Helping patients to be active in their care and recovery

Our clinical team at Danes Camp Medical Centre believe that your involvement in your care is important. Here are some useful ideas to help you to make positive choices about your health and to help your recovery.

Counselling Services

Northampton Pastoral Counselling Service offers one-to-one counselling . There are no religious obligations. Tel: 01604 401 010.

Manna House Counselling Service Deals with a range of issues – From relationship problems to sexual abuse. Based on Christian values it is open to all. Tel: 01604 633 304.

Lifestyle Services

Activity on referral scheme – An exercise referral scheme is available for patient suffering from anxiety or depression, who don’t exercise at present. Please ask your GP or Nurse about this scheme. Also Northampton Borough Council Healthy Walks Scheme Tel:01604 837 647.

Age Concern – Offers home visiting, home delivery services and a wide range of social inclusion and education projects. Tel: 01604 611 200.

Expert patient and Living Well Courses –  For people suffering from long term or recurrent health problems, e.g. anxiety or depression. They aim to promote skills, confidence and understanding of chronic illness. Tel: 01604 237 809.

Library Services, Northampton – have a wide range of resources including books and Internet access to find advice or information. Tel: 01604 462 040.

Carers Support Groups

Northamptonshire Carers offer support and information and social activities. Tel: 01604 624 088.

Ability Carers Forum offers support and advice on carers’ issues and information. Tel: 01604 624088.

Campbell House Carers Group holds monthly meetings between mental health professionals and carers of young people with a mental health problem. Tel: 01604 658 827.

Employment

NUTRAK is a charity which supports people who are unemployed and on benefits. It offers free courses aimed at raising self esteem and developing new skills. Tel: 01604 639 722.

Northampton Volunteer Bureau offers opportunities for volunteer work in the town. It is possible to develop many areas of interest e.g. teaching and mental health. Travel expenses are paid. Tel: 01604 637 522.

The Employment and Disability Service works to equip individuals with jobs in the local workforce. They provide long term support for individuals and their employers.

Useful Organisations

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) organise regular meetings for those dealing with drink related problems . Tel: 01604 637 788.

Aquarius (Addiction) offers a range of services and programmes and social activities. Tel 01604 632421.

CAN drug and alcohol drop in centre which offers help and support for users and their families, affected by drugs, alcohol or homelessness. Services include counselling, advice on voluntary work and assistance with housing issues. Tel: 01604 622 121.

Spring House NHS treatment service offering detoxification treatment in the community and in hospital. Offers advice on criminal justice system, probation matters, pregnancy testing and needle exchange. Tel: 01604 233 227.

Sub Zero Service for young people, their families and carers. They deal with substance misuse and mental health problems related to social or educational exclusion via GP or self referral. Tel: 01604 544 530.

Welfare Rights Advice Service provides help and advice with all aspects of welfare benefits Tel: 01604 636 112.

Advocacy Northamptonshire a service offering help and assistance for people with disabilities in all aspects of care and choice. Tel: 01604 639 813.

Users Support Service offers advocacy to people who use or have used mental health services. Tel: 01604 259 703.

Useful Telephone Numbers and websites

Cruse Bereavement Care: 01604 416 800

Relate (Relationship and Family Counselling) 01604 634 400

Marriage Care 0207 371 1341

Pastoral Counselling 01604 401 010

Citizen’s Advice Bureau 01604 636 000

Northampton Borough Council Housing and Money Advice Centre 01604 238 740

Mind 01604 624 951

The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

Some useful websites

www.depressionalliance.org

www.mind.org.uk

www.mentalhelp.net

www.rethink.org

www.sane.org.uk

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.moodgym.anu.ed.au

www.youngminds.org.uk

www.carers.org

www.mencap.org.uk

www.dwp.gov.uk – benefits advice

www.caringnorthants.org.uk

Five steps to healthy eating

Alcohol The recommended units of alcohol per week are Men:21 Women:14. Drinking more than 6 units on one occasion is not recommended.

Drugs Illegal drugs can ruin lives and have an unpredictable effect on your health.

Exercise Medical evidence has shown that keeping physically active is good for both the mind and body. We recommend that you take 20 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 times a week. For the less able 3 sessions of 45 minutes of moderate exercise such as rapid walking.

Healthy Eating If you eat a balanced, healthy diet this reduces tiredness, protects your immune system and gives you more energy. Our Practice Nurses are able to give advice on diet and healthy eating. Please book an appointment at reception.

Smoking Cessation Our Practice Nurses have information on how to stop smoking and are able to provide some one-to-one support. Please see our Practice Leaflet or Practice Nursing Leaflet for details or book an appointment at Reception.

Dr Ayesha Azhar is trained in the fitting and removal of Nexplanon Implants and contraceptive coils are fitted by a specialist nurse. Please ask you GP or nurse for details. Patients taking the contraceptive pill can see the Practice Nurse for a pill check and repeat of the contraceptive medication. The Practice Nurses are also able to prescribe the morning after pill for patients who meet guidelines laid down.

Diabetic Care Annual Diabetic Check All of our patients are invited by letter to attend the diabetic clinic once a year for an annual review with a practice nurse, who has received additional specialist training in diabetic care.

Two weeks prior to this appointment please attend surgery to see Eleanor, our Health Care Assistant, for a fasting blood test (Kidney and liver function, cholesterol and a test that assesses control of blood sugar over the past few months). The results will then be ready for discussion at your annual review.

Diabetic Patients – Retinal Eye Screen

All diabetic patients should be screened annually at the retinopathy clinic. You will be sent an invitation letter informing you when your  appointment. If you receive an invitation then it is very important that you attend as this will be your only annual opportunity to have the screening.

Please do not ignore your recall for annual review. If you are house bound then please let Carolyn Coulton know and she will make alternative arrangements for you.

Disposing of Clinical Waste

Northampton clinical waste department provide a confidential clinical waste collection service Tel: 01604 838281.

More Information about Diabetes Care

Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a very common condition affecting about ? of the population. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to regulate the level of sugar in the blood. For those affected by diabetes it can be controlled, dependent on the type of diabetes it is, by diet, diet and tablets or by insulin.

Irrespective of the type of diabetes complications can occur. All diabetics have an increased risk of heart disease, kidney problems, eye damage which could lead to blindness and damage to nerves and blood vessels (especially in the feet) which can lead to ulcers and other foot complications. However in the majority of patients, if diabetes is well controlled and efficiently monitored most of these complications can be detected in the early stages and stabilised or prevented.

At the onset, or during periods when the diabetes is unstable, more regular checks are required. Otherwise a patient may be happy to be assessed once a year at the annual diabetic check at the surgery.

The GPs and nurses provide ongoing monitoring for patients with coronary heart disease. They also offer help and lifestyle advice and resources for those who smoke or are obese and therefore at risk of developing the disease.Blood Pressure Monitoring

Patients who require a routine blood pressure check can be seen by the Health Care Assistant. However we have found that this is best not to be done at the same time when patients are having blood tests done as this can increase readings. The test involves a cuff being placed around your upper arm and inflated; you will feel the pressure increase. A reading is then taken of your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Readings should ideally be below 140 (systolic) and 80 (diastolic). BUT please be aware that Diabetic patients will have a lower desirable blood pressure threshold.

Your results will be forwarded to the GP who will discuss them with you at your next routine appointment.

The nurses carry out these important screening tests for early changes associated with cervical cancer which are recommended for all women aged 25-49 every three years and 5 yearly between 50 – 64. Patients are routinely called by the PCT screening programme and can book an appointment via reception. The best time to take a smear is in the first half of the your period cycle.

Smear Invitations – are sent by the local Primary Care Trust If you choose to have the smear taken at the practice please make an appointment with the practice nurse. The best time to take a smear is mid-way between periods.

The Smear Appointment – The nurse will explain the procedure and you should feel able to ask any questions at any time The sample of cells is taken are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Laboratory testing

Cytology – the study through a microscope of the cells on the slide – enables the smear tests to be grouped into different grades which determine what happens next. You should receive the result of your smear test in writing within 6-8 weeks from the date of your test.

Normal results – are notified by the PCT screening department. You will then be recalled for another routine smear test within three to five years. Nearly 3.3 million women aged 25 to 64 who received a result in 2004-05, 94.8% had a normal result.

Abnormal results– This means the laboratory has identified some cell changes which need further investigation. Not all abnormal changes need to be referred for immediate treatment; some may disappear without the need for any treatment. Depending on the degree of changes the practice will recall patients for a repeat smear in six or twelve months, or may be referred for colposcopy.

Colposcopy is performed by specially trained clinicians at an outpatient appointment. A colposcope – a low-powered microscope – is used to examine the woman’s cervix to assess the extent and severity of any problem and to determine appropriate treatment.

Inadequate smears – A small proportion of women are asked to return for a second smear test as the first was considered to be inadequate. This simply means the laboratory was not able to assess the cells on the slide to give a result. This may be because of the presence of blood obscuring the cells, or because the sample of cells was smeared too thick or thin. In 2004-05, the percentage of inadequate smears was 9.0%.

If you have any queries regarding the cervical screening programme and the recalls then Carolyn Coulton, is responsible for this programme. She can be contacted at the surgery between 8am and 1pm Monday to Thursday. Telephone (01604) 876314.

If you wish to discuss the result of your smear or need further information then please make an appointment to see either the practice nurse or a doctor.

Useful websites for cervical screening information can be found at:

www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Who is a Carer?

You are a carer if you provide regular and substantial support to either a child or an adult who cannot manage on their own at home. This may because they have a physical disability, a learning disability, they have mental health needs, or they are ill or frail.

If you are currently acting as a carer for a relative, dependent child or other person then please let the practice know in order that we may note this on your records. The practice has a carers policy which is available on request from the Practice Manager.

Young Carers

Young Carers are those under the age of 18 who provide or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis. They often have additional pressures on them and this can be a difficult and stressful responsibility for many young people.

Please let the practice know that you are a carer.

Please tell the Receptionist, the GP or Practice Nurse who will ensure that your records are updated.

OR Download our Carers registration form here

OR Download our Veterans Carers registration form here

The practice may be able to help you as a carer by:

• Providing information and advice on medical conditions and treatments on the medical condition of the person you care for.

• Recording the fact that you are a carer into your medical records ensures that this fact is taken into account in your medical care. With your permission this fact can be disclosed if you have to be referred to the hospital for treatment and may impact on the levels of urgency with which you are seen.

• From time to time the government asks GPs to ensure that at risk groups such as carers receive vaccinations e.g. influenza.
• Arranging for the pharmacist to deliver prescriptions if required.
• Putting you in touch with other sources of support and advice or assistance e.g. continence services, blue badge schemes
• They will also let you know about the facility for requesting a Carers assessment.

What is a Carers Assessment?

For many people the caring they do has a great effect on their lives and that of their family. A Carers assessment is a meeting with a professional worker where you can talk about how the care that you give affects you and your family. It is an opportunity to discuss what help you need, and what would help you stay well. Without support, carers may experience a number of difficulties including stress, anxiety, tiredness or even illness.

If you are a carer, you have the right to a Cares Assessment even if the person you care for does not want any services. You can ask social services for an individual assessment of your needs as a carer. You can make an application yourself to have this assessment carried out. Contact your local social services office at John Dryden House, Northampton for information or advice.

Who can I contact at the surgery?

If you have any medical queries then please make an appointment with the Practice Nurses or the GPs. However if you have any other queries or need help then please contact our Practice Manager, Sally-Anne Pike 

When the practice is closed please contact 111 who will give you advice and guidence.

Where to go for more information and advice

Northampton County Council have an excellent website www.caringnorthants.org.uk which has many useful addresses and carers information

Carers UK provide a free “Carers Information Pack” which includes information about assessments and your rights as a carer. Telephone 0808 808 7777

Crossroads caring for carers provides paid, trained carer support workers to go into the home on a regular basis to give carers a break. Telephone: 0845 450 0350

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers supports carers through its network of 115 independently managed Carers’ Centres, outreach services and an interactive website www.carers.org, Telephone 020 7480 7788

Does the person you are caring for have a learning disability? The Learning Disability Helpline provided by MENCAP have a 24 hour confidential telephone service which offers information  and advice for anyone with a learning disability, their family and their carers Telephone 0808 808 111 or www.mencap.org.uk

The Benefits National Enquiry Line provides advice and information on what benefits are available and if you are entitled to them. They can also send the benefits claims forms to you. As well as benefits in some cases they can help you access grants such as Community Care Grants which can help for things like travelling to see a relative. You can also down load grant application forms from the website. Telephone 0800 88 22 00 or www.dwp.gov.uk

Some useful websites

www.depressionalliance.org

www.mind.org.uk

www.mentalhelp.net

www.rethink.org

www.sane.org.uk

www.nhs.drect.nhs.uk

www.moodgym.anu.ed.au

www.youngminds.org.uk

www.carers.org

www.mencap.org.uk

www.dwp.gov.uk

If the Doctor feels that a blood test is required, he will ask you to go to reception and make an appointment with the health care Assistant to have these tests carried out. Most tests can be undertaken routinely within 14 days. Multiple tests can be taken with one needle insertion.

Please note that for fasting blood tests patients should drink only water for 12 hours before the test, it is however fine to take your routine medication.

Asthma Management

Maya Kizilay has received specialist training in Asthma management and offers assessment and review appointments. Patients should receive a letter inviting them to make an appointment with them for an annual review to ensure that the practice keeps its records of your care up to date and reviews your medication. However, if you are interested in attending and have not received an invitation, then please ask at reception.

Additional Information about Asthma

Asthma is a very common condition that affects over three million people in Britain. It is a chronic condition affecting your lungs which have hundred of tubes (airways) that carry the air that you breathe that carry the air that you breathe in and out. When you suffer from Asthma the airways become red and inflamed and sensitive. The inflammation causes the airways to become narrower as the surrounding muscles contract and produce mucus (phlegm,). This makes it harder to get air in and out of the lungs and produces the symptoms of asthma.

Asthma can occur at any age, some people suffer from it all the time and others only occasionally. There are 2 main types of treatment: relievers and preventers. Relievers are used when you have asthma symptoms. They relax the muscles around your airways, opening them up and allowing you to breathe more easily. The Preventers reduce the inflammation of the airways and so help to prevent your symptoms. They need to be taken every day whether you have symptoms or not. If you have severe asthma you may need short courses of steroid tablets. These are similar to the steroids produced naturally by your body. They are not anabolic steroids which athletes use.

Core Medical Services

• Routine and urgent consultations for the investigation of problems or continuation of treatment and care e.g. Asthma and Diabetes
• Home Visits (as necessary)
• Elderly health checks (where requested)
• New Patient Checks (Where requested)
• 3 yearly health checks where requested.
• Health Promotion and advice
• Immediately necessary treatment for patients not registered with the practice

Additional Services

• Cervical screening services
• Contraceptive services including Implanon fitting and removal
• Vaccinations and immunisations
• Child health surveillance services
• Maternity Medical Services

National Enhanced Services

• Intra partum care
• IUCD insertion and checks
• Minor injuries
• Near patient testing
• Phlebotomy

Direct Enhanced Services

• Access to GMS
• Childhood vaccinations and immunisations
• Influenza immunisations
• Minor surgery