Welcome Dr Lawrence-Smith, Farewell Dr Beirne

At St Wulfstan Surgery we are a GP Training practice, and as such we have been very fortunate to have had Dr Beirne work with us for the last 6 months. He is moving on to complete his next phase of training and we would like to thank him for all of his hard work - he has been a great asset!

And now we would like to welcome our next GP Trainee, Dr Hannah Lawrence-Smith. She brings with her some great hospital experience, and she joins us as a final year trainee, which means she will be with us for the next 12 months. Welcome Hannah!

Thank you Dr Beirne & Best of Luck

Learning Disability and Cervical Screening Week

The week of the 23rd June 2022 marked both Learning Disability Week and Cervical Screening Awareness week. Across the NHS, local partnerships are working together to find ways that cervical screening can be made more accessible for people with a learning disability. In the short film below, Jodie explains how she attended her first cervical screening appointment after her GP practice made the right adjustments to make her feel more comfortable and confident. We want to ensure that more patients like Jodie come forward to attend their cervical screening appointment, so if there is anything we can do in readiness for your cervical screening appointment please do get in touch and let us know.

Help us to help you....

It is no secret that we are an ever-evolving GP Practice, with new patients joining us each day. As our ethos reflects, our philosophy is to provide caring, compassionate and high-quality care to each and every single one of our patients.

Part of that is making our service accessible for those that need it, when they need it – we offer both telephone and face to face appointments, and we are also trialling the ‘E-Consult’ feature on our website for less urgent requests. But quite concerningly, we are having an increasing number of appointments being booked for things that are not necessary. The time of our clinicians is very valuable, and we want to make sure that their time is utilised optimally. Therefore, we would just like to gently remind all patients that if you have an administrative request or query, this should not be channelled through our GP appointments.

If you would like to request a private letter, you may do this via our website or by dropping the paperwork in to our reception team who will pass it on to our Admin Team to process. Should you wish to check the status of an ongoing request, please kindly note that these requests can take up to 21 days to be fulfilled. In the event that this timeframe has elapsed, please contact the Admin Team on 01926 810939 and we will do our very best to help you. To check the status of an existing referral, you can contact your chosen hospital on the booking line telephone numbers below;

• Warwick Hospital – 01926 600036

• University Hospital of Coventry & Warwickshire / Rugby St Cross Hospital - 0800 252060

  We are very fortunate to have so many NHS services at our disposal for a range of different ailments. The below list is not exhaustive, but hopefully it can help give some more information regarding the help that is available to you should you need to be seen.

• 💊 Self-Care (Sore throat, Hangover, Cough, Grazes, Small cuts) : A large range of common illnesses and injuries can be treated at home simply with over the counter medicines and plenty of rest.

• ⚕️Pharmacy (Diarrhoea, Earache, Painful cough, Sticky eye, Teething, Rashes) : Pharmacists can advise and treat a range of symptoms. This can avoid unnecessary trips to your GP or A&E department and no appointments are needed.

• 🧑‍⚕️GP (Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain, Vomiting, Stomach ache) : GP’s and nurses have excellent understanding of general health issues and can deal with a whole range of health problems.

• 🏥 Minor Injuries (Cuts, Spains, Strains, Bruises, Itchy rash, Minor burns) : Minor Injury Units provide non-urgent services for a range of conditions. They are usually led by nurses and an appointment is not necessary.

• 🚑 A&E/999 (Severe bleeding, Breathing difficulties, Severe chest pain, Loss of consciousness) : These are best used in an emergency for serious life-threatening situations.

• ☎️ NHS 111: This is available 24/7 and can provide advice and guidance for non-life threatening emergencies. https://111.nhs.uk/

• 🖥️ NHS Website: You can also access health advice and guidance through the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/

And once again, a massive thank you to our wonderful patients. We are so grateful for your immeasurable support and couldn’t do what we do without you!

An Update on Masks At the Surgery

In response to recent changes in national guidelines on the use of face masks in GP Surgeries we have updated our guidance on using face masks in the surgery.

• It is not mandatory for patients to wear face masks at the surgery.

• People are still welcome to wear face masks if they wish.

• Our GP’s and Nurses will still be wearing masks during consultations.

• If you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, then it is requested you let our Reception team know BEFORE you arrive and arrangements will be made to see you safely which may include a car park assessment, or assessment in a specific COVID-19 ‘HOT’ clinic.

• It remains very important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 avoid entering the reception area.
  

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According to NHS.uk, symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

• shortness of breath

• feeling tired or exhausted

• an aching body

• a headache

• a sore throat

• a blocked or runny nose

• loss of appetite

• diarrhoea

• feeling sick or being sick

Mens Health Awareness 2022

To men everywhere becoming healthier and happier! Following “Mens Health Week”, which ran from the 13th - 19th June, why not take 5 minutes to give your mind and body an MOT?

Men’s Health Forum have created a brilliant guide to giving yourself a health MOT at home. This includes:

• 🫀 Checking your pulse

• 🩸 Assessing your blood pressure

• ⚖️ Watching your weight

• ⚠️ Looking out for warning signs such as new, continuous coughs, unexplained lumps, breathing difficulties, moles changing shape or texture, new pains, changes to your bowel habits or blood where it shouldn't be

• 🍆 Identifying erectile issues

• 🍒 Checking your testicles

• 🌊 Checking how much you pee - peeing more often (and sometimes less easily) can be a possible sign of diabetes or prostate cancer

• 🧠 Looking after your brain - how are you feeling, honestly?

You can find out more about the D.I.Y Man MOT at: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/diy-man-mot

The ‘Can Do’ Challenge

The ‘Can Do’ challenge is a great mindfulness technique for all genders to take part in! The five ways to wellbeing are five things we can all do that are scientifically proven to help us feel better. Try taking part in the CAN DO Challenge by choosing a different way to wellbeing each day of the week. Every day, a different way. The five ways are:

• Connect - connect with other people (eg. call an old friend you haven't since before lockdown)

• (Be) Active - move your body (eg. go for a run/walk/swim/dance/etc)

• Notice - take notice of the environment around you (eg. turn off your phone for an hour)

• Discover - learn something new (eg. read a book you haven't read before)

• Offer (or give) - do something for someone else (eg. volunteer for a local community group)

Have you attended your diabetic eye screening appointment?

The Arden, Herefordshire and Worcestershire diabetic eye screening service are encouraging those living with diabetes to attend their diabetic eye screening appointment. It is vital that you get an annual check for diabetic retinopathy. This condition can lead to sight loss if not detected early and treated. Standard intervals between screening are yearly, and for patients aged 12 and over the screening process is free of charge.

What can I expect from my appointment?

Your history
Your details will be checked and confirmed before the screening test begins.
Testing Visual Acuity
In other words, a test is carried out to see how good your sight is. If you wear glasses, please take them to your appointment.
Dilation Drops
These eye drops make your pupils larger to ensure the images that are captured are clear. The eye drops can cause blurriness and sensitivity to light for up to 6 hours – do not drive in this time.
Photographing the eye
An advanced camera system is used to photograph different areas of the back of your eye.
Grading your eyes
The images of your eyes will be assessed after your appointment.
Results
You will usually receive your results 4 - 6 weeks after the appointment.

To book your appointment, please call the Arden, Herefordshire and Worcestershire diabetic eye screening service on 0333 456 7670.

Job Alert: Receptionist Needed!

We are recruiting for a part time receptionist to join our friendly team due to our rapid expansion.

The successful candidate will work as part of team delivering our front of house services, this includes opening and closing, booking appointments, processing repeat prescriptions and samples. We are looking for a new recruit to join us, working 18.5 hours a week.

For further information and how to apply please click here

Closing date is Friday 29th July 2022.

Staying safe in the sun this summer

Sun safety is always in season, but particularly now that the temperatures are soaring and the sun is at its most intense, its vital that we know how to protect ourselves from the suns warm rays whilst enjoying them. Whether you are topping up your tan in your garden, or venturing to warmer climates abroad for your summer break, allow us to refresh your knowledge surrounding sun safety

“My general advice is that sunscreen is not an alternative to shade and clothing. Sunscreen should be factor 35 or above and also have a UVA rating of at least 4 or 5 stars, keep babies out of the sun, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming – 2 tablespoons is enough to cover your whole body.” Dr Bakewell – GP at St Wulfstan Surgery

In the UK, the peak of the heat tends to be between 11am and 3:00pm, so this would be the best time to seek regular refuge in the shade. Just 10 minutes of strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin! Always keep babies and toddlers in the shade when possible.

Our choice of clothing can also help protect our skin against sun damage, so try to opt for wide brimmed hats, long sleeved tops and long skirts or trousers. And although most of us choose them to complete our outfit of the day, your sunglasses prevent any damage to your eyes from the bright sun – so don’t forget them if you’re heading out! Sunglasses with good quality lenses that filter out the UV are essential, those with an EU CE Mark are proven to offer safe protection.

The NHS website advises that you should take extra care in the sun if you:

• have pale, white or light brown skin

• have freckles or red or fair hair

• tend to burn rather than tan

• have many moles

• have skin problems relating to a medical condition

• are only exposed to intense sun occasionally (for example, while on holiday)

• are in a hot country where the sun is particularly intense

• have a family history of skin cancer

It goes without saying that increasing our fluid intake will help prevent dehydration and overheating, having a refillable bottle of water on your person is a handy way of ensuring that you’re keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day! You can find more helpful advice on sun safety by visiting the following trusted websites:

https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/sun-awareness/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Temperatures are expected to rise significantly...

During hot weather, there’s a high risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Please read and share the NHS’s helpful guide so you know what to do if you see someone with signs of heat exhaustion.

Food for thought…🍉🥑🍅

Just as we change our wardrobe during the summers months to stay cool, it’s also a good idea to change the way we look at what we eat during warmer temperatures. Sweating is our bodies natural way of regulating our temperature – releasing water and salt, which evaporates to help cool us down. Naturally, this can cause a loss in your body’s hydration, but there are many different nutrient and hydration dense foods we can enjoy to help keep you feeling your best!

Watermelon is largely made up of water and is packed full of nutrients such as lycopene and beta-carotene, along with potassium and Vitamin C. Delicious on it’s own, tossed in a salad or blitzed and frozen for a healthy ice lolly. Oranges also have a high water content, and are best known for being a great source of Vitamin C which helps keep your immune system supported. If you’re looking for something relatively easily to incorporate into your diet, cucumber is a great choice for keeping your bodies thirst quenched being made up almost entirely of water. Other great summer foods include:

• Grapefruit

• Tomatoes

• Berries

• Probiotic Yoghurt

• Melon

• Lettuce

• Courgette

• Bell peppers

• Celery

• Leafy greens (such as kale or spinach)

• Peaches

Alongside of taking care of our patients, one thing we are all very passionate about as a team is food! So if you have any great summer recipe ideas, we would love to hear them. Feel free to email us.

Menopause Evening at The Community Hub & Café

Royal British Legion are thrilled to be holding ‘Menopause Evening’ on Friday 29th July 2022 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Joining them will be our very own Dr Kirti Viswanathan, Practice Nurse Tricia Morton and Clinical Pharmacist Mina Hunjan, who will be covering various topics surrounding menopause.

Should you wish to register your interest, please contact:
The Community Hub & Café on 01926 812815 ext 5365.

St Wulfstan Surgery @ Southam Clinic

We are really pleased to announce that St Wulfstan Surgery are now able to offer some GP and Nurse appointments from Southam Clinic starting from Monday 11th July. We have 2 newly refurbished, well equipped clinic rooms available with a dedicated waiting area. One of our friendly reception staff will also be based at the clinic, during clinic times, to welcome you. For us it has been so important that we continue to offer our patients the best possible service.

When booking your appointment, you will be made aware either via online booking or via our receptionists whether your appointment will be at the Surgery, or at Southam Clinic. This information should also be available in your appointment booking text message.

We know that many of you will remember Southam Clinic as the site at which you had your COVID vaccine, but for those who have not visited, the address and map can be found below. On arrival please check-in with our receptionist at the main desk, and you can then make your way round to our waiting area on the right. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

 

‘Tis the season to be… Bitten?! 🦟 🪰 🕷️

Just as the warm weather draws us out to enjoy the glorious rays, there are several creepy crawlies that enjoy the summer sun too! Whether you are enjoying a well earned break somewhere tropical, or perhaps tending to some chores in the garden, we are all susceptible to being targeted by insects and suffering with a bite or a sting. Generally, bites and stings can be treated at home and will clear up on their own within a few days. If you wish to pro-actively manage this, your local pharmacist will be able to advise you on suitable over-the-counter treatments. The NHS website offers useful advice on home management for bites and stings, such as;

• Wash the affected area with soap and water

• Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes

• Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling

• Avoid scratching the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling

• Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection

• Avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help

You can help to try and prevent being bitten by using insect repellent on exposed skin – repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are recommended as being most effective, and keeping your skin covered with longer clothing when the weather allows. Of course, we are always on hand to assist should your symptoms be lingering longer than a few days or you are concerned about a bite or a sting. For more information on bites and sting’s, please find the NHS’s helpful guide at - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings

Thank you, Dame Deborah James 🤍

Many of us have been following the inspirational journey of Dame Deborah James, also known as ‘Bowelbabe’. Deborah spent her life working as a teacher up until her bowel cancer diagnosis in 2016, and since then has dedicated herself to sharing her story through working as a journalist, podcaster host, author and charity campaigner. Deborah was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire – which was conferred on her by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at her family home. Dame Deborah James sadly passed away on the 28th June 2022, having raised nearly £7 million for Cancer Research UK through her Bowelbabe fund - https://www.bowelbabe.org/

The awareness that Dame Deborah raised for bowel cancer has been immeasurable, and for an incredibly worthy cause. Please see below an excerpt from the NHS UK Website for an overview of bowel cancer and its symptoms. If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, please don’t ignore them and talk to your GP. It may be absolutely nothing to worry about, but in the words of Deborah; “check your poo – it could just save your life.”

“Bowel cancer is a general term for cancer that begins in the large bowel. Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer is sometimes called colon or rectal cancer. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.

The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are:

• persistent blood in your poo – that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit

• a persistent change in your bowel habit – which is usually having to poo more and your poo may also become more runny

• persistent lower abdominal (tummy) pain, bloating or discomfort – that's always caused by eating and may be associated with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss

Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. See a GP if you have any of the bowel cancer symptoms for three weeks or more.”

For more information on bowel cancer, you can visit these useful websites below:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/bowel-cancer

An Update on Masks At the Surgery

In response to recent changes in national guidelines on the use of face masks in GP Surgeries we have updated our guidance on using face masks in the surgery.

• It is therefore no longer mandatory for patients to wear face masks at the surgery.

• People are still welcome to wear face masks if they wish.

• Our GP’s and Nurses will still be wearing masks during consultations.

• If you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, then it is requested you let our Reception team know BEFORE you arrive and arrangements will be made to see you safely which may include a car park assessment, or assessment in a specific COVID-19 ‘HOT’ clinic.

• It remains very important that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 avoid entering the reception area.
  

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According to NHS.uk, symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:

• a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

• shortness of breath

• feeling tired or exhausted

• an aching body

• a headache

• a sore throat

• a blocked or runny nose

• loss of appetite

• diarrhoea

• feeling sick or being sick