Attleborough Surgeries

Last week there were 42 missed appointments which is 420 minutes of clinicians time. This does not include telephone appointments. Every missed appointment is an appointment we could have given to someone else.
We understand that sometimes there are circumstances which are out of your control and cannot be avoided. If you know you cannot make an appointment, please cancel via text response to your text appointment reminder, via your online access, face to face at front reception or via the telephones.
For text reminders of your appointment please ensure we have your up to date mobile number. To sign up to online access just bring photo ID to the front desk and we will set it up for you

10th - 16th June is Men's Health Week - In the UK, one man in five dies before he reaches 65. The Men’s Health Forum are raising awareness of 7 numbers that all men need to know and for men who want to get to know their numbers better, the Forum is also publishing Man MOT - a new interactive manual that enables men to check their own health and then challenges them to do better. Man MOT has 25 health challenges in total. The 7 key numbers for men are: ◾37 - a waist size of 37... inches or above puts you at increased of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. ◾150 - men should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. ◾5 - we should aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. ◾14 - maximum 14 units of alcohol a week. . ◾10 - cigarette smokers die 10 years younger on average than non-smokers. ◾120/80 - normal blood pressure. ◾75 - 75% of suicides (3 out of 4) are by men. Visit the website for more info: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mens-h ealth-week-2019-nu…
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It's cervical screening awareness week 10th -16th June. Did you know cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer in women under 35 with two women in the UK per day dying from the disease? Regular cervical screening appointments can prevent up to 75% of instances of cervical cancer, saving 5000 lives per year - the test itself only takes around 5 minutes but if you feel worried about going for cervical screening (a smear test), you are not alone. Visit Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust website for more information, reassurance and guidance on what to expect at your test. Book your test today! https://www.jostrust.org.uk/about-cervica l-cancer

This week is Mental Health awareness week - mental health problems can affect anyone at any time. This year the Mental Health Foundation focus on body image – how we feel and think about our bodies. Last year the Mental Health Foundation found that 30% of all adults have felt so stressed by body image and appearance that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Visit the website for more information: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/…/menta l-healt…/get-involved

Do I need to see a GP or could I see a Nurse Practitioner? Nurse practitioners are trained specialist nurses. They have undertaken additional medical education in order to provide advanced nursing care and to prescribe medication. Nurse practitioners can provide treatment and advice for many problems and common ailments such as: Back pain or joint sprains Chest infection Conjunctivitis or minor eye problems in under 16s... Dizziness, giddiness, unusual headache Earache, swollen glands Raised temperature that does not improve after one week of pharmacists’ advice & home treatment Shingles Tonsillitis, cough, sinusitis, sore throat, colds and flu-like illnesses Urinary tract infections or other urinary symptoms Vaginal thrush, soreness, lump or discharge Vomiting Wounds, scalds, burns, rashes & many other health problems Nurse practitioners can assess and examine you, make a diagnosis and provide advice and treatment including a prescription if required. They can make referrals to hospital doctors or other health care professionals, and admit patients into hospital when necessary. Appointments with our Nurse Practitioners are booked on a daily basis as these types of problems are usually acute, on the day problems.
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Contacting the Surgery for non-urgent appointments:
If you need to make a routine, non-urgent appointment i.e. for smears, blood tests, baby immunisations, please call the surgery after 10.30am. This will enable patients who require an urgent appointment to access the phone lines first thing in the morning.

Unfortunately the Practice is currently experiencing high levels of demand during a time of staff sickness/maternity leave. We are working hard to provide cover by employing additional GP sessions, but please be patient with our reception and dispensary team who are working hard to support our patients and prioritise patient access at this time.

Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year - you don't need to be one of them. Start your journey to a healthier you: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free, personalised programme to help with your weight, healthy eating and exercise - reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Visit the website at https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start to see if you are high risk or speak to your GP at the practice to check if you are eligible for the programme.

Attleborough Surgeries Patient Participation Group invite you to join Richard Brook for insights and guidance on teenage years and adolescence. *Please note places are limited, so please book by emailing snccg.patientgroup@nhs.net

A new health app has been launched aimed at young adults aged 16-19 and living in Norfolk - take control of your health, wellbeing and fitness. The new Just 1 Norfolk Health Passport brings health to the palm of your hand and is free to download. It offers useful health information, where to find help and advice, enjoying festivals, learn more about mental health, access to your health records by linking to the NHS approved Evergreen Life website and much more! https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/16-19-h ealth-passport-app

Start the New Year the right way - The NHS Eat Well guide can offer you advice and support towards a healthier you.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/…

Flu Clinics 2018 - Our flu clinics have now taken place.
Our team charity for 2018 was the Stroke Association. We are delighted to let you know that through the generosity of our patients and the fundraising of our staff that we raised a staggering £1,000 for this amazing charity. Thank you to everyone who supported our chosen charity this year.

Attleborough Surgeries will be closed on New Year's Day. We will re-open at 8.30 am on Wednesday 2nd January 2019. All other days we will be open as normal (please see our website for usual opening times).

Be prepared over the festive season - think where to go if you feel unwell. A & E is for serious and life-threatening illnesses only. Many people attend emergency service departments with minor ailments which could be better treated elsewhere. This puts extra demands on already pressured emergency departments, particularly during the winter period. Click on the NHS 'Think' campaign below to help guide you.

*PLEASE NOTE* Station Road will be closed on the following dates between the hours of 7.00pm to 6.00am for repairs to the road:-
• Sunday 25 November • Tuesday 27 November • Wednesday 28 November... • Thursday 29 November
Breckland Council have said that there will be some access after 7.00pm but you need to be aware that you will have to wait to be told when it is safe to come out of the Station Road/ Connaught Hall car park.
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World Diabetes day is on Wednesday 14th November every year. When you have diabetes, you’re entitled to certain checks, tests and services every year to help you get the care you need do you know and what should happen at your annual review - we call this package of care your15 Healthcare Essentials. Get to know your 15 Healthcare essentials so you can work with your Diabetes team to know how to keep yourself well and how get the best possible care for you . https://www.diabetes.org.uk/…/man…/15 -healthcare-essentials…

*FLU CLINIC* PLEASE NOTE* OUR NEXT SURGERY FLU CLINIC DAY IS ON FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER AT STATION ROAD SURGERY from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. This is for patients of Attleborough Surgeries only as below: *The flu clinic will be open to all patients who qualify for the flu vaccine - walk in session, no appointment necessary. •Children can also attend the clinic on 30th November, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please speak to a member of reception to book a child's flu vaccination on this day

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts you and your family at risk. Always take your doctor’s advice on antibiotics. Attleborough Surgeries are supporting Public Health England's campaign to Keep Antibiotics Working. #KeepAntbioticsWorking