February 2024 - update

Your Brief

All Your Briefs can be found by following this link YourBrief :: YourSpace Mersey Care 

---

Mersey Cares – Our Charity

Joanne Watson, Charity Fundraising Manager, updated on the current state of play for the charity. With several fundraisers coming up from April through June there’s never been a better time to get involved to support our charity 😊

Pennies from Heaven - Skydiving not your cup of tea? Then there’s a much simpler way to help raise funds for the charity via the Pennies from Heaven scheme! When subscribing to the scheme, you simply donate your pay packet pennies to the charity each month which is a great way to contribute to support our patients, service users and staff.

---

Quarter 4 People Pulse Results – Trust Level

 

With a total staff response rate of 12%, Amanda Oates stated that it would be difficult to gauge a proportionate response from the resulting outputs, however key stats showed:

67.5% of staff responded positively regarding their current mood.

84% felt supported by their team.

63% felt supported with their health and wellbeing.

55% felt informed about important changes.

 

If you have any feedback with how to improve communications, please contact Amanda directly.

---

Perfect Care Goal update – Race Equality Week

 

Race Equality Week took place from the 5^th of February to 11^th February.

Sessions were held over MS Teams across the course of the week and the link to the slides and recorded sessions can be found here: Seminars and sessions from Race Equality Week 2024 :: YourSpace Mersey Care

Please take time to review the slides and consider what could be your ‘Big Promise’, before emailing your promise post card to PCG.Anti-Racism@merseycare.nhs.uk or submitting through the following link https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/ZERO-acceptance/day-5-big-promise

---

NHS Smartcard Renewal

This process is changing from 31 January. From then, you must use Care Identity Management (CIM) to unlock your Smartcard. Find out more on YourSpace.

---

Health Roster system merge update

The legacy NWBH and MCFT roster systems will be merging into a single unified Health Roster system. There will be minimal impact to operational staff during the merge process other than when the system is down on 13 and 14 February in week one and 20, 21 and 22 February in week two with the new system being released Friday, 23 February. Check YourSpace for details.

 

PLAN AHEAD, BOOK YOUR BANK AND AGENCY WORKERS IN ADVANCE OF THE DOWN TIME.

During this downtime period, there will be no access to Healthroster or Employee Online, The Temporary Staffing service will manage Bank and Agency worker bookings Offline during the downtime. We now require all roster managers to begin preparing their Roster for the downtime period, sending any vacant shifts to bank or agency and to proactively manage the Roster.

Managers Downtime Guidance - https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/application/files/7617/0688/6024/HealthRoster_Downtime_-_Managers_Guidev2.pdf

Full Communication - https://yourspace.merseycare.nhs.uk/people-and-development/workforce/health-roster-erostering

---

New training for managers who approve agency worker timesheets

From today (29 January) the new neutral vendor model will be implemented across the Trust, meaning the Trust Temporary Staffing team will put all requests for agency workers through one provider, Agile Workforce Solutions. There is a change in process for approving shifts worked by agency workers and training is available.

---

Sending a Thank You

Valuing our people is an essential part of our Trust Strategy. Your Recognition is all about recognising and rewarding your good work, commitment to caring, and successes that make a difference to the lives of service users, patients, carers, and families as well as our staff and teams.

Your Recognition - Home (sharepoint.com)

---

Absence Management

Absence Manager (Empactis) was introduced in September 2023 to support staff and managers to report sickness absence.

Other forms of absence such as carers and compassionate leave are to be reported by calling your manager directly.

To report all sickness absence, call 0330 818 6439 

You will need your assignment number (found on your payslip). Also, please check that your hierarchy is up to date in ESR. Every open absence must now be processed through the new system, including when appropriate colleagues closing all absences using the absence line.

This call is the only one you need to make, your managers will be informed from the information provided on that call. It’s an automatic service. Your manager then can call you back to discuss further details at a more convenient time.

Further detail can be found here: Colleagues’ health and absence systems (merseycare.nhs.uk)

 

HFMA

 

Developing Healthcare Leaders of the Future

 

Healthcare business and finance qualifications for all levels of the NHS finance community

Are you ready to unlock new opportunities and propel your career forward in healthcare finance? The HFMA offers a range of access routes and funding options to our qualifications, tailored to suit your professional aspirations and level of experience. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for the highest echelons of NHS finance leadership, there's a pathway for you with the HFMA.

 

Intermediate qualification route: fully funded for bands 2 to 6 finance staff

If you're working in NHS finance within bands 2 to 6 and are looking to solidify your knowledge in healthcare finance, our intermediate qualification route is the perfect stepping stone. Gain essential knowledge and skills without financial barriers holding you back. This fully funded opportunity empowers you to progress in your career with confidence. Find out more

 

 

Advanced qualifications route: bursaries available

For those already in or aspiring to management and leadership roles within NHS finance, our advanced qualifications route offers unique learning to further your career. Take advantage of the regional academy or EDI bursaries to benefit from funded study. With the HFMA, you'll have the tools and support you need to thrive in finance leadership positions. Find out more

 

 

Executive route: partially funded places for experienced senior finance staff in bands 8d+

Are you working in an NHS senior finance role at band 8d and above? Our executive route provides tailored, partially funded opportunities to sharpen your strategic acumen and enhance your leadership capabilities. Invest in your professional growth and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Find out more

 

Route to an MBA and research fellowship: fully funded opportunity

Interest in completing an MBA but concerned about the financial implications? Our fully funded MBA research fellowship provides a unique opportunity for ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact in healthcare finance. Seize this chance to delve deep into research, innovation, and leadership with this fully funded opportunity. Find out more

 

No matter what stage you are at in your career, the HFMA has a qualification pathway designed to elevate your skills to further your career in NHS finance.

 

Take the first step towards your career aspirations by exploring our range of qualifications today. Visit our website to learn more about each access route and how to enroll.

---

Studying

Hi everyone

We are wanting to update the list that we have of those who are actively studying and to arrange a team’s call for all staff who are either studying, or in the process of applying to study.

Please can you e-mail me if you are included in the above?

Many thanks

 

Esther

Esther Steele

Finance Business Partner

Secure Care Division

---

 

Student Staff Development Lead

We are on the look out for a new Student Staff Development Lead, following the previous holder, Dan Hughes, moving on to a new role.

This is a pivotal role that will form a part of our staff development steering group, ideally this would be a current student but is not essential.

The main responsibilities would cover:

• Membership to the Staff Development Steering Group.
• Provide general support to the finance and procurement students.
• Provide advice to prospective students regarding study programmes
• Provide advice and support relating to the departmental study policy and apprenticeship levy.
• Promoting courses, events, and opportunities to the finance and procurement department.
• Input into the monthly finance newsletter (training section).
• Support the FSD Lead and Staff development steering group in reviewing any study applications.

If this is a role that would interest you, please speak with your line manager and contact myself.

Thanks

 

Danny

Daniel Williamson

---

Skills Development Network

Event	Cost	Date	Closing Date
Influence and Persuasion (Online course via MS Teams)	1 credits (£60)	Wednesday 21st February 2024 (09:00 - 12:30)	16/02/2024
Leadership Strategies for New Managers (2 day course over 2 weeks) (Online course via Zoom)	2 credits (£120)	Wednesday 21st February 2024 (09:30 - 16:30) and Wednesday 28th February 2024 (09:30 - 16:30)	16/02/2024
Level 2: VAT in the NHS Intermediate - International (Online course via Zoom)	Free of charge	Monday 26th February 2024 (09:30 - 12:30)	22/02/2024
Level 2: VAT in the NHS Intermediate - Charitable Funds (Online course via Zoom)	Free of charge	Monday 26th February 2024 (15:30 - 16:00)	22/02/2024
Level 2: VAT in the NHS Intermediate - Capital & Estates (Online course via Zoom)	Free of charge	Monday 26th February 2024 (13:00 - 15:00)	22/02/2024
Negotiation Skills (Online course via MS Teams)	1 credits (£60)	Wednesday 28th February 2024 (09:00 - 12:30)	23/02/2024
Introduction to R and RStudio - 2023 version 3 x half days (Online course via Zoom)	2 credits (£120)	Wednesday 6th March 2024 (09:30 - 13:00) Thursday 7th March 2024 (09:30 - 13:00) Friday 8th March 2024 (09:30 - 13:00)	04/03/2024
National Payroll Conference 2024	4 credits (£240)	Thursday 7th March 2024 (09:45 - 16:30) and Friday 8th March 2024 (09:45 - 13:30)	22/02/2024
Clinical Risk Management Foundation (delivered by NHS England via Zoom)	5 credits (£300)	Tuesday 12th March 2024 (09:30 - 15:00)	08/03/2024
Patient Choice and the Provider Selection Regime (Live online training update session via Zoom)	Free of charge	Wednesday 20th March 2024 (10:00 - 13:00)	18/03/2024

 

---

HFMA

 

Band 2-6 Conference in London 21 February 2024

Please see the attached poster I would encourage all B2-6 to register and attend this event, it’s a great opportunity to support your development and network. 

Regards

Sally Proffitt

Deputy Director of Finance

 

Will you be attending our first Bands 2 to 6 conference? 

In January 2022, we expanded our membership to finance staff working in NHS Agenda for Change bands 2 to 6 roles by offering a free membership. Since then, we’ve had nearly 4,000 members join us! 

With this growing area of membership in mind, we are excited to announce that we will be holding our first ever bands 2 to 6 conference. This will be held alongside our HFMA intermediate qualification graduation ceremony on 21 February at 110 Rochester Row.  

Join fellow graduates, industry professionals, and guest speakers for an inspiring ceremony that acknowledges and celebrates a commitment to excellence. This dedicated bands 2 to 6 event will be a memorable experience and a chance to celebrate those graduating with an HFMA intermediate qualification.  

 

What else can you expect from the day? 

• gain key takeaways to enhance your employability. 
• find out how you can get the most out of your HFMA membership. 
• gain valuable insight into progressing your career in the NHS.  
• celebrate the achievements of those who have been awarded the HFMA intermediate certificate.  

 

Programme highlights 

12.30 – The benefits of a mentor.  

13.00 – How to land your next job. 

15.15 – Intermediate qualification graduation ceremony. 

This event is free to attend and is worth seven accredited CPD hours. 

Registration can be made on the HFMA Website.

---

 

Help or hype - how to tell the difference with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions  

9 February 2024, 13.30-14.30 

 

In an era inundated with AI possibilities, identifying which solutions will genuinely benefit your organisation is challenging. 

 

On 9 February, we will be joined by Ben Court, head of AI and analytics at Civica, for a webinar that will empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when it comes to building or buying an AI solution for your organisation. 

As an MSc qualified data scientist with almost 20 years’ experience in healthcare analytics both working in and with the NHS, Ben will share real-world examples and practical experience of building and releasing AI solutions at scale across healthcare 

 
Along with busting some AI myths, the webinar will cover:  

 

• what AI is and isn’t, and what it can and can’t do 
• types of AI and the risks associated with each one 
• problems that lend themselves to AI solutions 
• how to prove an AI system delivers on its objectives 
• ethics, fairness and transparency 
• security and governance. 

 
This webinar will leave you equipped with the knowledge to ask the right questions when evaluating AI solutions to ensure they deliver your business objectives. 

 

Don't miss this opportunity to navigate the AI landscape confidently. Register now and take a decisive step towards leveraging AI for real, tangible benefits. 

---

ONE NHS FINANCE

 

 

Welcome to the February One NHS Finance newsletter.

We have many exciting opportunities this month, including special events and activities in celebration of LGBTQIA+ History Month and insightful findings from last year's 'Shaping the Future' conversation.

Firstly, we would like to congratulate all the organisations who have been awarded (and re-awarded) Towards Excellence Accreditation by the Finance Leadership Council this week. There were 20 applications at Level 1, 6 at Level 2, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust have been awarded at Level 3! Well done everyone for all your hard work.

Find out what else is coming up this month, including how to submit to the NHS Finance Innovation Programme for the next peer review deadline.

---

Value Maker Showcase Sessions
29 and 30 Jan, 2 Feb, online

Don't miss out on the last VM showcase sessions, highlighting the fantastic work throughout the NHS finance community. The sessions will cover various topics from award recognition to celebrating diversity. 

---

Induction to Future-Focused Finance
16 Feb, online

FFF is turning 10 in February! Discover more about the different networks, events and resources that are available within the FFF programme that can support you with your day-to-day role and career development.

---

Innovation Showcases with Q&A
6 and 15 Feb online

In these interactive sessions, participants will find out more about NHS Finance Innovations submitted by various organisations to the Innovation Programme. You will also have the chance to ask the innovators questions.

---

Finance Education Showcases
9 Feb, 22 April, online

Our new series of finance education showcase sessions range from initiatives aimed at addressing financial challenges within the trust and across the healthcare system to re-engaging clinicians, managers and leaders within on the subject of finance.

---

Winter Wellbeing Webinars
5 and 16 Feb, online

Wellbeing is more important than ever during the colder months, so take some time out of your busy schedules and attend a wellbeing webinar, established to provide support to staff, covering a range of topics from organisation change to dealing with burnout. 

---

LGBTQIA+ History Month - get involved!

Get involved in LGBTQIA+ History Month this February, we have various events from delving into the significance of pronouns and allyship training within the LGBTQIA+ community. View these events and learn more about the National Rainbow Network here: The National Rainbow Network.

---

NHS Finance Talent Management poster

Print and display our new NHS Finance Talent Management poster in your department to promote the talent management process and raise awareness of it to staff. 

Download the poster here.

---

Shaping the Future: Read the campaign report

The anonymous Shape the Future conversation ran from July to September 2023. All NHS finance professionals were invited to contribute their insights, feedback and concerns regarding the NHS finance function and its existing training and development opportunities. Users could also contribute by simply voting and commenting on already submitted ideas.

In total, 1,331 individuals participated in the conversation, representing 9% of the staff across NHS Trusts and ICBs. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

View the key findings in the campaign report here. 

 

Software Skills Network

The One NHS Finance national software skills network has recently been updated. The Network gives NHS finance staff the opportunity to discuss and ask questions about any software that they are learning. You can find out more about the Network here, or by taking a look at the attached PDF (“Software Skills pres page”).

 

---

Resources

February National Programme Updates Blog - Find out everything happening this month across our programmes

NHS Efficiency Exchange - Add yours today

Guidance and resources to support talent management - View them here

Introduction to Clinical Coding in the NHS - Watch the 2024 animation update

Finance and Clinical Educators - Join the network today

Supporting our Staff - Download the resource guide

Flexible working in the NHS - Download the toolkit here

Health and Wellbeing Conference 2024 - Rewatch the January H&W conference

 

 

Sign in to the One NHS Finance website to register for the following events: 

• January 25, 12:00 - 16:00 pm - The Software Skills, The Possible
• January 29, 14:00 - 15:00 pm - VMAC Showcase Session: Making Data Make Sense
• January 30, 09:30 - 12:30 pm - Navigating the inclusive talent management process
• January 30, 14:00 - 15:00 pm - VMAC Showcase Session - Award recognition scheme 
• January 31, 11:00 - 12:00 pm - LGBTQIA+ History Month - Launch and Myth-busting event
• February 2, 13:30 - 14:30 pm - VMAC Showcase Session: Celebrating Diversity at The Christie
• February 5, 12:30 - 13:30 pm - Interview hints and tips when going through organisational change
• February 6, 10:00 - 11:00 am - Innovation Showcase Session: Staff Survey Information Cascade
• February 9, 11:00 - 12:00 pm - Finance Education Showcase session: Demystifying UHL Finance
• February 12, 09:30 - 12:30 pm - Navigating the inclusive talent management process
• February 15, 10:00 - 11:00 am - Innovation Showcase Session: Induction Timetable
• February 15, 11:00 - 12:00 pm - Spotting and Preventing Burnout
• February 16, 10:00 - 11:00 am - Induction to Future-Focused Finance
• February 16, 13:00 - 14:30 pm - LGBTQIA+ History Month - Pronouns
• February 29, 11:00 - 12:00 pm - LGBTQIA+ History Month - Allyship Training
• March 7, 14:00 - 15:00 pm - Sponsor Training - Reviewing experiences and ending and evaluating your relationships
• March 13, 09:30 - 16:30 pm - Demystifying NHS Finance
• April 22, 14:00 - 15:00 pm - Finance Education Showcase Session: Budget Holder Training

 

 

NHS Finance Careers

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world employing around 1.3 million people in a variety of different roles across hundreds of healthcare providers, Integrated Care Boards and NHS regulators. Finance is involved in everything the NHS does and most importantly contributes to the care of patients.  Find your rewarding finance career of choice within the NHS.

Follow this link to the NHS Finance careers website: Finance Careers Website

 

---

INTERNAL: Expression of Interest – Senior Patients Cash Assistant (Band 4)

 

Financial Services is inviting expressions of interest to fill a three-month secondment into the Senior Patients Cash Assistant role (Band 4).

This opportunity has arisen due to a vacancy within the Patients Cash Team and key tasks will include:

• Maintain patient and service user financial information and transactions

• Process information in the preparation, distribution, and maintenance of reports

• Deputise for the Patients’ Cash & Benefits Supervisor as and when required

       

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Jennifer Dempsey (0151 471 2426) or alternatively, submit an expression of interest direct to Jennifer.dempsey@merseycare.nhs.uk outlining the reasons for your application.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm Wednesday 14th February 2024.

Please note, interested parties need to seek support from their current line manager before making a submission.

Regards

 

Peter Ryan

Senior Financial Accountant

---

Primary Care 24 - 12 month secondment opportunity

Hi All

An opportunity has arisen for a 12-month secondment at Primary Care 24.  Our finance department has developed strong links with Primary Care 24 through jointly supporting a successful graduate trainee programme.

 

The role in a smaller organisation where you will get experience of all functions across finance, working on a rotation basis though FM and FS.  The role will offer experience at a band 5/6 level.

 

The placement in the financial management function would involve supporting month-end reporting (from posting journals to variance analysis) and providing ad hoc costings.

Additionally, there will be a number of tasks to specifically support the Primary Care division including tracking and reconciling our GP practice income, as well as analysing supplier prices to ensure VFM and putting contracts in place.

 

The financial accountant experience will involve looking after our sales ledger, running the debtors report, completing month-end reconciliations including bank reconciliations and preparing and posting our monthly payroll journal.

 

If this is something that appeals to yourself, please speal with your line manager and let me know, and we can arrange an informal discussion initially with Joe O’Donnel – the Head of Commercial Finance at Primary Care 24.

 

Many thanks

 

Danny 

Danny Williamson

 

---

 

Vacancies currently available on the Skills Development Network

Pathways 2 NHS Procurement Graduate Scheme (Closing date: 07/02/2024)

Procurement Graduate Scheme (Closing date: 07/02/2024)

Procurement Graduate Scheme (Closing date: 07/02/2024)

Procurement Graduate Scheme (Closing date: 07/02/2024)

Research Grants Manager (Closing date: 09/02/2024)

Income Accountant (Financial Management - Income) (Closing date: 18/02/2024)

Finance Transactions Manager (Closing date: 11/02/2024)

Senior Finance Business Partner - Financial Management (Closing date: 13/02/2024)

Deputy Management Accountant (Closing date: 13/02/2024)

Financial Accounts Assistant (Closing date: 11/02/2024)

Click here to view the vacancies

 

 

G Drive

The piece work to cleanse and migrate all the Finance and Procurement folders to the G drive in a standardised format has now been completed.

• Phase 1 was to move the old NWBH folders to an archive folder on the G drive 
• Phase 2 was to move the old LCH folders in a similar way to an archive folder on the G drive
• The 3rd and most complex stage was to migrate all live/current folders from the S drive to the G drive, with older folders being saved to archive folders in the same way as phase 1 and 2. 

---

Debtors Process

Following recent updates/training provided, there has been a review of the end-to-end debtors process. This was part of a piece of work completed by the Improvement Group which comprises members of Financial Management and Financial Services.

The changes were approved by Finance SLT on 2 November 2023. The changes recommended are now effective and need to be followed going forward.

 

An overview of the changes that need to be followed are given in the summary document that is included on the Finance & Procurement section of YourSpace. Also included in this section is the new debtors / invoice request form, which is submitted to the Income Team (Helen Moores). This new version of the form should be used going forward.

The link is as follows: Order to cash :: YourSpace Mersey Care

If you have any queries on this please let me know.

Regards

 

Peter Ryan

Senior Financial Accountant

---

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

This is a technology that automates repetitive tasks performed by human workers in an office environment.

We are working with a company called TOCA to automate some of the processes in the department. They are currently tasked with looking at Patients Cash and an element of the Forecast Sheets, 

There was a workshop held on 18 January 2024 to go through some final tweaks of the process mapping for these areas and a Statement of Work has been created by TOCA.

There are a couple of actions still outstanding but it is hoped they will be resolved soon and we can share an update on this page once the project is underway. 

 

Patients Cash

We are currently finalising the process map to automate the daily update to the patients statements and ward reports. Once this is done TOCA will confirm the development time needed.

 

We are also looking at ways to make better use of CMS (see below) to automate the processing of patient requests/transactions and avoid between CMS & Oracle.

 

CMS is the system that patients in Ashworth/Rowan View use to place orders and send requests to Patients Cash. CMS will also be used by the patients in Aspen Wood when it opens.

 

Home Electronics

This will be next after forecasting and patients cash, however the scheme is currently closed until 6 April 2024.

 

Fleet Solutions

This has been put on hold for now.

---

Costing Update

The costing team have recently attended training on how to use ProAuto on CostMaster. ProAuto automates processes within CostMaster.

Repetitive tasks such as importing data and calculating a model can now be set up using ProAuto and will remove the requirement for the costing team to manually update the model.

ProAuto will now be used for both the National Cost Collection and quarterly Service Line Reporting.

---

Fuzzy Lookup

A fuzzy lookup is similar to a V lookup but is used when the two columns are not an exact match. This can be used for cells which may have spelling mistakes, abbreviations, synonyms and added/missing data.

Lydia Arnold in the Costing Team has written some really comprehnsive notes on how to install and then use a fuzzy look up if anyone wants to try and use it. 

Please click this link for the detailed notes.

---

Social Media

Don't forget you can use social media platforms to learn new skills. 

There are a wealth of accounts on Instagram and TikTok which are directed at hints and tips - particularly useful with Excel and PowerPoint. 

These are a couple of accounts that have proven useful for excel tips and formulas: 

@forgoodcode (on Instagram)

@exceldictionary (on Instagram)

 

Good tip in excel...Flash Fill

If you have a column of data and you only want some parts of it - eg you have a list of information eg email addresses, type what you want in the next columns (such as first name and last name as it shows in the email) highlight the cells, and press CTRL+E. This will copy the pattern of what you've already picked out and fill the rest of the list. 

Here is a link to an example using the names of forecast sheet export files 

 

These are also a couple of accounts that have proven useful for PowerPoint tips: 

@fastppt_ (on Instagram)

@alex_ppt (on Instagram)

 

@spreadsheetnation (on TikTok) suggested by Hayley

Remove leading zeros - this can have an impact on look-ups etc.

This can be done in excel by going into File>Options>Data and removing the tick from the box to say “remove leading zeros and convert to a number”.  

This should then stop you having to manually add a ‘ before numbers. 

 

There is also a wealth of information and "how to" guides on YouTube. If you have any hints and tips that can be shared, please get in contact. 

---

Innovation Programme Cohort 8 - Submit by February 29

Please submit your finance innovations by February 29 for the next peer review. 

The programme showcases how organisations have found creative solutions to finance challenges and inspires other finance teams in the NHS to do the same.

How to submit -

• Read the Submission Guide here
• Submit your innovation here
• Once your submission is received, it will be anonymously peer-reviewed
• Successful innovations will then be published in April

View the Innovation Library for inspiration.

---

 

Finance and Procurement would like to send a reminder that all invoice and order queries should now be raised through the self-service portal

self-service platform

Suppliers are to email enquiries to purchasetopay@merseycare.nhs.uk

The self service portal should be the first choice for any queries, but the new phone line is also available on 01925 972 767

 

You will get this screen if you open the Self Service icon on your desktop and there is a tab for Finance and Procurement Enquiries. 

 

More detail can be found in the November finance update in the "Digital Improvements and Innovation" section. It contains a full guide on how to access and includes a user guide. 

November 2023 - update :: YourSpace Mersey Care

14.02.24 Reference Number: 2576 To: All NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Provider Clients Subject: INFORMATION - Scheduled Maintenance & Release Work   As part of our ongoing improvement and maintenance programmes, we confirm the upcoming work plans and the potential impacts. This work includes: Oracle E-Business & Oracle Business Intelligence Patching Friday 16 & Saturday 17 February Change of BACS Payment Processing Supplier from 13 February Upcoming systems access notice   Oracle E-Business & Oracle Business Intelligence Patching Friday 16 & Saturday 17 February We will be performing planned Oracle E-Business Suite (Provider) & Business Intelligence (ISFE) half-yearly patching work Friday 16 & Saturday 17 February. The Oracle E-Business Suite & Business Intelligence Systems will be unavailable from Friday 18:00 while the patching activities are undertaken, aiming to complete by 18:30 Saturday. Normal system use will be resumed after the work completes.   All interfaces and file uploads will be suspended prior to this work commencing. We therefore strongly recommend that users ensure all relevant interfaces or uploads are completed by 16:00 Friday 16 February. To avoid any disruption, we would advise you to ensure your relevant departments are aware of this and any potential impacts on business-as-usual activities. We also recommend that clients ensure they have sufficient emergency POs available to them during these times. The overnight Business Intelligence refresh will not be run Friday 16 February, but will be switched back on for Saturday 17 February, meaning that refreshed information will be available again in the system in time for the start of the usual working day Monday 19 February.   We will include updates on the Technical Noticeboard to confirm when the work has completed and that the systems are back available.   Change of BACS Payment Processing Supplier – new date from 13 February Further to Client Communication 2570a issued in January, we now have a new date planned to deploy the change of BACS Payment Processing Supplier. As a reminder, this work is part of an NHS SBS project that marks the replacement of our current supplier Capita, and a move to a new supplier Bottomline Technologies. We anticipate no disruption to the existing Payment Processing service. However, to ensure a smooth experience for all our clients, we have taken precautionary measures. We have negotiated a one-month extension to the existing contract with Capita, effective from 1 February 2024, to act as a fallback mechanism in case of any issues during the transition period. Our team has been working diligently to minimise any potential impact on your operations, and we are confident that the new BACS processing supplier will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our services.   Future systems access notice Future release and maintenance work notice; these activities will require system downtime over certain weekends, meaning access to all our Production environments may not be available for certain periods: March 2024 Saturday 16 March - from 18:00 Friday 15 & into Saturday 16 March we will be performing planned Oracle infrastructure maintenance work. All interfaces and file uploads will be suspended prior to this work commencing. We therefore strongly recommend that users ensure all relevant interfaces or uploads are completed as early as possible before 16:00 Friday 15 March. The overnight BI refresh will also be suspended Friday evening but resume Saturday 16 March. Saturday 23 March - is our scheduled release weekend for new functionality and fixes. Depending on the content of the release work there may be some system downtime during the day (times to be confirmed closer to the work).   April 2024 There are no planned system downtime periods in April, and additional IT team support will be in place over certain weekends as per previous years (Details will be confirmed nearer the time).   Upcoming Training Our next sessions for the “Overview of the Business Intelligence Functionality” are planned for: Wednesday 6 March 2024 13:30 – 14:30 Wednesday 18 April 2024 13:30 – 14:30 Wednesday 15 May 2024 13:30 – 14:30   Our next Pay Per Person Training courses for “Business Intelligence (BI) Report Writing / Superuser” are planned for: Tuesday 20 February 2024 09:30 - 16:30 Thursday 25 April 2024 09:30 - 16:30 Thursday 23 May 2024 09:30 - 16:30 The schedule for 2024 is available on the Training Zone   We have monthly free webinars throughout 2024, please find the full schedule on the Training Zone. For any further information please contact SBS-W.SBSTraining@nhs.net.   14.02.24 Reference Number: 2575 To: All NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Provider Clients and ISFE User Community Subject: INFORMATION - Year End Timetable 2023/24 Update Please find below an updated copy of the NHS SBS Year End Timetable (Version 2) for 2023/24.  There still remains some provisional dates yet to be confirmed (TBC). The changes from issue version 1 are listed in the change log tab and highlighted in Brown.   Year End Timetable   This timetable is again subject to revision, with the latest version always located on the F&A Client Extranet, located under ‘Year End 2023/24 Timetable’ and can be found on the following links: R12 Year End ISFE Year End NHS SBS Year End Timetable for 2023/24.   Please find below a copy of the NHS SBS Year End Timetable for 2023/24.   Apologies for the again later than normal publication this year. There are still some key provisional dates and notes yet to be confirmed (TBA). Any line marked as TBA is marked in RED font and notes associated with it still need to be updated this year.   This timetable is subject to revision, with the latest version maintained on the F&A Client Extranet.   The timetable is located under ‘Year End 2023/24 Timetable’ and can be found on the following links:   R12 Clients - Year End 2023/24 Timetable - Client Extranet ISFE Clients - Year End 2023/24 Timetable - Client Extranet   You can also access the timetable by clicking on the following button:

 

Download the Year End Timetable

 

We will shortly be publishing our online Year End forum pages, which will serve to assist you over the coming months and where each of our teams are involved.

FRAUD TREND: NHS Salary Sacrifice Schemes

 

The NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA) would like to alert NHS colleagues to a new fraud trend involving NHS salary sacrifice schemes.

Fraudsters have been targeting NHS colleagues to steal email addresses and ESR/assignment numbers to enable them to login to salary sacrifice schemes and fraudulently take out contracts in their victim’s name.

Recommendations for colleagues:

• All colleagues should only use the salary sacrifice links provided to you by your organisation.
• NEVER share your ESR/assignment number or nhs.net login credentials with anyone.
• If you believe your ESR, work email or nhs.net account have been compromised, contact ITSecurity@imerseyside.nhs.uk as soon as possible.
• Report any unusual activity on your payslip, work email or your ESR account to your Human Resources (HR) representative.
• Create strong passwords using three random words containing spaces (e.g. Apple Fish Snowflake – do not use this password).

NHS employees who believe they have been a victim of fraud should carry out a credit history check to identify any anomalies.

All incidents of suspected fraud against the NHS organisation should be reported to Claire Smallman at Mersey Internal Audit Agency (MIAA) –  claire.smallman@miaa.nhs.uk or the NHSCFA by calling 0800 028 4060 or online at: https://www.cfa.nhs.uk/reportfraud

---

 

FRAUD UPDATES

We received 5 fraud notices from MIAA covering the month of January.

These are summarised below.

Any questions or queries please let me know.

Regards

 

Mike

Mike Jones

Financial Accountant (Assurance)

---

56-23-24 - Data Breach (Elysium Healthcare)

A North West Trust has informed MIAA that Elysium Healthcare experienced a data breach on Monday 18/12/23. 

A targeted phishing email they received was made to look like it had come from one of their directors requesting an aged debt list.  One of their admin staff responded, attaching a report which included details which related to aged debt, including invoice details.  The targeted individual sent this list off thinking it was a legitimate request.

The information elicited by the fraudsters could be used in future mandate frauds.

Elysium Healthcare Ltd (part of Ramsay Health Care) support individuals in the Mental Health and Wellbeing, Learning Disabilities and Autism, Neurological and Children and Education spheres.

Actions required:

(1)         Check whether Elysium Healthcare Ltd are a supplier and, if so, review any recent or ongoing communications from the company to ensure this is, or has been, with the genuine supplier and check whether any bank change requests have been received and/or actioned.

(2)         Ensure all relevant colleagues are made aware of this alert and remain vigilant for any mandate change request that may be received or fake invoices etc. with request for payment to be made to a different bank account to the existing supplier details.

(3)         Report any attempts, losses or local concerns to the Anti-Fraud Specialist.

---

FPC-57-23-24 - Phishing email (Camlab Ltd)

An NHS Trust has contacted us to state that they have received an email from a supplier “Camlab Ltd”, who wished to report a phishing attempt that was undertaken using a hoax e-mail address impersonating two of their employees last week.

This email is not legitimate. The email address is completely incorrect and ends with another company domain.

Camlab Ltd email addresses always only end in camlab.co.uk and you should only find one of these 3 variants @camlab.co.uk, @website.camlab.co.uk or @email.camlab.co.uk. No other variation is used.

All genuine emails from Camlab Ltd are only formatted as follows - firstinitialsurname@camlab.co.uk or firstnamesurname@camlab.co.uk or department@camlab.co.uk.

 

Camlab Ltd are aware of a number of these attempts taking place currently and they are working with the relevant organisations to try and stop these from happening.

Action(s) required:

1. Check whether your organisation uses Camlab Ltd and, if so, review any recent/ ongoing communications from the organisation to ensure this was/ is with the genuine organisation.
2. Ensure relevant staff are made aware of this phishing email and remain vigilant.  Staff are advised to follow the Trust’s policy with regard to the handling of suspicious emails.  Suspicious emails should also be reported to spamreports@nhs.net and/or report@phishing.gov.uk. 
3. Check whether the Trust has received any emails from the email address and, if possible, block it locally.
4. If you have any local concerns regarding the subject matter contained in this email, please contact the Anti-Fraud Specialist promptly.

---

FPC-58-23-24 Mandate Fraud - Convergence (Group Networks) Ltd

MIAA has received notification from a North-West client about a mandate fraud alert received from Convergence (Group Networks) Ltd.

Convergence (Group Networks) Ltd have become aware of a fraudulent email being issued to their clients detailing new bank details for the company, after a review by SBS identified the domain name for the company had an additional character added and the phone number had been amended.  The correct domain is @convergencegroup.co.uk.

It was confirmed that the fraudulent emails used were rich.townsend@convergencesgroup.co.uk  and nick.martin@convergencesgroup.co.uk  which had an additional character‘s’  added to the email address)

If your organisation uses SBS - this should already have been identified and blocked. The fraudulent email domain has also been reported to the NHS Digital to be blocked.

Actions required:

1.     Check whether Convergence Group are a supplier and, if so, review any recent or ongoing communications from the company to ensure this is, has been, with the genuine supplier and check whether any bank change requests have been received and/or actioned.

2.     Supplier lists should be reviewed for the fraudulent account details that were provided:

Sort code: 30-99-50

Acct number: 11068963

3.     Ensure all relevant colleagues are made aware of this alert and remain vigilant. Please also inform local IT security to identify whether there have been any incoming emails using this address and request a block, if possible, if the organisation uses a local server and not @nhs.net.

4.     Report any attempts, losses or local concerns to the Anti-Fraud Specialist.

---

FPC-59-23-24 A24 Group - Data Breach

MIAA has received notification from one of our clients that A24 Group has had a significant amount of data stolen and published. This data could be used for future mandate frauds against their customers.

A24 Group provide temporary medical staffing to the NHS and private sector.

Actions required:

1. Check whether A24 Group are a supplier and, if so, review any recent or ongoing communications (invoices) received from the company to ensure this is, or has been, with the genuine supplier.
2. Ensure all relevant colleagues are made aware of this alert and remain vigilant.
3. Report any attempts, losses or local concerns to the Anti-Fraud Specialist.

---

FPC-60-23-24 – Unsuccessful Mandate Fraud - Key Construction

MIAA has received notification from a Trust client regarding an unsuccessful mandate fraud in respect of Key Construction.  They are a Midlands based construction company / contractor.

One of Key Construction’s email accounts appears to have been hacked. A Director of Key Construction sent a genuine invoice to the Trust, the Director then received an email with a link attached, which he opened. He believes this link was sent by fraudsters and due to him opening the link, it has enabled the fraudsters to hack into his emails and send a second (bogus) email and invoice to the Trust suggesting a change of bank details.

The Trust contacted Key Construction after receiving the second invoice (with different bank details) and established the second request was fraudulent.

Actions required:

1.     Check whether Key Construction are a supplier and, if so, review any recent or ongoing communications from the company to ensure this is, or has been, with the genuine supplier, and check whether any recent bank change requests have been received and/or actioned.

2.     Supplier lists should be reviewed for the fraudulent account details that were provided:

Sort code: 08-71-99

Acct: 10544102

3.     Ensure all relevant colleagues are made aware of this alert and remain vigilant.

4.     Report any attempts, losses or local concerns to the Anti-Fraud Specialist.

Welcome to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion blog for February.

 

1 February 2024

Black History Month Begins – The start of a month-long celebration and study of the achievements and history of African Americans in the U.S.

---

Race Equality Week 5-11 February 2024

 

What is the significance of Race Equality Week? 

Race Equality Week was established in 2020 by Race Equality Matters in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and subsequent activities that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This annual event serves as a dedicated period to confront and dismantle the barriers hindering race equality within the workplace.

Race Equality Week has become a pivotal platform for organisations to reassess, redefine, and reinforce their commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

What is the theme for Race Equality Week 2024? 
The theme for this year’s Race Equality Week is #ListenActChange aligning with ongoing research and feedback. It serves as a call to action, inspiring collective efforts to turn awareness into tangible, transformative change.

How can I be involved?

• Attend the Free National Events
• Take part in the five day challenges in your own time or join one of Mersey Care’s sessions on offer
• See YourSpace or staff newsletters for more information.

---

10 February 2024

Lunar New Year – The start of the new year on the lunar calendar, a big celebration for many East Asian cultures.

There will be some road closures in Liverpool during the celebrations - please see below link for further information.

Chinese New Year Celebrations, Liverpool Thursday, 8 February to Sunday, 11 February 2024 :: YourSpace Mersey Care

---

11 February 2024

International Day of Women and Girls in Science – A day to recognize and celebrate the critical role women and girls play in science and technology, aiming for greater equity in these fields.

---

13 February 2024

Mardi Gras – A lively festival known for parades and costumes, traditionally celebrated before the Christian season of Lent begins.

---

20 February 2024

World Day of Social Justice – A day to focus on fairness and equality, advocating for social justice issues like poverty, unemployment, and human rights.

 

 

---

ED&I Training Events at One NHS Finance

 

LGBTQIA+ History Month – Pronouns (onenhsfinance.nhs.uk)

16th February, 13.00 – 14.30, MS Teams

 

LGBTQIA+ History Month – Allyship Training (onenhsfinance.nhs.uk)

29th February, 11.00 – 12.00, MS Teams

 

These events provide an opportunity for you to engage in meaningful conversations, learn about LGBTQIA+ History, and enhance your understanding of allyship and pronouns. The community has made significant progress and contributions to society, and these sessions aim to celebrate their achievements while addressing common misconceptions and promoting a more inclusive workplace.

 

To register for these events, please click on the links above and follow the registration instructions. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact one.finance@nhs.net. 

It's Friendly February! 

Here are lots of ways of spreading kindness and friendliness throughout February!  Please click here to see a bigger version that you can download and look at each day! 

---

Time to Talk about Mental Health

1 February is Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.

Do you want to support your team with their mental health?

Become a Mental Health First Aider and develop the skills to spot the signs of people experiencing poor mental health. More training dates will be available soon on YourSpace.

---

Finance "All Staff" Feedback

The feedback from the recent ‘All Staff’ session highlighted that staff would like to get to know other teams informally.

During the SLT meeting it was suggested a trial of a 15 minute ‘coffee break and chat’ session once a month where you will be paired up at random as a way to get to know each other.

If you are interested, please let Jane Carney know and she can arrange the sessions.

---

NW Women in Leadership for Finance Network

Please would you join in for what promises to be an insightful and powerful session on the 27^th February at 4.00pm. It will be an interactive Menopause Awareness and Empowerment Session.

We will be welcoming Amantha King, Strengths Development Coach & Workplace Menopause Consultant and June Potts, Workplace Menopause Consultant who will share their experiences and knowledge with us.

The session is not just for colleagues who are or will experience the menopause, but to raise awareness for us all to be able support colleagues affected by the menopause in the workplace.

Email nicola.tamanis@nhs.net for the link and to join the mailing list

For more information please click this link

---

LENT

When is Lent in 2024?

In 2024 Lent begins on Wednesday 14 February. The Lent dates for 2024 are 14 February – 28 March.

Why is lent 40 days?

40 is a significant number in the Bible:

In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the promised land. Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus spent 40 days praying and fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.

What to do for Lent?

Some Christians from more orthodox or traditional denominations fast during Lent. They begin with the wearing of ashes on Ash Wednesday and give up meat, fish, eggs and more for the 40 day period. Others choose to give up comforts or luxuries such as chocolate, junk food, social media or television.

For many Christians, Lent is a time where they make space to pray, read the Bible and reflect on God’s love.

For some of us the prospect of 40 days of giving up something can be daunting. This year we’d like to encourage you to take something up instead and form a new habit.

What is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins, otherwise known as Ash Wednesday.

Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was a day where Christians could reflect on the sins they needed to repent of before the Lenten season began. The name Shrove comes from the old middle English word ‘Shriven’ meaning to go to confession to say sorry for the wrong things you’ve done.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day which comes from the old English custom of using up all the fattening ingredients before Lent, so that people were ready to fast. The fattening ingredients that most people had in their houses were eggs and milk, hence why people began combining them with flour to make pancakes.

 

In 2024, Shrove Tuesday is on Tuesday 13 February.

Perfect pancakes recipe | BBC Good Food

Can you make the perfect pancake? Maybe you can make them in the shape of animals or faces?

How do you eat yours? Traditional lemon and sugar, maybe Nutella (other brands are available), fruit or crispy bacon with maple syrup?

Send us your best (or worst!) pancake pictures and we’ll include the best ones in the weekly updates throughout February!

---

Mindfulness

Mindfulness :: YourSpace Mersey Care

Mindfulness is an innate human capacity. Children often meet their present moment experience with interest and curiosity.

As adults we can train ourselves to bring friendly interest and curiosity to the present moment - increasing our mindful awareness of our body, mind, senses and the world around us. 

Free sessions

Wednesdays at 12.30pm to 1pm (Open to staff who have experience of mindfulness or want to reconnect with practice)

Thursdays at 4pm to 4.30pm (Open to any member of staff new to mindfulness or with experience)

Contact us

Paula Edwards – Mindfulness Teacher and Assistant Practitioner  PaulaAnn.Edwards@merseycare.nhs.uk

---

Journey to Wellbeing

Journey to Wellbeing :: YourSpace Mersey Care

To support your psychological wellbeing, we have developed a new group programme to replace the Riding the Waves and Drains and Radiators sessions. We have listened to your feedback and evolved the content to bring you Journey to Wellbeing.

The aims of the programme, dates and booking information are outlined below.

In this session we will discuss the holistic elements involved in wellbeing improvement, including self-care, the stress response and personal resilience using an individualistic approach.

Session aims:

1. To understand how wellbeing can be improved and identify barriers to wellbeing.
2. To understand what self-care is, how it is different for everyone, be able to identify own self care practices and how it impacts wellbeing.
3. To understand the stress response. How it works and the effects on psychological and physical health.
4. To know the hormones involved with stress, mood, and mental health.
5. To identify the difference between good coping strategies and poor coping strategies.
6. To be aware of the Staff Wellbeing offer and where to go for support if needed.

---

Managing anxiety- new group starting 8 February

This psychoeducational group is designed to help you gain a better understanding of your worries and anxiety and it focuses on bringing them within a healthy range. To find out more and to express your interest, visit YourSpace.

---

Fast tracked Citizens Advice appointments

This is your opportunity to access free, impartial, and confidential appointments to discuss a range of different issues that may be impacting on your wellbeing. This offer means you will access help and support quicker than visiting your local branch! Watch the welcome video here  and visit the Citizens Advice YourSpace page for all the details.

---

Are you an advocate for wellbeing?

Why not become a Wellbeing Advocate and join a new network of Trust employees who work with Occupational Health and Wellbeing Services? Help share wellbeing tips and news of upcoming programmes and events with your team.

---

Receive personalised wellbeing advice

February dates are confirmed for mini health checks. There’s opportunities to book an appointment at Hollins Park, Switch House and V7. Our team of Health and Wellbeing Facilitators are also available to be booked out to visit your team and complete health assessments at your base. The assessment are quick and easy and participants will be provided with personalised wellbeing advice.

---

In person functional yoga classes

If you’ve already signed up to our online yoga, you can now attend a weekly in person class with our teacher Jane, for free. The next class is Saturday 10 February. You can watch Jane's welcome video and get all the details you need to be registered, on YourSpace.

---

Financial Wellbeing Webinars and guidance sessions

Initial 2024 dates for a series of financial wellbeing webinars are now in place. These webinars are facilitated by a financial advisory service, and they’re also offering free 1:1 guidance sessions. You can learn more about the offer by watch this short, welcome video.

---

For more information on all of our wellbeing offers, visit the ‘Your Wellbeing’ section of YourSpace or request a visit from the wellbeing team.

Well done to Jake Litherland who has recently passed his Management Accounting ACCA Level 7! 

Well done to Patrick Cregan who has passed his final CIPFA exam!

---

 

Food Bank

Hi everyone

As the foodbank collection was so successful for Christmas, and conscious that foodbanks are still looking for donations, I would like to ask that if anybody wants to make further contributions I will collect and pass on.

As well as donations to the foodbank, if anybody has any clothes they not longer want to keep if they want to bring them into Hollins Park I will pass onto the Homeless charity.

Thank you,

 

Frank

Frank Draper (FM - Mental Health Care Division)

---

Valentine’s Day

As I am sure you are all aware, Valentine’s Day is coming up on the 14 February. It is a day to show your loved ones how special they are sometimes using romantic love letters, chocolates, or flowers. Cupid is commonly associated with this special day, as a symbol of match making.

The history behind Valentine’s Day…

Although there is no definitive answer when tracing back through history, it is assumed some of the origin of valentine’s day dates all the way back to the 5^th century, from the Roman festival of Lupercalia. However, there is no evidence it was celebrated until the 14^th century. Messages and letters were being passed to loved ones in the 1500’s, and by the 1700’s commercial cards were being printed and sold to celebrate this holiday.

A commonly believed theory is that Emperor Claudius II banned the marriage of roman soldiers, this was in attempt to remove distractions and improve their fighting abilities during war. A priest at the time, who went by the name St Valentine deemed it unfair and married couples in private, which ended up in him getting thrown in jail. Whilst he was there, he formed a romantic connection with the jailer’s daughter, and sent love letters addressed ‘from your valentine’. However, the history behind the day of celebrating love is vague and no concrete evidence has been determined.

Pal/ Galentines Day

If on the 14 February you find yourself without a significant other to celebrate this day with, galentines and palentines can provide the opportunity to spend time with your platonic relationships. Events such as paint and wine sipping or movie nights can be a fun experience to spend time together and check up on your friends.

---

Leap Year

2024 is a special year, not only because of the euros! but because it signifies a leap year within the four-year cycle. A leap year occurs because each lap around the sun takes approximately 365.25 days, so to make up the extra 0.25 of day a leap year occurs quadrennially. This ensures the Gregorian calendar and the earths orbit remain aligned and allows the seasons to stayed synced.

However, the 29^th of February is a special day for more reasons than one, but with it being the month of love, if you are still waiting on a proposal then it is time to take the bull by the horns. It is declared the 29^th of February is the only time in four years ladies can get down on one knee and propose to your partner, otherwise you could be waiting until 2028!  

---

Crystal Maze

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO CRACK THE CRYSTAL MAZE LIVE EXPERIENCE IN MANCHESTER?

Following an earlier mention of a trip to the Crystal Maze in Manchester, we have decided to arrange this for Saturday 16 March 2024.

It’s the oh-so-popular 90s TV show brought to genuinely immersive, 3D life. More importantly, it’s a brilliant excuse to run around wildly, shout yourselves hoarse, solve all sorts of problems and challenges, and, best of all, celebrate in some wacky satin bomber jackets. Who could ask for anything more? 

The Crystal Maze Manchester - The LIVE Experience (the-crystal-maze.com)

What is The Crystal Maze Live Experience?

You and your team must test your skills, solve mysteries, and overcome challenges both mental and physical. They’re in four adventure zones – Medieval, Industrial, Aztec, and Futuristic. Plus they’re all against the clock. The more challenges your team completes successfully, the more Crystals you win and the more time you’ll get to catch tokens in the iconic Crystal Dome.

If you would like to come and participate in our team day out, please let us know by the 16 February 2024 so we can get organised.  Depending on numbers we may be able to get a discount - general tickets start from £37 pp.

Contact Alison Roebuck, Carol Smith or Emily Owen for any extra details or to let us know if you'd like to join us!

---

Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year begins on the 10^th February 2024, it is 18 days in total, but the first 7 days are a public holiday in China. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which is the 5^th animal within the 12 Year cycle. The year of the dragon possesses characteristics defined as powerful, energetic, goal-oriented, idealistic, adventurous, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self.

This shows that 2024 provides a great basis for opportunity to succeed this could be personal development, professional growth, or social impact.

So, if you are seeking a shift in any aspect of your life, this might be your opportunity to shine.

 

As part of the celebrations in Liverpool there will be road closures in place between Thursday 8 February and Sumday 11 February. For more information please follow this link: 

Chinese New Year Celebrations, Liverpool Thursday, 8 February to Sunday, 11 February 2024 :: YourSpace Mersey Care

 

---

NHS North West Games – 2024 Step Challenge

Start 2024 with a boost and join a step challenge with your colleagues as part of the NHS Games.

In preparation for the Olympics this summer, we’re challenging teams to cover the distance between the River Mersey and Paris by adding up their daily step count – in work and outside of work. Swap the lift for the stairs and get off the bus one stop earlier – every step counts!

You have 28 days to cover the challenge distance, and your teammates can help you out with their steps too!

FREE to join and open to people of all ages, all abilities and all levels of fitness. You can enter as part of a team (between 1-10 colleagues), and do the 4 week challenge starting anytime between the 15th January and 4th February.

Find out more and sign up at www.alltogetheractive.org.uk/nhsgames

Staff from the Income, Planning and Reporting Team have already signed up to this challenge. The "Johnnie Walkers" started on 15 January and at 1st February have completed over 767,000 steps - only 247,000 to go! 

Update - 7 February.

Well done!!

4 days before the end of the challenge, the Johnnie Walkers have completed their virtual walk to Paris! They are carrying on until 11 Febuary when all steps over the 28 day period will be counted to see if they  can make it back! 

 

Update 12 February

After 4 weeks of stepping between 15 January to 11 February, the Johnnie Walkers have completed 1,350,637 steps!

This has taken them to Paris and almost back to Calais! All these steps covered almost 674 miles! 

Well done!!

 

During February, Jake Litherland is moving from Procurement into FM and will be supporting Trust Wide Support Services. Good Luck in your new role! 

---

Chelsea Shields has volunteered to be a wellbeing advocate and is due to start this soon.

The key responsibilities of a Wellbeing Advocate include:

• Promptly cascading communications from the Wellbeing Hub to their teammates and promoting/displaying information relating to health and wellbeing events and campaigns as directed, within their working areas.
• Acting as a role model for promoting positive health and wellbeing practice. 
• Inspiring colleagues to be proactive in looking after their own health and wellbeing, such as encouraging allocated breaks to be taken, drinking plenty of fluids, being active, and engagement with wellbeing activities and support via the Staff Wellbeing Hub.
• Embedding staff wellbeing into team and departmental meetings in a way that is authentic and meaningful.
• Be empathetic and non-judgemental. Demonstrate good listening skills, be a good communicator, and overall, be motivated to want to support your colleagues wellbeing.

More information can be found on the Wellbeing page 

Wellbeing Advocates :: YourSpace Mersey Care

Best wishes to everyone with birthdays in the next couple of months!

 

FEBRUARY

5             Helen Jones     

6             Daniel Williamson        

6             Gillian Montgomery     

11           Matthew Anderton        

14           Natalie Hooper

19           Philip Saha  (50)

22           Laura Jessop    

23           Anne Warburton

25           Chris Powell    

 

               

MARCH             

 

2             Tony Mee           

4             Liam Daley       

5             Ian Cartwright 

13           Julie Skipworth

16           Chris Senior     

19           Catherine Lee 

26           Claire Jackson (40)

27           Laura Callister

27           Paul Harrison  

28           Mark Hare         

28           Nick Moon        

30           Mark Norris      

31           Kevin Williams