Have you got the NHS App?
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Account verification is done centrally and you don’t need a password from your GP surgery.
You can now use the app to show your Covid vaccination status.
You can use the NHS App to:
- get advice about coronavirus – get information about coronavirus and find out what to do if you think you have it.
- order repeat prescriptions – see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to.
- book appointments – search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery. See details of your upcoming and past appointments.
- get health advice – search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments. You can also answer questions to get instant advice and medical help near you.
- view your health record – securely access your GP health record to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines. If your GP surgery has given you access to your detailed medical record, you can also see information like test results and details of your consultations.
- register to be an organ donor – choose to donate some or all your organs and check your registered decision.
- find out how the NHS uses your data – choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning.
Download the app now from the App Store or Google Play, or find out more information at NHS App – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Patients Wearing Face Covering at Firdale Medical Centre
Following recent NHS update our rules regarding face covering are changing.
From Thursday 16th June wearing face covering or face mask is no longer compulsory for our patients except for those who present with respiratory symptoms.
Although wearing the face covering is no longer compulsory for majority of our patients we still strongly encourage everyone to do so especially if you are in the high risk group.
You will notice that our clinicians may still wear the face covering in some circumstances depending on the level of risk and the type of medical issue they are assisting with.
We would like to thank all of you who accepted the necessary precautions we implemented during the pandemic.
Loneliness Awareness Week
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week, the event happens annually and is hosted by Marmalade Trust.
The campaign aims to reduce the stigma around loneliness and encourage people to talk more openly about it. The campaign aims to reach 18-24 year old’s, we know that young people feel more confident and motivated to take action to help other people who feel lonely rather than doing things to help themselves.
However, we know that loneliness is an issue that can affect us all, young or old, at any point in our lives.
This week, reach out to others, check in on friends and family, help someone who may be feeling lonely, small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Serious Shortage Protocol for HRT gels
The NHSBSA have released new Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) for HRT products.
The SSPs apply to Oestrogel pump gel, Sandrena 0.5mg and 1mg gel sachets and Lenzetto spray.
Pharmacies are now allowed to switch patients to patches if they are unable to obtain a supply of the gels.
Pharmacies are also allowed to restrict the quantities to 3 months’ supply without contacting the prescriber.
Local pharmacies have been contacted to ensure they are aware of the SSPs.
Please note that you do not need to contact your GP, your Pharmacist will be able to look into this for you.
Let’s act on dementia!
The Alzheimer’s Society have chosen ‘diagnosis’ as this year’s theme to encourage those who might be living with, or close to someone who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to be able to understand and recognise potential dementia symptoms and feel empowered to take the next step.
If you or other people are noticing that memory problems are getting worse or affecting every day life, you can get support and information on the right steps to take at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week
The Mental Health Foundation announces ‘loneliness’ as the theme for mental health awareness week 2022
Loneliness affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health. The Foundation’s ‘mental health in the pandemic’ research has found that loneliness has been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. The week aims to raise awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental wellbeing and the practical steps we can take to address it.
Read more about the research here https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/mental-health-foundation-announces-loneliness-theme-mental-health-awareness-week-2022
If you need support with your mental health or are worried about someone else visit https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ for more information.
Dying Matters Week
Every year, people around the country use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a moment to encourage all communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them.
With the pandemic far from over, the UK is still struggling with big questions about how and where we die, who we are with at the end and what care and support we have in place.
The mission is to help people to talk about dying and grief, and plan for the end of life. For more information and support visit https://www.hospiceuk.org/
Are you sun aware?
Sun Awareness Week is annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of sun protection especially during the Summer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and rates continue to rise, so making sure you are protected is vital.
- Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30+ and re-apply regularly
- Limit your sun time – especially between 11am and 3pm when the suns rays are at their strongest.
- Cover up – wear suitable clothing including sunglasses and a hat
- Hydrate – make sure you drink lots of water
Remember to take extra care to protect babies and children as their skin is much more sensitive. Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
Deaf Awareness Week
This week is Deaf Awareness Week and this year is being used to celebrate deafness!
Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the UK is deaf or has hearing loss? There are also over 50,000 deaf children and young people in the UK and some of those will be sharing their stories this week using the hashtag #MyDeafStory.
If you would like to know more about how you can communicate easier for someone who is deaf or has hearing loss there are a number of sites you can use:
https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/deaf-awareness/
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/#:~:text=Deaf%20Awareness%20Week%20is%20an,and%20be%20more%20deaf%20friendly.
May Bank Holiday Closure
Please be aware that we will be closed for the May Bank Holiday on Monday 2nd May and will re-open as normal on Tuesday 3rd May.
If you need medical advice during this period you can:
Visit your pharmacy. Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints. Opening times for local Pharmacies can be downloaded
or you can visit NHS Choices.
Access NHS 111. If you need urgent medical advice but your condition is not life threatening, you can access NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, either online or via phone.
To access the service online simply visit 111.nhs.uk, enter your age, sex, postcode and main symptom, and then you will be guided through a series of questions about your health problems.
To access the service via phone, simply dial 111 from any mobile or landline free of charge and you will be put through to an operator who will run through a few questions regarding your health problem in order to get you the right care.
A&E or 999. For a genuine medical emergency including; loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent and or/severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot
be stopped call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
