Newsletter June 2024

 

Welcome

Welcome to our new Practice Manager, Tracey Millar who commenced with the Practice on May 7th.

 

The New Cloud Telephone System

The new Cloud telephone system has now been introduced and is proving successful. Now patients calling for appointments can either hang on or can be called back.

 

DNA’s

If you have made an appointment to see a member of the Clinical team and no longer require, you are requested to please contact the surgery to cancel your appointment, to allow the slot to be offered to another patient. You can also cancel on the NHS App.

For the period January – March there were 559 DNAs, an average of 8 per day. Appointments that could have been offered to other patients.

 

Shingles Vaccination

Patients over the age of 70 years and those aged 50 years with a weakened immune system on the 1st September 2023, will be invited to have the Shingles vaccination.

You do not need to contact the surgery but wait until you are contacted.

 

Change of Telephone and Email addresses

If you have changed your mobile telephone number or email address, please notify reception, to enable your information to be kept up to date.

 

Self-Referrals

Patients can now make several self-referrals online without seeing their G.P. for a variety of issues. Examples are:

Maximus, a Mental Health self-referral  tool – is a government funded scheme.  Using an online form and being triaged over the phone gives a right to 9 months support.  Patients can be helped with anxiety.  It assists with a return to work via tools and wellness apps and has a lead time from initial call to practical help of two weeks, far quicker than using NHS.

 

Hay Fever Symptoms

Mid-May was the start of the grass pollen season for millions of people with hay fever symptoms. If you are suffering from Hay Fever symptoms, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, your  local pharmacist will be able to advise what medication will be helpful to you.  If they consider you need to see your GP, you will be advised to make an appointment.

 

Spring COVID-19 vaccination

If you have received an invitation to book your spring Covid-19 vaccination, the last date you will be able to get your vaccination your vaccination is Monday 30th June 2024.

 

Improve your mobility

Improve your mobility with a simple exercise that can help with improving leg muscle loss, strengthening bones and improving core and your breathing -

Find out more on the Move it or lose it website

 

Stroke Patients

Some people who have had a stroke may suffer with bowel and bladder incontinence.  You can get a ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card or download the free app from bladderandbowel.org.  This gives you access to toilets anywhere, including those not usually available to the public. 

Get a RADAR key from shop.disabilityrights.uk.org 

The scheme is for people with disabilities or health conditions seriously affecting their continence.

 

Carer’s Group

The Carers Group takes place between 2pm and 4pm.

  • Monday 24th June
  • Monday 15th July
  • Monday 19th August
  • Monday T6th September
  • Monday 21st October
  • Monday 18th November
  • Monday 16th December

Venue: The Heath Room, Old Coulsdon Congregation Church. Entrance in Canon’s Hill. Ring bell once if door is closed.

 

SEPSIS Support Group

The next meeting of the Sepsis Support Group takes place on:

  • Wednesday 24th July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Venue: United Reform Church Purley (next to Purley Hospital).

 

PPG - Future Events 

The PPG will be having a stall at the Rotary Summer Fete on Saturday, 6th July in Grange Park.  We hope that you will come along and see what we have planned that you can participate.

September and October we will be organising a Health Presentation and CPR session.  Look out for the dates that will be in the next Newsletter and displayed in the practice and practice website.

Published: Jun 10, 2024