http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/News/default.asp All the Latest News from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust en-gb Copyright: (C) Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/syndication.asp http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/images/news_120x60.gif http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news The stroke team at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been recognised for their outstanding patient-centred care. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=300 Petty criminals are helping keep the grounds of Southport and Formby District General Hospital tidy. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=299 The autopsy scene is now a staple of TV crime dramas with the green-gowned pathologist crucial to helping solve the mystery. But 45 sixth form science students discovered pathology like this is only one small part of the medical specialty during their visit to Southport and Formby District Hospital as part of National Pathology Week. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=298 Southport and West Lancs Glaucoma Support Group has won the backing ofandnbsp; the International Glaucoma Association. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=297 Sales of photographs from a childrenandrsquo;s sports day raised andpound;130 for the neonatal unit at Ormskirk and District General Hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=296 A hospital eye specialist is offering reassurance to patients who may have been left concerned by a BBC News story about diabetic retinopathy screening. The Trust performs screenings on behalf of the North Mersey Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme at Southport and Formby District Hospital and is reviewing a number of images following concern raised about two grading staff. Consultant ophthalmologist Niall Oandrsquo;Donnell said: andldquo;I would like to reassure all our patients that any risk to them is extremely low.andquot; http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=295 As part of the Play in Hospital Week, there is an open afternoon at the Children's Outpatient Department at Ormskirk Hospital where children of all ages are invited to bring their teddy for a health check. The 'Teddy Clinic' is on Friday 24th September between 1pm and 5pm. As well as the 'Teddy Clinic' there will be a name the teddy competition, face painting, a colouring competition and a cake sale. Hospital Play Specialists Amanda Walker and Caroline Bailey will be on hand to help the children join in the fun. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=294 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is one of the countryandrsquo;s top-performing NHS organisations when it comes to managing taxpayersandrsquo; money. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=293 As part of our continual commitment to improve and upgrade our patient facilities a new, larger observation ward has opened at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=292 Would you like to know about what your hospital has achieved in the last 12 months and what it plans are for the future? You will have the chance to ask hospital managers about a new health organisation for north Sefton and West Lancashire at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trustandrsquo;s annual general meeting on 6 September. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=291 A gang of four men have been convicted of the racially aggravated common assault of one of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust's junior doctors and his brother. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=290 Local actor David Lonsdale, star of ITV's Heartbeat, lent his support to the medical/oncology day unit at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital in their bid to raise andpound;150,000 for a new garden room for patients. He came along to the unit's garden party on Friday 6th August to draw the raffle, and was a great hit with the patients and friends who attended. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=289 A hospital trust has splashed out andpound;130,000 on four new dishwashers. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=288 The North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport has launched its new website at www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/spinal http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=287 Twenty-five new junior doctors started their National Health Service careers at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals this week. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=286 The public will have the chance to ask hospital managers about a new health organisation for north Sefton and West Lancashire at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trustandrsquo;s annual general meeting on 6 September. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=285 Itandrsquo;s not only Hollywood thatandrsquo;s going 3D! Doctors at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals hope to soon be examining patientsandrsquo; hearts in three dimensions too andndash; and unlike movie-goers they wonandrsquo;t need to wear those special glasses. The state-of-the-art heart scanner is one of two hi-tech echocardiogram machines worth andpound;160,000 the hospitals hope to buy with the support of the Rotary Clubandrsquo;s Southport Walk4Charity and the British Heart Foundation. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=284 Sir Ron Watson CBE has been re-appointed to Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust for a second term as chair of the board. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=283 Stroke patients could be asked to take part in national clinical trials to help prevent strokes and/or improve quality of life of sufferers. Working alongside the North West Stroke Research Network, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust aims to increase opportunities for patients admitted to the Stroke Unit to take part in clinical trials, and these trials are part of the ongoing commitment to stroke research. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=282 A charity abseil off the roof of Ormskirk and District Hospital raised andpound;3,432 for Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust Charitable Fund. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=281 A campaign to help smokers quit while they are patients in hospital has been launched by Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=280 A cancer-sufferer has praised the quick actions of staff at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals who realised his suspected indigestion pain was the onset of a heart attack. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=278 Barrister Paul Burns has been appointed by the Appointments Commission to the board of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust as a Non-executive Director http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=277 Servicemen working at Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals supported Armed Forces Day by wearing their Army, Navy and Air Force uniforms to work. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=276 A fearless member of hospital staff has braved a 14,000-foot skydive, falling at up to 180 miles per hour, to raise money for charity. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=275 A Premiership football referee is helping Accident andamp; Emergency staff at Southport Hospital give the red card to domestic violence. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=274 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been named the best performing hospital overall in the North West by Advancing Quality in results published today (June 18). http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=273 Every individual has the right to privacy, dignity and respect when it comes to health care. The NHS as a whole and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust in particular is committed to delivering this. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=272 Fifty daredevil fundraisers will get the chance to abseil 100ft off the roof of Ormskirk and District Hospital on Sunday, May 16. The event will raise money for hospital patients in the town as well as at Southport and Formby District Hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=271 NHS organisations across north Sefton and West Lancashire have unveiled proposals to ensure that local people benefit from faster, better health care. NHS Central Lancashire, NHS Sefton and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust have agreed in principle to create a new organisation which will see real partnership and the bringing together of services from primary care and hospital that are currently separate. A number of options have been considered, and local NHS leaders believe that the creation of an integrated care organisation (ICO) is the way forward. They see the proposed ICO as an opportunity to improve patientsandrsquo; experience of health services and, where appropriate, offer treatment closer to home or in the home. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=270 If youandrsquo;ve gained senior level expertise in the private, public or voluntary sectors, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust can offer an exceptional opportunity to put your talents to use by making a positive difference to the lives of people in your community. We are looking for an outstanding individual to serve as a non-executive director on Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=269 Board members of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust have thrown their support behind the Trustandrsquo;s Give and Let Live campaign. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=268 Six Merseyside NHS trusts are at the forefront of new MoT-style checks for the UKandrsquo;s 231,000 doctors, it was announced today. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=267 Jonathan Parry, chief executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, has paid tribute to staff member Kate Mott who died yesterday. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=266 Southport and Ormskirk hospitals are campaigning to boost the number of people donating their organs for transplant. The Give and Let Live campaign is being led by donor transplant coordinator Dawn Lee who has 11 years championing donation and supporting donor families. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=265 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is seeking peopleandrsquo;s view on a new strategy to engage patients and the public more effectively. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=263 Staff at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals have been praised for their andldquo;enormous professionalismandrdquo; during last weekandrsquo;s Big Freeze. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=262 Patient transport services to routine outpatient clinics at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals remain suspended until Tuesday (January 12). http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=261 If youandrsquo;ve gained senior level expertise in the private, public or voluntary sectors, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust can offer an exceptional opportunity to put your talents to use by making a positive difference to the lives of people in your community. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=260 Every winter the NHS experiences an increase in demand for its services and staff and managers at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are working hard to ensure it is business as usual for patients. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=259 Rheumatoid arthritis patients at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital are benefiting from a new drug that could revolutionise treatment of their condition. It is hoped the clinical trial of Tocilizumab will transform the lives of patients for whom other therapies are unsuitable or wonandrsquo;t work. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=258 Christmas has come early for junior doctors at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital with the arrival of a state of the art life-size doll. But unlike many that are given to children at Christmas, this one doesn't just close its eyes and say 'mummy' it breathes, has a pulse and blood pressure, can sweat, bleed, react to medicine, hear what the doctors are say and even talk back to them. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=257 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital has been recognised as one of the best NHS trusts in the North West for patient safety. The independent findings by Dr Foster Intelligence ranked the Trust sixth out of 23 in a study which looked at a basket of patient safety, clinical effectiveness and patient experience indicators. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=255 Senior EU Health Specialist, Chris White, of the North West Health Brussels Office visited Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust this week to meet Microbiology Consultant Dr Judith Bowley, and Trust Chairman Sir Ron Watson. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=254 As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Sue Summerfield andamp; Janet Thompson, Macmillan Lung nurses based at Southport and Formby District General Hospitals, arranged a lung cancer educational day for healthcare professionals at the Terrence Burgees Educational Centre at Queenscourt Hospice. There have also been information awareness displays at both Southport and Ormskirk District General Hospitals during November. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=253 Hospital matron Jayne Norbury is urging colleagues to protect themselves and their patients against swine flu by getting vaccinated after being sick with the virus for a week. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=252 Ashley Langley aged 23 of Skelmersdale was given a six-month Community Punishment Order at Southport Magistrates Court last week following his arrest at Southport Accident andamp; Emergency Department in July this year. He was also ordered to pay andpound;65 court costs. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=251 Care as Care Should Be is a new Southport and Ormskirk hospital campaign to raise awareness of dignity in care. The campaign emphasises improving the overall quality of care and improving the experience of everyone whether they are patients, carers or staff. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=250 The expectancy and joy of a new life brings hope. Unfortunately this is not always the case when a pregnancy ends through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or termination for abnormalities. Thankfully, such instances are rare, but nevertheless they still bring about deep feelings of despair and grief. Baby loss is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can go through. The midwives at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital wish to ensure that parents and families are sensitively supported at this most difficult time. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=249 Once again, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is asking patients and visitors to co-operate with its request that they do not smoke on its premises. Since the Trust declared it was going Smokefree in January 2006, most people who smoke have abided by the request to not to do so in the buildings or grounds of both Ormskirk and Southport hospitals. However, there are a small number of people, both patients and visitors who insist on smoking in the grounds, mainly outside the entrances. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=248 Would you like to know about what your hospital has achieved in the last 12 months? Then come along to the Annual General Meeting of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust on Monday 13th July at 6.00pm in the Clinical Education Centre at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital. There will be a presentation of the achievements of the past year and an opportunity to ask questions of the Chairman and Chief Executive about these achievements. Everyone is welcome to attend. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=247 For someone suffering a heart attack the speed with which they can get access to a particular drug known as thrombolytic treatment can literally be a matter of life and death. Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is one of only three Trusts in the country who were able to give this treatment to every patient who needed it within the target time of 30 minutes after arriving at hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=246 A 24 year old man was given a fixed penalty fine by Merseyside Police after being arrested for verbally abusing staff and patients in the Accident andamp; Emergency Department at Southport hospital last week. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=245 Work gets underway later this month to transform part of Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital into a new andpound;3million health centre. The refurbishments will make way for the state-of-the-art Primary Care Access Centre, which is due to open towards the end of 2009 as part of NHS Central Lancashireandrsquo;s drive to improve health and healthcare. It will offer brand new services, giving people new facilities on their doorstep which will increase access to treatment and advice. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=244 Following the introduction of the new car parking system at both Southport and Ormskirk hospitals a number of unforeseen issues have a risen which we have either resolved or are in the process of resolving. However, one issue that has been raised is the cost for anyone who has to attend the hospital several times a week over a prolonged period of time. Although we offer a weekly parking permit for andpound;10 (plus a andpound;5 deposit) which can offer considerable savings, this can still be expensive over a long time.andnbsp;andnbsp; http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=243 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is pleased to welcome a new face to its Trust Board. Jane Daly has joined the Trust as a Non-executive Director for a period of four years. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=242 A short film has been added to the Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust website www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk showing the unique bond between mothers and midwives. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=241 For the eighth year running Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been named as one of the CHKS 40 Top Hospitals 2009. These awards celebrate excellence amongst CHKS clients across the UK and are based on the evaluation of 21 key performance indicators covering safety, clinical effectiveness, health outcomes, efficiency, patient experience and quality of care. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=240 Patients and staff at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre are hoping the good weather will continue throughout the summer following a donation from Paymentshield Ltd of Southport. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=239 Regular visitors to Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital may have noticed a change recently outside the main entrance as the garden area has been given a complete makeover. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=238 From Monday 30 March at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital and from Wednesday 1 April at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital, the Car Parking Payment System at the hospitals is changing. Rather than there being a andpound;3 per visit flat rate, the charges will be based on length of stay. The new charges will be: 0 andndash; 20 minutes: Free 20 minutes andndash; 2 hours: andpound;2.50 2 andndash; 4 hours: andpound;3.00 4 andndash; 8 hours: andpound;4.00 Over 8 hours: andpound;5.00 http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=237 Hospital Consultant Urologist Gurpreet Singh will be featured in the BBC 2 series Extreme Dreams The Ultimate Challenge, as he joined a group of other unsung heroes who work in serving the community doing charity and other work beyond their normal call of duty, in an adventure of a lifetime. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=236 Each year over 310,000 patients will present to health care services in the UK with a fragility fracture. The majority of these fractures occur in the wrist, spine, ankle and hip and usually occur with minimal force. In the elderly population this is commonly due to osteoporosis, which is thinning of the bones. This number is on the increase with the annual number of hip fractures set to double by 2050. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=235 Patients, carers and their families will be offered the chance to see inside the new, state-of-the-art kidney dialysis unit at Southport, before it officially opens its doors for business. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=234 38,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year. Lung cancer is the UKandrsquo;s biggest cancer killer andndash; killing more Britons than leukaemia, breast, prostate and bladder cancer combined. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=233 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust in conjunction with the Heart of Mersey has this week launched a andlsquo;healthy eatingandrsquo; programme in hospitals for staff. this is part of a programme launched across 10 NHS Trusts within Cheshire andamp; Merseyside. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=232 The latest figures for Clostridium difficile show that patients choosing Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will be choosing the best performing general hospital in the North West. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=231 The quality of services provided by Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is andlsquo;Excellentandrsquo;, according to the Healthcare Commission ratings published today. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=230 Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital is holding an Open Day on Saturday 11th October - Everyone Welcome to come along and see what makes your hospital tick. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=229 Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital is holding an Open Day on Saturday 13th September - Everyone Welcome to come along and see what makes your hospital tick. Click here for more details. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=228 Neil McQuade and Chris Leather from the Southport Lions came to Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital last week to present Dr Sun Myint with a large cheque for andpound;1,000 towards the purchase of a andlsquo;Papillonandrsquo; machine. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=226 Figures released recently by an independent health watchdog show that once again Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is leading the way among general acute Trusts within the North West. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=225 The death-knell of one of the great hospital traditions has been sounded at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust with the introduction of fitted bed sheets. Gone are the carefully folded andlsquo;hospital cornersandrsquo; and in are new soft, comfortable bedding with no creases, wrinkling or friction and a uniquely designed sheet that reduces pressure on feet and ankles. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=224 Patients choosing Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are choosing one of only seven non-specialist trusts in the country to have achieved a clean sheet with no cases of MRSA Bacteraemia in the December to March quarter. We are still comfortably the best performing trust in the North West and are now in the top five nationally since reporting began. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=223 Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital is set to see a major refurbishment of its wards over the next few years. This will consist of more single rooms providing higher levels of privacy and dignity while enabling us to continue to combat infections. The Trust is aiming for the highest possible standards in delivering patient care in modern, clean hotel-style surroundings. This investment in the hospital will ensure that the accommodation and supporting infrastructure will be fit to deliver 21st Century healthcare. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=222 For someone suffering a heart attack the speed with which they can get access to a particular drug known as thrombolytic treatment can literally be a matter of life and death. A heart attack is caused by a blood clot blocking one of the coronary arteries or its branches andamp; the clot busting drug (a thrombolytic) dissolves the clot re-establishing the blood flow to the heart muscle. The sooner the clot is dissolved the less damage there is to the heart muscle. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=221 Patients and staff alike were celebrating earlier this week, when Sean Pinnington (47) and his fiancandeacute;e Teresa McGhee (38) both from Birchwood, Warrington were married at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=220 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has met its commitment to reduce the time patients wait for treatment. Since March over 90% of patients referred to the Trust started treatment within 18 weeks of referral from their GP. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=219 In the latest inpatient survey released today, 80% of patients said the care they received was either very good or excellent, 80% said they were always treated with respect and dignity and 77% thought the doctors and nurses worked very well or excellently together. In each case this is an increase on last year. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=218 The most recently released figures from the Health Protection Agency show our consistent approach to hospital acquired infections continues to pay off and that once again we have the lowest rates of MRSA and C.diff in the North West. During the quarter October to December 2007, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has had the fewest cases of hospital acquired MRSA in any quarter since September 2006, with only one case. This continues the current downward trend that has been on-going for nearly nine months. For the same period there has also been a fall in the number of cases of clostridium difficile, with a drop from 32 cases to 21 cases. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=217 For the seventh year running, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been named among the top performers in the countryandrsquo;s 40 Top Hospitals programme assessed by the countryandrsquo;s leading hospital benchmarking company, CHKS. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=216 From Monday 2nd June the weekday opening times at the Minor Injuries Unit at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital will be changing to 8am to 8pm. Weekend and Bank holiday times will remain 9am to 5pm. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=215 Patients choosing Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will be choosing one of the safest Trusts in the country, an independent health watchdog has confirmed. We have been awarded the highest level under the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts (CNST) for both general medical and surgical services and for the separate category of maternity services and are now one of only three Hospitals in England to have achieved this. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=214 Once again cancer services at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust have received a boost following the latest peer review published recently. Colorectal services were described as having a andldquo;strong surgical team with good leadership committed to providing high quality patient centred careandrdquo;. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=213 After 25 years as Chairman of the League of Hospital Friends, Ormskirk Hospital, May Oxford MBE has decided it is finally time to retire. She will continue to be a member of the League of Friends. Family, friends, fellow members of the League, and staff from the hospital recently gathered to honour her outstanding achievements and wish her well after. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=212 When Paymentshield, whose offices are at Kew Industrial Estate, approached the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport Hospital offering to raise money for a specific project, we took the opportunity to fulfil a project which had itandrsquo;s roots in an idea over two years ago. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=211 Two additional consultants have been appointed to work in the two Aandamp;E departments within Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. They will divide their time between the childrenandrsquo;s Aandamp;E at Ormskirk and the adult Aandamp;E at Southport. Both Dr Alan Owens and Dr Michael Aisbitt have spent all their careers in the Merseyside region. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=210 The last meeting of the Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust Patient andamp; Public Involvement (PPI) Forum took place this week because of the introduction next month of Local Involvement Networks (LINks). http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=209 Kidney disease patients across West Lancashire and Merseyside will be celebrating this week as building work gets underway on the creation of a new, purpose-built dialysis unit in Southport. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=208 In the Review of Maternity Services 2007 published last Friday by the Healthcare Commission, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been scored as one of the andlsquo;Better Performingandrsquo; Trusts. Women praised the cleanliness of the delivery and postnatal areas, gave us good feedback on our strong safety culture and liked the feeling of homeliness in the delivery rooms. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=207 Patients referred by their GP to either Southport or Ormskirk hospital over the last few months will have noticed something different andndash; they are not having to wait so long for their appointments. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=206 An independent review body has said that Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is able to show that good infection control is an integral part of the way it operates. The Healthcare Commission (HCC) is carrying out inspections at 120 Trusts to check compliance with the hygiene code. The visits are unannounced to allow assessment managers to see the hospital as a patient or visitor would see it. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=205 A new dialysis unit is to open at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital by the end of the year. It will have twelve treatment areas, capable of seeing 60 patients a week. It will mean the end of having to travel long distances for both existing and new patients who will now receive life saving dialysis closer to home. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=204 It was with great thanks that donations to the Oncology Day Unit and the Spinal Unit were received just before Christmas from local solicitor Rob Fletcher. Intrepid Rob had raised most of the andpound;5,750 from sponsorship for completing a 735 mile cycle trip to his nephewandrsquo;s wedding in Jelina Gora, Poland. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=203 Over the years, most of the wards and departments at Ormskirk Hospital have benefited from generous donations from the Hospital Shop. For nearly 20 years Audrey Stuart has run the shop together with her husband Ron and a band of very willing helpers. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=202 David Carden, Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery has hung up his stethoscope after 22 years at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and a total of 36 years as a Doctor. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=201 In a drive to cut down the number of patients who do not attend their outpatient appointments, from Monday 26th November patients will receive a text message from the hospital reminding them. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=200 Do you have determination and vision and want to influence hospital services in Southport and Ormskirk? Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is looking for a Non-executive Director to join its Board and is searching for an exceptional person to fill the roll. As a member of the Board, you will join a team of Executive and Non-executive directors driving forward innovation, development and improvement in local hospital services. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=199 In response to the article in Mondayandrsquo;s Liverpool Daily Post in which it states andldquo;Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has already recorded enough cases to exceed its annual expected levelandrdquo;, we believe this needs to be put into context. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=198 Figures released this week by the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS), have shown a very slight reduction in the number of reported physical assaults against staff at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. There was just 1 fewer than the previous year, with 60 physical assaults being reported during 01/04/06 to 31/03/07. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=197 Figures released on 1st November by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has the lowest number of cases of clostridium difficile, commonly known as C.diff, and of MRSA among North West general acute hospitals. In the quarter April to June 2007, the Trust had just 23 cases of C.diff and 6 cases of MRSA infection. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=196 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is pleased to welcome a new face to its Trust Board. Helen Thompson, from Lathom, joined the Trust as a Non-executive Director on 1 November 2007, she has been appointed for a term of four years. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=195 Macmillan lung nurses in Southport and Ormskirk during Novemberandrsquo;s Lung Cancer Awareness Month are urging people not to delay in getting checked out if they have a cough that wonandrsquo;t go away or unusual chest pains. Sue Summerfield andamp; Janet Thompson, Macmillan lung nurses based at Southport and Formby District General Hospital are holding information awareness displays at both Southport and Ormskirk District General Hospitals during November. They are among Macmillan Cancer Supportandrsquo;s 184 lung cancer nurses. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=194 The Healthcare Commissions latest ratings in the Annual Health check have shown that Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust have either fully met or achieved all bar three of the standards against which Trusts are measured to judge Quality of Service. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=193 There is a small but dedicated team of volunteers known as the Patient Experience Group whose aim is to improve the experience of patients using the hospital services by involving them, their cares and members of the public in what we do. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=192 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is pleased to announce that Mrs Jackie Citarella has been re-appointed as a Non-executive Director of the Trust Board from 1 September 2007. Mrs Citarella first joined the Trust as a Non-executive Director in September 2003, and she has been re-appointed to serve until August 2011. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=191 Celebrations were in order recently at the Neonatal Unit at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital when one of their residents reached the ripe old age of 100 days. andldquo;We were concerned she wouldnandrsquo;t reach 100 hours when she was bornandrdquo;, said Jodie, mother of baby Jaxx. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=190 The North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital has just opened an additional four low dependency beds. These will help ease the pressure on the Centre and enable it to carry out operations and procedures for patients who might have either had a longer wait or had to go else where. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=189 Children can now join Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow on their way to the ward thanks to a mural painted by Southport based artist Clare Wright. The characters from the Wizard of Oz show the children how to andlsquo;follow the yellow brick roadandrsquo; to the unit. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=188 Did you know there is an independent, national website where patients can share their experience of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust? Patient Opinion aims to turn patient feedback into better services. The web address is www.patientopinion.org.uk http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=187 The Government has quite clearly stated that by the end of 2008 all patients should have to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral by their GP to their first treatment at hospital. This is to include outpatient appointments, diagnostic tests and anything else needed to be done before the procedure or operation is carried out. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=186 On average, 64% of patients in England having a heart attack receive clot-busting treatment with 60 minutes of calling for help. Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trustandrsquo;s patients fare far better with an average of 87% getting the treatment within 60 minutes andndash; making us the seventh safest Hospital Trust in England. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=185 Do you have determination and vision and want to influence hospital services in Southport and Ormskirk? Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is looking for a Non-executive Director to join its Board and is searching for an exceptional person to fill the roll. As a member of the Board, you will join a team of Executive and Non-executive directors driving forward innovation, development and improvement in local hospital services. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=184 The introduction of new microfibre mops and wipes is helping Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust stay ahead in the battle against hospital superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile. Following extensive trials at both Ormskirk and Southport hospitals, we have introduced over 50 Vileda SWEP microfibre systems at both Trust hospitals, including mops, wipes and trolleys. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=183 Following the move of Ophthalmic surgery to Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital at the beginning of April a new operating theatre has been built bringing the total of theatres at Ormskirk to seven. andpound;1million has been spent converting offices into a new state of the art facility for ophthalmic surgery. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=182 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust celebrated World Environment Day on Tuesday 5th June to raise the awareness of environmental issues and to promote what the organisation is doing to contribute to the environment. The theme of this yearandrsquo;s event was andldquo;Melting Ice: A Hot Topic?andrdquo; http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=181 The Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool paid a visit to the Trust earlier this month. He was shown round Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital by the Chairman, Sir Ron Watson, the Chief Executive, Jonathan Parry and Janet Lloyd, Matron and Site Manager. They were accompanied by Rev Chris Jones, one of our Hospital Chaplains. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=180 For the sixth year running, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been named among the top performers in the countryandrsquo;s sixth 40 Top Hospitals programme assessed by the countryandrsquo;s leading hospital benchmarking company, CHKS.andnbsp; Figures released this week by independent benchmarking expert CHKS reveal that patients treated at a 40 Top Hospital are safer and less likely to pick up hospital acquired infections such as MRSA http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=179 Chairman of the Trust, Sir Ron Watson, has written to local MPs and Councillors inviting them to join together in a multi-organisational approach to the improvement of transport links to our hospitals. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=178 On Saturday 21st April 2007 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are hosting the second Baby Day at Ormskirk Hospital for The National Childbirth Trust of Southport, Formby andamp; Ormskirk. The event will start at 11.00am and finish at 4pm and is being held in the Antenatal Clinic area on Level 2. All are welcome, just come along! http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=177 In response to recent articles about the increase prices of telephone calls from the Patientline Service in hospitals, Andrew Green, Facilities Manager has made the following statement. andldquo;The pricing of phone calls from Patientline Services is set by the company and has not been the subject of negotiation with the Trust. We do not benefit financially in any way from the bedside Patientline Services. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=176 The pre-operative team and restaurant staff would like to express their thanks to Audrey and Ron Stuart, who run the hospital shop at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital. Audrey and Ron donate all the profit from the shop to various departments around the hospital and on this occasion they gave andpound;630 to the pre-operative team and andpound;875 to the restaurant. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=175 A generous donation from Southport-based law firm Fletchers Solicitors has enabled Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trustandrsquo;s Regional Spinal Injuries Centre to purchase vital rehabilitation equipment. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=174 The move of Audiology, ENT and the Eye Unit from the Southport General Infirmary at the end of this month will mean the end of General Hospital services on the Scarisbrick New Road site after a period of some 112 years. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=173 The Eye Unit, ENT service and Audiology service are moving from Southport General Infirmary. The last clinics will take place at Southport General Infirmary on Thursday 29th March. Outpatient clinics will take place either at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital or Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital and you will be offered a choice as applicable. A confirmation letter will be sent to patients prior to their next attendance. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=172 In memory of their daughter, Heather, Ann andamp; Bob Abram, have raised over andpound;4,600 for the benefit of local breast cancer sufferers. Most local patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer are seen at Clatterbridge Hospital by Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Sun Myint who also sees patients at Southport Hospital. The money is to be to be shared between Clatterbridge Hospital and The Marina Dalglish Appeal, which also raises money for breast care. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=171 Consultantsandnbsp; Dr. John Horsley and Dr Khalid Binymin, a Royal College of Physicians Tutor, made history for the hospital Trust by hosting the prestigious PACES examination on behalf of the Royal College of Physicians of London. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=170 In a recent survey, it was found that 31% of patients attending the Childrenandrsquo;s Accident andamp; Emergency department at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital do not live in our traditional catchment area of West Lancashire and Southport andamp; Formby. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=169 Thinking of having a baby, or expecting a baby but not sure exactly where to have your baby? To help you choose, why not come for a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities in the maternity unit at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital? http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=168 Every day the Trust lends patients pieces of equipment to help with their recovery. Every day we ask them to bring them back when they have finished with them. Every day some of this equipment gets put into cupboards-under-the-stairs, backs of wardrobes, behind sofas and into garden sheds. We know this because unfortunately they do not come back to us. So please, can we have them back? http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=167 Any one who has had to visit the childrenandrsquo;s ward at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital will know that although the corridor to the ward is very clean and bright, it is also very plain. Hopefully it wonandrsquo;t be for much longer as the childrenandrsquo;s charity Mediquip for Kids has donated a substantial amount towards the painting of a mural by local artist Clare Wright. But staff are still having to raise andpound;2,000 towards the cost. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=166 Figures published on Tuesday last week show that Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust still has the lowest rate of MRSA Bloodstream infection of any general acute hospital in the country.andnbsp;andnbsp; Over the five and a half years that Trusts have had to report figures to the Department of Health, the Trust has reported the lowest percentage rate of any General Acute Trust in the country and a total of only 57 cases in the whole of that time. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=165 Tiddlywinks Nursery at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital is to move from its current home to newly refurbished accommodation elsewhere on the hospital site.andnbsp; After over 16 years in a building that has had various uses over the years including a nurseandrsquo;s social club, the nursery is to move to what was the doctorandrsquo;s mess in Ruffwood House. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=164 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is pleased to announce that Mr Michael Eastwood has been re-appointed as a Non-executive Director of the Trust Board. Mr Eastwood, who lives in Southport first joined the Trust as a Non-executive Director in December 2002, and he has been re-appointed to serve until November 2010. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=163 A new Digital Fluoroscopy room has opened at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital. The room will be used to perform contrast examinations which include Barium Enemas and Swallows, ERCP's and Urodynamics. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=162 The Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital has recently received two generous donations. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=161 Unfortunately there was an error in the information we recently published about the increases to car parking charges at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. We stated that the weekly pass was to increase to andpound;7.50, but this is in fact incorrect. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=160 On Thursday 7th December the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton, Councillor Tommy Mann and Mrs Jean Lilley, visited the Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital. Earlier in the year they had attended the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Spinal Injuries Unit Action Group, and they had expressed an interest in seeing more of the work of the Centre and meeting some of the staff and patients. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=159 A generous legacy of around andpound;35,000 has benefited childrenandrsquo;s services at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust after Mrs Doris (Dot) Woodsandrsquo; will stipulated the money should go andldquo;for the relief of suffering of children at Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospitalandrdquo;. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=158 The Dermatology Team at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust can proudly claim to be the best in the country after winning the prestigious Hospital Doctor award of Dermatology Team of the Year. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=157 With around 84,000 people visiting the adult and childrenandrsquo;s accident and emergency and minor injury departments last year the challenge is to sustain performance against national targets whilst maintaining the quality of care. Effective leadership is one of the keys to meeting this challenge, and Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been at the forefront of developing such leaders. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=156 The Dermatology Team at Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are in the last three for the prestigious Hospital Doctor award of Dermatology Team of the Year. This is even better than last year, when they received a highly commended award. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=155 The Board of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is pleased to welcome a new Chair, Sir Ron Watson CBE. He takes up his post on the 1st November, and has been appointed as Chair for a period of four years at a remuneration of andpound;19,650 per year. The appointment made by the Commission for Public Appointments in accordance with the code of practice of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, follows the retirement of Andrew Johnson. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=154 Staff in the corporate office at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital have been supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign on andlsquo;Wear It Pinkandrsquo; day today. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=153 Mr Sean Vesey, Consultant Urologist, at Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital has a new robot assistant. The new machine, affectionately nicknamed by operating theatre staff as andlsquo;Robbie the Robotandrsquo;, greatly facilitates surgery by improving the surgeons view, reducing operating time, and freeing up a member of the operating team. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=152 Do you have a morning or afternoon each week you could spare? If so, then Ormskirk andamp; District General Hospital would like to hear from you. If you have been to the hospital you may have noticed at the main reception desk there are people there who you can ask for directions and other help. These are known as Welcomers. Unfortunately, some of these volunteers have left us recently and we now have some vacancies. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=151 Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust welcomes the recent announcement from West Lancashire District Council about bus pass holders being able to travel free to and from Southport Hospital. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=150 On Friday 6th October staff from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust were joined by colleagues from the Ambulance service to take part in an Emergency planning exercise. This was a andldquo;live exerciseandrdquo; run in the Learning Resource Centre at Ormskirk and the intention was to use actual staffing levels, bed occupancy and Aandamp;E activity on the day to see if we could cope. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=149 In the first Annual Healthcheck the Healthcare Commission have rated the quality of services provided by Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust as andlsquo;Goodandrsquo;.The Annual Healthcheck replaces the star ratings for NHS organisations and are a much more stringent assessment of a whole range of topics. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=148 Thirty-four employees of Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals NHS Trust who have worked for more than 20 years for the Trust were honoured at the annual Long Service Award Ceremony on Wednesday 27th September. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=147 In a report issued last week, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been scored as andlsquo;goodandrsquo; for services for children in hospital. The in depth survey by the Healthcare Commission of Childrenandrsquo;s health services, provides an essential summary of progress. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=146 The annual General Meeting of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust will take place on Wednesday 13th September at 6.pm. It will be held in the Lecture Theatre in the Clinical Education Centre, Southport andamp; Formby District General Hospital, Town Lane, Southport. Everyone is invited to attend. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=145 Following a review of Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust policy on Patient Transport Services, it has been found that a number of patients are using the Services when they are not entitled to do so. From the 1st October 2006, the existing policy will be more strictly enforced. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=144 In a report issued last week, Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has been scored as excellent for the management of medicines. We are only one of 18 hospitals in England to have received this score. The report issued by the Healthcare Commission follows the audit of 173 acute hospital trusts, which focused on the three themes of patient focus, clinical focus and efficiency and capability. Through consideration of a range of indicators the assessment gives a view of how well the trust is managing and improving its medicine related services. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=143 Figures published on Monday show that Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust still has the lowest rate of MRSA Bloodstream infection of any general acute hospital in the country. Over the five years that Trusts have had to report figures to the Department of Health, the Trust has reported the lowest percentage rate of any General Acute Trust in the country having a total of only 52 cases during that time. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=142 According to the National Patient Safety Agencyandrsquo;s cleanyourhands campaign; andldquo;andhellip;improving hand hygiene goes back to the basics of patient care. There is no simple way of reducing health care associated infection but improving hand hygiene compliance can have a significant impact.andrdquo; Southport andamp; Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust was a leader in the campaign when it launched in February last year, and we have just launched phase two of the campaign. http://www.southportandormskirk.nhs.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=141