As you may already be aware, there is currently a national shortage of blood bottles.  This means that all GP practices are affected and we are taking steps to prioritise their use.  This means that we are only making appointments for blood tests which are deemed as URGENT by a clinician and this is expected to be in place for at least the next 2 weeks.  An update will be issued when we receive further information from NHS England.

We understand that this is likely to cause frustration and concern but it is something which is completely out of our control.

If you are eligible to receive a flu vaccination, we are holding our first drive-through flu clinic at Kexby Village Hall on Saturday 23rd October between 9am and 12pm.  Please be mindful of other road users in this area between these times.

Groups who are eligible to receive a flu vaccination include:

All patients aged 50 and over

All patients with a long term medical condition

Patients who are immuno-compromised and household contacts of those individuals

Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance or those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill

Morbidly obese

Frontline health and social care workers

Pregnant women

Patients with asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen

You may have heard through the news about the new data extract from the NHS starting from September.

You can opt out of having your data shared by completing the forms on the link below which also has more information about this.

If you do not opt out then your data will be automatically uploaded.  Please note that this is not endorsed in any way by Willingham Surgery and we are legally obliged to share your data unless you have chosen to opt out.

https://digital.nhs.uk/…/general-practice-data-for-planning…

This page has the links to both opt out forms:

https://medconfidential.org/how-to-opt-out/

Patients who have had both Covid-19 vaccine doses will be able to demonstrate their Covid-19 vaccination status via the NHS App from 17th May 2021.  Those without access to the App can request a letter from the NHS by calling 119 from 17th May 2021.

https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-traffic-light-list-ahead-of-cautious-return-to-international-travel?fbclid=lwAR1xZr0cm68x99a1EprXajLQ3SEgeyH-bBwpKKq0Tf9fX5W_olT6B7Tf30Q

We have had an increased number of patients ordering routine repeat medication via the AskMyGP platform.  We generally try to assist with these requests when made but would prefer you to order via the SystemOnline platform (on the website as a link).  You can also use the NHS app or Airmid app to do the same job.

The reason is that when you use AskMyGP, the request comes in as free text and our staff have to transcribe that against your repeat lists.  Quite a few drugs have very similar names so this process is potentially open to error.  When you order by ticking the box on the SystemOnline platform, the request is automated into our clinical system and simply requires approval.  Hence there is much less margin for error/confusion and the request can be processed much quicker.

Many thanks for your support as ever.

Dr Lane

Arrangements are being made for the practice to administer Covid Booster vaccinations and patients will be contacted to make an appointment once these details are finalised.  Please do not contact the Surgery regarding this.  Booster vaccinations must be given at least six months after the second dose and not before.

Due to the Covid situation and staff absence, could we please ask that patients do not contact the surgery if necessary, until after 5 working days have elapsed since ordering their prescription.

Thank you.

Branch surgeries are closed until further notice. Please order in the usual way. If you would like your prescription delivered to you, please call the surgery after ordering.