Summer Newsletter August 2020

Guidance from NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group - 18th August 2020

Practices should inform patients that they should "Talk before you Walk".

• We are still open and we encourage patients to get in touch for any health concerns that cannot be dealt with by the individual, their family or friends, or the local pharmacy.
  
  
• If you think you need to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional please call the practice to speak to a clinician or use e-consultation via the practice website.
  
  
• Please only visit the practice in person if you have an appointment.
  
  
• Routine vaccinations and immunisations are important and are available at the practice.
  
  
• Make prescription requests using your usual method, online systems or via the e-consultation tool.
  
  
• If you need to be seen face-to-face then you will be given an appointment to come to the practice and this will be provided in a Covid-safe way.  Remote consultations are available.
  
  
• These changes are happening to help keep staff and patients safe.
  
  
• We want to discourage people from queuing outside the practice and waiting in the waiting room, to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
  
  
• If you have coronavirus symptoms, DO NOT come into the practice - self isolate and seek help via NHS 111 or 111.nhs.uk.

Flu vaccinations 2020

We will be starting our flu campaign a little earlier this year, commencing:

28th September 2020

We will be administering the vaccine at your home if:

• You are over 65 years old and
  
  
• Live in one of the four villages we cover.  Sutterton, Algarkirk, Wigtoft and Fosdyke.

IF

• You are under 65 years old and more vulnerable due to health issues, disability, etc., you may fit the criteria for a home visit.
  
  
• If you feel that you fall into this category and have not been contacted, please telephone the practice.
  
  
• If you fall outside the above four villages, consideration will be given for a home visit if you are over 65 years old and/or fall into the vulnerable patient category.
  
  

This is such a mammoth task this year and we are providing this service for the safety of our patients, but we are asking for your help to deliver this.  We appreciate that it may be an inconvenience having to wait in at home, not knowing what time we will come.

We have weighed up our options, comparing with other practices but as we are so limited to the space both inside and outside of the surgery, we have concerns about the amount of patients queuing and we need to limit the risks to the patient.

We are unable to provide a "drive through" as other surgeries may be offering, but we feel that by delivering this personal service we are taking the safest and most convenient route for our vulnerable patients.

This isn't going to be an easy task, and as much as we have planned in advance; there will be unexpected hiccups but trust and hope that you will support us to deliver this safely and effectively.

Flu Route

We would kindly ask that you stay at home on your allocated day as we are unable to give a specific time that we will be attending.  We would be grateful if you could look out for us and:

• Please stay in your hallway
  
  
• Have your arm free of clothing
  
  
• Wear a face covering

Unfortunately, we will not be able to take requests for medication or queries for the doctor during this home visit as time will be limited.

This is a general communication from NHS England that has been issued for the general population:

Please note that people in the 50-64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.

Children's Nasal Flu

Children born on or after 1st September 2016 and or before 31 August 2018 are eligible for a seasonal influenza vaccination.

This year, this will be by appointment only and we will contact you to book an appointment.

Bereavement Group

Karen is continuing with the bereavement group and stayed in touch by telephone with all our members throughout the pandemic.  The group held their first meeting last week (socially distancing, of course) and everyone appreciated meeting up in person.

If this is something you feel would benefit you, please contact the practice and ask for Karen.

Retirement

We are sorry to say goodbye to Pauline who retired at the end of July, but are pleased to welcome four new ladies.

Jo, who will be working in the dispensary.

Susan, Sue and Linda who will be working on reception. This means there will now be three Sue's on reception which will be a little confusing!

Additional GP

We are very pleased to welcome to the practice, Dr Syed Jaffery who will be working each Wednesday and Thursday.

Delivery of Medication

We would like to thank Dr Sally Patchett for helping us deliver medication to our shielding patients.  Her help has been invaluable during these very strange times. Thank you.

Collecting Medication

We are continuing to restrict the footfall in practice and will kindly ask that you collect your medication from the waiting room window.  We have purchased a canopy to try and protect you when queuing in the bad weather.

Still open for business

We appreciate that there seem to be many rules and regulations at the moment, but would like to assure you that we have been here all throughout the pandemic and as always will continue to care for you.  If you have any concerns or queries, however trivial, please call the practice.

Keep well and keep safe

Dr Andrew Hughes, Karen, the girls and Oliver.