MS Awareness Week

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord. In MS, the coating that protects your nerves (myelin) is damaged. This causes a range of symptoms like blurred vision and problems with how we move, think and feel.

More than 130,000 people in the UK have MS. In the UK people are most likely to find out they have MS in their thirties, forties and fifties. But the first signs of MS often start years earlier. Many people notice their first symptoms years before they get their diagnosis.

MS affects almost three times as many women as men.

What happens in MS?

To understand what happens in multiple sclerosis, it's useful to understand how the central nervous system works.

A substance called myelin protects the nerve fibres in the central nervous system, which helps messages travel quickly and smoothly between the brain and the rest of the body.

In MS, your immune system, which normally helps to fight off infections, mistakes myelin for a foreign body and attacks it. This damages the myelin and strips it off the nerve fibres, either slightly or completely, leaving scars known as plaques.

This damage disrupts messages travelling along nerve fibres – they can slow down, become distorted, or not get through at all.

As well as losing the myelin, there can sometimes be damage to the actual nerve fibres too. It's this nerve damage that causes the increase in disability that can occur over time.

What causes MS symptoms?

The central nervous system links everything your body does, so multiple sclerosis can cause many different types of symptoms. The specific symptoms that appear depend on which part of your central nervous system has been affected, and the job of the damaged nerve.

Support

MS Society’s website is full of useful support advice and guidance, which you can view here. However below are some of the local support groups for us near Southam.

Click to view their webpages.

If you would like to speak to a GP about any concerns you may have, please do so by calling us on 01926 810939 or by booking via the NHS app / Patient Access.

 

Parkinson's Support

Parkinson’s UK

Parkinson’s UK has an amazing range of support whether it be for your health care, social care or just everyday life. They have in depth and user friendly advice on everything from diet and exercise to going into hospital and getting around. Click here to view their advice and help on everyday life with Parkinson’s.

Support Groups

Parkinson’s UK also have many local support groups across the country which are run by wonderful volunteers. The groups welcome family members, carers and health or social care professions alongside people with Parkinson’s disease.

See below for our local group.

Local Support Group - Royal Leamington Spa

We are a group of volunteers who offer information, friendship and support to people with Parkinson's, their families and carers living in Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth, Southam and the surrounding areas. Don't struggle on your own - join us!

There is a £2 cost that includes refreshments. Every one is welcome and there is no need to book. There is free parking on site. 

We also run Physiotherapy, exercise and music sessions plus a Friendship group.

BRANCH ANSWER PHONE If you are unable to contact us on the numbers provided, please leave a message on the branch phone and one of the committee will get back to you as soon as possible. 07539 484677

Primary contact:

Pam Marchant

Tel: 01926 850869

Email: pamjanemarchant@yahoo.co.uk

Location:

Nelson Club

21 Charles Street

Warwick

CV34 5LE

Accessible parking available

Helpline

We like a good helpline here at St Wulfstan as it means you are never too far from help or advice if you need it. Parkinson’s UK’s helpline is so beneficial for people who need advice on; medical issues surrounding Parkinson’s, employment and benefit issues, health and social care, emotional support, local activities and signposting to other sources of information which will benefit you.

Opening Times for April 2021 (helpline):

  • Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm

  • Saturday: 10am to 2pm

Closed on Sundays and bank holidays

  • You can also email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk or write to: Helpline, Parkinson's UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ

Back to school 👩‍🏫

Two of our admin staff are currently embarking on a new opportunity to educate themselves and expand their knowledge within the medical administrative environment.

Jodie and Libby are both partaking in the AMSPAR course - Level 3 diploma in Medical Administration.

The course goes through subjects such as the basics of confidentiality and medical administration to the more intense and vast amount of medical terminology and the legality of medical administration.

As they are doing this in their own time, they are having to find ways to fit studying in around their daily lockdown lives.

Whether that be waiting till the peace and quiet of the kid’s bedtime, or finding the time and space on the kitchen counter in between cooking meals.

So far they are doing an amazing job, with distinctions round the board!

We wish them the best of luck for their future examinations, and hope to celebrate their results without zoom being involved!

Parkinson's Awareness Week

symptoms of Parkinson's Disease include motor and nonmotor skill symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological or movement disorder which can cause many of the symptoms shown in the image above. It can be very debilitating, but there are effective treatments which can help.

The more common symptoms involve what has been described as a ‘pill-rolling’ tremor of the hands and fingers when resting. And ‘shuffling’ or slow movement when walking.

If you or a loved one are suffering symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease then a face-to-face GP assessment would be advised, or feel free free to visit Parkisons.org for further help.

If you or a loved one is actually suffering with Parkinson’s Disease then it’s important to remember that there is lots of support available. Parkinsons.org is a great to place to start! If you click the link the website very cleverly takes you to exactly the right support, whether you are a sufferer, are relative or friend, or if you think you may have Parkinson’s Disease. We also have a post coming this week in regards to more local support for the disease.

 
By Dr Al-Ramadani

By Dr Al-Ramadani

 
 

Get online today!📲

The NHS app that lets you book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and access a range of other healthcare services.

If you don’t already use the NHS App, then please consider downloading it today!

Order your repeat medications, book your appointment, view your medical history and more by downloading and using the NHS app on your smartphone or tablet today. If you don’t have access to any of these devices you can still use Patient Access if needed.

It also alleviates pressure on the surgery, by reducing the number of phone calls, and helps us offer a more efficient service.

Download the nhs app

Why use the NHS app?

  • Order repeat prescriptions

See your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to

  • Book appointments

Search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments

  • Get health advice

Search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you

  • View your medical record

Securely access your GP medical record, to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines

  • Register your organ donation decision

Choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision

  • Get advice about coronavirus

Get information about coronavirus and find out what to do if you think you have it

  • Find out how the NHS uses your data

Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning

Why use Patient Access?

  • Book appointments

Book face-to-face or remote online appointments with your GP, nurse or clinician at a time that suits you

  • Order repeat prescriptions

Order your repeat prescriptions online, with convenient delivery of your prescription to your local pharmacy

  • Self-refer to NHS services

Refer yourself for services like antenatal care, talking therapies and drug and alcohol addiction services

  • Share your medical record

Securely share your information with healthcare professionals of your choosing, without the need to contact your practice

Stress Awareness Month

Tips for dealing with stress. Divide big tasks into small ones. Create to do lists. Stay active.

Stress is a common and relatable feeling that most people, if not all, experience in their lives. Especially during COVID times!

But if stress is affecting your life, it’s time to take action.

Some symptoms of stress

Mental Symptoms:

  • difficulty concentrating

  • struggling to make decisions

  • feeling overwhelmed

  • constantly worrying

  • being forgetful

Physical Symptoms:

  • headaches or dizziness

  • muscle tension or pain

  • stomach problems

  • chest pain or a faster heartbeat

  • sexual problems

Changes in behaviour:

  • being irritable and snappy

  • sleeping too much or too little

  • eating too much or too little

  • avoiding certain places or people

  • drinking or smoking more

“Sometimes you can’t see beyond the thick fog of stress”

Things you can try to help with stress

Mind is a great all-rounder mental health charity. They offer fantastic resources for a range of issues, including stress. Click here to see their helpful advice on what stress is, and how you can really take control of it.

Chatting to one of our social prescribers. Jo, Rita and Elicia would be able to signpost you in a direction suitable for your needs. To contact them, please either speak to one of your GPs, or email Fraser (the care-coordinator) on we.connect@nhs.net.

When you should see a GP

  • you're struggling to cope with stress

  • things you're trying yourself are not helping

  • you would prefer to get a referral from a GP

To book an appointment with one of our wonderful GPs, call us on 01926 810939 to book an appointment to discuss further.

Face or Phone Appointments with your GP?

St Wulfstan Surgery have now enabled patients to book both Face-to-Face and Telephone GP Appointments online. Please see the video for advice on when to book...

You can now book Face-To-Face and Telephone appointments with our GP’s online.

Please see the video above for advice on when to book a telephone appointment, and when to book a face-to-face appointment. It is really important to choose the right type of appointment so that we can continue offering the most efficient care we possibly can.

Have you got a green thumb, or want to start? 🌼

Green Minds offers sessions of gardening and growing produce at our allotments, encouraging people with personal experiences of mental health difficulties to become involved in outdoor gardening activities, learn new skills and meet others.

Green Minds. Stratford-upon-Avon. Royal Leamington Spa.

What service users can gain from coming along:

  • Gentle exercise

  • Increased time outdoors

  • Learn about the benefits of growing your own

  • Learn about different types of plants and vegetation

  • Benefit from a calming, quiet environment

  • Building new friendships within the community

  • Meet others with mental health difficulties

  • Learn about garden/allotment design

  • Improve your wellbeing

  • Talk about mental health

  • Improved sense of self-worth

  • Build your confidence

Locations and Groups:

Leamington Spa 

  • Men’s Group held every Tuesday, 10am-12pm  

  • Mixed Group held every Wednesday 10am-12pm. 

  • The Leamington Allotment is at Northumberland Road Allotments, Leamington Spa, CV32 6HB. 

Stratford upon Avon 

  • Held every Monday, 11.15am-1.15pm (Winter Times: 11.15am-12.15pm)  

  • The Stratford-upon-Avon Allotment is at Lifeways Therapy Centre, 30 Albany Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PG. 

Would you like to attend?

Please send a message to melanie.campbell@springfieldmind.org.uk or call 01789 298615 saying what venue and day you would prefer. You will then receive a message to confirm your place.

There are a very limited number of spaces available due to latest Government restrictions.

For more information about the groups and for how they have adapted to updated COVID guidelines, please go to their website here.

What it's like to volunteer with our local vaccinations

 
 

Written by Jodie

Admin Assistant

Since January I have had the pleasure of assisting with some of the administration & reception shifts at the vaccination clinic in Southam.

January saw many of our older members of the community come through the door for their first vaccination, this was the first time so many of them had been out of their homes since March last year, some were understandably nervous, so it was wonderful to be able to allay any fears they may have had and assist in their vaccination experience.

As many of you who have had your vaccination will know, the system works really well, and most people are in and out of the clinic within 15-20 minutes. In one 12-hour period the team can vaccinate over 500 patients with up to 4 vaccinators on shift at any one time!

I have worked alongside people from all walks of life, some of which include students who attend our local secondary schools and colleges, who are assisting with administration, also volunteers from the community who have stood outside in freezing cold conditions assisting traffic or assisting elderly or vulnerable patients into and out of the clinic. I have met nurses from local surgeries and NHS trusts who are working tirelessly drawing up hundreds of vaccines every hour, doctors from across the primary care network providing their clinical support, IT staff supporting us when required, and of course the wonderful vaccinators delivering the vaccine. It has been so rewarding to be part of this little army of people all coming together in extreme circumstances to contribute to the delivery of this programme for the good of our community. One of many across the country all doing our part in the fight against this pandemic, a vaccination programme that will become a significant part of our history.

On a personal note, I have had the opportunity to meet many of our lovely St Wulfstan patients. Many of whom I only usually speak to on the phone or via email, so it has been wonderful to be able to put a face to so many names. I hope to see many more of you in the coming weeks and months!

So, when you receive your call to book in your vaccine please be assured you are in very safe hands with everyone at Southam Clinic!

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Just speak to your GP. If you've had tummy trouble for three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. And that matters. As the 4th most common cancer in the UK it’s important to be aware of some the symptoms of bowel cancer. And just because you have these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have bowel cancer, but only that we need to be more alert. If we suspect cancer, we can act quickly, often resulting in a hospital appointment within 2 weeks if it is needed.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Be aware of the following symptoms. Again, if you have these it doesn’t mean you have cancer, but that it is worthy of a conversation with your GP to discuss further.

  • Bleeding

    • from the back passage or in the poo (stool)

  • Change in bowel habit

    • a change to looser or more frequent stool lasting more than a few weeks

  • Tummy pain

    • Frequent, recurrent tummy pain occurring for more than a few weeks

  • Weight loss

    • Especially if you have lost more than 5% body weight in the last 6 months unintentionally

How will you investigate my symptoms?

We have many tests available to help us investigate your symptoms further. Blood tests can be useful, and so too can certain stool samples. These samples can look at many things including bowel infection, bowel inflammation and even looking for fine traces of blood in your stool.

If necessary we can refer you to the hospital for further tests. This can include scans and a camera test to look at the inside of your bowel (endoscopy).

What about bowel screening?

Bowel screening tests are so, so important. We have come across many cases where people have been diagnosed with bowel cancer following a screening test, even before developing symptoms, and therefore giving the best change of a good outcome.

The screening test is sent every 2 years to those aged between 60 and 74 years. If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

For more details on screening, please visit the NHS bowel cancer screening page.

 

By Dr Ramadani

 

Easter Weekend Opening Hours 2021

St Wulfstan Surgery will close for the Easter Bank Holiday at 6.00pm on Thursday 1st April and will reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 6th April.

If you have a life threatening emergency whilst we are closed, please call 999

If you have a medical problem that cannot wait until we reopen, please call 111

We have some appointments available on Saturday 3rd April, but these are by prior appointment only. Please call the reception desk before 6pm on 1st April if you would like to book one of these appointments.

Please see below for our local pharmacies opening hours over the Easter Bank Holiday.

Easter Bank Holiday. Local pharmacy hours.

More information can be found at www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Mums - The support you deserve!

Here to answer your breastfeeding questions, 24/7. Search Start4Life to see all the support available.

Public Health England are running a new campaign to offer support and advice to new mums and mums-to-be in regards to everything from pregnancy FAQs to breastfeeding advice, as many women haven’t been able to access face-to-face support since March 2020.

The Start4Life website has so many resources and advice that takes you through everything from finding out you are pregnant to running after your toddler. We know that the last year has been difficult, especially for mums and mums-to-be, with many feeling as though they haven’t had access to the support they needed. Start4Life are determined to change that.

If you are having any queries on the maze of breastfeeding, you are welcome to call the National Breastfeeding Helpline - 0300 100 0212 (open 9:30am-9:30pm - 365 days a year) which is manned by trained mums who have been in your position.

Stroke? Think FAST...

What is a Stroke?

A Stroke is a very serious medical condition which should be treated as an emergency. It is a very serious cause of death and long term disability.

There are 2 main types of stroke:

  • Thrombotic stroke; which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, thereby starving that area of the brain from oxygen (which is carried in the blood)

  • Haemorrhagic stroke; which occurs when a bleed occurs in the brain, again depriving areas of the brain from oxygen.

  • Thrombotic strokes are much more common than haemorrhagic strokes

It is so important that if you develop symptoms of a stroke, that you call 999 immediately.

There are treatments that can be offered in hospital if you get there soon enough. For example clot busting drugs can be considered in thrombotic strokes if you get to hospital within 4 hours of the start of your symptoms, that is why time matters. So act quick.

What is FAST, and what are the symptoms?

The FAST acronym is used to highlight the important symptoms of a stroke. Remember, if you develop any of these, then call 999:

  • Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

  • Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.

  • Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.

  • Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

How do I reduce my chances of getting a Stroke?

There are things you can do to reduce your personal chance of developing a stroke:

  • Stop Smoking - Smoking increases your risk of stroke, please visit our smoking page for help

  • Control your blood pressure - Get your blood pressure checked, if it is raised (more than 140/90) then get in touch. Click for more details about high blood pressure.

  • Loose Weight - Being obese increases your risk of stroke. Check your BMI, and if it is high then get visit our weight management page

  • Diabetes - If you have diabetes, do what you can to improve your diabetes and therefore reduce your risk

  • Irregular heart rhythm - If you have an irregular heart rhythm when feeling your pulse, you may have atrial fibrillation and you should have this checked at the surgery.

 
 
By Dr Ramadani

By Dr Ramadani

 

Ovarian Cancer Support

Support for those diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.

Ovacome is an amazing charity who are the National UK Ovarian Cancer Charity, and are focused on providing support to anyone affected by ovarian cancer whether that be due to a recent diagnosis or anyone at risk.

They offer many resources such as:

  • A support line is open from Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm.

To use this, call 07503 682 311 or Freephone 0800 008 7054.

You can also email them at support@ovacome.org.uk, and even WhatsApp on 07503 682 311.

  • Guides and advice on living with ovarian cancer here, where they take you through everything from preparing for remote hospital appointments to going back to work and more.

However:

You can also call:

  • Macmillan Cancer Support helpline on 0808 808 00 00, seven days a week, 8am-8pm.

Alongside 24- hour services:

  • NHS 111 on 111 for England

  • NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 for Wales

  • NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland

  • Samaritans on 116 123