The Churchill Medical Centre Newsletter - Autumn 2024

 

NHS App

A simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. You can also access these services via the NHS website.

What you can do with the NHS APP:

  • 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, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments
  • check your symptoms - search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you
  • view your GP health record - securely access your GP medical record, to see information like your allergies and medicines. (If your GP has given you access to your detailed coded medical record, you can also see information such as test results)
  • register your organ donation decision - choose to donate some or all of 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
  • view your NHS number – find out what your NHS number is
  • Use NHS 111 – Get instant advise online 
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NHS APP - messages and notifications

In the NHS App you can see messages from your healthcare providers. To make sure you get a notification when you have received a new message in your inbox follow the steps below:

  • go to your account and select settings
  • select ‘manage notifications’
  • select ‘go to device settings’
  • select ‘allow notifications’
  • re-open the NHS App – this confirms you have registered to receive notifications
 

Feedback

We are always looking for ways to help us improve. We would really appreciate your feedback on the care you receive from us at The Churchill Medical Centre.

Please visit The Churchill Medical Centre website to provide feedback to us.

 
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We are LGBT friendly

At Churchill Medical Centre we believe that everyone deserves respectful and compassionate care, regardless of their identity. We are proud to promote LGBT+ inclusivity within our practice.

To better serve you, we are introducing a simple form on our website & available in branch, where you can share your preferences, such as your name, pronouns, and title.

In addition, we will provide resources on our website and in our reception areas to support and celebrate the diversity of our community.

We’re here to listen, learn, and ensure that your experience with us is welcoming and affirming. Thank you for being part of our journey towards inclusivity!

 

Flu Clinics

This year we will be offering the flu vaccine for our patients aged over 65's and those with chronic health conditions.

We have the following upcoming clinics scheduled at Churchill Medical Centre:

  • Saturday 19th October
  • Saturday 26th October

All eligible patients will be contacted by the practice with details of how to make an appointment. We are also aiming to co-administer Covid 19 boosters with the flu vaccine where possible.

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The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. You can get the free NHS Flu vaccine if you:

  • are aged 65 or over
  • have certain long-term health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • live in a care home
  • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
  • live with someone who has a weakened immune system

The full list of info about who's eligible is here via the NHS website.

Please contact the surgery for more details.

 

PPG Volunteers - Your say matters to us

Understanding our patients’ thoughts/views is key to leading a successful practice. We aim to get a diverse range of patients, representative of our patient population, involved in our Patient Participation Group.

Please contact the practice or let Reception know if you would like to be involved with this when you are next in for an appointment.

You can also register via the website.

Once registered, we will discuss you being added to our Patient Participation Group mailing list. All feedback is welcome, and we value your time and will do our best to be responsive to this.

Occasionally, we will ask you to complete a short survey or attend meetings, these will be related to the services we provide or the practice in general.

 

GP Special Interests

Dermatology

  • Dr. Isba Javed
  • Dr. Guy Singer 

Diabetic management 

  • Dr. Maggie Walker 
  • HCA Karan Arnold
  • Nurse Jan Paish
  • Nurse Elyse Kaunze
  • Nursing Associate Lucy Goddard

Respiratory Management (COPD / Asthma)

Under 18s

  • Dr. Sahar Jahanian 

Over 18s

  • Pharmacist Filsan Mohamed

Women's Health

  • Dr. Lorraine Tite

Coils

  • Dr. Ian Monk

Joint Injections

  • Dr. Haythem Naseef

Palliative Care

  • Dr. Anwen Hills

Heart Failure

  • Dr. Guy Singer

Learning Disabilities health checks

  • Dr. Anwen Hills
  • Dr. Lorraine Tite

Adult Safeguarding

  • Dr. Maggie Walker

Child Safeguarding

  • Dr. Io Epstein
 
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Looking after yourself this winter

Keep warm – hot meals and drinks will help to raise body temperature, while also looking after your heart health. Heating your home to at least 18°C can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Check in on elderly neighbours and relatives – helping and checking in on others that may need support during the colder months is a kind and thoughtful thing to do. Slippery and Icy pavements and cold weather can stop people from going out. Encourage them to get any prescription medicines before the holiday period begins and if bad weather is forecast.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations – getting your winter vaccinations can help boost your protection and reduce risk of getting severe symptoms. (Make sure to book in this October if you’re in the eligible cohort!)

Stay Active – moderate exercise can help keep you warm.

Seek help and advice – your local Pharmacist can give you confidential skilled advice and treatment for common illnesses.

Remember…

  • Catch it: always use a tissue to cough or sneeze into
  • Bin it: dispose of the tissue after use
  • Kill it: then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to kill any flu viruses
 

What the Pharmacy can help you with

The Pharmacy First service launched in January 2024. Pharmacists in England can carry out consultations and issue antibiotics when appropriate. This new service aims to make it easier for people to get the help they need and avoid the need of a GP appointment.

What can pharmacists supply medicines for now?

  • sore throat
  • earache
  • sinusitis
  • impetigo
  • shingles
  • infected insect bites
  • uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women

Patients can access the new service by walking straight into a chemist as well as being referred by NHS 111, urgent treatment centres, emergency departments or their GP.

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Winter fuel payments

Are you of State Pension Age (66+) and on a low income? You could be entitled to Pension Credit, which unlocks other benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment.

Find out if you are eligible and apply online here.

If this applies to you and you would like our support to check your eligibility and apply, please contact the practice to arrange a Social Prescribing appointment.

Published: Nov 14, 2024