A day in the life of our Admin team

Hello! You probably won’t know us by face, but we make up the Admin Team at St Wulfstan Surgery.

Hidden all the way upstairs are Damaris, Sarah, Chris, Jodie, Gemma and Libby. We handle much of the behind the scenes work to your care to ensure your transition from primary to secondary care is as smooth as possible and that the administrative work behind the day to day life of the surgery is maintained to a high standard.

Our tasks are hugely varied – from chasing hospital consultants for updates on your care to comparing printer toner prices for the best deal. We’ve even been known to do a bit of the cleaning  when our resident cleaner has been off!

At the top of our priority list though is anything that involves your direct care. If the GP feels you need to be seen by a hospital or other service, we will ensure that your referral has the right information, is sent to the right place, in the right format and as quickly as possible.  We know that many hospital services have extended waiting times right now so we work hard to ensure that we don’t add to your wait.

We also are responsible for making sure that those of you due any routine checks, blood tests or immunisations are sent an invitation at the right time.  We’re trying hard to reduce our use of paper so you may start to see more of these invitations sent as a text message or email. Please help us out and let us know whenever you change any of your contact details!    

Other tasks we manage as a team include: updating your records with clinic letters and results when you have been seen in hospital, managing paper records when you join or leave the practice, handling information requests from insurance companies, solicitors, DVLA and other third parties…and a whole host of other things that ensure we are kept busy at all times.

We may not be keen on showing our faces but we do love to talk… if you need to discuss anything with us we can be contacted by selecting option 3 on the main number.

If any of the above appeals to you, we are currently hiring a full time admin assistant! If you are interested in applying, please apply via the following link.

Click here to apply!

New Southam gardening group

Warwickshire East PCN Health and Wellbeing Team

Warwickshire East PCN Health and Wellbeing Team

 

Dear Patients,

We would like to introduce ourselves.  We are Elicia Sidhu, Jo Hamilton, Rita Church and Fraser Hamilton.  We are the Social Link and Care Co-coordinating team members for Warwickshire east PCN.

As we all know, the past year has been challenging for many, as a team we are excited to be able to run a patient led gardening group at Southam Surgery – Stowe drive.

With summer approaching we are hoping to run a gardening group once a week, aimed at individuals of all abilities. The garden area has been kindly offered up by Stowe Drive Practice for all patients within the Primary Care Network to be involved. This project offers exciting and rewarding activities with the hope to have designated areas such as a sensory garden, planting flower beds, possibility of veg patches, we feel that this enables individuals to work alongside each other doing something they all have a passion with.

Due to the uncertainty of COVID restrictions, we will provisionally be keeping the groups at 6 individuals at a time, with the hope we could expand this in time, if restrictions do change. We are now taking names of individuals who are interested. We are appealing for donations for gardening equipment to start up the project, any donations would be gratefully received. 

If you are interested please don’t hesitate to email us on we.connect@nhs.net otherwise please do speak with the surgery, who in turn will contact us directly.

Best Wishes,

Elicia, Jo, Rita and Fraser

Dementia Action Week - 17th May to 23rd May. What can we all do to help?

This week is Dementia Action Week - 17th May to 23rd May. What can we all do to help?

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms which affect memory and cognitive skills thereby affecting daily activities. One in three of us born in UK will develop dementia in our life time and by 2025 there will be a million people living with dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Dementia Action week is a national event to ensure action is taken to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

We all have a role to play in making UK a dementia friendly place to live.

Did you know that most of the staff at St Wulfstan surgery are dementia friends?

Please have a look at the resources for ideas and links to see how you can help.

 

Written by Dr K Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Carrot Pudding (Gajjar Halwa)

Day 7- Carrot Pudding (Gajjar Halwa)

Let’s celebrate the end of veggie week with a modified version of Indian sweet. This is a low calorie and easy to make version of this traditional pudding. Carrots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, enables us to have good vision, glowing skin and boasts our immunity.

Prep time : 10mins              Cooking time :15mins      Servings : 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of grated carrot

  • 1 tsp of ghee

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp of milk powder

  • 2 tbsp of skimmed milk

  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

  • ½ tbsp. of finely chopped almonds ( optional)

 

Method :

  1. Place the carrot on a sieve and steam cook the carrots for 5mins.

  2. Remove it and keep aside.

  3. Heat the ghee in a non stick pan, add the steamed carrots and cook for 2-3mins.

  4. Now add the sugar and mix well, cook on medium flame for 2mins.

  5. Then add skimmed milk and milk powder, keep stirring continuously and cook for 3-4mins.

  6. Finally add cardamom powder and serve it warm.

Tips :

  • Sugar can be substituted with stevia sweetener.

  • It tastes best when it is warm. It can be reheated in microwave.

  • Almonds are optional and can be eliminated to reduce calories.

 

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Spicy Cauliflower

Day 6 - Spicy Cauliflower

Spicy cauliflower roast is a tasty side dish, easy to prepare and healthy. Cauliflower has high fibre content, rich in vitamins and minerals and added as superfood in weight loss diet. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits and plenty of anti-oxidants, helps with joint aches and boosts memory. It also adds colour and flavour to the vegetables.

Prep time : 5 mins              Cooking time: 30 to 40 mins      Servings : 3

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower – chopped into florets

  • 2 tbsp of mild olive oil

  • ½  tsp of turmeric powder

  • ½ tsp of chilli powder

  • ½ red pepper flakes

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1tbsp of lemon juice (optional)

Method :

  1. Blend together olive oil, turmeric, chilli, garlic powder, pepper flakes and black pepper in a large bowl.

  2. Preheat the oven to 450F for 2-3mins.

  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the spice mix and combine until it’s well coated.

  4. Now place the florets on baking sheet and roast for 25-30mins until it’s brown and crispy.

  5. Remove from oven and finally add lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tips :

  • Soak the cauliflower in warm salted water for 5 to 10mins and pat dry before cooking to reduce cooking time.

  • Adding lemon juices gives it a fresh tangy taste.

  • t can be eaten with mint chutney dips.

 

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Seitan Indian Fried Rice

Day 5- Seitan Indian Fried Rice

Seitan is an excellent plant protein source, low in fat and very healthy. It has texture similar to meat and makes a great vegan/vegetarian substitute in any meal. Ready to cook Seitan is easily available in supermarkets and online as logs, burgers or pickled/ marinated in jars.

Prep time : 10mins              Cooking time :20mins      Servings : 4

Ingredients:

  • 200gm of Seitan log - chopped into cubes

  • 2 cups of cooked basmati rice

  • 1 small onion - chopped

  • 1tsp ginger garlic paste

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp chilli powder

  • Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil

  • 1 tsp soya sauce ( optional)

  • 1tsp of ghee ( optional)

 

Method :

  1. Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds, onion, ginger garlic paste and fry for 1-2min.

  2. Add the Seitan cubes, turmeric powder and chilli powder and sauté them well for 4-5mins 

  3. Now add the cooked basmati rice and mix gently so all ingredients are combined well.

  4. Finally add soya sauce, ghee and chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.

Tips :

  • This recipe works well for brown rice and jasmine rice too.

  • If using marinated Seitan in garlic sauce, you can omit ginger garlic paste.

  • You can add bell peppers /celery/carrots/peas along with onion.

  • The same recipe can used for cooking stir fry noodles instead of rice.

 

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Garlic Paneer

Day 4- Garlic Paneer

Garlic Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is a great appetizer for a party menu or as filling for wraps. Paneer is high in calcium and protein and easily available in supermarkets. Garlic boosts immunity, acts as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and promotes skin and hair growth.

Prep time : 5mins              Cooking time :10mins      Servings : 3

Ingredients:

  • 300gm of paneer- cubed

  • 6 large garlic cloves

  • 3-4 red chillies ( seeds removed)

  • 1tsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 2 small red onions

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil

  • ½ bell peppers –sliced ( optional)

  • 1 tsp soya sauce ( optional)

 

Method :

  1. Blend together garlic, chillies, sugar, salt and vinegar with 2-3tbsp water into smooth paste.

  2. Heat a pan with oil and add cumin seeds, onion and fry for 1-2min.

  3. Add the above grinded paste and cook until it thickens, usually takes 2-3mins.

  4. Now paneer cubes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

  5. Finally add soya sauce and chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.

Tips :

  • Soak the paneer in warm salted water for 5mins before cooking which makes it soft. Dry it with paper towel before cooking.

  • Never overcook garlic as it would taste bitter.

  • You can add bell peppers /celery along with onion.

  • It can be eaten as a snack or as roll with roti/tortilla wraps.

 

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Mushroom Pepper Fry

Day 3- Mushroom pepper fry

Mushrooms are a great low calorie food which are rich in anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. They are a great substitute for red meat and boost cardiac and brain health. This recipe is one of my childhood favourite and a popular South Indian side dish.

Prep time : 5mins              Cooking time :20mins      Servings : 3

Ingredients:

  • 200gms of button mushrooms- sliced

  • 2 onions – finely chopped

  • 1 green bell pepper/capsicum

  • Handful of coriander leaves – finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons of black pepper powder

  • 1 tsp fennel seeds- ground in a mortar

  • 1 tsp ginger paste

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tablespoon of mild olive oil/rapeseed oil

  • 2 -3 curry leaves ( optional)

  • 1tsp ghee ( optional)

Method :

  1. Heat oil in a wok/pan and add ginger paste, curry leaves, chopped onions and sliced green bell peppers. Fry for 1min on low flame.

  2. Add in the sliced mushrooms and cook in medium flame for 15minutes. Stir regularly and cook well until the mushrooms shrink in size.

  3. Now add salt, pepper powder and fennel seed powder and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

  4. Finally add chopped coriander leaves and cook for a minute.

Tips :

  • Never add water when cooking mushrooms and use a good sized pan to avoid crowding the mushrooms.

  • Always add salt after the mushrooms are brown and roasted.

  • It can be eaten with rice or flat bread.

  • Top up with a tsp of ghee to enhance the flavour.

 

Recipe by Dr Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan's Veggie Recipes - Mango Iassi

Day 2- Mango lassi ( Mango smoothie)

Mango lassi is a popular yoghurt based drink in India which is refreshing in the summer. Mango is low in calories but high in fibre and rich in nutrients like vitamins A and C. It is rich in antioxidants, boost the immune system and improve skin and hair.

Prep time : 10mins              Cooking time :10mins      Servings : 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of fresh mango

  • 2 cups of yoghurt

  • ½ to 1 cup of milk

  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

  • 2 tsp of sugar or honey or sweetener ( optional)

  • Few strands of saffron ( optional)

  • Few crushed pistachio

Method :

  1. Blend the mango, chilled yohurt, milk, cardamom and sugar in a blender

  2. Make it into a smooth puree consistency, add extra milk or chilled water if needed

  3. Garnish with crushed pistachio and saffron and serve cold

 

Tips :

  • It can be made with frozen mango or canned mango pulp

  • If yoghurt is not cold, add ice cubes when blending.

  • Rose water or vanilla essence can be used instead of cardamom.

  • Top up with few mint leaves to add extra freshness.

  • Substitute with vegan yoghurt and plant milk like almond milk to make this into a vegan lassi.

 

Recipe by Dr K Viswanathan

 

Dr Viswanathan’s Veggie Recipes - Chana Chaat

This week is National Vegetarian Week 2021 (10th May - 16th May 2021), in honour of this our resident veggie Dr Kirti Viswanathan will be sharing some of her favourite recipes to cook at home!

Day 1- Indian chickpea salad ( Chana Chaat)

Chana Chaat is a popular Indian street food and makes a great starter. It is high in protein and easy to prepare.

Prep time: 10mins      Cook time:15mins      Servings:6

Ingredients-

  • 2 cans of chickpeas

  • 1 small red onion chopped

  • 1 small cucumber thinly sliced

  • Handful of coriander leaves

  • 3 small green chillies chopped

  • 2 tbsp- mild olive oil/rapeseed oil

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1tsp chaat masala

  • ½ tsp chilli powder

  • 2tbsp tamarind sauce

  • ½ tsp cooking salt

Method-

  1. Preheat a nonstick frying pan or skillet pan and add oil. When it starts to shimmer, add cumin seeds and chillies and fry for 30 sec

  2.   Then add chaat masala, chilli powder, salt and cook for 30sec

  3. Now add chickpeas and tamarind sauce, cook for few mins until the chickpeas are warm

  4. Transfer to salad bowl and add the cucumber, red onion and coriander leaves.

  5. Mix well and add salt for taste.

 

Tips-

  • Chaat masala can be bought readymade from shops or it can be substituted with ½ tsp coriander seed powder, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp black salt and ½ tsp dried mango powder (amchoor powder)

  • It can be served warm or cold.

  • Squeeze some lemon juice or add chopped cherry tomatoes to make it tangier.

  • Replacing cucumber with avocado makes it more nutritious.

  • Chickpeas can be substituted with haricot beans, red kidney beans or blackeye beans.

  • It can be used as fillings on lettuce/tortilla wraps or add boiled potatoes to make it extra filling as a meal.

 

Recipe by Dr K Viswanathan

 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Mental Health Awareness Week is 10-16 May 2021.

Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.  

The week, which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May.

This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to nature in your local area? Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week include:

  • Stop to listen to the birdsong.

  • Smell the freshly cut grass.

  • Take care of a house plant.

  • Notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.  

  • Go for a daily walk, and look up not down at the floor (we are all guilty of doing this sometimes).

  • Go outside and use the 5 senses technique to help calm anxiety:

    • What are 5 things you can see around you?

    • What are 4 things you can touch?

    • What are 3 things you can hear?

    • What are 2 things you can smell?

    • What is 1 thing you can taste?

  • Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

The charity Mind has a fantastic page regarding how nature affects your mental health and what you can do to embrace it. Click here to view.

If you or a loved one are in a life-threatening position, please call 999 immediately.

or

If you or a loved one are in need of help regarding mental health, please see below for some important information:

  • Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

  • SANEline. If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).

  • The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.

  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

  • Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.

  • Nightline. If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

  • Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

  • C.A.L.L. If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) on 0800 132 737 (open 24/7) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.

  • Helplines Partnership. For more options, visit the Helplines Partnership website for a directory of UK helplines. Mind's Infoline can also help you find services that can support you. If you're outside the UK, the Befrienders Worldwide website has a tool to search by country for emotional support helplines around the world.

Do you have a story to share?

We are lucky, here at St Wulfstan surgery, to have so many inspirational patients who have overcome such hardships with grace and strength! We would love to hear from patients who would like to share their experiences with the rest of our patients. Whether that be through dealing with anything from chronic disease, cancer, mental health or any other illness that has affected your life.

If you are interested in showcasing your story, please contact us as we would love to give you the opportunity, whether it be anonymously or not, to hopefully inspire and give comfort to others who may be going through something similar.

Contact us via email - istwulfstan@nhs.net

Easiest and important way to protect yourself and others!

We all know how important hand hygiene is after the last year or living in COVID times. However, it is easily forgotten once life starts resuming to normality.

As it is Global Hand Hygiene Day, we thought we should share a short video to remind us all!

Using the proper hand washing technique is one of the most effective and easiest way to protect yourself and others from the transfer of germs and illnesses.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. Perinatal mental illness affects up to 20% of new and expectant mums and covers a wide range of conditions.

Having a baby is a big life event. It's natural to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth. But if any difficult feelings start to have a big effect on your day-to-day life, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem. 

This maybe a new mental health problem, or an episode of a problem you've experienced in the past.

NCT Support Walks

NCT is an organisation whose mission is to “support parents through the first 1,000 days, to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood”. They do this through 3 main avenues of Sharing knowledge, creating networks and harnessing voices.

View their website here.

They run lovely local walks for parents and toddlers which is open to everyone. All these events are volunteer run and are free (parking charges at venues may apply and donations are most welcome - you can donate when you book).

Advance booking is essential. Please use links below to reserve spaces (if your desired event fills up, do check on the day as cancellations happen and spaces open up).

View their Facebook group here to keep up to date with local activities.

By Your Side

By Your Side was launched with Coventry and Warwickshire Perinatal Mental Health Team with an aim to support families who have accessed the service with emotional difficulties during pregnancy or in the year following the birth of their child, through the addition of a peer support service as well as breaking down the stigma and barriers that prevent people seeking the help and support they need.

Sue Drewitt, Perinatal Service Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “This is just a wonderful opportunity for women who have been, or are being seen by the Perinatal service to come together with their children. It’s a group where there is no stigma and women can just be themselves and if they choose, share how they feel whilst being at the ‘stay and play’. It’s a safe, friendly environment where everyone has fun and enjoys each other’s company”.

View their Facebook page here to keep up to date with any local events and updates.

Mind

Springfield Mind is our local branch of the charity Mind. They offer general mental health support via helplines, local branches and an online community.

They also have a great page on postnatal depression and perinatal mental health, which encompasses support, causes, partners, self care and more. To view this click here.

If you feel you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to your GP. You can book an appointment with one of our GPs by calling 01926 810939, or by booking online through your patient access or NHS app.

Welcome Back Dr Turner!

Lets all give a warm welcome back to Dr J Turner! Who is very generously helping with GP cover until September 2021.

Lets give him the welcome he deserves!

Dr Turner’s first clinic back will be this upcoming Tuesday 2th May 2021, which you can book via your patient access or NHS app, or by ringing the lovely ladies on reception on 01926 810939.