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Newsletter Summer 2016
 Grosvenor Team Tops National
Patient Survey for 2nd Year!
We are very proud to have scored very highly in
the patient survey once again.
99% of patients described the overall experience
of this GP practice as good compared to the
clinical commissioning group (CCG) average of
92% and a national average of 85%.
But the gold medal goes to the Nurse and
Reception teams at Grosvenor Place who scored
100% and 99% respectively – Well done
everyone!
 Fond Farewell after 14 years!
Recently we said goodbye to one of our longest
standing members. Receptionist Amanda Robbins
decided it was time for a change and left us to join
the ward staff at the RUH.
We will miss Mandy’s dedication and humour, and
wish her well in her new role.
 Flu Season on its way
The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge
on the NHS to people who are at risk. This is to
ensure they are protected against catching flu
and developing serious complications. You are
eligible to receive a free flu jab if you:
- are 65 years of age or over
-
are pregnant
-
medical conditions such as a serious
heart complaint, COPD or
asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, liver
disease, stroke or TIA
-
lowered immunity due to disease or
treatment such as steroid medication
or cancer treatment
if you have a problem with your spleen
or you have had your spleen removed
-
are living in a long-stay residential care
home or other long-stay care facility
-
receive a carer's allowance, or you
are the main carer for an elderly or
disabled person whose welfare may be
at risk if you fall ill
 Cancer Screening – Information to
help you decide
We have reviewed our patient’s screening rates and
disappointingly, we have found that many of you are
not taking up the offer of national screening
programmes, and our patients screening rates are
low for all these 3 types cancer.
Cancer Research UK has excellent patient resources
with written information and videos on Cancer
Screening http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
 Bowel Cancer
It is important to get to know your body and what is
normal for you.
If you have bowel cancer diagnosed at the earliest
stage, there is a very good chance that the cancer
can be cured. The statistics show that more than 9
out of 10 people (90%) survive
their cancer for 5 years or more.
When it is found at a late stage,
the chances of survival are much
lower.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/type/bowel-cancer/about/screening/aboutbowel-cancer-screening
 Cervical cancer
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer by
finding and treating early changes in the neck of the
womb (cervix). These changes could lead to cancer if
left untreated.
The screening uses a test called cytology, which
many people know as the smear test. A nurse takes
a sample of cells from the cervix with a small brush.
They send the sample to a laboratory to be checked
for abnormalities. Samples are also tested for a virus
called human papilloma virus (HPV) that increases
the risk of cervical cancer.
For those of you who have not come for screening ,
you need to look out for any unusual changes to
your body. Check for any abnormal bleeding,
unpleasant discharge or pain after sex. If you notice
anything unusual, make an appointment to see your
doctor.
Smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Cancer causing chemicals in cigarette smoke can go
into the blood and travel around the body. These
chemicals can damage the cells of the cervix.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/cervicalcancer/about/cervical-cancer-screening
 Breast Cancer
Breast cancers found by screening are generally at
an early stage. Very early breast cancers are usually
easier to treat, may need less treatment, and are
more likely to be cured. The current evidence
suggests that breast screening reduces the number
of deaths from breast cancer by about 1,300 a year
in the UK.
Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at the
earliest possible stage have a 9 in 10 chance (90%) of
surviving for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Although breast cancer screening can find many
cancers early it is not perfect. There are some risks.
Screening doesn't
always find a
cancer that is
there. So some
people with breast
cancer will be
missed. This is
called a false
negative result. As well as finding cancers that need
treating, screening can also pick up some breast
cancers that will not cause any problems in a
woman's lifetime. At the moment it is not possible
for doctors or patients to be certain whether a
breast cancer will grow quickly and needs treating,
or will grow slowly or not at all.
Whilst we have national campaigns to highlight
symptoms of possible cancer, we also have national
screening programmes to detect possible cancer
before one becomes aware of symptoms.
 Summertime- Ways to enjoy the sun
safely
Whatever your age, the best way to enjoy the sun
safely and protect your skin from sunburn is to use a
combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen.
When the sun is strong or you’re at risk of burning:
 Spend time in the shade between 11am and
3pm.
 Cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
 Use a sunscreen with a protection level of at
least SPF15 and 4 stars. Use it generously
and reapply regularly
Am I at risk of sunburn?
Your risk of sunburn depends on 2 things. How sunsensitive your skin is, and how strong the UV rays
are you’re exposed to. Different people will have a
different risk of sunburn on the same day, so it’s a
good idea to know when your risk is high, so you can
protect your skin. Read more about safe sun and
skin cancer from Cancer Research UK
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-ofcancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/am-i-at-risk-of-sunburn
How do I tell if I might have skin cancer? The
following may be a sign:

A change such as a new mole, or any moles,
freckles or patches of normal skin that
change in size, shape or colour.
 A new growth or sore that will not heal.
 A spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts.
 A mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or
scabs
We are always happy to review your skin concerns,
so make an appointment with one of the GPs if you
have any of these concerns.
 Preventing Cancer by being Physically
Active
Being physically active isn’t just good for your
heart: there is lots of evidence that it can also
reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or
womb cancer. Keeping active could help to prevent
around 3,400 cases of cancer every year in the UK.
It can be easier than you think to increase your
activity levels, even if you don’t do much at the
moment. Making small changes, like taking the stairs
instead of the lift or making short journeys on foot,
can really help increase how active you are. And it’s
never too late to start making a difference. Even if
you’ve been inactive for years, becoming more
active can improve your health and reduce the risk
of cancer.
The Government recommends that adults should
aim to do at least 2 ½ hours of moderate activity
every week
 Measles Warning
Public Health England
(PHE) is reminding
teenagers and young
people to make sure
they are vaccinated
against measles after
new cases were reported across England.
A significant number of cases, linked to music
festivals and other large public events, have been
reported since June.
Teenagers and young people who are unsure if they
have been fully vaccinated should check with their
Practice Nurse and make an appointment to ensure
they receive the 2 doses of MMR vaccine required.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/atta
chment_data/file/543379/9867_MMR_A5leaflet.pdf