News

• Non-Executive Director sought for outstanding NHS Trust

  by Sarah Turner | Feb 28, 2023

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust (CCS), which delivers community services across the majority of the Eastern region, is seeking an exceptional Non-Executive Director to join its forward-thinking Board.

  Mary Elford, Chair of CCS, said: “We have exciting plans for the future, and I'm looking for a talented and experienced leader to add value to our forward-thinking Board and play a critical role in turning these plans into reality.

  “I’m seeking someone with a commercial background or a clinician with experience of building commercial relationships, or you may have a successful track record of building partnerships and/or integrating services. Ideally you'll have experience of working on a board in the public, private or third sector, however most importantly you will need to have a passion for what we do and a genuine commitment to patients and the promotion of excellent health care services.

  “It’s an exciting time to join our Trust. There are many opportunities through the integrated care systems we are partners in across our regional geography, to develop new and innovative ways to meet needs, improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities.

  “With a proven track record for introducing innovative services, we’re looking for an individual with the vision and commitment to ensure we remain at the vanguard of delivering excellence and the very best outcomes for the communities we serve.”

  This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to make a positive difference to people’s lives, and applicants should live in or have strong connections with at least one of the areas served by the Trust.

  The NHS values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. All appointments are made on merit so that the best people, from the widest possible pool of candidates, are appointed given that the best boards are those that reflect the communities they serve.

  Applications are particularly welcome from people from the local black and minority ethnic communities and disabled people who are under-represented in chair and non-executive roles.

  The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Monday 27th March 2023.  

  The candidate information pack, including information on how to apply for this post, can be accessed here.

  If you'd like to find out more about the Trust, Matthew Winn, Chief Executive of CCS, will be holding a webinar at 6pm on Wednesday 22nd March. To join, please email michelle.robinson24@nhs.net to request the Microsoft Teams link.

  We strongly recommend an informal and confidential discussion with Mary Elford. Please email Michelle Robinson (details above) to arrange this.

  NHS England – for general process enquiries, please email Helen Barlow at helen.barlow2@nhs.net

  Listen to Mary Elford, Chair of CCS, talk about our values and the essential criteria she's looking for in a new NED...

   

  Watch Austin Chinakidzwa, Chair of our Cultural Diversity Network, explain how the Network is helping to build an inclusive culture across the Trust, however there's more we're keen to do...

   

   

   

• Industrial action on 26th January

  by Sarah Turner | Jan 25, 2023

  The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has confirmed that strike action will take place at our Trust on Thursday 26th January.

  We want to reassure people that during strike action the NHS will prioritise emergency and urgent treatment. We have tried and tested plans in place to minimise disruption, including during strike action.

  We will have to re-schedule some routine appointments and activities within our services during strike action to ensure we have safe levels of staffing. We will contact you directly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you do not hear from us, please attend your appointment as planned.

  People should continue to come forward as normal if they need care, especially in emergency and life-saving cases (people can go to 111 online for help and advice but call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency).

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust delivers services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

• Trust board public meeting – 25th January 2023

  by Sarah Turner | Jan 19, 2023

  Our Trust board public meeting on Wednesday 25th January is being held virtually.

  A set of papers for the board meeting has been published on our website. If you would like to join this virtual meeting, please do email ccs.trustsecretary@nhs.net who can provide you with the link to the meeting. Whilst this is a meeting held in public, rather than a public meeting, there is usually an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions at the end of each meeting.

  In addition, members of the public can submit any questions to the board for consideration by emailing ccs.trustsecretary@nhs.net - please keep questions brief and to the point, and use ‘Trust Board Meeting Question’ in the subject heading of your email. Responses will either be posted on the Trust’s board meeting webpage following the meeting or can be found in the minutes published in due course.

• Industrial action on 20th December

  by Sarah Turner | Dec 20, 2022

  The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has confirmed that strike action will take place at our Trust on Tuesday 20 December from 8 am to 8 pm.

  We want to reassure people that during strike action the NHS will prioritise emergency and urgent treatment. We have tried and tested plans in place to minimise disruption, including during strike action.

  We will have to re-schedule some routine appointments and activities within our services during strike action to ensure we have safe levels of staffing. We will contact you directly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you do not hear from us please attend your appointment as planned.

  People should continue to come forward as normal if they need care, especially in emergency and life-saving cases (people can go to 111 online for help and advice but call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency).

  We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust delivers services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

   

• Mayor thanks NHS staff and volunteers who have given more than 100,000 life-saving Covid-19 vaccines to King’s Lynn residents

  by Sarah Turner | Dec 15, 2022

  The Mayor of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Councillor Lesley Bambridge, paid a special visit to Shakespeare Barn Covid-19 vaccination centre on Wednesday 14^th December to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff and volunteers involved in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. 

  Cllr Bambridge said: “My heartfelt thanks go to each and every member of the vaccination team who have played such a vital role in helping to protect thousands of King’s Lynn residents from getting seriously ill from Covid-19 and giving hope of a brighter future.”

  The first large-scale Covid-19 vaccination centre opened at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange on 1^st February 2021 where 46,209 vaccines were administered before the centre moved to Shakespeare Barn on 20^th August 2021. Since then, a further 55,588 vaccines have been delivered, bringing the total number of vaccines up to 101,797.

  It was recently announced that the temporary vaccination centre at Shakespeare Barn will close permanently at 4pm today (15^th December) as Mike Passfield, Clinical Operations Director for the large-scale vaccination centres run by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust across Norfolk explains: “Following a successful campaign to protect local people from Covid-19 over the last two years, some of our temporary large-scale vaccination centres will close between 15th – 30th December 2022 after completion of the autumn booster programme. This is in line with the timing of the national autumn booster programme.
  
  “We’d like to thank all our amazing staff and volunteers for their dedication, compassion, and hard work that has helped to protect thousands of local people from Covid-19.” 

  Retired nurse Carole Woodlow is one of thousands of healthcare professionals who returned to the NHS to support the coronavirus effort. Having already clocked up 37 years working at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, Carole joined Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Covid vaccination team in 2021.

  She said: “I was keen to join the Covid vaccination programme as I was inspired by what my colleagues had done during the pandemic and wanted to do something to support the NHS.

  “I joined the team on 1st February 2021 when we opened the vaccination site at the Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn - there was such a buzz, and the adrenaline was certainly flowing when we were vaccinating 400 to 500 people a day.

  “In August 2021 we moved to Shakespeare Barn, and I’ve vaccinated people of all ages, from 100-year-olds down to 5-year-olds.

  “One of my highlights was when we celebrated the NHS’ birthday and had a party in the Corn Exchange where we danced to Abba’s Dancing Queen. The previous Mayor of King’s Lynn, Cllr Harry Humphrey, attended and it was a wonderful feeling to be a part of that.

  “What makes me most proud now is walking down the high street in King’s Lynn and seeing more people walking about and being normal again and knowing that I’ve done something towards that.”

  The well-established Covid-19 vaccination programme in Norfolk will continue to operate from alternate locations so that those eligible for a vaccination will be able to receive these via pharmacies and other local services closer to people’s homes, including outreach programmes which provide vaccinations in community locations, care homes and for the housebound.
  
  In addition to these services, a smaller Covid-19 vaccination service will operate from Connaught Hall in Attleborough. 

   

  

  End

  Editors’ notes

  Those who have recently recovered from Covid should still come forward for their vaccination as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection.

  Anyone over 18 and those aged 5-17 who are in a clinical risk group (or live with someone who is immunosuppressed) who have had Covid will need to wait four weeks before being vaccinated, or 12 weeks for those aged 5 to 17.

  Norfolk large-scale vaccination centres

  Our large-scale vaccination centres are open seven days a week from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm and late evenings at some of the following locations:

  • Norwich - City Hall, accessible via Bethel Street, Norwich NR2 1NR - closed on 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th December (open 28th & 29th December) & closing permanently at 4pm on 30th December.

  • Attleborough - Connaught Hall, Station Rd NR17 2AS - moving to a very limited evergreen offer from 16th December when it will be open Monday to Friday only 8.30am to 4pm. Closed on 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th December (open on 28th, 29th & 30th December), closed 31st December, 1st & 2nd January & open on 3rd January.

  • Harleston - Paddock Road Surgery, Paddock Road IP20 9AT - closed on 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th December (open 28th & 29th December) & closing permanently at 4pm on 30th December.

  Information on evening openings is available on www.norfolk.gov.uk 

  Contact:

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Communications Team via ccs.communications@nhs.net     

   

  
  

• Industrial action on 15 and 20 December

  by User Not Found | Dec 13, 2022

  The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has confirmed that strike action will take place at our Trust on Thursday 15 and Tuesday 20 December from 8 am to 8 pm.

  We want to reassure people that during strike action the NHS will prioritise emergency and urgent treatment.  We have tried and tested plans in place to minimise disruption, including during strike action.

  We will have to re-schedule some routine appointments and activities within our services during strike action to ensure we have safe levels of staffing.   We will contact you directly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you do not hear from us please attend your appointment as planned.

  People should continue to come forward as normal if they need care, especially in emergency and life-saving cases (people can go to 111 online for help and advice but call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency).

  We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust delivers services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Luton,  Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

• Christmas opening times for Covid-19 vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

  by Sarah Turner | Dec 09, 2022

  Following a successful campaign to protect local people from Covid-19 over the last two years, our six temporary large-scale vaccination centres across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will close permanently between 15th – 30th December 2022 after completion of the autumn booster programme. However, there is still plenty of time for anyone eligible to get their vital vaccine or booster jab.

  Up until 15^th December, our vaccination sites will be open seven days a week from 8.30am-4pm and some evenings until 7.30pm, please visit thevaccinators.co.uk for more information.

  The last days for delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations from individual vaccination centres are as follows (the closing time will be 4.00 pm at all these centres):

  • Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech: 15th December 2022
  • Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough: 15th December 2022
  • Chesterton Indoor Bowls Centre, Cambridge: 15^th December 2022
  • The Eatons Community Centre, Eaton Socon: 22nd December 2022

  • The Grafton Centre, Cambridge: Closed on 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th December (open 28th and 29th December) and closing permanently on 30th December

  • The Oaktree Centre: Closed on 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th December (open 28th and 29th December) and closing permanently on 30th December

  Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, explained: “Vaccines remain our best line of defence against Covid-19, and we’ve administered more than 1.7 million doses so far as part of the largest and most successful vaccination programme in NHS history.

  “It’s never been easier to get your autumn booster and I’d strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to have it as soon as possible to maximise your protection this winter.

  “I’d also like to remind anyone who is yet to have their first or second dose that it’s not too late. You can also walk into any of our large-scale vaccination sites or alternatively, if preferred, you can book an appointment online via the National Booking Service or by ringing 119 free of charge.”

  The well-established Covid-19 vaccine programme in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will continue to operate from alternate locations once the large-scale sites close, so that those eligible for a vaccination will be able to receive these via pharmacies and other local services closer to people’s homes, including outreach programmes which provide vaccinations in community locations, care homes and for the housebound.

  End

  Editors’ notes

  Those who have recently recovered from Covid should still come forward for their vaccination as having had the virus does not give the same levels of protection.

  Anyone over 18 and those aged 5-17 who are in a clinical risk group (or live with someone who is immunosuppressed) who have had Covid will need to wait four weeks before being vaccinated, or 12 weeks for those aged 5 to 17.

  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough large-scale vaccination centres:

  • Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AR 
  • The Grafton Centre, Cambridge CB1 1PS
  • The Eatons Community Centre, Eaton Socon, St Neots PE19 8ES
  • The Oaktree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon PE29 7HN
  • Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough PE1 1NT
  • Chesterton Indoor Bowls Centre, Logan’s Way, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1BL

  Further information including later evening openings is available at www.thevaccinators.co.uk

  Contact:

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Communications Team via ccs.communications@nhs.net     

   

• Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A streptococcus

  by User Not Found | Dec 07, 2022

  You will have seen much in the media recently about Group A streptococcus (GAS) which is a common bacteria which lots of us carry in our throats and on our skin.  It doesn’t always result in illness.  However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.  

  The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group A strep, known as iGAS.   Whilst iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths.

  The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a blog which explains more about GAS and the infections it can cause, as well as how it is spread and what to look out for when your child is unwell.  

  You can also follow the latest information and advice from the UKHSA via their social media channels at :

  UKSHA Twitter:  @UKHSA 

  UKSHA Facebook:  https://en-gb.facebook.com/UKHealthSecurityAgency/ 

  UKSHA Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ukhsa/?hl=en 

   

   

• Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust pledges its support to members of the armed forces community and receives bronze award

  by Sarah Turner | Nov 30, 2022

  By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust (CCS) is proud to show its support for the military community and has received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award. 

  The award recognises positive actions taken by organisations to help ensure members of the Armed Forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community, are not unfairly disadvantaged during recruitment and are supported in the workplace.

  Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, said:

  “We’re delighted to receive this award which demonstrates that we’re a forces-friendly employer and open to employing reservists, Armed Forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

  “CCS is embarking on a journey to become a Veteran Aware NHS Trust, and this is the first step towards accreditation.”

  Veteran Aware is part of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), which consists of more than a hundred NHS providers in England who have been accredited as exemplars of the best care for veterans, helping to drive improvements in NHS care for people who serve or have served in the UK armed forces and their families.

  David Wood, Regional Lead for Veteran Aware, said: "It's great to see Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust make this commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and also their intent to achieve Veteran Aware accreditation to support the military community.”

  Kristina Carrington, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East of England, added: “We congratulate Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust on being awarded their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award in recognition of the intention to support Defence People, and are looking forward to working with them on their journey to attaining a Silver Award.”

   [END]

  For further information, please contact Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Communications Team on 0300 555 6655 or email ccs.communications@nhs.net

  Photo: Dr David Vickers, Medical Director, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust (left) and Bruce Luter, Assistant Director of Business Development and Strategy (right), who served as a commissioned officer in the RAF from 1984 to 2006, retiring as a Wing Commander, photographed with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award certificate. 

  Notes for editors

  The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

  Bronze Award holders are self-nominated by employers who pledge their intention to support the Defence community and take a positive stance towards Reservists who are either existing or prospective employees.

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust provides the following extensive portfolio of services:

  • a range of children’s services to children, young people and families in (Cambridgeshire and Norfolk)
  • school age immunisation programme (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk)
  • iCaSH: Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health Services (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk)
  • dental services (Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Suffolk)
  • musculoskeletal services and pelvic health physiotherapy services (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough)
  • Children and Adults’ Community Health services for the residents of Luton

  • Children and Adults’ Community Health services for the residents of Bedfordshire are provided in partnership with East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT).

  Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust: providing services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

• Temporary Covid-19 Large Scale Vaccination Centres to close as community-based alternatives deliver vaccination services closer to people’s homes

  by User Not Found | Nov 25, 2022

  Mike Passfield, Clinical Operations Director for the large scale vaccination centres run by Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk said:

  “Following a successful campaign to protect local people from Covid-19 over the last two years, our temporary large-scale vaccination centres will close between 15 - 31 December 2022 after completion of the autumn booster programme.  This is in line with the timing of the national autumn booster programme.

  “We would like to thank the amazing staff and volunteers for their dedication, compassion, and hard work that has helped to protect thousands of local people from Covid-19.  The staff working in our large-scale vaccination centres have unique skills and a commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our local people which we are keen to retain in the local health and care system.  We are working with staff on fixed term contracts to identify future employment opportunities across our health and care partners and support the many bank staff and volunteers at the centres by sharing information and advice on alternative opportunities.”

  The well-established Covid-19 vaccine programmes across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk will continue to operate from alternate locations so that those eligible for a vaccination will be able to receive these via pharmacies and other local services closer to people’s homes, including outreach programmes which provides vaccinations in community locations, care homes and for the housebound.

  In addition to these services, a smaller Covid-19 vaccination service will operate from January to March 2023, five days a week at Castle Quarter Shopping Centre, Norwich, and Connaught Hall, Attleborough. 

  Kate Keeling, Associate Director of Immunisation & Health Inclusion, NHS Norfolk and Waveney said:

  “Firstly, we wish to thank everyone who has helped deliver the largest Vaccination Programme in NHS history. This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers who have helped protect our local communities. 

  “We have tried to be as flexible as possible and provide a service which is equitable, easy and convenient for local people to access and we continue to review the Programme to ensure it meets the needs of local people and communities as well as making the most effective use of public resources.

  “Vaccinations continue to be offered at a range of sites; including some GP Practices, Large Vaccination Sites, Community Pharmacies and Hospital Hubs across Norfolk and Waveney.  Some of these sites are offering a walk-in option with no need to book. NHS Norfolk and Waveney can also provide a roving team where there is a need in order to make access to vaccinations easier and more convenient for local people.

  If you are eligible, it is very important to have a vaccination to protect yourself, your family and the local community.”

  Dr Fiona Head, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “Firstly, I would like to personally thank all our COVID-19 vaccination staff and volunteers at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s large vaccination centres. Thanks to their incredible efforts over the last two years, they have delivered over 1,050,000 vaccinations. This has made a significant impact on how many people have become severely unwell over the course of the pandemic.

  “The autumn booster campaign is now nearing its conclusion, with opportunities for people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations via our range of other locations, including local pharmacies and our vaccination bus. So, if you haven’t had your autumn booster yet, there is still time to get vaccinated either by walking into our large centres before they close or booking via the National Booking Service at one of our other locations. Remember, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against becoming very unwell from COVID-19.”

  Background information

  • Vaccinations continue to be the best form of protection from severe illness from Covid-19.  Anyone eligible is encouraged to walk-in or book an appointment for their autumn booster via www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine or by calling 119.  Primary 1^st and 2^nd vaccines also remain available.   Anybody who is immunosuppressed, is invited to walk into any of our centres for their booster, bringing with them a letter to confirm their status from an NHS professional.

     

  • The last day for delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations from individual vaccination centres are as follows (the closing time will be 4.00 pm at all of these centres):

  Cambridgeshire & Peterborough

  • Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech: 15 December 2022
  • Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough:15 December 2022
  • Chesterton Indoor Bowls Centre, Cambridge:15 December 2022
  • The Eatons Community Centre, Eaton Socon:22 December 2022
  • Oaktree Centre, Huntingdon:30 December 2022
  • The Grafton Centre, Cambridge:30 December 2022

  Norfolk and Waveney

  • Shakespeare’s Barn, Kings Lynn:                              15 December 2022
  • City Hall, Norwich:                                                      30 December 2022 
  • Paddock Road Surgery, Harleston:                            30 December 2022

  A smaller Covid-19 vaccination service will operate from January to March 2023, five days a week at the following locations:

  • Castle Quarter Shopping Centre , Norwich (Thursdays to Mondays, 8.30 am to 4.00 pm)
  • Connaught Hall, Attleborough (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.00 pm)

  • In Norfolk and Waveney, as well as the outreach programme and vaccination service at Castle Quarter and Connaught Hall, local people who are eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations will also be able to access these via GPs, Primary Care Networks, pharmacies and the WOW (wellbeing on wheels) bus which will tour local communities.

  • The Integrated Care Boards have undertaken extensive modelling of resources and are confident that there is more than sufficient capacity via alternative providers to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations after December based on current eligibility criteria. 

  • Integrated Care Boards are also developing surge plans should additional cohorts become eligible and/or the demand increase over the winter.  For the longer term, discussions are underway regarding potential models for the future delivery of vaccinations, including surges, after the Autumn booster programme is complete.