September Newsletter Posted or Updated on 26 Sep 2023

Thanks - Our team have been working extremely hard throughout Covid-19 adapting to new ways of working in primary care; putting our patients first and trying to keep all informed of the frequent changes that have taken place. We thank you for your patience and co-operation during this time.

Latest guidance on Covid-19 - The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia). If you develop these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate stay at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. If you live with others, all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. See the stay at home guidance for further information.

Surgery Changes

• We have a new telephone number 01702 987798
• Please DO NOT enter the practice unless you’ve been advised to. This will ensure we can continue to provide essential care safely. If you are requested to come into the surgery a face covering must be worn.
• Please tell us you’re new or up to date telephone number and email address as if this is incorrect on your file the Clinician will not be able to contact you.
• For most appointments the doctors are doing telephone consultations initially to establish what care is needed for you. The doctor will if required; request a video consultation or a face to face appointment depending on the problem.
• Please request your prescription online or by email to: reception.f81613@nhs.net, or via our post box outside, please do not attend the surgery. Phone or email us if you are experiencing problems requesting online.

Flu - Please be aware that because of the pandemic and the ongoing risk to patients and staff all vaccinations will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - please contact the surgery to book.  You may have heard or seen that the flu vaccination will now be made available to a wider cohort of patients. This includes 50-64 year olds (with or without a pre-existing condition) and people in the shielding category and their households. GP practices, and networks are working together to make arrangements to meet the new demand, and are awaiting guidance on new national vaccine supply. In the meantime, practices will be using their pre-ordered vaccine stock to vaccinate people who were in the previous eligible categories. Please bear with us while we aim to get as many people as possible vaccinated. For more information about flu, visit: www.nhs.uk/flu

Primary Care Network (PCN) - are a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, with general practices being a part of a network with other local GP practices. The networks will provide the structure and funding for services to be developed locally, in response to the needs of the patients they serve.

The network has implemented a Social Prescriber, Paula Dunley to work with local practices.

For more information on what a Social Prescribing can do for you please go to: www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing

If you would like to receive newsletters, updates and important information by email, please let reception know your email address via our email: reception.f81613@nhs.net