Newsletter No.8 Autumn 2008
The Dispensary
The Patient Group sent letters to four local MPs, asking for their support to keep the Surgery's dispensary open citing the many advantages this has for patients compared to using the nearest pharmacy. We also sent a copy of this letter to Gloucestershire PCT who will have the ultimate power to commission dispensary services for our area. GP prescribing arrangements must be approved by the local PCT.
A paper on primary and community care strategy will be published at the end of August and Dawn Primarolo (the minister for community NHS services) has indicated that a consultation paper will be published after this.The consultation will provide everyone with an opportunity to contribute including healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Rural areas like Staunton and Corse can be designated by the local PCT as 'reserved locations'. These take into account the level of the population plus public transport facilities. Patients living in 'reserved locations' will have the right to choose whether to receive dispensing either from their GP or from a pharmacy.
These changes including the decisions to open new dispensing chemists will not happen overnight and as far as anyone is aware, there are no plans for the closure of the Staunton and Corse dispensary at the present time.
The local MPs have stated that they will continue to campaign to insure that changes are not made to our local practices which will damage patient care and services.
The doctors and staff would like to express their thanks for all the support given by patients and the Patient Group to the campaign to protect the future of the dispensing service.
Patients Comments from the Suggestion Box
Prescriptions
To avoid a possible 2nd visit please check that all the medicines you ordered are in the bag before leaving the surgery.
Repeat prescriptions
Please note that our computer system will not allow dispensing of medication more than one week in advance. This is an automated procedure in support of safe prescribing and dispensing in the Practice.
Patients requiring repeat prescriptions much earlier than the due date, eg holidays, please discuss with our dispensers as clinical authorisation is necessary.
Telephone Survey
The results have been received and information will be given as soon as possible.
Poles at entrance.
These are now up and we hope patients are finding this useful.
Medical Equipment
Please would patients who have borrowed items of medical equipment return these when no longer required as there may be a waiting list for certain items. Please contact the Community Nurses (01452 840680).
Choose and Book
Staunton and Corse Surgery is using this service and where appropriate patients will be helped to make a decision.
In June Dr Whittle cycled from Lands End to John o' Groats to raise money for WINSTON'S WISH CHARITY. So far he has raised over £1000 and still counting as the rest of the monies are received. Dr Whittle thanks everyone who supported him.
Flu Jab Dates
Thursday 16th October 1.30 - 4pm for surnames A-L
Thursday 23rd October 1.30 - 4pm for surnames M-Z
at Staunton and Corse Village Hall
Car parking will be the same as last year, please follow signs for entrance and exit. There will be disabled parking near the door.
Key Safes
If you have a key safe to enable known visitors to gain access to your premises it may be worthwhile letting the surgery/community team know the access details in the event of a home visit being required.
The Role of a Health Visitor for Staunton and Corse Surgery
Health Visitors are well qualified nurses usually with some midwifery experience followed by a year in college and work in the community to obtain their Health Visiting Certificate. They are currently in short supply. The development of children is their main skill.
They work closely with the midwife (running ante-natal classes for example) during the pregnancy then, when the new baby is between 10 and 14 days old, make the very important first home visit offering professional support for the whole family unit. This continues until the child reaches school age. But it can extend long beyond that, if one builds up a strong rapport with the family (many women are without family support in this age of single parent or scattered families).
The health of the baby and the physical and mental health of the Mother is assessed and encouragement and advice on breast feeding, immunization, weaning, hearing and development is given. Children are also checked on their development at various intervals until they go to school.
Health Visitors until recently were always based in a surgery with care of around 300 families. One usually came to know these families very well. Health Visitors are always alert for signs of child abuse and in some practices are also involved with elderly patients. Nowadays, because of shortages of Health Visitors, they may be shared between 2 practices.
Every day is different. One rarely knows what problems or joys will emerge but always the health visitor is aware that recognition or prevention is better than cure.
Patients Group Committee
Sheila Golightly
Jane Evans
Judy McCarthy
Bob Crockett
Sheila Millichap
Tegwin Harrison
Sally David-Bond
Elizabeth Wilkins
We hope to recruit two new committee members as soon as possible as two members have retired this year.
Telephone Numbers
Staunton Surgery - General Enquiries - 01452 840228 Appointments - 01452 840555,
Dispensary - 01452 840688 Community Nursing Team - 01452 840680
Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospital - 0845 422 2222
Tewkesbury Hospital - 01684 293303
Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Bureau 01452 528 017
Gloucestershire Age Concern 01452 422 660
NHS Direct (for general 24hr medical advice) - 08 45 46 47