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www.themeadowsthrapston.nhs.uk

RACTICE NEWS. Welcome to this edition of

the Newsletter which contains important information about The Meadows Surgery. This Newsletter is produced by the Practice Patient

Participation Group (PPG) which meets regularly throughout the year. This gives PPG Members the opportunity to discuss with the Practice Manager the latest Practice initiatives & provide feedback on key topics.

ATIENT FEEDBACK. Since Dr Abdallah’s

Retirement, Dr Mahesh Dias & Dr Dinuka De Silva have put their patients at the heart of all the changes & improvements being made, to ensure

they receive the best possible care. We make sure that all of our patients’ feedback is carefully considered & used to make a tangible impact on the service we provide. Over the past few months we have taken on your views & made some positive changes as a direct result of this approach.

Y0U SUGGESTED WE LISTENED !

EMALE GP. We understand how important it

is that patients feel comfortable with the clinician they are seeing, especially if they are having a private examination done. We now have a locum

female GP that will be working with us on an ad-hoc basis. We are trying to get more regular sessions but for now there will be some pre-bookable appointments. Unfortunately, on same day emergency appointment, it may not be possible to get a female GP, however a family member, friend or member of staff can chaperone for you.

RE-BOOKABLE APPOINTMENTS. With

our new(ish) Triage system that we open until mid-afternoon, we are able to make patient contact with most patients that telephone the

surgery, on the day. This means no waiting to call nor queuing up at your GP surgery at 8am every morning! We recognise that patients have different circumstances & may not be able to take a call at work or come in on the same day. We have therefore re-introduced pre-bookable appointments, of which there will be a limited number of appointments every week that can be booked beforehand with the Clinicians.

RACTICE LEAFLET. With all the staff and

system changes that have been introduced, it may be hard to keep up with what’s going on, especially if you’re not a regular at the surgery!

Along with this Newsletter we have put together a Practice Leaflet with information on how to book regular & same day appointments, the current Triage System, the Clinicians & any other important information.

ECEPTION TEAM. We are very appreciative

of all the patients that have mentioned about how hardworking our Reception team members are. Although they do an amazing job, it is

difficult to keep up with the demand in such a fast paced environment. We have therefore recruited a full-time receptionist that will start with us in August.

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RACTICE MANAGER & CLINICAL TEAM. We are very pleased to announce that

Sania Din recently joined the Team in the role of Practice Manager. Sania is onsite at the

Meadows for four days a week; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday. Alan White, our Paramedic with extensive experience, is now a permanent, full time member of staff. He will deal with minor illnesses and make home visits.

XTENDED ACCESS. This appointment system

enables patients to speak to a doctor regarding clinical concerns. Patients do not need to visit the Surgery but just ring up on the day & let the

Receptionist know what the problem is. The doctor will then telephone the patient that day. If the doctor thinks an appointment is required then they will book this. The Extended Access Service also enables patients to book an appointment at a time which suits them, including evenings & weekends. Patients will contact their GP practice in the usual way but may be offered an appointment with the GP Extended Access Service, if this is right for them. The service is provided by a Central Hub in collaboration with other, local GP practices. Our Central Hub is Harborough Fields, Rushden. Clinical staff will be able to access patient records to ensure these are updated. In the situation where there are no appointments available at their Practice, patients may be offered an appointment with the GP Extended Access Service.

EPSIS : SYMPTOMS & ACTION. Everybody is

potentially at risk of developing Sepsis (sometimes known as Blood Poisoning) from minor infections. But some people are more at risk of Sepsis,

including: babies younger than 1 year people over 75, who are frail, with diabetes people with weak immune systems people who are having chemotherapy treatment women who have just given birth or recently been

pregnant (including those who have had a miscarriage or abortion)

people who have recently had surgery people who have recently had a serious illness. Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection. Without quick treatment, Sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure & death.

WHEN TO GET MEDICAL HELP. Seek medical advice

urgently from NHS 111 if you have recently had an infection or injury & have possible early signs of Sepsis. If Sepsis is suspected, you'll usually be referred to hospital for further diagnosis & treatment. Severe Sepsis & Septic Shock are medical emergencies. If you think you or someone in your care has one of these conditions, go straight to A&E or call 999.

SEPSIS SYMPTOMS IN BABIES & CHILDREN Go straight to A&E or call 999 if your child has any of these symptoms: looks mottled, bluish or pale is very lethargic or difficult to wake feels abnormally cold to touch is breathing very fast has a rash that does not fade when you press it has a fit or convulsion Get medical advice urgently from NHS 111 If your child has any of the symptoms listed below, is getting worse or is sicker than you'd expect (even if their temperature falls), trust your instincts & seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111. Temperature a temperature over 38C in babies under 3 months a temperature over 39C in babies aged 3 to 6 months any high temperature in a child who cannot be

encouraged to show interest in anything a low temperature (below 36C – check 3 times in a

10-minute period)

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Breathing harder to breathe than normal –like hard work making "grunting" noises with every breath cannot say more than a few words at once (for older

children who normally talk) breathing that obviously "pauses" Toilet/nappies not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours Eating & drinking new baby under 1 month old with no interest in

feeding not drinking for more than 8 hours (when awake) bile-stained (green), bloody or black vomit/sick Activity & body soft spot on a baby's head is bulging eyes look "sunken" child cannot be encouraged to show interest in

anything baby is floppy weak, "whining" or continuous crying in a younger

child older child who's confused not responding or very irritable stiff neck, especially when trying to look up & down Sepsis symptoms in older children & adults Early symptoms Early symptoms of Sepsis may include: a high temperature or a low body temperature chills & shivering a fast heartbeat problems or changes to your breathing feeling or acting differently from normal – you do not

seem your usual self

SEPTIC SHOCK In some cases, symptoms of more severe Sepsis or Septic Shock, when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level, develop soon after. These can include:

feeling dizzy or faint a change in mental state, such as confusion or

disorientation diarrhoea nausea & vomiting slurred speech severe muscle pain severe breathlessness

less urine production than normal –e.g., not urinating for a day

cold, clammy & pale or mottled skin loss of consciousness

When to get medical help Seek medical advice urgently from NHS 111 if you have recently had an infection or injury & have possible early signs of Sepsis. If Sepsis is suspected, you'll usually be referred to hospital for further diagnosis & treatment. Severe Sepsis & septic shock are medical emergencies. If you think you or someone in your care has one of these conditions, go straight to A&E or call 999.

AY FEVER. Hay fever affects around one in four people in the UK with the main triggers being grass & pollen. When the weather is warmer, grass pollen count levels can be higher, making

everyday life miserable for hay fever sufferers. Amongst the list of bothersome symptoms are sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose & an itchy throat. Try these top tips to help ease symptoms: Don’t mow your lawn when the pollen count is high Smear balm on your nostrils or use a nasal spray from

your pharmacist to create a barrier Avoid outside activity when the air is warming up &

cooling down, as pollen count is highest. Open bedroom windows at night, but close them in

the morning. Dust with a damp or microfibre cloth & vacuum

regularly to stop pollen from becoming airborne. Wash your hair – pollen can stick to your hair & then

transfer to your pillow. Medicines & remedies are available from local pharmacies to make life more comfortable. Allergy sufferers can prepare by getting the medicines they need from their local Pharmacist – who can also offer expert advice to help people manage their health during warmer months.

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ON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION. The NHS is changing the prescribing of over the counter medicines, since these are readily

available from your local pharmacy & supermarket. Your Pharmacist can offer help & clinical advice to manage minor health concerns as detailed below. If your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. Mild skin conditions, such as acne, eczema,

psoriasis, impetigo, athlete's foot Coughs & colds, including blocked nose (nasal

congestion), & sore throats Bruises, sunburn, & minor burns & scalds Constipation & piles (haemorrhoids) Hay fever, dry eyes & allergies (including rashes,

bites & stings) Aches & pains, including earache, headache,

migraine, back pain & toothache Vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea &

threadworms Period pain, thrush & cystitis head lice (nits) Conjunctivitis, cold sores & mouth ulcers Warts & verrucas Nappy rash & teething The NHS has been spending £Millions every year

on prescriptions for medicines, such as Paracetamol, that can be bought in the local pharmacy or supermarket, By reducing the amount of spend on these types of medication, priority can be given to treatments for more serious conditions such as Cancer, Diabetes, Mental Health issues, etc. It’s always a good idea to have a First Aid box at home with, for example, bandages, plasters, pain relief tablets, antiseptic creams etc.

HELP US TO USE RESOURCES SENSIBLY

NLINE SERVICES. You can request your repeat medication anytime very easily. To register please telephone 01832 734444 &

select option 3 (prescription line).

ONTACT DETAILS. It is important that your contact details are up to date. The quickest way of contacting you if you have a mobile

phone is via sms/text. Please let the surgery know if you have a mobile number or have changed your mobile number. Keeping your details current helps us to keep in contact with you.

AND FINALLY ....

LU CLINICS. Keep an eye out on Reception

& the Noticeboards for details of the Flu Clinics that are currently being organised for the October.

DON’T BE CAUGHT OUT.

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TTHHEE MMEEAADDOOWWSS NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR€¦ · make home visits. XTENDED ACCESS. This appointment system enables patients to speak to a doctor regarding clinical concerns. Patients