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Physiotherapy self-referral
The PEGASUS Scheme
Fitness to Drive
During COVID many drivers' licences have expired. The DVLA initially gave extensions so that drivers could continue to drive and work. For many drivers however, this extension is coming to an end. Some Drivers are now being told by the DVLA to ask their GP if they are “fit to drive” so that they can continue to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (RTA 1988). The DVLA has produced a leaflet which explains RTA 1988.
GPs are not qualified, trained or indemnified to advise patients whether or not they are fit to drive. In normal circumstances a practice may provide a factual report for the DVLA so that their expert medical advisers will decide upon fitness. If a GP were to provide an opinion that their patient was ‘fit to drive', and then an accident were to occur, the GP may be liable. This would not be covered by the NHS Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice, as this is not NHS work.
Are you aged 70- 79?
HGV Medicals
We do offer appointments for these but, unfortunately, they do take up valuable GP appointments and are rather more costly than private companies.
You can self-refer on 0800 779 7023 or visit www.d4medicals.com. Appointments are available at Peterborough or King's Lynn. These medicals require an eye test.
The fees are published on the above website. Of note, there are other private firms other than the one listed above.
The current charge for HGV medical and report is £133 +VAT
The Peterborough Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) has now relocated to Peterborough City Hospital
The UTC (which will also include the GP out of hours service) is located next to the Emergency Department on the hospital site and continues to cover the full range of injuries and illnesses with access to diagnostics, such as x-rays and scans.
Opening hours will remain the same (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week).
NHS 111 can book an appointment for patients at the UTC if required by their healthcare concern or they can walk in.
added 01/07/21
MAGGIES
Support for living with and beyond cancer is offered by Maggie's to all Cambridgeshire patients. The support can be virtual and face-to-face.
For more information view the leaflet attached
General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR)
Patient data collected from general practice is needed to support a wide variety of research and analysis to help run and improve health and care services.
NHS Digital will collect:
- data about diagnoses, symptoms, observations, test results, medications, allergies, immunisations, referrals, recalls and appointments, including information about physical, mental and sexual health
- data on sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation
- data about staff who have treated patients
NHS Digital does not collect:
- name and address (except for postcode, protected in a unique coded form)
- written notes (free text), such as the details of conversations with doctors and nurses
- images, letters and documents
- coded data that is not needed due to its age - for example medication, referral and appointment data that is over 10 years old
- coded data that GPs are not permitted to share by law - for example certain codes about IVF treatment, and certain information about gender re-assignment
This data will be shared from 1 July 2021.
Data may be shared from the GP medical records about:
- any living patient registered at a GP practice in England when the collection started - this includes children and adults
- any patient who died after 1 July 2021, and was previously registered at a GP practice in England when the data collection started
If you don’t want your identifiable patient data to be shared for purposes except for your own care, you can opt-out by registering a Type 1 Opt-out or a National Data Opt-out, or both. These opt-outs are different and they are explained in more detail below. Your individual care will not be affected if you opt-out using either option.
NWAngliaFT and DrDoctor
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (Peterborough, Stamford and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals) has partnered with DrDoctor to launch a new digital system that will make it easier for patients to manage their outpatient appointment.
As part of the new system, NWAngliaFT has introduced text message reminders* and a secure online portal, where patients can view information about their appointment.
Once online you will be able to:
· Request to change or cancel your appointment (coming soon)
· View and download your appointment letters (currently only available for patients under the care of Gastroenterology, Medical Oncology, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology or Trauma & Orthopaedics)
· View location information, including google maps and floor plans
· View important clinic information, this may include leaflets and videos
· Add your appointment to your personal calendar
*Please make sure you have updated your mobile number with the surgery.
You may receive a text message from NWAngliaFT notifying you of appointment with a link to the online patient portal, where you can find out more information. The text will be delivered from a +44 mobile number, stating it is from North West Anglia NHS Trust.
Changes to medication via Secondary Care
Currently many appointments with our local hospitals are conducted over the phone, some of these may result in changes to current or the addition of new medication.
Guide to Independent Living
The Cambridgeshire Guide to Independent Living contains a host of useful information about staying independent, safe and well in Cambridgeshire as well as listings of all care homes, nursing homes and home care providers in the wider area.
https://www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/cambridgeshire-guide-to-independent-living/
Find my NHS number
Did you know you can find out your NHS number online?
Visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/ to receive an instant text message with your NHS number on.
If you have no mobile number recorded with us then you will have the option to receive your number in the post.
Healthy You!
Now more than ever is an important time to lose weight and keep healthy.
Commissioned and funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, Healthy You provides free weight management support to residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Healthy You offer a choice of programmes to patients who wish to lose weight and you could be eligible for a 12 week referral to any of the options listed below if you are aged over 16 with a Body Mass Index above 25.
Option 1 – Referral to Healthy You Weight Management groups
Option 2 - Referral to Slimming World
Option 3 – Referral to Wellness that Works (formerly Weight Watchers)
To be eligible for a Slimming World or Wellness that Works referral you cannot have been a paying member of either program in the 12 weeks prior to the point of referral.
If you have the motivation to learn how to lose weight and maintain a healthier weight you can self-refer by calling Healthy you on 0333 005 0093, text Healthyu to 60777 or visit the website at www.healthyyou.org.uk
Mental Health Services
All mental health services currently remain open, however due to capacity available whilst dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, there may be delays to planned, non-urgent appointments and referrals. Support available includes:
- For wellbeing support patients can contact the Lifeline Helpline 11am-11pm on 0808 808 2121.
- Please continue to call PCMH staff for advice and support around the management of mental health in primary care.
- Patients can self-refer to the Psychological Wellbeing Service if they require therapy here
- Crisis services are running as normal, and patients can contact the First Response Service by calling 111 and selecting option 2 (in Wisbech call 111, select option 1 and ask to be put through to FRS).
- For details of other support available within the community please visit www.keep-your-head.com
Updated 26/01/21
Medication Delivery Services
We have been made aware that many patients are having problems with medication deliveries when the prescriptions are requested to be sent to some online pharmacy services. Some pharmacies are not able to send out prescriptions that contain medications that are controlled drugs, including some pain killers and sleeping tablets. We have also been advised that patients are having to wait up to 2 weeks for their medication deliveries and are having great difficulty getting any assistance from the online pharmacy customer service agents.
Once the prescriptions are issued by our clinicians or dispensary team and are signed off electronically, the provision of the medication ceases to be our responsibility. Unfortunately we do not have dedicated contact details for these companies, and they frequently do not reply to our calls or emails. If you are having problems with your online supplier we would strongly suggest looking for an alternative or utilising the local pharmacies. Our dispensary team are exceedingly busy and receiving numerous calls daily concerning non-receipt of medications adds to that toll, which results in further delays.
Added 18/12/20
NHS Friends and Family
Lasting Power of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’).
You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity (the ability to make your own decisions) when you make your LPA.
You do not need to live in the UK or be a British citizen.
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney to find out more
Midwife Referrals
Have you recently discovered you are pregnant?
Did you know you can now self refer to the midwife indtead of coming to the the surgery to ask us to do this for you? Please ensure you have read the 'Your Choices' leaflet on the website before submitting your referral so you are aware of the options available to you such as:
- Where to give birth.
- Which hospital you can receive your care from.
- What support and education is avavilable.
To read the leaflet, find out more information and refer yourself please visit https://www.nwangliaft.nhs.uk/maternity/im-pregnant/
Happy Birthday!
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
🦻Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre
Chatteris Library
2 Furrowfields Road
Chatteris
PE16 6DY
2nd Friday of every month from 12th March 2021- by appointment only
To book an appointment please call 01223 416141 or email enquiries@cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk