In this issue... - Mersey Care NHS Trust

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
God Jul
Feliz Natal
Milad Majid
Nadolig Llawen
Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Feliz Navidad
Fröhliche Weihnachten
Geseënde Kersfees
souksan van Christmas
Gledileg Jol
Nollaig chridheil huibh
Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Buone Feste Natalizie
Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Mele Kalikimaka
Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut
Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Kala Hristouyenna, Hronia Polla
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
Seasonʼs Greetings
Y o u r N e w s 1 Y o u r V i e w s
In this issue...
• employee of the month
• StAff SURVey UpDAte
• 25 yeARS’ SeRVice
• fRee StUff
• whAt'S on
produced for the staff of mersey care nhS trust

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
I am really pleased to see the picture on page eight of the staff celebrating their
completion of 25 years service, a number of whom I know personally. Congratulations
to all of you! I passed the 25 years milestone a number of years ago and seeing the
picture made me think about all our staff who have celebrated even longer service
than 25 years so in future issues of this newsletter we will put the spotlight on some
of you – you know who you are!!
This newsletter has been around now for over a year and feedback has been positive.
I do though want to make it even more relevant to everyone and we would love to
receive comments and questions from staff. Have you got a question about anything
to do with the Trust or how you are affected as a member of staff? If so please email
Communications on communications@merseycare.nhs.uk and we will ensure that you
receive an answer from the appropriate person. Any questions and answers of general
interest will be included in future issues. Remember – this is your newsletter!
Finally at this time of year can I take the opportunity to send season’s greetings to
everyone and wish you all a very successful 2012.
Y o u r N e w s 2 Y o u r V i e w s
STOP PRESS
Residents of Liverpool are being asked to have a say in deciding Liverpool City
Council’s spending priorities. The local authority has to save £50 million during
2012/13 and is inviting people to use an online budget calculator – You Choose -
to consider where spending should fall, where efficiencies might be made, and
where income might be generated.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your say on saving essential services
for vulnerable people from council cuts. VISIT www.liverpool.gov.uk/news and
take the budget challenge. The council lists seven areas for consideration:
• Children’s Services and Education
• Housing and Neighbourhoods
• Culture, Sport and Leisure
• Roads and Refuse
• Environment and Regeneration
• Council Support and Public Engagement
• Adult Services (it is here where many support services for our service users and
carers are at risk)
Show your support for protecting services for people with mental health
problems.
Council Leader Joe Anderson said: “This is a chance for local people to tell us
what their priorities are and where they would choose to direct our spending if
they had control of our finances. The information that they feed into the system
will be included as part of the consultation when we come to make choices in
order to balance the books. … It is now a case of prioritising our priorities, and
we want people’s views on which services they would like us to protect the most.
The spending categories which people can consider and prioritise include:
children’s services and education; adult services; housing and neighbourhoods;
roads and refuse; environment and regeneration and council support and public
engagement.
Feedback from the You Choose consultation will form part of the budget setting
process.
Don’t miss out!

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
EMployEE of thE
Month WinnEr
Support manager for Addiction
Services, eRicA oRR, pictured
receiving her vouchers and certificate
with chief executive, Alan yates,
community Services manager, Ann
hanlon and Service User/carer
Representative, tony waters.
Erica was nominated by two colleagues,
Community Services Manager, Ann
Hanlon said: “Erica has been so
supportive to the Hope House Team from
Rodney Street which has recently moved
office. She has worked tirelessly to
support the team and ensure the move
went effortlessly and smoothly. She has
gone above and beyond the expectation
of her role. She has negotiated with
builders, electricians and various
departments in the Trust to ensure a
smooth move.
“She never complains and has a ‘lets
get it done’ attitude and still maintains
a sense of humour. Well done Erica. We think you’re just great.”
Specialist Team Manager, Chris Jackson said: “As manager of the Drug
Dependency Unit I would like to express my huge thanks and gratitude to the
work and effort Erica has put into this move and believe that without her input the
move would have had a negative impact on service users and service delivery.
“I cannot think of a more worthy winner of employee of the month and feel that
Erica’s work effort and mentality are a great representative of not only the
Addiction Services CBU but of Mersey Care NHS Trust as a whole.”
Y o u r N e w s 3 Y o u r V i e w s
Employee of the Month
winner - erica orr
Support manager for Addiction Services
The other nominations
Veronica Beatie High Secure Services
June Brisk Addiction Services
Paul Brown High Secure Services
Thelma Buxton Liverpool
Neil Crane High Secure Services
Paul Donleavy High Secure Services
Jane Hardaker Positive Care Partnerships
Brian Moorcroft High Secure Services
Claire Needham Specialist Management Services
Tracey Paxton Specialist Management Services
Jackie Sing Specialist Management Services
Colin Sutcliffe High Secure Services
Paula Taft High Secure Services
Katie Taylor Addiction Services
Val Tremarco Positive Care Partnerships
Nominations can be made via email to:
employeeofthemonth@merseycare.nhs.uk
or via postcards placed around the Trust

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Y o u r N e w s 4 Y o u r V i e w s
DiSpelling the mythS: heRe ARe Some of the
mythS AnD RUmoURS thAt ARe UntRUe AboUt
the flU VAccinAtion
the jab will give me the flu
The Flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not
contain a live virus.
the jab will not work
The jab will work, however it will only protect you against
the strain of flu that the vaccine is designed for. It won’t
protect you if you are already carrying the flu virus as it
takes about a week to 10 days for your body to start
producing antibodies to the virus.
the jab is only aimed at older people
Anyone with an underlying health condition, babies under
six months, pregnant women and people aged 65 and over
are particularly vulnerable to the flu virus and are more at
risk of developing complications. People of every age are
affected by the flu each year.
if you are pregnant you should not have the jab
Pregnant women are encouraged to have the jab as it helps
to protect the baby when it is born. Babies under 6 months
are at high risk of the complications of flu yet cannot be
vaccinated as their immune system is not strong enough.
come Along AnD fight flU AwAy befoRe chRiStmAS!!!
All staff who receive/have received the flu vaccination will be automatically entered into a prize draw. prizes include:
• 3 month gym memberships
• free Sefton Active class passes
• £50 boots Vouchers
• £50 JJb Vouchers
For more information please contact the occupational health Department, Parkbourn, Maghull L31 1HW, Tel 0151 471 2451

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Avoiding festive flu…
Mersey Care is continuing to offer its staff
vaccinations to halt the spread of
seasonal flu.
A concerted effort by vaccinators across
the Trust has ensured that 58 per cent of
all frontline staff have so far received their
flu jab and more flu clinics are planned
into the New Year.
Trust Flu Lead Steve Bradbury said:
“Whilst uptake of the flu vaccine has
flattened out across most health
organisations, our figures show that 16
per cent more Mersey Care staff this
month are taking up the offer to protect
themselves by being vaccinated. I would
like to thank Tracey Paxton and the rest
of her team who have been responsible
for vaccinations, for helping us achieve
this.
“The message is clear and supported by
a number of flu champions across all our
services. The vaccine is safe and
effective. By having the flu jab you will
protect yourself, your family and your
patients.”
According to latest figures from NHS
Merseyside local uptake of the winter flu
vaccination among the general population
is above the North West average.
With the colder weather still due to kick
in, NHS Merseyside is encouraging those
people with underlying health conditions,
or in at risk groups to get their free
vaccination now.
Dr Anjila Shah, Consultant in Public
Health at NHS Sefton, said: “Last year we
had a particularly bad year for flu
outbreaks, so we are delighted to see that
Merseyside residents are taking health
advice and having their flu vaccinations
early.
“Our figures do show that there are still
many people in at risk groups who
haven’t had their free vaccination and we
want to urge people to get themselves
protected.
“It is important to remember that the flu
vaccination takes about 10-14 days to
take effect, so the message is simple;
don’t wait until there is a flu outbreak this
winter, if you are at risk, take advantage
of your free vaccination as soon as
possible to avoid spending Christmas in
bed, or even in hospital.”
• Look out for bulletins about flu clinics
across the Trust, or to check availability
contact Sheila Parrott, Occupational
Health Department, Tel: 0151 471 2451;
email sheila.parrott@merseycare.nhs.uk
Y o u r N e w s 5 Y o u r V i e w s
it’s what your right arm (or left arm!) is for…join these
mersey care staff flu champions and many more
colleagues by having the flu vaccine.

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
oCCUpAtionAl hEAlth
CliniCS for DECEMBEr
Occupational Health will be holding clinics for:
• Flu Vaccinations
• Routine Bloods
• Baseline Health Checks (BP; Weight; BMI etc..)
• Cholesterol Checks
(Please make an appointment for fasting bloods – 0151 471 2451)
• Healthy Lifestyle Advice
DATE CLINIC TIMES
19-12-11 7:30 – 11:00 and 12:00 – 15:00
20-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
21-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
22-12-11 7:30 – 11:00 and 12:00 – 15:00
23-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and14:30 – 16:00
26-12-11 CLOSED
27-12-11 CLOSED
28-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
29-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
30-12-11 8:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
Above:
linda Kirkpatric Christmas
card picture winner
Y o u r N e w s 6 Y o u r V i e w s
liverpool CBU in
Christmas card double
Chairman Beatrice Fraenkel chose the design for the Trust’s Christmas card
submitted by Rathbone Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit technical instructor Linda
Kirkpatrick. The branches on the tree feature Christmas greetings from languages
around the world, mirroring Linda’s two and a half years at the unit working with
people from many different cultures. The winning verse was by Windsor House
support worker Christine Tinken, both winners were from Liverpool CBU.
The winning design chosen by Chairman, Beatrice Fraenkel was produced by:
Technical Instructor from PICU (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit), Linda Kirkpatrick, who said:
“While working at the PICU I have met patients from all over the world and from different cultures,
hopefully this card represents that”.
The verse inside is by Hospital Assistant, Christine Tinken from Windsor House.
www.merseycare.nhs.uk
God Jul
Feliz Natal
Milad Majid
Nadolig Llawen
Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Feliz Navidad
Fröhliche Weihnachten
Geseënde Kersfees
souksan van Christmas
Gledileg Jol
Nollaig chridheil huibh
Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Buone Feste Natalizie
Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Mele Kalikimaka
Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut
Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Kala Hristouyenna, Hronia Polla
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
Seasonʼs Greetings
May the stars above
bring a special
Christmas wish
of peace and love to all
this Christmas.
Above:
Chrisine tinken Christmas
card verse winner

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Avoid a festive debt hangover
Christmas is around the corner, but for many people the
festive season can be a financially fraught time.
Household budgets up and down the country are already
being squeezed with the rising cost of energy bills, petrol
and groceries, with the result being that most of us have
to cut back on the amount we spend on presents and
socialising.
According to a survey from consumer group Which?
more than 4 in 10 people claim they will be spending less
this Christmas, while half are worried about the cost of
buying Christmas presents.
christmas on credit
While it might be tempting to put everything on plastic
and worry about it later, this will make matters a whole
lot worse when the bills start to land next year.
According to a recent web poll, Brits will spend an
average of £437 on festivities this year and 1 in 10 plan
to put this cost on a credit or store card.
But, with average credit card interest rates sitting at an
eye-watering 18% APR, making just the minimum
required payments would cost an extra £70.20 in interest
by Christmas next year.
To clear the balance would take a staggering 12 years
and eight months and cost an extra £409.25 in interest -
meaning your forgotten Christmas shop from more than
a decade before has cost almost double.
More worrying still is that one in four shoppers who took
part in the web poll said that, while they intend to budget
for the festivities, they fully expect to exceed this budget.
For cash-strapped shoppers who want to spread the
cost of Christmas over several months, the cheapest
option is a credit card offering 0% interest on purchases.
However, make sure you make a note of when the
introductory period ends, as when it does interest will
become payable at a representative APR of around 17%.
Y o u r N e w s 7 Y o u r V i e w s
credit cards that will pay you back
If you are able to pay back your balance in full every
month, a cash-back or rewards card is likely to be your
best bet as it will literally 'pay you back' every time you
spend.
The value of cash back credit cards like these will be
totally lost if you start to accumulate a balance. The
representative APR on some cards is 22% once you
factor in the annual fee.
ways to cut christmas costs
Clearly, the old-fashioned way to save money at
Christmas is to simply spend less. And there are several
ways to achieve this without becoming a Christmas
Scrooge.
For example, fix a maximum spend on gifts among family
and friends. Organise a secret Santa whereby each
person buys for just one other whose name they pull out
of a hat, or simply agree to bypass adults and just buy
gifts for children.
In any of these cases, make sure you take advantage of
the raft of discount vouchers available on the internet.
Simply type a store or product you want a voucher for
and it could return a code.
This can then be entered at the 'online checkout' at the
retailer's website which will trigger the appropriate
discount on the item. The process is free, so you have
nothing to lose and everything to gain.
by laura howard, financial journalist

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Celebrating 25 years’ service
Staff who celebrated 25 years’ service were greeted with Katrina and the Waves singing
Walking on Sunshine from 1985 as they arrived at indigo. More than 90 people qualified for
the quarter century and 30 were able to make it to the lunch event with memories of what
life used to be like in the 1980s prompted by Executive Director of High Secure Services
and Nursing, Ray Walker who was a student nurse at the time.
Y o u r N e w s 8 Y o u r V i e w s

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Ruby’s Restaurant christmas opening
times are:
open as normal till 23rd December
26th and 27th December - closed
28th, 29th and 30th December - open
2nd January 2011 - closed
Re-open 3rd January
Discounts for
Mersey care staff
free stuff
HP colour laserjet image fuser kit C9736A (for hp colour laserjet
series 5500)
HP344 Tricolour C9363EE
HP13 Black C4814A
HP78 Tricolour C6578DE
HP45 Black 51645GE
Office Depot compatible with HP45 Black (twin packs) (x 2).
Brother PC-201 printing cartridge for fax machine (x2).
Brother TN660 cartridge for fax machine.
Brother LC1100HY-BK.
If they would be useful to anyone please contact either Jan Oldfield
on 0151 471 2413 (Jan.oldfield-estates@merseycare.nhs.uk) or Sally
Edmonds on 0151 473 2744 (sally.edmonds@merseycare.nhs.uk) to
arrange collection.
Free Fax Toner
4 x Toners for a Sagem Fax Machine (TNR350D)
Please call Louise on 0151 330 8900
All discounts and offers on exhibitions, sports and
other opportunities that apply to Mersey Care staff
are now available on the following link:
http://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/working_for_Us/staff_discounts.aspx
Y o u r N e w s 9
Y o u r V i e w s
The page will be updated regularly so please check the link above
for the latest offers and discounts.

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
thE StAff SUrvEy
iS noW CloSED
As of Monday 12th December, Quality Health had received
completed surveys from 59% of staff. This compared well against
the national average of 52%.
The top mental health Trust response was 65% and bottom was
33%. A breakdown for each area is as follows:
ADDiction SeRViceS 73%
high SecURe SeRViceS 46%
liVeRpool 44%
pcp 67%
RebUilD 76%
SAfe pARtneRShipS 60%
SmS
coRpoRAte & boARD 74%
fAcilitieS 50%
phARmAcy 100%
finAnce 93%
woRKfoRce 86%
infoRmAtion 70%
SeRVice meDicAl 92%
Your opinion counts. Once the results of the key themes are in,
the Staff Engagement Group will work on these to put into action
your views.
Thanks to everyone who completed their forms, an update on our
final figures will be given next time.
Y o u r N e w s 10 Y o u r V i e w s
NHS Staff Survey 2011
HAVE YOUR
SAY!
CloSED
Tell us your views on your NHS
If you receive a questionnaire, please complete and return it
as soon as you can.
Your answers will be treated in confidence. No one in your organisation
will be able to identify individual responses
Results will be used to improve local working conditions, and provide
public accountability on levels of quality and safety
For more information visit: www.nhsstaffsurveys.com

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
The Christmas spirit is in full flow at the PICU
The fireplace and clock has been made by service users with the guidance of our Christmas
card winner, Linda Kirkpatrick PICU Technical Instructor.
It is made totally from recycled paper, card, polystyrene and PVA glue !!!
The Christmas wreath is also hand made by service users and Linda.
for more information contact mary bowman at the Rathbone psychiatric intensive
care Unit on 0151 471 7975 Liverpool Clinical Business Unit
Y o u r N e w s 11 Y o u r V i e w s

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Y o u r N e w s 12 Y o u r V i e w s

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
Mersey Care is delighted to be working with Tate
Liverpool on an exciting collaborative exhibition. Mersey
Care hopes its involvement in this will help raise
awareness for better understanding and the need to
challenge the stigma around mental distress, also
benefiting people who use our services and the wider
public.
As part of the collaboration Mersey Care has a limited
number of tickets available for staff, service users/carers
and their families. A maximum of four tickets are
available per family (note children under 12 do not need
tickets as they are admitted free).
You can order tickets either on the telephone (through
the Tate general information line - 0151 702 7400 and
press 1 to speak to a member of staff at the
liverpool gallery) or in person. When you contact the
Tate or visit the gallery please ask for ‘Alice in
wonderland tickets mersey care’.
When you book you will be given a booking reference
number. Please note these are offered on a first-come
basis, although the exhibition runs until the end of
January, giving you plenty of time to visit.
WHAT’S ON
the curious garden
williamson Square until 5 January
Step inside a world of wonder and delight where things are not
quite what they seem…
A Liverpool first, the Curious Garden offers children of all ages
and abilities the chance to enter a different world. Here they can
experience a sensory play garden, dancing fountains, spin in
larger than life teacups, tumble down in the crazy cottage and
make a wish next to a very special Christmas Tree. There will be a
few more hidden surprises with Alice and friends in there too plus
there’ll be a daily special prize to be won.
Admission: £4.99 for children. Adults are fRee. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. This attraction is suitable for
children under the age of 12. Open during shop opening hours.
Y o u r N e w s 13 Y o u r V i e w s
Liverpool Christmas highlights:
Christmas In The Park
Chavasse Park, Liverpool One until 24 December
Winter Wonderland Simulator - Church Street until 8 January. £3 a ride.
Live Reindeers - Queen Square Thurs 22 December. FREE
Salvation Army Bands at the Tree – Church Street Saturday 24 December.
Cinderella – Rock ‘n‘ Roll Panto, Liverpool Playhouse until 21 January.
Snow White - Royal Court until 8 January.
White Christmas the Musical - Liverpool Empire until 7 January.
Or visit: www.christmasbyliverpool.com
Southport Christmas highlights:
http://www.visitsouthport.com/whats-on/
southport-christmas-shopping-weekends-p300161

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
policy Watch
The Bribery Act 2010 came into force on
1st July 2011. The aim of the Act is to
minimise or eradicate bribery and
corruption in both the private and public
sector.
As an NHS organisation, Mersey Care
NHS Trust follows good NHS business
practice and has robust controls in place
to prevent bribery. It is important that all
our employees, contractors and agents
comply with Trust policies and
procedures, particularly with regard to
procurement, sponsorship, donations and
hospitality. The Trust Standards of
Business Conduct policy sets out the
ethics, professional conduct and probity
standards that are expected of all Trust
employees.
In accordance with the principles of the
Bribery Act, the Trust Board is committed
to the prevention of bribery and will
demonstrate and communicate the
importance of transparency and openness
at all times.
On behalf of the Trust I confirm our
commitment to ensuring that all staff are
aware of their responsibilities in relation to
the prevention of bribery.
Alan Yates
Chief Executive
Y o u r N e w s 14 Y o u r V i e w s
linked documents available on the trust website:
fo1: Standing orders
fo2: Standing financial instructions
fo3: Scheme of Reservations and Delegations
fo4: Standards of business conduct
fo6: Anti-fraud and corruption policy

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
St. Helens Citizens Advice Bureau has
recently received funding from the British
Gas Energy Trust to help clients who are in
financial difficulty make applications to the
Trust fund.
The Trust fund is primarily designed to help
those with gas and electricity arrears apply
for a grant to clear their arrears. (You do not
need to be a British Gas customer to apply)
Applications can also be made for what is
known as a ‘Further Assistance Payment’
which can include help purchasing essential
household items such as a cooker, fridgefreezer
or washing machine, if the client
cannot afford to purchase the appliance
themselves. Outstanding funeral expenses
may also be claimed where there is financial
hardship.
Y o u r N e w s 15 Y o u r V i e w s
Recent successful applications include the
award of a Bankruptcy deposit, Debt Relief
Order deposit and £682 of gas arrears being
cleared.
The service provided is free and confidential
and they are an independent and impartial
organisation. If there are any issues
regarding confidentiality/data protection, the
service is happy for Michael Egan’s contact
details to be given to out to those who wish
to arrange an appointment.
Whilst they are based in St. Helens, there is
no boundary limit on the clients they can
help with Trust fund applications. People
from surrounding towns and cities would
need to arrange their own transport to the
Bureau.
If you require any further information or
would like to make a referral, please do not
hesitate to contact Michael Egan on
01744 751380 or email
Michael.Egan@sthelenscab.org.uk.

ISSUE 15-
Christmas 2011
looK AliKE
A member of staff nominated Deputy Purchasing
Manager, colin todd and Celebrity Chef, paul
hollywood for this month’s lookalike. What do
you think… keep your lookalike nominations
coming in.
Name:
Date:
Hanukkah Crossword
Complete the activity.
2
4 5
8
6 7
ACROSS
1. Special arrangement of nine
candles
3. Jelly doughnuts
8. Hebrew song sung after lighting
the Hanukkah candles
OWN 9. Number of days Hanukkah is
celebrated
. Hebrew term 10. Place for rededication
of worship in Jerusalem
. Gifts for Hannukah
. Oil that priests used in the lamp
10
colin todd
crossword
1 2
3 4 5
paul hollywood
DOWN
2. Hebrew term for rededication
4. Gifts for Hannukah
5. Oil that priests used in the lamp
6. Potato pancakes
7. Four-sided spinning top
Hanukkah Latkes Temple Gelt
Menorah Sufganiyot Maoz Tzor
9
Y o u r N e w s 16 Y o u r V i e w s