Winter Newsletter 2024
HAWKESLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
NEW OPENING HOURS
We are pleased to announce our new opening hours.
Monday: 8.00 – 18.30
Tuesday: 8.00 – 18.30
Wednesday: 8.00 – 18.30
Thursday: 8.00 – 18.30
Friday: 8.00 – 18.30
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
Our phone lines and doors will now be open from 8.00am – 18.30,
Our phone lines will no longer be diverted to extended access between 13.00 -15.00
NEW TEAM MEMBERS
We would like to welcome our newest members to the team:
Nitika – Social prescriber. Nitika can help with lots of social problems, such as housing, isolation, support groups amongst other things.
Cathrina – Care co-ordinator. Cathrina’s role includes, supporting patients by co-ordinating their care and helping navigate patients through the health care system.
Rachael – Rachael is a member of our reception, admin team. Her role includes answering the telephone, booking appointments, dealing with admin queries.
OUR NEW WEBSITE
We are excited to share with you the news of our new look website. On our website we have lots of information for you, this includes information regarding the NHS app, How to manage your prescriptions, appointment information. You can also fill in your registration online, request an extension of your sick note, self-refer to BUMP, and so much more. Please have a look around and take a look.
TELEPHONE TRIAGE
Each morning our phone lines open at 8.00, the receptionist will always ask for a reason why you would like a GP appointment, this is so we can direct you to the most appropriate service that you require. We also have a GP in reception that gives us advice or guidance if needed.
PHARMACY REFERRALS
As a practice we are proud to be working alongside our local pharmacies in which we can refer patients with certain ailments over to the pharmacy, These include things like UTI, Coughs Colds, Sleep Problems, eye problems, Rash’s, Insect bite, Stings, Fever, Sickness, Diarrhoea, Headaches, Constipation, Hair loss, Sore Throats, Earache, Wax, Tiredness and many more things that the pharmacy can deal with. This is our first protocol to refer patients to see the pharmacist.
PHARMACY FIRST
Pharmacy first was launched on 31.1.24 there are seven more conditions that will be appropriate for patients to attend the pharmacy for.
These conditions are:
1, Acute otitis media (earache).
2, Impetigo.
3, Infected Insect bites.
4, Shingles.
5, Sinusitis.
6, Sore Throat
7, Uncomplicated UTI. Women NOT PREGNANT!
Patient’s that call the surgery complaining of any of the above conditions will be referred to the pharmacy first pathway. We work closely with out pharmacies, we can even book you an allocated time slot, this will be an actual appointment with the pharmacist. Certain criteria will still apply.
NONE NHS WORK FEES
Our doctors do get lots of request to fill out various forms or letters of support, this is classed as private work and will carry a charge for this service, there is a new price list displayed in our reception area.
NHS APP
We are encouraging all our patients to download the NHS app, you will need to bring photo ID and your current email address. With the app you are able to see and book and cancel appointments, order your medication, view test results, see you consultations and view your documents. If you would like the app but having difficulty getting started, please don’t hesitate to come to the surgery, where a member of staff will be happy to help.
DID NOT ATTEND
Between the months of August and September we had 210 patient’s DNA.
We understand how frustrating it is when a patient is unable to book an appointment, we also get frustrated when patients don’t turn up for an appointment. Remember if you can’t attend your arranged appointment please contact the practice to cancel, you can do this by replying to your text message reminder, via the NHS App or by the telephone. DON’T BE A DNA!!
AFTERNOON TEA!
On the 30th of August we held an afternoon tea to raise money for breast cancer awareness. We are pleased to report that we made a total of £102.45p. All for a great course.
COVID BOOSTER AND FLU JABS
We are now at that time of year for most of our patients to be vaccinated against Covid and the Flu Virus. The practice has been contacting patients to book for these vaccinations. If you have not yet been offered either of the vaccines, please don’t hesitate to contact the practice to check your eligibility, and book an appointment, our trained staff can administer both of these vaccinations together.
RSV VACCINE
This year there is a new vaccine called, RSV: It’s a vaccine to prevent lung (respiratory tract) disease caused by a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RSV is a common virus which, in most cases, causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, cough or a blocked nose. However, in young infants RSV can cause serious lung problems. In older adults and people with chronic medical conditions, RSV can worsen illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). RSV can lead to hospitalisation in severe cases and in some cases it can be fatal. You may be invited to have the vaccine if you are a pregnant lady in her 28th week of pregnancy, or if you are aged 75 79.
COUGHS AND COLDS
It’s that time of year when we see a big increase in coughs and colds, for some advice on how to manage them this winter, visit your local pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist about the most affective products and advice to manage your symptoms.
TIPS TO KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
Layer on the clothes and adjust them according to the temperature.
Enjoy warm beverages and food, and use the oven and stove to cook them.
Move your body to increase blood circulation and generate heat.
Wear a warm hat, gloves and thick socks, since most of your body heat escapes through your head, hands and feet.
Wear a heavy coat and jumper made of wool or fleece, which will help retain body heat.
Keep warm by using a hot water bottle (make sure you check the bottle for rips and tears, DO NOT USE BOILING WATER) Following manufacturing instructions.
For further information please follow the link on our website. Cold Weather Alert.
PHARMACY FIRST
Pharmacy first was launched on 31.1.24 there are seven more conditions that will be appropriate for patients to attend the pharmacy for.
These conditions are:
1, Acute otitis media (earache).
2, Impetigo.
3, Infected Insect bites.
4, Shingles.
5, Sinusitis.
6, Sore Throat
7, Uncomplicated UTI. Women NOT PREGNANT!
Patient’s that call the surgery complaining of any of the above conditions will be referred to the pharmacy first pathway. We work closely with out pharmacies, we can even book you an allocated time slot, this will be an actual appointment with the pharmacist. Certain criteria will still apply.
Pharmacy first was launched on 31.1.24 there are seven more conditions that will be appropriate for patients to attend the pharmacy for.
These conditions are:
1, Acute otitis media (earache).
2, Impetigo.
3, Infected Insect bites.
4, Shingles.
5, Sinusitis.
6, Sore Throat
7, Uncomplicated UTI. Women NOT PREGNANT!
Patient’s that call the surgery complaining of any of the above conditions will be referred to the pharmacy first pathway. We work closely with out pharmacies, we can even book you an allocated time slot, this will be an actual appointment with the pharmacist. Certain criteria will still apply.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)
As a practice we would like to invite our patients to be part of our regular PPG meetings.
These meetings take place regularly and it gives our patients the opportunity to visit the practice and voice your views and ideas. We really appreciate your participation and opinions, your input is very important to us.
Our next meeting will be held in November, please keep an eye out on the display board for the date and time, or feel free to contact the practice for more information. All our patients are welcome, we hope to see you there and share some ideas you may have. Here I share with you what one of our lovely PPG members wrote about her experience. Thank you Kim.
I attended the PPG meeting at my local medical practice on Tuesday, 12th November. I started going a while ago not knowing what I would find and whether it was the right thing for me and was delighted to find it was right up my street.
Lots of lovely people sitting around discussing the topics of the day, inputting some very valuable information, questioning… to which there was always a reasonable answer and I’m learning a lot about my practice and how it works.
On Tuesday, the lovely Sunny, pharmacist from KD Pharmacy at The Fold, was explaining to us the expansion of the part your Pharmacy plays in conjunction with your surgery and how it’s working to ease the pressure on your practice. It’s a National thing and anyone can go in to any pharmacy and now get appointments for …well, actually, anything that’s bothering you health wise. Among many other advantages, your Pharmacist is now able to diagnose and prescribe for such things as ear problems, throat, chest and other infections and prescribe the necessary medication. If you need antibiotics, you will get them. If you don’t, you won’t. As was pointed out on Tuesday, there’s a drive on at the moment to educate the public about antibiotics and their uses and the fact that we don’t always need them.
They don’t work on everything. It seems very reasonable to me to make your Pharmacist your first call in everyday health matters.
Gateway Family Services had spent time in the waiting room that morning answering queries and giving out advice which to me sounds invaluable. In the short time they were there, they had 19 referrals so 19 people went home with somewhere to take their problem.
We were each left a goody bag from them containing a wealth of advice and telephone numbers to deal with so much of the stuff the public are worried about at the moment. Age UK booklets with all the details we need to put some of our worries to bed. They’re like little, well-being telephone books and instead of sitting on the problem because we just don’t know where to go for advice, we can look in our booklets and most likely be able to find the help we need. It’s so important to remember that not everyone is computer savvy or indeed, has the use of the internet or wifi.
It was a rewarding hour which went too quickly and despite only a few being able to make it this time, it was a very helpful meeting.
Why not contact the surgery or pop in and ask to be put on the list for the next meeting. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. See you there, hopefully.
MEDICINES SUPPORT DEPARTMENT (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS POD)
We no longer take requests for repeat prescriptions over the phone, you can order your medication via the NHS app or calling the Medicines support department.
MSD – 01213680019 The way in which you order your medication is by calling the number and leaving your details on the answering machine, your prescription will be issued and sent to your nominated pharmacy. If you would prefer, if you leave your name and contact details on the answering machine, you can request a call back from a member of the pod team. Or you can email your medication request to sdsmyhealthcare.pod@nhs.net make sure you order your medication before you run out of medication as request can take up to 72 hours.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO ORDER YOUR MEDICATION TO COVER YOU OVER THE BANK HOLIDAYS.
OUR CONTACT DETAILS AND OPENING HOURS
Our contact number is 01214864200
Our email address is hawkesleymedical.practice@nhs.net
Monday 8.00 – 6.30
Tuesday 8.00 – 6.30
Wednesday 8.00 – 6.30
Thursday 8.00 – 6.30
Friday 8.30 – 6.30
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Bank holidays – Closed
Our phone lines open at 8.00 every day.
Our doors open at 8.00 every day.
WHEN THE SURGERY IS CLOSED
When our surgery is closed you can access another service.
Katie road walk in centre 01214152095 7 days a week 8-8
NHS 111- 7 days a week 24 hours a day
Your nearest A&E is The Queen Elizabeth Hospital 24hours a day
OUR CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS.
Wednesday 25th December – Closed all day
Thursday 26th December – Closed all day
Wednesday 1st January – Closed all day
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our patients
