[posted:14th june 2010]
Included in this issue is the latest news on the Building Extension
Please click on the link below to view the Newsletter:
National Dementia Awareness Campaign
[posted 9th March 2010]
The Department of Health, supported by Alzheimer's Society, will launch a major national awareness campaign about dementia this month.
In February 2009 the Department published the National Dementia Strategy for England: a five year plan to radically transform the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers in England.
The awareness campaign forms part of the Department's commitment to deliver the Strategy by improving public understanding about dementia.
Professor David Colin-Thomé is the the National Clinical Director for Primary Care, he is acutely aware of the crucial role that GPs and other colleagues in primary care play in supporting the early and effective diagnosis of dementia, and in helping families facing the condition. He is hoping that this campaign will begin to improve public understanding about the condition.
The campaign will use national TV, radio, press and online advertising, featuring people with dementia talking about their experience of the condition. It will encourage the public to find out more about dementia and the simple ways they can help someone living with it. It has been developed following significant research to establish current levels of public understanding about dementia and the ways to improve this.
The theme for the campaign is 'Dementia. The more we understand, the more we can help.' As part of the campaign, people will be encouraged to visit the NHS Choices website for information on dementia, to ring an information line for an information pack or to contact Alzheimer's Society.
Why do we need an awareness campaign?
The research conducted for the Department suggests that a lack of knowledge about dementia, and fear of its consequences, can result in the public avoiding contact with people with dementia - leaving them feeling isolated and discriminated against. The campaign aims to begin to address this attitude of avoidance, by ensuring that people are better informed and understand the true nature of the condition.
Impact on primary care services
The campaign will not specifically tell people to go to their doctor. However, it will increase the profile of dementia, and may prompt a rise in individuals approaching primary care services. On the basis of previous campaigns we believe that this impact is likely to be manageable.
Members of the public who wish to find out more about dementia can ring the information line (0300 123 1914)* or visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk/dementia. A comprehensive information pack, containing clear, simple, practical advice on how to support someone with dementia, will be sent to those requesting further information.
Further information can also be found via the Alzheimer's Society's website www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
Information about local Alzheimer's Society services can be found at: www.alzheimers.org.uk/primarycare.
Order Repeat Prescriptions Online
[posted 3rd Feb 2010]
If your doctor has agreed for you to have repeat prescriptions, you can now order a repeat prescription online. In order to access this service you will need to be registered with EmissAccess. To register for or access this service please follow the link below.
[posted 9th March 2010]
Swine flu has diminished in the UK and as a result the National Pandemic Flu Service, set up to offer online and telephone assessments, has now closed. The decline in swine flu cases means the service is no longer needed, although it can be reinstated within seven days if a new wave of infections emerges. However, it remains important that you know how to protect yourself, your family and others.
Key messages
- Read up on swine flu symptoms
- Stay at home and call your GP if you are still concerned
- You should call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
Key actions
Swine flu remains a threat in the UK. Prepare now by:
- Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
- Establishing ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
- Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
- Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed
Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.
[posted 5th Oct 2009]
As you may know Dr Amanda Lyon has left Morland House Surgery to move with her family to Switzerland. Amanda has been a GP at Morland House Surgery for over eight years and will be greatly missed by the partners and staff at the practice as well as by her many patients.
We are delighted to inform you that Amanda will be replaced by Dr Ahsan Alvi.
Dr Alvi who has provided locum cover at the surgery in recent years qualified as a doctor at St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London in 1998. After qualifying, he worked in hospitals in south London, High Wycombe and Leicester gaining hospital clinical experience before deciding to train as a General Practitioner in the Oxford area. This training included a 6 month attachment to the Oxford Mental Health Trust.
Since qualifying as a GP in 2004 he has worked as a GP in Oxford but spent 2006 in Jordan and took 6 months out in 2008 to work in Syria.
Dr Alvi's special interest within General Practice is psychiatry.
We look forward to Dr Alvi joining the practice on 4 January 2010. Until then his duties will be covered by our locum doctor Dr Paul Park.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Practice Manager if you require any further nformationin.
Building Work Starts On Extension
[posted 1st sept 2009]
We are pleased to announce that, having received planning permission, building work will commence in September 2009 on an extension to Morland House Surgery. The extension will greatly improve the facilities currently available in the existing building and will provide 4 new consulting rooms and a new waiting area for our patients on the ground floor.
Whilst the building work is being carried out car parking spaces on site will be restricted. We would therefore ask patients to bring their car to the surgery only when absolutely necessary and to park elsewhere if possible. Please note that there is no parking available in Morland Close.
Whilst the building work is being carried out we will endeavour to ensure that any disruption to our neighbours and patients is kept to a minimum. We apologise however for any inconvenience that may be caused.
To see the plans for the new buildings click on the following link:
Barbara Noakes
Practice Manager
On behalf of the Partners