NEWSLETTER
STONEHILL MEDICAL CENTRE AND HIGHFIELD SURGERY
Issue 56
OCTOBER 2011
www.ehealthservice.co.uk/bolton/stonehill/
email: ooh.silvert@nhs.net
Appointment Cancellation Line 01204 799955
Surgery News
Highfield surgery is shortly to be fitted with new shutters, automatic external door together with new flooring to the consultation rooms will be fitted.
Changes
Dr Ibrar (female) joins our practice on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 1st October 2011. Dr Collier has now left the practice.
Seasonal Illness
Coughs and colds: These cannot be treated by your GP - you should take paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) and keep yourself warm, unless you have a temperature, quickly dispose of used tissues and wash your hands regularly. If you are experiencing other symptoms and feel you may have a chest infection for instance, you may contact us to seek advice. For your information, Paracetamol can be purchased from all supermarkets and pharmacies for as little as 16p. If you have children, it is advisable for you to have a bottle of Paracetamol Liquid (eg, Calpol) in your medicine cabinet, which can also be purchased from most supermarkets and pharmacies for approximately £2.60.
Flu virus: This disease is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, pain and extreme tiredness. Other common symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose. For otherwise healthy individuals, flu is unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery usually within 2 to 7 days. The risk of serious illness from flu is higher amongst children under 6 months of age, older people and those with other health conditions such as heart disease, breathing diseases or diabetes etc. Flu is transmitted by air, droplets or through direct contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of someone with the infection. Flu spreads rapidly, especially in closed communities. The treatment advice is the same as for coughs and colds above as well as trying to reduce contact with other people to avoid spreading the virus. If you are experiencing worsening of an existing health problem or if you are concerned about your child please do not hesitate to contact us via telephone for advice.
Prescriptions
For your information we do not prescribe the following medicines:
• Cough and cold remedies
• Decongestants (eg, Sudofed)
• Calpol
• Head lice treatment
• Bonjela
• Verruca/wart treatment
• Glucosamine
When ordering repeat prescriptions either on online, face to face or via post, please only TICK the items which are due - please do not use a cross or a circle as this can cause confusion. It is not safe practice to stockpile medicines as they quickly go out of date and costs the NHS millions each year, which could be better used in other services.
Carers
Please let us know by completing a Carer's form in surgery if you are a carer for someone so that we may record this on your records and on that of those you care for, Caring can be very rewarding but on occasions can be stressful and exhausting, Bolton Carers Support Group offer support and friendship and may be contacted on 01204 363056.
Registering with a GP
If you live or move within our practice boundary you are eligible to register with our surgery. Upon registration you will be asked to provide proof of identification, ie, birth certificate, passport, driving license and proof of address, in the form of a recent utility bill or bank statement for example.
It is important that we have information regarding immunisations, previous medical history, smear information, NHS number, previous GP, alcohol and smoking information. This will enable us to enter this on your medical records and request your records from your previous GP. Please do not expect to be seen on the day of registering unless you need to see a doctor urgently.
Flu Vaccination Clinic
If you are at risk it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you receive a vaccination and you should therefore attend the clinic on Saturday 8th October 8.30am - 12 noon - no appointment required.
Flu vaccinations are only available to over 65s and patients over the age of 6 months who are considered to be at risk, ie diabetes, heart disease, asthma, stroke, COPD, liver disease, carers, cystic fibrosis, neurological diseases, pregnant ladies, long stay residential/nursing home patients, immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care staff .
Other flu clinics will be running regularly from 17th October, as our nurses will be concentrating on patients living in residential/nursing homes from the first 2 weeks of the season. However, if you have an appointment booked, please ask the nurse or GP to vaccinate you.
Website
Please see our website (details above) for details and information about the practice. This is regularly updated. It is possible to order prescriptions via the website - a secure PIN will be provided.
DON'T FORGET TO CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND:
Cancellation line: 01204 799955 (this line is open 24 hours a day)
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
If you would like to contribute to this Newsletter or make suggestions to improve our service, please put these in writing in the letter box (same as for prescriptions). All constructive suggestions will be considered.
