+Patient Participation Group

Dr Kearley, Dr Chivers & PartnersJericho Health Centre

Summer 2015 Newsletter

Contents: The PPG IT news – electronic prescriptions and Patient

Access Holiday and travel Babies and children Community information

The Patient Participation Group

Any person registered with the practice can take part in the group, and we are keen to have a wide range of patients of all ages and backgrounds. We want to hear your views about the practice! If you can’t come along to our meetings, then we would welcome your views via our ‘virtual’ group. If you want more information please ask for the PPG leaflet at reception or email: jerichohcppg@nhs.net

IT News: Electronic Prescriptions

The Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is an NHS service. If you don’t want to go to the practice every time you need a repeat prescription you can ask the GP to send it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. You can, of course, change this arrangement at any time, just tell the practice before your next prescription is due.

Using IT for appointments and repeat prescriptions – Patient Access

If you have looked at the practice website recently (http://www.gpjerichotwo.co.uk) you may have noticed this logo. Patient access allows the use of the online services of the practice. These include arranging appointments, repeat medication, and updating your details. For more information ask at reception or https://patient.emisaccess.co.uk/.

Safe and secure

All data contained within Patient Access is protected using the highest standard internet security so you can be sure all your personal information is safe and secure.

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Holiday and travel

The Practice Nurses are fully trained in providing foreign travel advice regarding immunisations, malaria prophylaxis and general advice about keeping yourself healthy whilst travelling.

The nurse will need to discuss your destination and itinerary, any previous vaccinations and the plan for any necessary vaccinations.

All patients travelling to areas that might need immunisation against various diseases need to book a double appointment with the Nurse. It is advisable to book both the first double and a second single appointment (within a week of the first appointment) at the time of booking, as it may not be possible to start the schedule of vaccinations straight away.

It is very important that you allow enough time to receive the vaccinations before you travel – we advise that you come and see the nurse at least six weeks before you travel.

Bites and StingsMost insect bites cause itching, redness and swelling, as the insect saliva causes irritation. It usually clears up within several hours but sometimes fluid-filled blisters can form.

Ticks are tiny spider like creatures and they can sometimes carry a bacterial infection, from biting an infected animal. This is called Lyme disease. Their bite is not always felt and they can remain attached to the skin. If you find a tick on your or your child's skin, remove it by gently gripping it as close to the skin as possible, using fine-toothed tweezers or a tick removal tool (available from pet shops or veterinary surgeries). Do not use your fingers. Pull steadily away from the skin without

twisting or crushing the tick. Wash the skin with water and soap afterwards, and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.

For most bites and stings washing the skin with soap and water and applying a flannel which has been soaked in cold water to reduce swelling is all that is needed. ANTIHISTAMINE CREAM, bought at a pharmacy, gently rubbed into the area will help to calm the effects of the bite or sting.You should see your GP if:

The swelling around the bite or sting is severe or if it starts to increase again a day or two later.

If the bite or sting fills with pus and feels tender to touch.

If you feel unwell with a fever after having been bitten/stung.

Some vaccinations are available without cost these are: Combined dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus,

Polio Hepatitis A Combined dose of Hepatitis A and B –

where appropriate Typhoid Combined dose of Hepatitis A and

Typhoid – where appropriateSome vaccinations have to be given privately at a cost to all patients, even children or those who have an exemption on normal prescription fees, these are: Meningitis ACWY - £35.00 Hepatitis B (normally 3 doses) - £35.00

per dose Rabies (normally 3 doses - £55.00 per

dose Yellow fever  - £70.00

Malaria prophylaxis is issued on a private prescription, so there will also be a charge for this. The charge of a private

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Babies and Children on sunny days

Exposing your child to too much sun may increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can also cause considerable pain and discomfort in the short term. However, we all need some sun exposure - it's an important source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones and vitamin D is also important for the immune system.

Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees on sunny days between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that provides some protection from the sun.

Cover exposed parts of your child's skin with sunscreen. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don't forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day.

Cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves and make sure that the neck and shoulders are covered when they are playing in the sun.

Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck.

If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling dry.

Like adults, babies and young children need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated when the weather is hot.

If you're breastfeeding your baby, you don’t need to give them water as well as breast milk. However, they may want to breastfeed more than usual.  

If you’re bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby cooled boiled water throughout the day. If your baby wakes at night, they’ll probably want milk. If they’ve had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.

Severe Allergic ReactionsIn rare cases there can be a severe allergic (anaphylactic) reaction to a sting (rarely to a bite). Signs of this are:

Wheezing or difficulty in breathing Dizziness or fainting Difficulty swallowing Confusion/ agitation Sudden sickness and/or diarrhoea.

In this situation you should dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Safety of Children in paddling pools, ponds and swimming pools and by the sea

Young children can drown in less than 3cm of water. They should be under constant supervision when in or near any water.

Actively supervise all young children near water When going on holiday try to choose accommodation with pools that are fenced with

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Community Information

Our local community centres run a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Below are a few examples of what is available and some contact details if you want to find out more information.

North Oxford Association – NOAwww.northoxfordassociation.co.ukThe NOA Community Centre is located in Summertown, North Oxford, right beside the Ferry Leisure Centre, within two Oxford City Council car parks. There is a wide range of activities on every day of the week. These include:Health WalksDiscover the district of Summertown!  If you fancy the idea of getting fitter, feeling more energetic and generally improving your wellbeing, come and join a NOA Health Walk. The group leaves from the NOA Community Centre at 10.00 am every Tuesday.  The walk is between 1 and 1.5 miles long and is designed as a first steps walk to get you back into being active.  It is supervised by a trained walk leader and returns to the Centre for refreshments afterwards. 

Folk Dance GroupThe lively Folk Dance Group meets in the Cutteslowe Pavilion every Thursday from 7.45 - 9.45 pm.  There is a varied programme of English and American Folk Dances from the eighteenth century to the present day.  The group attracts a variety of callers, often with Live Music in a sociable and friendly atmosphere. Beginners and experienced dancers are always

welcome - with or without a partner.

Jericho Community Centrehttp://www.jerichocentre.org.ukThe Centre, which is on the corner of Canal Street and Cardigan Street, hosts many local activities, including babies and toddlers clubs and a Saturday Community Cafe — as well as numerous classes from art to yoga to Egyptian dance. The Centre is run by the Jericho Community Association.

Alive & Kicking in JerichoWhy not join Jericho’s most exclusive 50+club for the young at heart!We run exercise classes with an Age UK tutor, invite speakers, organise outings, meals, garden parties, computer classes with St. Barnabas School, craft workshops.  All the ideas for activities come from the Group.Contact person - Anne Mobbs 01865 553 755

Tai Chi - Ancient system of meditation, therapeutic exercise and self-defenceTai Chi stimulates immune function, lowers blood pressure and increases circulation, as well as improving mood and reducing stress hormones. Mixed class. Costs from £3.50 to £8 per class.

Safety of Children in paddling pools, ponds and swimming pools and by the sea

Young children can drown in less than 3cm of water. They should be under constant supervision when in or near any water.

Actively supervise all young children near water When going on holiday try to choose accommodation with pools that are fenced with

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Age UK Oxfordshirewww.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire

Community Information NetworkA free local information service for older people in Oxfordshire 0345 450 1276 or network@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk

The Dew Drop Inn Lunch Club – Summertown on Tuesday from 12pm – 2pm Call Ella on 07827 235407 or just drop in!Computer support for seniors: Cutteslowe Community Centre, Wednesdays, 1pm – 3pm. Contact Ahmed Rahman on 01865 592116