Newsletter No.4 Autumn 2007
FLU VACCINATION CLINICS IN CORSE VILLAGE HALL
Tuesday 30th October 2007
13.30-16.00 for patients with surnames starting A to L
and
THURSDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2007
13.30-16.00 for patients with surnames starting M to Z
No appointment needed, please just turn up and please remember that the flu jab is just a simple injection in the arm Drs Docherty, Macleod, Mason and Whittle
These dates and times are for patients aged 65 and over, also those patients with chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, renal disease, diabetes or immuno suppression.
NB - if you are unable to attend on your 'surname' date please come to the alternative clinic
FLU VACCINATION DAY PARKING
PLEASE FOLLOW THE 'IN' AND 'OUT' SIGNS.
This will avoid congestion and allow more cars to park off the main road. THANK YOU
Suggestion Box
Why appointments are only booked 2 weeks in advance
Dr Whittle has given us this answer:
'This is an area where compromise works well. It is a balance of retaining the convenience of forward booking, but not so far ahead that appointments get forgotten.
Research has shown that the further you book ahead, the higher level of 'Did Not Attends'. Two weeks appears to be an optimum period which gives patients a facility of forward booking but not generating high levels of appointment wastage.'
REMINDER: We now have our own stand in the entrance lobby on which you will find the current newsletter BUT please do not remove the laminated copies. These are for people to read while in the waiting room. Thank you.
Minor Injuries- the PCT has provided centers for these at hospitals in our area. Nearest to Staunton & Corse Surgery are:
Gloucester Royal Hospital 01452 528555 & Tewkesbury Hospital tel no 01684 293303
Profile - Practice Nurse, Wendy King
I have worked at the surgery for 7 years. 6 years as a District Nurse and the past year as a Practice Nurse. I trained at Charing Cross Hospital, London and worked on surgical and medical wards before traveling to Bangladesh. There, I worked in the cholera hospital. Its proper name is the International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh. I ran the hospital with another English nurse also called Wendy. I spent a lot of time teaching outreach workers how to make re-hydration drinks from salt, sugar and water so people could be treated locally in their village, rather than having to travel miles to reach our hospital in Dhaka.
I met my husband whilst in Bangladesh. He was doing VSO. After 2 years we returned to the UK, got married and had 4 children.
I love my job at Staunton Surgery. District nursing gave me the opportunity to meet people in their own homes and get to know the area well, especially during floods! Now practice nursing gives me more of a challenge with all age groups and weekends off!
When not at work I keep fit by walking, going to the gym and running. I enjoy going to the theatre and opera and of course a bit of shopping.
Rachel's Tips for Autumn
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER
As winter sets in it is important to keep fit and well. However, if you are elderly and/or suffering from a condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma etc it is doubly important that you look after yourself. Here are some tips to survive the ravages of winter.
- Eat well - having a mixed diet and plenty of hot drinks.
- Exercise - keeping active keeps you warm.
- Have a flu jab - this will help ward off the effects of flu and maintain a state of wellbeing.
- Dress sensibly - wear several thin layers of clothes that are good insulators eg wool, fleece or cotton. At night bedsocks can be very comforting for cold feet.
- Outdoors - when it is very cold, icy or windy stay indoors. Ask a neighbour to help with the shopping.
- Keep the house warm - if you are concerned about your fuel bills ask Age Concern or your Village agent for their advice, you may be entitled to benefit. Also check that you have received the winter fuel payment that everyone gets over the age of 60. ensure that your house is draught-proofed and insulated.
- Neighbours - ask your neighbours to look out for you.
- Doctors - if you feel particularly unwell phone the surgery - do this in the morning, don't leave it to the end of the day.
Telephone Numbers
Village Agents
A pilot scheme providing older people in Gloucestershire's rural communities with easier access to information and services. Liz Davies (Staunton - 07810 630224) and Jane Griffiths (Upper Hasfield - 07810 630244) are our local Village Agents. If you have difficulty contacting their mobile numbers,phone the Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868
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