Welcome to the Winter 2012 edition of our quarterly patient newsletter. In this issue there is
information about the seasonal flu vaccination and, as the festive period will soon be here, we
have also included information about Food Poisoning and Alcohol Awareness to keep you fit over
the festive period!
Please read the section regarding the Practice opening times over Christmas and New Year and
order times to ensure you have adequate stocks of repeat medications to last during this time.
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www.woodsidemedicalgroup.co.uk
We have a fantastic new website where you can find lots of useful information about the practice,
including advice on self-treating many minor ailments such as coughs and colds. Just log on to
www.woodsidemedicalgroup.co.uk and have a browse through the pages.
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Congratulations
Congratulations to Dr M Jack on becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
The Practice Leaflet, which can be found on our new website (www.woodsidemedicalgroup.co.uk),
has been updated to:- Dr M Jack MBChB FRCGP DRCOG
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Seasonal Flu
Winter is on its way along with the usual seasonal health problems. If you are eligible for the
seasonal flu vaccination but have not received your flu jab, please make an appointment at the
surgery to have this done. Reception staff can advise you on your eligibility if you are unsure. If
in doubt as to whether or not you should have the flu injection, please ask a GP or nurse.
We strongly recommend that you have a flu jab if:
 you are 65 years of age or older OR

you are less than 65 years of age but suffer from a chronic
illness such as Heart disease, Lung disease, Liver disease,
Kidney disease, Diabetes, Previous stroke, Degenerative disease,
MS, an Immunocompromising condition or are a Carer.
Food Poisoning
As this newsletter covers the Christmas period when lots of food is consumed on Christmas Day
and leftovers are heated up over the next few days, it is important that we remember the causes
of food poisoning and how to avoid them.
Food poisoning is one of the causes of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut
(intestines). The severity can range from a mild tummy upset with some mild diarrhoea for a day
or two, to severe diarrhoea and vomiting for several days or longer. Many viruses, bacteria and
other microbes (germs) can cause gastroenteritis. Many different types of germs can cause food
poisoning. Common examples are bacteria called campylobacter and salmonella.
What are the main symptoms of gastroenteritis?
 The main symptom is diarrhoea, often with vomiting as well
 Crampy pains in abdomen (tummy) are common. Pains may ease for a while each time
some diarrhoea is passed.
 A high temperature (fever) and headache sometimes occur.
FLUIDS – have lots to drink. Rehydration drinks are ideal as they contain the right balance of
water, salts and sugar. They come in sachets and can be bought from the chemist.
MEDICATION – Anti-diarrhoea Drugs are not always necessary but will reduce the number of
trips to the toilet. These can also be bought from the chemist. These work by slowing down the
gut’s activity. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is useful to ease high temperature and headache.
If symptoms are severe, or persist more than several days, a doctor may ask for a sample of the
diarrhoea to be sent to the laboratory to be tested for infecting germs. Sometimes antibiotics
or other treatments are needed, depending on the cause of the infection.
Campylobacter - The source of the infection is often undercooked meat, especially poultry.
Salmonella - The source is usually of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, unpasteurised milk or
eggs but all food may be contaminated. Inadequate thawing from frozen is a common source.
Heat readily kills salmonella, but it can survive spit and oven roasting if not properly defrosted.
It can be spread by the faeco-oral route if a carrier does not wash hands after using the toilet.
PREVENTION
 Poultry and meat, including burgers, should be well cooked (not pink in the middle)
 Vegetables and salads should be washed thoroughly before eating
 Adequate cooking of eggs until the yolk is set, kills salmonella
 Raw meats should be kept apart from cooked meats
 Wash hands thoroughly:
- before handling different food items and before eating or drinking
- after going to the toilet
- after contact with animals, particularly pets and their bedding
 Wash utensils, chopping boards and surfaces in hot soapy water after handling raw
meat and poultry
 Those who are ill should not prepare or handle food
Alcohol Awareness
At this time of year many will drink more alcohol than is good for us. The recommended level for
women is 2-3 units per day and men 3–4 units per day.
Here are some examples of your favourite tipples:
Pint of Cider 5.3% - 3 units
Pint of Lager 5.2% - 3 units
Double Whisky – 2 Units
Sambuca Shot – 1 unit
Champagne (125mls) – 1.4 units
Small glass red wine – 1.6 units
Single Gin & Tonic – 1 unit
Alco pop 5% - 1.4 units
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Practice Closure over the Festive Period
Please find listed below Practice Closure over the festive period. Should you need medical advice
or attention when the practice is closed you should contact NHS24 on 08454 24 24 24.
Also, please ensure you have adequate supplies of your repeat medications over the festive period.
CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS
MONDAY 24th DECEMBER
OPEN 08.00-18.00
TUESDAY 25th DECEMBER
CLOSED
WEDNESDAY 26th DECEMBER
CLOSED
THURSDAY 27th DECEMBER
OPEN – 08.00-18.00
FRIDAY 28th DECEMBER
OPEN – 08.00-18.00
MONDAY 31st DECEMBER
OPEN – 08.00-18.00
TUESDAY 1st JANUARY
CLOSED
WEDNESDAY 2nd JANUARY
CLOSED
THURSDAY 3rd JANUARY
OPEN – 08.00-18.00
REPEAT PRESCRIPTION COLLECTION TIMES
OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD
ORDER RECEIVED BY
READY FOR COLLECTION
MONDAY AFTERNOON
24/12/12
FRIDAY 21/12/12
MONDAY AFTERNOON
before 12 noon
24/12/12
FRIDAY 21/12/12
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
after 12 noon
27/12/12
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
MONDAY 24/12/12
28/12/12
Orders received after close of business on Monday 24th December
will not be processed until Thursday 27th December
MONDAY AFTERNOON
THURSDAY 27/12/12
31/12/12
THURSDAY 20/12/12
FRIDAY 28/12/12
before 12 noon
MONDAY AFTERNOON
31/12/12
FRIDAY 28/12/12
after 12 noon
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
03/01/13
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
04/01/13
MONDAY 31/12/12
PATIENTS ARE ASKED TO FOLLOW THESE ARRANGEMENTS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Thank you for ordering your prescriptions early for Christmas
Wishing you all a very merry
Christmas and a happy New Year
from everyone at Woodside!
P