Newsletter No.3 Summer 2007
Suggestion Box
Missed Appoinments
The Practice is not allowed to impose fines for missed appointments. It is not practical for the Practice to either make written or telephone reminders. All patients who miss appointments receive a letter advising them. If you have missed an appointment, the practice would appreciate a phone call or a letter explaining why as this may help to correct avoidable missed appointments in the future. If you have to cancel an appointment could you let the surgery know, even if it is the day of the appointment, as it might be possible to use your slot for an urgent/emergency appointment. If a patient is a persistent offender the Practice may wish to consider further actions.
Telephone
How patients can help both themselves and the Practice:
Unless you wish to ask for an urgent appointment or arrange a home visit, telephone the surgery after 11am when the telephone lines are quieter.
Up to 70% of a days calls can be received in the first 2 hours after the Surgery opens. The busiest days are Monday and immediately after a Bank Holiday.
We can only have as many lines and telephone points as we have staff available to answer them.
The Practice is in the process of reviewing the telephone system and facilities with the supplier.
Travel and Holidays
Summer has arrived and with it travelling abroad for holidays. If you are travelling abroad, especially to distant parts where malaria and other health risks may be encountered don't forget to seek the advice of our staff well in advance of your departure.
Some injections need to be done a few weeks before you travel.Whether you are staying at home or going abroad please beware of the damaging effects of the sun. People most at risk are fair skinned, have freckles or ginger hair. For some people excessive exposure can cause skin cancer.
Do not sunbathe between the hours of 10am and 2pm when the sun is at its strongest.
Cover up as much as possible and wear a wide brimmed hat or use an umbrella as a parasol.
Exposed skin should always have sunscreen applied (SPF15 minimum) regularly.
Sun tanning lotions do not protect against the sun.
Some prescription drugs cause hypersensitivity to sunlight. In these cases, sun protection creams can be prescribed.
Minor Injuries/Emergency Situations - see Spring Newsletter.
Please do not just turn up at the surgery - if in doubt you may wish to telephone first for advice.
The Friends of Staunton & Corse Surgery
This was originally known as the Staunton Surgery Equipment Fund. It was transferred to registered charity status some years ago. The fund has received proceeds of bequests or 'in memory' collections. From time to time this has helped to provide practice equipment not normally funded through the NHS. Items purchased with the fund include a defibrillator and a supply of nebulisers and exercise monitors for loan to patients. The funds currently stand at £2800. There are no immediate plans for further purchases although an annual review is undertaken.
Changes to Public and Patient Involvement (PPI)
In 2006 the Department of Health (DOH) released a new consultation document relating to changes in the structure of independent PPI bodies.The Commision of Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) and Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIFs) will be abolished. These forums were originally established to replace the community health councils.
PPIFs will be replaced by Local Involvement Networks (LINKs). LINKs will have a larger local membership than PPIFs and will have a closer relationship with the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC). Local Authorities with Social Services responsibilities will be funded to set up LINKS.
There will be a new duty placed on commissioners to feed back and respond to what local people have said. As a patients' group affiliated to the National Association of Patient Participation (NAPP) we will be entitled to have a voice in LINKS and so be able to represent the views of Staunton and Corse patients to any proposed changes in local health care.
Profile - Practice Manager, Iain Collinson
Iain has been with the practice for 12 years. Previous to this he was in banking for 30 years and moved around the country. Now leads a settled life in Bushley with his wife and their dogs and donkeys. Their two children are grown up.
Moving into general practice came with a steep learning curve, enjoyable challenges nevertheless and indeed continue in the ever changing NHS. He keeps the team together, responsible for everything non-clinical and is the bridge between the patients and the surgery team.
Now that he is not constantly on the move Iain and Liz are able to indulge in their interests including walking with their border collies, taking the caravan abroad, and fostering donkeys. Iain's secret passion is trains which has something to do with a misspent youth on Crewe station.
Rachel's Tips for Summer
Approximately 1 in 5 people currently suffer from some form of allergy. As summer approaches hay fever and bites and stings can be a painful and miserable experience. The good news is that a wide range of effective treatments, eye drops/nasal sprays/creams and tablets are available over the counter to give relief quickly and reduce symptoms. The newer generation of anti-histamines work better and have a longer effect. Oral medication is only taken daily to avoid the problem of feeling drowsy.
To reduce symptoms it is advisable to wear sun glasses, sun hat and apply protective sun factor to visible parts of the skin. People with severe problems will need to keep car windows, doors and windows in the house closed.
Simple first aid for bites and stings:
- If the sting is still visible brush it away by using your finger nail or a blunt surface like a plastic card. DO NOT use tweezers as these may squeeze the poison further into the skin.
- Cool the area with cold water, ice pack or cold compress until the redness and stinging is reduced.
- Anti-histamine medication or cream may be useful - if in doubt seek medical advice.
Stings to the mouth and throat area - seek medical advice urgently.
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
NHS Direct (for general 24hr medical advice) - 08 45 46 47
STOP PRESS: Please remember to ring the surgery for your blood test results a week after test. Thank you.