Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas and New Year opening hours

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas and New Year opening hours 2015


         Thursday 24th December                8.00am–1.00pm
                                                    1.00pm-2.00pm CLOSED
                                                    2.00pm-6.30pm
         Friday 25th December                  – CLOSED
         Monday 28th December                – CLOSED
         Tuesday 29th December                – NORMAL HOURS
         Wednesday 30th December             – NORMAL HOURS
         Thursday 31st December               – NORMAL HOURS
         Friday 1st January                      – CLOSED
         Monday 4th January                    – NORMAL HOURS


In an EMERGENCY please dial 999

If you have an URGENT problem please ring: 
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

For Medical Advice please ring:
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

Coleridge Medical Centre would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Surgery closed between 1.00pm - 2.00pm Thursday 24th December 2015

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Thursday 24th December 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

What to do when we are closed over the Christmas & New Year bank holidays

What to do when we are closed over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays 

As the bank holiday approaches it is worth thinking about what you would do if you or a member of your family became unwell over the holiday period.  We recommend that you:-
  • stock up on over the counter medicines.  Your pharmacist can also give you advice on treatments and products available.
  • check you have enough prescription medicine to see you through the holidays and if you are going away pack enough for at least the duration of your holiday. 
If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Please avoid using emergency/urgent services and hospital A&E departments for routine problems or for problems that can wait until we reopen.


We are closed on Friday 25th December and Monday 28th December.  We are open as usual on Tuesday 29th December, Wednesday 30th December and Thursday 31st December and then closed again on Friday 1st January. 

We are then open again as usual from Monday 4th January 2016.


We wish all our patients, staff and friends  
a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas opening hours 2015

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas opening hours 2015


         Thursday 24th December                8.00am–1.00pm
                                                    1.00pm-2.00pm CLOSED
                                                    2.00pm-6.30pm
         Friday 25th December                  – CLOSED
         Monday 28th December                – CLOSED
         Tuesday 29th December                – NORMAL HOURS
         Wednesday 30th December             – NORMAL HOURS
         Thursday 31st December               – NORMAL HOURS
         Friday 1st January                      – CLOSED
         Monday 4th January                    – NORMAL HOURS


In an EMERGENCY please dial 999

If you have an URGENT problem please ring: 
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

For Medical Advice please ring:
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

Coleridge Medical Centre would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

No childhood vaccination clinic on Thursday 24th December 2015

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances the childhood vaccination clinic on Thursday 24th December 2015 is cancelled. 

The next available clinic will be on Thursday 31st December 2015.


We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Christmas Jumpers


We are joining ITV text santa raising money for  Save the Children, Make-A-Wish UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.  So prepare yourself if you are coming here on 18th December as we will be  wearing our Christmas jumpers.    We hope to at least raise a smile and hopefully some donations.  You can give directly to us or:

Text / SMS Message – You can donate £5 by texting the word SANTA5 to 70760 or donate £10 by texting SANTA10 to 70760.

Online – You can donate using the buttons at http://www.itv.com/textsanta/donate
and following the links.

Telephone – You can call 0300 123 6060 (standard geographical charges may apply) to donate using a credit or debit card.

Last date for online donations is 5pm on the 29th February 2016.


Latest news

Our newsletter has just been published and can be found on our website http://www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk/news.aspx?pr=L83095 

Our news this time includes:
Latest news about the practice team
What to do when we are closed
Feedback from patients
Ottery St Mary Medical Trust Fund
Research
The practice statement on housing developments
Ordering prescriptions

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas opening hours 2015

Coleridge Medical Centre Christmas opening hours 2015


         Thursday 24th December                8.00am–1.00pm
                                                    1.00pm-2.00pm CLOSED
                                                    2.00pm-6.30pm
         Friday 25th December                  – CLOSED
         Monday 28th December                – CLOSED
         Tuesday 29th December                – NORMAL HOURS
         Wednesday 30th December             – NORMAL HOURS
         Thursday 31st December               – NORMAL HOURS
         Friday 1st January                      – CLOSED
         Monday 4th January                    – NORMAL HOURS


In an EMERGENCY please dial 999

If you have an URGENT problem please ring: 
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

For Medical Advice please ring:
NHS 111 service by dialing 1-1-1

Coleridge Medical Centre would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Coleridge Medical Centre closed 1:00pm - 4:30pm Thursday 3rd December 2015 for staff training

Training Afternoon 

Please note on

Thursday 3rd December 2015
The Coleridge Medical Centre will be closed
between 1:00pm and 4:30pm for staff training.

In an EMERGENCY please dial 999

If you have an URGENT problem please
ring:
NHS 111 service by dialling
1 1 1

For Medical advice please ring:
NHS 111 service by dialling 1 1 1

The surgery will be open as normal from 4:30pm

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Staff training Thursday 12 November 2015 1.00pm - 2.00pm

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Thursday 12th November 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Dr King

We have a book on reception for patients who would like to write a message to Dr King.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Message from Dr King

“As many of you may know, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December 2014 and have been off work since. I am sad to announce my retirement on health grounds from medical practice as from 21st December 2015.

It has been a privilege for me to serve as a GP in Ottery St Mary for twenty years, and I will miss the patients and staff of the Coleridge Medical Centre, of Ottery St Mary Hospital, and the wider health community.

I would like to thank those people who have sent me letters and cards of support throughout my illness.

Wishing you all, health and happiness for the future.”

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Staff training Wednesday 7 October 2015 1.00pm - 2.00pm

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 7th October 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Had a phone call or visit from someone and they seem to know your medical history?

HomeThis advice sheet from NHS England South (SW) has been produced with the kind permission of the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre

Recently in the South West, NHS England South SW have received a number of reports from GP Practices regarding patients who have been “cold called” by representatives of various companies. These callers (both by phone and in person), seem to know the patient’s medical history and sometimes say that this information has been obtained from the GP Practice. No GP Practice will ever divulge your medical history.

If you receive such a call please report it to:
ActionFraud either via the online fraud reporting form or make your report by calling 0300 123 2040.

Who is National Fraud Intelligence Bureau?
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) sits alongside Action Fraud within the City of London Police which is the national policing lead for fraud.

Protect yourself from Fraud
Although fraud comes in many forms, there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from the crime.

1. Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

2. Many frauds start with a phishing email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine. You can always call your bank using the phone number on a genuine piece of correspondence, website (typed directly into the address bar) or the phone book to check if you’re not sure.

3. Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don’t need much information in order to be able to clone your identity.
4. Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.

5. Sign-up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers.

6. If you receive bills, invoices or receipts for things you haven’t bought, or financial institutions you don’t normally deal with contact you about outstanding debts, take action. Your identity may have been stolen.

7. You should regularly get a copy of your credit file and check it for entries you don’t recognise. Callcredit, Equifax and Experian can all provide your credit file. An identity protection service such as ProtectMyID monitors your Experian credit report and alerts you by email or SMS to potential fraudulent activity. If it's fraud, a dedicated caseworker will help you resolve everything.

8. Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it.

9. If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost.

10. If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to discuss your situation with one of our specialist fraud advisers. To report a fraud, you can either use our online fraud reporting form or make your report by calling 0300 123 2040.

CLICK HERE to Report Fraud and Cyber Crime | Action Fraud

Monday, September 14, 2015

Housing Development Proposals - practice statement

We are increasingly asked for our views about the various developments, planning applications and proposals in and around Ottery St Mary.   We are also concerned that there are statements around to say that we are at capacity.  We do appreciate and understand the anxiety building proposals can bring upon the local community who are quite rightly concerned about existing infrastructure and over development of towns and villages.  On that basis, the GP Partners at Coleridge Medical Centre  have put together the following statement :

NHS England invests in practices on a per patient basis, so there is an investment mechanism for coping with increased population.  If a practice reaches ‘capacity’, then NHS England has the responsibility to commission additional capacity.  For example, this might mean additional investment in premises to cover expansion.

Our practice remains open to new patients.  We, like the rest of the NHS, are affected by an increase in workload and by difficulties in recruiting doctors and nurses.  These factors amongst other things have certainly impacted on the traditional ways of working and the access arrangements that patients have been used to.   However, we have developed a system to maintain the safety of our service and ensure that access to our clinicians is prioritised in line with patients’ individual needs and to make best use of our staff skills.  This is not about restricting access to GPs; it is about providing good, safe care to patients using a highly-skilled and dedicated team of clinical professionals. 

Furthermore, we have policies in place to assist in regulating our list size.  Therefore we are not taking part in the voluntary NHS scheme to allow out-of-area patients to register with us and we usually insist that patients leaving our practice area register with a practice closer to their new home.

We are currently in negotiation with Clinton Devon Estates and NHS England to build a new, larger branch surgery for Newton Poppleford.   The branch surgery is the subject of a bid for infrastructure funding which has been endorsed in principle by NHS England and is currently going through a ‘due diligence’ process ahead of final approval.  The intention would be to move from the existing small branch surgery to a new purpose-built one, which would offer increased capacity.

In the mean time, we would also encourage our patients to help us in the following ways:
  • Look after your own health and please do use our ‘stop smoking’ service, take advantage of a free NHS health check and, if applicable, a carer’s health and well being check. 
  • Please don’t wait for us to contact you.  Instead please do book your flu vaccination and routine checks for chronic and long-term conditions – ask us when your next one is due.
  • Please attend your booked appointment at the allotted time and, if you need to, please cancel any unwanted appointments.   Our Nurse Manager recently reported that on the 2nd September 2015, a total of 80 minutes of practice nurse appointments were lost to patients who did not turn up.   
  • Please sign up to and use our online and automated systems, such as text reminders, online appointment booking, online ordering of repeat prescriptions and electronic prescription services.  You can also gain access to a summary of your own medical record.
  • Please plan ahead so that you do not run out of your repeat medications and please book in when asked to so that we can review your medication.    If your review is outstanding, we may not be able to continue to prescribe any more medication until we have seen you.
  • For advice on health conditions and the availability of local services, you can dial 111 at any time day or night. 


Sue Stokes
Practice Manager

They're back


Free seasonal flu vaccinations are now being offered to all eligible*patients. Please book your appointment by telephoning 01404 814447 (after 1030 am please).  Please do not wait for us to write to you.  

A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS if you are:

• are over 65 years old
• live in a residential or nursing home

Or if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Chronic respiratory disease
• Asthma
• Suppression of your immune system
(eg Splenectomy, Chemotherapy)
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic renal failure
• Chronic liver disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis or Central Nervous System Degeneration

OR are:-

• A registered Carer
• Pregnant 

For more information on the Flu vaccination go to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx

Monday, September 7, 2015

"GPs hand over private medical records to insurers"

More in the press recently regarding medical records shared with insurance firms has prompted us to reassure our patients that we do not release any information to insurance companies unless we have their written consent to do so.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

NHS England Response to Daily Telegraph Article


We would like to make clear that the article published by the Daily Telegraph, ‘Tesco can see your medical records’ contains a number of inaccuracies.

The Summary Care Record (SCR) is used by healthcare professionals, on explicit consent of the patient, to support direct patient care.

While a regulated healthcare professional may have secure, controlled access to the SCR in a pharmacy within a supermarket as with any other pharmacy setting, this information is not accessible by other means and will never be available to supermarkets for other purposes, such as marketing.  The information can only be accessed through a secure, encrypted private network by authorised, regulated pharmacy professionals who have been carefully granted a pin-protected access card.

If a pharmacy professional shared confidential patient information for any purpose other than direct care, they can be held liable in law and held to account by the General Pharmaceutical Council, which has the legal authority to apply sanctions, up to and including withdrawal of their license to practice.

There are specific processes in place which means accesses to SCR are monitored to make sure they are appropriate and are only made for patients when there is a clinical need.

NHS England commissioned the Health and Social Care Information Centre to complete a pilot project which enabled 140 pharmacies to access SCR. A report of the findings from this project, which the article states has been ‘seen by the Daily Telegraph’ demonstrates significant benefits to patients, pharmacy and general practice. The report was made public on our website on 23 June 2015.

As part of this project, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) consulted with a broad range of stakeholders and received endorsement from the Patients Association, Parkinsons UK, Age UK, National Voices, Diabetes UK and Asthma UK. In addition local patient groups in the Proof Of Concept areas were consulted during the project and were supportive. Additionally in each of the five pilot areas, local patient groups were consulted.

The project followed the necessary approval by the Summary Care Record Expert Advisory Committee. The panel is made up of representatives from key stakeholder organisations covering different professional groups and different patient representative bodies. These representatives carried out consultations with their respective organisations regarding community pharmacy access to SCR.

Additionally, patients have been informed about SCR through a national Patient Information Programme and have the choice of opting out of having a SCR. Patients that have a SCR created for them will continue to be asked for their explicit consent to view their SCR by healthcare professionals, for the purpose of clinical care only..
Finally, the SCR programme is not a forerunner to care.data. Care.data is a programme aiming to join up data across hospitals and general practice and make it available to the people who can use it to make services better – clinicians, commissioners, researchers, charities, patients and public. The Summary Care Record is for the use of clinicians for providing direct patient care, and is not used for any other purpose.

Friday, August 28, 2015

What to do when we are closed over the August bank holiday

What to do when we are closed over the August bank holiday

As the bank holiday approaches it is worth thinking about what you would do if you or a member of your family became unwell over the holiday period.  We recommend that you:-
  • stock up on over the counter medicines.  Your pharmacist can also give you advice on treatments and products available.
  • check you have enough prescription medicine to see you through the holidays and if you are going away pack enough for at least the duration of your holiday. 
If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Please avoid using emergency/urgent services and hospital A&E departments for routine problems or for problems that can wait until we reopen.


We are closed on  Monday 31 August 2015 . Otherwise we are open as usual.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Meningitis B vaccination for babies

From 1st September 2015, we will be offering Meningitis B as part of the routine vaccination programme for babies at 2 months, 4 months and 12 months.  This will be for babies born on or after 1st July 2015.

A catch up programme will also commence for babies born between 1st May 2015 and 30th June 2015, alongside their routine immunisations.


Update on the new teenage Meniingitis vaccine (ACWY) clinic dates



Clinics have now been set up for the following dates -

Wednesday 2nd September 2015
Wednesday 9th September 2015
Thursday 10th September 2015

Further clinics will be set up as vaccine supplies become available.

We will be offering Meningitis ACWY to all FIRST TIME (freshers) university entrants under the age of 25 and to all year 13 students from the 2014 - 2015 academic year.

If you are eligible and would like this vaccination, please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.





Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Staff training Wednesday 26 August 1.00pm - 2.00pm

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 26th August 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

New Teenage Meniingitis vaccine (ACWY) update

* PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THIS BLOG FOR UPDATES REGARDING CLINIC DATES*

A single dose of Meningitis ACWY will be replacing Meningitis C in 13 - 25 year olds.

From August 2015 (as supplies become available) we will be offering Meningitis ACWY to all FIRST TIME (freshers) university entrants under the age of 25 and to all year 13 students from the 2014 - 2015 academic year.

Please note :- If you are under 25 and have received the Meningitis ACWY vaccine in the past 10 years, there is no need to re-vaccinate.

From September 2015 the 13 - 15 year olds (generally year 10 locally), will receive Meningitis ACWY at school as part of the routine vaccination programme.

Those students starting years 11, 12 and 13 in the 2015 - 2016 academic year will be called as part of the catch -up campaign.


*PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THIS BLOG FOR UPDATES REGARDING CLINIC DATES*

Monday, August 3, 2015

Scam?

Cold Calling Incident – have you been contacted?
This week NHS England SW has received two reports from two GP surgeries in the North and East of Cornwall regarding a company who had cold-called one of their patients, seemingly with the patient’s medical history. (In the first incident the company allegedly claimed they had obtained this information from the patient’s GP Surgery).

The company are trying to sell electronic beds and chairs and pressurise the customer into agreeing to a sales appointment.

This incident is similar to one reported in the Exeter area in March, but at that time it targeted patients with arthritis.

If you experience such an incident, please do the following:
·         Write down as much information about the call as you can.
·         inform us immediately and tell us what happened via our email address coleridgemedicalcentre@nhs.net (attention Practice Manager)
·         Inform the police


We will inform and share information given to us with NHS England.

Age Concern will be here on Wednesday 12th August 2015 from 0930 until 1200 noon




Thursday, July 30, 2015

No childhood vaccination clinic on Monday 3rd August 2015

Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances the childhood vaccination clinic on Monday 3rd August 2015 is cancelled.  The next available clinic will be on Thursday 6th August.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Order your repeat prescription in time for the August bank holiday


The bank holiday is approaching.  Please order your repeat medication in plenty of time.

Please plan ahead to avoid being left without vital medication over the August bank holiday.

We are anticipating a busy time in the run up to the bank holiday, so if you need a routine repeat prescription or need to see your GP to get a prescription, please make your arrangements well in advance.

Our last working day will be Friday 28th August 2015.  We will open again on Tuesday
1st September 2015.


You can book appointments and order repeat medication on line.  Please see our website for further information or ask at our reception desk.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Ear Syringing Update

Due to the shortage of nursing time with sickness and retirement some non essential nursing procedures have had to be suspended for the time being. Ear syringing is one of the services we hope to resume later in the year.

In the meantime the message from Philly Evans, Nurse Practitioner is:-

Please continue to oil your ears with olive oil and the wax may soften and come out on its own. You can also get sodium bicarbonate ear drops which are astringent and can make the ear sore but break the wax up to allow it to  come out naturally.

Please telephone us is only if you have earache or Audiology/RDE have asked you to get your ears syringed.  We have created a waiting list and patients will be contacted once our staffing levels are back to normal.  

Please note that NHS Walk In Centres will only syringe audiology appointment  waiting list patients

Staff training on Tuesday 21 July 2015 1.00pm - 2.00pm

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday 21 July 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Monday, July 13, 2015

CQC Inspection Report

Our CQC inspection report is now available.  Go to our Care Quality Commission section to read it

We want your feedback

It's easy, choose an emoticon (face), complete the survey and post in the slot by the prescription desk.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Heatwave

We have reports that there is an 80% probability of heatwave conditions between 1200 on Tuesday and 0600 on Thursday in parts of England.  To prevent major and avoidable effects on health during severe heat Public Health England recommends:-

Stay out of the heat
  • Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
  • If you go out in the heat walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
  • Avoid extreme physical exertion
  • Wear light, loose fittings cotton clothes
Cool yourself down
  • Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
  • Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
  • Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
  • Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Look out for others
  • Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
  • Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
  • Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
  • Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.
If you have a health problem
  • Keep medicines below 25C or in the refrigerator (read storage instructions on the packaging)
  • Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications
If you or others feel unwell
  • Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
  • Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
  • Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
  • Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
  • Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or symptoms persist
Keep your environment cool
  • Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can't look after themselves
  • Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
  • Keeps windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
  • Close curtains that receive the morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains as these can absorb heat - consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat
  • Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
  • If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
  • Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35C
(longer term)
  • Consider putting up external shading outside windows
  • Use pale, reflective external paints
  • Have your loft and cavity walls insulated - this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot
  • Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Surgery closed between 1.00pm - 2.00pm Wednesday 10th June for staff training

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 10th June 2015 for staff training.  
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

What to do when we are closed over the May bank holiday

What to do when we are closed over the May bank holiday

As the bank holiday approaches it is worth thinking about what you would do if you or a member of your family became unwell over the holiday period.  We recommend that you:-
  • stock up on over the counter medicines.  Your pharmacist can also give you advice on treatments and products available.
  • check you have enough prescription medicine to see you through the holidays and if you are going away pack enough for at least the duration of your holiday. 
If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Please avoid using emergency/urgent services and hospital A&E departments for routine problems or for problems that can wait until we reopen.


We are closed on  Monday 25 May 2015 . Otherwise we are open as usual.

Monday, May 11, 2015

About the North and East Devon Breast Screening Service

Eligible women registered with this practice will shortly be invited to attend breast screening.

The arrangements are those stipulated by the NHS Breast Screening Programme.  All women aged between 47-70 years will receive a written invitation to be screened every 3 years.  The first screen is NOT automatic at age 47 years but will be between 47 and 49 years and before her 50th birthday. Women 71 and over are welcome to be screened but need to contact the screening office directly for an appointment on 01392 262600.

Previous breast cancer does not exclude women from the screening programme.  It is very important that these women are invited to screening as mammography may not be part of their rountine follow-up and this is National Policy.    Women who have had bilateral mastectomy will not be invited.

Special clinics are available to cater for women with disabilities or learning difficulties.  On these days the appointments times are extended and there is a lift available both in the static and mobile screening units.  Unfortunately due to size constraints motorised scooters cannot be accommodated.

After the mammogram the women will be sent the results by letter within 3 weeks and the GP will also be informed.

The mobile screening unit will be situated at Ottery St Mary Hospital from June to August 2015.


Surgery closed 1.00pm - 2.00pm Tuesday 12th May 2015

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday 12th May 2015 for staff training.  
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Thursday, April 30, 2015

What to do when we are closed over the early May bank holiday

What to do when we are closed over the early May bank holiday

As the bank holiday approaches it is worth thinking about what you would do if you or a member of your family became unwell over the holiday period.  We recommend that you:-
  • stock up on over the counter medicines.  Your pharmacist can also give you advice on treatments and products available.
  • check you have enough prescription medicine to see you through the holidays and if you are going away pack enough for at least the duration of your holiday. 
If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.

Please avoid using emergency/urgent services and hospital A&E departments for routine problems or for problems that can wait until we reopen.


We are closed on  Monday 4 May 2015 . Otherwise we are open as usual.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Patient Online Access to Medical Records

You can now get online access to the summary information held in your patient medical record. (that is any current medications, allergies and sensitivities).  Our web page Online Services tells you how.

CQC want you to tell them about the care you have received from us

On Tuesday 21st April 2015, CQC inspectors will be visiting us.  CQC is the independent regulator of all health and care services in England.   As part of their inspection they would like to know what you think about the care you have received from us.

Patients can tell CQC about their experience of care by completing a comment card on reception. Your feedback will be treated confidentially.  The inspector may not respond to individual comments but may contact you for more information if you have provided contact details.   On inspection day CQC inspectors will also be talking to patients in the waiting room.

The results of the inspection and the report will be available on our web site in due course.  It will also be published online at www.cqc.org.uk

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Surgery closed 1.00pm - 2.00pm Wednesday 15th April for staff training

The surgery will be closed between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday 15th April 2015 for staff training.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need medical assistance when we are closed you can:
  • phone the  NHS 111 service for medical advice by dialling 111.
  • pop in to your local pharmacy for advice and over the counter medication.
  • If your problem is urgent phone the NHS 111 service by dialling 111. To avoid putting undue pressure on this service, please only phone  if your problem cannot wait until we reopen.
  • phone 999 immediately in the event of a life threatening, medical emergency.