Signposting Details – Morpeth area – May 2024
Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
“The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps energy companies, including energy suppliers, electricity and gas networks like us to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps us tailor our services to support households who need extra help with everyday energy matters like bills, and also in the unlikely event of a power cut or gas supply interruption”.
You are eligible for free PSR services if you:
- Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
- Live with children under five
- Are blind or partially sighted
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have a chronic illness
- Have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition
- Have a disability
- Are of pensionable age
- Loss or impairment of smell
- Need documents translated into another format or language
- Temporarily need extra support
- Everyone has different needs. Contact your distributor to discuss your requirements
Econsult – for January 2021, 89% of patients who used the service found it ‘satisfactory’. Here is what the link looks like on our website:
And here are a few comments left by patients:
“Simple form to complete online that elicited full information about my condition. Enabled my issue to be dealt with efficiently without taking up GP time in a face-to-face consultation. Impressed with the service I received, and the interest shown in me by your Practice Nurse and GP. Much appreciated thank you.”
“It’s a great service for any ailments or concerns that don’t need urgent same day action/treatment “
“Easy to get sick note extension”
“Satisfied because of the GP’s approach to this particular potential issue”
There is no longer a walk-in service to collect batteries for your NHS hearing aid. You can now contact us to order your replacement batteries and tubing.
www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/services/audiology
For Enquiries and Appointments:
0191 223 1043
07766 087 036 (Text only)
tnu-tr.audiology@nhs.net
Children’s Audiology: tnu-tr.childrensaudiologynorthoftyne@nhs.neths.uk
Some of our Patient Participation Group members have trialled various ways of accessing GP services and have shared their experiences. The first thing they are going to cover is the NHS app.
The NHS app has been designed to allow you to access a range of services on your tablet or smartphone. You can use the app to order repeat prescriptions, book and manage appointments, and also view your health information including details of any allergies you may have, your vaccine records and any consultations and test results.
To start using the app, you need to firstly download it from your app store. You’ll be asked a range of questions about yourself such as your email address, mobile phone number and date of birth, and then finally you will be asked to identify yourself. To do all of this you will need to have the following to hand:
- Your email address
- Your NHS number
- Your date of birth
- Your post code
- A form of photo ID such as your passport or driving licence
- Your smartphone, which will need to include a camera
- Steps to register and log in:
- Once you open the app, you need to firstly enter your email address – you’ll then be asked if you want to set up a new login. Select that option and press ‘Continue’.
- Choose a password and then click continue to agree to the terms of use.
- You will then be sent an email to check the address. This will mean closing the NHS app and then checking your emails to confirm receipt.
- Once you’ve done that, go back into the NHS app and click to say you have confirmed your email address.
- Next, you’ll be asked to enter your mobile number and a security code will be texted to you. Enter this six code number into the box and click continue.
- You will then be asked for your NHS a number – enter this in the box.
- Enter your date of birth.
- You will then be presented with a page of information about the use of the app, terms of use, the privacy policy and cookies. Click to confirm you have understood and are willing to accept these, and then press continue.
- You will then be asked about sending notifications and again need to press to confirm these and to continue.
- You will be given some log in options, for example if your mobile device supports fingerprint or face recognition, these can be used to access the app. Confirm if you would like to use these as options.
- Getting this far, will give you limited access to the NHS app. To get fuller access including the ability to book appointments and repeat medications, you will need to prove your identity and confirm which is your GP practice. Press continue to do this.
- The next page, asks a number of questions and you will need to choose a form of photo ID (such as driving licence or passport) in order to prove your identity. Select which form of ID you want to use, highlight this, and then press continue.
- Take a photo of your ID using your phone and following the instructions on the screen.
- Next you will be asked to scan your face using your phone camera. Again, follow the instructions on the screen to allow the face scan.
- All being well, you will receive an email within the next two hours, to say that your identity has been confirmed.
- When you next log in to the app, the final step is to connect your NHS account to the GP practice. Press on the link to do this, and you should then be able to access your NHS account. This will enable you to make appointments with the practice staff and order repeat prescriptions.
- If you would like to go a step further and access details of your test results and consultations through the NHS app, please contact the practice for further advice on how to do this.
Greystoke Patient Participation Group met earlier this week and a member writes:
“Tonight was the regular Zoom chat for members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) where we heard about all the productive work the staff were managing in these tough times. Whilst we are all focused on Covid vaccinations it is easy to forget there is still the day to day work to manage, and in a time of usual winter pressure, there is the additional burden of backlog demand from patients who had understandably delayed seeking support during the previous lockdowns.
It is really positive to note some new ways of consulting patients with Long Term Conditions is improving access and as a member of the PPG I would encourage you to try the e-consult arrangements. We all noted that the telephone lines are ‘hotlines’ and getting through is difficult at certain times so why not try to request a non urgent or same-day appointment by going online as an alternative to phoning the practice?
Finally we all wanted to thank the staff for all of their dedication and tireless work in providing care and support to our practice population. It is recognised General Practice is at the mercy of vaccination supply and the flexibility of staff to reprioritise their workload with very little notice is commendable. When we hear that staff are so happy when they can get another 100 vaccinations into arms it makes us all feel blessed to have such enthusiastic staff supporting us all to keep safe and well”
Author Karen Herne – PPG Member Greystoke Surgery
Northumberland CCG have asked practices to share the following standard message across Northumberland to advise patients of expected timeframes:
Flu 50-64 year age group:
Please note that people in the 50-64-year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there is sufficient vaccine, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are 50-64 and you are in one of the other groups which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier.
Practices are still awaiting guidance from the local CCG as to how and who will deliver these vaccines.
https://digital.nhs.uk/…/s…/shielding-and-statutory-sick-pay
Video Consultations:
Our Clinicians are starting to introduce video consultations to our various methods of communication with patients.
Airmid is the new health management app from our clinical system provider that provides more functionality that the SystmOnline app for example, booking/cancelling appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions and online access to your medical record. One of the functions available that we will be looking to use in the near future is video consultations. Airmid is now available to download from your app store:
Apple – https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/airmid-uk/id1472749780
To log in, you simply use your existing SystmOnline username and password. If you aren’t already signed up to this, please contact reception on 01670 511393.
How are you? – Get a FREE personalized health score when you complete this 10 minute quiz
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/how-are-you-quiz
Healthwatch Northumberland are keen to hear what patients would do to give people more control of their care and what they would do to give people better support. They can provide you with hard copies of the survey upon request: https://healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/nhs-long-term-plan-what-would-you-do/
Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns.
Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community. The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.
Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly. Leaflet with specified items attached 1a-over-the-counter-leaflet-v1
Patients are encouraged to contact Healthwatch Northumberland, if you would like to feedback about any social care or health care service. Also, should patients have any queries about aspects of health or social care, they are able to signpost to a wide variety of services across Northumberland. Please see following link: www.healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk
Get Safe Online
The following link https://getsafeonline.org and poster below contain free expert advice for keeping children and young people safe online this Christmas.
Northumbria Police – Internet Safety
New Patient leaflets / guides on:
Speak-Up-Silent-Voices-Leaflet
What-happens-when-you-are-referred
gp-online-services-patient-guide
protecting-your-gp-online-record
what-you-need-to-know-about-your-gp-online-record
young-peoples-access-to-gp-online-services
There are many excellent sources of advice on the internet, for example a simple google search for your symptom. Two sites that are especially useful for patients are NHSDirect and Patient.co.uk.
Some basic advice we offer:
Colds and Flu
These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. Viruses cause them and antibiotics are of no use in their treatment.
Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of Paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids. Do not worry if you do not eat for a few days, you will come to no harm.
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on its own. Treatment consists of replacing the fluid that you have lost and resting the digestive system by having no solids to eat for 24 hours. Sachets of powders such as Dioralyte and Rehidrat, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist.
If the diarrhoea contains blood or there is severe pain or high fever, you should discuss it with your doctor. Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and young children should be treated with caution and the doctor will be happy to see them if the parents are worried.
Backaches and Strains
Many acute strains and sprains will respond to a few days rest and Paracetamol taken for the pain. Backache will usually respond to a few days gentle mobilisation. If the symptoms continue, you should consult your doctor.
Pain Leaflet
Pain_pil Jan 2016
Nose Bleeds
Sit in a chair (leaning forward with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about ten minutes by which time the bleeding usually stops. If the bleeding continues consult your doctor.
Sprains
First apply a cold compress containing ice for fifteen to thirty minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply a firm crepe bandage and give a sprain plenty of rest until all the discomfort has subsided.
Chicken Pox
On the first day a rash appears with small red spots about 3-4mm wide. Within a few hours these develop small blisters at the centre. During the next three or four days further spots will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off.
Calamine lotion may be applied to help the itching. The most infectious period is two or three days before the rash starts. Children may return to school as soon as the last blisters have crusted.
A Temperature
A temperature occurs commonly even with mild infections. In small children it is important to stop the temperature rising too quickly and children should be given Paracetamol syrup, which may be bought from the chemist, Clothing should be removed and the child sponged with tepid water or cooled by giving them a lukewarm bath.
If a temperature is very high and does not come down with the above treatment or you are concerned you should consult your doctor. A child or adult with a temperature will not come to any harm being wrapped up and brought by car or by pram to the surgery.
Burns
Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this for at least fifteen minutes. If the burn is greater than 4-5 inches in diameter or the skin is broken you should consult one of the doctors.
Antibiotics
These powerful drugs only work on bacteria and are without effect on viruses. Unfortunately this means that the common infections such as coughs, colds, flu and sore throats will not be helped by them at all.
The correct treatment is the simple remedies outlined above and we only use antibiotics when they fail, and we suspect that there is a secondary bacterial infection. Otherwise overuse of antibiotics may lead to their not working in future and more complications like thrush, skin rashes, etc.
Many conditions get better on their own and can be treated successfully at home. Your pharmacist may be able to help you with these and advise about medicines you can buy over the counter.