Statement from Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System

Working together across NHS services

As we start to move out of full national lockdown into the newly announced tiers, we wanted to reiterate that we continue to be concerned about the huge amount of pressure NHS services in Lancashire and South Cumbria are under.

We want to emphasise that we are working collectively together and have plans in place to manage increased demand on our services. We continue to provide services for our patients for treatments such as cancer and routine appointments and are demonstrating our ability to work together to manage demand, ensure that patient safety remains of the highest importance and to manage care for Covid and non-Covid patients and our critical care capacity.

Anyone with concerns should continue to come forward for help and treatment. It is important that unless you are contacted, you should continue to attend your appointment as planned.

We are asking patients with minor injuries to please contact NHS111 first, rather than coming straight to the emergency department. For all other medical issues use 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111, where you will be directed to the most appropriate place for your care. In an emergency and for life threatening conditions, call 999.

We continue to ask local people to take action now and follow the government guidance to keep everyone safe and reduce the rate of infection in our local communities.

Innovations to support local Covid patients

NHS hospital trusts are working together with GP practices and local providers across Lancashire and South Cumbria to monitor vulnerable patients with Covid-19 from their own homes.

The Covid-19 ‘virtual ward’, also known as ‘pulse oximetry at home’, is being rolled out across Lancashire and South Cumbria; set up in response to the significant challenges and impact that the pandemic has had on local residents. This at-home monitoring service will be available for those with a positive Covid-19 test result or clinical diagnosis of Covid (within the last 14 days), who have coronavirus symptoms, and are identified as being particularly clinically vulnerable to having low blood oxygen levels due to their age or a pre-existing condition.

This service is being rolled out through partnership working across the whole of Lancashire and South Cumbria throughout November and December and will be delivered by NHS providers and their local medical and home support provider services.

Supporting the most vulnerable members of our community this winter

Health and care organisations are asking people across Lancashire and South Cumbria to make a real difference in our community and support health and care services this winter by helping to look out for your friends, neighbours, loved ones and those who are most vulnerable and at risk from flu and Covid-19. We are also working together with community organisations and groups to support those who are most vulnerable in our communities such as people with diabetes, respiratory conditions or those who are overweight.

Find out more on the Keep Well This Winter section of the website.

Suicide prevention campaign steps up a gear to encourage talking to save lives

This week partners launched the third phase of the Let’s Keep Talking suicide prevention campaign across Lancashire and South Cumbria, providing physical and digital materials for partners to share across their networks and with local people.

This phase follows two previous successful phases in 2020, and also includes instream radio advertising and bus stop advertising. It encourages residents to talk to friends and family members, helplines and debt support services on the run-up to Christmas this year. This phase focuses on those who may be experiencing Covid-19 related debt problems.

• Find out more about the Let’s Keep Talking campaign here.
• Find out more about the mental health and wellbeing support available in Lancashire and South Cumbria.