Autumn 2016 Newsletter

Hot off the Press!

• During August 2016 100% of our patients completing the Family and Friends test said they would be extremely likely to recommend our Practice.

CQC Inspection

During July the Practice received its first Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection. The Inspectors spent a day with us reviewing every aspect of our Practice with GPs and Practice staff to determine our overall rating. I am pleased to say that Kingsbridge was rated as “Good” overall with some outstanding features relating to elderly care and a couple of areas that required improvement. These areas were rectified immediately following the inspection and the CQC is happy with the measures we have put in place. If you wish to view the full report you can visit the CQC website at www.cqc.org.uk Alternatively our ratings re clearly displayed in Reception and a hard copy of the report is available to view on request.

Patient Feedback

A big thank you to all of our patients who provide feedback via our Friends and Family test, Practice Feedback forms and verbally or in writing either as a compliment of complaint! This is valuable to the Practice to ensure we are meeting our aim to provide quality care to our patients. Your feedback provided to the CQC was very positive and supported the information provided by GPs and staff about our services. Thank you!

Practice Team Update

Dr Emily Wersocki, formally a trainee GP with the Practice has joined us permanently following the successful completion of her training and qualifications. Dr Wersocki will be holding clinics on Thursdays and Fridays and looks forward to supporting patients and working with the practice team. We also have two new trainee GPs, Dr Srjdjan Milicic and Dr Nnameka Benson who will be working alongside and under supervision of the existing GP team. Some of you may also be asked to participate in the consultations involving our Current Keele University student, Beth Harris. On the staff side our Reception Manager, Emma Sproston is currently on maternity leave but Jackie Jones and Stephanie Wheat are managing our Administration team in her absence and will be happy to help!

Flu Clinics

Flu vaccinations are available free to eligible patients in at risk groups. This includes all patients aged 65 and over, pregnant women, patients under 65 with chronic conditions and carers. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please speak to one of our team who will be pleased to help. Pharmacies also offer the vaccination generally for a small fee. Our clinics are very popular, so waiting times may vary and we ask for your patience when attending. Further advice regarding flu is available in leaflets in our Reception and waiting room. Alternatively NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk is full of useful advice.

Become an Antibiotic Guardian!

It is a fact that no amount of antibiotics will get rid of general coughs, colds and sneezes. Colds and flu are caused by viruses which aren’t treatable with antibiotics. They are only effective against bacterial infections. The increasing use of antibiotics for general conditions is a contributory factor in antibiotics becoming less effective which means more deaths and complications for people receiving treatment in hospital. You can help reverse this trend by not asking your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for coughs, colds, sore throats etc. The best treatment for these seasonal ailments is to rest, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids. Your Pharmacy can also help For further information visit antibioticguardian.com.

Child Flu Vaccine

This year the child flu vaccine is being offered to children aged 2, 3, and 4 years. Children in school years 1, 2, and 3 and Children with a health condition that puts them at greater risk from flu. Flu vaccinations need to be given annually to be effective and most children are given the vaccine as a nasal spray which has been used safely on millions of children in the UK over the past 3 years. We will be contacting parents of eligible children to attend child flu clinics. Please pick up a leaflet from the waiting room for further information.

Keele University Research

Did you know the Practice also participates in medical research activities in conjunction with the University of Keele? From time to time, dependent on the research we are participating in, you may be asked if you want to participate in a study. These can range from completing a brief survey, testing new technology or attending research clinics. Participation is entirely voluntary and patients can also volunteer directly with the University. Visit www.keele.ac.uk/health/fuclg for more information.

Pharmacy First!

Your local pharmacist can provide help, advice and dispense medication for a wide range of ailments. We advise our patients to consult with their pharmacist first for common problems as a GP appointment is not always necessary to treat them.

Have you signed up?

The electronic prescription service continues to be popular with our patients and 70% are signed up to enable your prescriptions to be sent directly to your nominated pharmacy. This is a simple, time saving service and we are recommending that as many patients as possible Make use of it. For further information please speak to one of our Reception team who will be pleased to help you.

North Staffs Dementia Strategy

In North Staffordshire, we want to do more to help people living with Dementia as well as family and friends providing care and support. North Staffs NHS are currently seeking your views on what is important to you so that they can devise a local strategy to provide good quality dementia services over the next 4 years. The survey can be accessed at www.northstaffsccg.nhs.uk/dementiastrategy In addition to the survey, public events are being held on the 23rd and 29th October and further details are also available on the above website.

If you are living with dementia or caring for someone, with the condition, there are many useful sources of information and support including:
Age UK
www.ageuk.org.uk
The Alzheimer’s Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Dementia UK
www.dementiauk.org
Locally, North Staffordshire Approach runs regular Carers’ Café groups and can be contacted on 01782 214999 for further information, alternative you can visit their website at: www.approachstaffordshire.co.uk