Surgery News
For those with diabetes, and more specifically those using insulin we have details of 2 new support numbers.
Warwick Hospital have a direct number you can call on 07775 012696, it is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Additionally Diabetes UK offer a helpline for adults using insulin requiring immediate advice on 0345 123 2399 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
As we work to implement Government guidelines we are keen to bring 2 new changes to your attention:
It is advised that people coming to the surgery wear face coverings (this can be something as simple as a scarf).
We have introduced a one way system in the surgery (see photo). Please notify reception on arrival, use the alcohol gel provided and observe the one way system.
We know none of this is ideal, and we thank you all for the ongoing support you have provided to both the surgery and the wider community.
This year we are proud to support Southam in Bloom 2020!
St Wulfstan - The Bishop Who Fought Slavery, Patron Saint of Peasants and Vegetarians
St Wulfstan was born in 1008 in Long Itchington, Warwickshire, and became Bishop of Worcester in 1062.
He has become renowned for being the Bishop who fought slavery, and many report that he was a prominent social reformer. Legend has it that he had a daily ritual of washing the feet of the poor. It is also said that he hosted a banquet attended by local dignitaries, and at the same time invited the poor. He then insisted that the dignitaries serve the poor.
It is reported that he campaigned vigorously to end the slave trade involving Irish slaves who were sold in Bristol, and eventually resulted in the end of this trade.
He is also Patron Saint of Vegetarians. He became a vegetarian after becoming distracted from his devotions by the smell of roast goose!
http://thomasfowellbuxton.org.uk/tfb/blog/2013/05/02/st-wulfstan-the-bishop-who-fought-slavery/
Our latest newsletter has now arrived.
Please click the button below to access it, and enjoy the read!
We are pleased to announce we are now able to accept Out of Area Registrations again.
Essentially this means anyone can register with us. But if you live outside of our practice area we would not be able to visit you at home.
If you wish to register with us please visit: https://www.stwulfstan.co.uk/join-us
If you suffer with dementia, or care for someone who suffers with dementia there is support available for you.
The Dementia Connect Service is a new personalised dementia support service for anyone affected by dementia and can be contacted on 0333 150 3456.
They are able to provide:
emotional support when things get tough
connecting you to local support groups
help to understand and live with dementia, including coping techniques
support with everyday living, such as government benefits.
The telephone. umber is open as follows:
Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
And you can also access help online at www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaconnect
Or for further support services please visit the Warwickshire Council website at https://dementia.warwickshire.gov.uk/support-services-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
Loosing a loved one can be incredibly distressing, and maybe made even more so in the current circumstances of a pandemic. It is often difficult to understand what needs to be done from a practical perspective, and where to go for help when we’re struggling. Nobody should feel alone. As such Warwickshire County Council have produced a new document entitled; “Support for People Bereaved During COVID-19 Pandemic”. It provides thorough and thoughtful information on support and counselling services available for adults and children.
The document can be found at the following address: https://mcusercontent.com/6649d997a7ea14dfed06838ef/files/af682dbb-25a2-494c-a1ea-92576259f84e/Bereavement_pack_v1.pdf
This week is Breastfeeding Celebration Week, and as such there are new online resources to help if you, or someone you know, are looking for help with breastfeeding.
Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breastfeeding/ for more details. There are useful sections of the site to help with breastfeeding, expressing, bottle feeding, maintaining a healthy diet, overcoming difficulties, and what to do when you need to return to work.
One new interesting tool is the 24/7 support service available to those with an Amazon Alexa or Google Home device. You can get answers to your questions, when you need them. Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-help-and-support/ for more details.
We do have a local support service which can be accessed via your Health Visitor or Midwife. If you are struggling to get referred then you can contact the Infant Feeding Coordinator on 01926 495321, Extension 8584.
Young Minds is an organisation that provides mental health and wellbeing support to young people and parents alike. In these difficult times, those of us who suffer with symptoms of low mood, depression and anxiety may require further support. As such Young Minds have developed new support materials regarding Coronavirus & Mental Health - feel free to visit at https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health/
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
Please see https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/ for further details.
If you need help you can (as described in the webpage above):
talk to a doctor, health visitor or midwife
women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support
men can call Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm) for non-judgemental information and support
men can also call ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
If you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
in an emergency, call 999
You can also email for support. It is important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address:
women can email helpline@womensaid.org.uk. Staff will respond to your email within 5 working days
men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
LGBT+ people can email help@galop.org.uk
The surgery will be closed on Monday 25th May
If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 999 immediately
If you think that you may have Covid-19, please visit www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 for assistance
For any other medical advice whilst we are closed, please call 111
If you need to visit a pharmacy, the following are open on Bank Holiday Monday:
Lloyds Pharmacy (09:00-17:00), Shires Retail Park, Leamington, CV34 6RH, 01926 881701
Boots the Chemist (10:00-17:00), 31 The Parade, Leamington, CV32 4BL, 01926 424945
The national cervical screening programme will restart next week. If you are due a screening test, you can book an appointment from Wednesday 27th May. Please note that these appointments will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays initially, and can only be booked on the day.
We have been alerted by Public Health England of a possible scam concerning cervical screening. There are reports of some women being contacted by text message, claiming to be from the screening test call and recall service, advising patients that they are overdue for cervical screening. The message asks recipients to call a mobile number and provide personal details. These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme and are a scam.
Advice regarding returning to work during Covid Pandemic
The government advice on the 11th May regarding relaxing the lockdown has caused a lot of confusion. Employers and employees are understandably anxious about whether it is safe to open up.
The essentials of the advice are as follows:
If you are in an extremely vulnerable group (and you will have had a letter from the government or the surgery telling you that you are in this group) then
· you should continue shielding yourself until the 30th June at least
· you should not be returning to your workplace (but it is safe to work from home)
· people who live with you do not have to shield themselves but must practice safe distancing. If they cannot practice safe distancing (eg children at school, work place not organised for it), then they should not be returning to school or work until the situation improves.
· More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
If you are not in the extremely vulnerable group then
· If you can work from home, then you should continue doing that·
If you cannot work from home, then you need to discuss it with your employer to see what support they can give you to ensure safe-distancing
· If you or your employer do not think they can provide a safe-distancing arrangement, you need to discuss your position with your employer. This is not a medical issue.
· If you do not agree with your employer’s request to return to work, this needs to be something you need to discuss with your employer or union.
Can the doctor give a sick note to say you should not return to work?
The doctor can only give a sick note if you are medically unfit to work. Disputes between employers and employees regarding distancing arrangements are not something the doctors can issue sick notes for.
Can I still take time off work if I or a family member develops symptoms of Covid 19?
The situation has not changed regarding what you should do if you develop a fever or cough or if a family member does. If you think you have Covid 19, you should self-isolate for 7 days, and family members should self-isolate for 14 days.
You do not need to see the doctor to take time of work under these circumstance – you can apply for an Isolation note from NHS111 at https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
You can ask to be tested if:
You work in the NHS or social care and do or do not have symptoms (depending on latest NHS guidance)
You are an essential worker with symptoms (see the full list of essential workers)
You are over 65 with symptoms
You have symptoms and are going to work and cannot work from home (for example, construction workers, shop workers, emergency plumbers and delivery drivers)
You are anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus and lives with any of those in the above groups
Libby Paynton has joined the team this week as an admin assistant. We are thrilled to have her on board!
