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Flu jabs 2017


 


It’s time to think about getting a flu vaccination.


This winter could see a very high number of flu cases in the country.


Australia is currently in the grip of its worst flu outbreak on record and the global circulation of the virus means that episodes in the Antipodes are indicators of the likelihood of outbreaks in Europe later in the year.


For many people a bout of flu will result in symptoms such as headaches, aches, pains and tiredness.


However for people in “at-risk” groups flu can have serious consequences, leading to existing health conditions getting worse or the development of an illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia.  For example, if you have asthma the symptoms may become more severe if you catch flu. For people with diabetes flu can potentially cause high blood sugar levels. Pregnant women should know that a bout of the flu could leave their child with a life-long health condition.


That’s why it is so important that people in these “at-risk” groups arrange to have a flu vaccination.


You are eligible for a free flu vaccination from your GP practice if you:



  • Are aged 65 years or over

  • Are pregnant

  • Receive a carer’s allowance or are a Ccarer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill

  • Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility

  • Are aged between six months and 65 years and have a heart problem, a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, liver disease, had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack(TIA), diabetes, a neurological condition or a problem with or removal of the spleen e.g. sickle cell disease

  • Are a child born between 1 Sept 2013 – 31 August 2015 – plus children in reception class and school years one, two and three.


If you know someone in one of these categories please remind them of the importance of protecting their health this winter.



Please speak to a member of Staff if you would like any further information or to book an appointment.

Latest News

COVID 19 AND FLU AUTUMN 2023 

With news that this autumns campaign is being brought forward to September it has raised several questions regarding our clinics.

We will still be running all of our October clinics, with the mind to running an earlier clinic in September also. However, we do not know when we will be able to get stock the vaccines to administer at this stage we do not know anymore but will update patients as we know more information. 

Patient Survey

During the week of 10th July we will be surveying patients who have had an appointment with us in the week prior. Text messages will be issued by the GOV.UK Notify service and will include a link to a LetsTalkSNEE website. The survey will consist of just 7 very simple questions about your experience of contacting the practice and making an appointment. The survey is completely anonymous and will not ask for any personal information.

Three further surveys will be undertaken during the year, on a quarterly basis. Data collected via the survey will be used to help demonstrate any improvements in patient experience of access, and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

 

Our privacy materials have been updated with important information about sharing information during COVID-19, please click here to find out more

Changes to Organ Donation

What has changed?

Organ donation in England has moved to an 'opt out' system. You may also hear it referred to as 'Max and Keira's Law'.

This means that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups.

Your family will still be approached and your faith, beliefs and culture will continue to be respected.

You still have a choice about whether or not you wish to become a donor. Get the facts about organ donation to help you decide. 

Why has the law changed?

The law has been changed to help save and improve more lives. Every day across the UK, someone dies waiting for a transplant.

What do I have to do?

People are being asked to:

  1. Record your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register: organdonation.nhs.uk
  2. Tell your family and friends what you have decided

If you would like to speak to somebody about your choices please call 0300 303 2094. 

When did the law change?

The opt out system in England came into effect on 20 May 2020.

Who will the changes affect?

These changes will affect all adults in England unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the following excluded groups:

  • Those under the age of 18
  • People who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action
  • Visitors to England, and those not living here voluntarily
  • People who have lived in England for less than 12 months before their death

Pharmacy2U

You may have received a leaflet in the post inviting you to get your repeat prescriptions from a company called Pharmacy2U.

Here are some important facts about Pharmacy2U which we feel you should know:

• Pharmacy2U has nothing to do with us.
• Pharmacy2U is a distance selling (internet only) pharmacy based on an industrial estate.
• As a patient, you cannot have any face-to-face contact with Pharmacy2U. Distance selling pharmacies like this are only allowed to deal with patients by post, telephone or internet, not in person.
• Prescriptions from Pharmacy2U are delivered by Royal Mail, unlike your medications handed to you in the dispensary by a member of our team, or personally delivered to you by our own driver.
 
We believe that an internet business like Pharmacy2U is no substitute for your local dispensary.
Please support us to continue caring for you and your family by ignoring any correspondence from Pharmacy2U and obtaining your prescriptions here at your local NHS dispensary - Thank You

Bereaved by Suicide Service

A free and confidential local service for those who have been bereaved by suicide www.victimsupport.org.uk/bereaved-by-suicide-services/

Phone:  01473 322683

Email:   SNEE.bereavedbysuicide@victimsupport.org.uk 

Young Persons Guide

Young Persons Guide

GP & Nurse Education Days

Please note both Mendlesham Health Centre and Bacton Surgery will be closed for clinics on the afternoons of:

  • Thursday 9th February 2023
  • Wednesday 1st March 2023
  • Thursday 20th April 2023
  • Wednesday 17th May 2023
  • Thursday 15th June 2023 
  • Wednesday12t July 2023
  • Thursday 10th August 2023
  • Thursday 7th September 
  • Wednesday 11th October 2023
  • Thursday 9th November 2023
  • Wednesday 6th December 2023
  • Thursday 8th February2024
  • Wednesday 6th March 2024 

The telephones will be diverted to the out of hours service provider, who will be covering any clinical emergencies. Please dial 111 if you need medical assistance. If your problem is life threatening dial 999.

Friends of Mendlesham Health  Centre (incorporating Bacton Surgery)

The charity 'Friends of Mendlesham Health Centre' (incorporating Bacton Surgery) was established in 1990.

The 'Friends' are a group of trustees who are charged with managing and channeling bequests and fund-raising proceeds to purchase items and enhance medical services at both Mendlesham and Bacton surgeries for the benefit of the patients.

The group meets 3 times a year to respond to requests from the Practice and organise fund-raising events. Periodically, informal educational workshops are arranged by the Friends for patients and those involved with their care.

Memorial donations made on behalf of loved ones are always greatly appreciated and provide a valuable source of finance to improve the welfare of all those that use the surgeries.

Suggestions regarding services and equipment that may improve patient care are warmly welcomed for consideration. Please contact us with your ideas:

Philip Tucker (Joint Secretary)

p.tucker543@btinternet.com

When the surgery is closed please call 111

Homes Suffolk Funding

Support is available for Suffolk residents who are struggling to keep warm or are worried about the cost of heating their home. The funding is designed to support those most in need of additional help through the winter months. Anyone who has a vulnerable relative or neighbour is urged to help them find out more about what support and assistance might be available to them. To find out more or book a survey call 08456 037 686 (Local rate, lines open Monday-Friday 9 - 5pm) or email your name, address and phone number to seal@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk and someone will call you back. Survey appointments are available evenings and weekends, as well as during the day.

Help us to reduce medicine waste...

Unused prescription medicines cost the NHS across the UK over £300 million every year.

  • Please let your GP or Pharmacist know if you’ve stopped taking any of your medicines
  • Check what medicines you still have at home before re-ordering
  • Discuss your medication with your GP or Pharmacist on a regular basis
  • Think carefully before ticking all the boxes on your repeat prescription forms and only tick those you really need
  • If you don’t need the medicine please don’t order it! If you need the medicine in the future you can still request it.
  • If you need to go into hospital, please remember to take all your medicines with you in a clearly marked bag.
  • Please also remember that your medicines are prescribed only for you; it’s not safe to share them with anyone else

 

Health News from the BBC and the NHS

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