Karen Howell, chief executive of Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, writes for Globe.

AS lockdown measures ease, people slowly return to work and some daily activities return, the NHS is starting to restore some services that we couldn't deliver as before, whilst we prioritised our resources on COVID-19.

In reality, many of our services never stopped.

We just delivered them differently such as using telephone triage and video technology, but some services such as healthy child clinics and childhood immunisations had to be paused.

So, I'm delighted to let you know that our 0-19 Health and Wellbeing team is starting reintroduce a number of clinics for parents and carers of 0-5 year olds.

These appointment only clinics provide families with free and confidential support and advice around weaning and diet, weight checks and sleep and behavioural concerns, as well as signposting and referrals to other services if necessary.

The healthy child clinics are running from St Catherine's Health Centre and appointments can be made by calling the team.

So if you're a parent or carer and would like to book an appointment, please ring 0151 514 0219 to speak to one of the team.

It's also the time of year when year eight pupils are due their first dose of the HPV vaccine.

With high schools closed to most pupils, our immunisation team has adapted the service safely to be able to offer appointments in different Wirral venues enabling 12 and 13 year olds to have this important vaccination.

You can book now to secure your child’s appointment, just call the immunisation team on 0151 514 2509 or 0151 514 2510.

Our school nurses will be working throughout the summer to provide the HPV vaccine and ensure every year 8 child gets protected.

If you're attending an appointment in any of our buildings or clinics, our priority is to keep you and our staff safe.

The NHS is maintaining the two-metre social distancing rule in all our premises and we're urging everyone to stay safe and stay well by following these steps:

  • You must wear a face covering or mask in all our buildings and clinics
  • Please gel your hands on arrival
  • Appointments are restricted to one person - a child should attend with one adult (please avoid bring other siblings if possible)

In other news this week, Sunday July 5 marks the 72nd anniversary of our tremendous NHS. During the past few months right across the nation the public has shown its appreciation and thanks to the NHS.

The anniversary is an opportunity for NHS organisations nationwide to say a huge thank you back to everyone.

From delivery drivers and volunteers to local businesses, donors and neighbours we’ll be thanking everyone who has contributed in their own way.

I'd personally like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of the businesses across Wirral who have supported our staff with a number of incredible donations; we have been overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Thank you from each and every one of us.

You can keep an eye out on our Twitter feed for news and updates about the 72nd anniversary celebrations @wchc_nhs and remember, Stay safe, stay well.