Dr Simmonds and Dr Kuhnen
Practice Newsletter Summer 2015
TRAVEL CLINIC
If you have booked a summer holiday and think you may require vaccinations or malaria tablets
then please fill in a Travel Clinic form and our practice nurse will let you know what you require.
Ideally you should fill in your form eight weeks before travelling. Please be aware that there are
charges for some of the vaccinations and prescriptions. Further details are available from our
reception desk and on our website.
PRESCRIPTIONS
Please may we politely remind you to allow sufficient time for your repeat prescriptions to be
processed so that you do not run out of your medication. Repeat prescriptions take two working
days to process.
VIRTUAL PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
You can have your say by becoming part of our virtual patient participation group. We welcome
new members and if you are interested in becoming a member please complete the online for
which can be found on our website at www.canterburyhealthcentre.co.uk, alternatively you can
email ccccg.drsimmondsppg@nhs.net or ask at reception.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY TEST
We are pleased to report that 96% of our patients, who responded to the survey in the six
months to May 2015 were very likely, or likely to recommend our practice to their friends or
family. Thank you.
HAYFEVER
The hayfever season is now upon us. For further information and advice please see our
previous article from our Spring 2014 Newsletter which can be found on our website
www.canterburyhealthcentre.co.uk
CCG TRAINING DAYS
The surgery will close for training at 12.30pm on Tuesday 23rd June, Thursday 10th September
2015 and Tuesday 13th October 2015.
FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER AND METHODS TO
PREVENT IT
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the
womb). Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV).
HPV is a very common virus that can be passed on through any type of sexual contact with a
man or a woman. HPV infections do not have any symptoms therefore many women won't
realise they have the infection. Around 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK
each year. Cervical cancer is the 11th most common cancer among women in the UK, and the
most common cancer in women under 35.
Many more women would have suffered from cervical cancer and died without the introduction
of Cervical Screening and HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is part of the NHS childhood
vaccination program and has been routinely offered to secondary school girls aged 12 and 13
since 2008. It's estimated that about 400 lives could be saved every year in the UK as a result of
vaccinating girls before they are infected with HPV.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a method of preventing cancer by detecting and
treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix. A
sample is collected using a special brush, which gently removes some cells from the neck of the
womb. All women between the ages of 25 and 64 are eligible for a free cervical screening test
every three to five years. The NHS call and recall system invites women who are registered with
a GP practice. It also keeps track of any follow-up investigation. Woman can have their sample
taken at the surgery they are registered with, or at a local family planning clinic..
Unfortunately not all women choose to take part in the Cervical Screening Program and if you
are eligible and not sure of the procedure and its benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our
surgery and we would be more than happy to provide you with further information.
As mentioned cervical screening is not a method to diagnose cervical cancer. It is therefore
important to recognise symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer and attend your doctor if you
experience any of them. In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of
cervical cancer. If you are unsure please speak to one of the GP’s or nurses at the practice.
For further information on this topic please refer to the Public Health England website
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/index.html.
OPENING HOURS
GP Consulting Times
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
9.00-13.00
8.30-13.00
8.30-13.00
9.00-13.00
9.00-13.00
13.50-17.30
13.50-17.30
15.50-17.30
13.50-17.30
15.50-17.30
18.30-19.45
Closed
18.30-19.30
Closed
Closed
RECEPTION OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 08.30-18.30 For out of hours urgent medical care when the surgery is closed
please call 111. For serious and life threatening conditions ONLY please call 999 or go to your
local A&E department.