Hate crime on train between Ainsdale and Hillside Stations

BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) have released an image of a woman who may have information that could help their investigation into an alleged incident that is reported to have happened at 8.12pm, on Thursday, 16 July 2020. it has been reported that 2 women were verbally abusive in what has be classed as a hate crime, on a train between Ainsdale and Hillside Stations, on the Merseyrail Northern Line. Anyone who knows her is asked to contact BTP by texting:- 61016 or by calling:- 0800 40 50 40. In both cases, quote reference number:- 2000047822. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

SEFTON residents will be able to arrange blood tests online with the launch of a new appointment system aimed to ease the demand on existing services following the Covid-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, the service was suspended and revised to comply with social distancing measures and, after making a phased return to operation, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are now addressing the backlog of patients needing tests and issues with callers getting through to book appointments.

Sara Harrison, Head of Operations for North West Boroughs in Sefton, said:- "We'd like to apologise to anyone who has struggled to get through for a blood test in recent weeks and we believe the introduction of this new online booking system will provide patients with additional options to book their appointment. We experienced unprecedented challenges within the service during the Covid-19 pandemic and our colleagues in Mersey Care, who manage the patient booking line, have taken steps to address that by recruiting additional call handlers and clinical staff. We've re-opened various sites across Sefton and have plans to open more sites over the coming weeks. Sefton patients also have the option to attend a Drive Thru Phlebotomy Clinic in Liverpool if they are able to travel. The NHS has worked hard to provide essential services for patients during this period and continues to restore services when they can be done safely for staff and patients. This includes introducing different ways of providing our services and we believe this new online booking system will offer patients additional options to book their blood test appointment."

Once referred for a blood test, patients can still book an appointment through Mersey Care's Central Management Office, which is open 8.00am, until 4.00pm from Monday to Friday, on:- 01512953400, press Option 4. The new patient online booking system is live from 1 September 2020 that should provide flexibility, patient choice with time slots and access to different clinic sites. For the patient booking line please access the link on:- Merseycare.NHS.UK.

If you are no longer able to come to your booked appointment, please access your booking confirmation where you will be able to cancel your appointment and rearrange another more convenient time. This will allow us to offer your original appointment to another patient. As part of the phased reopening of services, blood tests are available for Sefton booked appointments at the following clinics:-