Newport Pagnell Medical Centre

Newport Pagnell Medical Centre Patient Handbook

Doctors

Dr Caroline Hickson (f) MB ChB (Leeds) 1977, DRCOG 1979, MRCGP 1981 Dr Ian Carter (m) MA (Oxon) 1975, MB ChB (Cantab) 1981, DCH 1984, MRCGP 1986 Dr Karen Holowka (f) BA (Oxon) 1976, MB ChB (Sheffield) 1979, DRCOG 1982, MRCGP 1984 Dr Luke James (m) MBBS (Lon) 1998, BSc. Psych, Dip.FMS, MRCGP 2003, Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education Dr Asha Chandola (f) MBBS, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP Dr Tayo Kufeji (m) MBBS, MPH, DRCOG, MRCGP Dr Fatima Mohri (f) MBBS (London) 2002, MRCS, MRCGP, B.Sc Human Genetics Dr Sharon Rocque (f) BSc Biology MBBS, MRCGP Dr Emma Thorncroft (f) MBBS 2004 University of London; MRCP 2007; DRCOG 2009; MRCGP 2011 Dr Sharon-Rose Mukanganwa (f) MBChB (Hons) (Birmingham), DRCOG, MRCPCH Part 1a, DFSRH, LOC-SDI, LOC-IUT, MRCGP Dr Shalin Parikh (m) B.Sc (2003) University of London; MB BS (2006) University of London; MRCGP (2011)

Managing Partner: Caroline Rollings (f)

NEWPORT PAGNELL MEDICAL CENTRE Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT Tel: 01908 611767 Fax: 01908 615099 Email: [email protected] Website: www.npmc.nhs.uk

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Practice Values

We are a successful and innovative practice with traditional values where all staff strive to provide excellent patient care now and in the ever changing future.

We strive to provide and deliver excellence and innovation in healthcare whilst maintaining the health of the community and safeguarding our NHS resources. Registration Process

To register with us please come in and speak to one of our receptionists.

We can only register patients who live in the MK16 or Red House Park area. You will be required to complete a Department of Health registration form. In additional we will require each registering member of your family to complete a new patient questionnaire.

All members of the household aged 18 or over will be required to provide proof of ID, such as current valid signed passport or current photo card driving licence AND proof of address such as mortgage statement or recent utility bill (not mobile phone bill).

Please note, unfortunately we will not be able to process your registration without the above. Registration Doctor

We believe in providing continuity of care and therefore each patient has a registered doctor who will provide the majority of your non emergency care.

We will always try and accommodate a request for a change of doctor (list size permitting). If you wish to change your registered doctor please make your request in writing to the Operational Manager.

Making an Appointment

Opening Hours: The Medical Centre is open: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:30 Saturday: 08:00 – 12:30: Pre-bookable appointments only

Pre-book Appointment times are available Monday – Friday between: 08:05 – 11:00 14:55 – 17:45

Making an Appointment You can arrange an appointment with your doctor or the practice nurse by:

 Telephone: 01908 617111  Online: www.npmc.nhs.uk. To do this you will need to contact the Medical Centre and they will grant you access to "SystmOnline" and print you a username and password. Please note this is currently only available for GP appointments.  In person: between the hours of 08:00 - 18:30

Saturday Consultations These available for pre-bookable appointments only - this will allow for those who find it difficult to visit their doctor during the week to access a GP at the weekend.

Home Visits: These are available to the housebound or those too unwell to be brought in.

If you cannot keep your appointment please let us know in good time so it may be given to someone else. Appointment System Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Both our patients and our doctors value having a usual doctor for continuity of care. We will do our best to make an appointment with your own doctor, but unfortunately this is not always possible.

I need to:

Book an See a doctor Speak to a appointment in within 2 days doctor advance about a Each doctor working query These are available up has four (eg about a to 5 weeks ahead. appointments blood test result) They are usually available in both available within a week, morning and but this may be longer afternoon surgeries for a specific doctor that can be booked 48 hours in advance. Bookings are taken either: o On the phone o In Bookings are taken Bookings are taken person. either: either: o Online o On the o On the phone phone o In person. o In person. The receptionist will ask for a reason for the call The receptionist will ask for a reason for the appointment

The Doctor or the Doctor’s PA will phone you back that day

Appointment bookings: Appointment line: 01908 617111 Online: www.npmc.nhs.uk

If you feel you need to see a doctor on the same day for an urgent problem please refer to the following chart:

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 I need to:

See a doctor today for an urgent problem We understand that you want to see a doctor today, but we do have a huge demand and need to ensure we manage the doctors’ caseloads safely.

We will offer you a phone call with an available doctor

If the doctor thinks your medical condition requires urgent care you will be asked to attend the practice for a consultation the same day.

Everyone who needs to be seen urgently will be seen that day. This is what you should do.

Telephone our reception team

Reception The receptionist will ask you for a reason for the appointment. This allows the doctor to decide what he/she should do to help you. In some cases he/she will not need to speak to you in person.

If you call before 10.00 If you call after 10:00 You will usually be called back You will usually be called back that the same morning. afternoon.

Doctor Assessment The doctors determine which requests can be answered with a telephone call and which requests require a face to face consultation (based on medical needs).

Telephone call from the doctor’s Telephone Doctor gives Personal Assistant to offer you an call from advice over the appointment time doctor telephone

Appointment with doctor

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Out of Hours

If you require medical assistance which cannot wait until the surgery re-opens please call 111. This is a free phone service

For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/111

Or alternatively go to: Broughton Gate “Walk-In Centre” Glyn Valley Place Broughton Tel: 01908 874444 Open 08.00 – 20.00 seven days a week

Call 999 in an emergency Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.

Repeat Prescriptions

We offer the following options:

Book in person at reception: Tell the receptionist your needs or put a tick against the medication you need on the tear off slip from your previous prescription and place it in the box in reception.

Via our website: To do this you will need to contact reception at the Medical Centre and they will grant you access to "SystmOnline" and print you a username and password. Visit out website and click on the box “access to the appointment system” to log on. Once logged on you will be taken to your "home page" on SystmOnline which gives you the opportunity to order repeat medication.

Written request: Just send a note explaining your requirements.

Fax: Simply fax a list of your medication requirements.

Chemist: Ask your local chemist for details of their reordering service.

Prescriptions are available 48 hours after ordering if collected from reception and 72 hours after ordering if collected from you preferred pharmacist. (This excludes weekends and bank holidays)

Housebound and infirm patients are still able to request repeat prescriptions by telephone – please contact us for details.

How We Can Help

Receptionists: Our reception team will be pleased to help you with questions you may have about the surgery. Practice Nurses: The practice nurse team works in the surgery to provide monitoring of health, care of wounds and help with acute health problems. Health Care Assistants: Health care assistants work alongside the practice nurses and offer vital health monitoring. Nurse Lead for Long Term Conditions Diabetes: our aim is to provide a service that encourages partnership in decision making, supports you in managing your diabetes and helps you to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Respiratory (COPD or Asthma): you will be offered an annual review to ensure you are receiving the best care. Cardiac & Stroke: we offer an annual appointment to patients with established heart disease. At the clinic we will review risk factors, discuss lifestyle changes, review medications and arm you with the knowledge you need to manage your condition. Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 For all long term conditions you will receive an invitation around your birthday, firstly for a health care check and blood tests, then a follow up appointment to discuss your results and change your care if necessary. Community Matron: An experienced senior nurse works with those who have serious long term conditions who may also be isolated and vulnerable. Health Visitors: The Health Visiting Team aims to promote the health and well being of families with children under 5 years of age. They see families both at home and in the surgery and offer support and advice on children’s health and development, breast feeding, weaning postnatal support, parenting and behaviour management. Health Visitors can be contacted on 01908 619909 Mon – Fri between 09.00 and 17.00. Physiotherapy: We have a team of 5 physiotherapists who provide an in house service at the Medical Centre 5 days a week between the hours of 8.00am and 5.40pm. Additionally we provide a domiciliary service where the therapist will make a home visit to a patient who is physically unable to visit the Medical Centre. If you wish to see a physiotherapist you will first need a referral from your GP. Phlebotomy (Blood testing): We have a blood clinic every day, Monday to Friday. District Nurses: The District Nurses provide nursing care to those unable to leave their homes. Please make every effort to attend the surgery if possible. They can be contacted on 01908 619913 between 8.30 and 17.00. Dietitian: Appointments can be arranged by your doctor or other health care practitioners. Midwifery: All antenatal care is offered at the surgery with the midwife who will monitor you during pregnancy and advise you on the best health options for you and your baby. Child Health Clinics: These are held on Thursdays between 09:30 – 11:30. Weaning clinics are the first Friday of the month 09:45 – 11:15 at Tickford Meadow Children’s Centre. Leg Club: This is held in the surgery for care of leg ulcers and leg problems. No appointment necessary. Open from 8.30 to 11.00 on Tuesday mornings. Carers Clinic: Our carers are offered the minimum of an annual appointment to discuss their caring role and complete a health check. Some carers receive more frequent support. To access this please ensure your medical records state that you are a carer. Podiatry: We have a team of state registered Podiatrists and foot care assistants who treat and advise eligible patients. Telephone: 01908 650450/6504511 for an application form.

Urology: Community urology service sees both male and female patients with urinary symptoms, bladder problems and men seeking prostate assessment. Travel – Immunisations and Advice: Please plan ahead Check out the website where you can download and complete the travel questionnaire. An assessment will be made and you will then be contacted and offered an appointment if you need any vaccinations or malaria tablets. For short notice travellers, please telephone 01908 619901 and book an appointment in the travel clinic. There is a charge for some vaccinations; the price list and further information is available on the website. Three Year Health Check: Any registered patient over the age of 16 who has not been seen by a GP or nurse at the practice in the previous 3 years may ask for a health check. During this check all appropriate examinations and investigations will be undertaken by a health care professional. Patients 75 years and over: Any registered patient 75 years of age or over who has not been seen by a GP or nurse at the practice in the previous 12 months may ask for a health check. During this check all appropriate examinations and investigations will be undertaken by a Health Care Professional.

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Teaching Practice

Our practice participates in the advanced training of well qualified Doctors who may specialise in General Practice. The additional Doctor works with us for up to one year and shares in all aspects of general medical care in liaison with the partners. The Building

The Medical Centre has been specially designed to make it easier for disabled patients to visit.

There is private car parking to the rear of the Medical Centre, including spaces reserved for the disabled. There are no steps at the entrance and automatic doors give patients easy access. A toilet on the ground floor is designed for use by the disabled. Discrimination and/or Abusive Behaviour

Discrimination: Anybody found to be discriminating against any of our staff because or race, gender, sexuality or disability will be treated severely and this may result in the patient being asked to register elsewhere. Similarly anybody found to be discriminating against a fellow patient will be dealt with equally severely.

Abusive behaviour: In line with NHS policy we do not tolerate any sort of abuse against our staff or other users of this building. Abuse, whether it is violent, threatening or verbal, will be dealt with most severely and as such may result in the police being called and the abusive patient being removed from our practice list. Complaints & Comments

We operate a practice complaints procedure as part of an NHS complaints system, which meets national criteria. A copy of our complaints leaflet is available from reception.

How to complain We hope that most problems can be sorted out easily and quickly, often at the time they arise and with the person concerned. If your problem cannot be sorted out in this way and you wish to make a complaint, we would like you to let us know as soon as possible - ideally, within a matter of days or at most a few weeks. You should address your complaint to the Complaints manager who will ensure the most appropriate person deals with your concerns promptly and in the correct way. You can complain in writing, download a complaint form from our website and email it to [email protected], or complain verbally. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and within that acknowledgement outline a timeframe for our formal response.

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome you may refer the matter to: Parliamentary and Health Service NHS England The Independent Complaint Ombudsman NHS Commissioning Board Advocacy Service (ICAS), SEAP Millbank Tower PO Box 16738 ICAS, 1st Floor rear Millbank, London Redditch Clarendon House SW1P 4QP B97 9PT 9-11 Church Street Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 7QG  0345 0154033  0300 311 22 33 Aylesbury local office  [email protected]  [email protected]  0845 6008616 or 01256 463758:  [email protected]

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Care Quality Commission

This Medical Centre is now registered with the Care Quality Commission.

The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of all health and social care services in England. It is their job to make sure that care provided by hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, ambulances, care homes and services in people’s own homes and elsewhere meets national standards of quality and safety.

How our registration with the CQC will benefit patients:  They protect patients by tackling poor care and unsafe care services.  Patients can be assured that practices are inspected regularly and are meeting the standards they should be able to expect.  The information they publish will help patients make informed choices about where they receive care and what they can expect.  Patients can communicate directly with CQC if they have concerns about their care or want to give feedback.  Their judgements are patient-focused and they check if patients’ experience of care is what they should be able to expect.  Patients should experience consistent standards of care, whether they're receiving health or social care, because the essential standards apply to all health and social care services.  Patients will know that they're being treated by staff who have the right qualifications to do so.

You can also refer any complaints to the CQC: Tel: 03000 616161 Email: [email protected] Address: CQC National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA Keeping your data safe

All staff and visitors to the practice are governed by the practice’s security in practice – data management policy and must adhere to the Data Protection Act of 1998. Its principles are as follows:  Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully and subject to conditions.  Personal data shall be obtained for specified and lawful purposes and not further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose.  Personal data shall be adequate and relevant and not excessive for the purpose.  Personal data shall be accurate and where necessary, kept up to date.  Personal data shall not be kept for long than necessary for the purpose.  Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects.  Appropriate security to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to the data.  Personal data shall not be transferred outside of European Economic Area unless similarly protected. Clinical Commissioning Group

We work with our local Clinical Commissioning Groups to commission (or buy) a range of services on your behalf such as hospital and dental services, optometry, pharmacy, mention health services and the Ambulance Service. We work closely with local partners, patients and the public to improve health, reduce inequalities and integrate health and social care services.

Contact details: Francis Crick House, Summerhouse Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN3 6BF Tel: 01604 651100 Email: [email protected]

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patients’ have the right to:  Be registered with a General Practitioner  Change doctor if desired  Be offered a health check on joining the practice  Receive urgent care at any time from the practice  Receive appropriate drugs and medicines  Be referred for specialist or second opinion if they and the GP agree  Have the right to view their medical records, subject to the Acts and associated procedure, and to know that those working for the NHS are under legal obligation to keep the contents confidential.

Patient responsibilities:  Courtesy to the staff at all times – remember they are working under doctors’ orders.  Responding in a positive way to questions asked by the reception staff.  To attend appointments on time or give the practice adequate notice that they wish to cancel. Someone else could use your appointment.  An appoint is for one person only – where another member of the family needs to be seen or discussed, another appointment should be made and the Medical Records be made available.  Patient should make every effort when consulting the surgery to make best use of nursing and medical time – home visits should be medically justifiable and not requested for social convenience.  When patients are asked to give 48 hours notice for repeat prescriptions, please give us the time as it is to allow for accurate prescribing.  Out of hours calls (eg evenings, nights and weekends) should only be requested if they are felt to be truly necessary. Specialist Visiting Consultants

Clinics are held at the Medical Centre by visiting consultants and cover the following conditions:  Colorectal  Orthopaedics  Gynaecology  General Surgery  Rheumatology  Plastic Surgery  Urology Patient Participation Group (PPG)

Our PPG is made up of a diverse group of patients ranging in age from sixth form students, parents with young children through to retired people with a lifetime of experience.

The group works with the practice to explore the changing needs of patients and provide feedback to the practice of any change you would like to see.

Contact Address: The PPG, Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT Email: [email protected]

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Self Help

Everyone experiences common illnesses like coughs, colds, fever or headaches from time to time. You do not need a prescription for symptoms of common illnesses as they are rarely serious. Treating these illnesses yourself or with advice and medicines from your local pharmacy can often be the easiest and quickest way to help you back to health. If your problem is more serious and needs further attention, your pharmacist will recognise this and advise you to make an appointment to see your GP. A minor illness guide for adults is below – many complaints can be treated with a well stocked medicine cabinet.

Symptoms What can you Do? What to look out for? Colds and Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, Increase the amount of fluid you If the cough persists Coughs sore throat, cough, headache, mild normally drink. If you have a fever, pain longer than 3 weeks, you fever, tiredness, aches and pains. or discomfort then take paracetamol or become breathless or are ibuprofen, according to the instructions coughing up infected on the packet. Nose drops from the (yellow/greenish/ pharmacy or rub-on decongestant may brown/blood stained) help you breathe more easily. A cough sputum then seek medical is nature’s way of clearing air passages. advice. Get plenty of rest and eat healthily as a low fat, high fibre diet is recommended including fresh fruit and vegetables. If you are pregnant paracetamol, not ibuprofen, should be taken for the short- term relief of pain or fever. Sore Throat Pain or soreness in the throat, Virus infections are the cause of most If the sore throat especially on swallowing, hoarse sore throats so antibiotics will have no continues for more than 2 voice, feeling unwell, tired with a effect in these cases. Simple painkillers, weeks, there is a high mild fever. such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be temperature lasting an effective was of alleviating any pain several days which is not or discomfort. Drink plenty of cold fluids reduced by medical or and eat cool soft food. Regularly gargle you have difficulty with a mouthwash of warm, salty water swallowing liquids to reduce any swelling or pain. together with neck pain seek medical advice. High A high temperature or fever is Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol If the temperature gets Temperature 37.5c or higher and is a symptom or ibuprofen can be an effective way of worse despite attempts to of many common illnesses. A bringing down your temperature. Ensure bring it down if the fever is fever helps the body to fight you drink plenty of cold fluids. Keep the accompanied by infections by stimulating the room cool, 18C or 65F, and open a confusion, drowsiness or immune system. window if necessary. breathing difficulties then seek medical advice Headache Headaches are one of the most Most headaches are not serious and can If your headaches persist, common health complaints but be treated with painkillers such as they are so painful you easily treated. Tension paracetamol or ibuprofen but always cannot get on with your headaches feel like a dull ache check the instructions for the right dose. life and cause you to miss with constant pressure around the Try to get more rest, drink more fluids work, or if you experience front, top and sides of the hear, (avoid alcohol) and eat healthily. nausea, neck stiffness often caused by stress, lack of and visual disturbance sleep, dehydration, skipping then seek medical advice. meals, depression and even using the computer for too long. Some headaches are a side effect of taking a particular medication or if you have had a cold, sinusitis, flu or an allergic reaction. Frequent headaches can be caused by taking too many painkillers or in women due to the pill, pregnancy Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 and the menopause. Symptoms What can you Do? What to look out for? Cold Sores Cold sores are small blisters that They usually clear up by themselves, What to look out for: appear on the lips or around the without treatment within 7-10 days. Avoid close contact with mouth caused by the herpes There are antiviral creams available from anyone if you have simplex virus. They are highly your pharmacy and these will help ease unhealed cold sores so contagious and can be easily your symptoms and speed up the you do not pass on the passed from person to person by healing time. There are also cold sore virus. If the cold sores close direct contact. A cold sore patches available to place over the area have not healed after 7- normally starts as a tingling or while it heals. 10 days then seek burning sensation which develops medical advice. into an itchy red lump and within 24 hours appears as a fluid-filled blister. Tiredness Tiredness is one of the most Think about what makes you tired and It may be common to feel common complaints which affect how you can change things. Tiredness tired all the time but it many people. There is more can often be attributed to lifestyle factors should not be normal. If chance of a medical reason for so try to eat healthily, drink less alcohol, after making some tiredness if there are other cut out caffeine and drink more water, go changes you still feel the symptoms accompanying the for a brisk walk in the fresh air, get same, seek medical tiredness. Being overweight or enough sleep and share you worries advice to check there is underweight can cause tiredness. with family and friends. nothing more seriously The worries and strains of every wrong. day life could be the cause together with disturbed sleep, different work patterns, looking after children or elderly relatives, depression or anxiety and life- changing event. Diarrhoea & It is a common problem that can The fluids lost need to be replaced. If there is blood of mucus Vomiting affect you from time to time. Avoid eating solid foods and drink as in your stools, there is Diarrhoea is caused through a much fluid or oral rehydration fluid as severe stomach pain or bowel infection by coming into you can take. Do not drink cow’s milk the diarrhoea continues contact with someone who is but soups and sugary drinks will help for several days; also if infected or from food. This will replace sugar and salt loss. vomiting persists or has usually cause one or more of three blood in it then seek symptoms, vomiting, diarrhoea medical advice. and stomach pains. If you are otherwise well it is likely the diarrhoea and vomiting will get better on its own within 24 hrs. Constipation Faeces (stools or motions) Make sure you drink plenty of fluids; eat If there is no improvement become hard and difficult or a mixed diet which includes lots of fibre, or no bowel movement painful to pass. Motions are fruit and vegetables. Most cases will after 7 days, there is passed less often or there is a resolve in time or seek advice from your bleeding in the stools or change from your usual bowel pharmacist. from the back passage habits. Could also be (anus) then seek medical accompanied by feeling bloated or advice. sick. Hay Fever & Sneezing, runny nose, sore or Try to identify what you are allergic to Allergies watery eyes, itchy throat and skin and avoid it but sometimes this is not rashes are very common. Hay always possible. For hay fever there are fever and allergies occur when a variety of remedies available from your you come into contact with a pharmacist. For all allergies take substance your body is unusually antihistamines on the advice of your sensitive to, such as pollen in the pharmacist. air. Allergies can be caused by any substances from specific foods to animal fur.

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Symptoms What can you Do? What to look out for? Stings and Within the UK common insects Most cases of bites or stings can be Allergy to wasp and bee Bites that may sting or bite include treated at home and will get better stings can cause a severe wasps, bees, mites, ants, fleas without any treatment. However, extra reaction or even and mosquitoes. The skin may relief can be provided by cleaning the anaphylactic shock. The turn pink, red or mottled and there area and then applying local symptoms can vary could be a painful blister. anaesthetic or antihistamine cream. If including narrowing of you are stung by a wasp or bee then airways leading to remove the sting as quickly as possible breathing difficulties, using tweezers before applying the wheezing, swelling around cream or ointment. the eyes, lips, hands and feet together with sore itchy eyes. If these symptoms occur seek medical help immediately. Burns and Burns are caused by dry heat, The burn or scald should be cooled as If the burn or scald covers Scalds such as hot objects or the sun. quickly as possible. Run it under cold a large area or the damage Scalds are caused by hot liquid water for at least 10 minutes and then is deep into the skin then and steam. The skin may be cover the area with a sterile dressing. seek urgent medical painful and look pink, red mottled If you don’t have any dressings then advice. together with blisters. cover with a clean plastic bag or cling- film. Do not touch the area or break any blisters. Athlete’s Athlete’s foot is a common Antifungal medication kills the fungi that If the infection does not go Foot condition caused by a fungal cause the infection. This is available away after several weeks infection. An itchy red rash from your pharmacy in the form of of treatment advised by the develops in the spaces between creams, sprays, liquids and powders. pharmacist hen seek your toes. The skin in the affected To help treat and prevent athlete’s foot; medical advice. area may also be flaky, scaly, dry wash your feet regularly using soap and cracked. It can also spread to and water, dry them thoroughly the toenails. particularly between your toes, wear clean cotton socks, keep your feet dry and do not share towels. Mouth Ulcers Mouth ulcers are painful round or They usually get better by themselves If the ulcer gets worse or oval sores that form in the mouth, without treatment but it can take up to 2 larger than 1cm or lasts for often on the inside of the cheeks. weeks. Treatments in the form of a longer than 3-4 weeks They occur for a wide range of paste, gel or mouth wash generally seek medical advice. reasons including being ill, stress, numb the pain which can be obtained bacterial or fungal infection and from your pharmacy. friction due to dentures. Although mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable, especially when you eat, drink or brush your teeth, they are harmless. Mouth ulcers cannot be passed form person to person. Vaginal Thrush is one of the most common Avoid bubble bath, shower gels and If symptoms do not Thrush and forms of vaginal or penis infection perfumed soaps and try not to use improve and there are Sore Penis caused by a fungus or yeast. biological washing powders. Use a ulcers or blisters, There is soreness, redness, mild soap and warm water to gently abdominal pain or fever itching and inflammation wash around the affected area. It can then seek medical advice. accompanied by a smelly be treated using various creams and discharge or odour. tablets available from your pharmacy which should give relief within 7 days.

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 Symptoms What can you Do? What to look out for? Cystitis Cystitis is inflammation of the Drink plenty of fluid including water and If symptoms do not bladder, commonly caused by a cranberry juice. Take painkiller such as improve and are bacterial infection. There is a paracetamol or ibuprofen. Mild cystitis accompanied by sharp pain or stinging sensation usually clears up within 4-9 days. abdominal or back pain when passing urine together with and fever then seek an urgent and frequent need to medical advice. pass urine. Urine may be dark and cloudy and could include blood. Meningitis Meningitis means swelling of the The glass test Meningitis is NOT a lining around the brain and spinal You can check a rash to see if it is minor illness. cord. It can be hard to recognise septicaemia by carrying out the glass at first. Symptoms can appear in test. If the rash fades and loses colour Trust your instincts – if you any order but the first symptoms under pressure it is not a meningitis suspect you may have are usually fever, vomiting, rash. some of the signs and headache and feeling unwell, just symptoms act fast and like many mild illnesses. If the spots DO NOT change colour, seek medical advice you should seek medical help immediately. Further symptoms include: immediately.  Severe headache  Stiff neck (less common in young children).  Dislike of bright lights (less common in young children)  Very sleepy, vacant or difficult to wake  Confused or delirious  Seizures  Rash (anywhere on the body but not present in all cases).

Babies and toddlers may also:  Refuse to feed or eat  Not want to be held or touched  Be very irritable  Have a stiff body with jerky movements, or floppy, unable to stand up  Have a tense or bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the head.

First Aid Kit It would be ideal to have your own first Be aware of the signs aid kit at home which contains and symptoms of serious everything you may need in an illness. emergency. Basic items would include plasters, sterile dressings, cotton wool, Be prepared on how to adhesive tape, antiseptic liquid or cope if an accident cream, pain relief, scissors, tweezers happens. and disposable gloves. Speak to your local pharmacist who will advise on the contents of your medicine cupboard and first aid kit so they are fully equipped.

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014 USEFUL NUMBERS & WEBSITES

NPMC Surgery 01908 611767 NPMC Appointments 01908 617111 NHS 111 Milton Keynes Hospital 01908 660033 Northampton Hospital 01604 634700 Bedford Hospital 01234 355122 Boots the Chemist 01908 611161 Jardines Pharmacy 01908 610583 Aston’s Chemists 01908 618017 Samaritans 01908 667777 Smoking Cessation 0800 1690169

NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk National Pharmacy Association: www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk Consumer Health Information Centre www.chic.org.uk Self Care Forum www.selfcareforum.org Meningitis Trust www.meningitis-trust.org

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This space below is for you to add other useful numbers of your choice

NEWPORT PAGNELL MEDICAL CENTRE, Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT, Tel: 01908 611767, Fax: 01908 615099 Email: [email protected] Website: www.npmc.nhs.uk

Patient handbook.doc Author: A Faulkes April 203 Review date May 2014