Spring 2001

Welcome

Welcome to the Spring edition of our Practice Newsletter. Many thanks for your continued feedback and support for our newsletter. If you have any issues you would like to see in the next edition please leave your ideas in the waiting room comments box

Clinical Issues

Hayfever

Spring heralds the beginning of hayfever season. Pollens and spores from many types of plants can trigger off hayfever. Sufferers experience watery itchy eyes, frequent sneezing and a runny nose. Many remedies are available over the counter at the chemist. These should be started 2-3 weeks before the hayfever season and, in many cases, continued for several months.

  1. Anti-allergic eye drops (sodium chromoglycate).
  2. Anti-allergic nasal sprays or more effective steroid nasal sprays.
  3. Tablets can help both eye and nasal symptoms. Chlorpheniramine has a sedative effect, which will help you sleep while non-sedative anti-histamines such as Loratidine and Cetirizine may be more suitable if you have to work or drive.

Further advice is available from the British Allergy Foundation on: 0181 303 8583

EASTER HOLIDAY
MONDAY 16 APRIL 2001
EMERGENCY SERVICE ONLY
8.30am to 11.30am

Patient Services Information

Anxiety Management Group

The Stockbridge Health Centre Anxiety Management Group is co-led by Elaine Nicolson, Pyschological Therapist and Lesley Horn, Health Visitor. Cognitive behavioural methods are used to teach coping strategies – relaxation, cognitive restructuring, overcoming avoidance – to patients suffering distressing levels of anxiety. The course is based on research experience. If patients understand what is happening to them they find it easier to cope and to learn how to manage more effectively. A series of six, ninety-minute sessions is held on Tuesday afternoons from 1530-1700hrs in the Health Education Room. Each session includes examination of an aspect of anxiety – its affect on body, mind, behaviour – time for sharing personal experience, review of homework, relaxation and breathing. Group members receive handouts and a relaxation tape. The group involves optimally eight patients who are referred by GP’s either to the Psychology Department or to Lesley Horn for initial individual assessment. Patients unsuitable for the group remain on the Psychology waiting list to be seen individually.

SWITCHBOARD

225 9191 is the incoming line to the Health Centre and your call is dealt with initially by an operator – NOT your GP practice. Please ask the operator for the practice and service you require: appointments; home visit; prescription request; result of test; talk with GP or Nurse. She will direct your call to the appropriate extension within your practice. Callers are held in a ringing queue if the line you require is engaged.

    

Travel Health

Air Travel and Blood Clots

There has been a lot of press coverage recently suggesting an association between long haul flights and blood clots (thrombosis) in the legs. Sitting still for long periods in cramped conditions in trains and cars may also be linked to thrombosis. So far this has not been scientifically proven. Preventative measures include regular leg stretching exercises; walking around the train or cabin whenever practical; drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol. Those people with a predisposition to thrombosis such as the elderly, the overweight, people with heart problems, a history of blood clots and women on HRT or the oral contraceptive pill should discuss additional measures with their GP. These may include compression hosiery or aspirin.

NEWSFLASH

The Practice Nurses have seen some patients travelling to exotic destinations recently who have been wrongly advised by their travel agent that vaccines and malaria tablets were not required. Some countries require certificates proving vaccination and even some European countries may have specific recommendations for immunisation. Please consult your Practice Nurse at least 2 weeks prior to travel if in any doubt.

Patient Services Information

Reception Closure

Due to increased workload and staff shortages it has become necessary to allow staff a ‘catch-up’ period. This will be achieved by closing the practice for routine services on a daily basis from 1.00pm to 2.00pm. Urgent and emergency situations will of course be dealt with at all times.

Staff Roles –
The Treatment Room Nurse

Jane Savage is our Treatment Room Nurse. Her room is located on the 2nd floor of the Health Centre and has recently been refurbished. Jane, a member of the District Nursing Team, provides 25 hours of treatment room service Monday-Friday 0830-1230hrs. Jane specialises in the management of leg ulcers and has set-up a specific clinc every Tuesday, for which she makes the appointments, to assess and treat patients with this problem. She also provides the following care:

  • Blood Samples
  • Wound care/dressings
  • Ear syringing
  • Removal of stitches/clips
  • Medication given by injection
    (excluding contraception)

Please arrange your appointment via the practice receptionist.

From all Doctors and Staff of the Green Practice