Winter 2023 Newsletter

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Covid Booster Vaccines

You or your child may be offered a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine if you are:

• aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
• aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk.
• living in a care home for older adults.
• a frontline health or social care worker.
• aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system.
• aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer.

If you are eligible, you can get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine by:

• Booking online
• On the NHS app.
• Call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.
• If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.

New Doors

We are continuing with work to our front & main interior doors to be glazed automatic doors. 

However there have been a few technical issues from the supplier which has meant delays. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused but hopefully this work will be completed soon. 

What can pharmacists do ?

Pharmacists are experts in medicines who can help you with minor health concerns.  All pharmacists train for 5 years in the use of medicines. They are also trained in managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.

As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains.

If symptoms suggest it is something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need. For example, they will tell you if you need to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professional.

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard.

Staffing changes

A big welcome to:

• Dr Codd who works Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
• Jackie, our new Practice Nurse who replaces Beth, and 
• Cherylynne, our new Pharmacy Technician, who will assist the clinicians and patients with medication queries, changes and shortages.

Patient Participation Group

Taking an interest in our health and in the wellbeing of our families is an important part of our modern, busy, lives. Our GP Practice, in Neasham Road, will often be the first resource we turn to when something goes wrong and we need help or advice. It’s something we all rely on, need and trust.

When you come in for an appointment, have a blood test, or perhaps enjoy the convenience of a telephone or online consultation, you and your clinician will share information about the matter in hand. But have you ever wanted to know more? Not more about your ongoing issue, but more about what goes on behind the scenes when you try to book an appointment, are waiting for test results or have had your case referred?

Perhaps you have noticed a change in the way things are done within the Practice? Have you wondered why it has changed or why the new method was chosen? Have you ever wondered what might be planned for the future and why? Have you ever wished that you had an opportunity to comment on changes and have your say on proposals for the future of healthcare at Neasham Road?

If you answer YES to any of the above then why not consider joining our Patient Participation Group? We are a group of ordinary patients, just like you, who meet once every few months to share an interest and get updates on what has happened, is happening and is planned to happen at our GP Surgery. Guest Speakers come to some meetings and provide our group with useful information on new developments. You do not have to come to every meeting, but being part of our group gives you an opportunity to discover more and have your say within the PPG forum.

For further information and details please refer to the PPG section on the Neasham Road website or telephone the practice (during the afternoons)

Shingles Vaccine 

The shingles vaccine is recommended for some older adults and people with a severely weakened immune system.

People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
From 1 September 2023, you're eligible for the shingles vaccine when you turn 65.
You'll be offered 2 doses of the vaccine. These are given between 6 and 12 months apart.
You'll remain eligible until your 80th birthday.

People aged 70 to 79
Everyone aged 70 to 79 is eligible for the shingles vaccine.
You will have 2 doses (given between 6 and 12 months apart).
You're eligible up until your 80th birthday.

People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system
You're eligible for the shingles vaccine if you're aged 50 or over and you're at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.
This includes:

• some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
• some people with HIV or AIDS
• some people who've recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant

people taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system
You'll be given 2 doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart.

If you have any queries, please call the surgery to discuss. 

Published: Oct 17, 2023