Noticeboard

PRESCRIPTIONS:
The cost of prescriptions is increasing by 30p from 1st April 2023 to £9.65.
The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) will also be increased.  See Prescriptions tab for further information about costs.
Please note that all Prescriptions are taking 5-7 working days due to high demand and delays with deliveries from drug companies.   Please do not include weekends or bank holidays.
The practice will be closed on Monday 1st, 8th and 29th May for the bank holidays.
 

Our dispensary is closed between 1pm - 3pm from Monday to Friday.

Remove labelling prior to disposal of empty medicine bottles/boxes

Identity theft can have serious and lasting consequences for victims, so it is important for individuals to take proper steps to protect themselves wherever possible. By managing your personal information carefully and understanding its importance, you can reduce the likelihood of it impacting you.

  • Remove all personal and surgery labelling from medicines packets and bottles prior to disposal
  • Shred or destroy your personal information
  • Help the environment by recycling your bottles and cardboard packets

Registering at the Practice

We are receiving a lot of enquiries to join our Practice from patients living out of our practice area. To save disappointment please use our postcode checker which is located in the New Patient section of our website, this will clearly tell you whether you reside within our area.  We do not take patients who are not in our area.  If you wish to ring the surgery to enquire then please ring after 10:00am.

Appointments can be booked by telephone (calls may be recorded), on-line or face to face.  If you cannot attend your appointment then please let us know.  Appointment text reminders are being used for those patients who provide a mobile number.  If you do not wish to receive these reminders then please inform us. 

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

COVID - Spring Boosters are ending on 30 June

We urge anyone aged 75 years and over, and those aged 5 and over who have a weakened immune system (also referred to as immunosuppression) to book their Spring Booster for their vital top up on protection ahead of the summer. The booster programme closes on 30 June so if you have not yet had your booster book now so you don’t miss out. Eligible patients can book online or find their nearest walk-in centre on the NHS website.

Like many businesses across the UK, we are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and following the advice provided by UK health authorities.

Both of our practices are open but we asking that you do NOT come to the surgery if you have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are encouraging all patients to check the latest Government advice at www.111.nhs.uk  before attending the surgery.

Long COVID Programme

The Long Covid Regional Team have been working with the HOPE programme for a number of months now to deliver the HOPE Programme for Long Covid.  This is a self-management course, which is available to the Southwest population who may require support through the recovery of Long Covid.  This is a FOC programme delivered digitally over the course of 8 weeks.  There is no inclusion/exclusion criteria, so open to all affected by LC.  Please also note that participants do not have to of been referred to a Post Covid Clinic to participate. 

There are multiple courses running from Jan to Aug, with plenty of capacity to accommodate all.  The course content is delivered digitally and so is not reliant upon an attendance at a particular time or day, rather it can be completed at a time convenient to the participant.  Each weeks course content is available for 4 weeks after it is published, so providing ample opportunity to complete.

COVID Vaccination Status for Travelling
From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from: 
  • the NHS App which you can download from app stores 

It may take more than a week for your identity to be checked and verified so you can use this service.

If you cannot access this online service, and you have had 2 vaccines, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel abroad in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take 7 working days for the letter to arrive.

This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status.

When you're planning your travel, check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is time to get  proof of your vaccination status before you leave.

COVID-19 videos 

A series of short videos on COVID-19 vaccination to support and encourage people with severe mental illness (SMI) to get their COVID-19 vaccines have been developed by Public Health England in collaboration with Equally Well UK and NHS England, including GP professionals and experts by experience. 

These videos provide useful information for people with SMI to know what to expect from the vaccination process and how to prepare before their appointments. They also provide information for primary care professionals to better support people with SMI in their areas.

COVID VACCINE - TEXT MESSAGE SCAM!
Please be aware of a new text message scam, asking patients to book their vaccination appointment and requesting BANK DETAILS as proof of identity.
For more information:
Step into Wellness Project
Please look at our new Step into Wellness project for people 60+ who have been shielding or impacted by Covid-19. A wellbeing coaching programme designed by Cornwall Council and Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. If you want to find out more or refer via email to stepintowellness@ageukcornwall.org.uk  or call our Community Helpline on 01872 26638.

Self –Help Information On-Line:

If you have any questions about the Covid-19 Vaccine:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Psychological Support and Counselling:

https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/outlook-south-west/

Musculoskeletal problems (joint, back or muscle problems):

https://mskr.info/?companycode=mskr2019

General medical information

www.111.nhs.uk

www.patient.info

Information Leaflets:

Women of Childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Guide for Older Adults

Information for people who have had their COVID vaccination

Why do I have to wait?

Mask Exemption Cards

Please remember that you can access advice from your GP via E-Consult and consult a GP via video via LIVI.  See practice website for details.

Diabetes Sick Day rules (follow links below):

https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T1Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf

https://trend-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/A5_T1Illness_TREND_FINAL.pdf

Diabetes Type 1 - What to do when you are ill

Diabetes Type 2 - What to do when you are ill

Cornwall Hospice Care

At this difficult time, many may be feeling more isolated than ever.  Cornwall Hospice Care are able to offer support via video call and telephone to patients and carers.  Follow link below for details:

Cornwall Hospice Care

Bereavement Services in Cornwall

Bereavement in Cornwall Flyer

Cancer

If you have symptoms that are new, persistent, concerning or progressive, contact your GP online via their website or on the telephone for an initial assessment. 

The best chance of successful treatment for cancer is through early detection. GPs are able to assess over the phone and by video and if necessary, they can plan for you to safely be seen face-to-face. 

We are treating people with cough or fever in separate locations from those with other symptoms to ensure it is safe for you to attend the practice,​ if we think it is necessary. 

Clinicians are using protective equipment (such as masks) when they do see people face-to-face to minimise the risk of transmission. 

Hospitals are continuing to offer tests for cancer, and treatment for cancer. Social distancing measures are in place to keep patients and staff safe when they do come in for their tests.  The type of assessment may change and it may take slightly longer than normal, but this is still better than delaying until after the pandemic.

Hospitals are taking care to make their cancer assessment services safe for patients to attend, where this is necessary. Some have moved cancer services off-site, some are using video consultations.

Children - Paediatrics

We appreciate that everyone is trying to do the right thing by staying at home at this time, however, we are concerned that those caring for children, especially children with complex or underlying health conditions, may be too worried about going to hospital at this time to seek urgent medical help in the way that they normally would.

Nationally, the number of children with a delayed presentation to hospital is increasingly leading to further health complications and increased risk of serious illness, which could be avoided if medical help was sought sooner.

If you’re a parent with a seriously unwell child, we want you to know that the NHS is here for you.  Children still get sick and we want you to connect with us when this happens

If you have to go to A&E there will be special arrangements in place to protect you and your child from the risk of infection.

You know your child better than anyone else, and if you think your child is unwell or deteriorating you must seek medical help and not delay presentation. Doctors will want to make sure that your child is treated before their condition deteriorates. 

Childhood Immunisations

It’s really important to attend for immunisations when you have been invited, they are the single most important way to protect you or your child from disease.

Vaccinating children helps prevent the development of deadly or incurable viruses and diseases such as Meningitis, Measles and Pneumonia.

Delaying vaccinations could leave you and your child vulnerable to serious illnesses

Book your appointment for immunisations as planned, staff will ensure that it is safe for you to attend.

Marie Curie support for professionals during COVID-19

Marie Curie Companions for professionals is one-to-one emotional support for staff looking after dying people in care homes.

  • Provided by Marie Curie Senior Nurses, who specialise in end of life care, using a person-centred approach, the service aims to:
  • Provide emotional support and comfort for care home staff
  • Reduce staff stress levels and help build resilience
  • Provide practical advice on dealing with dying, death and bereavement
  • Access to emotional and bereavement support for family members and friends
  • Act as advocate for care home staff if required.
  • To access Marie Curie Companions for professionals’ service email SouthWest@mariecurie.org.uk

Marie Curie are also offering a number of online resources that care home staff can access at any time:

  • New online information hub about end of life care during coronavirus. Aimed at family and friends who are looking after a loved one towards the end of life, it is designed to help make them feel more confident in the care they are able to provide, answer key questions and help them feel empowered to ask for help when it is needed.
  • Palliative Care Knowledge Zone - expert information, knowledge and support to help you deliver the best possible care for people living with a terminal illness


 
Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergencyNHS ChoicesThis site is brought to you by My Surgery Website