Monthly Statistics - September 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2159 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 209 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3832+ |
Monthly Statistics - August 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1971 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 218 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 4808+ |
Monthly Statistics - July 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2165 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 294 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3600+ |
COMMUNITY WELLNESS CAFE
Every Thursday 9.00- 2.30
At: Langdon Hills Methodist Church, Emanuel Road, Langdon Hills, Basildon SS16 6EX
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, EXERCISE, RELAXATION, DANCE, WELLNESS SUPPORT, FRIENDSHIPS, HEALTH LITERACY AND SELF CARE.
Open to everyone, pop in see what we are about.
Monthly Statistics - June 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1793 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 231 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3680+ |
Guide to Diabetic Eye Screening Leaflet
Monthly Statistics - May 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1929 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 207 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3600+ |
Norovirus - spotting the symptoms and keeping ourselves and loved ones safe
Norovirus has been circulating for some months in the community and has found its way on to some hospital wards.
We need to keep people safe, so if you, a family member or friend has symptoms of the virus, they should stay away from hospitals, care homes and schools.
Generally symptoms include, feeling or being sick and / or diarrhoea. You should wait 48 hours after the last episode of symptoms before visiting any places where people might be vulnerable.
Norovirus (vomiting bug)
Monthly Statistics - April 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1923 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 169 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3600+ |
The Medical Examiner System and Death Certification Process
A new medical examiner system is being rolled out in England and Wales over the next few months prior to it becoming a statutory requirement on 9 September 2024. GP practices in Mid and South Essex will be implementing it at different times over the next few months. The medical examiner system will provide independent scrutiny of all deaths that aren’t referred to the coroner.
Medical examiners review medical records and work with doctors to complete a medical certificate of the cause of death (MCCD), commonly known as the death certificate. They talk to the family about their experience of care and discuss and agree the proposed MCCD with them. The MCCD must be completed before the death can be registered and the body released to the family.
You can read more information about the medical examiner service and the medical certification of the cause of death here: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/choose-well/medical-examiners-service/
What these changes will mean
When the GP practice is notified of a death, information will need to be obtained to enable a GP to refer the death to the medical examiner office (or where appropriate to the coroner).
Information that will be required:
- Date/time and location of death.
- Occupation of the deceased (or last occupation if retired/not working at time of death).
- Next of kin details (name, relationship, contact details.
These details will be passed to the relevant GP who can complete the MCCD. The GP will complete a referral form to the medical examiner officer indicating how they intend to complete the MCCD.
The medical examiner will then carry out an independent review of the person’s death. They will also have a discussion with the next of kin to establish whether they have any concerns and offer an opportunity to ask any questions relating to the cause of death or care/treatment.
The medical examiner will then contact the GP:
- If they agree with cause of death, the MCCD will be issued by GP.
- If they advise of an alteration, this will be discussed with the GP before the GP issues a MCCD.
- They may advise a referral to the coroner for a specified reason.
You can find out more information about the medical examiners service on the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System website https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/health/choose-well/medical-examiners-service/
2024 Covid-19 spring booster dose
Booster doses are an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk from severe COVID-19. Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:
- are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system
We will be in contact with our patients once we have more information about when the Autumn Booster Programme is up and running.
getUBetter
Monthly Statistics - March 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2166 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 184 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3500+ |
PHARMACY OPENING TIMES Easter 2024
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
You can find details of open local community pharmacies here:
to find an open local community pharmacy close to you:
Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet, please ask a relative or friend to check for you.
Monthly Statistics - February 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2155 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 177 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3500+ |
Pharmacy First
🤒🩹 Almost all pharmacies now offer the Pharmacy First service, giving advice and, if needed, NHS medicines to treat seven common health conditions – and all without the need for a GP appointment. Speak to your pharmacist if you have:
1⃣ Sore throat and Ear Infection, 2⃣ Sinusitis, 3⃣ Shingles, 4⃣ Urinary tract infection (in women under 65), 5⃣ Impetigo, 6⃣ Infected inset bite
🗨️ Ask your local pharmacy for more information about this free NHS service. Our local pharmacies that offer the above service are: Allcures, Britania, Clay Hill Road and Boots.
Monthly Statistics - January 2024
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2132 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 187 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3700+ |
Measles cases are rising
Monthly Statistics - December 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1874 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 161 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3300+ |
Winter wellbeing: managing mental health during the colder months
Serious or life-threatening emergencies
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis and requires serious or life threatening emergency mental or physical care, dial 999 immediately.
In Crisis?
Adults
If you, a family member or friend are in crisis and need help, please dial 111 and select the option for mental health crisis. You will be connected to our contact centre where trained staff will provide appropriate support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Under 18s
If you are under the age of 18 or are the family member of someone under the age of 18 who is in crisis, please call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (SET CAMHS).
0800 953 0222
SET-CAMHS.referrals@nelft.nhs.uk
If you need urgent help or out of hours help please call Mental Health Direct 0800 995 1000.
Health Services Over Christmas and New Year
A guide to health services provides information on what local services are available to patients over the festive period and how to contact the NHS if they need to.
The guide can be accessed by visiting Guide to health services this Christmas (ics.nhs.uk)
Essex Wellbeing Service - Stop Smoking Services
ESSEX WELLBEING SERVICE
Our Stop Smoking services are available, and free, to everyone living or working in Essex, excluding Southend and Thurrock. All you need to do is fill out our online assessment.
We can support you in finding the right treatment, advice, and support in various locations across the County including GP surgeries, pharmacies, and specialist clinics. https://www.essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/services/stop-smoking
PHARMACY OPENING TIMES CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2023/2024
You can find details of open local community pharmacies here:
to find an open local community pharmacy close to you.
Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet, please ask a relative or friend to check for you.
Dear Patient,
Please note a recent change in our services. Blood and test results are now automatically filed onto your medical records and will be visible to you if you have online access.
We kindly request you refrain from contacting the surgery regarding these results until you are contacted by reception to discuss the findings and any necessary next steps. Thank you.
Monthly Statistics - October 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2283 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 223 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 3000+ |
Online Access
The Practice is pleased to provide patients with access to its Clinical System via a Secure Web Interface.
To use SystmOnline you will need a Practice ID number and Access ID number which is obtained from the practice, and, in conjunction with a password, will be unique to you.
Click below to access SystmOnline (opens in a new window)
systmonline
NHS Talking Therapy - Older Adults
As winter is on its way, older adults may be feeling lonely, isolated, and anxious about the winter approaching.
We have this video that may help you, and we encourage you to self- refer to Vita Health for help with your anxious feelings and so you can get help to get back on track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCv6QY3zHgI
Vita Health also offer therapy for those suffering with long term conditions if you are struggling mentally. They can help patients deal with the mental side of the long-term condition. Vita Health are ten days wait from referral to assessment now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3qKMT2CchQ
Monthly Statistics - September 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2616 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 239 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2800+ |
Accelerating patient online access to their GP records
As your GP practice, we have been asked to provide you with access to your full medical record via the NHS app (and NHS website) if you have a suitable NHS login, from 31 October 2023. You are due to receive access on 16/10/2023 onwards.
These patients can now read new entries, including free text, in their health record and are benefitting from an increased ability to manage their own health. It will also benefit practices by enabling patients to better prepare for appointments and reducing the need for patients to contact surgeries to get test results and referral notifications.
We are aware that not everyone will want access to their full record on the internet at this time, and some patients may have concerns about their personal medical records being made available on their smartphones or online, especially if other people have access to their devices. If you know you will NOT want access, please contact reception 01268 663 140. You can change your mind at any time by contacting the practice.
For more information or to opt out please click on the below link:
How to get your medical records
Monthly Statistics - August 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2062 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 192 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2800 |
Flu Vaccinations
At our surgery, we prioritise the health and well-being of our patients, which is why we strongly encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity and get their flu vaccine.
Eligibility For The 23-24 Flu Season
This season, we are pleased to offer flu vaccines to patients who are registered with our surgery and fall into the following eligible cohorts:
- adults aged 65 years and over, including those who turn 65 years on or before 31st March 2024 (DOB: on or before 31/03/1959)
- those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (DOB: 01/04/1959 to age 6 months at time of appointment)
- pregnant women
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2023 (DOB: 01/09/2019 to 31/08/2021)
- those in long-stay residential care home
- those registered with us as carers
- close contacts of immuno-compromised individuals
- frontline staff employed by the following social care providers without employer led occupational health schemes:
- a registered residential care or nursing home
- a registered domiciliary care provider
- a voluntary managed hospice provider
- Direct Payments or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants
The school nursing team is committed to ensuring the well-being of primary school-aged children by offering flu vaccines. This vaccination will be provided by them to all children within this age group, including those who are home educated. To ensure accessibility and convenience for parents and guardians, the school nursing team will organise multiple clinics, including catch-up clinics for children who are unable to attend the initial round. These clinics will provide an opportunity for children to receive the flu vaccine at their respective schools. Should parents or guardians have any queries or concerns regarding the flu vaccine, they are encouraged to reach out directly to their child’s school or the school nursing team.
Important Notice: It is crucial to note that unlike previous years, individuals aged 50-64 who are not classified as being in a clinical risk group will not be eligible for a free flu vaccine. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to those in this age bracket who have previously qualified for a free flu vaccination. The decision is based on expert medical advice and aims to ensure that the limited vaccine supply is directed to those who need it most. We recognise that prevention is essential in the fight against influenza, and we strongly encourage all individuals to seek alternative options for flu vaccination. Private healthcare providers, pharmacies, and some workplaces may offer flu vaccines for purchase, providing individuals who do not meet the criteria an opportunity to protect themselves and those around them from flu-related illnesses.
Am I In A Clinical Risk Group?
Those in clinical risk groups are individuals who have certain medical conditions or characteristics that put them at higher risk of experiencing severe illness or complications if they contract a flu-related illness. The following are some examples of conditions or characteristics that make someone fall into a clinical risk group:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
Will I Be Invited?
Once our appointments become available for booking, all eligible patients will receive invitations.
For adults over 18 years:
You will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Due to the large volume of invitations to be sent, they will be staggered throughout August and September. Therefore, it is possible that you may not receive an invitation at the same time as someone else that you know. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your appointment. If you have confirmed your eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 1st August 2023, to schedule an appointment.
For children under 18 years:
Parents or guardians will either receive invitations via text message or a letter if we don’t have your mobile phone number. Invitations will be sent week commencing 2nd October. However, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to book your child’s appointment. If you have confirmed your child’s eligibility using the information above, you can contact us anytime after 2nd October 2023, to schedule an appointment.
How Do I Book An Appointment?
Patients who have provided us with their mobile phone number, whether they are adults or children, will receive a text message invitation containing a link to schedule an appointment. This link can only be accessed on smartphones with internet capabilities and will remain valid for a period of 7 days from the time it is sent. By utilising this link, you can book an appointment date and time that suits your schedule without having to contact the surgery directly.
If you are unable to use the link, you receive an invitation by letter, or you are yet to receive your invite, there are alternative ways to book your appointment. One option is to use online services like the NHS App, but this requires prior registration. Please ensure that you book an appointment for the appropriate age group, as failure to do so may result in cancellation of your appointment. Alternatively, you can call the practice directly at 01268 663 140 to book your appointment.
What If I Am Housebound?
Our ability to provide home visits is limited to patients who are unable to leave their homes in any circumstances. If you can leave your house for appointments or events, with the help of a family member, friend, or neighbour, or if you have been to our surgery for another appointment recently, we regret to inform you that we are unable to visit you. In such cases, we kindly request that you schedule an appointment at one of our clinics, where designated disabled parking and drop-off options are available for our frail patients.
If you are a housebound patient registered with us, we will initially reach out to you in September to verify you are on our housebound list. Following confirmation, there is no need to respond to any messages or notifications from NHS England requesting you to schedule an appointment. Rest assured, we are already aware of the need to visit you. Subsequently, in September/October, we will contact you again with the specific date scheduled for your home visit. This will allow you ample time to make arrangements for any required access or family members to be present during the visit.
Monthly Statistics - July 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2110 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 196 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2200 |
Monthly Statistics - June 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2333 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 214 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2117 |
ONLINE APPOINTMENTS - Cervical Screening ONLY
We now offer online booking for Cervical Screening. These can now be booked via here: SystmOnline. If you do not have Online Access please talk to a member of the Reception Team.
Monthly Statistics - May 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 2349 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2300 |
| Number of DNA Appointments: | 229 |
Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
Booster doses are an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk from severe COVID-19. Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.
You may be offered a seasonal booster if you:
- are aged 75 or over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 5 or over and have a weakened immune system
We will be in contact with our patients once we have more information about when the Autumn Booster Programme is up and running.
To book a vaccination appointment at another site such as a pharmacy, please call 119 or book using the following link book coronavirus vaccination.
Mental Health and Dementia Awareness week
Mental Health & Dementia Awareness week is fast approaching us the week of 15th May 2023, and in the Basildon & Brentwood area NHS Talking Therapies VitaMinds will be out and about in the community, reaching those who may be struggling to get the help they need to get back on track, we hope to see you at one of the events…..
Please check the link for the podcasts for stress, sleep and anxiety for Mental Health that may help people out there struggling, please do have a listen..https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/news/podcasts/
Find Vita Health out and about in the community with other local community providers at:
Monday 15 May
Towngate Theatre foyer in the evening before the performances from Basildon Junior Music from 5pm – 7pm
Tuesday 16 May
Billericay High Street with the Basildon Council Bus 10.30am onwards
Wednesday 17 May
West Horndon event with Essex Fire Service on Brentwood Council Trailer 10.30am onwards at West Horndon
Thursday 18 May
Billericay Medical Centre event with all services for Dementia and Mental Health 10am to 1pm
Friday 19 May
St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Brentwood CM14 4DF Dementia Concert for Dementia, carers and families and older adults 3pm to 4.30pm
If you know anyone who is struggling and wants to reach out, check the website on the link below:
www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/basildon-and-brentwood/
Monthly Statistics - April 2023
| Number of Appointments booked: | 1970 |
| Number of prescriptions processed (approx): | 2000 |
| Number of Appointments not attended: | 173 |
Wellbeing Café: Starting Wednesday 3rd May 2023 at At Laindon Hills Methodist Church Hall from 8.30 – 3.00
The Wellbeing Café is open to all our patients 9.30 - 2.30, starting with Essex Wellbeing Services and Active Essex. Dance on Prescription 12.30 – 1.30
In addition to the above services there's plenty of tea, coffee, squash and biscuits. Please come and join us!
Our trained reception staff will ask some questions about how we can help you today. This will enable us to provide you with the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.
This might mean our team directs you to see a health professional other than a GP, such as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Clinical pharmacist based in the practice, Physiotherapist, Mental Health Practitioner (MH FCP), Nurse or Community Pharmacist.
If you don’t wish to say what your issue is, that will be respected.
Happy Easter !
Please see the link below to the NHS England Regional website, where you will find the opening times for community pharmacies on Easter Sunday (9th April 2023). For Basildon area, please select East of England.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/east-of-england/nhs-england-and-nhs-improvement-east-of-englands-work/pharmacy-information/
The universal HPV vaccination programme
In England, all boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years (born after 1 September 2006) are routinely offered the 1st HPV vaccination when they're in Year 8 at school. The 2nd dose is offered 6 to 24 months after the 1st dose.
If you're eligible and miss the HPV vaccine offered in Year 8 at school, it's available for free on the NHS up until your 25th birthday for:
- girls born after 1 September 1991
- boys born after 1 September 2006
Contact your school immunisation team or GP surgery.
The vaccine is effective at stopping people getting the high-risk types of HPV that cause cancer, including most cervical cancers and some anal, genital, mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers.
It's important to have both doses to be properly protected. Please check more info here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-hpv-vaccine/
In addition, Essex Screening and Immunisations Team have been working with MSD (who are the manufacturers of the Gardasil vaccine for HPV), to improve uptake on HPV vaccine. MSD have produced a website containing all the information for the vaccine for parents and teenagers: www.hpvwise.co.uk.
Essex Wellbeing Coach Sessions Poster
Low Calorie Diet Programme e-Poster
Look after your mental health
Take advantage of free online services and resources. The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of good advice on looking after your mental wellbeing in general and you can even create a personalised plan.
If you are looking for something like a talking therapy, go to the "Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT)" section on the NHS website. The 111.nhs.uk service also has a section that links to mental health support.
Community pharmacy- Christmas Opening Times
Local chemists opening times over Christmas
For parents/guardian: using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children
Strep A and Scarlet fever
Please find below information from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health regarding Strep A and Scarlet Fever:
There are currently high rates of Group A strep and scarlet fever in the UK. Scarlet fever, which is caused by the bacteria Group A streptococcus, is usually a mild illness but it is highly infectious. It much more common in children than in adults; it is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. This is not only to reduce the chance of their infection becoming more severe but also to stop them spreading the infection to others, especially people at higher risk of severe infections such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs over the next 1-2 days. It is often 'sand-paper' like to touch but is not itchy.
Your child may also have a:
- Sore throat/tonsillitis
- Fever (temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above)
- Painful, swollen glands in the neck
- A red tongue (strawberry tongue)
If your child also has a runny nose with their tonsillitis, it makes a diagnosis of scarlet fever / Group A strep less likely.
Occasionally, Group A streptococcus can spread to other areas of the body, causing infections in the neck (tonsillar abscesses or lymph nod abscesses), chest infections (pneumonia), bone and joint infections (spetic arthritis) or sepsis.
In addition, a small number of children experience complications in the week or two after recovering from scarlet fever. This can affect their kidneys (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) or their joints (post-streptococcal arthritis).
For the full article from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health please click the link below -
For further information on Scarlet Fever and Invasive Group A Strep please click the links below -
Online Access
The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.
We’re now letting you see all the information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP). Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you.
This means that you will be able to see notes from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists. You will only be able to see information from 30th November 2022. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything.
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app. Your doctor (GP) may also talk to you before your full records access is given to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. There might be some sensitive information on your record, so you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by requesting this information through reception. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. If you are a carer and would like to see information about someone you care for, speak to reception staff.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure, so no one is able to access your information except you. You’ll need to make sure you protect your login details. Don’t share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information.
If you do not want to see your health record, or if you would like more information about these changes, please speak to your GP or reception staff.
Out-of-hours GP services are changing
We want to provide the right services at a time which is convenient for you. We’ve listened to feedback from people in our local area, and we are making changes to our out-of-hours appointments to deliver better services for you.
The new way of delivering out-of-hours appointments will give you:
- Access to more healthcare professionals. This new service will be delivered by professionals including GPs, ANPs, nurses, HCAs.
- More choice about the type of appointment you want. These include a mixture of in-person face-to-face appointments, and remote appointments like telephone, video, or online appointments.
- Make it more convenient for you to travel to out-of-hours appointments. These appointments are being planned and delivered locally, so it is likely they will available closer to your home.
From Saturday 1 October 2022, out-of-hours appointments will be available from 6.30pm to 8pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
When we asked local people what you wanted from these appointments you told us more appointments, in the evening and weekends. In response we have appointments available for all our patients from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00- 5:00 pm at weekends.
Out-of-hours appointments were previously planned by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) on behalf of many GP practices in a bigger area. From Saturday 1 October 2022, this is now being planned and delivered locally by Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
We are working together with other GP practices in our local area as part of the West Basildon Primary Care Network. You can find out more about West Basildon Primary Care Network on our PCN website at West Basildon Primary Care Network (westbasildonpcn.nhs.uk).
An out-of-hours appointment might not be at your regular GP surgery. When you book an appointment, you will be told where the appointment will be.
These appointments will not be available as walk-in appointments. You will need to book them in advance
To book an out-of-hours appointment, you should contact your regular GP practice in the usual way. They will advise you on the appointments which are available, and which healthcare professional is the right person to help you.
If you need medical help now but it's not an emergency, you can also go to 111 online or call 111.
GP appointments provided across Essex during month of July 2022
July 2022 GP Appointments Data (provided by Essex LMC)
Red Extreme Heat Warning Issued By The Met Office
For the first time temperatures of 40°C have been forecast in the UK and the Met Office has issued the first ever Red warning for exceptional heat.
Exceptional heat is expected to affect a large part of England from Sunday 17 July to Tuesday 19 July, with temperatures likely in the high 30s C in some places and perhaps even reaching 40°C.
The heat health alert for Essex has been ramped up, leading to advice for vulnerable residents such as the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic or severe illness who could be at extra risk.
Health experts are appealing to people to check on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves. Advice includes keeping cool, staying hydrated and being prepared – for example, staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, drinking cold drinks regularly, such as water and avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol.
People are also urged to make plans for important supplies, such as medicines, to minimise the need to travel during the heat of the day.
Advice for what to do during spells of hot weather includes:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
- if you are travelling, make sure you take water with you, check weather forecasts and traffic news
- plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as water, food and any medications you need
- people are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.
Please click on the link below for additional information on how to cope in hot weather –
Heatwave: How To Cope In Hot Weather
22-23 Flu Season Information
Please see your age and eligibility group below for information on how and when to book a flu vaccine appointment.
Adults 65yrs+ (DOB: on or before 31/03/1958)
Patients aged 65yrs+, or whose 65th birthday is on or before the 31st March 2023, can book a ‘FLU Over 65yrs’ appointment from 14th September.
These can be booked:
- Via Online Services (an account is required)
- Via Telephone – call reception on 01268 663 140 any weekday between 14:00-18:30.
- Via a booking link sent via SMS (these will be sent out to all patients with a mobile number on our system before 3rd October, please wait until after this date to chase if you have not received one)
Our flu clinics run from Monday to Friday afternoon from 3rd October. Please book a date and time which is most convenient to you. Appointments usually book quickly, so the earlier you are able to book the more choice that will be available.
If you are registered as a housebound patient with the practice, you will be contacted towards the middle of October with a date for your visit. If you have not heard from us by 17th October, please contact reception on 01268 663 140.
If you are not able to attend any of the clinics here, please contact a pharmacy/chemist to arrange your flu vaccine and the National Booking Service to arrange your Covid-19 vaccine (or call 119).
Adults 18-64yrs in a Clinical Risk Group (DOB: 01/04/1958 – 18yrs at time of appointment)
Patients aged 18-64yrs, who will not turn 65yrs by the 31st March 2023, must be in a risk group as stated below to be eligible for a flu vaccine at the surgery:
- Chronic respiratory disease – If this is Asthma you must take continuous or repeated inhaled or systemic steroids, or have had previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission to be eligible.
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression – including any household members
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Pregnant women
- Morbid obesity – Adults with a BMI ≥40 kg/m²
- Carers
- Frontline healthcare staff without employer led occupational health schemes
Appointments for these clinics run from 17th to 19th of October. These patients can now book a ‘FLU 18 to 64yrs At Risk’ appointment. These can be booked:
- Via Online Services (an account is required)
- Via Telephone – call reception on 01268 663 140 any weekday between 14:00-18:30.
- Via a booking link sent via SMS (these will be sent out to all patients with a mobile number on our system before 10th October, please wait until after this date to chase if you have not received one)
Please book a date and time which is most convenient to you. Appointments usually book quickly, so the earlier you are able to book the more choice that will be available.
If you are registered as a housebound patient with the practice, you will be contacted towards middle of October with a date for your visit. If you have not heard from us by 20th October, please contact reception on 01268 663 140.
If you are not able to attend any of the clinics here, please contact a pharmacy/chemist to arrange your flu vaccine and the National Booking Service to arrange your Covid-19 vaccine (or call 119).
Adults 50-64yrs NOT in a Clinical Risk Group (DOB: 01/04/1958 – 31/03/1973)
Patients aged 50-64yrs who are not in a risk group as above, are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine after the 15th October 2022, however this cannot currently be offered at this surgery. We are sorry to not be able to offer this vaccine at the surgery from October but due to NHS England changing their guidance our anticipated stock does not include this age group.
We encourage you tocontact a pharmacy/chemist to arrange your flu vaccine and the National Booking Service to arrange your Covid-19 vaccine (click here or call 119).
We will assess our stock at the end of November and will release a statement about availability at that time.
Children 2-3yrs (DOB: 01/09/2018 – 31/08/2020)
Children who were aged 2 or 3yrs on the 31stAugust 2022 are eligible for a flu vaccine. Appointments will be available starting from 29th September. These appointments are available to be booked now. Text messages will be sent to all patients with a mobile number on record, otherwise the parents/ guardian will receive a call from our reception.
These will be available to be booked:
- Via Online Services (an account is required)
- Via Telephone – call reception on 01268 663 140 any weekday between 14:00-18:30.
- Via a booking link sent via SMS
If you are not able to attend any of the clinics here, please contact a pharmacy/chemist to arrange their flu vaccine.
Children 6m-17yrs in a Clinical Risk Group (Age 6m-17yrs at time of appointment)
Patients aged 6m-17yrs must be in a risk group as stated below to be eligible for a flu vaccine at the surgery:
- Chronic respiratory disease – If this is Asthma you must take continuous or repeated inhaled or systemic steroids, or have had previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission to be eligible.
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression – including any household members
- Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
- Pregnant women
- Morbid obesity – Adults with a BMI ≥40 kg/m²
- Carers
- Frontline healthcare staff without employer led occupational health schemes
Appointments will be available starting w/c 11thOctober. These appointments are not yet available to be booked. Once they are available, text messages will be sent to all patients with a mobile number on record, and letters will be sent to the remaining patients. This information will also be updated.
These will be available to be booked:
- Via Online Services (an account is required)
- Via Telephone – call reception on 01268 663 140 any weekday between 14:00-18:30.
- Via a booking link sent via SMS
If your child is of school age, these will also be offered to them via the school programme. You can choose whether you would like them to have the vaccine with the school nursing team (these will be done by School Nurses if your child is home schooled) or to book an appointment at the surgery.
If you are not able to attend any of the clinics here and your child is not of school age, please contact a pharmacy/chemist to arrange their flu vaccine.
Children Primary/Secondary School Age (between 11 and 15y) NOT in a Clinical Risk Group (DOB: 01/09/2006 – 31/08/2018)
All patients who are of school age on the 1stSeptember 2022 will receive a flu vaccine via the school nursing team. Each school will have their own schedule for this and catch up programme for those who miss the dates. Please contact your child’s school for information on this.
If your child is home schooled, these will be given by the School Nurses. They will contact you to arrange this, however you can also contact them if you have any questions or have not been contacted.
We are unable to offer any appointments to patients in this group at the surgery.
Accelerating patients access
The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.
We’re now letting you see all the information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP). Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you.
This means that you will be able to see notes from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists. You will only be able to see information from November 2022. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything.
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app. Your doctor (GP) may also talk to you before your full records access is given to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. There might be some sensitive information on your record, so you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by requesting this information through reception. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. If you are a carer and would like to see information about someone you care for, speak to reception staff.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure, so no one is able to access your information except you. You’ll need to make sure you protect your login details. Don’t share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information.
If you do not want to see your health record, or if you would like more information about these changes, please speak to your GP or reception staff.
Flu Vaccination
The last 2 years have been the largest NHS influenza vaccination programme ever, seeing some of the best influenza vaccine uptake levels achieved for many of the cohorts.
As social contact returns to pre pandemic norms there is likely to be a resurgence in influenza activity in winter 2022 to 2023 to levels similar to or higher than before the pandemic.
Protect-yourself-against-flu-information-for-parents-and-carers-of-preschool-and-primary-school-aged-children
Beat the heat
Local-support-advice/summer-health
All Childhood Vaccination Clinics
Dear Parent/ Carer, please see below the information for clinics to be held for ALL childhood vaccination ( Southend and Thurrock).
Vaccination Clinic - Thurrock
Vaccination Clinic- Southend-on- Sea
Worried about changing medicine
asthma.org.uk/advice
How green is your inhaler
Asthma and lung.org.uk
Green inhaler
Reviewing prescriptions for some inhalers
Dear Patient,
As part of our practice commitment to provide excellent care and protect our planet, we are reviewing the prescriptions for some inhalers.
Which of my inhalers does this affect?
This affects your reliever (blue) inhaler, which you use only when you have symptoms. You may know it as your salbutamol inhaler, or by the brand-name Ventolin. Your pharmacy may dispense a salbutamol inhaler with a different brand name. It appears on your medication list as either of the following:
• Ventolin Evohaler 100microgram/ dose
• Salbutamol CFC-Free Inhaler 100microgram/ dose
Why are you changing these inhalers?
Your reliever (blue) inhaler is a metered dose inhaler, sometimes called an aerosol spray inhaler or a ‘puffer.’ This contains a propellant gas in the canister which is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. The Ventolin inhaler has more than twice the carbon footprint of the Salamol inhaler, even though it delivers the same medication, using the same type of device at the same dose. This is because the Salamol inhaler uses less propellant gas.
Ventolin Evohaler = 28.26kg CO2e emitted per inhaler
Salamol = 11.95 CO2e emitted per inhaler
How will my prescription change?
The World Health Organisation has said that climate change is the greatest risk to health in the 21st century. We want to prescribe inhalers that release less greenhouse gases, to reduce the impact on climate change. From now on, all prescriptions we issue for blue reliever inhalers will be for the lower carbon footprint Salamol inhaler (Salamol CFC-Free Inhaler 100microgram/ dose).
What do I need to do?
Salamol contains the same medication as Ventolin and is used in the same way. So, you can continue using your inhaler in exactly the same way. Finish the doses in your current inhaler before starting your new Salamol inhaler.
Some people notice a change in the taste of the inhaler and this is normal.
For a reminder of how to use your inhaler, see: https://asthma.org.uk/advice/inhaler-videos/pmdi/
Remember, if you need to use your reliever (blue) inhaler 3 or more times per week, this means your asthma may not be well controlled – so please make an appointment to speak to an Asthma Nurse.
Salamol Patient Leaflet
Many Thanks
Handyman Required to work for Kingswood Medical Practice
please enquire within the surgery and ask for Julie Andrews or call 01268 663 140
Update your contact details
It is important that we have up-to-date contact details for you, so we can let you know about screenings, vaccinations and appointment reminders.
If you have changed your mobile number or email address recently, you can add it to your NHS record by following the guidance about managing your NHS account.
You may also receive a text or email from the NHS asking you to do this.
If you are unable to update your details online or through the NHS App, please get in touch with us and we’ll update your records for you.
Preparing for summer
Met Office Heat Health Alerts - https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/heat-health
Heat Health Alerts – Information and advice from the Met Office regarding periods of extreme heat across the UK
Met Office Severe Weather Alerts - https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-email
Sign up for Met office severe weather alerts via email
Community Pharmacy Spring Bank Holiday 2022 Opening Hours
Dear Patients,
Please see the link below to the NHS England and NHS Improvement Regional website, where you will find the opening times for community pharmacies over <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial'%2