Winter 2023 Patient Newsletter
📋 A message from our Patient Participation Group
Since the Autumn newsletter, we have continued to give our views, comments and patient experience on new and existing services/systems. This is to support improving patient service.
We also helped the flow-through of patients at the vaccine clinics. We shared information from NHS online at a meeting with the practice and requested for them to ensure that those who are not online can easily access the information they need.
If you wish to become a member of our PPG, please send a request to [email protected]. or pass your details to the Reception team.
Help us to help you
💓 Community Defibrillators
Did you know approximately 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur a year? Around half of these are witnessed by a bystander.
What is CPR?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique which involves the manual application
of chest compressions to patients who have stopped breathing/heartbeat has stopped (cardiac arrest) to help keep the patient alive until advanced help arrives.
What is a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is a device that gives a jolt of energy to the heart. It helps get the heart beating again when someone is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. You might also hear it being called a defib, a PAD (public access defibrillator) or an AED (automated external defibrillator).
For every minute without CPR and a defibrillator the chance of death increases by 10%- An ambulance response time for a cardiac arrest is 7 minutes.
There are defibrillators in the community but these are reported as being used in less than 1 in 10 of out of hospital cardiac arrests. How do you access these? When calling 999 in the event of a cardiac arrest the operator will inform you if there is a community defibrillator nearby and give you the access code. They will then give you directions on CPR and use of the defibrillator while arranging an ambulance.
In the event of a cardiac arrest:
➡️ Call for help immediately (999)
➡️ Early CPR (30 compressions in the centre of the chest between the nipples. (999 will give instructions on how to do this effectively)
➡️ Early defibrillation (if possible)
Continue with compressions until:
➡️ You are told to stop by a healthcare professional (ambulance crew take over)
➡️ Physically too tired to continue
➡️ Patient starts breathing.
You can find more information on how to give lifesaving CPR here.
☎️ Call waiting times
In November, the average call queue waiting time was 5 minutes and 10 seconds. Like the famous Blondie song goes, nobody likes being left “hanging on the telephone”. You can save time and send us your requests in seconds using our online form.
📲 Are you using the NHS App?
Many of you may already be using the NHS App. This gives you access to your medical records across the NHS. You
can:
✅ Request repeat prescriptions and check the progress of your requests
✅ Nominate a pharmacy for your
repeat prescriptions
✅ Use the Choose and Book service to book an appointment following receiving your referral information (booking reference and access code)
✅ View test results
✅ Access health advice, information and other services.
✅ Access NHS 111 online.
Signing up to the App is straightforward. You can download
it from your App store on an Apple device or your Play Store on an Android device. Once downloaded,
you can create an account. You can also use online.
Anything before 01 November 2023 will not be visible in the app unless previously enabled.
🧠 Christmas Mental Health
For some people Christmas may be their favourite time of year but for others they may really struggle. For coping tips, ways to support others and useful contacts over the festive period please visit: Christmas and mental health – Mind
If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health crisis please call the Urgent Mental Health Helpline on 0800 783 9111 or you can call 111 and press option 2. Alternatively, you can contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123. You can also text “SHOUT” to 85258.
If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency where you or someone else may be in immediate danger please attend A&E or call 999.
The Silver Line Helpline
The Silver Line Helpline, run by Age UK, is a telephone service specifically for older people aged 55 and over who may be feeling lonely, need access to support or just want a chat. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free: 0800 4 70 80 90
💬 Carers Surgeries
On 23rd January 2024, a lady called Liz who works for Carers First (an unpaid carers charity) will be in our waiting rooms at Lordswood (9.30am-12pm) and Walderslade (2.30pm-5pm). You may have met her before as she has visited the practice previously.
Liz will be in our waiting rooms offering support and information on services for carers. She will ask if you are a carer or supporting someone and if you are interested in hearing more about services for carers she will explain in more detail and give you information leaflets. Liz may also accompany you to reception to ensure you are on the carers register or if reception is particularly busy she may ask for your name and date of birth to pass on to the team later to ensure you are on the carers register (with your consent).
She also raises awareness on benefits carers may be entitled to and will also try to make sure the person being cared for is on the right benefit.
She will also talk to you about your caring role and will offer support strategies if a carer is struggling. If you care for or support someone please feel free to come along and speak to Liz.
🎄Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas Day – CLOSED
Boxing Day – CLOSED
Wednesday 27th December – Open as normal
Thursday 28th December – Open as normal
Friday 29th December – Open
as normal
New Year’s Day – CLOSED
Tuesday 2nd January – Open
as normal
If you are in need of medical assistance while the surgery is closed please contact NHS 111 who can refer you to the correct service for treatment or advice.
In an emergency please call 999.
