News

Happy Birthday!

 
We have been working hard in the past few months to try and streamline our recall system so anyone with a Long Term Condition (LTC) will be invited to come in for their monitoring on their birthday month!
 
Not only will this hopefully mean less trips to the surgery for you our patients, it will also save clinicians time and help us deal with the back log of patients who had their appointments cancelled at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Recalling patients for the monitoring of their LTCs is a mammoth task and many surgeries have adopted this system as it helps patients remember to book in for their monitoring themselves which in turns helps support the surgery as on average we will be contacting 400 people per month.
 
How does it work?
 
We have synchronised all of your LTCs and added a recall on your birthday month which also allows ourclinical and non-clinical teams understand which appointments and monitoring needs you require.  In creating 4 categories in which you may fall in to  we can determine how many visits to the surgery you have and which type of clinician you will be required to see. Obviously the more LTCs you have been diagnosed with then unfortunately the more trips you may have to have.
 
We will send you a reminder a maximum of three times, after which we will not try any more until the following year.
 
How will you contact me?
 
We will send out reminders to you during your birthday month asking you to book in for your monitoring, this could be in the form of a text message, letter or phone call. Please make sure you that you have updated your details and given us consent to receiving text messages.
 
What if my birthday has passed this year or I've had a recent blood test?
 
We will begin by calling patients who had a birthday during April, May or June and inviting them to make an appointment if they have not already had a blood test. As it will take time for the new way of working to fall in to place you may have a blood test within the normal 12 month period, or slightly outside a 12 month period.
 
Results and Reviews
 
Many patients require follow up appointments with our Diabetic team, CHD nurse, Respiratory team or GP/ANP, at present all of these reviews are being done over the phone or via video consultation unless there is a real need for a face-to-face appointment.
 
Reviews usually involve blood pressure and weight checks, we will try and complete these when you attend for blood tests but we would encourage you to monitor your weight and blood pressure at home prior to your appointment and either bring the results with you or submit them via the surgery website. Please contact us if you have any concerns surrounding your home monitoring results.
 
We are keeping a record of our Diabetic patients who need a foot check and we will be contacting you to arrange an appointment when we are advised it is safe to do so. We urge you to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your foot health.
 
Respiratory Conditions
 
Monitoring of Asthma and COPD requires Peak Flow or Spirometry testing, these are both aerosol generating proceedures and are not currently being undertaken. We are keeping a record of the patients affected by this and will be in touch when it is safe to resume these tests.
 
Finally
 
Please be reassured that we understand the importance of your LTC and if you haveny any concern or should the GP/ANP wish you to have a blood test to monitor your condition we will book you in regardless of your birthday month. Where some monitoring is required more frequently we will invite you to make an appointment as appropriate.
 

Planning to Travel?

If you are planning to travel, make sure you remain safe and plan ahead to ensure you get the necessary vaccinations!

MASTA Clinic is now available to offer advice and vaccines for your long awaiting get away.

Visit their website for more information https://www.masta-travel-health.com/

Call them on 0330 100 4200

Email them at Enquiries@masta.org.

Feeling Creative?

Funding from Cambridgeshire Community Foundation has enabled FACT and CCORRN to establish a new partnership to deliver recycled paint and craft packs to Cambs residents who are unable to visit the CCORRN reuse centre in March!

Click on the link below for more information

CCORRN.pdf

A guide to Test and Trace in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Want to understand Test and Trace a little more? Check out this handy information guide.

PCC CCC 3109 test and trace in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - final v....pdf

Need advice? Citizens Advice is still there for you!

You can still get Advice during COVID-19

In line with Government advice, we’ve closed all of our face to face advice sessions but we are still Open for Advice as follows:-

  • Anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit should call our FREE Universal Credit Help to Claim line on 0800 144 8444 (Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm)
  • For advice on consumer issues (e.g. issues related to products or services you've purchased, cancelled holidays etc.) can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for FREE or chat online to an advisor.

Clients in need of a Foodbank voucher should call or e-mail us.

We are continuing to collect post delivered to our Wisbech Office so any clients who need to provide us with documents can still do so by post to:

9 Church Mews

Wisbech

Cambs

PE13 1HL

Stay safe in the heat

  1. Check in on others - Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather. Keep in touch remotely over the phone or using video technology if possible. If this is not possible, then follow government guidelines on social distancing and hand washing.
  2. Stay hydrated- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Avoid extreme physical exertion, and only undertake essential travel.
  3. Keep your environment cool- keep blinds and curtains shut to cut out direct sunlight, go indoors and outdoors during the day whichever is cooler. During the night time open windows to encourage air flow, and turn off non essential electrical equipment as this can increase room temperature.
  4. Sunburn- Keep out of the run when it is at is hottest between 11am and 3 pm. Apply suncream with at least SPF15, wear sunglasses and a hat. Try to keep in the shade, and wear loose fitting clothes.

Look out for the signs of heat-related harm

If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate, avoid excess alcohol.

If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, for example after sustained exercise during very hot weather), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, they should seek medical help. Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist

Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency.

Cervical Smears

If you had your Cervical smear cancelled at the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19 then please get in touch with us to book yourself back in!

Or if you have received a letter stating that you are due for your routine cervical smear then do not delay and get yourself booked in now!

Help in the fight against COVID-19

Has your doctor or nurse said you are likely to have a
COVID-19 infection?

Do you have?

  • A continuous new or worsening
    cough
  • High Temperature
  • Have had these symptoms for less than 15 days?
  • Are you aged 65 and above?

Or aged 50 to 64 with any of these illnesses?

  • High blood pressure and/ or
    heart disease
  • Asthma or lung disease
  • Weakened immune system due
    to serious illness or medication
    (e.g. chemotherapy).
  • Diabetes not treated with
    insulin
  • Stroke or neurological problems
  • Liver disease

Then you could be eligible to join the PRINCIPLE
trial and help the fight against COVID-19.

WWW.PRINCIPLETRIAL.ORG

 

Masks/Face Coverings

We would ask that all patients attending the surgery for any reason wear a mask or face covering. Those patients attending appointments will be provided with a mask if they are unable to provide their own.

19/05/20

General Practice Transparency Notice for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19)

 

This practice is supporting vital coronavirus (COVID-19) planning and research by sharing your data with NHS Digital.

To find out more about what information we are sharing to support COVID-19, why we share it, and how to opt out of data sharing please click in the document below.

 12/05/20

General Practice Transparency Notice for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19).pdf

Self-Isolation Note

If you or a member of your household has symptoms of COVID-19 and have been advised to self-isolate then please follow the link to access NHS 111 Online were you will be able to apply for a self-isolation note.

https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/

12/05/20

 

COVID-19

 

If you or a household member have either:

  • a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  • a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
  • a loss of/change in tastse/smell

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.

 

Living alone

If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.

Other household members

If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.


For anyone in the household who starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms appeared, regardless of what day they are on in the original 14 day isolation period.

For all the information on COVD-19 guidance click here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

HGV License renewal

Temporary change applies to drivers whose licences are due to expire or have expired since 1 January 2020.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you currently do not need to provide a medical report (form D4) to apply to renew your licence.

If your application is successful, you’ll get a 1 year licence. Click here for more information

Our new Social Prescriber

 

The George Clare Surgery would like to welcome Mary our new Social Prescriber to the team!

To find out more about Mary's role click here

Key functions of the Social Prescriber:

  • Building rapport and trust with people
  • Listening to 'what matters to them'
  • Helping the person to develop a personalised support plan
  • Knowing the services and support networks available in an area
  • Conecting people to services/support (formal e.g. commisisoned services and informal e.g. groups/clubs/networks)
  • Supporting local communities to set up new activities e.g walking group, gardening club at community centres, coffee morning etc.

 

  • Who would be suitable to be referred to a social prescriber?
  • People with one or more long term condition
  • Those who need support with their mental health
  • Those who are lonley or isolated
  • People who have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing

 

 

“I once felt so useless when I now know I’m a star,

I’m strong and I’m resilient because I’ve come so far.

My life is now worth living when it could have been so tragic,

And that’s why social prescribing is a prescription of pure magic.”

 

Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)

We are upgrading to the next phase of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) which will mean that almost all our prescriptions will be processed electronically from 18/03/2020

Electronic prescriptions help save the NHS money.

You will receive your prescriptions in the same way as you do now.

About EPS

EPS allows prescribers to send prescriptions electronically to a dispenser (such as a pharmacy) of the patient's choice. This makes the prescribing and dispensing process more efficient and convenient for patients and staff.

The benefits

The benefits of EPS are that:

  • prescribers can process prescriptions more efficiently and spend less time dealing with prescription queries
  • dispensers can reduce use of paper, have improved stock control, and provide a more efficient service to patients
  • patients can collect repeat prescriptions from a pharmacy without visiting their GP, and won't have a paper prescription to lose

To find out more click here

George Clare surgery was temporarily closed this morning (12 March 2020) to enable a clean of the surgery as a routine precautionary measure. The practice will reopen today at 1.30pm. 

 

We apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused. Safety is our priority and we have been working with public health teams to make sure there is no risk to staff and patients.

 

Morning Queuing

We are constantly reviewing and trying to take steps to improve our service, one of the concerns that regularly comes to our attention is the length of the queue at 8.30am and the difficulty that those with pre-booked appointments have in checking themselves in prior to their appointment time.

To try and resolve this you will notice that there is a barrier once you are inside the surgery doors asking you to queue to the right and use the self check-in machine if you have a pre-booked appointment, and queue to the left if you do not. We will continue to use this system throughout the day.

We will continue to monitor the effect this has on patients being able to check in on time at 8.30am. If you are unsure how to use the machine then please ask a member of reception during quieter times to demonstrate or assist you.

updated 28/01/2020

Current Vacancies

George Clare Surgery has a vacancy for the following post:

  • Practice Nurse (15- 22 hours)

 

Visit Indeed.com for more information and to apply.

NHS Health Checks

Get your ‘midlife MOT’ with a free NHS Health Check

NHS Health Checks are now being provided across Cambridgeshire as part of a national screening programme. The programme aims to give people a once-over as they move into their middle years, helping spot signs early and providing peace of mind. It lets you take control of your health, and enjoy life for longer.

Give us a call to sign up!

What do NHS Health Checks protect against?

NHS Health Checks detect a range of different vascular and circulatory conditions. This includes Dementia, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Strokes, Diabetes and Kidney Disease. Catching symptoms for these issues early will help healthcare professionals to offer treatment and suggest lifestyle changes, and can prevent more serious problems in the long-term.

Who is eligible for NHS Health Checks?

NHS Health Checks are available for anyone who’s aged between 40 and 74 and isn’t already in touch with their GP about a pre-existing condition. A ‘midlife MOT’ like this can help you to live a longer and healthier life.

What does it involve?

The NHS Health Check is very straightforward, and it will only take 20-30 minutes.

It’s based on simple questions about age, lifestyle and family history, along with standard measurements of height, weight, urine content and glucose and cholesterol levels.

What happens afterwards?

A healthcare professional will discuss the results with you in detail afterwards. You’ll be given a full personalised report. This will provide resources and support to help with staying healthy and keeping up good habits, including information about the local support services.

Doctorlink

 

We have been looking at how we can improve access to Practice services; DoctorLink is our new online service where you can access advice and appointments on line. following an assessment you will directed to the right treatment, whether emergency care, your GP, nurse or self-care.

Use online or via the app (available to download from the App Store & Google Play store)

Click here to view our appointments page  to find out more!

 

 

Waiting Room Blood Pressure Monitor

We have recently installed an automated blood pressure monitor in our waiting room, it is located opposite the Reception desk.

If you are due for you for your 6 monthly blood pressure check then please feel free to use the machine, making sure you take your results slip to reception so this can be passed to the clinicians for processing, there is no need for you to have a face to face appointment.

Patients requiring annual blood tests and blood pressure test for the monitoring of medication and chronic diseases will still be  invited in by the surgery for an appointment as normal.

MED3

Requests for certification of absence falls in to the following five catagories:

1. Personally affected so isolating for seven days

2. Personally affected and remaining unwell for over seven days

3. Household contact affected so isolating for fourteen days as per government advice

4. At risk group so following government advice

5. Those in full time education.

1. Personally affected so isolating for seven days

Patients can and should self-certify for the first seven days as normal if they are unfit to work.

They do not need to contact their GP.

2. Personally affected and remaining unwell for over seven days

If they remain unwell and unfit to work after seven days the current advice is to visit www.111.nhs.uk where there is an online self-assessment tool; the patient may be invited to call 111 and given further advice and a MED3 certificate emailed to them.

They do not need to contact their GP.

3. Household contact affected so isolating for fourteen days as per government advice

4. At risk group so following government advice

GPs cannot and are not the gatekeeper of the statutory sick pay system. Employers are responsible for putting in place arrangements for home/remote working where this is possible. Where it is not, the employee may self-certify and return to work following the relevant absence which their employer may authorise as per government advice. Where they do become unwell during or after this time, point 1 and 2 applies.

They do not need to contact their GP.

5. Those in full time education.

There is no NHS requirement to issue certification to schools or colleges to confirm absence. These organisations must work with parents and students to ensure that any absence is appropriately recorded, obviating the need for a ‘doctor’s note’.

They do not need to contact their GP

Covid Med 3 Guidance 170320.pdf

Further Information