Wednesday, December 16, 2020

                                 Coleridge Medical Centre

Christmas & New Year Opening Hours 2020



Monday 21st December 2020      -  Normal hours

Tuesday 22nd December 2020     - Normal hours

Wednesday 23rd December 2020  - Normal Hours

Thursday 24th December 2020    - Normal hours
                                (Telephone lines closed 1:00pm - 2:00pm)

Friday 25th December 2020        - Closed

Monday 28th December 2020       - Closed

Tuesday 29th December 2020      - Normal hours

Wednesday 30th December 2020   - Normal hours

Thursday 31st December 2020      - Normal hours 

Friday 1st January 2021            - Closed

Monday 4th January 2021           - Normal hours

                                   

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


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

Friday, December 11, 2020

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Monday, November 23, 2020

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Domestic Abuse Helpline Services


Entering another lockdown tomorrow will be particularly difficult for those who are experiencing domestic abuse.
It is important to remember that Covid-related isolation rules DO NOT APPLY to people fearing for their safety.
Whether you are a victim of domestic abuse yourself, or know of someone who is, there are plenty of organisations that can help you through this, and our staff are at the end of the line to offer guidance and support if you need it.



Monday, November 2, 2020

Monday, October 26, 2020

Virtual Patient Participation Group

 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Would you like to join our Virtual Patient Participation Group (PPG), and offer your voice to practice improvements, healthcare updates, and more?!

Members of the Virtual PPG will only receive questionnaires about topics they have expressed an interest in, and these questionnaires will only be sent out once a month.

Once responses have been processed, patients who have completed the questionnaires will be informed of the outcome, so that you know that your voice can and will make a difference!

The practice will release updates with any significant changes to all patients, regardless of whether you have joined the Virtual PPG or not.

To join our Virtual PPG, simply complete the registration form by following the link below:

https://www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk/patient-participation-group

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Telephone Update

 We recognise that there is some difficulty in reaching the Practice via the telephone at the moment due to a high volume of incoming calls. This is primarily due to the opening of our flu clinic appointments.

Please bear with us as we try to answer your call as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Autumn Newsletter 2020

Our latest newsletter, with up to date information on how the Practice is currently running, is now available to read on our website at: https://bit.ly/2Zf8kS8. Please take a look!

Kind regards, Coleridge Medical Centre.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Coleridge Medical Centre August bank holiday opening hours 2020

 

Coleridge Medical Centre
August Bank Holiday Opening Hours 2020



Friday 28th August 2020         -  NORMAL HOURS
Monday 31st August 2020       -  CLOSED
 Tuesday 1st September 2020  -  NORMAL HOURS


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

Friday, August 21, 2020

Telephone Update

 We are aware that there has been difficulty in phoning through to the Practice, as well as calls dropping out mid-conversation.

We have been told that this is a national issue, and the providers are working very hard on resolving this as soon as possible.


For non-urgent queries, please try using e-Consult in the first instance, and you will receive a response from a GP by the next working day. A link to this can be found below, and on our website.


Thank you for your patience and understanding.


https://coleridgemedicalcentre.webgp.com/

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Keeping Cool in This Hot Weather

 As we safely enjoy the heat and sunshine, please remember to look out for friends, family, and neighbours who may need some help keeping cool.


Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Better Health Campaign 2020

From the 27th July, Public Health England has launched a major new adult health campaign to help kick start our health to include eating better and getting more active. Take a look at their website today to see how they can help you!


Coleridge Medical Centre's New Website Is Now Live!

We have a new website! It is easy to navigate, full of great advice, and it has useful patient information readily available.

Visit: www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk

 

Friday, July 31, 2020

Coleridge Medical Centre's New Website

The Practice will be launching a new website today!


The new website will make it easier for patients to access various online services, and access information in a much more efficient way.


Further details will be posted once it has gone live.

 

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Face coverings in Public Settings

We are aware that some patients might be understandably anxious about the Government’s recent announcements around the use of face masks in various public settings.

GPs are unfortunately not in a position to provide individual risk assessments or letters for patients who feel that they should be exempt from wearing a face mask, whether in regard to their use on public transport or in any other setting as required by legislation.

Devon Local Medical Committee has therefore prepared this guidance note as the statutory body that advises and supports all GPs and practice teams across Devon.

The Government guidance on exemptions suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption therefore it is sufficient for an individual to self-declare this.

In the case of face mask use on public transport, the responsibility for issuing exemptions lies with the transport provider not your GP. Similarly, practices are under no obligation to provide letters of support for anyone who does not fall under the list of exemptions but considers them to have another reason to be exempted.


Government advice on the use of face coverings on public transport can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#face-coverings.


Some people don’t have to wear a face covering including for health, age or equality reasons. Some staff may not wear a face covering if it is not required for their job.


We hope that this guidance provides some reassurance for you on this issue.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

User Video for New Intercom System



We have implemented new measures in the Practice to ensure both staff and patient safety.

When you arrive at the Practice, please pass your hand over the sensor to call reception. A member of staff will then speak to you through the intercom to verify your details and ask a few screening questions.

Once these have been completed, and if you have a pre-booked appointment, you will be admitted into the building and directed to the waiting room.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

TALKWORKS

Is the way that you are feeling affecting your daily life? Are you struggling to cope, feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings? Are you living with a long term health condition that is making you feel tired, frustrated and worried? You are not alone and we can help.

TALKWORKS is a free, confidential, NHS talking therapy service helping you to feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

You can self-refer direct to TALKWORKS:

Call 0300 555 3344 or complete the online form on their website

 



Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Please wear a face covering before entering the surgery

image credit: Public Health England


Coleridge Medical Centre are now kindly asking patients to please apply a face covering before entering the surgery.

We have a responsibility to our staff and to our patients, and a face covering is an added precaution that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on. Face coverings can help in reducing the spread of droplets; it stops them from leaving the mouth and nose, and reduces the size of area in which they spread.
Please note that medical and surgical masks are not necessary, as these still need to be prioritised for clinical staff working in high risk areas. Instead, we encourage patients who do not already have a mask, to look at the official guidance on how to make one at home with items that you may already have.
It is important to remember to refrain from touching your face when wearing the mask, as contaminated droplets can be picked up from surfaces by touch. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing, and we also strongly encourage washing your hands regularly

Friday, May 29, 2020

Parking Update

Please note that the Practice car park is for limited mobility access only.

If you are coming to the Practice for an appointment, we kindly ask you to park in the Sainsburys car park, which is free for up to 2 hours. Alternatively, there is paid car parking in the Land of Canaan car park nearer the Practice.

Thank you for your understanding, and keep safe.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Possible cervical screening text messaging scam

The Public Health England screening team have received reports of a possible scam. Some people are being contacted by text message, claiming to be from the call and recall service to advise they are overdue for cervical screening. The message asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details.

These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. 

If you receive a text message of this kind, please do not respond.

Bank Holiday Opening Hours May 2020


Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Coleridge Medical Centre Spring Newsletter

Our latest newsletter, with up to date information on how the Practice is currently running, is now available to read on our website at:

Monday, May 4, 2020

New service for parents and carers- Text a health visitor for confidential advice and support.


Text a school nurse service- Confidential advice and support for young people


Information about Online Postal Service Pharmacies



Please note we do not arrange for medication to be delivered or posted, that is between the pharmacies and patient to organise. If patients are using postal service pharmacies, there can be quite a wait for the medication to be posted. Some are stating 2 weeks from receiving the prescription to processing and delivering. The patient will need to check the terms and conditions with the provider. Please note that if they sign up online to postal service pharmacies it is NOT linked to the physical high street version - ie Well.co.uk is nothing to do with Well next door, Boots.com is nothing to do with local Boots , so they are unable to help with issues and concerns.

Please be aware that our reception team are here to help, and signpost patients with medical assistance.
We serve a wonderful community and we are doing our best to keep both our community and staff safe in these trying times. Please do not be offended by questions that need to be asked prior to allowing the public into the building, this is to keep everyone as safe as we can and limiting unnecessary contact.


Thursday, April 23, 2020

Leg ulcer/wound Important Information


Have you sustained a new wound to your lower leg? Or perhaps have a pre-existing wound that you are worried isn’t improving or is looking/feeling worse? If so, our Practice Nursing team is still here to help you despite coronavirus changing our usual service delivery!
 You don’t need to manage at home alone, unsure how to best care for it.  Perhaps you may worry we are too busy and hence you may be reluctant to seek our advice…but in fact, we want to encourage you to get in touch with us.   Despite the new challenges we face, as always we are still here for you.
Why are we so keen to see your wound? Well, any wound on the lower leg (above the ankle but below the knee) is at risk of becoming a leg ulcer – no matter how minor the trauma and regardless of the cause.  Leg ulcers are not a disease in themselves, they all start as ‘normal’ wounds. When you add together a leg wound, perhaps with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes or issues such as swelling/fluid to the lower legs, and with inappropriate management then it presents the perfect recipe for becoming an ulcer. And the modern definition of an ulcer is a wound on the lower leg (between the ankle and the knee) which remains unhealed for 2 or more weeks.  So: it really is vital that you are proactive to give your wound the best chance of healing and to avoid ulceration. We understand if you are worried about coming down to the surgery at the current time – after a phone consultation with one of us it may be that we can offer you an initial video consultation rather than face to face appointment – so please do let us know should this be the case.

What is a Leg Ulcer?
Most leg ulcers are venous. This means the wound fails to heal because of underlying high blood pressure in the veins of the lower leg. The main cause of this is faulty valves within the leg veins. In healthy leg veins, the valves prevent blood flowing backwards and keep the blood moving forward on its return to the heart. The valves may be faulty at birth, may weaken with age or become damaged following events such as a thrombosis (blood clot) or as a result of lifestyle choices. When the valves are damaged, backflow of blood is not prevented and blood pressure in the veins increases. Persistent high blood pressure can cause fluid to leak out of the veins causing lower leg swelling and/or can damage the tiny blood vessels in the skin. Over time, this can damage the overlying skin. This subsequently increases the risk of leg ulceration as the skin can easily break down resulting in a wound, or after trauma the skin does not heal well.  An ulcer can therefore form. Once an ulcer is present, fluid can leak from it which can cause further breakdown of the surrounding skin. Unless managed appropriately, leg ulcers can deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek medical assessment of your lower leg wound as soon as possible.

Can a venous leg ulcer be cured?
Yes! Healing can take time and is dependent on your general health and skin condition. The sooner you can seek medical assessment and management, the greater the chance you have of ulcer healing. So please be proactive. Most leg ulcers are venous, but some are arterial or ‘mixed’ – resulting from diseased arteries, not just veins.  Arterial and mixed ulcers  are more complex, healing can take longer and may need referral for specialist assessment. Your Nurse can advise you on the likely diagnosis of your wound after assessment. Assessment helps our Nurses guide decisions around the best treatment for your wound to prevent further deterioration and promote healing.

What is the treatment for venous leg ulcers?
Your Nurse will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment will focus on addressing underlying cause of the ulcer, not just dressing the wound. Research has found compression therapy is the most effective treatment for venous leg ulcers. Compression helps to improve the blood flow and blood pressure, and therefore increase healing rate. Engaging with compression therapy therefore results in more ulcers healing and reduces the risk of recurrent future ulceration. Compression therapy may in the form of bandaging, hosiery/socks or wraps. Our Nurses will advise you what may be suitable for you.

What can I do to help my leg wound heal?
Phone us for advice if you are worried   01404 814447
Exercise: Keep mobile and make use of your daily allowed trip outside for exercise (if you are able to and this is safe for you to do as per current government Coronavirus guidance). A daily walk will help. Sitting exercises including raising your heels from the ground, circling your ankles and raising your toes are also great to improve circulation.
Smoking: Try to stop.  Smoking damages veins and arteries so will slow down healing.
Diet: Aim for a healthy balanced diet. Obesity is a risk factor for leg ulceration so if you are overweight, consider how you may be able to attempt weight loss. Additionally, if you are underweight, seek advice online/from your GP/Practice Nurses regarding how you can improve your nutritional intake.
Medication: Continue taking your medication as prescribed.
Skin care: Use a non-perfused moisturiser on any dry skin at least once a day, ideally twice, to improve skin quality and prevent ulceration risk.
Elevation: When resting, keep your legs raised above hip height. This will help reduce swelling and improve circulation.

So please, don’t suffer and worry alone at home, we would love to hear from you and help as soon as possible after your wound occurs/you notice concerns. As always, we are here to help.

Coleridge Medical Centre








Tuesday, April 21, 2020

General Update to Patients

If you have a medical need please do not delay in seeking treatment. 
We are still available to help and support our patients in the first instance by either  telephone or using eConsult.  
eConsult is available 24/7 via our website http://www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk  Simply click on the eConsult banner and select the right option for you. 
We will get back to you often on the same or next working day.
Thank you.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Coleridge Medical Centre
Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours 2020



As per recent Government Guidance Coleridge Medical Centre will be open on Good Friday (10th April) and Easter Monday (13th April).
To access our services, please only phone on the day you need help.  You will not be able to book in advance without speaking to a clinician first. 
eConsultations can be used as an alternative to phoning us and can be accessed via our website www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk

Thank you for your cooperation


 Thursday 9th  April 2020   -  NORMAL HOURS
 Friday   10th April  2020   -  NORMAL HOURS  
 Monday  13th April 2020    -  NORMAL HOURS
 Tuesday  14th April 2020   -   NORMAL HOURS


In an EMERGENCY please dial 999



Coleridge Medical Centre would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter

Thank you everyone

Thank you to our family, friends and patients for all of the kind words and gifts we have received during this difficult time. Your support is always appreciated. 

Ordering repeat medications


    We understand that ensuring you have your medication supply at home during these difficult times is important but please follow the advice below -


  •         Check what medication you have at home before re-ordering your prescription.
  •         If you don’t need the medication, please do not order it.
  •         If you need the medication in the future you can still request it.
  •         This includes medications that are prescribed to be used as and when required.

·     The easiest way to order your medication on line is by signing up to the NHS App.  This is a simple secure way to access a range of NHS services via a smartphone or tablet. 

       For more information go to www.nhs.uk/nhsapp


·      

Thursday, March 26, 2020

WhatsApp Scheme

New Government WhatsApp scheme:

“The government has launched a new, free service on WhatsApp to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) and reduce the burden on NHS services. To use the service, add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message”

This is an automated ‘chatbot’ service which will allow the British public to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus direct from government. It will provide information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting. The service will also allow the government to send messages to all opted-in users if required.

Monday, March 23, 2020

update on access to services 23 March 2020 14:42

Please stay at home and follow national guidance and advice that can be found via the links on our web site, national newspapers, TV, radio and social media.

We are turning people on foot away from our premises unless the visit here has been pre-arranged with us over the telephone. We know our phone lines are busy, we have additional lines in place and at present the staff to man them. Use e-consult as an alternative if you need help with a medical problem.

A new booking system is now in place - please only phone on the day you need help. You will not be able to book in advance without speaking to a clinician first.
From tomorrow (Tuesday 24th March) Whimple surgery will be closed to the public.

Our plan is to maintain access to doctors and nurses to help those who are medically unwell. We can only do this by putting measures in place to keep you and all the staff here as safe as possible.

Please share among your family, friends and local community.


Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Changes to our system

From Monday 23 March 2020 we will change our system to manage the risk of reduced number of staff including doctors and nurses.

We will no longer hold drop in baby immunisation clinics.  Instead please phone the surgery on the day your baby is due their vaccination.  You will then be contacted by a clinician to arrange a suitable time for an appointment.  To protect the safety of our staff we urge you to only bring your baby to the appointment avoiding where possible bringing additional family/friends

On the day you have a medical problem, please telephone us.  We will take your name, contact telephone number and ask you, in confidence, what the nature of your problem is.  If you need to speak to a clinician we will do our best to allocate your usual or preferred clinician.

We will call you as soon as possible, usually within an hour either side of a specified time.   The doctor or nurse will discuss the problem with you and work out what to do next.  We will arrange an appointment if you need to be seen.  This will usually be on the same day or you may want to ask for another day if more convenient to fit around work or to allow time to arrange transport.

The doctor or nurse will call you three times.  If you are unable to answer your phone,  your enquiry will be marked as non-responder and you will need to call in and restart the process.  Under these circumstances it may not be possible to speak to a doctor or nurse on that same day.

You do not need to ring as soon as the surgery opens.  You can ring at any time, and by ringing slightly later than you have in the past you may find there is a quicker response time.

You will not be able to book a telephone call on another day.  Please phone on the day you need us.

Monday, March 16, 2020

Consultations with your gp/nurse - Telephone, face to face appointments and eConsultations available

To minimise the risk of Coronoavirus we are using telephone appointments and e-Consultations in the first instance.  The clinician may still then arrange a face to face appointment with you as clinically required.


Telephone consultations - The gp or nurse will first contact you by telephone and carry out a consultation with you.  If after speaking with you they decide it is clinically necessary to see you face to face, a suitable appointment will be made for you to attend the surgery.


eConsultations (over 18's) - This will allow you to receive help and advice from our GPs without leaving home and if an appointment is required it will be prioritised. All admin queries can also be submitted using the eConsult. To access this service please visit www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk  No password required to access this service
If you need help to fill out an eConsult form online, or are unable to, you can continue to call the practice and a patient service advisor will ask you the questions and complete it on your behalf.
You will receive a response by 6:30pm the following working day.


Please be advised, we are suspending our face to face online appointment booking service for the time being. 



If you already have an appointment booked please attend as normal unless we contact you otherwise.


Please do not come in to the practice if you have either a new continual cough pr a raised temperature over 37.8 C.  You should self isolate and self care for 7 days.  If your condition deteriorates you should contact 111.

Please use online services to order repeat prescriptions and to check blood results.  For more information and to sign up online at 
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/the-nhs-app/help/start/