"Over 50's should book your Vaccine now!" say Sefton GPs

OVER 50's in Sefton are being urged by local GPs to book their jab, as the local Vaccine programme continues to make good progress. Thousands of people have had their 1st Vaccine at centres across Sefton, and GPs are reminding local over 50's who have yet to have theirs, to book their jabs now. Dr Craig Gillespie local GP, chair and clinical Director of NHS South Sefton CCG said:- "Thousands of our residents most at risk of Covid19 have already had their 1st dose at our Local Centres. As the vaccination programme progresses, we want to make sure everyone aged over 50 has had the chance to have theirs."

In just over 100 days, the health service in England has given the vital 1st Vaccine dose to more than ˝ the adult population. 9 out of 10 people aged 65 and over have already taken up their 1st dose, according to NHS figures. All adults aged over 50 and those who are clinically vulnerable against Covid19 are being invited to book their vaccination. Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG says:- "The MHRA, the European Medicines Agency, and the World Health Organisation have all been absolutely clear that the Vaccines are safe and effective, and people should go and get their Covid19 Vaccine when asked to do so.'

While supplies are at good levels for the next 2 weeks, supply has always varied from week to week due to factors beyond the control of the NHS. Dr Caudwell adds:- "Appointments for 1st doses for over 50's are still available for the rest of March 2021. So if you're over 50 and haven't booked your 1st dose yet, now is the time to do it!"

Dr Gillespie goes on to say:- "As a GP, I've had my 1st jab. My Dad who is 82 and my Mum who is 77 have had the Vaccine and were glad to do so. Both are fit and well and are relieved that they can now go out to shop for essentials with greater confidence. So we are asking everyone in Sefton aged over 50 to call their GP practice today and book your jab. We have appointments available at our vaccination centres even over the weekend, to make it as easy as possible to get your jab."

If you're over 50 living in Sefton, call your GP practice to book your vaccination appointment, alternatively, you can book an appointment at a larger Regional Centre and participating pharmacies by going to:- NHS.UK/Covid-Vaccination or by phoning 119.

NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG have been responsible for buying or:- 'commissioning' the majority of local health services since 1 April 2013, when primary care trusts were abolished.

NHS South Sefton CCG brings together 30 member GP practices covering an area from Bootle, in the South, Hightown, in the North and Maghull, to the East. NHS Southport and Formby CCG's membership are made up of 19 GP Practices. For more information visit:- SouthportFormbyCCG.NHS.UK and SouthSeftonCCG.NHS.UK. 
 

Dobbies launches virtual events to get Merseyside gardens blooming this Spring

DOBBIES, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has announced a programme of exclusive virtual events this Spring; helping Merseyside gardeners of all ages and abilities take their green spaces to the next level. Launching, on Saturday, 27 March 2021, and running throughout Spring, the expert sessions will be hosted by Dobbies' Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, live from his own garden. Marcus will provide viewers with engaging tips and tricks, tutorials and live demonstrations across a variety of topics, to help gardeners make the most of their outdoor spaces.

Kicking off the series will be an event on refreshing pots and planters with colourful springtime blooms, with subsequent classes covering topics including:- developing healthy soil and edible crops, cultivating garden wildlife and maintaining a lush lawn. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly and gain the expertise required to create an Instagrammable garden, no matter its size.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said:- "Over the past year, more of us than ever before have discovered a love of gardening and experienced the ways that it enriches our lives and improves our wellbeing. Gardening is something we can all enjoy, no matter how large or small our outdoor spaces, and we are delighted to be launching this series of virtual events. We hope that they will inspire and help gardeners old and new to learn the skills and techniques they need to take their gardens to the next level."

Dobbies' virtual events follow a successful programme of Facebook Live sessions in 2020 and provide a virtual alternative to the regular:- 'Grow How' events previously hosted in the Liverpool and Southport stores. Further events focused on adding colour to your garden and roses will be announced soon.

The sessions are free of charge and exclusively available to Dobbies Club members. For those who aren't yet members of Dobbies Club, membership is free and signing up is quick and simple, giving access to a variety of benefits, special offers and exclusive events. To sign up visit:- Dobbies.Com.

Dobbies live event calendar:-

► Saturday, 27 March 2021 = Refresh Your Pots with Spring Colour.

► Saturday, 10 April 2021 = Healthy Soil Grows Better Crops.

► Saturday, 24 April 2021 = Lawns and Wildlife.

► More events to be announced soon.