Choosewell information

We're starting to see lots of winter illnesses such as coughs and colds. For the majority of minor winter illnesses you won't need to see a doctor but if you're not sure what to do and when to worry there is a very useful website that you may want to check out. It's called Choosewell Manchester and is well worth a look.

It's also got a number of helpful videos.

If English isn't your first language the information is also translated into many languages.: www.choosewellmanchester.org.uk

Your local pharmacy can often help with over the counter remedies

Newsletter December 2016/January 2017 editionLevenshulme

Ashcroft Surgery

GPs, nurses and staff at Ashcroft surgery would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mobile numbers - Please inform reception staff if you have a mobile number or have changed a mobile number so that we are able to keep your medical records updated. You will then be able to receive text messages reminding you of any appointments you have with the GP, Nurse or Phlebotomist. Important information will also be sent by text message ie: information for when our clinics are held etc.

YASPAre you aged 15-25 and need support?

YASP is a team providing ‘wrap around’ services for 15 to 25 year olds. They are committed to reducing the stresses faced by young people by providing a combination of social welfare advice, counselling sessions and activity that promotes social inclusion and recovery. Anyone can refer into YASP. Including the young person themselves - 15 to 25 year olds can simply walk in off the street.

They can also signpost and refer young people on to voluntary and community sector services who can deliver other specialist services to

them.

Internet Café for all 15-25 year olds, the café is open 10-16:00 Tuesday – Friday. The café is run by young people with free internet access and a hot meal cooked daily.

Advice & Casework for 15-25 year olds who require support around benefits, housing and accessing other services. We also have two advice drop-ins on Wednesday and Friday 13:30-16:00 at the YASP café.

Free Counselling service to improve the mental well-being of young people. Provided by two trained counsellors.

Volunteering & Mentoring to help reduce isolation and help young people achieve

their goals by either gaining relevant work experience or accessing 1-2-1 support from trained mentors.

Our services can be accessed via drop-in, telephone, email or referral form:

YASP832 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, M19 3AW

KOOTH – on line support available

If you are aged 11-19 and are being troubled with bullying, anxiousness, depression and would prefer to talk to a trained counsellor or therapist via your computer in an on-line chat rather than face-to-face then check out Kooth. You can log-on and chat online to counsellors who are available till 10pm at night 365 days a year.

They can also help deal with family problems, loneliness and eating disorders.

www.kooth.com

Prescription reviews

Are you on regular medications?

Do you know when your prescription is due for review?

Your GP is expected to review your medications every 12 months. This is to check that the medication is still doing its job and not causing any side effects.

In the majority of cases the outcome is to tell you to “ carry on taking the medicine “ but the review date also is used as a reminder to the GP to check that you are up to date with any blood tests that may need to be done to monitor your health problem or medication e.g. having

annual diabetic blood tests if you are diabetic , a blood pressure check if you are on blood pressure medicines or thyroid blood tests if you are on thyroid hormone tablets.

Your review date is on the right hand page of the prescription ( the side that has your list of medication on it, not the page the chemist takes.

You may notice the GP adding messages to remind you to have blood tests done.

The majority of medication reviews can be done over the phone without an examination unless you need things like blood pressure checking but this can also be done by the nurse.

In most cases the GP will put your review date forward 12 months.

Exceptions to this would be patients on medications like warfarin or lithium. We don't put the review dates more than four months ahead. This is for safety as when the review date is reached it prompts the GP to make sure we have an up to date warfarin monitoring test (INR) done or lithium blood test done.

Health and wellbeing workers

Buzz, part of the Public Health Service have launched a service provided by Wellbeing advisors. They can provide and support on the following issues:

Healthy eating and exercise Smoking and alcohol Isolation, loneliness & friendship Promoting positive mental health Dental health Feel happier and healthier

They can also make referrals for the following: Sexual health Drugs / alcohol Housing Managing long term health conditions GM Fire ^ Rescue Service Access wider services.

For more information checkout: www.buzzmanchester.co.uk

Bowel cancer screening

Are you over 55?

Have you had your invitation for bowel cancer screening?

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cause of cancer death.

30% of cases are diagnosed when the cancer is at an advanced stage and the chances of surviving are very low ( just 5%).

The aim of the bowel cancer screening programme is to pick up bowel cancers at their earliest stages when the chances of survival are very high (97%).

The NHS invites everyone aged 55 to have a one-off bowel examination (colonoscopy) to look for early cancers. When you reach 60 they then invite you to do a test that looks for blood in your poo. If this test detects blood you would be invited for a colonoscopy. The test is repeated every 2 years until you are 74.

Anyone over 75 can phone the screening service for a kit if you want to carry on testing. The screening service number is:

0800 707 6060.

The thought of screening for something like bowel cancer is obviously worrying but if you can get it picked up at a stage before you get symptoms when you have a 97% chance of cure instead of a 5% chance then it's well worth it.

At the same time we GPs would encourage you to look out for signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.

We'd be keen to see anyone who has experienced combinations of symptoms like stomach pains, weight loss, blood in poo, change in bowel habit (passing a poo more or less often, harder or looser).

Ear SyringingEar syringing is available at Gorton Library on the second Thursday of each month from 10am to 2pm. Please telephone to confirm the day and time before attending 0161 227 3737.

Online Access- Medication and blood test resultsYou can register to have online access to order repeat prescriptions, book and cancel GP appointments and also view areas of your medical records which includes any coded information ,medications and blood test results. Please ask reception staff for a form.

Why not join the Patient Participation Group?This newsletter has been produced by the Practice and the Patient Participation Group(PPG). The PPG meets to discuss Practice issues every three months on a Thursday 5.30-6.30pm. We also have members who can't make the meetings but participate by email contact. If you'd like to become a member ask at Reception for an application form.

Ashcroft Surgery0161 224 1329803 Stockport RoadLevenshulmeManchesterM19 3BS