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STATION MEDICAL GROUP ISSUE 7 Autumn 2015 Inside This Issue News Staff update and news Flu jabs Patient satisfaction questionnaire Promoting Health Arthritis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) Meet our Team Dr Grace Watts Dr Pepper Atkinson It happened to me Personal patient perspective Did you Know? Going Online - Prescriptions - Appointments Healthy recipe Cheese and Walnut loaf Practice News After serving the practice since 2005 Dr Waddell retired on 30 September. However, he will be returning on 2 November to cover maternity leave for Dr Atkinson. Dr Ruth Parr joined the group on 1 October and will be working five sessions a week. Dr McEvedy is the GP lead for Dementia Awareness. Paul, who is one of our admin staff, has been appointed the Dementia Awareness Champion and is the initial point of contact for patients at reception. Flu Jabs This year’s immunization programme started at the end of September and there has been an excellent take-up by patients considered most vulnerable. Everyone at the practice, including GPs seeing patients on other appointments, has contributed to ‘processing’ the large number of patients quickly and ‘painlessly’. Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire The practice is constantly facing new challenges to provide the best possible level of care for our patients. Our active Patient Participation Group is working closely with the practice to produce a patient satisfaction questionnaire to get feedback on how we are doing and to help us continue to provide the best service. If you are approached to complete a questionnaire we would appreciate your comments. You can give anonymous feedback at any time in the surgery ’suggestion box’ or via a member of the Patient Group, Practice Opening Hours: Main doors are open from 0830-1830. Appointments available 0830-1115; 1355-1745. The reception is open but there is no clinical cover between 12.30-1.30 Practice OpeningAsHours: MainTelephone doors are open 0830-1230 and 1330-1800 Main telephone number: 01670 542630 from 1.4.14 lines from are open from 0830-1830 Monday to Friday Monday – Friday. – (includes prescription line option - available from 0930-1200 and 1330-1600) ctice Opening Hours: doors are openassistance from 0830-1230 Out of hours phone: for Medical Emergency 999;Main for routine medical 111. and 1330-1800 Monday – Friday. Website: stationmedicalgroup-blyth.nhs.uk STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 Promoting Health In every issue we will highlight a particular health topic. This issue covers Arthritis And COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and can have a huge impact on the lives of those with the condition. The two most common types of arthritis are “Osteoarthritis” and ‘Rheumatoid arthritis’. There are other forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis: is the most common form of joint disease. The surface within the joint becomes damaged so that the joint doesn’t move as smoothly as it should. This causes pain stiffness and a grating or grinding sensation when the joint moves. Men and women of all ages can get arthritis. Factors that can make this more likely are: Hereditary - If arthritis runs in the family. Lifestyle – a physically demanding job with repetitive movements. Previous injury to a joint. Joints having been damaged by another disease. ARTHRITIS Information on Arthritis is available in the waiting area X-ray is the most useful test in the diagnosis of arthritis. What can help? Gentle exercise at the right level. Being the correct weight. Reducing stress on the affected joint. Over the counter pain relievers. Your doctor may recommend physiotherapy, prescribe pain killers, steroid injections or refer you for joint replacement surgery if necessary. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis. It affects more women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease when the immune system (the body’s defense against disease) starts to attack the body’s normal tissues causing inflammation. Common symptoms include: Inflammation in the joint. Painful and swollen joints. Stiffness Tiredness, depression or feeling irritable. Aneamia Flu like symptoms, feeling generally unwell. X-rays, scans and blood tests are all used in diagnosing this disease. What can help? Different types of drugs are used in the treatment of this disease. Surgery is sometimes needed to release a nerve or for joint replacement. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and hydrotherapy can all help in the care of joints. Autumn – October/November 2015 STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 The following points are also important in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Having a sensible balance between rest and exercise. Eating a healthy diet and being the correct weight. Protecting joints from unnecessary strain. Getting enough rest to help with fatigue. Learning more about your condition. For more information about arthritis and related illnesses, please take the information booklets available with the present display in the practice waiting area. The above information was taken with the permission from “Arthritis Research UK”. For further information: Tel: 0300 7900400, or visit their website: www.arthritisresearchuk.org COPD World Events Day 18th November 2015 COPD More information on COPD will be displayed in the practice waiting area from the second week in November. Please take the information leaflets and booklets, which will be available. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. One person in five in the UK is affected by lung disease. The main cause of COPD is smoking. COPD is the name given to describe a number of lung conditions including: Emphysema – Which affects the air sacks in the lungs called “ALVEOLI”. Chronic Bronchitis – Which affects the airways in the lungs called “BRONCHI”. When the airways become inflamed and the air sacks in the lungs become damaged the airways become narrower making it harder to breathe in and out, causing breathing difficulties. The symptoms of COPD include : Wheezing, particularly when breathing out. Breathlessness when resting, or active. Tight chest Cough Producing more mucus or phlegm than usual. To diagnose COPD your doctor will request you to have some breathing tests called “Spirometry” which will measure the amount of air flowing in and out of your lungs. This will establish how narrow your airways are. Treatment There is no cure for COPD but there are a number of treatments that can improve symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Different types of inhalers, steroid tablets, antibiotics are all available if treatment is necessary. It is important to have a healthy diet and be the correct weight this can help prevent infections and help with breathing. Being active and learning to exercise at the right level for you can strengthen the muscles, which help you to breathe making it easier for you to carry out everyday activities. It is also important that you get a yearly flu vaccination. The above information was taken with permission from “ The British Lung Foundation”. For further information call the British Lung Foundation helpline: Tel:03000 030555, or visit their website: www.blf.org.uk Autumn – October/November 2015 STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 4 Meet our Team Meet our Team Dr Grace Watts I started working at Station Medical Group in December 2013 and I cannot believe how the time has flown. I am originally from Nottingham and came to the North East to study medicine at Newcastle University in 1997 and like many other people have never left. I remember my first impression of the region was how friendly the people were and I have always found this to be a welcoming and fun place to live. Meet Dr Grace Watts and Dr Pepper Atkinson, two lady doctors who recently joined the practice and now are an established part of the team I worked around various hospitals in Newcastle and Northumbria during my training and after finishing my GP training worked in Walker for almost 7 years in a busy urban practice very similar to Station Medical Group. I have a special interest in women’s health and fit coils and implants so we now provide a full range of contraceptive services at the practice, lots of patients are choosing long acting contraceptives for convenience with busy lives and the mirena coil has a beneficial effect on bleeding so can also be used to treat heavy periods or bleeding problems. I live in Gosforth with my husband and two children (plus cats and fish!) who are now aged 4 and 7 and at school so life is busy but rewarding. I am thoroughly enjoying my work at Station Medical Group and hope to be here for a long time to come! Dr Pepper Atkinson I joined Station Medical Group I January 2014 and ever since have thoroughly enjoyed working in this busy but very friendly practice. I am very proud to be from the North East and having been born and raised here, my love for it means I have never really left for any great length of time. I started at Newcastle University in 2000, initially studying Medical Microbiology and then went on to study Medicine, graduating in 2007. During my initial postgraduate and then GP training, I worked in a number of hospitals in Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland, which has allowed me to gain experience in both general medicine and various specialities. After completing my GP training in 2012, I worked in a large and busy practice in Gateshead before starting ay Station Medical. My areas of particular interest are in women’s/sexual health and child health. I now live just outside of Seaton Delaval with my husband and 2 year old little girl with another little one on the way who is due later this year. So I have a feeling next year is going to be very busy and exciting. Autumn – October/November 2015 STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 It happened to me …. It happened to me… It could happen to you? A personal perspective from one of our patients As a regular topic we include an anonymous article from one of our patients about their own very personal experience with an illness. This is their own experience, in their own words and not a professional view, but it might be of interest to help fellow sufferers or their carers. Breast Cancer Lots has been written about breast cancer in the media. There may even be a perception by some other cancer sufferers that more attention is given to breast cancer than other types as there is certainly a steady flow of press coverage about celebrities who have been diagnosed. But the fact is that a great many ordinary people are affected directly or indirectly. Latest information is 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, young and old. In the UK, 55,000 people are diagnosed and nearly 12,000 women die of breast cancer each year. Scarily, I personally have 4 very close friends and know several other women of my immediate acquaintance who are surviving members of this infamous ‘club’. The reason for writing this piece is to share my own experience, raise awareness and emphasise the importance of self–examination and early diagnosis for a positive outcome. My story began when I received a phone call when I was on holiday. There I was strolling carefree in the mediterranean sunshine when a call came on my mobile from a doctor who had carried out a routine “lady screen” I had as part of a private insurance plan - I have always been proactive about health. I had nearly refused a mammogram as I had had a clear NHS one just over a year previously. Thank goodness I didn’t. The doctor wanted to see me about what appeared to be an irregularity on the mammogram. As I was out of the country she tried to play it down but I put her on the spot and asked if I should return home urgently. When I said I was due home in a week she said not to worry but see my GP immediately on my return. I tried not to think the worst and my husband kept quoting statistics of how may recalls turn out to be nothing but I couldn’t put it out of my head, already being in a state of anxiety and fear. I made an appointment with my GP for my return and she had already booked me an appointment at Wansbeck Hospital ‘One Stop Breast Care Clinic’ the next week. Within an hour of my appointment it was confirmed I had breast cancer. There was nothing to see or feel – no outward sign, no lump, no inverted nipple. Examination based on the mammogram revealed a suspicious flat area high up at the top of my breast. After initial examination I had a needle biopsy and ultrasound. I think I knew for sure something was wrong when the friendly, chatty ultrasound technician became very quiet. I was given the news by the consultant and a MacMillan nurse who were direct, but so reassuring, caring and positive, outlining what happened next: further tests and possible treatment options. In the whirlwind that followed, everyone I came into contact with was wonderful; a huge range of health professionals and friends. Initially diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ) grade 1, it was decided I should have a lumpectomy and my operation was carried out within a month. I was out of hospital within 24 hours with home support from District Nurses. However, biopsy and further examination revealed a larger more aggressive tumour (grade 2/3) than first revealed, which had started to spread to my lymph glands. When I was gently told by the consultant surgeon, I was in a state of shock. I had been hopeful it was already sorted. But then when my tears subsided I was just so reassured and happy to hear they could still treat me and I realized I had no choice but to ‘just get on with it’. The ‘goal posts’ move as to what is good news and what is bad news. As long as there is somewhere to go… I won’t go into details about the next 18 months. Mastectomy, lymph clearance, chemo, radiotherapy, Herceptin, and physiotherapy. At each stage you are told in great detail what to expect and how to deal with it and supported so that you can cope better. Fortunately I got through it pretty well. I even had a fun day out with a good friend choosing my wig – and trying on lots of others, crying with laughter. So when my brunette hair went I was ready, and a redhead! Autumn – October/November 2015 STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER It happened to me – Breast Cancer Be vigilant - it could be you ? PAGE 6 Nearly five years on, I have come through the other end. So far so good. The cliché is right. Every day really is a bonus and you learn how to value the simple things in life - and your family and friends. I was so, so lucky. I just want to share how important it is to self-examine and take advantage of mammograms. Without early diagnosis – who knows? It is easy to put off ‘having a feel’ or checking out something you feel a bit concerned about but would rather ignore. Nobody likes it. We are all frightened of what we might find, and if you do look you might find something – but you have to know. Most times it will be nothing and you will be reassured. If you are diagnosed, every case is different, with specific treatment. Not everyone needs surgery. One friend’s cancer tumour disappeared after a course of drugs, two others had a simple lumpectomy and medication and they are all fine and getting on with life. It took me a little longer, and other ladies are courageously living with breast cancer. I am so grateful for the support I received along the way from our GP practice and the many different health professionals involved. Our local Health Care Trust is second to none in my view, but you can help them and yourself by taking responsibility for knowing your own body. In my case I found it hard to accept that I had had no idea what was happening inside me, so you need to ensure you have regular mammograms and professional examination when offered. 78% of women survive breast cancer for 10 or more years [Cancer Research UK] but this figure must improve and depends on early diagnosis. Further information: NHS, MacMillan Cancer Care; Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Sometimes it is difficult to share your worries with loved ones. For those affected there is a local support group in Blyth which allows you to meet other ladies who are experiencing or have experienced breast cancer. (details available at the surgery.) Online Access Did you know? Going Online Prescriptions Appointments ___________________ What is online access? Once registered, you will be able to access parts of your medical record including medications, allergies and immunisations. You will also have the option to order repeat medications and book appointments online. How do I register? You will need to come down to the surgery with photographic ID to verify yourself, if you do not have any photographic ID please bring a recent utility bill (bank statement etc). You will then be given a registration document containing your pin key and account ID, this is the information you need to register online. You would do this by visiting our website at www.stationmedicalgroup-blyth.nhs.uk and clicking on the online appointments or repeat prescription ordering button on the main page. You will then be taken to the registration page where you can enter all your details and create your account. Autumn – October/November 2015 STATION MEDICAL NEWSLETTER PAGE 7 What are the benefits of online access? Repeat prescriptions Saves you time as you can order your repeat medications 24hrs a day at your convenience order prescriptions when the prescription line is closed (helpful if you can’t find the time to ring during opening hours). Add messages to your order. You can also have your repeat medications sent directly to a pharmacy this saves a trip down to the GP surgery. Online Appointments A percentage of appointments will be available to book online, again this can be accessed 24hrs a day (please note only one appointment per person can be booked). The appointments are released the same way as our current appointment system. Other parts of medical record No need to ring the surgery to find out immunisation and allergy details as these will be displayed in your online access account. In the future there will be more online access to medical records available. Healthy recipe Cheese and Walnut Loaf 4 oz plain flour 4 oz wholemeal flour 4 level tsp baking powder Half tsp salt 1 egg 8 oz sugar 2 fluid oz sunflower oil 8 fluid oz milk 8 oz grated cheddar cheese 2 oz chopped Walnuts Method Sieve together dry ingredients. Beat egg, milk and oil until blended Add to dry mixture then add cheese and walnuts Pour into 2 lb loaf tin and bake for 45-60 mins at 180 degrees C Delivering a service for approximately 10,000 patients in the Blyth area Mmm. Lovely! Please use the Suggestion Box on Reception and PPG to voice your views. Newsletter: We welcome ideas for topics of interest from all ages, and would especially like to hear from young people. PPG The Patient Participation Group is made up of volunteer patients who attend meetings every two months with practice staff to give feedback from/represent all patients and to take a proactive role in building the relationship between the SMG and their patients. We would like to represent all member s of the community and all ages. If you would like to be involved, particularly if you are 18-30 we would like to hear from you. Autumn – October/November 2015