, Cheshire, to fundraise for the spinal injuries centre.
John, speaking from the family home at nearby Hazel Grove, said:
“
Matt lives a very active life despite his physical disability – and that’s thanks to the care of the staff at Southport. Their support and his determination during his rehabilitation helped him find the strength of character to become the man he has.
“As this year’s club men's captain, me and my family have the opportunity to say thank you to Southport and for the emotional and well-being aspect of care they gave us.”
Events are taking place throughout the year but the blue riband event will be the Captain’s Golf Day and Dinner, a four-ball amateur team competition, on 18 October at Bramall Park. The club is also celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
Entry is £300 per team which includes the competition, refreshments and the evening fundraising gala dinner. Entry is limited to members of recognised golf clubs with a handicap maximum of 28 for men and 36 for women. There are prizes for the top three placed teams plus individual hole prizes, a post-golf dinner, raffle and charity auction.
The three-course dinner package is available to purchase individually or in tables at £50 per person. For more information, email john@gastrogolf.co.uk or follow John @Cpt1894 on Twitter.
Donations can also be made through a dedicated Just Giving page.
Emily Hoban, manager of the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, said:
“Suffering a spinal cord injury is a life-changing event but Matt’s story and achievements show it’s no bar to having a full, active and fulfilling life.
“We’re thrilled John has chosen us as his charity in Bramall Park’s 125th anniversary year. It’s fantastic recognition of the work our team of skilled professionals do. The funds raised will help us do even more for people like Matt who use the centre.”
Love your lungs in Sefton
June 18, 2019
In recognition of Love your lungs week (June 17-23) local organisations are reminding residents of the support they have in Sefton to help with breathing conditions.
The walking football team at the Feelgood Factory
As part of the week, NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Southport and Formby CCG, Living Well Sefton and Sefton Council are all encouraging people to take the British Lung Foundation breath test and to seek help if they need it.
Dr Nigel Taylor, respiratory lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, said:
“We are keen to raise awareness, not just this week but all year round, about the services that are available in Sefton for those who have lung-related conditions.
“If you have a known lung condition and are feeling breathless you should follow your personal management plan. If you are not improving or you don’t have a plan and are worried then you should attend the walk-in centre or contact your GP practice.”
Dr Kati Scholtz, respiratory lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:
“For simple problems such as a cough or a cold your local pharmacist can help, they can also help by giving additional advice regarding inhaler techniques and providing over the counter Nicotine Replacement Therapies if you are trying to stop smoking.”
The Breathe Easy group is a great support network to encourage people with lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis, to look after themselves and to share ways to do this.
The Sefton south group meets in the Strand By Me shop in Bootle every second Tuesday of the month at 1 pm and the Sefton north group meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Doves Centre on Duke Street, Formby at 1 pm.
Living Well Sefton partners are also supporting Love Your Lungs Week by encouraging people to take advantage of the activities and classes that they offer.
Over at the Feelgood Factory in Netherton, Philomena Zilinski, says:
“Our walking football and guided walks as well as our physical activity classes all improve cardiovascular fitness leading to improved lung function.”
Working outdoors in the garden is another great way to keep your lungs fit and both the Brighter Living Partnership in Southport and the May Logan centre, Bootle, have gardening groups to join. People also have the option of joining in the weekly social walk from May Logan too.
And, with Smoke-free Sefton’s support, your breathing and lung capacity will improve once you’ve quit smoking.
For details on the Living Well Sefton support please visit www.livingwellsefton.co.uk or call 0300 323 0181.
To watch a video on the Breathe Easy group and Smoke-free Sefton please click here: https://youtu.be/fzaFSIYif5U
You can find out about the Breathe Easy groups in your area here: www.blf.org.uk/support-in-your-area and you can take the British Lung Foundation breath test here: https://breathtest.blf.org.uk/
Rapid response by health commissioners to inspection findings
June 14, 2019
Health commissioners are taking immediate action after a re-inspection of systems and services for children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in Sefton.
Fiona Taylor, chief officer for Sefton’s two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said:
In response, the CCGs are working with their partners in the local NHS and from Sefton Council on a joint plan to improve care for these children, young people and their families to address all areas of weakness. Additionally, the CCGs have taken immediate measures to begin to address the elements of health services that were highlighted by inspectors for improvement. Fiona explained:
Inspectors did acknowledge in their findings some of the positive steps made by the CCGs to strengthen leadership for SEND and their investment of resources to accelerate improvement. In response to the inspection, CCGs have made further investments to reduce waiting times whilst they review what more is needed for the longer term, working with NHS partners who provide these services. Fiona said:
Across Sefton’s SEND partnership, inspectors also noted some progress for those key stage 2 children with an education and healthcare plan (EHC) in reading, writing and mathematics. Positive steps were also highlighted by inspectors around moves to better involve children and young people, through initiatives like the annual young persons’ workshops and the appointment of a ‘young advisors’ coordinator. Fiona added:
Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said:
Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, concluded:
Ofsted and CQC inspection letters can be found on the Ofsted website from the following link www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk The inspectors’ letter is also published on the Sefton Council and the CCGs websites. Visit www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.
|