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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.