MAJOR MEDICAL PRACTICE SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER Contents

Practice News (Meet the Team) 2

Practice Manager Update 3

New role at the Medical Practice 4

New Staff Member at the Medical Practice 4

Your Health, Your Way 4

Dementia Awareness 5

Major Oak Facebook Page 5

6 Quick facts about Menopause 6

Prescription Ordering 7

Help relieve reception pressure 7

Did Not Attend Appointments 7

Edwinstowe Summer Fayre 2021 8

Samples 8

Shingles Vaccination 8

Tackling Loneliness 9

The Key to boosting your immune system 10

MenACWY Vaccination 12

Data Opt Out 12

Sun Awareness 12

The Friends and Family Test 13

Kids Zone 14

PRACTICE NEWS

Clinical Team: Dr W M Mikhail Senior GP Partner Dr G Singaravel (Dr Gopi) GP Partner Dr E Gabrawi GP Partner Dr Jayamaha GP Trainee (Another new registrar is starting in August 2021)

Sarah Townsley Nurse Prescriber Claire Hedges Practice Nurse Teresa Brentnall GP Assistant/Admin Supervisor Lydia Walker Practice Phlebotomist Mohammed Shabir & Michael Wong Clinical Pharmacists Paul Scothern First Contact Physiotherapist Victoria Davis, Dawn Spence Social Prescribers and Sally Lee

Reception / Administration Team: Jacquie Mikhail Practice Manager Helen Vick Reception Supervisor Lisa Antell Receptionist Bethany Short Receptionist Paula Pang Receptionist Charlie Telford Receptionist Clare Thomas Audit Administrator Gail Fenton Medical Administrator Lisa Hinds Medical Administrator Lynn Pyatt Medical Administrator

Monday: 08:00 – 18:30 Tuesday: 07:00 – 18:30

(On Tuesdays the reception will not be open for queries between 7am—8am) Wednesday: 08:00 – 18:30 Thursday: 08:00 – 18:30 Friday: 08:00 – 18:30

2 Practice Manager’s Update

Dear patients and carers

Thank you for all your patience, understanding and support over the year. It has been incredibly challenging for everyone but you have been amazing in your support of the practice. You have been patient with us when we have had to adapt to the new ways of working. Thank you for wearing your face mask when you come into see us and thank you for understanding that the waiting room is empty because we are trying to protect you and the staff. We continue to be offering the same, if not more, appointments; we have a selection of telephone, video consultations and Face to face consultations.

Our staff are working extremely hard trying to manage in this difficult time and we appreciate your kindness and consideration of this when contacting the practice. We are trying our very best to provide care for you and your families.

Attending the surgery It remains important that we minimise any risk of transmission of COVID whilst any of us are attending the surgery. We are still mandated to ensure that patients are fully screened for COVID symptoms prior to entering the surgery. This is why our reception team ask you about the symptoms or the reason before offering you an appointment and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. We will continue with the telephone triage system but this does not mean we will not see you if needed but means we will continue to minimise the number of patients in the building at any one time.

It remains essential that all patients (unless exempt) wear a face mask when attending the surgery and attend alone (unless they are unable). All staff have now received their two COVID vaccinations and all staff are required to be tested twice weekly for COVID. We do however continue to have staff and members of their families test positive at times. This continues to mean that clinical staff have to work from home at times due to needing to self-isolate.

Please stay safe and look after each other! Jacquie Practice Manager

3 New staff members at the Medical Practice

We would like to welcome the following new members of staff:-

Physiotherapy FCPs: Paul – our new First Contact Practitioner - has joined the prac- tice this week. He is with us on Tuesdays for telephone and face-to-face assessments. A first contact practitioner (FCP) is an experienced physiotherapist who has the advanced skills necessary to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems on a patient’s first contact with healthcare services e.g. when they visit their GP surgery.

Patients with MSK complaints can be booked in to see an FCP by a GP receptionist, GP or online. An FCP offers expert MSK assessment and diagnosis, however, is also integrated within the multi-disciplinary team in each GP practice.

If appropriate, an FCP may prescribe a programme of exercises, refer for blood tests or X-ray, administer steroid injections, or refer a patient to an appropriate secondary health service e.g. rheumatology or orthopaedics.

All FCP’s are trained to identify ‘red flag’ symptoms which may require medical attention.

Your Health, Your Way

Your Health Your Way is ’s new Integrated Wellbeing Service funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and delivered by ABL Health.

They are here to help all residents of Nottinghamshire (excluding city) get more active, eat healthier, manage your weight, drink less alcohol and stop smoking.

They offer realistic and practical support for people to make life long healthy behaviour changes.

If you would like to refer yourself or someone you know follow the link below:

https://yourhealthnotts.co.uk/

4 Dementia Awareness

Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk Join thousands of others all across the UK who are walking for a world without dementia.

Come together with friends and family at Clumber Park Memory Walk, 03 October 2021 or Wollaton Park Memory Walk on 19th September 2021.

Memory Walk is a family-friendly sponsored walk and a fantastic way to make a real difference to people affected by dementia. It is a great opportunity to come together with friends and family to make a real difference.

Sign up for free today and receive a brilliant digital fundraising pack, with plenty of tips and useful resources, plus a Memory Walk t-shirt!

Challenge yourself to raise £160, or as much as you can, and make a real difference to people affected by dementia.

The Memory Walk team is here to support you every step of the way, so sign up today and together we’ll walk for a world without dementia.

It’s free to sign up and accessible to all.

Memory Walk | Alzheimer's Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Major Oak Facebook Page

The practice are now in the process of updating the Facebook page. We will publish information on this page of services available to patients as well as up to date news and relevant links.

Please follow us on Facebook as the more followers we have, the wider the information gets shared.

5 6 Quick facts about the menopause

The menopause is a natural part of ageing, and occurs when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to have children. It’s a gradual process which happens over months or years.

Why does the menopause happen? The menopause is a normal part of the life cycle, where levels of the hormone oestrogen decline with age, so periods become less frequent and eventually stop altogether. This means a woman is no longer able to get pregnant.

What are the symptoms? A change in the pattern of your periods is the first sign of the menopause. Other symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, memory problems, vaginal dryness and changes in sex drive. Symptoms vary between individuals – some women will experience mild symptoms while others may have symptoms that have a big impact on their everyday life.

6 Quick facts about the Menopause

1. The menopause is caused by changes in hormone levels which take place as a woman gets older. 2. Menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, mood changes, memory problems and changes in sex drive. 3. The length of time that symptoms last for varies between individuals, but averages about 4 years. 4. Treatment is available to help with symptoms if you want it.

5. A healthy diet and regular exercise, alongside simple behavioural changes, can improve some symptoms. 6. Talking helps – friends, family and professionals can give support and guidance.

Treatments for menopausal symptoms Your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have severe menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day-to-day life. These include:-

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)  Tablets, skin patches, gels and implants that relieve menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen.  Vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)  A type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly – maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some menopausal symptoms.

To read more about the symptoms on the NHS website see link below:- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/

6 Prescription Ordering

During the Covid-19 pandemic we would appreciate it if you could kindly request your prescription via our online services or by drop- ping the request through the letterbox near the front door. This is so we can free the phone line for urgent calls.

Requesting prescriptions on the online service is quick and easy to do, once you have submitted your request, the prescriber will deal with the request within 48 hours. It will then be sent to your nominated Pharmacy for collection.

If you are unsure who your nominated Pharmacy is or you need to change this to a another Pharmacy, then please contact our Reception on Tel: 01623 822303.

Help Relieve Reception Pressure

Test Results

Please call after 11 am to enquire about any investigations results. If you are registered for the online services, you will be able to see your results. Have you got the NHS App? 24/7, wherever you are, the NHS app allows you to book, cancel and track appointments at your GP surgery with ease. You can conveniently order repeat prescriptions, view your GP medical record, and quickly check symptoms, plus access to NHS 111 online means no more wondering if you need urgent attention. It’s free and owned by the NHS so you know your personal data is always secure. You can find it in in Google and Apple app stores. Simplify your life.

Did Not Attend Appointments

Appointments are precious resource. We have noticed an increase in DNAs recently despite having the majority of bookings on the same day! Please cancel your appoint- ment in plenty of time if you are unable to use it – someone else will be in need of this appointment instead! We are working closely with the Patient Participation Group (PPG) to review our DNA policy in efforts to reduce the number of wasted appointments.

Please see latest reports showing he missed face to face appointments and equivalent time:-

Months: Missed Appointments: Time wasted: April 2021 47 9 hours May 2021 40 6.7 hours June 2021 40 7.7 hours

7 Summer Fayre 2021

Edwinstowe Summer Fayre is due to take place on Saturday 31st July 2021.

Activities include:-  Raffle  Tombola  Face Painting  Games  Story Teller  Child’s crafting  Cakes/snacks and refreshments  Plant stall  Bric a Brac/Clothes  Insect Safari  Drama Workshops

Don’t miss out on the fun!

Tickets are available from Edwinstowe Village Hall.

Samples

Due to infection control, please do not post samples through the surgery letter box, instead please hand them in to one of the reception team who will handle it safely. Please ensure you have written your name and date of birth on the label.

Shingles Vaccinations

A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease is available on the NHS to people in their 70s. The shingles vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

If you are aged 70 – 79 and would like your vaccination please contact the practice on Tel: 01623 822303 to be booked in.

For more information about the vaccine got to:- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-can-have-the-shingles-vaccine/

8 Tackling Loneliness

There are many ways in which we can help ourselves and other to feel less lonely.

Say hello to people in your street. Find out more about people around you. This could include people you are involved in hobbies and activities with, as well as your neighbours. Big Lunch is a great way to get to know people in your neighbourhood. www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch

Join a social network in your area. You can set up a facebook group for your neighbourhood, or create groups using www.nextdoor.co.uk or www.meetup.com

Volunteering. People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it is a chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. www.ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk or www.mansfieldcvs.org/

New Hobby. Take up a new hobby that can be done in pairs or groups. This could be something like learning a new language.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Try opening up to someone who you feel comfortable talking to, whether that is a member of your family, a friend, your carer or your GP.

Accept help when it is presented to you. It may be a friend or a neighbour just asking you to pop round for a brew. Do not think you are a nuisance, because in all likelihood they will want to see you and spend time with you.

Spend time in natural places. During lockdown people have taken inspiration from being with nature. Parks and gardens are a great start but if you feel you need a little support to find out what is on offer go to:- https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/voice-and-partnerships/greenspace or email [email protected]

Surround yourself with activity. If you are feeling alone, why not pop out to a coffee shop or somewhere where there is some activity going on. You may meet someone else in a similar situation which could spark a conversation.

Further information to tackle loneliness can be found at:- https://www.asklion.co.uk/kb5/nottingham/directory/landing.page?directorychannel=2_7

It’s ok to feel lonely, particularly at a time like this. Don’t suffer in silence, we can all help each other stay connected.

9 The key to boosting your immune system

Having a healthy immune system is essential for your body to fight off infection. We take a look at seven ways you can bolster your body’s defences. At the moment, we’re all worried about COVID-19, a respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus. But your immune system is important at all times. These tips for staying healthy are just as relevant when fighting off colds and flu.

How can I boost my immune system? There is no magical immune system booster that will bolster your defences overnight, but there are things you can do to protect your immune cells, potentially lowering your susceptibility to infection. Looking after yourself in body and mind is the best way to improve immunity, and the better your immune system functions, the better your whole body functions. Health benefits can include everything from lowered blood pressure to reduced inflammation.

Eating the Right Foods Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to look after your body. Focus on whole foods, eating from all the key food groups, and avoid overly salty, fatty, sugary or processed foods. Find out which foods are thought to be best for a healthy immune system

Get the Nutrients your body Needs Certain nutrients are essential to the good running of your immune system. These are found in fresh produce; you shouldn't rely on supplements to get them.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body. This vital nutrient is found in many foods, not just citrus fruits. It’s also in leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, strawberries, carrots and many more fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight infection. Find it in spinach, broccoli, almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts.

Vitamin B6 is essential to your immune system. Bananas, lean poultry, tuna and chickpeas are all high in this nutrient.

Vitamin D helps the body regulate immune responses, so check these guidelines on who needs a vitamin D supplement. A daily dose of vitamin D is one of the few things you may need a supplement for, though eating fatty fish (or fortified cereals and spreads) and being exposed to sunlight do help.

Vitamin A Brightly coloured foods often contain vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash are all high in this nutrient.

Folate Also known as folic acid, helps our body create cells, meaning a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system. Get yours from beans and peas or leafy green vegetables. You’ll also find it in certain fortified foods.

Iron helps your body carry oxygen to cells, including the white blood cells that are central to the immune system. Find it in lean poultry or in dark, leafy greens.

It’s thought that selenium plays a crucial role in the functioning of our body’s defences. Find it in garlic, broccoli, sardines, tuna and mushrooms, among many other foods.

Zinc is thought to help control inflammation. Zinc is found in oysters, crabs, poultry, beans and chickpeas.

10 The key to boosting your immune system (continued)

Exercise more Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system, as well as helping you sleep better and reducing your stress levels – two things that have an impact on immunity. Regular exercise has been shown to improve immune response even in those with weakened immune systems.

Control your stress levels Stress and anxiety can have a physical effect on our bodies, including a negative impact on our natural defences. This is particularly true if you are stressed over a long period of time. Everyone gets stressed now and again, so it’s a good idea to find a few stress-busting techniques that work for you. Try breathing techniques, yoga or meditation. Top tips to reduce everyday stress and anxiety

Get enough sleep While you sleep, your immune system produces proteins called cytokines, which target infection and inflammation. These are also released during sleep, meaning losing out on shut-eye could seriously impact your defences.

Most adults need around eight hours of good quality sleep a night. Some will need more, some less. If you regularly feel tired throughout the day, you probably aren’t getting enough sleep. Many people treat sleep as a luxury, but it is truly a necessity. Make a conscious effort to sleep more as it could really boost your immunity.

Have a healthy, happy gut The health of your digestive tract has a huge impact on the health of your whole body, and your immune system is no different. A healthy gut microbiome encourages healthy defences. Read our guide to ensuring a happy, healthy gut

Maintain good personal hygiene It’s all well and good doing all the above things to make sure your immune system is fighting fit, but are you taking measures to stop germs entering your body in the first place? The most important of these is also the simplest: keeping your hands clean.

Wash your hands for 20 seconds (two rounds of Happy Birthday) using warm water and soap before cooking or eating and after you cough or sneeze. Do the same after you use the bathroom or touch public surfaces.

Washing your hands is listed as one of the key things you can do to protect yourself from the coronavirus. If you’ve touched something outside of your home and haven’t washed your hands since, don’t touch your face.

Top-up your immune system by reading up on the supplements that Livi’s doctors recommend taking.

But if you are struggling to manage stress or move away from unhealthy eating habits, you can gain expert advice and support through speaking to a GP by video today.

11 MenACWY Vaccination

Have you had a text inviting you for your MenACWY Vaccination ?

What is MenACWY Vaccination? The MenACWY vaccine is given by a single injection into the upper arm and protects against 4 strains of the meningococcal bacteria A, C, W and Y—which caused meningitis and blood poisoning (septicaemia).

These can be deadly infections—so why wouldn't you want to get protected from having them?

We are inviting 18-24 year olds to book in for an appointment.

For more information on the vaccination please see the link below:- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/

Data Opt Out

There have been posts on social media with false information about opting out of sharing your data within the NHS. Here's what you need to know:-

 There is no deadline for opting out of sharing your data.  You can opt out at any time.  NHS Digital will never sell your data.

There are strict rules about how NHS can use your data. It's only shared securely and safely. Shared data helps the NHS. It has been used to find the first treatment for coronavirus and for vaccine research.

If people wish to opt out they can click the link below and follow the instructions. https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/

Sun Awareness

With the summer months upon us we all need to take care in the sun. Follow these simple tips:-

 Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm make sure you never burn.  Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses.  Take extra care with children.  Use at least factor 30 sunscreen.

12 “How likely are you to recommend our service to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?”

Neither likely or Extremely Extremely Unlikely unlikely / Likely Unlikely likely Don’t Know

37 13 5 2 0

Thank you for your feedback, the above table show the number of responses received in between April & June 2021.

Your Feedback Matters!

Your feedback will help us learn more about what you think of your experience - what you like and what you think we could improve. Ultimately, you're helping us to make changes that will ensure we can offer the best possible care.

If you'd prefer to give your comments anonymously, then please do so. If you do leave your contact details then we might get in touch, to talk to you about your feedback so we can better understand your views.

If you would like to leave feedback please pick up a card in surgery or click on the box "Take our Practice Survey" at the bottom of our webpage.

13 Enjoy these puzzles while you wait to see the doctor or nurse. Doctors and nurses can be very busy so sometimes you must wait very patiently. Can you find your way through the maze?

14 Can you colour in the picture?

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All the staff at Major Oak Medical Practice would like to wish all our patients a

Happy Summer

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