TOWCESTER MEDICAL CENTRE & PAULERSPURY SURGERY
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
NEWSLETTER
December 2014
Welcome to the December edition of the Newsletter for patients of
Towcester Medical Centre and Paulerspury Surgery
WELCOME TWO NEW STAFF MEMBERS TO THE PRACTICE
Dr Omar Abdalwhab, MRCGP DFSRH MB Ch.B joined the practice team in October following the
departure of Dr Emma Clancy. His areas of special interest are minor surgery and COPD. Karen Wheeler
has been appointed Practice Manager, overseeing both surgeries. Welcome.
PROTECT YOU AND YOURS FROM FLU THIS WINTER WITH A FREE FLU JAB
As winter sets in, those at greatest risk from flu should protect themselves and their families and get “flu safe” with
a free flu jab. Flu is a highly contagious infection with symptoms that come on very quickly. In most cases, the
symptoms are mild, but in others they can be very serious.
We are encouraging everyone who knows anyone who may be at risk from flu to tell them how important it is
that they get protected. Carers and frontline health and social care staff are also encouraged to get a free jab to
protect themselves and those around them.
For the first time, the flu vaccination is also being offered to children aged 2 to 4 years old. This is to protect them
and help reduce the spread of flu to other children, including siblings and parents. Parents will be invited into the
surgery for these vaccinations in the coming weeks, or they may contact the surgery now.
Those at greater risk from flu include people aged 65 or over, pregnant women and those with health conditions
such as severe asthma, chest or heart complaints and diabetes. You don’t qualify for a free jab but want one? Then
contact your local pharmacist or visit: www.neneccg.nhs.uk/flu
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA? BECOME A “DEMENTIA FRIEND”
People with dementia get by with a little help from their friends. Anybody can become a Dementia Friend. It’s just
about understanding a bit more about dementia and the small things you can do to help sufferers.
People with dementia want to carry on their daily lives, feeling included in their local community but they sometimes
need a helping hand to do so. Dementia Friends learn a little bit about what it’s like to live with dementia and turn
that understanding into action. This could be helping someone find the right bus or being patient in a till queue if
someone with dementia is taking longer to pay. Every action counts.
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problemsolving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a
series of strokes.
Being a Dementia Friend isn’t about volunteering or fundraising, though you can do that.
Find out how to become a Dementia Friend contact: www.dementiafriends.org.uk or call the
Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline tel. 0300 222 1122 or http://www.alzheimers.org.uk
PTO
December 2014 Newsletter – Page 2
OVER 60? FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER THIS WINTER?
Get early advice. See your local pharmacist or go to www.nhs.uk/asap
The NHS “earlier, the better” campaign is targeted at the over 60s, and anyone who visits or
looks after an older friend, neighbour or relative. It urges them to seek early advice from their
pharmacist or from www.nhs.uk/asap for minor winter illnesses to prevent them developing into
something more serious.
It’s important over the winter months that older people tell a friend, family member or carer if they
have a cough, cold, sore throat or difficulty breathing to prevent it getting worse. If you’re over 60 a
minor illness can get worse quickly.
People often don’t seek advice because they think it is not serious enough. No problem is too small
for your local pharmacist, who is a highly trained and trusted source of health advice.
Remember: the earlier, the better.
ILLNESS? INJURY? (AT ANY AGE)
Not sure where to go for the best, most appropriate help?
The simple Choose Well guide will help you decide from a range of local NHS services.
Ask yourself is it a REAL emergency?
Self-Care
Many illnesses and injuries can be treated at home
Ensure you are well stocked with: Paracetamol, Anti-diarrhoeal medicine, Rehydration mixture,
Indigestion remedy, Plasters and a Thermometer
Pharmacist
For confidential medical help and advice
To find your local pharmacy visit http://www.neneccg.nhs.uk/
GP Surgery
For non-life threatening minor illnesses and injuries
To find your local GP surgery visit: http://www.neneccg.nhs.uk/
Call 111
Need urgent medical treatment but it is not life threatening?
Unsure where to go? GP surgery not open? Can’t get an appointment?
For confidential health service advice and information call 111, available 24 hours a day
They will direct you to the best place to get treatment including:
- GP Out of Hours
- Minor Injury Service/Urgent Care Centre
- Minor Emergencies
A&E
For LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES only
Northampton General Hospital, NN1 5BD or Kettering General Hospital, NN16 9UZ
BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
All enquiries, comments or to become a member of your PPG, please contact the chairman at
angela.kelly@u2consulting.com or ask for the telephone number at reception. Thank you.