We are saddened to announce that after 29 years at Musters Medical Practice, Dr Libby Smith has decided to retire from General Practice. She will be missed by both patients and staff alike who have benefited from her warm and approachable manner and brilliant leadership qualities that have blessed the practice over the years. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic there will obviously be no party or gathering at the practice and we would kindly ask that patients do not book consultations with Dr Smith to simply say goodbye.
We all wish her well in all her future plans and know that she will always be welcome back to join us for a coffee or one of her delicious home baked cakes!
Dr Hayleigh Peachey will be joining the team as a Partner after completing her GP training at Musters Medical Practice and working for 12 months here as a salaried GP.
NOTTINGHAM GP’S MESSAGE TO OVER 50s AS FLU SEASON GETS UNDERWAY
A Nottingham GP has shared an important message to those aged 50-64 years old as flu season gets underway.
Earlier this year, the 50-64 age group was added to those eligible for a free flu vaccine however, this age group is being asked to wait to have a flu jab until later this year. This is to make sure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first.
Dr Stephen Shortt, GP at East Leake Medical Group and Joint Clinical Leader at the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, explained why this was the case.
He said: “With winter approaching and the additional pressure of having the flu virus and coronavirus co-circulating this year, we understand that many patients are keen to book in for their flu vaccines.
“Our priority first and foremost is to ensure that those who are the highest risk from flu are vaccinated first and this is already underway. Once we have vaccinated those most at risk, we can then look to vaccinate further patients later in the year, providing there are sufficient vaccines available.
“We understand that that some people will feel anxious about not being able to get a vaccine as soon as they would have hoped to but we would encourage the public to be patient and when those most vulnerable have been vaccinated we will be able to start vaccinating the 50-64 cohort.”
As a result, people in the 50 to 64 year old age group will not be vaccinated until November and December, providing there are sufficient vaccines, and no appointments will be offered for this age group until then.
If you are 50 to 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 flu, you will be invited earlier.
Flu can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups, as well as complications like bronchitis and pneumonia, so it is particularly important to have the flu vaccine. The vaccine is available free of charge on the NHS, if you:
- Are 65 years or over
- Are pregnant
- Have certain medical conditions
- Are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay facility
- Receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
- Live with someone who’s at risk of coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list) or you expect to be with them on most days over winter
SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION CLINICS 2020
Due to the current COVID19 situation our flu clinics will be organised differently this year.
Please take note of the following points:
- Flu clinics will be appointment only – there will be no ‘drop-ins’
- There will be a one-way route through the Practice with social distancing
- We ask that you wear suitable clothing and have your upper arm exposed as you enter the consulting room
- The appointment will be for the seasonal flu vaccination only – please do not ask reception or the doctor/nurse for prescriptions or any additional service or information.
- 50-64 years olds who do not have ongoing health conditions will be offered immunisation later in the year, from the end of November 2020. Please do not ring the practice to simply enquire when you will be able to be vaccinated.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
Stay Alert - Control The Virus - Save Lives
As part of safe-guarding patients and staff, from Monday 15th July patients will only be permitted to enter the practice building if they are wearing a face mask. Although not a substitute for social distancing the use of face masks by both patients and staff will help to protect and manage the risk of further spread of the virus. The NHS is not able to provide masks for patients who are expected to obtain them themselves before coming to the building. Further guidance on staying safe outside your home and in the workplace can be found on the gov.uk website.
Advice for people with severe health conditions
NHS services are contacting people with a range of severe health conditions urging them to self-isolate for 12 weeks. We have also contacted all local patients with a generic message following the prime ministers advice. Please don’t panic if you have received the text and don’t have a severe health condition. Health advice will be confirmed by letter to those identified this week. There is no need to contact your GP about the message.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus for Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
As part of the Practice's response to the threat of Covid-19 we are temporarily suspending the ability of patients to make face to face appointments. This is so all patients can be screened to make sure they are not at risk of having the virus before they come to the practice.
If you telephone for an appointment you will be asked whether you have potential coronavirus symptoms. If necessary a GP may ring you to give advice.
The facility to order prescriptions online has not been affected.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope you understand we are making these changes for both staff and patient's safety. You will also appreciate the situation is changing rapidly and we will continue to respond to the situation as it develops.
Coronavirus: (Covid-19) - The following information is up to date as of 28th August 2020
The NHS in England and Public Health England (PHE) are extremely well prepared for outbreaks of new infectious diseases. The NHS has put in place measures to ensure the safety of all patients and NHS staff.
If you or anyone you live with have symptoms such as a high temperature (greater that 37.8C) or a new continuous cough, you should ring 119 to arrange a test for Covid-19. You should stay at home for 14 days or until you hear that your test is negative.
Do not go to a GP surgery, community pharmacy or hospital. Stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people. If symptoms persist or worsen use the on-line 111 coronavirus service at 111.nhs.uk
Like the common cold, coronavirus infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with novel coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
Testing of suspected coronavirus cases is carried out in line with strict regulations. This means that suspected cases are kept in isolation, away from public areas of the hospital and returned home also in isolation. Any equipment that come into contact with suspected cases are thoroughly cleaned as appropriate. Specific guidance has also been shared with NHS staff to help safeguard them and others. Patients can be reassured that their safety is a top priority, and are encouraged to attend all appointments as usual.
Everyone is being reminded to follow Public Health England advice to:
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
If you need a sick note for your employer as a result of having to self isolate because of coronavirus DO NOT CONTACT THE SURGERY but go to the 111 website to get your own fit note
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
- You can find help and advice from Public Health England at
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-England
Further information is also available at www.nhs.uk.