Making an Appointment - Newport Pagnell Medical Centre

Transcription

Newport Pagnell Medical Centre
Patient Handbook
Doctors
Dr Caroline Hickson (f)
MB ChB (Leeds) 1977, DRCOG 1979, MRCGP 1981
Dr Ian Carter (m)
MA (Oxon) 1975, MB ChB (Cantab) 1981, DCH 1984, MRCGP 1986
Dr Karen Holowka (f)
BA (Oxon) 1976, MB ChB (Sheffield) 1979, DRCOG 1982, MRCGP 1984
Dr Luke James (m)
MBBS (Lon) 1998, BSc. Psych, Dip.FMS, MRCGP 2003, Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education
Dr Asha Chandola (f)
MBBS, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP
Dr Tayo Kufeji (m)
MBBS, MPH, DRCOG, MRCGP
Dr Fatima Mohri (f)
MBBS (London) 2002, MRCS, MRCGP, B.Sc Human Genetics
Dr Sharon Rocque (f)
BSc Biology MBBS, MRCGP
Dr Emma Thorncroft (f)
MBBS 2004 University of London; MRCP 2007; DRCOG 2009; MRCGP 2011
Dr Sharon-Rose Mukanganwa (f)
MBChB (Hons) (Birmingham), DRCOG, MRCPCH Part 1a, DFSRH, LOC-SDI, LOC-IUT, MRCGP
Dr Shalin Parikh (m)
B.Sc (2003) University of London; MB BS (2006) University of London; MRCGP (2011)
Managing Partner: Caroline Rollings (f)
NEWPORT PAGNELL MEDICAL CENTRE
Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT
Tel: 01908 611767 Fax: 01908 615099
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.npmc.nhs.uk
Patient handbook.doc
April 203
Author: A Faulkes
Review date May 2014
Practice Values
We are a successful and innovative practice with traditional values where all staff strive to provide
excellent patient care now and in the ever changing future.
We strive to provide and deliver excellence and innovation in healthcare whilst maintaining the health
of the community and safeguarding our NHS resources.
Registration Process
To register with us please come in and speak to one of our receptionists.
We can only register patients who live in the MK16 or Red House Park area. You will be required to
complete a Department of Health registration form. In additional we will require each registering
member of your family to complete a new patient questionnaire.
All members of the household aged 18 or over will be required to provide proof of ID, such as current
valid signed passport or current photo card driving licence AND proof of address such as mortgage
statement or recent utility bill (not mobile phone bill).
Please note, unfortunately we will not be able to process your registration without the above.
Registration Doctor
We believe in providing continuity of care and therefore each patient has a registered doctor who will
provide the majority of your non emergency care.
We will always try and accommodate a request for a change of doctor (list size permitting). If you
wish to change your registered doctor please make your request in writing to the Operational
Manager.
Making an Appointment
Opening Hours:
The Medical Centre is open:
Monday – Friday
08:00 – 18:30
Saturday:
08:00 – 12:30: Pre-bookable appointments only
Pre-book Appointment times are available Monday – Friday between:
08:05 – 11:00
14:55 – 17:45
Making an Appointment
You can arrange an appointment with your doctor or the practice nurse by:
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Telephone: 01908 617111
Online: www.npmc.nhs.uk. To do this you will need to contact the Medical Centre and they will
grant you access to "SystmOnline" and print you a username and password.
Please note this is currently only available for GP appointments.
In person: between the hours of 08:00 - 18:30
Saturday Consultations
These available for pre-bookable appointments only - this will allow for those who find it difficult to visit
their doctor during the week to access a GP at the weekend.
Home Visits: These are available to the housebound or those too unwell to be brought in.
If you cannot keep your appointment please let us know in good time so it may be given to
someone else.
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Appointment System
Both our patients and our doctors value having a usual doctor for continuity of care. We will do our
best to make an appointment with your own doctor, but unfortunately this is not always possible.
I need to:
Book an
appointment in
advance
These are available up
to 5 weeks ahead.
They are usually
available within a week,
but this may be longer
for a specific doctor
Bookings are taken
either:
o Online
o On the phone
o In person.
See a doctor
within 2 days
Each doctor working
has four
appointments
available in both
morning and
afternoon surgeries
that can be booked
48 hours in
advance.
Bookings are taken
either:
o On the
phone
o In person.
Speak to a
doctor
about a
query
(eg about a
blood test result)
Bookings are
taken either:
o On the
phone
o In
person.
The receptionist
will ask for a
reason for the
call
The receptionist will
ask for a reason for
the appointment
The Doctor or
the Doctor’s PA
will phone you
back that day
Appointment bookings:
Appointment line:
Online:
01908 617111
www.npmc.nhs.uk
If you feel you need to see a doctor on the same day for an urgent problem please refer to
the following chart:
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Author: A Faulkes
I need to:
See a doctor today for an urgent problem
We understand that you want to see a doctor today, but we do have a huge demand and
need to ensure we manage the doctors’ caseloads safely.
We will offer you a phone call with an available doctor
If the doctor thinks your medical condition requires urgent care you will be asked to attend
the practice for a consultation the same day.
Everyone who needs to be seen urgently will be seen that day. This is what you should do.
Telephone our reception team
Reception
The receptionist will ask you for a reason
for the appointment. This allows the
doctor to decide what he/she should do
to help you. In some cases he/she will
not need to speak to you in person.
If you call after 10:00
You will usually be called back that
afternoon.
If you call before 10.00
You will usually be called back
the same morning.
Doctor Assessment
The doctors determine which requests can be
answered with a telephone call and which requests
require a face to face consultation (based on
medical needs).
Telephone call from the doctor’s
Personal Assistant to offer you an
appointment time
Telephone
call from
doctor
Doctor gives
advice over the
telephone
Appointment with doctor
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Out of Hours
If you require medical assistance which cannot wait until the surgery re-opens please call 111. This
is a free phone service
For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/111
Or alternatively go to:
Broughton Gate “Walk-In Centre”
Glyn Valley Place
Broughton
Tel: 01908 874444
Open 08.00 – 20.00 seven days a week
Call 999 in an emergency
Chest pains and / or shortness of breath constitute an emergency.
Repeat Prescriptions
We offer the following options:
Book in person at reception: Tell the receptionist your needs or put a tick against the medication
you need on the tear off slip from your previous prescription and place it in the box in reception.
Via our website: To do this you will need to contact reception at the Medical Centre and they will
grant you access to "SystmOnline" and print you a username and password. Visit out website and
click on the box “access to the appointment system” to log on. Once logged on you will be taken to
your "home page" on SystmOnline which gives you the opportunity to order repeat medication.
Written request: Just send a note explaining your requirements.
Fax: Simply fax a list of your medication requirements.
Chemist: Ask your local chemist for details of their reordering service.
Prescriptions are available 48 hours after ordering if collected from reception and 72 hours after
ordering if collected from you preferred pharmacist. (This excludes weekends and bank holidays)
Housebound and infirm patients are still able to request repeat prescriptions by telephone – please
contact us for details.
How We Can Help
Receptionists: Our reception team will be pleased to help you with questions you may have about
the surgery.
Practice Nurses: The practice nurse team works in the surgery to provide monitoring of health, care
of wounds and help with acute health problems.
Health Care Assistants: Health care assistants work alongside the practice nurses and offer vital
health monitoring.
Nurse Lead for Long Term Conditions
Diabetes: our aim is to provide a service that encourages partnership in decision making, supports you in
managing your diabetes and helps you to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Respiratory (COPD or Asthma): you will be offered an annual review to ensure you are receiving the
best care.
Cardiac & Stroke: we offer an annual appointment to patients with established heart disease. At the
clinic we will review risk factors, discuss lifestyle changes, review medications and arm you with the
knowledge you need to manage your condition.
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For all long term conditions you will receive an invitation around your birthday, firstly for a health care
check and blood tests, then a follow up appointment to discuss your results and change your care if
necessary.
Community Matron: An experienced senior nurse works with those who have serious long term
conditions who may also be isolated and vulnerable.
Health Visitors: The Health Visiting Team aims to promote the health and well being of families with
children under 5 years of age. They see families both at home and in the surgery and offer support
and advice on children’s health and development, breast feeding, weaning postnatal support,
parenting and behaviour management.
Health Visitors can be contacted on 01908 619909 Mon – Fri between 09.00 and 17.00.
Physiotherapy: We have a team of 5 physiotherapists who provide an in house service at the
Medical Centre 5 days a week between the hours of 8.00am and 5.40pm.
Additionally we provide a domiciliary service where the therapist will make a home visit to a patient
who is physically unable to visit the Medical Centre. If you wish to see a physiotherapist you will first
need a referral from your GP.
Phlebotomy (Blood testing): We have a blood clinic every day, Monday to Friday.
District Nurses: The District Nurses provide nursing care to those unable to leave their homes.
Please make every effort to attend the surgery if possible.
They can be contacted on 01908 619913 between 8.30 and 17.00.
Dietitian: Appointments can be arranged by your doctor or other health care practitioners.
Midwifery: All antenatal care is offered at the surgery with the midwife who will monitor you during
pregnancy and advise you on the best health options for you and
your baby.
Child Health Clinics: These are held on Thursdays between 09:30 – 11:30. Weaning clinics are the
first Friday of the month 09:45 – 11:15 at Tickford Meadow Children’s Centre.
Leg Club: This is held in the surgery for care of leg ulcers and leg problems. No appointment
necessary. Open from 8.30 to 11.00 on Tuesday mornings.
Carers Clinic: Our carers are offered the minimum of an annual appointment to discuss their caring
role and complete a health check. Some carers receive more frequent support. To access this
please ensure your medical records state that you are a carer.
Podiatry: We have a team of state registered Podiatrists and foot care assistants who treat and
advise eligible patients. Telephone: 01908 650450/6504511 for an application form.
Urology: Community urology service sees both male and female patients with urinary symptoms,
bladder problems and men seeking prostate assessment.
Travel – Immunisations and Advice: Please plan ahead
Check out the website where you can download and complete the travel questionnaire. An
assessment will be made and you will then be contacted and offered an appointment if you need any
vaccinations or malaria tablets. For short notice travellers, please telephone 01908 619901 and book
an appointment in the travel clinic. There is a charge for some vaccinations; the price list and further
information is available on the website.
Three Year Health Check: Any registered patient over the age of 16 who has not been seen by a
GP or nurse at the practice in the previous 3 years may ask for a health check. During this check all
appropriate examinations and investigations will be undertaken by a health care professional.
Patients 75 years and over: Any registered patient 75 years of age or over who has not been seen
by a GP or nurse at the practice in the previous 12 months may ask for a health check. During this
check all appropriate examinations and investigations will be undertaken by a Health Care
Professional.
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Author: A Faulkes
Teaching Practice
Our practice participates in the advanced training of well qualified Doctors who may specialise in
General Practice. The additional Doctor works with us for up to one year and shares in all aspects of
general medical care in liaison with the partners.
The Building
The Medical Centre has been specially designed to make it easier for disabled patients to visit.
There is private car parking to the rear of the Medical Centre, including spaces reserved for the
disabled. There are no steps at the entrance and automatic doors give patients easy access. A toilet
on the ground floor is designed for use by the disabled.
Discrimination and/or Abusive Behaviour
Discrimination: Anybody found to be discriminating against any of our staff because or race,
gender, sexuality or disability will be treated severely and this may result in the patient being asked to
register elsewhere. Similarly anybody found to be discriminating against a fellow patient will be dealt
with equally severely.
Abusive behaviour: In line with NHS policy we do not tolerate any sort of abuse against our staff or
other users of this building. Abuse, whether it is violent, threatening or verbal, will be dealt with most
severely and as such may result in the police being called and the abusive patient being removed
from our practice list.
Complaints & Comments
We operate a practice complaints procedure as part of an NHS complaints system, which meets
national criteria. A copy of our complaints leaflet is available from reception.
How to complain
We hope that most problems can be sorted out easily and quickly, often at the time they arise and
with the person concerned. If your problem cannot be sorted out in this way and you wish to make a
complaint, we would like you to let us know as soon as possible - ideally, within a matter of days or at
most a few weeks.
You should address your complaint to the Complaints manager who will ensure the most appropriate
person deals with your concerns promptly and in the correct way. You can complain in writing,
download a complaint form from our website and email it to [email protected], or complain
verbally. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and within that
acknowledgement outline a timeframe for our formal response.
If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome you may refer the matter to:
Parliamentary and Health Service
Ombudsman
Millbank Tower
Millbank, London
SW1P 4QP
NHS England
NHS Commissioning Board
PO Box 16738
Redditch
B97 9PT
 0345 0154033
 0300 311 22 33
 [email protected]

[email protected]
The Independent Complaint
Advocacy Service (ICAS), SEAP
ICAS, 1st Floor rear
Clarendon House
9-11 Church Street
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 7QG
Aylesbury local office
 0845 6008616 or
01256 463758:
 [email protected]
April 203
Author: A Faulkes
Care Quality Commission
This Medical Centre is now registered with the Care Quality Commission.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of all health and social care services in
England. It is their job to make sure that care provided by hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists,
ambulances, care homes and services in people’s own homes and elsewhere meets national
standards of quality and safety.
How our registration with the CQC will benefit patients:
 They protect patients by tackling poor care and unsafe care services.
 Patients can be assured that practices are inspected regularly and are meeting the standards
they should be able to expect.
 The information they publish will help patients make informed choices about where they receive
care and what they can expect.
 Patients can communicate directly with CQC if they have concerns about their care or want to
give feedback.
 Their judgements are patient-focused and they check if patients’ experience of care is what they
should be able to expect.
 Patients should experience consistent standards of care, whether they're receiving health or
social care, because the essential standards apply to all health and social care services.
 Patients will know that they're being treated by staff who have the right qualifications to do so.
You can also refer any complaints to the CQC:
Tel: 03000 616161
Address: CQC National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA
Keeping your data safe
All staff and visitors to the practice are governed by the practice’s security in practice – data
management policy and must adhere to the Data Protection Act of 1998.
Its principles are as follows:
 Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully and subject to conditions.
 Personal data shall be obtained for specified and lawful purposes and not further processed in
any manner incompatible with that purpose.
 Personal data shall be adequate and relevant and not excessive for the purpose.
 Personal data shall be accurate and where necessary, kept up to date.
 Personal data shall not be kept for long than necessary for the purpose.
 Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects.
 Appropriate security to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss or
destruction of, or damage to the data.
 Personal data shall not be transferred outside of European Economic Area unless similarly
protected.
Clinical Commissioning Group
We work with our local Clinical Commissioning Groups to commission (or buy) a range of services on
your behalf such as hospital and dental services, optometry, pharmacy, mention health services and
the Ambulance Service.
We work closely with local partners, patients and the public to improve health, reduce inequalities and
integrate health and social care services.
Contact details:
Francis Crick House, Summerhouse Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN3 6BF
Tel: 01604 651100
April 203
Author: A Faulkes
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Patients’ have the right to:
 Be registered with a General Practitioner
 Change doctor if desired
 Be offered a health check on joining the practice
 Receive urgent care at any time from the practice
 Receive appropriate drugs and medicines
 Be referred for specialist or second opinion if they and the GP agree
 Have the right to view their medical records, subject to the Acts and associated procedure, and to
know that those working for the NHS are under legal obligation to keep the contents confidential.
Patient responsibilities:
 Courtesy to the staff at all times – remember they are working under doctors’ orders.
 Responding in a positive way to questions asked by the reception staff.
 To attend appointments on time or give the practice adequate notice that they wish to cancel.
Someone else could use your appointment.
 An appoint is for one person only – where another member of the family needs to be seen or
discussed, another appointment should be made and the Medical Records be made available.
 Patient should make every effort when consulting the surgery to make best use of nursing and
medical time – home visits should be medically justifiable and not requested for social
convenience.
 When patients are asked to give 48 hours notice for repeat prescriptions, please give us the time
as it is to allow for accurate prescribing.
 Out of hours calls (eg evenings, nights and weekends) should only be requested if they are felt to
be truly necessary.
Specialist Visiting Consultants
Clinics are held at the Medical Centre by visiting consultants and cover the following conditions:
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Colorectal
Orthopaedics
Gynaecology
General Surgery
Rheumatology
Plastic Surgery
Urology
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
Our PPG is made up of a diverse group of patients ranging in age from sixth form students, parents
with young children through to retired people with a lifetime of experience.
The group works with the practice to explore the changing needs of patients and provide feedback to
the practice of any change you would like to see.
Contact Address:
The PPG, Newport Pagnell Medical Centre,
Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT
Email:
[email protected]
April 203
Author: A Faulkes
Self Help
Everyone experiences common illnesses like coughs, colds, fever or headaches from time to time.
You do not need a prescription for symptoms of common illnesses as they are rarely serious. Treating these illnesses
yourself or with advice and medicines from your local pharmacy can often be the easiest and quickest way to help you
back to health. If your problem is more serious and needs further attention, your pharmacist will recognise this and
advise you to make an appointment to see your GP.
A minor illness guide for adults is below – many complaints can be treated with a well stocked medicine cabinet.
Symptoms
What can you Do?
What to look out for?
Colds and
Coughs
Runny or blocked nose, sneezing,
sore throat, cough, headache, mild
fever, tiredness, aches and pains.
If the cough persists
longer than 3 weeks, you
become breathless or are
coughing up infected
(yellow/greenish/
brown/blood stained)
sputum then seek
medical advice.
Sore Throat
Pain or soreness in the throat,
especially on swallowing, hoarse
voice, feeling unwell, tired with a
mild fever.
Increase the amount of fluid you
normally drink. If you have a fever, pain
or discomfort then take paracetamol or
ibuprofen, according to the instructions
on the packet. Nose drops from the
pharmacy or rub-on decongestant may
help you breathe more easily. A cough
is nature’s way of clearing air passages.
Get plenty of rest and eat healthily as a
low fat, high fibre diet is recommended
including fresh fruit and vegetables. If
you are pregnant paracetamol, not
ibuprofen, should be taken for the shortterm relief of pain or fever.
Virus infections are the cause of most
sore throats so antibiotics will have no
effect in these cases. Simple painkillers,
such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be
an effective was of alleviating any pain
or discomfort. Drink plenty of cold fluids
and eat cool soft food. Regularly gargle
with a mouthwash of warm, salty water
to reduce any swelling or pain.
High
Temperature
A high temperature or fever is
37.5c or higher and is a symptom
of many common illnesses. A
fever helps the body to fight
infections by stimulating the
immune system.
Simple painkillers, such as paracetamol
or ibuprofen can be an effective way of
bringing down your temperature. Ensure
you drink plenty of cold fluids. Keep the
room cool, 18C or 65F, and open a
window if necessary.
Headache
Headaches are one of the most
common health complaints but
easily treated. Tension
headaches feel like a dull ache
with constant pressure around the
front, top and sides of the hear,
often caused by stress, lack of
sleep, dehydration, skipping
meals, depression and even using
the computer for too long. Some
headaches are a side effect of
taking a particular medication or if
you have had a cold, sinusitis, flu
or an allergic reaction. Frequent
headaches can be caused by
taking too many painkillers or in
women due to the pill, pregnancy
and the menopause.
Most headaches are not serious and can
be treated with painkillers such as
paracetamol or ibuprofen but always
check the instructions for the right dose.
Try to get more rest, drink more fluids
(avoid alcohol) and eat healthily.
April 203
If the sore throat
continues for more than 2
weeks, there is a high
temperature lasting
several days which is not
reduced by medical or
you have difficulty
swallowing liquids
together with neck pain
seek medical advice.
If the temperature gets
worse despite attempts to
bring it down if the fever
is accompanied by
confusion, drowsiness or
breathing difficulties then
seek medical advice
If your headaches persist,
they are so painful you
cannot get on with your
life and cause you to miss
work, or if you experience
nausea, neck stiffness
and visual disturbance
then seek medical advice.
Author: A Faulkes
Cold Sores
Tiredness
Diarrhoea &
Vomiting
Constipation
Hay Fever &
Allergies
Symptoms
What can you Do?
Cold sores are small blisters that
appear on the lips or around the
mouth caused by the herpes
simplex virus. They are highly
contagious and can be easily
passed from person to person by
close direct contact. A cold sore
normally starts as a tingling or
burning sensation which develops
into an itchy red lump and within
24 hours appears as a fluid-filled
blister.
Tiredness is one of the most
common complaints which affect
many people. There is more
chance of a medical reason for
tiredness if there are other
symptoms accompanying the
tiredness. Being overweight or
underweight can cause tiredness.
The worries and strains of every
day life could be the cause
together with disturbed sleep,
different work patterns, looking
after children or elderly relatives,
depression or anxiety and lifechanging event.
It is a common problem that can
affect you from time to time.
Diarrhoea is caused through a
bowel infection by coming into
contact with someone who is
infected or from food. This will
usually cause one or more of three
symptoms, vomiting, diarrhoea
and stomach pains. If you are
otherwise well it is likely the
diarrhoea and vomiting will get
better on its own within 24 hrs.
Faeces (stools or motions)
become hard and difficult or
painful to pass. Motions are
passed less often or there is a
change from your usual bowel
habits. Could also be
accompanied by feeling bloated or
sick.
Sneezing, runny nose, sore or
watery eyes, itchy throat and skin
rashes are very common. Hay
fever and allergies occur when
you come into contact with a
substance your body is unusually
sensitive to, such as pollen in the
air. Allergies can be caused by
any substances from specific
foods to animal fur.
They usually clear up by themselves,
without treatment within 7-10 days.
There are antiviral creams available from
your pharmacy and these will help ease
your symptoms and speed up the
healing time. There are also cold sore
patches available to place over the area
while it heals.
What to look out for:
Avoid close contact with
anyone if you have
unhealed cold sores so
you do not pass on the
virus. If the cold sores
have not healed after 710 days then seek
medical advice.
Think about what makes you tired and
how you can change things. Tiredness
can often be attributed to lifestyle factors
so try to eat healthily, drink less alcohol,
cut out caffeine and drink more water, go
for a brisk walk in the fresh air, get
enough sleep and share you worries
with family and friends.
It may be common to feel
tired all the time but it
should not be normal. If
after making some
changes you still feel the
same, seek medical
advice to check there is
nothing more seriously
wrong.
The fluids lost need to be replaced.
Avoid eating solid foods and drink as
much fluid or oral rehydration fluid as
you can take. Do not drink cow’s milk
but soups and sugary drinks will help
replace sugar and salt loss.
If there is blood of mucus
in your stools, there is
severe stomach pain or
the diarrhoea continues
for several days; also if
vomiting persists or has
blood in it then seek
medical advice.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids; eat
a mixed diet which includes lots of fibre,
fruit and vegetables. Most cases will
resolve in time or seek advice from your
pharmacist.
If there is no improvement
or no bowel movement
after 7 days, there is
bleeding in the stools or
from the back passage
(anus) then seek medical
advice.
April 203
Try to identify what you are allergic to
and avoid it but sometimes this is not
always possible. For hay fever there are
a variety of remedies available from your
pharmacist. For all allergies take
antihistamines on the advice of your
pharmacist.
Author: A Faulkes
Symptoms
What can you Do?
Stings and
Bites
Within the UK common insects
that may sting or bite include
wasps, bees, mites, ants, fleas
and mosquitoes. The skin may
turn pink, red or mottled and there
could be a painful blister.
Most cases of bites or stings can be
treated at home and will get better
without any treatment. However, extra
relief can be provided by cleaning the
area and then applying local
anaesthetic or antihistamine cream. If
you are stung by a wasp or bee then
remove the sting as quickly as possible
using tweezers before applying the
cream or ointment.
Burns and
Scalds
Burns are caused by dry heat,
such as hot objects or the sun.
Scalds are caused by hot liquid
and steam. The skin may be
painful and look pink, red mottled
together with blisters.
Athlete’s
Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common
condition caused by a fungal
infection. An itchy red rash
develops in the spaces between
your toes. The skin in the affected
area may also be flaky, scaly, dry
and cracked. It can also spread to
the toenails.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are painful round or
oval sores that form in the mouth,
often on the inside of the cheeks.
They occur for a wide range of
reasons including being ill, stress,
bacterial or fungal infection and
friction due to dentures. Although
mouth ulcers can be
uncomfortable, especially when
you eat, drink or brush your teeth,
they are harmless. Mouth ulcers
cannot be passed form person to
person.
Thrush is one of the most common
forms of vaginal or penis infection
caused by a fungus or yeast.
There is soreness, redness,
itching and inflammation
accompanied by a smelly
discharge or odour.
The burn or scald should be cooled as
quickly as possible. Run it under cold
water for at least 10 minutes and then
cover the area with a sterile dressing.
If you don’t have any dressings then
cover with a clean plastic bag or clingfilm. Do not touch the area or break
any blisters.
Antifungal medication kills the fungi that
cause the infection. This is available
from your pharmacy in the form of
creams, sprays, liquids and powders.
To help treat and prevent athlete’s foot;
wash your feet regularly using soap
and water, dry them thoroughly
particularly between your toes, wear
clean cotton socks, keep your feet dry
and do not share towels.
They usually get better by themselves
without treatment but it can take up to 2
weeks. Treatments in the form of a
paste, gel or mouth wash generally
numb the pain which can be obtained
from your pharmacy.
Allergy to wasp and bee
stings can cause a severe
reaction or even
anaphylactic shock. The
symptoms can vary
including narrowing of
airways leading to
breathing difficulties,
wheezing, swelling around
the eyes, lips, hands and
feet together with sore
itchy eyes. If these
symptoms occur seek
medical help immediately.
If the burn or scald covers
a large area or the damage
is deep into the skin then
seek urgent medical
advice.
Vaginal
Thrush and
Sore Penis
April 203
Avoid bubble bath, shower gels and
perfumed soaps and try not to use
biological washing powders. Use a
mild soap and warm water to gently
wash around the affected area. It can
be treated using various creams and
tablets available from your pharmacy
which should give relief within 7 days.
If the infection does not go
away after several weeks
of treatment advised by the
pharmacist hen seek
medical advice.
If the ulcer gets worse or
larger than 1cm or lasts for
longer than 3-4 weeks
seek medical advice.
If symptoms do not
improve and there are
ulcers or blisters,
abdominal pain or fever
then seek medical advice.
Author: A Faulkes
Symptoms
Cystitis
Meningitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the
bladder, commonly caused by a
bacterial infection. There is a
sharp pain or stinging sensation
when passing urine together with
an urgent and frequent need to
pass urine. Urine may be dark
and cloudy and could include
blood.
Meningitis means swelling of the
lining around the brain and spinal
cord. It can be hard to recognise
at first. Symptoms can appear in
any order but the first symptoms
are usually fever, vomiting,
headache and feeling unwell, just
like many mild illnesses.
Further symptoms include:
 Severe headache
 Stiff neck (less common in
young children).
 Dislike of bright lights (less
common in young children)
 Very sleepy, vacant or difficult
to wake
 Confused or delirious
 Seizures
 Rash (anywhere on the body
but not present in all cases).
What can you Do?
Drink plenty of fluid including water and
cranberry juice. Take painkiller such as
paracetamol or ibuprofen. Mild cystitis
usually clears up within 4-9 days.
If symptoms do not
improve and are
accompanied by
abdominal or back pain
and fever then seek
medical advice.
The glass test
Meningitis is NOT a
minor illness.
You can check a rash to see if it is
septicaemia by carrying out the glass
test. If the rash fades and loses colour
under pressure it is not a meningitis
rash.
If the spots DO NOT change colour,
you should seek medical help
immediately.
Trust your instincts – if you
suspect you may have
some of the signs and
symptoms act fast and
seek medical advice
immediately.
Babies and toddlers may also:
 Refuse to feed or eat
 Not want to be held or
touched
 Be very irritable
 Have a stiff body with jerky
movements, or floppy, unable
to stand up
 Have a tense or bulging soft
spot (fontanelle) on the top of
the head.
First Aid Kit
April 203
It would be ideal to have your own first
aid kit at home which contains
everything you may need in an
emergency. Basic items would include
plasters, sterile dressings, cotton wool,
adhesive tape, antiseptic liquid or
cream, pain relief, scissors, tweezers
and disposable gloves. Speak to your
local pharmacist who will advise on the
contents of your medicine cupboard
and first aid kit so they are fully
equipped.
Be aware of the signs
and symptoms of serious
illness.
Be prepared on how to
cope if an accident
happens.
Author: A Faulkes
USEFUL NUMBERS & WEBSITES
NPMC Surgery
01908 611767
NPMC Appointments
01908 617111
NHS
111
Milton Keynes Hospital
01908 660033
Northampton Hospital
01604 634700
Bedford Hospital
01234 355122
Boots the Chemist
01908 611161
Jardines Pharmacy
01908 610583
Aston’s Chemists
01908 618017
Samaritans
01908 667777
Smoking Cessation
0800 1690169
NHS Choices:
National Pharmacy Association:
Consumer Health Information Centre
Self Care Forum
Meningitis Trust
www.nhs.uk
www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk
www.chic.org.uk
www.selfcareforum.org
www.meningitis-trust.org
_______
This space below is for you to add other useful numbers of your choice
NEWPORT PAGNELL MEDICAL CENTRE, Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8QT, Tel: 01908 611767,
Fax: 01908 615099
Email: [email protected] Website: www.npmc.nhs.uk
April 203
Author: A Faulkes

Making an Appointment - Newport Pagnell Medical Centre

Transcription

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