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Bridge of Allan Health Centre Newsletter
2017
END OF AN ERA.......
DR SANDY STUART WILL BE RETIRING ON THURSDAY 29 JUNE
Dr Stuart’s first appearance in Bridge of Allan HC was as a Registrar in 1984-85 and he was invited to return as
a Partner in 1987. In Dr Stuart’s words......
“for over 30 years it has been a privilege and a pleasure to look after the patients in our care and serve the
community.
I believe in the NHS, it is probably the greatest achievement any government can make for its people. General
Practice has changed considerably over the years and it always generates great debate and is a regular target
for political manipulation. Presently we are going through a period unwarranted and unfair criticism. As a
Training Practice we see and train the next generation of GP’s. It is reassuring there are many fine young
Doctors of integrity with commitment to General Practice in the future.
There are many people to thank but first and foremost is my wife, Susan, for her love, great strength, wisdom
and support, especially during the years when we were all ‘on call’ from home!. My wife always tells me to
“take care, out there!” as I leave each morning. I like to think it is not only concern for my safety but also to
take care of my patients!
It has been a pleasure to have shared this journey with all my Partners. They have always been supportive
and shown great dedication, clinical expertise, and above all friendship over the years.
We have a great team at the Health Centre. Some have been here as long as I have! Our Practice Managers,
Practice Nurses, District Nurses and all staff have shown superb commitment and loyalty in the face of all the
changes and increasing demands on General Practice.
The Practice is fortunate to have found an extremely good replacement for me. Dr Jonathan Turner is a very
experienced GP and GP Trainer and is looking forward to joining us on 1st July 2017.
I will miss you all and it’s now my turn, as June rapidly approaches, to say to you all
Take Care, Out there!”
PATIENT SUGGESTIONS & FEEDBACK – UPDATE....
......on your comments submitted to our suggestions box in the waiting room
Mobile phone appointments reminder system – we received positive comments regarding the text you can receive to
remind you of your appointment at the Health Centre.
Urgent appointment requests – patients have forwarded their thanks to the Health Centre for the helpfulness
displayed when urgent appointments have been required.
We would like to thank you for recent positive comments on our services.
Dealing with Cancer
– MONEY MATTERS
If you need some practical,
financial help please
contact:
MacMillan Money Matters
on
01786 233 525
PRACTICE CLOSED
In line with NHS Forth Valley public holidays, the Health Centre will be closed
on
Friday 14 April & Monday 17 April
Monday 1 May
For non 999 medical assistance
– please phone NHS24 on 111
PATIENTS LETTERS
In the event you have requested the doctor to write a letter of fact for you please ensure this is collected
promptly when notified by our admin staff the letter is ready.
The doctors prepare requests out with standard NHS services but patients are, on occasion, not collecting the
required information which results in wasted resource and cost. Please help us to help you.
More information overleaf…..
SPRING
TIME
With spring almost upon us once again we would like to remind you to pace yourself when tempted to
re-start gardening work and the general tidy-up required after winter. Often too much time spent on this type of
physical activity, after a period of rest, can lead to backache and sprains. .
PATIENT INVOLVEMENT – Repeat Prescriptions
During January we issued survey forms to some patients on 4 or more repeat medications and would like to
thank those who forwarded their comments. GP Practices have a remit from Forth Valley Health Board to
obtain an understanding of how compliant patients are with ordering medications and to raise awareness of
medicines wastage within the NHS.
It was very pleasing to learn the majority of our patients do not over order medications (e.g. do not stock pile);
are aware of prescribing timescales (2 working days for repeats); would discuss any medications no longer
being taken with the doctor and aware local pharmacies cannot reuse returned medications even if still intact.
We will continue to focus on our prescribing systems and publish more information over coming months.
ACUTE versus REPEAT Prescription
Reminder:
Acute Prescription = medication prescribed as a one-off (not required for regular use) or for medication that
needs closely monitored – you cannot automatically request it without the doctor reviewing your most current
medical records.
Repeat Prescription = medication taken regularly that the doctor has considered safe to continue without
frequent reviews although it will still be reviewed at least once per year.
Minor INJURIES Unit
Stirling Community Hospital
Emergency nurse practitioners are on hand to treat / provide medication for a wide range of health ailments
such as burns, scalds, infected wounds, sprains and cuts. They can also treat minor injuries to the eye, ear,
head and neck areas and arrange x-rays for suspected broken bones.
The unit is open 7 days from 9am-9pm and no appointment is necessary.
This service relieves pressure on the Accident & Emergency dept at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and you can
normally be seen and treated quicker by visiting the Minor Injuries Unit.
Minor AILMENTS service
Visit your community pharmacist for advice and treatment for ailments such as nasal congestion; sore throat;
mouth ulcers; cold sores; acne; earache; diarrhoea; warts and verrucas.
If your pharmacist feels that it is better for you to see your GP, they may refer you directly or ask you to make
an appointment.
STAFF CHANGES
Our Health Care Assistant, Carolann Lamont, will be retiring in April – last day in Practice Wednesday 19 April.
Our Practice Nurse, Morag Westbrook, will also be retiring from Wednesday 30 August.
We would like to thank Morag and Carolann for their support over the last 12 and 20 years respectively. They
have worked through many changes within General Practice and NHS Scotland and always ensured your
health care has been their priority. The Practice will miss them but would also like to wish them well in this next
exciting phase of life’s journey.
Looking after you…………
GP Partners:
GP Registrars:
Practice Nurses:
Practice Manager:
Patient Support staff:
District Nursing staff:
Dr Stuart, Dr Johnstone, Dr Mair, Dr Clark & Dr Mullins
Dr D’arcy, Dr Arthurs
Brenda, Morag and Linda
Yvonne McDonald
Isobel, Sheila, Hamish, Agnes, Alison, Gillian, Fiona & Lorna
Ann Rae, Alison McRae, Brenda Cairney, Tracy Gray
HCAs: Jim & Carolann
Deputy Practice Manager: Seonaid McLean
Health Visitors: Gail Wintersgill, Helen Mason
Health Visitors Assistant: Lorraine Nixon