Surgery News
We are looking for 2 new members of staff to join our outstanding team.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested, please see below for further details….
Full time post, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2021
Please click here fore more information
Full time post, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date for applications: 31st May 2021
Dementia Connect is a dedicated service to support anyone living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, providing personalised advice and practical and emotional support, helping you and your loved ones at all stages of dementia.
Dementia Connect is available online and advisors are available over the phone for a chat and to answer any questions or talk through any difficulties you may have regarding Dementia, this can include:
• Understanding more about how dementia affects you or your loved ones
• Small changes you can make at home to help someone with dementia
• Equipment that can help with daily tasks and maintaining independence
• Support to look after your physical and mental health
• Advice on latest Government Covid 19 guidance
• Connecting with others through technology and take part in online activities from the comfort of your own home
• Other services and support available locally
Call: 0333 150 3456
(Calls charged at standard local rate)
Email: dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk
Monday to Wednesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Thursday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Find out more about Dementia Connect at: alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
Dementia Connect is delivered across Warwickshire by Alzheimer’s Society and is free of charge.
Providing care to someone who could not cope without you can be hard. The Carer Wellbeing Service provides emotional and practical support to help you if you care for someone and can help you to maintain your own health and wellbeing.
The Carer’s Response Emergency Support Service (CRESS) can provide emergency cover should you need to leave the person you care for. The service is available for all carers, including those caring for a person with dementia.
Website: www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk/warwickshire-carer-wellbeing-service/
Call: 02476 632972 (opt 2)
Email: carerssupport@carerstrusthofe.org.uk
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm
Further information for carers is also available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers
For more information about dementia and services that can support you, such as - Dementia Talking Point: A helpful online community, available day or night, where people affected by dementia can ask questions or share how they feel.
Please visit Warwickshire’s Living Well with Dementia website: warwickshire.gov.uk/dementia
It has been a difficult 12 months for us all. We are so proud of all our staff who have worked so hard to make sure we keep delivering a high quality, efficient service to you all. And believe it or not we are now working harder than ever.
As a result, now is the right time to unveil our new staff room!
To all of our staff, we are proud of you!
If you would like to join our wonderful team, we currently have 2 staff vacancies. We are looking for a full-time Reception Supervisor and full-time Admin Assistant. Please click for more details.
Last week our colleague Jodie’s daughter had those lock down locks chopped! She decided she would like to “share her hair with poorly children” and so her hair was donated to The Little Princess Trust.
When a child loses their hair to cancer, The Princess Trust are there with a free, real hair wig to help. They fund research that they hope will end childhood cancer forever.
Please visit them at www.littleprincesses.org.uk to find out how you can help and donate yourself!
Maeve’s initial target was to raise £100 for the charity alongside her hair donation. With the help of her friends and family she has smashed that target and so far raised £340!! As one wig costs over £500 to make, it would be great to see her raise enough to make one wig.
If anybody would like to help her achieve this goal, the link is here.
Well done Maeve! What a kind thing to do! ⭐️👑
Hello! You probably won’t know us by face, but we make up the Admin Team at St Wulfstan Surgery.
Hidden all the way upstairs are Damaris, Sarah, Chris, Jodie, Gemma and Libby. We handle much of the behind the scenes work to your care to ensure your transition from primary to secondary care is as smooth as possible and that the administrative work behind the day to day life of the surgery is maintained to a high standard.
Our tasks are hugely varied – from chasing hospital consultants for updates on your care to comparing printer toner prices for the best deal. We’ve even been known to do a bit of the cleaning when our resident cleaner has been off!
At the top of our priority list though is anything that involves your direct care. If the GP feels you need to be seen by a hospital or other service, we will ensure that your referral has the right information, is sent to the right place, in the right format and as quickly as possible. We know that many hospital services have extended waiting times right now so we work hard to ensure that we don’t add to your wait.
We also are responsible for making sure that those of you due any routine checks, blood tests or immunisations are sent an invitation at the right time. We’re trying hard to reduce our use of paper so you may start to see more of these invitations sent as a text message or email. Please help us out and let us know whenever you change any of your contact details!
Other tasks we manage as a team include: updating your records with clinic letters and results when you have been seen in hospital, managing paper records when you join or leave the practice, handling information requests from insurance companies, solicitors, DVLA and other third parties…and a whole host of other things that ensure we are kept busy at all times.
We may not be keen on showing our faces but we do love to talk… if you need to discuss anything with us we can be contacted by selecting option 3 on the main number.
If any of the above appeals to you, we are currently hiring a full time admin assistant! If you are interested in applying, please apply via the following link.
Warwickshire East PCN Health and Wellbeing Team
Dear Patients,
We would like to introduce ourselves. We are Elicia Sidhu, Jo Hamilton, Rita Church and Fraser Hamilton. We are the Social Link and Care Co-coordinating team members for Warwickshire east PCN.
As we all know, the past year has been challenging for many, as a team we are excited to be able to run a patient led gardening group at Southam Surgery – Stowe drive.
With summer approaching we are hoping to run a gardening group once a week, aimed at individuals of all abilities. The garden area has been kindly offered up by Stowe Drive Practice for all patients within the Primary Care Network to be involved. This project offers exciting and rewarding activities with the hope to have designated areas such as a sensory garden, planting flower beds, possibility of veg patches, we feel that this enables individuals to work alongside each other doing something they all have a passion with.
Due to the uncertainty of COVID restrictions, we will provisionally be keeping the groups at 6 individuals at a time, with the hope we could expand this in time, if restrictions do change. We are now taking names of individuals who are interested. We are appealing for donations for gardening equipment to start up the project, any donations would be gratefully received.
If you are interested please don’t hesitate to email us on we.connect@nhs.net otherwise please do speak with the surgery, who in turn will contact us directly.
Best Wishes,
Elicia, Jo, Rita and Fraser
Dementia refers to a group of symptoms which affect memory and cognitive skills thereby affecting daily activities. One in three of us born in UK will develop dementia in our life time and by 2025 there will be a million people living with dementia.
Dementia Action week is a national event to ensure action is taken to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
We all have a role to play in making UK a dementia friendly place to live.
Did you know that most of the staff at St Wulfstan surgery are dementia friends?
Please have a look at the resources for ideas and links to see how you can help.
Written by Dr K Viswanathan
Day 7- Carrot Pudding (Gajjar Halwa)
Let’s celebrate the end of veggie week with a modified version of Indian sweet. This is a low calorie and easy to make version of this traditional pudding. Carrots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, enables us to have good vision, glowing skin and boasts our immunity.
Prep time : 10mins Cooking time :15mins Servings : 4
Ingredients:
3 cups of grated carrot
1 tsp of ghee
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp of milk powder
2 tbsp of skimmed milk
½ tsp cardamom powder
½ tbsp. of finely chopped almonds ( optional)
Method :
Place the carrot on a sieve and steam cook the carrots for 5mins.
Remove it and keep aside.
Heat the ghee in a non stick pan, add the steamed carrots and cook for 2-3mins.
Now add the sugar and mix well, cook on medium flame for 2mins.
Then add skimmed milk and milk powder, keep stirring continuously and cook for 3-4mins.
Finally add cardamom powder and serve it warm.
Tips :
Sugar can be substituted with stevia sweetener.
It tastes best when it is warm. It can be reheated in microwave.
Almonds are optional and can be eliminated to reduce calories.
Recipe by Dr Viswanathan
Day 6 - Spicy Cauliflower
Spicy cauliflower roast is a tasty side dish, easy to prepare and healthy. Cauliflower has high fibre content, rich in vitamins and minerals and added as superfood in weight loss diet. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and plenty of anti-oxidants, helps with joint aches and boosts memory. It also adds colour and flavour to the vegetables.
Prep time : 5 mins Cooking time: 30 to 40 mins Servings : 3
Ingredients:
1 medium head of cauliflower – chopped into florets
2 tbsp of mild olive oil
½ tsp of turmeric powder
½ tsp of chilli powder
½ red pepper flakes
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped
½ tsp salt
1tbsp of lemon juice (optional)
Method :
Blend together olive oil, turmeric, chilli, garlic powder, pepper flakes and black pepper in a large bowl.
Preheat the oven to 450F for 2-3mins.
Add the cauliflower florets to the spice mix and combine until it’s well coated.
Now place the florets on baking sheet and roast for 25-30mins until it’s brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and finally add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Tips :
Soak the cauliflower in warm salted water for 5 to 10mins and pat dry before cooking to reduce cooking time.
Adding lemon juices gives it a fresh tangy taste.
t can be eaten with mint chutney dips.
Recipe by Dr Viswanathan
Day 5- Seitan Indian Fried Rice
Seitan is an excellent plant protein source, low in fat and very healthy. It has texture similar to meat and makes a great vegan/vegetarian substitute in any meal. Ready to cook Seitan is easily available in supermarkets and online as logs, burgers or pickled/ marinated in jars.
Prep time : 10mins Cooking time :20mins Servings : 4
Ingredients:
200gm of Seitan log - chopped into cubes
2 cups of cooked basmati rice
1 small onion - chopped
1tsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chilli powder
Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp salt
1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil
1 tsp soya sauce ( optional)
1tsp of ghee ( optional)
Method :
Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds, onion, ginger garlic paste and fry for 1-2min.
Add the Seitan cubes, turmeric powder and chilli powder and sauté them well for 4-5mins
Now add the cooked basmati rice and mix gently so all ingredients are combined well.
Finally add soya sauce, ghee and chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
Tips :
This recipe works well for brown rice and jasmine rice too.
If using marinated Seitan in garlic sauce, you can omit ginger garlic paste.
You can add bell peppers /celery/carrots/peas along with onion.
The same recipe can used for cooking stir fry noodles instead of rice.
Recipe by Dr Viswanathan
Day 4- Garlic Paneer
Garlic Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a great appetizer for a party menu or as filling for wraps. Paneer is high in calcium and protein and easily available in supermarkets. Garlic boosts immunity, acts as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and promotes skin and hair growth.
Prep time : 5mins Cooking time :10mins Servings : 3
Ingredients:
300gm of paneer- cubed
6 large garlic cloves
3-4 red chillies ( seeds removed)
1tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 small red onions
½ tsp salt
1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil
½ bell peppers –sliced ( optional)
1 tsp soya sauce ( optional)
Method :
Blend together garlic, chillies, sugar, salt and vinegar with 2-3tbsp water into smooth paste.
Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds, onion and fry for 1-2min.
Add the above grinded paste and cook until it thickens, usually takes 2-3mins.
Now paneer cubes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Finally add soya sauce and chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
Tips :
Soak the paneer in warm salted water for 5mins before cooking which makes it soft. Dry it with paper towel before cooking.
Never overcook garlic as it would taste bitter.
You can add bell peppers /celery along with onion.
It can be eaten as a snack or as roll with roti/tortilla wraps.
Recipe by Dr Viswanathan
Day 3- Mushroom pepper fry
Mushrooms are a great low calorie food which are rich in anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. They are a great substitute for red meat and boost cardiac and brain health. This recipe is one of my childhood favourite and a popular South Indian side dish.
Prep time : 5mins Cooking time :20mins Servings : 3
Ingredients:
200gms of button mushrooms- sliced
2 onions – finely chopped
1 green bell pepper/capsicum
Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped
2 tablespoons of black pepper powder
1 tsp fennel seeds- ground in a mortar
1 tsp ginger paste
½ tsp salt
1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil
2 -3 curry leaves ( optional)
1tsp ghee ( optional)
Method :
Heat oil in a wok/pan and add ginger paste, curry leaves, chopped onions and sliced green bell peppers. Fry for 1min on low flame.
Add in the sliced mushrooms and cook in medium flame for 15minutes. Stir regularly and cook well until the mushrooms shrink in size.
Now add salt, pepper powder and fennel seed powder and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Finally add chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.
Tips :
Never add water when cooking mushrooms and use a good sized pan to avoid crowding the mushrooms.
Always add salt after the mushrooms are brown and roasted.
It can be eaten with rice or flat bread.
Top up with a tsp of ghee to enhance the flavour.
Recipe by Dr Viswanathan
Day 2- Mango lassi ( Mango smoothie)
Mango lassi is a popular yoghurt based drink in India which is refreshing in the summer. Mango is low in calories but high in fibre and rich in nutrients like vitamins A and C. It is rich in antioxidants, boost the immune system and improve skin and hair.
Prep time : 10mins Cooking time :10mins Servings : 4
Ingredients:
2 cups of fresh mango
2 cups of yoghurt
½ to 1 cup of milk
½ tsp cardamom powder
2 tsp of sugar or honey or sweetener ( optional)
Few strands of saffron ( optional)
Few crushed pistachio
Method :
Blend the mango, chilled yohurt, milk, cardamom and sugar in a blender
Make it into a smooth puree consistency, add extra milk or chilled water if needed
Garnish with crushed pistachio and saffron and serve cold
Tips :
It can be made with frozen mango or canned mango pulp
If yoghurt is not cold, add ice cubes when blending.
Rose water or vanilla essence can be used instead of cardamom.
Top up with few mint leaves to add extra freshness.
Substitute with vegan yoghurt and plant milk like almond milk to make this into a vegan lassi.
Recipe by Dr K Viswanathan
This week is National Vegetarian Week 2021 (10th May - 16th May 2021), in honour of this our resident veggie Dr Kirti Viswanathan will be sharing some of her favourite recipes to cook at home!
Day 1- Indian chickpea salad ( Chana Chaat)
Chana Chaat is a popular Indian street food and makes a great starter. It is high in protein and easy to prepare.
Prep time: 10mins Cook time:15mins Servings:6
Ingredients-
2 cans of chickpeas
1 small red onion chopped
1 small cucumber thinly sliced
Handful of coriander leaves
3 small green chillies chopped
2 tbsp- mild olive oil/rapeseed oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1tsp chaat masala
½ tsp chilli powder
2tbsp tamarind sauce
½ tsp cooking salt
Method-
Preheat a nonstick frying pan or skillet pan and add oil. When it starts to shimmer, add cumin seeds and chillies and fry for 30 sec
Then add chaat masala, chilli powder, salt and cook for 30sec
Now add chickpeas and tamarind sauce, cook for few mins until the chickpeas are warm
Transfer to salad bowl and add the cucumber, red onion and coriander leaves.
Mix well and add salt for taste.
Tips-
Chaat masala can be bought readymade from shops or it can be substituted with ½ tsp coriander seed powder, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp black salt and ½ tsp dried mango powder (amchoor powder)
It can be served warm or cold.
Squeeze some lemon juice or add chopped cherry tomatoes to make it tangier.
Replacing cucumber with avocado makes it more nutritious.
Chickpeas can be substituted with haricot beans, red kidney beans or blackeye beans.
It can be used as fillings on lettuce/tortilla wraps or add boiled potatoes to make it extra filling as a meal.
Recipe by Dr K Viswanathan
Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.
The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May.
This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to nature in your local area? Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week include:
Stop to listen to the birdsong.
Smell the freshly cut grass.
Take care of a house plant.
Notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.
Go for a daily walk, and look up not down at the floor (we are all guilty of doing this sometimes).
Go outside and use the 5 senses technique to help calm anxiety:
What are 5 things you can see around you?
What are 4 things you can touch?
What are 3 things you can hear?
What are 2 things you can smell?
What is 1 thing you can taste?
Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
The charity Mind has a fantastic page regarding how nature affects your mental health and what you can do to embrace it. Click here to view.
If you or a loved one are in a life-threatening position, please call 999 immediately.
or
If you or a loved one are in need of help regarding mental health, please see below for some important information:
Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
Nightline. If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
Helplines Partnership. For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. Mind's Infoline can also help you find services that can support you. If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.
