Download 2013 PRG Christmas Newsletter

Hobs Moat PRG
Newsletter Christmas 2013
The PRG would like to wish all patients and practice staff a
VERY MERRY CHRISTMANS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR
CHAIR’S NEWS :
Urgent Care Review
As you may have seen in the press, Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (SCCG) has undertaken a review of
the urgent care facilities in the borough. I recently attended a Chairs’ Meeting at which Dr Patrick Brooke, Chief
Officer of SCCG gave an overview of the “South Solihull” proposals. The main reason for the review is that
while there are a number of existing facilities, many people find it very confusing, particularly at a time of stress,
and cannot identify the best place to go for a particular problem. The SCCG has arrived at a simple conclusion locate all urgent care facilities under one roof.
The proposal is that we should have a Joined Up Urgent Care Service - under One Roof - with One Front
Door - and One Reception Desk. This Urgent Care unit, to be sited within Solihull Hospital, would operate
24 hours a day, seven days a week, and would include BADGER (out of hours service), Walk-In Centre, Minor
Injuries Unit, Medical Admissions Unit (generally ambulance admissions), Community Services, Social Services
Support and Mental Health Support. Dr Brooke together with his colleagues at the SCCG believe this approach
will enhance the experience of patients and will deliver better health outcomes. It should be noted that there will
be no change to the Accident & Emergency cases received at the hospital - those cases currently dealt with at
Heartlands Hospital will continue to be dealt with there.
While I said earlier that this is a “simple” conclusion, it does, of course, require a great deal of planning and may
require building alterations at the hospital. Also, so far as the Walk-In Centre is concerned, the proposal
includes just the “Walk-In” element of the Centre, it does not include those patients who have chosen to register
there as their GP Surgery.
It is planned that the proposal will be put forward for Public Consultation in January 2014; the consultation will be
for a period of three months.
Saturday Morning Flu Clinics 2013
As last year, PRG members attended to help the practice staff with the administration of the clinics held on 28th
September and 12th October. I hope that those patients who attended on either of the Saturday mornings would
agree that the clinics ran very smoothly. Just over 900 patients received their flu “jabs” over the two clinics.
Joyce MacNichol — Chairperson
JUST FOR FUN - CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR QUIZ
1 Who composed the music for the Christmas-themed ballet ‘The Nutcracker’?
2 In the song Twelve Days of Christmas ‘… on the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me …’ what?
3 Who wrote ‘How the Grinch stole Christmas’?
4 From which country does the poinsettia plant originate?
5 What colour are holly berries?
6 What is the astrological birth sign of people born on Christmas Day?
7 Who was the first British Monarch to broadcast a Christmas message to the nation?
8 What is New Year’s Eve known as in Scotland?
9 Who wrote the words to ‘Auld Lang Syne’?
10 Epiphany celebrated on 6th January is also known by what other name?
ANSWERS
Hobs Moat PRG - Newsletter Christmas 2013
Page 2
BE PREPARED
Make sure you have enough medication to last over the Christmas
period (New Year too!)
The Practice will be closed from 1pm on both Christmas Eve and New
Year’s Eve, and all day on the three bank holidays - Christmas Day,
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
WINTER IS UPON US AGAIN!
Keep Warm : Stay Well
Answers to Christmas
& New Year Quiz
1 Tchaikovsky
A few tips for when the weather turns really cold !!!
Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to keep heat in and draughts out, but
remember rooms need to be ventilated with fresh air from time to time.
2 Seven Swans
a-swimming
3 Dr Seuss
Regularly have hot drinks and try to have at least one hot meal each day.
4 Mexico
Wear several light layers of clothes rather than one chunky layer.
5 Red
Try to take some exercise - keeping active will keep you warm.
6 Capricorn
If you need to go outside wrap up warmly, and if it’s icy, wear boots / shoes
with good grip on the soles.
7 George V
8 Hogmanay
——————————
If you are able to, check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may
be vulnerable, particularly if they live alone.
If you are worried about your
ability to pay your gas
and/or electricity bills, don’t
delay, speak to your energy
provider as soon as possible. Tell
them your circumstances - they may
be able to help you.
9 Robert Burns
10 Twelfth Night
The Solihull Partnership working with Solihull Age UK and the
Citizens’ Advice Bureau,
have produced a thermometer in booklet form to identify
when room temperature is correct.
These are available FREE from Reception.
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
Heart of the Matter
Angina: An uncomfortable feeling, tightness or pain in the chest (can also be felt in arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach). The
symptoms are generally caused by Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The build-up of fatty material (atheroma) can narrow the
coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina is often brought on by physical activity, emotional upset,
cold weather or after eating a meal.
Atherosclerosis: The build up of atheroma (fatty material) within the artery walls. Over time, this can cause the artery to
become narrower and restrict the blood flow. This is the underlying condition that can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF): A common arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) in which the atria (the upper two chambers of the
heart) beat in an irregular pattern. People with AF have an irregular and sometimes fast pulse.
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD): A heart abnormality that a person is born with - for example, a hole between the chambers
of the heart.
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions that you feel would improve the service you receive from the practice, then please let the PRG
know — there is a box on the wall in the waiting room.
There is a £20.00 John Lewis voucher available for the best implemented suggestion.