News

Winter Health Hub

To support the public to stay well during winter, the Integrated Commissioning Body (ICB) have created a Winter Health Hub.
It has useful information and links to vaccinations offers, respiratory advice, supporting vulnerable people during cold weather, and NHS choices.

To find out more, please visit the hub: Winter health hub - Stay Well.

New Vaccination for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to be offered to pregnant women and older adults

From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection causes symptoms like a cold, including:

  • cough
  • sore throat
  • sneezing
  • a runny or blocked nose

It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves. Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die.    RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system. 

RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for small babies and for older people. 

To protect new born babies, pregnant women will be offered the vaccination between 28 weeks and 36 weeks as part of their ante-natal program with the midwife. 

How RSV is spread

RSV infections can occur all year round, but cases peak every winter.

RSV can spread through coughs and sneezes. You can help to prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (ideally with a tissue, or else into the bend of your elbow), and you can wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.   

Even with these measures it can be difficult to avoid RSV infection. The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine.

How the RSV vaccine works

Almost all older adults will have had several RSV infections during their life. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection. Unlike the flu vaccine you do not need to have the RSV vaccine every year.

Eligibility for the RSV vaccination

Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will receive an invitation from their GP Surgery for a single dose of RSV vaccine.    This is because older adults are more at risk of serious complications from RSV. You can still get the vaccine up to the day before you turn 80.

More information can be found here: https: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults/your-guide-to-the-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults

All pregnant women will be offered the vaccination between 28 weeks and 36 weeks as part of their ante-natal program with the midwife. 

Public Health Fact Sheet available here: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2021-09/RSV%20A4%20Factsheet%2009_21%20updated.pdf

The vaccination Patient Information Leaflet [PIL] can be found here: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15309.pdf

Having the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines -Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines

You may be offered your shingles or pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as the RSV vaccine, it is safe to do so and reduces the number of appointments you will need to get protected from these diseases.

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National Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign & Autumn Covid Booster Programs

Flu & Covid Immunisations

The Seasonal Flu Immunisation program and Covid Autumn booster program will cease on 20th December 2024.

If you are entitled to either or both, and have not yet booked an appointment with a pharmacy or hub, please do so in the next few days, as appointments will be limited.

You can book online through the National Booking Service: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/vaccinations-national-booking-service 

If you have a invite letter for the coronavirus vaccination service, click here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

If you are entitled to a seasonal flu, click here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination/

Flu immunisations will continue to be available post-Christmas, but in limited numbers and in a very reduced number of pharmacies, you will need to book these in person. So please do act now.

 

Winter weather warnings and staying warm

Keeping warm in winter is vital to one’s overall health and studies show that being cold (under 18 degrees indoor temperature) has a negative effect and increases the risk of ill health, especially in those who are vulnerable.
There are some simple steps you can take to stay feeling healthy and happy through the winter. Your physical health is important, and so is your mental health.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/stay-healthy-winter

Pharmacy First

Pharmacy First

You don’t always need to wait to see a GP for some common minor conditions.

Pharmacies can offer advice and guidance for conditions that don’t require a prescription, and many pharmacies have specially trained Pharmacists who are now able to diagnose and treat a number of minor illnesses.

For more information: 
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help

Foodbank and healthy eating on a budget

If you don’t have enough food and cannot afford to buy food, you may be able to seek support from the Trussell Trust.

The Trussell Trust is a national foodbank organisation. 

Visit: https://www.trussell.org.uk/

There may also be independent foodbanks for your area. Buckinghamshire Council website has information and support: https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/advice-and-support/money-and-benefits/help-with-essentials/ 

Eating healthily on a budget can be hugely challenging. The British Heart Foundation has hints and tips on how you can eat healthily while being mindful of the cost of food.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/eat-well-on-a-budget

Care for older adults

Caring for older adults can be challenging when you’re under pressure from work, and other commitments. The Carents Room is a support network designed for those who are caring for older adults, and you can find out more about what they offer here:
https://carents.co.uk/

 

Lullaby Trust Baby Check App

If you have a baby, sometimes it can be difficult to know whether they’re just a bit unwell and will recover in a couple of days or whether you need to seek advice. The Lullaby Trust have designed an app to support you with that decision-making. https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/infection-and-illness/baby-check-app/

Mental health

Winter can be challenging for mental health as many of the activities we might do to help improve our mood become more difficult. Getting outside and doing exercise can help boost our wellbeing, while financial pressures and loneliness can take their toll. At the moment, the cold weather and dark nights may make being outside for exercise more challenging, but you can still use the outdoors to help bring your life into balance.

There are some useful tips to help improve your mental health on the NHS website. One is that mindfulness is beneficial. This means taking time to notice how you are feeling, and your surroundings. You can use mindfulness exercises to help support your mental health.

https://www.amh.org.uk/winter-welln...do-to-protect-your-mental-health-this-winter/

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matte...ps/top-tips-to-improve-your-mental-wellbeing/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information...ments/mindfulness/mindfulness-exercises-tips/

Domestic abuse

The festive season can be a trigger for domestic violence. Abuse can be physical, mental, controlling behaviours or financial abuse.

You can find support for female victims of domestic abuse here:
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

You can find support for male victims of domestic abuse here:
https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

You can find support for LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse here:
https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/

 

Information from The Infected Blood Enquiry

The Infected Blood enquiry focused on patients who received blood transfusions and blood products between 1970 and 1996, and is now complete.

The final report was published on 20 May 2024. Visit: https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/reports 

Although it is likely that the majority of those who were directly affected have now been identified and started on appropriate treatment given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected products, there may be people who have not yet been identified, particularly if they are living with asymptomatic Hepatitis C.

Some patients will already have been contacted by the blood service as part of the ‘lookback investigations’ which began in the mid-1990s following introduction of HIV and Hepatitis C screening.

What to do if you think you may have received blood in the 1970s and 1980s

If you received blood or blood products prior to 1992, and were not contacted but think you might be at risk of Hepatitis C, please visit:  https://hepctest.nhs.uk/. This NHS website enables patients to request a simple finger prick blood test kit to do at home and post back to the lab, results received within 2 weeks.

It is very unlikely that anyone who has HIV following blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s is not already diagnosed and aware of their infection.

For those who are concerned about the risk of HIV infection, further information can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/ and here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/hiv-testing      

Hepatitis B, another infection that can be linked to infected blood, usually clears up on its own without treatment; however, if you are concerned about Hepatitis B infection more information can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/england-infected-blood-support-scheme or your local sexual health clinic: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health/find-a-sexual-health-clinic  

The government has published guidance for patients, please visit: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d1613ec40f0b609da30d37c/Information_for_patients_on_the_Infected_Blood_Inquiry.pdf

Patients and families affected/infected are entitled to compensation. More information about the compensation scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infected-blood-compensation-scheme-summary/infected-blood-compensation-scheme-summary

Hormone Replacement Therapy [HRT] - help with costs

On 1 April 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) introduced a new Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) to reduce the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients.

The certificate will be valid for 12 months and covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for the cost of two single prescription charges. Patients could save money if they pay more than two HRT prescription charges within 12 months. 

The HRT PPC will be available to buy in one single payment online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc, or in-person at some pharmacies. Patients can call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.

Before buying an HRT PPC, a patient should check if:

 

Cost of Living Information and Support

Buckinghamshire Council has published a number of avenues that may support our patients, including access to free or low cost food, financial support and help with other living costs.

Click the link for more information: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/?utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery 

Digital Portal for patient communication in to the practice - eConsult

As part of the NHS Digital Transformation plan, all practices are required to have a digital platform.

Our digital platform or online service is called eConsult and is available through the week.

It can be accessed via our website, from your mobile, tablet or PC, or the NHS App. There is no need to download an app.

eConsult is a service for patients wanting to contact the GP to request routine appointments, medication requests along with any queries, either clinical or administrative. You should get a response within two working days. 

This was launched during the Covid pandemic, and has proved to be an invaluable tool for both Doctors and patients, receiving very positive feedback. 

Avoid calling the practice where possible as our phone lines are very busy.

Simply use eConsult, the link button is located on our home page, and avoid the queues.

FOR PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY URGENT PROBLEMS NEEDING AN ON-THE-DAY APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PHONE AT 08:30 OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

How We Are Operating 'Post Covid'

We are now 'living with Covid'. Since April 23 the wearing of PPE and patients required to wear masks has been stood down.

However, if you or a member of your household has 'Covid' or chest infection symptoms we do request that patients wear masks when vising the surgery. 

This is in place to:

    1. lower the risk of Covid virus transmission from patients to staff and vice versa.

    2. reduce the viral load of Covid in the building, which is essential to ensure we can protect the patients attending the surgery daily for face-to-face appointments, which include vulnerable patients and very young babies receiving their immunisations. As well as protect the surgery team from over exposure to high levels of the Covid virus, which in turn ensures the surgery remains open and able to offer a GP Service to the residents of Little Chalfont.

In line with the NHS 10 year Digital Transformation Plan, we opeate a digital total triage service; our chosen software system is called eConsult, this allows patients to contact the surgery requesting advice, self-help, medication, admin requests, etc. Many of our patients had been asking for a way to contact the surgery without waiting on the phone, and this provided the answer.

Using eConsult you can contact us from work, home, or while commuting, without having to wait to get through on the phone. The information you provide is delivered to a secure inbox to your GP, who then determines next steps, this could be asking for more information, providing a medicine or treatment plan, or arranging a consultation – either telephone, video or face-to-face. We aim to respond to you by the end of the next working day.

To access this go to our website home page and click on the large banner - eConsult.

To access the surgery - Select the relevant section, and follow the prompts to provide the requested information. This is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) so your next question is determined by your previous answer.

For advice and guidance, scroll down the page and select from

  • Condition
  • A-Z
  • For your Child
  • Body Map

You can then decide whether you want self-help; pharmacy advice; or advice and treatment from your GP

 

Reception is open to assist patients with queries Monday to Friday from 10:30 - 12:30 and 15:00 to 17:00.

HELP US TO HELP YOU 

Please review our website which is updated very regularly, it contains lots of information for services that are available to help and support you, many of these you can access directly without a referral from your GP.

Only contact us when your GP Surgery Team are appropriate people. 

For minor ailments, self-treat or speak to a pharmacist for advice; they will know when it is appropriate for you to contact your GP. All pharmacies in buckinghamshire now offer a Pharmacy First service, which includes issuing medication for some conditions and illnesses. for more information about the Pharmacy First scheme, visit - https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/ 

For minor injuries, there is a GP-led Urgent Treatment Centre at Wycombe General Hospital, open 8am to 8pm every day, to obtain an appointment for this phone 111.

The UTC Treats:

  • cuts and bruises
  • sprains and strains
  • bites and stings
  • scalds and minor burns (but not involving the head or neck),
  • infected wounds
  • suspected fractures
  • minor head injuries (no loss of consciousness) – ADULTS ONLY*
  • objects lodged in ear/eye/mouth/nose

*Children should attend A&E at Stoke Mandeville

 

If you are unsure, always call NHS 111, who also provide a 24/7 advice service.

 

Healthwatch Bucks

Healthwatch Bucks exists to ensure NHS leaders and decision makers hear the patients voice and they use your feedback to improve care for everyone.

Their service covers hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, phamracies and care homes.

To view their website, visit -  https://www.healthwatchbucks.co.uk/ 

To subscribe to their newsletter, go to the website and scroll down to the bottom of the home page to the subscribe section, enter your email and press the subscribe button. You can unsubscribe at any time.

 

Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board [BOB ICB]

As part of a government change to the structure of the NHS, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Groups [CCGs] merged to become BOB ICB.

They have launched a stakeholder newsletter to enable patients to keep abreast of the current services and changes being proposed in hospital and community care.

To view the nesletter, please visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKBOBICS/bulletins/3a14197   

 

If you wish to subscribe to the newsletter, clicl on the link above, scroll to the bottom of the home page and subscribe. You can unsubscribe at any time.