Hospital fundraisers launch largest dish of Scouse World Record attempt!

CHARITY fundraisers at the Royal are launching a world record attempt to create the biggest ever batch of Scouse, served up to staff, outpatients and visitors on 1 February 2016.

Hospital catering firm ISS will cook up 500 portions of steaming Scouse, using 35kg of steak, 20kg of chopped onions, donated by Prescott Farm Produce, near Ormskirk, and 20kg of carrots and 50kg of Maris Pipers, donated by Church View Farm, in Lydiate. Liverpool Community College will also donate freshly baked bread loaves.

Serving the Scouse from a bubbling pan in the restaurant of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, will be the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Tony Concepcion, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Aidan Kehoe, senior staff from Hospital Caterers ISS and the R Charity mascot Roy of the Royal. Scouse will be served 12.30pm to 1.30pm, in exchange for a suggested donation.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Tony Concepcion, said:- "Scouse is a dish very close to the heart of the people of Liverpool, especially in the chilly month of February. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve up steaming dishes of Scouse to patients, families and supporters of R Charity at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, and fundraise to make the new Royal even better."

Leanne Williams, research and development support at caterers ISS, said:- "We've all been really excited to get involved with the 1st ever world record attempt to create the World's largest batch of Scouse, and to work hand in hand with such a great cause. Hopefully we can inspire others to join in the fun and together raise money and awareness for R Charity."

Aidan Kehoe, chief executive of Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, said:- "This is the launch of our month long Scouse at R House, fundraising campaign. So come along to see how it's done and get inspired to hold your own event and help us reach our £10m target to offer patients facilities beyond those that NHS funds can provide."

To register for your Scouse at R House pack or to find out more contact the fundraising team via email or call them on:- 0151 706 3150.

Public urged to use A&E wisely

HOSPITAL officials are urging people to avoid using A&E unless their condition is serious or life threatening.  Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is experiencing a high demand for Hospital beds. This is resulting in some patients experiencing long delays in A&E and in waiting for admission to a Hospital bed. In these challenging circumstances, anyone thinking of using A&E should examine their options carefully and consider using other NHS services.

Jeanette Abraham, Assistant Director of Operations, Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust said:- "We are experiencing a high demand for Hospital beds. We urge people to use A&E wisely and think carefully before calling an Ambulance. A&E is for people facing life threatening and serious emergencies such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes. Coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs, general aches and pains, and flu will usually clear up on their own. Keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and, if appropriate, treat with over the counter painkillers such as Paracetamol. Contact a GP or a GP out of hours service for help with injuries or illnesses that won't go away. Alternatively, West Lancashire Health Centre at Ormskirk Hospital is open, from 8am to 10pm all year round. Skelmersdale NHS Walk in Centre at The Concourse is open, from 7am to 10pm, on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm, on weekends. Local pharmacies and the NHS Choices website are also a good source of information and advice. We would also always ask people to 'Choose Well' when it comes to selecting the most appropriate health services for their need."