Surgery News
Do you want to better understand your body and find ways of achieving your long term aims and goals around your weight? Perhaps you have been put off by previous techniques or methods for achieving weight loss?
Well now is your chance to join our new, innovative programme, designed & run by our Health & Wellbeing Coach, Ludmila. If you are keen to join the 6 week programme, or to find out more, please email our Primary Care Network Team at we.connect@nhs.net.
Ludmila, Health & Wellbeing Coach
We wish all our our wonderful patients a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We thank you all for your continued support throughout 2022 which has helped us continue to deliver a quality of care we are proud of, and it remains a privilege to serve you all!
We will be open as normal throughout this week and closed over the Christmas break. We will then reopen Wednesday 28th December.
Friday 23rd December: Normal opening hours
Saturday 24th December: Closed all day
Sunday 25th December: Closed all day
Monday 26th December: Closed all day
Tuesday 27th December: Closed all day
Wednesday 28th December: Normal opening hours
Thursday 29th December: Normal opening hours
Friday 30th December: Normal opening hours
Saturday 31st December: Closed all day
Sunday 1st January: Closed all day
Monday 2nd January: Closed all day
Tuesday 3rd January: Normal opening hours
If you need a doctor when we are closed ring 111
If you have a medical emergency when we are closed ring 999 immediately
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
We are having works done at the surgery this week which will unfortunately 1 or 2 car parking spaces will be lost this week. We hope to mitigate this slightly by utilising our off site staff parking.
As such your patience will be greatly appreciated.
We are aware of the recent media coverage regarding an increase in the number of cases of Scarlet Fever, Strep throat and invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection. In addition to this we are still seeing lots of cases of regular, seasonal coughs and colds which do not require any specific treatment.
The coverage has inevitably caused great concern, so it is useful to remember what to look out for.
With the Winter, comes the regular increase in the number of children with coughs and colds caused by common viruses. Fortunately most of the time these illnesses are not serious and normally settle down by themselves without any treatment.
Symptoms include:
Cough (which can last several weeks)
Runny nose
Sneezing
Sore throat (normally without white patches on the tonsils)
Earache
Fever (Temperature 38 degrees Celsius and above)
Normally children will develop this collection of symptoms over 1-3 days without being seriously ill, and then gradually improves over a few more days, although the cough itself can persist longer.
These symptoms can normally be managed at home with rest, good fluid intake and paracetamol (Calpol) where a fever causes any symptoms of discomfort.
If your child develops any of the following symptoms then it is advised to seek medical help:
Significantly reduced fluid intake, with reduced urination or reduced wet nappies
Rapid breathing or any drawing in under or between the ribs
Significant lethargy, being more floppy or less responsive
A sudden deterioration in symptoms (normally with the common cold symptoms do not significantly or suddenly worsen)
A fever which fails to settle despite regular paracetamol and ibuprofen
Whereas Coughs & Colds are generally caused by common viruses, Strep Throat is caused by the bacteria, Group A Strep. It most specifically causes a sore, red throat with fever and white spots may be found on the tonsils. It is less likely to cause symptoms of a runny nose, cough and earache. It usually causes a mild illness which improves over several days.
According to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, symptoms of Strep Throat are:
Fever within the last 24 hours
White spots at the back of their throat (pus on their tonsils)
Very large or red tonsils
Sore (tender) lumps under their chin
If they have become poorly quickly over the past couple of days
Usually no cough or runny nose
It is advised to see a GP or contact 111 if your child has the above symptoms as antibiotics maybe required.
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Strep and most commonly effects children between the ages of 2 and 8 years of age. It is like Strep Throat but includes additional symptoms of a ‘sandpaper’ like rash to the body.
Scarlet Fever itself is unlikely to cause symptoms of a runny nose and cough (these symptoms are much more likely to be caused by the common cold).
What are the symptoms of Scarlet Fever?
A Fever (>38 degrees C)
WITH A red sore throat (often with white patches on the tonsils)
AND A rough, sandpaper like rash which may develop on the body after 12-48 hours
It may also be associated with headache, nausea and vomiting and a red tongue
What Should I Do?
If your child has the symptoms of Scarlet Fever then you should see a GP or contact 111, and if Scarlet Fever is diagnosed it can be well treated with antibiotics
Very rarely the bacteria Group A Strep can cause a more serious disease called iGAS. It is very rare and anyone suffering this disease will be very unwell and may have symptoms of sepsis. If these symptoms arise then call 999. For more details on these ‘red flag’ symptoms see below.
Alder Hey Childrens Hospital have provided some useful guidance for symptoms to look out for, as follows:
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if your child is getting worse despite paracetamol or ibuprofen if:
the temperature has lasted more than 5 days
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal, especially if they are drooling or appear in pain when swallowing
your baby has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or is crying without tears
or your child shows other signs of dehydration
feeling thirsty
dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
peeing less often than usual
feeling dizzy or lightheaded
feeling tired
a dry mouth, lips and tongue
sunken eyes (dark circles under eyes)
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is drowsy (much more sleepy than normal) or irritable (unable to settle them with cuddles, toys, TV or snacks – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite any fever coming down)
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs or using their neck muscles to breathe
there are long pauses (more than 10 seconds) when your child breathes
your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child feels very cold or clammy to touch
your child is difficult to wake up or keep awake
your child has severe pains in their arms, legs neck or back
your child has a painful, red area of skin, especially if it is getting bigger quickly
Click Here to see the full article from Alder Hey Children Hospital
For more information on Colds, coughs and ear infections in children please visit NHS.uk
For more information on Sore Throats please visit NHS.uk
For more information on Scarlet Fever please visit NHS.uk
Welcome to our latest article from our GP, Dr Olaleye
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved…”
Mother Teresa
At this time of the year, life gets busy and there is a frenzy of appointments, shopping, shows, parties, and catch-ups to do
It can be easy to feel left out.
I see you.
This is more common than you can imagine! For many, a combination of physical or mental illness, relationship loss, bereavements, seasonal weather changes can predispose to momentary and sometimes prolonged feelings of loneliness. It is not unusual for people to grieve over the loss of their usual exuberant personality and lose hope! One can feel lonely in a house full of people at Christmas.
A story many will remember is one about David Beckham receiving a red card during a World cup match and being sent out. He recounted how he felt ‘lonely’ in the changing room even when his teammates came back. Unfortunately, the team lost. He was trapped in his own sense of guilt, anger, and fury about what had happened. This must have been a very difficult experience for him on a personal level. Loneliness can be quite a strong unyielding feeling even amidst plenty, as well as nothing. He later reports, "When I look back on my career and talk about regrets, I wish that never happened. But on the flip side, if it didn't happen, I might not have had the career that I had’’.
The feelings of loneliness can be quite intense and make people feel miserable. Really, it can be a cry to be found. It can be turned around for good.
Here is another secret - You are not alone! A lot of people feel that way right now. A loneliness experiment done by BBC showed both young and old people feel lonely, and it is twice as much in younger people. Being aware of this is very important and I would like to offer some strategies that might be helpful when you are in this situation:
● Look around you to find something that connects you to an internal sense of calm - read a poem, sing an old song or hymn you heard when you were a child, find a photo of an artwork, find a wise saying and think about it. A picture on your phone to look at, last thing at night before you try to sleep may be calming too.
● Look for the good in every person you meet - this might be tough! But choose to rise above the negative feelings.
● Find something you are grateful for every day and recognise that time alone can be a positive experience too.
● Move your body by going for a regular walk especially when it is sunny. Consider your posture, practise standing upright, without hunching up your shoulders. Can you do that as you read this article? How does this make you feel? Consider doing more active movements walking, dancing, stretches, yoga etc.
● Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, let them know you are feeling lonely.
● Tell your story in a different way - write it, paint it, sing it, journal your feelings, don’t keep it in for too long.
● In the winter months, a vitamin D supplement taken daily may help reduce physical fatigue that affects your wellbeing.
There are several meditation and mindfulness apps that may also help you enjoy a sense of calm, help you with being present and being kind to yourself when you have time alone. Here is a link: https://www.calm.com https://themindfulnessapp.com
Let us know if we can help you in anyway - here is a link to our wellbeing team https://www.wepcn.co.uk/health-wellbeing-team
Merry Christmas in Comfort and Good Cheer!
Yours truly
Dr Jaiye Olaleye
There are currently traffic lights across Kineton Road and Northfield road leading to some congestion today resulting in up-to 10 minutes delay.
If you have an appointment with us, please consider setting off a little bit earlier!
Many thanks.
We are really sorry but this morning there is a fault with our telephone provider which is affecting our ability to receive telephone calls. We are sorry about this and ask for your patience whilst our provider attempts to resolve the problem.
UPDATE @ 09:45 - Lines are now back up and running!
This Saturday 19th November is our final Saturday Flu and COVID vaccine clinic and we still have spaces available!
If you have not yet had your COVID Booster or your flu jab please feel free to book online or call our helpful Reception Team.
To Find out if you are eligible for the vaccine please read our relevant page.
At St Wulfstan Surgery we are looking for a new Part Time Receptionist to join our lovely team.
For more information or to apply please visit our advert on Indeed.
Applications close Sunday 13th November - Be Quick!
We are really proud to sponsor and support the wonderful Warm Space initiative by Southam Congregational Church. The space allows anyone to come and mingle, enjoy a hot drink and refreshments and get to know others. We also hope it will offer some help to anyone who feels lonely, isolated or vulnerable in our community. The Warm Space is open Wednesday’s from 10am - 4pm at Southam Congregational Church, Wood Street, Southam CV47 1PP.
According to Southam Congregational Church:
“A Warm Space is a safe, warm and welcoming place where people can meet regularly. It provides hot drinks and refreshments. A Warm Space helps reduce loneliness and isolation and provides another means to check in with vulnerable people in a community. It is especially helpful for people who are finding it harder to stay warm due to inadequate heating at home or increasing energy costs. It provides people with information about energy efficiency and home safety and helps signpost users to other services that can offer support.
A Warm Space is community-led and runs on a not-for-profit basis by a community group or organisation. Everyone attending - organisers, other volunteers and attendees - is treated with kindness, respect and dignity.
At our Church we have opened the Southam Warm Space. It will be open every Wednesday from 10am-4pm. As well as hot drinks and light refreshments, there are games and activities, newspapers to read, advice and information available,. We have partnered with Warm Welcome to help provide resources and we acknowledge the very generous support of the Warwickshire Rural Community Council in providing a grant for the set up and weekly running costs.
We have also encountered tremendous support in our local community, from recruiting volunteers to generous gifts from local businesses and individuals. We particular want to thank St Wulfstan’s Surgery for their kind encouragement and practical help, and being willing to work with us to make this project a success.
Come and pay us a visit - open Wednesday 10am-4pm.”
Our Flu and COVID Vaccination programme is running really well this year. But if you have not yet had your flu or COVID Booster please feel free to book this at the surgery.
We have a few clinics available, some of which are flu only, and some we can provide both COVID and flu together. Please also be aware some clinics are for certain age groups as we use 2 difference vaccinations based on age.
We have the following clinics available:
Thursday 3rd November 2pm - 5pm (For those Under 65 years of age)
Monday 7th November 6:30pm - 7pm (For those Under 65 years of age)
Saturday 5th November (All ages)
Saturday 19th November (For those Under 65 years of age)
Appointments can be booked online via the NHS App or Patient Access or by calling our Reception Team,
To Find out if you are eligible for the vaccine please read our relevant page.
International Menopause Society (IMS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) designated 18th October as World Menopause Day. It is to raise awareness and provide more support for better health and wellbeing in menopausal period.
The theme for this year is Cognition and Mood.
Brain fog and memory problems are very common symptoms and can have significant impact on work and home life.
Today at St Wulfstan surgery, we are celebrating the day with all our staff and we are proud to be a menopause friendly team. Dr Viswa along with Nurse Tricia and Clinical pharmacist Mina are talking about menopause at lunch time.
We would like to thank Long Itch Diner for providing healthy Mediterranean buffet.
Our staff had wellbeing, relaxation gift pouches from Laura at Blossoms and Roses, and we highly appreciate our local community businesses.
Dr Viswa has gifted the latest book by Davina McCall and Dr N Potter ‘Menopausing’ to our practice manager Mrs Ward. It would be beneficial in her role for supporting staff.
British Menopause Society has collaborated with ITN Business to bring an exclusive video Premiere today at 12.00. Menopause: Continuing the Conversation, hosted by Louise Minchin, showcases menopause news stories and misinformation, to nutrition, workplace policies and why HRT isn’t for everyone.
The link to the YouTube Premiere is here https://youtu.be/0mxjD7D27jc
We are really sorry but we are currently having problems with our phone lines. We are using a back-up system at present and our phone line provider are working on fixing the problem right now. Please accept our apologies for any delay in receiving your phone calls today.
UPDATE 12:19: All up and running again! Thanks again for your patience.
Thursday was our annual fire safety training day.
Certainly a lot of fun, and rest assured, we now all know what we are doing with a fire extinguisher!
We will soon be joining hospitals, social care providers and GP practices in the area in implementing the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Record (ICR). This is a way of bringing together all your separate records from the different organisations involved in your health and social care. It will let health and social care professionals see relevant information about the care and treatment you’ve had across all services.
For more information, please:
visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership’s website at https://www.happyhealthylives.uk/integrated-care-record/
Or click to view a document which provides further explanation
Or see the video below
If you do not want your information to be shared in this way, please email:
collaborative.care.record@nhs.net or call 0345 6461163.
Please note, the ICR is different to anything you might have said no to before. So, if you don’t want your records to be available to view through the ICR, you’ll need to object.
