Press Releases 2009
December 2009
Wolverhampton New Year quitter marks one year since stopping smoking A Bilston woman is urging smokers across Wolverhampton to call their local NHS Stop Smoking Service and make it their New Year's resolution to quit the habit - just as she did last year.
Best Foot Forward for the New Year People in Wolverhampton can cick-start the New Year and walk off the effects of the festive season on a new free 12-week walking programme organised by the city's Walking for Health scheme.
Public Urged to Keep Warm & Well Following the Met Office's cold weather warnings issued for the next few days, The Department of Health is urging people to be aware of the risks faced during this period of cold weather.
Graiseley Community Healthy Living Centre Graiseley Community Healthy Living Centre's adult gym facilities will be closed over the Christmas and New Year period for redevelopment.
Hospital Garden is Blooming Marvellous A special therapy garden at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital in Wolverha,pton, designed to help patients recover after illness, has been praised as a "credit to the city" in a regional awards scheme.
Non Executives Re-Appointed at PCT James Oatridge and Shobha Asar-Paul have been re-appointed to the board of Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust
Children's Doctor Holds Final Clinic A popular Wolverhampton paediatrician is holding his final clinic this week after almost 20 years of caring for children and young people in Wolverhampton.
Runner Raises Cash for Hospital The physiotherapy department at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital is to benefit from the efforts of a Wolverhampton runner.
Festive Fun for Walkers Walkers in Wolverhampton will be donning Santa hats as well as their walking boots for two festive walks in the city next week.
Green Flag for City! Wolverhampton has been awarded a greed flag by the public sector watchdog, the Audit Commission. The green flag - one of the few awarded in the country - has been given to the city for the Keep it Safe campaign run last Christmas.
£5 million Health Centre for Heath Town Multi-million plans to create a state-of-the-art health centre in an area of Wolverhampton with serious health problems are on the drawing board.
Revellers Urged to Keep It Safe An innovative campaign to keep revellers safe in Wolverhampton during the Christmas party season begins tonight, Friday December 4, with technology set to play a key role.
November 2009
Fresh Round for Alcohol Campaign Ann innovative partnership campaign that saw a dramatic fall in violent crime, ambulance call-outs and alcohol-fuelled hospital attendances over the last festive season will be getting underway again on December 4.
City Homes receive latest City News More than 100,000 households in Wolverhampton are to receive a free copy of One City News - a partnership venture between public and voluntary organisations in the city.
Thousands of Youngsters Getting a Taste of Free School Meals Thousands of children and young people are set to benefit from free school meals through a unique piolot scheme being carried out in Wolverhampton.
Focussing on Health Four pages of important information on swine flu and the vaccination programme have been included in the latest edition fo Health Focus, to be distributed to households and public places across Wolverhampton from November 9.
Wolverhampton Tackles Heavyweight Problem Using cartoon characters to encourage children to eat healthily, setting up youth gyms and taking part in a national scheme to weigh and measure primary school children are among initiatives introduced by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust to tackle childhood obesity and improve the health and wellbeing of children in the city.
Frontline Staff Immunised against Swine Flu Around 7,500 frontline health and social care staff in Wolverhampton are being offered immunisation as part of the city's swine flu vaccination programme.
October 2009
Wolves Get Behind Groundbreaking Food Dudes Initiative Wolves have thrown their weight behind Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust's Food Dudes scheme, which is the first initiative of its type in the country.
Spooky Goings-on Ghouls, ghosties and spooky goings-on are on the menu at a Wolverhampton health centre and a GP practice on Friday as staff get into the spirit of Halloween to raise awareness of healthy eating.
Living with Diabetes Event A Living with Diabetes event is taking place on Saturday, November 7 at the Holiday Inn, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Dunstall Park.
Swine Flu vaccinations start in West Midlands today NHS hospitals will begin vaccinating frontline healthcare workers and their patients who fall into at risk categories against swine flu from today, October 21.
Walkers Hop on the Bus People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to get some exercise and explore the local area by joining in new country walks organised by the city's popular walking for health scheme.
Wolfie Says Cheers to Sensible Drinking Campaign Wolves mascot Wolfie will be urging people to 'rethink your drink' at an event in the Mander Centre this Friday, October 23.
Wolverhampton Improves Position In National Ratings - PCT Among Best in Region With Two ‘Good’ Ratings for Quality Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has been rated as one of the best PCTs in the region for the quality of the healthcare it provides and for how well it manages its finances.
Fitness Studio for Patients Shortlisted for Award An activity studio designed to imptove the health of people with long-term health conditions was shortllisted for a Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Award
Seasonal Flu - Protect Yourself and Others Free vaccinations against seasonal flu are available for people aged 65 and over and adults and children aged six months to 65 years in certain risk categories from October.
Alcohol Awareness Week - Time to Re-think Your Drink People in Wolverhampton are being urged to 're-think your drink' during Alcohol Awareness Week which begins on Monday, October 19.
City Boost for Breastfeeding Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has been awarded £85,000 by the Department of Health to help mums who want to breastfeed their babies.
PCT Targets Superbugs Screening of patients for MRSA on admission to hospital, improving infection prevention standards in care homes, promoting good hand hygeine and environmental cleanliness, and increased staff training have all been credited with reducing the numbers of care-acquired infections in Wolverhampton.
Find Out About PCT's Plans at Health Panels People in Wolverhampton can find out more about plans for health services in their area this month.
Family Open Day at new GP Practice A new GP practice in Wolverhampton is inviting local people to take a look at the services and facilities it has to offer this weekend.
What is Happiness? What do gardening, Patrick Swayze, Egypt and the '80s have in common? They are sources of happiness for participants in the What is Happiness? project and have been translated into themed houses that will form part of an interactive exhibition to be held in October.
September 2009
Mental Health community Exhibition Unveiled A month-long exhibition of artwork created by mental health service users in Wolverhampton and their carers is to be unveiled in the city on October 3
27,000 Free Swimming Passes Issued Around 27,000 passes enabling people young and old to swim for free at leisure centres across Wolverhampton have now been issued.
Contract for Fertility Services Goes Local Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has awarded a three-year contract for all its fertility services to St Jude's Women's Hospital from October 1, 2009.
City's Thank You to Health and Social Care Workers A special celebration is to be held in Wolverhampton to mark the tireless efforts of staff from health and social care services
Official Opening of New GP Practice A new GP practice in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, will be officially opened next week.
Stepping Out Helps Heart Charity Walkers in Wolverhampton put their best foot forward in a sponsored walk and raised over £700 for the British Heart Foundation.
Overseas Visitors to Tour Flagship Gem Centre Five young people from Singapore will pay a visit to Wolverhampton's pioneering centre for children and young people with complex health needs on Tuesday, September 22.
Ten Year Anniversary of Forum for Survivors of Sexual Abuse The ten year anniversary of a forum to help adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse will be marked at a training day for professionals and service users next week.
Don't Suffer in SIlence People with continence problems can find out about services than can help them at an information day during Continence Awareness Week next week.
HealthTec Expands into New Centre An innovative health and wellbeing education centre that uses real-life scenarios to make teenagers more aware of health and social issues has been so successful it has outgrown its base.
Cooking Up a Gem of an Idea Wolverhampton's prestigious Gem Centre is continuing its trailblazing service for children and young people with complex health needs with the official opening of Cafe Gem on Monday, September 14.
Local Community Transform Health Centre Reception and waiting areas at a Wolverhampton health centre are to be transformed with artwork created by local school children and parents.
New Dental Access Scheme to Plug Gap Thousands of people in Wolverhampton who do not go to the dentist are set to benefit from a new initiative to further improve access to NHS dental care in the city.
Fresh Round for Alcohol Campaign Ideas are being explored for a re-run of an innovative partnership campaign that saw a dramatic fall in violent crime, ambulance call-outs and alcohol-fuelled hospital attendances over the last festive season.
Wolverhampton Health Economy Tackles Superbugs Joint work by health and care services across Wolverhampton to tackle the problem of care-acquired infections is continuing to reduce the number of cases in the city.
Health Staff urged to get on their Bikes! Health staff in Wolverhampton are being urged to get on their bikes as part of a challenge to get more people cycling in the city.
New Project Helps Obese Mums-to-Be Wolverhampton has been chosen as one of six pilot scheme in the West Midlands region to help clinically obese mums-to-be improve their lifestyles - and give their babies a good start to life.
Wolverhampton't pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks during Know Your Numbers! week Residents in Wolverhampton are to be asked 'Could YOU be the 1 in 3 who has high blood pressure?' when local pharmacies help deliver free blood pressure checks from September 1-13 as part of Know Your Numbers! week.
August 2009
West Park Hospital Goes Bollywood The garden at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital will come alive to the sights, sounds and flavours of Bollywood when staff stage the latest in a series of social activities for patients and their visitors.
Appeal Goes Out for Indian Dancers Staff at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital are appealing for local dancers to add a touch of Bollywood to a theme day for patients on Tuesday, September 1.
Non Executive Director Reappointed at PCT Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has re-appointed Clarence Crosdale as a non executive director.
Launch of Alcohol Strategy for City A strategy to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, improve community safety and reduce sales of alcohol to youngsters in Wolverhampton will be launched in the city tomorrow, August 5.
Patients take control of their health People with long-term health problems can become 'experts' in their own condition by attending a free course in Wolverhampton starting at the beginning of September.
PCT Appoints New Clinical Director Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has appointed Dr Surendra Singh as its clinical director for mental health and addiction services.
July 2009
Local Artist Donates Sculpture to West Park Rehabilitation Hospital A wooden sculpture will be presented to staff at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital on Monday, July 27.
Book of Remembrance Launched Relatives and friends of people who have died as a result of drug or alcohol abuse can pay tribute to them in a special Book of Remembrance being launched by the city's addiction service.
Another Successful Year for PCT The development of an initiative to boost local people's access to Gp services, a ground-breaking campaign to tackle alcohol misuse over the festive period and ongoing work to combat healthcare-acquired infections are among many of the highlights of Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust's year, 2008/09.
Hospitals Clean Up in Insepctors' Report Food, cleanliness and patients' privacy and dignity at two Wolverhampton hospitals have been praised in a national inspection of all NHS hospitals in England.
Drumming Down at Garden Party Patients and staff at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital will be listening to the sounds of steel drums at a Caribbean-themed garden party in the grounds next Tuesday, July 14.
June 2009
Keep It Safe Campaign Up For Major Health Award An innovative partnership campaign which saw a dramatic fall in violent crime, ambulance call-outs and alcohol-related hospital attendances over the festive season has been shortlisted for a major national health award.
Nurses Win Funding to Improve Dementia Care in the Community A new young onset dementia project in Wolverhampton has been awarded £6,000 by the community nursing charity The Queen's Nursing Institute, to get it off the ground.
Swine Flu at Bilston school - update A total of 277 pupils, school staff and volunteers at Holy Trinity Catholic primary school in Bilston have received clinical advice and, if appropriate, anti virals after four children were confirmed as having swine flu H1N1.
Statement on Swine Flu Four pupils at a Bilston school have been confirmed as having swine flu H1N1. All the children and their immediate families have been treated at home with anti-viral medication and are recovering.
Health Walk Reaches Milestone A popular health walk in Wolverhampton reached a milestone this week when over 100 people turned up to take part.
National Falls Awareness Day Wolverhampton's falls prevention service is taking to the streets to highlight the importance of healthy bones, safety in the home, exercise, keeping warm and healthy living to prevent falls in older people.
Top Team Net Award Staff from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust's faciliites department are celebrating after being named West Midlands team of the year by the Health Estates and Facilities Management Association.
Raising Awareness of Diabetes A host of community events offering people the chance to find out more about diabetes is being held across Wolverhampton as part of national Diabetes Awareness Week - Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, June 21.
Walk Your Way to Better Health People in Fordhouses can take the first steps to better health with the launch of a new walk in the local area.
Hats Off to Garden Party Patients and staff at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital will be donning their best bonnets and hoping for fine weather tomorrow, June 11 for an Ascot-themes garden party in the grounds.
Art Attack at Health Centre Reception and waiting areas at a Wolverhampton health centre will be brightened up with artwork produced by local school children in an innovative art project organised by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
New Scheme to Tackle Wolverhampton's Heavyweight Problem Up to 10,500 obese adults are to get the chance to join a free weight management scheme thanks to a new initiative launched by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust today, June 9.
New Evening Clinics for Busy Parents Busy parents in Wolverhampton who find it difficult to attend baby clinics during the day can now see a health visitor in the evening thanks to a new scheme being trialled by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
Drug Treatment Programmes are Turning Lives Around The effectiveness of drug treatment programme in Wolverhampton will be highlighted during National Tackling Drugs week, June 8-12.
May 2009
Heatwave Plan Updated New advice to help people with respiratory problems cope in a heatwave has been published by the Department of Health.
By Gum, it's National Smile Month! People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to brush up on their smiles as staff from the city's oral health service stage awareness and information sessions as part of National Smile Month.
Explore the Local Area on a Health Walk People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to get some exercise and explore the local area by joining in a series of new walks organised by the city's popular walking for health scheme.
Health and Wellbeing Summit a Success Over 100 people from local organisations found out about future plans for health and social care services in Wolverrhampton at the city's fourth Health and Wellbeing Summit at Wolverhampton University on Monday, May 18.
Summit in the City Plans for heath and social care services in Wolverhampton are the main focus of a major summit in the city next week.
Take a Look at New GP Practice A new GP practice in Wolverhampton is throwing open its doors and inviting local peole to take a look at the services and facilities it has on offer.
Breastfeeding - Every Day Makes a Difference to Your Baby The theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year is making breastfeeding the norm in our country.
Celebrating 150 Years of District Nursing District nurses past and present will be marking 150 years of their profession at two celebration events in Wolverhampton this week.
Focusing on Health Important information on swine flu has been included in the latest edition of Health Focus which will be distributed to households and public places across Wolverhampton from May 11.
Successful bid for More Free School Meals in Wolverhampton More primary school children in Wolverhampton will benefit from a free healthy school lunch, following an announcement on May 1 by Secretary of State for Children, Ed Balls and Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
April 2009
Important Advice for Local Residents on Swine Flu Health and social care officials in Wolverhampton have issued important advice on swine influenza to local people who have returned recently from abroad and may now be feeling unwell.
NHS in Wolverhampton Launches Major Campaign to Reduce Wasted Medicines A major campaign to raise awareness about ordering repeat prescriptions, help people get the best from their medicines and cut down on medicine wastage has been launched today, April 30, by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
City commuters urged to put both feet forward for national Walk to Work Week With an estimated 70% of adults not doing enough exercise to benefit their health and Government statistics showing that we jump in the car for over a fifth of journeys shorter than a mile, commuters are being urged to change their journey to work during national Walk to Work Week (April 27-May 1)
Find Out About PCT's Plans at Health Panels People in Wolverhampton can find out more about plans for health services in their area ar a series of meetings being held across the city in the next few weeks.
City's First Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Published The first Joint Strategic Needs Assessment to be compiled in Wolverhampton has been published. The report identifies local health and wellbeing needs which will be used to help plan future services.
Spring out for Easter Fun Families in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and join in an egg-citing Easter trail around Graiseley Park.
Drive to Reduce Healthcare-acquired Infections recognised by new Quality Commission Work by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust to reduce healthcare-acquired infections across the city has been recognised by the newly-formed Care Quality Commission.
New GP Practice Opens in Graiseley The first of four new GP practices in Wolverhampton opens today, April 1, in the Graiseley area of the city.
New Walks to Put a Spring in Your Step People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to put a spring in their step and join a seried of new evening walks organised by the city's walking for health scheme.
March 2009
What's Pants But Could Save Your Life? Primary Care Trusts across the West Midlands are due to launch the second year of the successful cervical screening awareness campaign.
Gold Medallist Backs Free Swimming Initiative Olympic gold medallist Anita Lonsbrough MBE is encouraging local people young and old to take up the chance to swim for free.
Major Boost for Local Health Services Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has set out an ambitious budget for 2009/10 - and financial plan for the five-year period 2009/20 to 2013/14 - which was approved at a special meeting of the PCT Board on March 26, 2009.
Staff Opinion Counts In an annual survey of NHS workers, published today, staff at Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust said they are feeling less stressed at work, receiving more job training and making a real difference to patients' lives.
Healthy Activities Get Just Rewards Breakfast clubs for pupils, fitness classes for parents, providing healthy food for staff and customers, and helping the environment by recycling are to be recognised in the latest round of Wolverhampton's Healthy City Awards.
Conference to Support Disabled Staff Listening to the views of disabled staff and improving their working environment is the theme of a conference at the Connaught Hotel, Wolverhampton on Wednesday, March 25.
Peer Review of Mental Healthcare in Wolverhampton Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust welcomes the feedback from the indepth and independent review of its commissioning and provision of mental health services in the city.
Local Service Guide Delivered to Homes Information on finding a GP or dentist, how public money is spent on health and care services in Wolverhampton and how to get the right treatment for health problems is all in the latest Local Service Guide being distributed to all homes in the city next week.
Celebrating 150 years of District Nursing A call has gone out to former district nurses from Wolverhampton to get in touch and help mark 150 years of their profession.
PCT Says Thank You to Volunteers Volunteers who give their time to help pateints in Wolverhampton will be thanked by the chief executive of Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust at an event at the city's Molineux stadium next week.
Health Through Warmth Helps Wolverhampton's Vulnerable In a January which saw temperatures in the Midlands plummet to minus 6 degrees centigrade, 42 local residents with cold and damp-related illnesses were offered help by the Health Through Warmth scheme.
Diabetes Care in Wolverhampton A panel of healthcare professionals and patient group representatives are to attend a public meeting in Wolverhampton to give the latest information and advice on services, treatment and care for people with this increasingly common condition.
February 2009
Wolverhampton City PCT publishes first report on progress towards World Class Commissioning Wolverhampton City PCT has today published its first 'assurance' report for world class commissioning, a ground-breaking health programme designed to deliver significant benefits for local people.
Site Found for £Multi-Million Health Centre at Heath Town Negotiations are underway for a £multi-million pound health centre on the site of a public house on Wolverhampton Road, Heath Town.
Young Footballers Help to Tackle Stroke Awareness A Bilston football team for the under 12s is to get a brand new football strip thanks to a local initiative to raise awareness of the importance of acting FAST when someone has a stroke.
Dive in for Free Swimming Offer People young and old will soon be able to swim for free at a number of swimming pools in Wolverhampton.
Frontline Staff from NHS and Social Care Leading NHS Improvements in the West Midlands NHS West Midlands, the Strategic Health Authority, has recruited staff working in frontline services in the NHS and social care to champion improvements for people using health and social care services cross the region.
Contract Awarded to Run New GP Practice in Wolverhampton The final contract in a scheme to provide new GP practices in Wolverhampton was signed by Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust today, February 11.
Find Out More About Volunteering People intersted in doing voluntary work for the NHS in Wolverhampton can find out more at an event at the Molineux stadium later this month.
Cash Boost for West Park Rehabilitation Hospital Patients at West Park Rehabilitation Hospital are to benefit from the fundraising efforts of staff from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
National Stroke Awareness Campaign Launched - Think 'FAST' to identify signs of stroke A three-year campaign to promote public awareness around stroke was launched by the Department of Health today.
Site Improvements to Get Underway Drivers visiting the Penn Hospital site will be affected by extensive work to resurface car parking areas this month.
January 2009
How Are the Kids? Change4Life launches largest ever children's health survey The biggest health survey of children's health - 'How Are the Kids?' - launches today.
Positive Peer Review For Mental Healthcare In Wolverhampton Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust has received positive feedback in an indepth and independent review of its commissioning and provision of mental health services in the city.
Wolverhampton Celebrates Fifth Year as Fairtrade City Wolverhampton has celebrated its fifth year as a Fairtrade City at the Fairtrade AGM when local organoisations were thanked for their continued support.
City's Drug Treatment Services Rated 'Good' Wolverhampton has been rated as 'good' in a national review of local networks for drug treatment services.
School Website Revamped by Health Staff Parents of pupils at a Wolverhampton school can find out what their children are learning at the touch of a button - thanks to staff from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
Focusing on Health The signing of contracts for two new GP practices and a GP-led health centre in Wolverhampton, the launch of an innovative healthy food project for school pupils and the success of a sensible drinking campaign over the festive season, are featured in the February edition of Health Focus
Raising Awaress of Chlamydia Through Self-testing Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust is posting the city's 21,000 19-24 year olds a self-testing kit for Chlamydia - the most common sexually-transmitted infection among young people in England.
PCT Staff Get to Grips with Panjabi A dental nurse, community matron and three occupational therapists are among a group of staff from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust who have attended an introductory course in Panjabi to help them communicate more effectively with patients.
New Fitness Studio Opens to Aid Patient Recovery People with long-term health conditions are to benefit from a new activity studio designed to improve health and gently aid rehabilitation - thanks to staff from Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust.
Pupils Get Their Teeth into Healthy Eating Over 170 pupils at a Wolverhampton primary school are among the first in the country to tuck into an innovative project to encourage youngsters to eat more fruit and vegetables.
First NHS Constitution Launched A historic signing ceremony to mark the launch of the NHS Constitution for England took place at Downing Street today.
Staff Retire After 200 Years of Service Over 200 years of service in the local NHS - clocked up by staff from Wolverhampton City PrimaryCare Trust - is set to be honoured in a retirement ceremony on Thursday, January 22.
'Gold' Care Homes Keep it in the Family Two top-scoring residential homes in Wolverhampton in a brand new audit on infection control standards are run separately by a mother and her daughter.
Diploma Students Go Gehind the Scenes at PCT Sixth-form srudents from two Wolverhampton schools will be finding out how information technology benefits patients and staff in the NHS during a visit to Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust this Thursday, January 22.
Patients Take Control of Their Health People with long-term health problems can become 'experts' in their own condition by attending a free course in Wolverhampton starting later this month.
Contracts Awarded to Run New GP Practices and Health Centre Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust today, January 13, signed contracts with the successful bidders to run two new GP practices and a GP-led health centre.
Wolves Show Smoking the Red Card Smokers wanting to kick their habit can get free help and advice to help them quit at stop smoking sessions at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton Ahead Again on Infection Control and Prevention Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust is among the first in the Uk to audit local care homes on their infection prevention standards - and develop a scheme to encourage continual improvement.
Vaccination Against Cervical Cancer on Offer Young women in Wolverhampton are being offered a new vaccination aimed at preventing cancer in later life at immunisation sessions being held in the city this month.
Have Your Say at Health Panels People in Wolverhampton will get the chance to influence health services in their area at a series of meetings being held across the city this month.
Patients to Have a Say in Improving GP Services More than 5.5 million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new national survey launched by the Government today.
