News reports located on this page = 2.

NHS services are still here for you when you need it

PEOPLE in Sefton are being reminded that NHS services are still there for those who need them, despite the new Government tier 3 restrictions in place for the area due to the increased number of Coronavirus (Covid19) cases.

Dr Craig Gillespie, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said:- "It's important that people know that during the pandemic, GP surgeries across Sefton are still here for you if you have concerns about your physical or mental health. Before turning up to your GP practice, contact them online, through the NHS App or by phone to be assessed. There are still face to face appointments available, and you will be offered one if necessary. Alternatively call your nearest Walk In Centre or urgent care centre if you have a minor illness or injury like sprains and strains; broken bones; minor burns and scalds; head injuries; cuts, bruising and grazes. If you're not sure where is best to turn, NHS:- 111 is available 24/7 online and by phone. In the case of a serious or life threatening illness or injury, please don't hesitate to call:- 999."

The NHS website is a 1-stop shop for advice about hundreds of health conditions, a symptom checker and details of GPs, walk-in centres and pharmacies in your local area. In some cases, you may be able to self care for your ailment so it's a good idea to keep your medicine cabinet and first aid kit stocked up with all the essentials.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG said:- "We know that it will be hard during ½ Term, but it's really important that we all play our part by following the restrictions which have been put in place to protect us and our community from the spread of Coronavirus. Remember if you have any Coronavirus symptoms such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you must self isolate at home and get tested as soon as possible. Get a test online at:- Gov.UK/Get-Coronavirus-Test or by calling:- 119. Medical advice about symptoms are available at:- 111.NHS.UK/Covid19, or by calling NHS 111 if you can't get help online."

Protect your loved ones by downloading the official NHS Covid19 contact tracing app for England and Wales: Covid19 Test and Trace app.

Coronavirus (Covid19) useful links:-

► LINK - UK - Coronavirus (Covid19) - what you need to do.

► LINK - NHS - Advice for everyone.

► LINK - NHS - Advice for people at higher risk.

► LINK - UK - Local Restrictions Information.

Southport MP joins Police on dawn raids

MP Damien Moore has praised Merseyside Police Officers as he joined them for a series of drugs raids in Southport on Thursday, 22 October 2020. The Southport MP said that he was impressed as he watched the Officers swoop to arrest a number of people during dawn raids which were carried out across the Sefton and Liverpool area.

Merseyside Police have since charged 11 people with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs after a series of warrants were executed. They included 7 people from Southport, plus 1 each from:- Banks, Mere Brow, Formby and Wavertree.

Southport MP Damien Moore said:- "Drug dealers and other criminals who blight our communities and bring untold misery to local people's lives have no place on our streets. Merseyside Police Officers have once again shown tremendous courage and dedication in their determination to stamp out criminality. Even while the Coronavirus pandemic is with us, drug dealers continue to peddle their misery. Our Police rely on intelligence to carry out their operations. I would like to thank everyone in our community who has helped them today. And I would like to thank our Police Officers and support staff both here in Merseyside and across the UK for their vital work they do to keep us all safe."

Merseyside Police Officers attended at a number of addresses in Southport together with an address in Formby and one address in the L13 area of Liverpool. In total 10 men and 1 woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs while a quantity of cash and Class B drugs was also recovered.

Sefton Superintendent Graeme Robson said:- "I want our communities to know that even during a pandemic our work does not stop,it really is business as usual when it comes to tackling criminals and bringing them to justice. We fully understand the scourge that drug dealing and the associated gang criminality has on our communities and we are determined to stamp it out. We have spent a considerable amount of time gathering information and intelligence in order for us to take this action today to rid the streets of Class A and Class B drugs and the people who sell and distribute them. It's also important that we are able to identify the vulnerable people in our communities who are taken advantage of by these gangs and give them the help that they need. I hope that people feel reassured by our actions today and will continue to come forward with information about drug dealing and other related criminality in their local communities in order for us to continue to take action."

Anyone who has any information about drug dealing or criminality in their area can Merseyside Police via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800555111 or by calling them via the non-emergency phone number:- 101.