Moor Green Lane Newsletter
Winter 2014
Volume 14
Issue 2
We would like to wish all our
patients a very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New
Year
Staff changes
We welcome Dr.Lucy Maling our new
FY2 doctor, and say goodbye to Dr. Lucy
Nahabedian who has completed her post
and moving on with her training. We also
say goodbye to receptionist Anastasia
Ageeve who is going to University.
NHS reforms – Practice budgets are
being cut! The GP contract is being
amended! The NHS structure and
administration will change forever!
Interested! Want to be involved and have
your say! Why not join our surgery
patient participation group (PPG) or the
local wellbeing health board. Ask
reception for more information.
Our new website will be launched
shortly. With more features and easy
access to online services e.g.
appointment booking, patient surveys
etc. Web link will be available soon
FEATURES
IN
THIS ISSUE
Disease focus : Pancreatic
cancer
NHS reforms : NHS Trust
Development Authority
Self Help Group: Alopecia UK
(AUK)
Benefits : Housing benefit what
you need to know
Treating flu- so what’s new?
By EP patient at MGL


What is the NHS Friends and Family Test?
The NHS Friends and Family Test is based on one straightforward
question that we are asking people who are accessing a wide
range of NHS services. It means you can give your feedback
about the care you have received. The NHS wants to make sure
that you have the best possible experience of care and the NHS
Friends and Family Test is a way of gathering your feedback, so
we can understand what has worked well and, where necessary,
make improvements.
How will it work?
When you visit the surgery you will be asked to answer the
following question:
“How likely are you to recommend the surgery to friends and
family if they needed similar care or treatment?”
You will be invited to respond to the question by choosing one of
six options, ranging from ‘extremely likely’ to ‘extremely
unlikely’. It is really important to us that you tell us why you
gave your answer, so please answer any follow-up questions.
You may be asked to answer the question before you leave the
surgery or you may be invited to do so by returning a postcard,
by phone or online on our new website. Your answer will not be
traced back to you, and your details will not be passed on to
anyone, so please tell us exactly what you think. A member of
your family or a friend is welcome to help you give your feedback
to the question if you are unable to. There are a few additional
questions we have added agreed with our patient participation
group members which we hope you don’t mind answering which
will help us deliver the best care & service.
How will the results be used?
Your surgery will gather the results and analyse them rapidly to
see if any action is required. We will publish the results and you
will also be able to see results for other GP surgeries to see how
they compare.
Where will the results be published?
The results will be published on the NHS Choices website
(www.nhs.uk) & on our new website. More information:
http://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/fftshort-guide-patients.pdf
Christmas & New Year Opening
Wed 24/12/2014 – 8am -6.30pm
Thurs & Friday 25th & 26th Dec -Closed
Sat 27th & Sun 28th Closed
Mon 29/12/2014 – 8am till 6.30pm
Tues 30/12/2014 – 8am-6.30pm
Wed 31/12/14 – 8am-6.30pm
Thurs 1/1/2015 – Closed
Fri 2/2/15 - onwards normal opening times
Page 2
Moor Green Lane Newsletter
Winter Services: Making the Right Choice
You could get Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent if you’re
on a low income. Housing Benefit can pay for part or all of your rent.
How much you get depends on your income and circumstances.
You may get Housing Benefit if:
 you pay rent
 you’re on a low income or claiming benefits
 your savings are below a certain level - usually £16,000
You can apply if you’re employed or unemployed, but if you live with
a partner, only one of you can get Housing Benefit. If you’re single
and under 35, you can only get Housing Benefit for bed-sit
accommodation or a single room in shared accommodation.
How much you get depends on:
 your ‘eligible’ rent
 if you have a spare room
 your household income - including benefits, pensions and
savings (over £6,000)
 your circumstances - e.g. age of people in the house, if
someone has a disability
Usually you won’t get Housing Benefit if:
 your savings are over £16,000 - unless you get Guarantee
credit of Pension Credit
 you live in the home of a close relative
 you’re a full-time student - unless you’re disabled or have
children
 you’re an asylum seeker or sponsored to be in the UK
 you’re residing in the UK as an European Economic Area
jobseeker.
Housing Benefit can’t be paid for heating, hot water, energy or food if you need help, use a benefits calculator to see what else you
might be entitled to see below: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefitscalculator/startcalc.aspx?e2dwp=y
Treating flu –So what’s new?
Flu jabs are designed to ward off Flu viruses- hopefully, end of story. But if
Flu does strike we may hope for symptom relief from Over the counter
remedies…..which brings us to the 7th Oct 14 when newspaper headlines
excitedly reported that researchers from Nanjing University School of Life
Sciences in China found a molecule MIR2911 effective against flu,
particular potent in the plant Honeysuckle. It seems after drinking a
“soup” of honeysuckle, mice absorbed this antiviral molecule into their
bloodstream directly targeting influenza A virus such as Swine and Bird flu.
Moreover it repressed PB2 & NS1, two genes that are known to be
required for viral replication. This is the 1st time a plant has been found to
target a virus directly said the researchers in their report which suggest it
has the ability to be used as a broad spectrum antiviral drug. Interesting
we say. Rather cautiously Prof Oxford from Queen Mary University says
“they have got a long way but the synthetic power of these plants appears
to far exceed anything we can make. We should keep our fingers crossed
and hope it works “. But wait Prof Oxford! way back in 1994 at the 6th
International Congress for Infectious Disease reported that 4 tablespoons
of a standardised extract of elderberry per day taken by 27 recently
infected flu patients saw diminished symptoms in 20% of test subjects
within 24 hours, 75% of patients improved within 48 hours and complete
cure after 3 days in 90% of test subjects. Does all this give us food for
thought? Very likely but with the cautionary common sense: for e.g. if
tempted to rush out to buy and plant a honeysuckle exactly what type did
the researchers use, for there more than one variety? Stay wise dear
reader stay wise!
EP Patient at MGL
During the winter months, the demand for GP surgery
services and other NHS services are high.
Self-care means looking after yourself in a healthy
way, whether it is brushing your teeth, taking
medicine when you have a cold, making sure you have
first aid products at home or doing some exercise.
Please take care in the winter months, wrap up warm,
take plenty of rest and fluids for colds, and choose the
right services when you are sick.
General Practice -GP’s
Always call your GP surgery first when you are ill, if
the surgery is open we can offer you appointments or
telephone consultations, when the surgery is closed
your call will be put through to the out of hours
doctors service that can help and advise you. The out
of hour’s doctors will be able to advise you if you need
to go to A&E or use another service.
Other Services: If you have a cough or cold your local
pharmacy can help, pharmacies are now equipped
with consultation rooms and able to give advice on
various ailments. Unsure who to call ring 111
Local Walk-In Centres are generally open 8am-8pm if
your GP surgery is closed it is better to attend a walk
in centre than A&E for an issue you consider urgent
but is not a medical emergency,
Here is a quick guide to which service you can use:
Ask at reception today
Moor Green Lane Newsletter
Disease focus – Pancreatic Cancer
Page 3
Pancreatic cancer is caused by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in your pancreas – part of your digestive
system that produces digestive juices. The pancreas is in the upper abdomen and lies behind the stomach and intestines
(guts). The pancreas produces digestive juices that run down a tube called the pancreatic duct into the first section of your
small bowel (duodenum).The bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder. This joins the pancreatic duct just before
it opens into the duodenum. Bile also passes into the duodenum and helps to digest food. These juices help to break
down food during digestion and this release of digestive juices is known as the exocrine function. Your pancreas also
produces hormones, such as insulin that controls your blood sugar level. This is known as the endocrine function of your
pancreas. Almost 8,500 people get pancreatic cancer each year in the UK, which makes it the eighth most common
cancer. Most people who get it are over 60; it’s uncommon in those under 40. A cure is unlikely in most cases.
What is pancreatic cancer?
A cancerous tumour starts from one abnormal cell. The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is unclear. It is
thought that something damages or alters certain genes in the cell. This makes the cell abnormal and multiply out of
control. Ageing, obesity, smoking & inflammation of pancreas (Pancreatitis) are known risk factors. Pancreatic cancer can
be either exocrine or endocrine, depending on the part of your pancreas that is affected.
 Exocrine cancer is most common. This type starts in your exocrine pancreas – the part that produces digestive juices.
Most exocrine cancers begin in the cells that line the ducts of your pancreas. It can block the bile duct or the main
pancreatic duct. This stops the drainage of bile and/or pancreatic fluid into the duodenum. It invades deeper into the
pancreas. In time it may pass through the wall of the pancreas and invade nearby organs such as the duodenum,
stomach or liver. Some cells may break off into the lymph channels or bloodstream. The cancer may then spread to
nearby lymph nodes or spread to other areas of the body (metastasise).
 Endocrine cancer (neuroendocrine) is much rarer. It starts in the endocrine pancreas, where insulin is made and
released into the bloodstream. There are many different types of endocrine cancer, which are named after the
hormones your pancreas produces.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
The symptoms of exocrine pancreatic cancer can be quite vague. You may not notice any symptoms until the cancer gets
to a later stage. In about 7 in 10 cases the tumour first develops in the head of the pancreas . As the tumour grows it tends
to block the bile duct. This stops the flow of bile into the duodenum which leads to:
 Jaundice (yellow skin caused by bile seeping into the bloodstream due to the blockage).
 Dark urine - caused by the jaundiced blood being filtered by the kidneys.
 Pale faeces - as the faeces contain no bile which causes their normal brown colour.
 Generalised itch caused by the bile in the bloodstream.
Other symptoms
 weight loss & feeling sick or vomiting
 extreme tiredness & Upper abdominal and back pain
 changes in your bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhoea
How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed?
Your GP may ask you to give a urine and/or a blood sample. You may need to have further tests, which may include the
following. Blood tests for cancer markers (chemical substances that may show up if you have cancer).
 A CT scan (computerised tomography) is a commonly used test to assess pancreatic cancer. It is a specialised X-ray
test that can give quite clear pictures of the inside of your body.
 An MRI scan is sometimes done. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic
field and radio waves to create computer pictures of tissues, organs and other structures inside your body.
 An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) test will allow your doctor to take images of your
pancreatic duct and your bile duct using an endoscope. (A narrow, flexible tube-like telescopic camera) passed
through mouth. Allows a biopsy, which is a small sample of tissue to be taken to determine the type of cells and if
these are benign (not cancerous) or cancerous.
 An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a test that allows your doctor to look inside your pancreas. He or she will pass
an endoscope down your throat into your stomach. The endoscope contains a small ultrasound probe to produce an
image of the inside of your pancreas.
What is the treatment for pancreatic cancer?
The treatment you have for pancreatic cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer, the type you have and your general
health.
 Surgery to remove pancreatic cancer is often the first treatment option, particularly if it’s found in the early stages.
This is a major operation to remove some or all of your pancreas and possibly other parts of your digestive system.
 Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells. Your surgeon may offer you chemotherapy after you have
had surgery to help prevent the cancer from coming back. If your tumour can't be removed with surgery, you may
have chemotherapy to try to reduce its size and relieve your symptoms.

Radiotherapy uses radiation to destroy cancer cells. A beam of radiation is targeted on the cancerous cells, which
shrinks the tumour. If the tumour can’t be removed by surgery, you may be offered radiotherapy combined with
chemotherapy. More information visit www.patient.co.uk or Tel 0203 535 7099 Web: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Page 4
Moor Green Lane Newsletter
Alopecia UK is a
registered charity providing information, support and
advice for people with experience of alopecia areata,
alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. It also works to
raise public awareness and understanding throughout
the UK and supports and funds research. Alopecia is a
general term used for hair loss; this can be a small bald
patch on the head or the loss of all the hair over the
entire body. The website provide useful information on
alopecia which you can download, FAQ on the subject,
information on support groups, discussion forum,
information on treatment & wigs and how you can join a
fundraising event, make a donation, volunteer with
them or become a member to receive some benefits.
There is a section on ask the expert and you can email
Online or Log onto: www.alopecia.org.uk or address: 39
Wykeham Drive, Basingstoke, RG23 8HW.
Practice Notice Board
**Telephone Advice** Available
Everyday between 12.30-2.30pm & 4-4.30pm.Please
keep your mobile switched on and be ready to answer
the telephone when the doctor calls.
Changed your telephone number?: Please let us
know
Do you have an email address? If you do not mind
us contacting you via email please provide us with
your email address.
SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION
Remember we are vaccinating all over 65 years of age
& 2-4 year children and those with diabetes, heart
disease, kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, asthma
and pregnant women. If you have still not had your
flu, please come to one of the walk in clinics every
day at the surgery between 12.30-1.00pm and 6.156.30pm.
Friends & family test: Tell us what you think of our
services. Please complete our quick online survey
Please bring all your medication when asked to
attend your medication review
New ** PPG board in the waiting room – look out
for news & views from our from PPG members ***
The NHS Trust
Development Authority provides support, oversight
and governance for all NHS Trusts on their journey to
delivering what patients want; high quality services
today, secure for tomorrow. The TDA is now responsible
for overseeing the performance management and
governance of NHS trusts, including clinical quality, and
managing their progress towards foundation trust status.
The Trust Development Authority’s key functions include:
–
Monitoring the performance of NHS Trusts, and
providing support to help them improve the quality and
sustainability of their services
–
Assurance of clinical quality, governance and risk
in NHS Trusts
–
Supporting the transition of NHS Trusts to
Foundation Trust status
–
Appointments to NHS Trusts of chairs and nonexecutive members and trustees for NHS Charities where
the Secretary of State has a power to appoint.
The TDA plays its part in safeguarding the core values of
the NHS, ensuring a fair and comprehensive service
across the country and promoting the NHS Constitution.
It is accountable nationally for the outcomes achieved by
NHS trusts and for financial stewardship within the NHS
trust system, as it is winding down.
Doctor’s availability
Day
Time
mon
tue
am pm am
pm
RAJ
X
GEETI
X
SALIM
X
X
X
Wed
thur
fri
am pm am pm am
pm
X
X
X
X
X
X
ALT
x
BAHIA
x
x
x
MALING
x
x
x
X
x
x
x
x
x
x
X
ALT
X
X
ALT
X
X
NAIPAUL
X
X
X
x
x
ALT = alternate week. Late night surgery Wednesdays till 8pm
In the next issue (don’t miss it)
Disease focus – Pulmonary Embolus
Self-help group – Bladder & Bowel Foundation
NHS reforms – Commissioning Support Units (CSU)
Investigations series 2 – PET scan
Benefits – series explaining the different types of benefits you can claim –Maternity allowance
Remember you can access practice information 24 hours of the day click: www.nhs.choices
x