After 6th September 2010 Newton Poppleford branch surgery will be closed on Monday mornings. Dr Kerr & Dr Dilley will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays as usual and appointments with Dr Long will be available at Ottery St Mary.
To book an appointment to see a doctor at Newton Poppleford branch surgery please telephone our main number on 01404 814447
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Help Scheme
Our volunteers continue to be as busy as ever and we are extremely grateful for the time they give so freely. In order to keep the service going we have been busily fundraising. As well as the spring raffle Annie Haines and Janet Farrow were kind enough to put on a play for us, Louise Sanders chose us as her nominated charity for the London Marathon and Malcolm Henson made a sponsored parachute jump.
We are very grateful to them and all those who supported the events.
The Ottery Herald has chosen the Help Scheme for their Campaign 2010 which has brought us lots of much needed publicity. If you would like to know more about the Help Scheme brochures are available at the Medical Centre and you can telephone Pat Lane and Jane Ross on 01404 816700.
We are very grateful to them and all those who supported the events.
The Ottery Herald has chosen the Help Scheme for their Campaign 2010 which has brought us lots of much needed publicity. If you would like to know more about the Help Scheme brochures are available at the Medical Centre and you can telephone Pat Lane and Jane Ross on 01404 816700.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Dr Megan James is leaving the practice
After eight years our Associate GP, Dr James, has decided to leave the practice in order to pursue her career elsewhere.
We hope that Dr James' patients will continue their care with Dr Samantha Coles who is currently one of our Locum GPs.
It is sad to see her leave and we would like to thank her for all the care she has provided for our patients while wishing her our very best for the future.
We hope that Dr James' patients will continue their care with Dr Samantha Coles who is currently one of our Locum GPs.
It is sad to see her leave and we would like to thank her for all the care she has provided for our patients while wishing her our very best for the future.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Whimple Extension is now Complete!
The extension at Whimple Branch Surgery is now complete.
The surgery was re-opened to patients on Monday 5th July 2010.
There are now two extra consulting rooms, plus some additional facilities for the staff working there. We have made some basic improvements to the waiting room to bring in more light, which should be more pleasant for you while you wait for your appointment. We are also planning to install a computerised check-in screen for patients to use, which will alert the doctors and nursing staff when you arrive for your appointment.
We would like to thank you for your patience and tolerance whilst the surgery has been closed, and we are particularly thankful to Mr John Discombe and the Victory Hall Committee for their co-operation with the disruption of the car park.
To make an appointment at the Whimple Branch Surgery please telephone 01404 814447.
The surgery was re-opened to patients on Monday 5th July 2010.
There are now two extra consulting rooms, plus some additional facilities for the staff working there. We have made some basic improvements to the waiting room to bring in more light, which should be more pleasant for you while you wait for your appointment. We are also planning to install a computerised check-in screen for patients to use, which will alert the doctors and nursing staff when you arrive for your appointment.
We would like to thank you for your patience and tolerance whilst the surgery has been closed, and we are particularly thankful to Mr John Discombe and the Victory Hall Committee for their co-operation with the disruption of the car park.
To make an appointment at the Whimple Branch Surgery please telephone 01404 814447.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
The seasonal influenza immunisation programme is nearly upon us.
The first clinic has been set up for Tuesday 21st September 2010. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR US TO WRITE TO YOU, you can book now for a flu vaccination if you fall into one of the following categories:
-all those aged 65 years and over
-all those aged 6 months or over who suffer from any of the following: chronic respiratory disease and asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease (including stroke, TIA, multiple sclerosis and hereditary and degenerative disease of the central nervous system) diabetes, immunosuppression
-pregnant women NOT in the groups above and who have NOT already received the H1N1 swine flu vaccine
-poultry workers
-those living in long stay residential care homes
-those in receipt of carers allowances or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
The first clinic has been set up for Tuesday 21st September 2010. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT FOR US TO WRITE TO YOU, you can book now for a flu vaccination if you fall into one of the following categories:
-all those aged 65 years and over
-all those aged 6 months or over who suffer from any of the following: chronic respiratory disease and asthma, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease (including stroke, TIA, multiple sclerosis and hereditary and degenerative disease of the central nervous system) diabetes, immunosuppression
-pregnant women NOT in the groups above and who have NOT already received the H1N1 swine flu vaccine
-poultry workers
-those living in long stay residential care homes
-those in receipt of carers allowances or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Practice Manager appointed
After 21 years, Anne Maher has retired from her role as Practice Manager to take on a new role as our Business Development / Projects Manager.
We are delighted to announce that Sue Stokes is our new Practice Manager.
We are delighted to announce that Sue Stokes is our new Practice Manager.
Dr Nigel de Sousa returns to work
Dr de Sousa has returned to work on a part time basis. Initially, he will be consulting with patients on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
Dr Tim Cox reduces his hours
After 30 years of full time general practice in Ottery St Mary, Tim Cox has reduced his commitments.
He will be consulting all day on Mondays and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Dr Jonathan Osborn will be sharing Dr Cox's patient list until the autumn, when the practice will be appointing a new partner.
Dr Cox has stepped down as Senior Partner and has handed the baton into the very safe hands of Dr Dilley. However, he will be continuing with his current clinical commitments for the foreseeable future.
He will be consulting all day on Mondays and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Dr Jonathan Osborn will be sharing Dr Cox's patient list until the autumn, when the practice will be appointing a new partner.
Dr Cox has stepped down as Senior Partner and has handed the baton into the very safe hands of Dr Dilley. However, he will be continuing with his current clinical commitments for the foreseeable future.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
New website goes live!
After many months of planning our new website went live today. We hope you like it!
www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk
Embarrassingly, we just ask that you please don't use the contact forms for the next 48 hours as we are waiting for our web host to update our package!
www.coleridgemedicalcentre.co.uk
Embarrassingly, we just ask that you please don't use the contact forms for the next 48 hours as we are waiting for our web host to update our package!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Slip! Slop! Slap!
It is summertime and hopefully the sun will shine all summer long so it’s time to:
Slip on a shirt
Slop on some sunscreen
and
Slap on a hat
Living in Devon we have some of the highest levels on sunshine in the UK and those of us who live in the Southwest also have the highest levels of skin cancer in the UK.
Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease but the levels have almost doubled since the 1980’s. There are 2 main types of skin cancer:
-Non-melanoma which is very common (more than 84 500 cases in 2007) and usually easily curable
-Malignant melanoma which is much more serious but less common (10 600 cases in 2007)
Skin cancer is more common the older we get however malignant melanoma is disproportionately high in younger people and is now the most common cancer in the 15-34 year age group. It is twice as common in young women as it is in young men however more young men die from it.
What Causes Skin cancer?
Sun exposure is the main cause of all types of skin cancer
Who is most at risk?
-People with fair hair, who sunburn easily or do not tan easily
-People with a lot of moles, or very large moles and people with a lot of freckles
-People who get repeatedly sunburned have double the risk of melanoma and also an increased risk of non melanoma skin cancer
-People who use sunbeds
Do people survive skin cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma: BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma: SCC) is very common and is usually detected early and is not life threatening.
Melanoma survival rates have increased in the last 20 years and are now amongst the highest for any skin cancer with over 80% of men and 90% of women surviving for more than 5 years.
What should you look for?
Melanomas
A mole that is different from the rest that is changing in any way. Sometimes they can bleed or start itching. The moles may suddenly look very black or you may even notice a different looking new mole. A melanoma can be a large or small mole.
A brown or black streak under a nail
A common site for melanomas is on the chest or back whilst in women they are commonest on the legs.
Non melanoma skin cancers (BCC, SCC)
A sore that never heals
Translucent growth with rolled edges
Waxy feeling scar
A flat or slightly depressed lesion that feels hard to the touch
Commonest on areas of high sun exposure e.g. the “T” at the centre of the face (Forehead/eyes/nose), bald scalps, the V at the nape of the neck and both lower arms.
What to do if you are worried
Make an appointment to see your doctor at Coleridge Medical Centre and we can review the area you are worried about. Most of the time we can review your lesion and reassure you. The majority of non melanoma skin cancers can be treated with a cream called efudix without the need for surgery or referral into hospital. Some non- melanoma skin cancers will need referral to specialist skin doctors either due to their size or position. All suspected melanomas will require urgent referral to the specialists at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
How do you protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancers?
In 1981 the Australians were very worried by the rocketing numbers of skin cancers and so the Slip Slop, Slap campaign was introduced and this significantly raised awareness of the need to protect the skin from the effects of sun damage and how to do it. It is attributed to slowing the rate of growth in skin cancer incidence in Australia.
So
Slip on a shirt: any shirt will do but try make sure it is one that covers your shoulders and the V of your neck. Ideally if you are going to the beach get the whole family UV protection T shirts even supermarkets sell them now.
Slop on some sunscreen: Choose a factor 30 sunscreen keep it in your bathroom or bedroom and put it on when you get dressed and before you go out and then reapply regularly throughout the day. Always take enough sunscreen for the day if you go out walking or to the beach.
Slap on a hat: the wider brimmed the better as it protects your face AND the back of your neck
Any worries about your skin? Come in and see one of the Coleridge Medical Centre Doctors.
Slip on a shirt
Slop on some sunscreen
and
Slap on a hat
Living in Devon we have some of the highest levels on sunshine in the UK and those of us who live in the Southwest also have the highest levels of skin cancer in the UK.
Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease but the levels have almost doubled since the 1980’s. There are 2 main types of skin cancer:
-Non-melanoma which is very common (more than 84 500 cases in 2007) and usually easily curable
-Malignant melanoma which is much more serious but less common (10 600 cases in 2007)
Skin cancer is more common the older we get however malignant melanoma is disproportionately high in younger people and is now the most common cancer in the 15-34 year age group. It is twice as common in young women as it is in young men however more young men die from it.
What Causes Skin cancer?
Sun exposure is the main cause of all types of skin cancer
Who is most at risk?
-People with fair hair, who sunburn easily or do not tan easily
-People with a lot of moles, or very large moles and people with a lot of freckles
-People who get repeatedly sunburned have double the risk of melanoma and also an increased risk of non melanoma skin cancer
-People who use sunbeds
Do people survive skin cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma: BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma: SCC) is very common and is usually detected early and is not life threatening.
Melanoma survival rates have increased in the last 20 years and are now amongst the highest for any skin cancer with over 80% of men and 90% of women surviving for more than 5 years.
What should you look for?
Melanomas
A mole that is different from the rest that is changing in any way. Sometimes they can bleed or start itching. The moles may suddenly look very black or you may even notice a different looking new mole. A melanoma can be a large or small mole.
A brown or black streak under a nail
A common site for melanomas is on the chest or back whilst in women they are commonest on the legs.
Non melanoma skin cancers (BCC, SCC)
A sore that never heals
Translucent growth with rolled edges
Waxy feeling scar
A flat or slightly depressed lesion that feels hard to the touch
Commonest on areas of high sun exposure e.g. the “T” at the centre of the face (Forehead/eyes/nose), bald scalps, the V at the nape of the neck and both lower arms.
What to do if you are worried
Make an appointment to see your doctor at Coleridge Medical Centre and we can review the area you are worried about. Most of the time we can review your lesion and reassure you. The majority of non melanoma skin cancers can be treated with a cream called efudix without the need for surgery or referral into hospital. Some non- melanoma skin cancers will need referral to specialist skin doctors either due to their size or position. All suspected melanomas will require urgent referral to the specialists at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
How do you protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancers?
In 1981 the Australians were very worried by the rocketing numbers of skin cancers and so the Slip Slop, Slap campaign was introduced and this significantly raised awareness of the need to protect the skin from the effects of sun damage and how to do it. It is attributed to slowing the rate of growth in skin cancer incidence in Australia.
So
Slip on a shirt: any shirt will do but try make sure it is one that covers your shoulders and the V of your neck. Ideally if you are going to the beach get the whole family UV protection T shirts even supermarkets sell them now.
Slop on some sunscreen: Choose a factor 30 sunscreen keep it in your bathroom or bedroom and put it on when you get dressed and before you go out and then reapply regularly throughout the day. Always take enough sunscreen for the day if you go out walking or to the beach.
Slap on a hat: the wider brimmed the better as it protects your face AND the back of your neck
Any worries about your skin? Come in and see one of the Coleridge Medical Centre Doctors.
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