Newsletter - October 2015

Green Meadows Surgery The CQC Report Comment by the PPG Chairman, Jonathan Greenyer You may have seen the press coverage of the recent CQC Inspectorate (Care and Quality Commission) report on Green Meadows Surgery following their visit this summer. The full report is available on the practice website. Green Meadows Surgery is very much a part of our community and has been for many decades. Local families have grown up relying on Green Meadows Surgery who have helped them through their joys, their sadnesses and the everyday issues of health and welfare. This involvement with Green Meadows has been passed down through the generations to their children and in some cases – grandchildren. We hear the patients saying they have trust and respect for their doctors and the nurses at Green Meadows and this was also echoed in the CQC report. The PPG would like to reassure all patients and staff that even though we are a relatively new feature of the doctors’ surgery, the Patient Group will provide whatever support it is able to help Green Meadows with any issues identified in the CQC report. Email ppg@greenmeadowsppg.org 07768 513436

DIABETES by Dr Mandy Robertson The 1

st August 2015 was my 20

th anniversary of working as a GP

partner at Green Meadows Surgery and an opportunity to reflect on the changes to the way we work, particularly in the care of diabetes. Diabetes wasn’t always an area of special interest, but I took over the running of the surgery diabetic clinic when I started out. I recall we had about fifty patients on the diabetes ‘register’, whom I looked after in a half-morning fortnightly clinic, and many patients also attended the hospital regularly. I approached Dr. Scott, the local diabetes consultant, for tips, and was recruited to work at King Edward VII Hospital diabetic clinic to ‘learn the ropes’. Over the years there was been a move for the care of diabetes, (as well as lots of other long-term medical conditions), to be undertaken in the GP surgery with only the most complex patients attending the hospital. Practice nurse Jane Leedham and I have completed diplomas in diabetes care as well as courses on insulin initiation and other new drug treatments. As a practice we are proactive in screening at-risk patients to pick up “pre-diabetes” and diabetes early, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing. We are now busy looking after nearly five hundred patients, and spend a morning a week in a dedicated diabetic clinic, with extra catch-up clinics as needed. Diabetes care is now seen as a top NHS priority due to the ever-rising costs of care, mainly caused by long-term complications of the condition such as kidney failure, heart disease, eye problems and circulatory problems. A weight of evidence has shown that good long-term management of diabetes reduces the risk of complications. Practices are audited on various measurable outcomes such as achieving optimal blood test and blood pressure results. In recent years there have been several new classes of oral and injectable therapies for diabetes treatment, and the introduction of a Berkshire-wide eye screening service which we accommodate at the surgery for 2-3 weeks per year. So what does the future hold? Currently there is a shift in emphasis towards a more patient-centred approach to managing long term medical conditions, with the introduction of individual care plans. At Green Meadows I am hoping to introduce this new approach in the coming weeks to the benefit of our patients with diabetes. Undertaking diabetes care constitutes a large part of my professional life. I continue to work at King Edward VII two mornings a week as well as running the service at Green Meadows. I am passionate about providing the best possible care, and look forward to whatever the next 10 years brings.

If you know of a Patient without access to the internet, or who rarely visits the surgery why not take them a copy of this Newsletter. Editor Margaret Little

DOCTORS’ AND NURSES’ TRAINING DAYS

Please note the Surgery is closed one afternoon a month for the Doctors and Nurses to receive on-going clinical education. Dates in 2015 are Thursday 8th October, Tuesday 3rd November & Tuesday 1st December.

NEWSLETTER

CONTACT DETAILS

If you have any comments or

articles for the PPG newsletter

then please email Margaret Little

depchair@greenmeadowsppg.org

Or leave details with Reception at

Green Meadows and they will be

passed on.

Green Meadows Surgery Winkfield Road, Ascot, Berks SL5 7LS

01344 621628 www.greenmeadowssurgery.co.uk

Surgery Opening Hours 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday

Weekends Closed

BRACKNELL URGENT CARE CENTRE Royal Berkshire Bracknell Healthspace London Road Bracknell RG12 9GB 01344 551100. WHEN TO USE AN URGENT CARE CENTRE? Use the Bracknell Urgent Care Centre (BUCC) treats minor injuries and minor illnesses that require immediate assessment and treatment but do not require care in an A&E Department. The BUCC is not an alternative to your GP practice, which should usually be contacted first. If you are not currently registered with a GP practice the green Meadows receptionists can give you information to help you register. WHAT HAPPENS IN AN URGENT CARE CENTRE? The BUCC is a nurse led unit and all patients are initially assessed by a nurse. Priority is given to the illness or injury that the patient has attended with. Certain patient groups are prioritised including children and the elderly. The centre is supported by a GP at all times. The BUCC is not a replacement for your appointment with your GP and the continuity of care that this provides. If in doubt please call the centre on 01344 551100 or 111. WAITING TIMES Waiting times in the BUCC will vary based on the number of patients in the centre at any given time and the length of appointment each patient in front of you requires. All patients are seen in order of arrival and their medical urgency. This may result in a patient who arrived after you being seen for treatment before you. This does not mean they have jumped the queue, it means that they are in a different treatment category than you, or they have been classified as more urgent. Please feel free to speak to one of the BUCC reception staff if you would like an approximate waiting time. At peak times you may be assessed by a triage nurse to help determine a priority depending on your symptoms. You may be seen by an emergency nurse practitioner or a GP depending on what your symptoms are. It is sometimes necessary to refer you to other more specialist services or to your GP to ensure continuity of care. BRACKNELL URGENT CARE OPENING TIMES ; Monday to Sunday - 08.00 am—8.00pm When the centre is closed please call NHS 111 for medical advice. You will be assessed and referred to the most appropriate service. If you feel your symptoms are life-threatening please call 999 or visit the nearest Accident & Emergency Department.

THE ASCOT GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHEME Update

Further to our August newsletter article. Please note that while still helping with lifts to the doctor's surgery, hospital, optician, chiropodist or dentist, unfortunately the Ascot Good Neighbourhood Scheme can no longer offer lifts to the hairdresser, supermarket or any other non-medical requirement.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. Email in your questions and we will try to answer them. Email: depchair@greenmeadowsppg.org How will I be informed of my test results? As the surgery is unable to contact everyone individually about their results please telephone the surgery 7 days after the test to obtain the results and be informed whether any action is needed. The GP will have looked at your test results and added relevant comments were you required to see or speak to them. The Receptionists with convey this information when you call in. If your results were significantly abnormal or required more urgent action then a GP may phone you sooner, but do not assume that no action is needed, always call. Please do not ask the Receptionists to interpret the test results as they are not clinically trained. What does Usual GP mean? All patients are attached to a registered GP also known as the Usual GP. This GP is responsible for your health and well-being whilst registered at the Practice. Although you can always ask to see other GPs within the Practice your overall care is still co-ordinated by your Usual GP. It is felt this provides important continuity of care as well as helping you build a relationship with someone who knows you. Also, appointments are then more effective as less time is required going back over historic notes and you receive a consistent treatment approach. Ask, if you don’t know who is your Usual GP. If I arrive late for my appointment will I still be seen? You may be seen if you arrive within 10 minutes of your allotted time. After this you will have missed your allocated appointment and will be asked to rebook. Please try to arrive on time or let the surgery know if you are delayed.

ONLINE SERVICES You can now book appointments and order repeat prescriptions online by registering with Patient Access Online Services. Accessible via the new look Green Meadows website, the service is free and easy to use, once you know how!

Once your account is set up and you’ve registered, you can then log in whenever it suits you, to book an appointment or request a repeat prescription from the comfort of your own home. See our separate Online Services flyer in this newsletter for much more information.

The PPG are planning some brief introductory training sessions during the next few weeks to help you to get started and use these online services. If you are interested in attending a session, please call the PPG on 07768 513436 or email ppg@greenmeadowsppg.org to register your interest and find out when and where.

GET SET FOR A HEALTHY WINTER - by Viv Taylor Get set for a healthy winter by avoiding colds and flu this year. Winter, which can start as early as October, is not everyone’s favourite season. Winter brings the dark, the damp and a drop in temperatures. It is important for all of us to be prepared. Colds and flu are the most common of all Winter infections.

Colds : A cold is an mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore scratchy throat, cough and watery eyes. Influenza (Flu) : Flu is an infectious viral infection. It comes on suddenly and last longer than colds. Flu symptoms include high temperature, headache, dry chesty cough, general aches and pains.

What can we do to avoid these infections this winter? KEEP WARM

Keep the warmth in, wear several thin layers to trap warm air close to the body. A great deal of heat is lost from the head and neck so wearing a hat and scarf will really help. If you are sitting for long periods a shawl or blanket can also provide extra warmth.

WASH YOUR HANDS Wash your hands regularly to prevent the virus spreading, especially after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. Dispose of the tissues as soon as possible. Keep all surfaces clean with anti-bacterial spray/cleaner.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS Water, tea, coffee, juice etc EAT WELL

Food is a vital source of energy and energy helps keeps us warm. Eating at regular intervals throughout the day will help keep your energy levels up.

AVOID CROWDED SITUATIONS Crowded areas with little ventilation makes it easier for infections to spread, making catching a cold more likely.

BE PREPARED – are you eligible for the free flu vaccine ? Free flu vaccines are available for those who :

- are age 65 or over - are 2, 3 or 4 years old - are pregnant - have a serious medical condition such as chronic heart, lung, neurological, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes - have weakened immune system with chemotherapy treatment - have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person

Green Meadows Surgery will be running Flu Clinics on 10th & 17

th October and 7

th November. Book an appointment now.

KNOW YOUR MEDICATION We all need prescriptions from time to time and many of us have repeat prescriptions for on-going medication. It is very important to observe the following points: ● Do you actually check your medication when you collect it from the pharmacy? ● With repeat prescriptions the packaging may not always be the same, the medication may be made by different drug Companies. So, ALWAYS read the instructions on the pharmacy label and the information leaflet enclosed.

● Do you know why you take this particular medication and how long you should take it for? ● How much do you know about the medication you take? ● Do you always read the information leaflet? Sometimes there may be updates to this, so it should be read every time you open a new pack.

Hope these tips help and that you remain well. Article by Pamela Binyon & Viv Taylor - Patient Participant Group members.

MEMORIES OF GREEN MEADOWS SURGERY Note from the Editor, Margaret Little:

Established as a family practice in the 1930s on the present site, I registered as a patient in 1970, when Green Meadows Surgery operated from Dr Maycock’s house. I still recall that old house with the rickety staircase leading up to the Waiting Room - on the first floor!

Over the years I remember Doctors Butler, McMath, Morgan, Normington, Burgess, Green and Whittington! Since that time a great deal has changed not only with the building but of course the Doctors and Staff.

As many of you have been patients for a long time, why not share your memories with us? Funny, sentimental, sad or simply bizarre, please e-mail your stories to me at depchair@greenmeadowsppg.org or leave your written details at Reception and we will include your stories in our new Newsletter slot.

SHARING MEDICAL NOTES ACROSS THE FRIMLEY HEALTH TRUST by Jonathan Greenyer Chairman PPG

During a visit to A&E at Frimley Park Hospital I found the hospital did not have access to any details of my previous medical treatment at other hospitals in the Frimley Health Trust - Wexham Park or Heatherwood Hospital, or my medical details from Green Meadows Surgery.

Following excellent treatment and a successful outcome at A&E an email direct to Sir Andrew Morris Chief Executive of Frimley Health Trust produced this response which may be of interest to all Green Meadows patients who find themselves in a similar situation.

“Thank you for your email. I am pleased to learn that you were happy with the clinical service even though we could not access your previous episodes at Wexham or Heatherwood. I will pass on your appreciation. We are now one Trust as you say and we are working on creating one IT system that will have an electronic record for every patient. We do hold over I million sets of medical records and will be spending £20m on implementing our IT strategy over the next two years. I apologise for the frustration caused. Sir Andrew Morris ”

This extremely prompt response was much appreciated. Did you know that anyone can email Sir Andrew Morris, direct via links found on all the hospital websites?

FALLSFREE4LIFE FallsFree4Life is a free service that can be accessed by any Bracknell Forest resident who is 65 and over and is concerned about their risk of falling. Residents can make an appointment to have one of the team’s friendly Wellness Coaches visit their home and undertake a full in-depth falls risk-assessment, covering all factors that can increase this risk. People can self-refer by: * 0118 334 1861 or 0800 634 9139 * Email - info@fallsfree4life.co.uk * Website - www.fallsfree4life.co.uk

COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS IN TEENAGERS Article by Lewis Thomas

Most young people struggle with skin problems at some point in their adolescence; in fact, about 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will be affected by acne. However it is important to know that most people go through the same thing and not let it affect your confidence. Acne is one of the most common conditions; it causes spots to develop on the skin, usually on the face, back and chest. The spots can range from surface blackheads and whiteheads – which are often mild – to deep, inflamed, pus-filled pustules and cysts, which can be severe and long-lasting and lead to scarring.

Regular Washing

Keeping your skin clean is important, but will not prevent new spots developing. It’s necessary to; wash the affected area twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser, but being careful not to scrub the skin too hard so as not to irritate it.

Hormones, Heredity or Diet?

Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, but can start at any age. It affects the grease-producing glands next to the hair follicles in the skin. Certain hormones cause these glands to produce larger amounts of oil (abnormal sebum). This abnormal sebum changes the activity of a usually harmless skin bacterium called P. acnes, which becomes more aggressive and causes inflammation and pus. The hormones also thicken the inner lining of the hair follicle, causing blockage of the pores (opening of the hair follicles). Cleaning the skin does not help remove this blockage. Acne is known to run in families. If both your mother and father had acne, it is likely that you will also have acne. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also lead to episodes of acne in women. There is no evidence that diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity play a role in acne.

Seeking advice and treatment

If you develop acne, it's a good idea to speak to your pharmacist for advice. Although acne can't be cured, it can be controlled with treatment; several creams, lotions and gels for treating spots are available at pharmacies. See your GP if you cannot control your acne with over-the-counter medication or if it is causing you distress and making you feel unhappy. Also see your GP if you develop nodules or cysts, as they will need to be treated properly to avoid scarring.

References: [www.nhs.uk Conditions,Acne] [www.bad.org.uk British Association of Dermatologists] [www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk]

BRACKNELL & ASCOT NHS TOENAIL CUTTING SERVICE If you have difficulty cutting your toenails & are:-

● Over 65 and no longer able to cut your own

toenails

● Have medical conditions preventing you

from cutting your own toe nails; have

reduced mobility such as arthritic hips

● Sight impaired

● A diabetic

Please speak with your GP/Practice Nurse and ask for a referral to the Toenail Cutting Service OR you can refer yourself. Obtain your referral form from: Podiatry, Skimped Hill Health Centre, Skimped Hill Lane RG12 1LH 01344 458107