Help build a health service for your future and the future of your family. A recent report found that the NHS was in a critical state, and the Government wants to hear the public’s views on how the NHS can adapt to the changing demands of today.
Make sure you give your views and opinions on the health service, its future and the 10-Year Plan for Health. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of the NHS.
You said: More availability for appointments needed due to recent increases in population in the local area.
We did: We have increased our appointment availability recently, however in the last few weeks we have had higher levels of staff sickness in conjunction with school holidays which has reduced our overall capacity.
• Epilepsy Awareness
• Prescription Costs
• Youth Social Prescribing
Endometriosis awareness, 1st to 31st to March
Endometriosis affects one in ten women and those assigned female at birth. Endometriosis Action Month aims to raise awareness of the impact of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb develop elsewhere in the body. These cells react in the same way as those inside the womb, building up and then breaking down. Unlike the cells in the womb, the blood has nowhere to go and this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue.
Let’s turn the world purple to raise awareness of epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition of the brain which means you have repeated seizures. Many people will have one seizure but that does not necessarily mean they have epilepsy.
https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/what-is-epilepsy
Epilepsy in the UK: Key Facts How Common is Epilepsy?
• Around 1 in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy, which means over 600,000 people are living with the condition.
• Every day, about 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK.
Understanding Seizures
• Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures, which can vary widely from brief absences to convulsions.
• Not all seizures involve convulsions – some may cause staring spells, unusual movements, or brief confusion.
Diagnosis & Treatment
• A diagnosis of epilepsy is usually made after two or more unprovoked seizures
• Around 70% of people with epilepsy can control their seizures with the right medication.
• For some people who don’t respond to medication, treatments like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), ketogenic diet, or surgery may be options.
Living with Epilepsy
• Many people with epilepsy can lead full and active lives with the right support.
• Some people with epilepsy may qualify for a free bus pass or disability benefits, depending on their condition.
• Seizure first aid: If someone has a seizure, stay calm, keep them safe, and time the seizure. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call 999.
Raising Awareness
• Purple Day (26th March) is an international day to raise epilepsy awareness wear something purple to show your support!
• The Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Action, and Young Epilepsy are great UK-based organisations providing support, advice, and advocacy.
• 10 fresh mint, basil or parsley leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon of dried)
• 50g lower-fat hard cheese, grated
Healthy eating
Pea Poppin' Risotto
Method
1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the onions until they are soft and beginning to go seethrough, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Tip the rice into the pan and cook for 2 minutes, then pour in a ladle of stock and keep stirring!
3. Once the first ladle of stock is absorbed, pour in another and carry on cooking, stirring regularly. Repeat until the rice is cooked and all but 200ml of the stock is used – about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
4. Put the spinach and half of the peas in a bowl, and add the remaining stock. Blend or mash until you have a smooth green sauce.
Risotto is super-flexible so you can try this recipe with pretty much any veg you like! Sweet potato, butternut squash, courgette and tomatoes all work particularly well.
5. Pour the green sauce into the rice, along with the remaining peas, fresh or dried herbs and lower-fat cream cheese. Stir well to mix, and put back on the heat for a couple of minutes to warm through. Serve topped with the grated lower-fat hard cheese and spoons at the ready!
It’s important to try and eat a healthy diet, including a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, rice and pasta, and lean protein.
The Eatwell Guide gives clear guidelines and images to show you what we should aim for in terms of balancing our food intake across a week.
It can be difficult to work out how much we should be eating as a portion. The British Dietetic Association has an easy guide to portion sizes. You don’t even need to have your scales to hand!
Boost Immunity – Eat vitamin C-rich foods, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
Prepare for Allergies – Start antihistamines early, keep windows closed, and shower after outdoor exposure.
Adjust to Daylight Saving Time – Gradually shift sleep and get morning sunlight.
Stay Active – Take advantage of longer days for outdoor exercise.
Spring Clean Your Diet – Eat more fresh greens, seasonal veggies, and lean proteins.
Protect Your Skin – Wear sunscreen and moisturize.
Manage Mood – Get outside, meditate, or journal.
Declutter & Refresh – Spring clean your space and check food/med expiration dates.
Hydrate More – Warmer weather means you need extra water.
Check-In on Goals – Reassess New Year’s resolutions and set fresh wellness goals.
February Patient Feedback:
We like to collect patient feedback, not just because we have to, but because it helps inform the choices we make when it comes to service provision. It also helps us work out what is working and what maybe could be improved. Patient feedback is very much valued and we have introduced a board at each of our sites where feedback can be left.
Here’s some of the feedback we received this month!
You said
More availability for appointments needed due to recent increases in population in the local area.
GP should be open to discuss more than one matter in a 10 minute appointment instead of saying every time that for different things we have to make separate appointments.
We responded:
We have increased our appointment availability recently, however in the last few weeks we have had higher levels of staff sickness in conjunction with school holidays which has reduced our overall capacity.
We understand the frustration of needing multiple appointments for different concerns. The reason for this policy is to ensure that each issue gets the attention it deserves while keeping appointments on schedule for all patients. However, if multiple concerns can be addressed within the appointment, it would be helpful for patients to mention them at the start and the GP can prioritise accordingly.
Clearer signage as to where the consultation rooms are - maybe a floor plan on the walls or if there is one already, have it somewhere that’s more visible?
I think many patients are struggling with the online method of communication which is not entirely userfriendly. As a result the receptionists are being put under even greater pressure than before. If this is the way forward I feel the system definitely needs some updating.
We are working to improve on the signage around the buildings, but as this is quite costly it is taking longer than we anticipated to correct. We will try to improve our current signage in the meantime to help with the issue.
We understand that transitioning to an online system can be challenging for some patients. However, it has actually helped improve appointment availability and reduce phone line congestion, making it easier for those who need assistance to reach us. If anyone is struggling with the online process, our reception team is happy to help, just as they would have done previously. We appreciate your feedback and will continue to look for ways to improve the system to better support all patients.
Ovarian cancer, 1st to 31st March
March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Over 90% of women don’t know the main symptoms of ovarian cancer; There are a number of risk factors including age and lifestyle.
The cost to the NHS for prescribing paracetamol every year is £80 million. *Based on the approximate price of 32 tablets. On prescription the cost of 32 tablets is around three times more than for a patient to buy locally.
You can do your bit to help:
Please don’t ask for paracetamol on prescription, it can be bought affordably elsewhere. Play your part in helping your local NHS to save money.
Our Reception team are still able to help you fill out a Rapid Health form if you need it. You can ring us or you can pop into the surgery at either of our sites.
We know not everyone has access to the internet, so we will do our best to help you get to the care you need.
