Newsletter
Wincanton Health Centre
Issue 41 Summer 2014
Welcome to our new members of staff!
From l-r:
Acute Care
Practitioner Jo
Whaites, Practice
Nurse Melissa
Kelly and Health
care Assistant
Lynda Turnbull
We would like to extend a warm
welcome to three new members of our
medical team, Jo Whaites, Lynda
Turnbull and Melissa Kelly.
Our new Acute Care Practitioner Jo
has settled quickly into her new job in
Wincanton after working at Yeovil
District Hospital for the past 28 years.
Qualifying in 1984, Jo has worked in
the Emergency Department for the
last 14 years. She took a Sister’s post
in July 2006 and has been an
emergency nurse practitioner since
2007. She became an independent
prescriber last year.
Jo said: “I’m really looking forward to
the challenge of working in a busy
health centre!”
She has two grown up boys and lives in
Castle Cary.
Health Care Assistant Lynda Turnbull
has also settled quickly into her new
job at Wincanton. Lynda started
working
as
a
phlebotomist
in
Winchester in 2002. The role quickly
expanded and she has been working as
a Health Care Assistant (HCA) ever
since.
She moved with her husband Nigel to Zeals two
years ago. They have two daughters who are
married and live in London.
In her spare time she and Nigel enjoy going on
trips in their motorhome, decorating their
home, gardening and going for walks with their
dog Sox.
Lynda said: “I’d like to say how everyone at
Wincanton Health Centre has made me feel so
welcome and a big thank you to Melissa,
Michele
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and Jo for all their help on my first few days.”
The third addition to our nursing team, Melissa
Kelly, also joins us with a wealth of experience,
having been a qualified nurse for 26 years, with
Practice Nurse responsibilities for the past 7
years.
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Melissa said: “I am really excited about being
part of the Wincanton Surgery and to be part
of the local community. I have travelled around
with my husband who is in the military and this
will be the first opportunity to settle in our own
home in the Wincanton area which is very
exciting for all the family.”
Melissa and her husband have two children,
Amy and Nick, who are at university and a dog
called Ellie. She enjoys running, cycling and
taking Ellie for long walks.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) CORNER
Once again it is time for
me to put pen to paper
for the summer edition of
the newsletter.
Since the publication of
the spring edition we have
held a very successful
information evening, the
subject being diverticular
disease (gastric
problems).
The evening was held at
the Balsam Centre.
This proved to be an
ideal venue which we will
use for future events.
There were 30 attendees
plus members of the PPG
and health-centre staff.
The speakers were
Marianne Williams, IBS
(Irritable Bowel
Syndrome), an allergy
dietition and our own Dr
Helena Smith, both giving
a professional and at
times humerous
Len Grant
presentations, prompting a
lively question and answer
session.
These evenings are free
and you can also enjoy
coffee, tea and biscuits.
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Our
next evening event is
to be at the Balsam Centre
on the 24th September at
7.30pm, the subject being
respiratory problems. This
should be very informative
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and interesting,
particularly for people
suffering from asthma.
We are sorry to hear
that three of our nurses
have decided to seek
pastures new. Two to
other health centres and
one to the sunnier climbs
of Spain.
Our best wishes go with
them for the future.
The good news, however,
is that the Health Centre
has recruited a Practice
Nurse, an Acute Care
Practitioner and a Health
Care Assistant, who are
already settling in to
their new posts.
In addition, three new
acute care practitioners
are due to join the
practice in the autumn.
Len Grant
PPG Chairman
Farewell to four members of the medical team
Staff and patients will be saying goodbye to four members of
the medical team this summer. Here are a few words that
they would like to say…
Suzanne: “I have worked here for 5 ½ years and what a journey! I
have become a better person and nurse for the challenges I have faced
and am more flexible in my approach to working. I have gained so many
skills and for these opportunities I am really grateful to the practice.
I am leaving to live in Spain. This has been in my mind from when Paul
and I first met 3 years ago, so it’s not a flippant decision. The time is
now right for me and my family to start our new adventure. I am
planning to work for an English nursing agency providing either
community care or practice-based care for ex-pats.
I have built up some close bonds/friendships with my patients over
the last 5 years and I really will miss them all and wish them good
health and happiness, (don’t worry the other nurses are all as good as
me ha-ha). Despite being so very excited I will miss you all, each and
every one of my colleagues. You have been a big part of my life and I
feel you are part of my family.”
Suzanne Riches
Practice Nurse
Nikki: “I have worked here for just over a year and half, of which I
spent 14 months as a receptionist . However challenging this role was, it
was one I thoroughly enjoyed. The team here are lovely and always
willing to lend a helping hand (if they have one to spare). I then went to
become a Health Care Assistant here, learning yet more new skills and
jumping into a completely different role. I have really loved getting to
Nicola Goodall
Health Care
Assistant
know our patients and learning some clinical skills which will be invaluable to me. The team
here at the Health Centre and all the lovely patients have been wonderful, making this a
great place to work. My next journey is that of a Maternity Care Assistant, a role in which
many skills I have learnt here will be invaluable. I look forward to being around lots of
scrummy new born babies and providing care to women and their families. I would like to
wish you all the best in the future and thank you for being a part of my journey.”
Sarah and Jenny look forward to new challenges
Sarah
Stephen
Many of you will be sorry to hear that Acute Care
Practitioners Sarah Stephen and Jenny Holding have left us
this summer for pastures new. Sarah is a well-known figure in
the surgery as she started working here as a Practice Nurse
11 years ago, later adding to her skills by qualifying as an
Acute Care Practitioner.
Jenny joined more recently but she will also be sorely missed
by staff and patients.
Both Sarah and Jenny say they are looking forward to a new
challenge!
Jenny Holding
Nosy Receptionists? – “No,
they’re just doing their job!”
We have received some feedback from a small number of
patients that they do not like the receptionists asking them why
they want to see the doctor or nurse. Apparently some patients feel that their problems
are confidential and should not be discussed with the admin staff.
Firstly we would like to reassure you that ALL staff are bound by the rules of
confidentiality and they know that any breach of that confidentiality would result in
immediate dismissal.
In order for us to provide you with the best possible service, all our staff need to have
access to patient records.
The reason why the receptionists ask about the problem is in order to make sure that we
book you the most appropriate appointment.
Let me give you some examples. :
 A patient phones to make an appointment to see a doctor for a sick note. This can
often be dealt with over the telephone and the receptionist would offer a telephone
appointment first to save the patient the time and trouble of physically coming into
the surgery. If the doctor feels that he or she needs to see the patient they would
then explain this and make an appointment at a suitable time.
 A patient phones to make an appointment with the doctor as they have an ear
infection. The Acute Care Practitioner is the most suitable person to see this
patient.
 A patient phones to make an appointment with the doctor for a contraceptive
injection. The doctors do not do these so the patient needs an appointment with
the practice nurse.
 A patient phones to make an appointment with the doctor to show them that their
rash is better (yes this is true). No appointment necessary!
I am sure you will have read in the media about the financial and workload pressures on
the NHS and on GP surgeries in particular.
Gone are the days when the GPs dealt with everything. We now have a team of
professionals who provide the full range of services but you will not always be seen by a GP
and nor do you need to be.
Of course, if you have an ongoing problem or complex health needs you can see the GP
but, in order to make sure we have appointments available with the GPs, problems which
can be dealt with by other members of our team need to be directed to them. Please help
us to help you by letting the receptionists know what your problem is so they can make you
an appointment with the most appropriate person.
Janet Loe
Practice Manager
Dedicated reception staff
now give out patients’ results
WE have introduced a new daily results clinic when patients are
phoned with their results.
When a patient has a blood test or hands in a urine sample, the
receptionist will automatically book a timed telephone slot on a specific day when the
patient will be contacted to be informed of the result.
The GP will state what the receptionist needs to tell the patient, which may vary from:
 Everything is normal
 You need to have a telephone call or face-to-face consultation with a GP
 You need to have a repeat blood test
The receptionist on the telephone will be able to book any follow-up appointments that
you may need.
Please note: Receptionists are unable to interpret results.
Shingles Vaccines
WE often have patients phoning us to ask if they are eligible for a shingles’ vaccine.
Hopefully, the following information will help to clarify who is able to receive one.
The shingles vaccination is available to patients who were aged 70 OR 79 on 1st
September 2013. This is the year 1 criteria and patients only have until 31st August this
year to have the vaccination. After that, they will cease to be eligible. The year 2
programme will start on 1st September 2014 for patients who are aged 70, 78 OR 79 on
that date. If you fall into this age group and would like to have the shingles vaccination,
please ring the surgery to make an appointment after 1st September 2014. Please note we
are unable to vaccinate any other age groups.
Form an orderly queue!
Please could we ask patients waiting to talk to the receptionist at
the front desk to wait behind the person already being attended
to. Some patients have complained that while they are speaking to
the receptionist about matters which are often private and
confidential, that patients waiting come and stand next to them
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY
The Health Centre will be
CLOSED on:
Monday August 25th
and even lean on the counter.
We know it is frustrating to be waiting in
a queue but we would appreciate it if all
patients can respect the privacy of others
when waiting at the front desk.
Thank you
Stay safe in the sun!
It's important to protect your and your children's
skin in the sun to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Here are some guidelines to help you:
What sun protection factor (SPF) should I use?
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the SPF, the
more protection you will get. Go for broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against
harmful UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the product is not past its expiry date. Most
sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years.
What is broad spectrum and the star-rating?
Broad-spectrum products provide protection against the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. The sun
protection factor, or SPF, is a measurement of the amount of UVB protection. The higher
the number, the greater the protection. In the UK, UVA protection is measured with a
star rating. Sunscreens has from 0 to 5 stars. The higher the number of stars, the greater
the protection.
How long can I stay in the sun?
Don’t spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen. Sunscreen should not
be used as an excuse to stay out in the sun. Instead, it offers protection when exposure is
unavoidable. The summer sun is most damaging to your skin in the middle of the day. Spend
time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.
Should I reapply sunscreen if I swim?
Water washes off sunscreen and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you're
not getting burned. Water also reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure. Even
"waterproof" sunscreens should be reapplied after going in the water.
What should I do if I get sunburn?
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain by helping to reduce
inflammation caused by sunburn. Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing
after sun or calamine lotion. If you feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters, seek
medical help. Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone.
Are children more at risk of sunburn?
Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. Use at least a factor 15
sunscreen and choose a broad-spectrum brand that has a four- or five-star rating. Apply it
to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Choose
sunscreens that are formulated for children and babies' skin, as these are less likely to
irritate their skin.
My child has eczema. What sunscreen should I use?
Some sunscreens may aggravate eczema. Check the label for any ingredients that you know
your child is allergic to. Test any new sunscreen on a small area before applying it to the
whole body. Put on your child’s emollient and steroids first then put the sun protection
cream on 30 minutes later. Remember to put more sun protection cream on regularly
throughout the day and especially after swimming.
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body cannot lose heat fast enough. If it's not treated
quickly, it can lead to heat stroke, which is a much more dangerous condition. Signs of heat
exhaustion include faintness, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, headaches, low blood
pressure, tiredness, confusion, loss of appetite and hallucinations.
What should I do if someone has signs of heat exhaustion?
Get them to rest in a cool place, ideally a room with air conditioning. Give them plenty of
water. Avoid alcohol or caffeine as this can increase levels of dehydration. Cool their skin
with cold water. Use a shower or cold bath to cool them down or, if this is not possible,
wet flannels and face cloths in water and apply to their skin. Loosen any unnecessary
clothing and make sure that the person gets plenty of ventilation. Monitor their condition
closely.
Should I cover up my mole when I’m in the sun?
If you have lots of moles or freckles, you're more likely to develop skin cancer, so you
need to take extra care. Avoid getting caught out by sunburn. Use shade, clothing and
sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect yourself. Keep an eye out for changes to
your skin and report these to your doctor without delay. Skin cancer is much easier to
treat if it is found early. Use the mole self-assessment tool to see whether you could have
a cancerous mole.
Content supplied by NHS Choices – www.nhs.uk
Going Abroad – need vaccinations?
Don’t forget that you may need travel vaccinations. You
will need to complete a travel questionnaire which can be
either collected from the Health Centre or downloaded
from the website. Complete this in plenty of time as the
nurses need to use the information to assess which, if any, vaccinations you need. Some
vaccinations are free but some you have to pay for and some need to be ordered in
specially.
You need to contact us at least six weeks before you travel. If your departure date is
within six weeks, we will not be able to provide you with any travel vaccinations and you
will need to attend a travel clinic. This will cost you more money so make an appointment
in plenty of time to avoid this extra hassle and expense.
New Electronic Prescription Service
More than 2000 Wincanton patients have already signed up for the
Electronic Prescription Service (EPS).
This is an NHS service which means you will not have to visit your GP
practice to pick up your paper prescription. Instead, your GP will
automatically send it electronically to the place you choose, saving
time.
You will also have more choice about where to get your medicines from because they can
be collected from a pharmacy near to where you live, work or shop.
In addition, you may not have to wait as long at the pharmacy as there will be more time
for your repeat prescriptions to be ready before you arrive.
Is the service right for you?
Yes, if you have a stable condition and you:
* Don’t want to go to your GP practice every time to collect your repeat prescription.
* Collect your medicines from the same place most of the time or use a prescription
collection service now.
It may not be suitable for you if you don’t get prescriptions very often or if you pick up
your medicines from different places.
How can you use EPS?
You need to choose a place for your GP practice to electronically send your prescription
to. This is called nomination. You can choose:
 A pharmacy
 A dispensing appliance contractor (if you use one)
 Your dispensing GP practice (if you are eligible)
You can ask any pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that offers EPS or your GP
practice to add your nomination for you.
Newsletter by Email
The newsletter is available for viewing on the website but if you would like to have a copy emailed
to you, please complete the slip and return it to the Health Centre. Thank you.
Name ……………………………….. Email address …………………………………………..