Christmas Newsletter 2024
A Very Merry Christmas From All of Us!
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to thank you for your ongoing support From all the team at Medwyn Surgery, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Practice Updates
New Faces and Roles
We would like to share some exciting updates and changes to our team this year. A warm welcome to all our new staff at Medwyn Surgery!
Jo Sutton joined as our new Practice Manager in February 2024.
Over the summer, Dr Rob Fletcher and Dr Aaron O’Callaghan became part of our GP team Our Reception team grew with the addition of Kate, Katy, Imogen, Claire and Ana. Jo, who is part of our Reception team, is now training as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) and will start seeing patients from January 2025.
We are also excited to announce two new GPs joining us in 2025: Dr Nila Sathananthan will start in January 2025.
Dr Becky Fenwick will join in March 2025
While we’re thrilled to welcome new team members, we are also sad to bid farewell to Dr. Joe Fernandez, who will be leaving Medwyn at the end of December We thank Dr Fernandez for his dedication and wish him all the best for the future.
In other news:
Dr Carl Adkin became one of our GP Partners in April 2024, succeeding Dr Chris Monella, who retired earlier this year.
Nurse Sophie welcomed a baby boy in 2024, and we look forward to her return in May 2025.
Christmas Jumper Day
Staff raised £60 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity while spreading festive cheer on December 12th
Careers Event Success
In October, Dorking PCN hosted a student event exploring healthcare careers Attendees gained insights from professionals in medicine, nursing and other fields, plus guidance on university applications. Community Highlights
Royal Marsden Chickens
Did you know Dr Carl Adkin has his own chickens? Each week, he brings fresh eggs to the surgery, which our staff purchase All proceeds go to the Royal Marsden and thanks to everyone’s generosity, Dr Adkin has raised an impressive £1,500 so far! The chickens are taking a wellearned break this winter but will resume their efforts in the spring
Pharmacy Open Hours for Christmas and New Year
RSV Vaccinations
A new NHS Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Programme was introduced in September 2024. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.
Who is eligible?
Pregnant patients from 28 weeks to protect babies during their first months
Patients aged 75 to 79 years.
Catch-Up Campaign
Currently, we are vaccinating patients aged 75 to 80 years (as of 31st August 2025), with 62.1% of patients already vaccinated If you are eligible and have not had your RSV vaccination, please call us on 01306 882422 to book your appointment.
Turning 75 soon? If you are about to turn 75, keep an eye out for your invitation as we continue to invite new eligible patients monthly.
Flu Clinics
This year, we vaccinated hundreds of patients during our Saturday clinics. Thank you to all staff and patients for your participation!
NHS Health Checks
Available for patients aged 40-74 without certain pre-existing conditions. Look out for your invite or contact us for more information.
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
We are excited to announce the launch of our new Patient Participation Group (PPG), which met for the first time in August 2024 This group of dedicated patients, carers and practice staff work together to enhance the services we offer and ensure we keep patients at the heart of everything we do.
Adrian Maybanks, our PPG Chair, shares:
Interested in joining our Virtual PPG? Visit our website, navigate to “About us” and click on “Patient Participation Group” to complete the online form
“The Patient Participation Group (PPG) at Medwyn Surgery was formed in August this year It comprises a group of patients and GP practice staff who meet regularly to discuss and support the running of Medwyn Surgery from the patients’ perspective. The PPG aims to look at the services the practice offers, give feedback on patient experience and explore how we can improve for the benefit of patients at Medwyn
We have now met twice and we aim to meet every quarter Should you have anything you wish to ask the practice please let us know. Our purpose is to provide feedback and discuss the services that are on offer at Medwyn Surgery and where possible give advice and feedback on how improvements can be made for the benefit of all Medwyn patients
Our ultimate aim is that the practice continues to put the patient and improving health at the heart of everything it does.
We are currently looking for new members for our virtual group (which is non-attendance at meetings but are involved electronically).
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year.”
Support for Carers
If you are a carer, please let us know so we can update your records and provide the support you need Visit our website for more details www.medwynsurgery.nhs.uk
NHS App: Your Healthcare at Your Fingertips
The quickest and most efficient way to access healthcare is to download the NHS App.
Access repeat prescriptions, view health records, get instant advice and manage vaccinations conveniently through the NHS App Download it today from the App Store or Google Play! www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/
Travel Vaccinations
Planning a trip abroad? Don’t forget your travel vaccines!
The NHS offers the following vaccines free of charge: Hepatitis A Typhoid DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) Cholera.
We provide two travel appointments per week but these can be quickly booked. Therefore, it is essential to plan ahead - there may be up to a four-week wait Before booking, visit the Travel Health Pro (travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries), or NHS Fit or Travel (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations) websites to check which vaccines you need You can also view your vaccination history on the NHS App.
If you require a vaccine not available through the NHS or need malaria advice, you will need to visit a private travel clinic, such as Medwyn Travel Clinic. Private clinics provide non-NHS vaccines and additional services but these come at a cost
Make your appointment early to ensure a stress-free start to your travels!
Mental Health and Community News
Mental Health Crisis Support
If you are in crisis, dial NHS 111 to access trained mental health professionals 24/7. They can provide urgent assessments, connect you to local services, or dispatch crisis teams if needed
https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/crisis-helpline
Action for Carers Hub
Surrey’s unpaid carers can now access the updated Carers’ Hubs, offering advice and support
Website: www.actionforcarers.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 040 1234
Email: CSAdmin@actionforcarers.org.uk
Mental Health and Community News
Quit Smoking with ‘It’s Well Worth It’ Campaign
Surrey County Council’s free service, One You Surrey, provides aids like patches, gum and e-cigarettes. Call, email or visit their website for more info and support.
Website: www oneyousurrey org uk/sign-up/stop-smoking/ Telphone: 01737 652168 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Email: hello@oneyousurrey.org.uk
Men’s Pitstops
New peer support groups for men have been launched in Leatherhead and Elmbridge These groups provide a safe and confidential space for men to share and support one another. Leatherhead: Thursdays, 7:30–8:30pm at Leatherhead Community Hub; Elmbridge: Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00pm at Three Rivers Family Centre (Spurgeons). Contact Blair Parrott on 07815 556320 or at blair.parrott@surreycc.gov.uk for details.
On-Demand Bus Service
Surrey Connect minibuses are now available across the county Book your journey at www.surreyconnect.org.uk
Digital Support for Carers
Surrey’s partnership with Mobilise provides online resources and peer support for unpaid carers Visit Mobilise Surrey for more information.
support.mobiliseonline.co.uk/surrey
Mental Health and Community News
Support for Financial and Welfare Needs
Surrey County Council’s online Welfare Hub offers advice on energy bills, food banks and more Access the hub at www.surreycc.gov.uk/welfare, or text “Hello Support 6” to 07577 716 833 for assistance
Stroke Association Support Group
Home Equipment Finder
Surrey County Council’s free online catalogue helps find products for independence - from smart alarms to mobility aids Check out ideas at www.surreycc.gov.uk/adults/careand-support/equipment-and-technology/equipment
The Surrey Peer Support Group provides a welcoming space for stroke survivors, their carers, family members and friends. This free group, offering a safe and supportive environment, meets the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am at Ashstead Garden Centre Contact 0207 566 1531 or email surreystrokerecovery@stroke.org.uk for more details.
Update
From Mary Frances Trust
Waythrough Charity Launch
Supporting those facing mental health, housing and addiction challenges. Learn more about how Waythrough can support you at ww.waythrough.org.uk
The Mary Frances Trust delivers online and face-to-face wellbeing groups and courses for adults aged 16+ in Surrey Downs
As part of Men’s Wellbeing Matters, a project designed to support men’s mental health, Mary Frances Trust offers the following men-specific groups: Online Men’s Peer Support Group held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00pm to 9:30pm on Zoom.
Men’s Pit Stop every Thursday, 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Leatherhead Hub Football every Tuesday and Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre, The Mole Barn.
Bipolar Support Group
Relaunched by the Mary Frances Trust in Leatherhead. Monthly sessions on the first Thursday of every month, 7:00pm–8:30pm, both online and in-person Family members, carers, friends and supporters are also welcome to attend. Register on the Mary Frances Trust website (www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk) before contacting them to book a place.
Email: info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01372 375400
Text: 07929 024722
Carers Peer Support Group
The Mary Frances Trust also offers a monthly online Carers Peer Support Group for unpaid adult carers managing long-term conditions. Held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm to 8:30pm on Zoom, it provides a safe space to discuss mental health strategies and share experiences. To join, register as a client on their website and contact them via:
Email: info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01372 375 400
Text: 07929 024 722
www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/how-we-help/activities-courses-and-groups/
Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline
Domestic abuse affects people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities and income levels. Abuse can include emotional, coercive, economic, stalking, physical, or sexual violence. For confidential advice, contact Your Sanctuary: Website: www.surreyagainstda.info
Telephone: 01483 776822
Textphone (via Relay UK): 18001 01483 776822
In emergencies, always call 999
‘Act FAST’ NHS Stroke Campaign
Every year, around 100,000 strokes occur in the UK, causing 38,000 deaths. Recognising the signs of a stroke early can save lives If someone shows signs such as slurred speech, difficulty raising an arm, or an uneven smile, call 999 immediately.
Acting FAST on any sign of a stroke gives patients faster access to specialist treatment that could save their lives. Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it’s Time to call 999.
The quicker treatment is accessed, the better the chances of recovery. To learn more about stroke, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/
Are you stressed, depressed or anxious?
Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to a wonderful 2025 ahead! Warm wishes, The Medwyn Surgery Team
