Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak is having an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government and the NHS take necessary steps to manage the outbreak, reduce transmission and treat those who need medical attention.

It may be difficult, but by following guidance on social distancing, or staying at home, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.

To stop the spread of the virus remember Hands. Face. Space: wash your hands regularly, use a face covering when social distancing is not possible and try to keep your distance from those not in your household.

Testing information

You can find information about testing for COVID-19 and anti-body testing for both local people and staff here. 

Vaccine information

Find more information on vaccines.

Contents

There's a lot of information on this webpage, please use the links below for easier navigation:

1. Information for members of the public
2. Information and guidance for staff

1. Information for members of the public

Useful links

• Gov.uk: Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do (opens in new window)

• NHS: Advice for everyone (opens in new window)

Primary Care 

• Updated information on visiting primary care services in Lancashire and South Cumbria

Visiting hospitals and use of face coverings

• Updated information on visiting and face coverings for hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria
• Face masks and coverings are now mandatory in most public spaces in England

Information for people at the highest clinical risk

• NHS England have published background information and FAQs for people at the highest clinical risk from COVID-19 (opens in new window)The Government advice to shield has ended, but clinically extremely vulnerable people must still follow the rules that apply to everyone in England on what they can and cannot do and on staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keep well this winter

• Prepare yourself for this winter and help support your friends and loved ones

Cancer services

• Pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms

• Lung cancer signs and symptoms

• Breast screening saves lives – don’t miss your appointment

• Lockdown restrictions didn't get in the way of cancer investigations for Blackburn woman

• Cancer appointments are safe - please attend if you are asked to

• Cervical screening

• Cervical cancer prevention week

• ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign urges people not to ignore persistent tummy troubles

Attending hospital appointments

• Local people are reassured it is safe to attend hospital for operations and appointments

A&E

• Lancashire and South Cumbria hospitals receive £10.2m to prepare for winter

Paediatrics

• Parents and carers encouraged not to delay seeking medical help

Maternity Advice

In partnership with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Infant Feeding Network we have published information for those feeding infants during COVID-19. 

• Maternity visiting restrictions during COVID-19

• Advice and guidance for those who are breastfeeding

• Advice and guidance for those who are formula feeding

Postnatal

This plan will help you think about yours and your baby’s needs in the postnatal period ahead of time.

• Postnatal stay at home plan
• Looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 crisis if you are pregnant or a new parent

Mental Health

We have created a webpage signposting to support and resources available for mental health. This page will be regularly updated.

• Mental health support services available in Lancashire and South Cumbria
• Health organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria have worked together to develop this interactive map of mental health services
• Orange Button Community Scheme
• Suicide prevention campaign expanded
• Been struggling during COVID-19? Rebranded mental health service is available to all

• Mental health family hour relaunches to support during new lockdown

• Make sure you look after your mental health during new national lockdown

Children and young people's mental health

• Information for children and young people
• Information for families and carers

Domestic abuse

• Support services and help-lines for those affected by or at risk of domestic abuse

Support for homeless people

• Safeguarding homeless people from COVID-19

Diabetes

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for the safety of our patients and providers, all face-to-face learning sessions are currently suspended.  

• Diabetes prevention continues thanks to remote meetings
• Your Diabetes, Your Way: here you’ll find all the help you need to learn about and manage your diabetes. 

Dental health

• Guidance on what to do if you have a dental problem during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eye health

• People in Lancashire and South Cumbria urged not to ignore eye problems to avoid long term damage

Community Hubs

Hubs have been set up in each district of Lancashire to help support the people who need it most during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The hubs are now available to those who are deemed vulnerable due to their age, health factors or through self-isolation. Known as 'locality hubs', they are being managed and operated by local authority staff who are engaging with community volunteer support.

A lot of people who need to self-isolate or who are otherwise vulnerable during the pandemic will have really strong arrangements in place with family, friends and local shops providing their essential support and reducing their isolation. The new community hubs help will not replace that. They will be safety nets for those without others to help them out or if those arrangements break down for whatever reason, including if the person helping them becomes unwell themselves. 

The hubs can also signpost residents to services such as preventing loneliness, mental health support and financial and debt advice. 

View Community Hub contact details here.

3. Information and guidance for staff and partners

Resilience Hub

The Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub is here to help you find what you need, whether you’ve been struggling to get by or you just feel you’ve been feeling under the weather.

Ordering PPE

The PPE portal can be used by social care and primary care providers to get critical coronavirus (COVID-19) personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Find out how to access the PPE Portal

Primary Care

• Guidance on the use of face masks and coverings in general practice settings to prevent COVID-19 transmission

Personalised Care

Lancashire and South Cumbria Personalised Care Hub - resources to support people’s health and wellbeing and maximise self-management:

• Download a guide to person-centred coaching conversations

Mental Health

• Children and young people's mental health and wellbeing

Domestic abuse

• Resources and information to support those at risk of or affected by domestic abuse

Coronavirus saliva test for staff

• More information about the Coronavirus saliva test for staff.

Asymptomatic Staff Testing – lateral flow devices

• More information on asymptomatic staff testing 

Videos

Andy Knox Stay Well This Winter

Andy Curran - NHS services still open and importance of following guidance

Kevin McGee - increasing demand on hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria