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.

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.

NHS will soon be sending out letters to the parents and carers of children aged 2 and 3 years old registered at Little Chalfont Surgery.

As the flu season approaches, it is critical that we ensure all eligible children receive their vaccinations promptly to protect them and the wider community.

Should you have any questions or queries regarding the flu vaccinations for children, please visit the websites below:  

Flu vaccines for children and young people for 2024 to 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/which-flu-vaccine-should-children-have

Flu vaccination for children:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-leaflets-and-posters/246e0098-9e5c-4d54-b7dc-8e19ccc4f423

Flu vaccination in schools:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccination-in-schools

Thought about going sober for October? Giving up alcohol for even a short period – just 31 days – can result in health benefits! You may find you benefit from better-quality sleep, improved immunity and a sharper memory. Why not give it a try?

https://www.gosober.org.uk

Tips to stay sober this October:

• Avoid triggers that make you want to drink
• Be prepared to say no
• Find alternatives to drinking
• Have a plan
• Reward yourself with something else you enjoy

https://www.gosober.org.uk

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your overall health, including reducing the risks of serious long-term conditions. Whether you’ve tried before or it’s your first time, this October is the ideal time to quit. Ex smokers report having more energy, feeling healthier and benefitting from improved breathing after just two weeks!

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Did you know that if you stay smoke-free for just 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good? Why not try it this October? We understand it can be challenging taking the first steps, but having the right support can help you succeed! You can find a local smoking support service here:

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/ 

Across Buckinghamshire there are events, support and rewards available to support your patients this Stoptober.

• Be Healthy Bucks will be having pop up events at different locations during the month, check their social feeds for more info!
  
• Be Healthy Bucks offer FREE tailored support to your patients to help them become smoke free

This Stoptober there are £50 worth of BetterPoints on offer to those who access the support available.

The theme of this year’s ADHD Awareness Month is ‘awareness is key’. There are so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding ADHD, so providing information and awareness can help people with ADHD to thrive.

ADHD is a form of neurodiversity.

‘Neurodiversity’ is a word used to explain the unique ways in which people’s brains work.

‘Neurodiverse’ means that someone’s brain works in a different way to the ‘average’ or neurotypical brain. Neurodiversity can bring challenges, but it can also bring advantages.

ADHD is present through all stages of life, not just in childhood. Almost 5% of adults have ADHD and more than 80% of children who have ADHD will continue to meet the clinical diagnosis for ADHD in adulthood.

https://adhdaware.org.uk/october-is-adhd-awareness-month/

Did you know that almost half of adults have raised cholesterol? Small changes to your diet, exercise and lifestyle habits can make a big difference to your cholesterol levels and heart health.

It’s really important to manage cholesterol levels; early intervention can help improve long-term health.

High cholesterol can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart attack and stroke, and most people don’t even realise their cholesterol is raised.

If you are aged 40 or more and do not know your cholesterol level, we would encourage you to have it checked at a pharmacy (there may be a fee for this service).

If you are aged 45 or more and haven't had a cholesterol check in the last 5 years, we shall invite you for a blood test (which is funded by the NHS); so please do respond when you are invited.

Changes in lifestyle such as stopping smoking, increasing exercise and having a healthy diet will help to improve your overall health and help to reduce cholesterol.

for more information, visit https://www.heartuk.org.uk/

One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime; do you know the warning signs?

Signs like sudden weakness, such as the paralysis of legs, arms or face, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache or change in vision are all clues.

The FAST acronym comes into use if you believe someone is having a stroke:

• Face: Can the person smile?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms?
• Speech: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time: Call 999 if you see any of these signs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke. Keeping physically active, choosing sensible food and drink, and keeping an eye on your blood pressure are all steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a TIA or stroke.

https://www.world-stroke.org/world-stroke-day-campaign

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/

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

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:

• they’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
• their medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
• a 3 or 12 month standard Pre Payment Certificate [PPC] is more suitable; as it covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc

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 

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.

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.

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.