Latest News from West Moors Village Surgery
Christmas and New Year Holiday Opening Times
A reminder for patients that the Practice will be closed from 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 24th December 2024 for the Christmas holiday and will re-open 8 am on Friday, 27th December 2024, and for the New Year holiday, we will be closed from 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 31st December 2024 and will re-open 8 am on Thursday 2nd January 2025.
Please check medication supplies now to ensure you have enough to last through weekends and bank holidays over the coming weeks, and - if you need to do so - please order the medications you need so you have them in time for the holidays.
For information about what to do if you feel unwell while we are closed over the holiday period, please visit the Opening Hours page by following this link>>
Share your views on your experience contacting us by phone
Dorset General Practice Alliance asks local people to share views on self care needs
The Dorset General Practice Alliance have launched a survey asking people in the county how confident they feel about managing their own health, when to self-treat illnesses and the type of information people find useful.
The Alliance, which represents all general practice surgeries in the county, will use this information to help surgeries better understand the support patients need for feeling well and knowing what to do with minor illnesses.
The survey goes live today, Monday 18 November 2024, which is also the start of National Self Care Week, an awareness week organised by the Self Care Forum. This year, the week focuses on promoting ‘Mind and Body’ self care for ‘communities, families and generations’.
Ian Gall, Patient and Public Lead at the Alliance said, “We want people to know what to do when they feel unwell. This might be managing symptoms of a minor illness at home, coping with a long-term health condition or generally wanting to feel healthier in everyday life.
“This survey will help general practice surgeries get a sense of what their population needs in the way of support and help them focus their efforts on the right things.
“We would be grateful if local people could complete our short, confidential survey. It should only take about five minutes. All answers are anonymous, and you could help to make a positive difference to healthcare services.”
People will have until 18 January 2025 to give their views to the Alliance.
Follow this link to share your thoughts on self care in Dorset>>
Walk in Flu Vaccinations Available at this Surgery
West Moors Village Surgery is pleased to offer a convenient walk-in service for flu vaccinations to all our eligible registered patients.
This service is available every weekday starting at 8:30 am, ensuring easy access to your seasonal flu protection. There's no need to book an appointment—simply drop in during our operating hours.
Protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season by visiting us at your earliest convenience. Stay well this winter with West Moors Village Surgery!
World Menopause Day - 18th October 2024
October 18th is World Menopause Day, which is held annually to raise awareness of menopause and to support options to improve health and well-being for women in midlife and beyond. The theme for World Menopause Day 2024 is "Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)".
The UK based International Menopause Society has created an information leaflet on “The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy” – a practice guide to learn more about MHT (traditionally called Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT). Download a copy of the guide here>>
The Society has also developed a website for women to provide reliable information about menopause and mid life women’s health from the world’s leading experts.
UK Health Security Agency Statement on mpox
Information and advice on mpox is available on the NHS website here>>
Patient Notice: A message from Dr Hennessy
It has been my privilege working with you at West Moors for twelve and a half years as a family doctor, but I have made the decision to move on and emigrate to Canada. This is partly due to a change in my personal circumstances, and partly to address my own health and wellbeing needs and attempt to maintain a healthy work life balance, which I fear has been steadily eroded. Sadly, I don’t think I am alone in this view, and I sincerely hope that NHS England chooses to renegotiate with GPs prior to planned industrial action later this year.
I am proud that I leave the practice fully staffed (even with my hours taken in to consideration, and for the first time in quite a while!) and that with your help, I have contributed to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, from medical students and GPs to paramedics, physician associates, and advanced care practitioners.
I feel over my time at West Moors I have grown as a doctor, educator, and human being. Despite the challenges the NHS faces, I love the job that I do, and I am looking forwards to different challenges in a new country, new healthcare system, and new role.
I am very grateful for the support of Dr Gorvin, and the support he and I have in our staff, and I wish Dr Gorvin and the practice every success in the future.
Dr Dominic Hennessy
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccinations
The UK will become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), protecting infants & older people from becoming seriously ill. RSV accounts for 39,000 hospitalisations each year.
Prescribing over the counter medicines - #HelpYourNHS
This will release thousands of hours of clinical time to enable us, as a GP Practice to focus on caring for people with more complex needs, increasing patient access.
Find out more about this by downloading and viewing the patient information leaflet here>>
Or visit the NHS Dorset website: https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/health/medicines/helpyournhs/
Our Next Carers Group Meeting - Monday 8th July
West Moors Village Surgery Carers monthly group meets on the second Monday of every month between 2pm and 4pm at the Fryer Pavilion, Bond Avenue, West Moors BH22 0LJ.
At July's meeting we will welcome Stacey Hill, of Help & Care's Dementia Coordinator Service.
For more information, please contact Alison Morrison at the surgery or via email to wm.gp@nhs.net.
Don't forget to check out our Carer's Information page for useful information and resources for Carers.
The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination campaign has started
Seasonal COVID Booster Vaccinations are being offered to our patients aged 75 years old or over, those who live in a care home for older adults or are aged 12 or over and have a weakened immune system.
Patients will be contacted if their NHS record suggests they may be eligible for a seasonal spring COVID-19 vaccine to be offered an appointment at drive-through clinics at the Community Vaccination Centre in Verwood. These clinics are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings commencing the 22nd of April through to early June.
Patients with a mobile phone registered with us will be sent an SMS text message with details of how to book an appointment online. You will be contacted on your landline if you do not have a mobile telephone number registered.
Please wait to be contacted by the NHS if you're eligible.
For more information on this season’s eligibility criteria, please visit the PCN Community Vaccination page here>>
Making a Repeat Prescription Request? Please Only Order What You Need!
Did you know that approximately 1.6 million medicine items are wasted unnecessarily in Dorset every year? We are asking our patients for help to reduce this.
We want people to have the right medicine and care while reducing the amount of medicine waste. If you have enough medicine at home, there’s no need to order more every time. You will still be able to request your medicine again in the future.
The good news is that you can help make a tremendous difference by only ordering what you need.
Thank you to the many people who are already doing this.
Community SWITCH - a Path to Improved Health and Well-being
At West Moors Village Surgery, we want to do all we can to help you with your well-being needs.
What if together, we could do more for you?
Working with our colleagues in the Crane Valley Primary Care Network we offer a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance local people's overall health and quality of life – Community SWITCH.
We understand that a patient's health and well-being extends beyond traditional medical care. Community SWITCH goes beyond the ordinary and empowering you with additional tools and opportunities to manage your health effectively.
A new telephone system to improve patient access to our services
We are pleased to advise that we are installing a new and improved telephone system designed to improve the patient experience and enable West Moors Village Surgery to serve you better.
The new telephone system, scheduled to go live on Tuesday, the 19th of December, will allow our team to handle high call volumes, ensuring our patients can access the service they need quickly and efficiently. The new system is equipped to handle increased call traffic efficiently, minimising wait times and improving accessibility for all.
Additionally, detailed call reports generated by the new system will give us valuable insights into call patterns, peak times, and service demand. This data will enable us to identify areas for improvement and refine our services.
While we are working with the telephone engineering team to install the new system with minimal disruption to our services, your patience and understanding will be much appreciated during the transition period.
Thank you.
Fake Lloyds Pharmacy Emails
Online access to GP Health Records
Since November 2022 all patients in our network who are over 16 have been able to view notes and health records. This includes notes from GP surgery appointments, test results, medications, and letters we receive from hospitals. These can be viewed online via the NHS App, NHS website, SystmOnline or the Airmid app. If you do not want your record to be available online, please speak with the Reception or Patient Services team at your surgery. For more, please visit the Crane Valley PCN information web page here>>
Autumn COVID Booster Vaccination Update
The Crane Valley Primary Care Network has begun to invite patients to book their Autumn COVID-19 Booster vaccinations. If you’re eligible for a booster vaccine, please come forward as soon as you’re invited.
Please don't contact us to ask when you will be offered your Autumn COVID-19 booster invite. Crane Valley PCN are managing the bookings centrally and appointment slots are being offered in line with vaccine supplies allocated to our network. Invitations are being offered on a phased basis over the coming weeks.
Autumn COVID booster vaccination arrangements
Following the recent decision by the DHSC to bring forward the COVID Booster vaccination programme, the Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) programme plans are for housebound patients and residents in older adult care homes to be offered flu and COVID vaccinations from mid-September, which aligns with expected flu vaccination supplies. The PCN Care Co-ordinators will contact residential care homes to offer appointments to those patients, while the GP practices in our network will contact their housebound patients directly.
All other eligible groups will be offered appointments at drive-through COVID vaccination clinics to be held at the PCN Vaccination Centre on weekday evenings from week commencing Monday 11th September.
The same booking procedure will apply as previous seasons, in that patients with a mobile phone registered with their practice will be sent an SMS text message with details of how to request an appointment using an online booking form.
The PCN is currently mobilising the necessary staff to support these clinic arrangements, and their website will be updated when these are finalised and appointments are available to request.
Keep an eye on the Community Vaccination information page for the latest details>>
The NHS at 75
5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service. Treating 1.3 million people a day in England, the NHS touches all our lives. West Moors Village Surgery, along with the other GP Practices in our network are proud to be a small part supporting the people in our local community to obtain, regain and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Read more about the NHS and how its met the health and wellbeing needs of successive generations>>
Dementia Coordinator Service
Many people living with Dementia feel that having support along their journey will maximise independent living and prevent a crisis.
The Dementia Coordinator Service, delivered by Help and Care, is committed to supporting people to live well with Dementia.
The service is available to everyone across Dorset, age 18 and over, including support for immediate carers and loved ones.
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the Memory Assessment Service will make a referral to a Dementia Coordinator at Dorset Healthcare. However, Help and Care will accept self-referrals and referrals from GPs and other stakeholders as long as a diagnosis of Dementia is confirmed.
Help and Care work in partnership with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset and Age UK, as an integral part of the Dementia Services Pathway for Dorset.
For more information, download and view this Help and Care leaflet or visit their website by following this link>> www.helpandcare.org.uk/services/dementia-coordinator-service
This week is World Immunisation Week
Make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations. Visit our Children's Health web page for info about the routine vaccinations we offer.
We will contact you when your child is due for a vaccination. But if you believe your child may have missed a vaccination, please get in touch to let us know.
Digital Home Kidney Health Testing Service
Coming soon for our diabetic patients and others who need to test their kidney function: At-home testing for early signs of kidney damage.
We are introducing the Minuteful Kidney service which allows people to carry out a urine test at home with a smart phone and a simple urine test kit, which will be sent to their home address. The test results go straight on their medical records via the mobile app, saving them and their GP time.
Patients who meet the criteria for the new service will receive an invitation from us via SMS text, offering them the service. The Minuteful Kidney service is securely provided by NHS Dorset partner, Healthy.io. People will have the opportunity to opt-in or out of this service. However, we encourage our patients to take up the offer because it enables a quicker follow-up on abnormal results and saves time for clinicians so they can spend more time on treatment.
For more information, visit the Minuteful Kidney web page on the Crane Valley Primary Care Network website by following this link>>
NHS England partnership: Free access to Togetherall for Veteran Patients
Our veteran patients have free access to Togetherall - Togetherall is a safe anonymous online community where members can share what’s on their mind, take comfort reading the thoughts of others or browse the many resources available.
Togetherall provides:
- A supportive online community – moderated by professionals at all times (BACP members or equivalent)
- An anonymous space, free from stigma or judgement.
- A safe place to talk at any time of the day or night.
- A library of self-help materials, including structured online courses on topics such as managing depression, improving sleep and a ‘managing PTSD’ course, which has been specifically designed to support the Armed Forces.
The Togetherall service is free for veterans and can be accessed immediately through a computer or mobile device at www.togetherall.com
SPRING COVID VACCINATION BOOSTERS – Update
Crane Valley Primary Care Network staff have been working hard to finalise this Spring’s Booster Vaccination Programme arrangements. Our local programme will commence in early April, delivering up to 5,000 boosters in our area.
FINDING BOWEL CANCER EARLY MAKES IT EASIER TO TREAT
If you’re sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.
Patient Feedback Request
We've set up a short survey to seek input from our patients on the upgrade and redesign of the Practice website. We are keen to improve our online presence, and seek input from our patients. Let us know your views about our current website by taking a quick survey. The results will help us as we develop the new website to meet the needs of our patients and provide quick and easy access to the information needed to manage their health and well-being.
Medical settings are a higher risk environment and will need to be subject to more control measures than other public facilities.
We are acting very cautiously and are maintaining:
-
Social distancing
- Face coverings
- PPE for healthcare staff
The delta variant is more transmissible and patients may come to the surgery when they are contagious.
It is our duty to do all we can to keep both our patients and our staff safe whilst we deliver our care to you.
Thank you.
Information for patients about Group A Strep and Scarlet Fever
There are currently high rates of Group A strep and scarlet fever in the UK. Scarlet fever, which is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus, is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious. It is much more common in children than in adults; it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. This is not only to reduce the chance of their infection becoming more severe but also to stop them spreading the infection to others, especially people at higher risk of severe infections such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs over the next 1-2 days. It is often ‘sand-paper’ like to touch but is not itchy.
Your child may also have a:
- Sore throat/tonsillitis
- Fever (temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above)
- Painful, swollen glands in the neck
- A red tongue (strawberry tongue)
