Funding for 3 Liverpool health projects

3 Liverpool project bids backed by the Innovation Agency have won funding to help integrate innovative health products into everyday practice. They have been selected to receive Pathway Transformation Funding through the NHS Rapid Uptake Products programme. Funding of more than ₤300,000 over the next 12 months will be awarded to Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and 5 primary care networks, in Merseyside, to improve the care of people with high cholesterol and those with asthma. It is part of the Rapid Uptake Products programme delivered by NHS England and Improvement and the Accelerated Access Collaborative, in collaboration with the AHSN Network. The bids were backed by the Innovation Agency, the Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) for the North West Coast, whose team will provide project management support for integrating the products into care pathways. The products are lipid management, a NICE approved clinical pathway to help reduce cholesterol; FeNO testing, which aids diagnosis of asthma; and asthma biologics, a treatment for severe asthma.

Innovation Agency Chief Executive Dr Phil Jennings said:- "We are delighted to be part of these life saving programmes of work which will target asthma and high cholesterol, both of which have a big impact on health in our Region."

The funding will cover dedicated staff working in:- Pharmacies, GP practices and visiting the homes of asthma patients.

Clinical lead for the Liverpool asthma programmes, Dr Hassan Burhan, a respiratory consultant, at Liverpool University Hospitals, said:- "I am really excited that we are able to address this high risk condition in Liverpool. We know that deaths from respiratory disease in our area are 42% higher than the national average. There are a lot of people who will benefit from new ways of working which will help reduce severe asthma and avoid the side effects of repeated use of steroids."

The lipids programme is focussed on the management of cholesterol by the improved use of medicines, involving Pharmacists in both secondary and primary care. This will involve clinics, education and training and is supported by cardiology consultants.

Alice Foster, Advanced Clinical Pharmacist in Cardiology, at Liverpool University Hospitals, said:- "It's exciting to have the opportunity to develop a service where clinical Pharmacists will review and prescribe medicines for people who are at higher risk of having a heart attack because of raised cholesterol levels. There are about 15,000 people in Liverpool who have known cardiovascular disease with insufficient cholesterol management. Reducing this number would have a significant impact on the future health of this population and could ensure a better quality of life for longer."

The funding will help overcome practical obstacles to introducing the products, for example:-

► Supporting set up costs such as training and accreditation of staff.

► Pathway redesign and/or business support expertise.

► Providing funding for specialist Nurses and clinical staff needed to implement a new part of the procedure.

► Covering double running costs while changes are put in place.

Southport Skatepark back open after ramp refurbishments

WORK to install 4 refurbished ramps, at Southport's Skatepark, is now complete and the much loved community asset back open. Specialist skate ramp builders used their expertise to repair and refurbish the structures which needed extensive works to replace the specially shaped boards and plates.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:- "I'm thrilled that the skate park is now back up and running. I'm sure both the established skating community and those looking to try out the sport for the 1st time will be excited to test the ramps and make the most of the lighter evenings now that summer has arrived. Our Green Sefton team has set up a rolling maintenance programme with the ramp specialists, who carried out the improvement works, to ensure that the park remains in top condition for people to practice their tricks. We 're also really excited about showcasing the refurbished park later this summer, as we hope to host a special skateboard 'jam' event that could attract competitors from across the country, really putting Southport on the map for it's great skateboarding facilities."

The Skatepark opened in 2003 and has undergone inevitable wear and tear repair works every few years as part of Green Sefton's regular maintenance of the facility.
 

Mersey Tunnels electronic payment system set for upgrade to video technology

NEW technology is set to be introduced at the Mersey Tunnels improving the service for customers. A video tolling system will replace the current Fast Tag system used at the Queensway (Birkenhead) and Kingsway (Wallasey) tunnels, modernising the way tunnel users can pre-pay for their journeys.

With preparatory works already complete, attention will now focus on replacing the current lane antenna systems with number plate recognition cameras at both tunnels during the coming months. Camera's will be installed in every lane, with dedicated lanes remaining in place for added convenience, including wider lanes for larger vehicles.

Account holders will also benefit from a website upgrade to support online self service, improving customer experience in managing their account online. As with the Fast Tag service, a number of vehicles can be added to an account for electronic payment. Cash and contactless payments will still be available for customers who prefer to pay for their crossing this way.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:- "With over 70,000 journeys a day, the Mersey Tunnels are critical to the social and economic wellbeing of our Region, so continued investment is needed. Introducing cutting edge technology that delivers real benefits is part of the wider vision to make transport services easier and more convenient for people to use. The tunnels discount scheme introduced by the Metro Mayor in 2019, is still the cheapest and most convenient way to pay for journeys and I would urge those who have not yet registered for an account to do so and receive these benefits."

The video tolling is due to come online in Autumn and represents an investment of ₤850,000. The Fast Tag system will remain in place for a while to allow for a smooth transition and reduce any inconvenience for account holders. Although Fast Tag devices will no longer be needed, existing customers will be able to continue to use them until they are directly contacted to discuss their account migration in more detail. All tunnel users are encouraged to have an account as this is the cheapest and most convenient way to pay, even if they make only 1 or 2 journeys each week. There is annual investment by the Combined Authority into the maintenance and safe operation of the Mersey Tunnels as well as in new technology and services. The completion of the tolls refresh project, in April 2019, saw the introduction of contactless payments, new toll machines and information signs all designed to improve journey times through the plaza.