Archived News

 

Flu Vaccination

last updated 27/09/2011

The Influenza Vaccination is available to:

  • Patients who are aged 65 years or older
  • Patients who are over the age of 6 months who suffer from Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Chronic Liver Disease, Chronic Respiratory problems, including Asthma, which requires regular medication
  • Patients whose immune system is weakened by disease or treatment
  • Carers of any of the above patients
  • Pregnant women

Click here to view the times and locations of our flu vaccination sessions

HOUSEBOUND, RESIDENTIAL & NURSING HOME PATIENTS.  Please telephone the Practice on 01457 872228 to make arrange for your vaccination.

 

Telephone Consultations

The practice has recently undertaken a pilot on telephone consultations which has been met with much enthusiasm from patients accessing the service.

The aims are to provide appointments at a convenient time for the patient without having to visit the surgery, as well as saving time for the doctors. The success of these appointments rely on the patient understanding what can be dealt with over the phone and what would need a face to face contact.

One patient commented “I have just had a call from my doctor this morning as arranged; it took approximately 1.5 minutes instead of waiting in the surgery for an appointment to ask a simple question…it saved me time as well as the doctor…”

If you feel you have a question/problem that could be dealt with over the phone or you want to review your medication or you need a further sick note please ask for a telephone appointment. If you are unsure that a phone consultation would be right for you please ask the receptionists for advice, they will be happy to help! All we ask of you is to be by the phone at the time your appointment is agreed for; this can be your home number, work number or a mobile.

From 1st August there will be morning and afternoon appointments with all of the doctors.

 

Improvements to Saddleworth Medical Practice

Last updated Wednesday 20th July 2011

 

UPDATE: Work at the Uppermill Branch is now complete

 

We are delighted to announce improvements to our practice.  This week work has begun at the main Uppermill branch.  The work will result in the creation of three new clinical rooms.  Stage two of the project will be the development of the Delph branch which is scheduled for next year.  These improvements will help the practice to safeguard the service we provide.

 

Every effort is being made to ensure the building work has minimum impact on our patients.   The first stage of the work at Uppermill is planned to take around 4 weeks. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and greatly appreciate your cooperation during this transitional period.

 

In order to permit this very necessary expansion Saddleworth District Nurse and Health Visitors Teams have relocated.  They are temporarily located at Springhead Clinic and will be moving to a permanent base at Chew Vale in the near future.

Their contact numbers are as follows:

Saddleworth Health Visitors: 01457 873786

Saddleworth District Nurses: 01457 875069.

The practice extends our best wishes for the future to the teams.  We look forward to continuing to work alongside them in the community.

 

Diabetic Retinal Screening

The Diabetic Retinal Screening Service will be inviting Patients with Diabetes to attend for annual screening at The Moorside Medical Centre.

The invitation dates are from 21st February - 14th March 2011

Please notify the practice if you do not receive your invitation

 

 

RUCLEAR Screening

Across the country, all sexually active young people aged under 25 are being encouraged to be tested for Chlamydia. A repeat test is advised when you are in a new relationship.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and most people who have it don’t know they’ve got it. Untreated Chlamydia can lead to long term problems such as infertility.

The test and treatment is free and painless. Book an appointment with a doctor or nurse at the practice to get tested.

 

Winter 2011

Goodbye and Best wishes to Dr Wright

Dr Wright will soon be taking early retirement to spend time with her family.  Her last day will be the 31st of December 2010.  Dr Wright joined the practice in 1984, after 26 years of service at Saddleworth Medical Practice she will be greatly missed by staff and patients.   We are sure you will join us in thanking her and wishing her an enjoyable retirement.

 

Autumn 2010

Welcoming Dr Ahmed, Dr Foulds, & Dr Sutton to the Practice

The practice is pleased to welcome back Dr Amy Sutton.  As part of her ongoing training to become a GP, Dr Sutton is a specialist training year 3 doctor she previously worked at the practice last year as a specialist training year 2 doctor.  We are also delighted to welcome to the practice  Dr Usman Ahmed and Dr Amy Foulds who are specialist training year 2 doctor.  Specialist training year 2 and 3 doctors are fully qualified doctors preparing to enter general practice and their training will be supervised by Dr Gibbons and Dr Watson.

 

Summer 2010

Practice Development

June Update:

The practice has successfully implemented the first phase of this new system which involved the ordering and sending of your test results to the laboratory.  As of Tuesday the 8th June 2010 the practice is introducing the second phase of our new pathology test results system.  The second phase will involve a new method of receiving and actioning your test results.

Patients calling for results

Patients ringing for results of their tests should be aware as a temporary arrangement while the new pathology system is being implemented their details will be taken and they will be called back:

those calling before 4.00pm will be called back the same day (between 2.00pm – 4.00pm approximately)
those calling after 4.00pm will be called back the next day (between 2.00pm – 4.00pm approximately)
Excepting any urgent cases

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your cooperation during this introductory period.

 

May

Please note as of Tuesday the 4th May 2010 the practice is introducing a new system for ordering and sending your tests to the laboratory.

The benefits of this system include
• A faster service
• Reduction in errors
• Reduction in need to repeat test

The practice has made every effort to introduce this system with minimum impact on our patients.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation during this introductory period.

Congratulations

 

We would like to congratulate both Dr Milnes and Dr Watson for the work they undertake outside the practice both at a local and national level.  They are both heavily involved in shaping patient services and regularly represent NHS Oldham at National meetings.  Of course this also means they are not always available for appointments as they have more frequent commitments away from the practice.  We would like to thank you for your continued support and also remind you that all our doctors are able to help you with your continued healthcare and well being.

 

Spring 2010

Welcoming Dr Aleksandra Makojnik to the Practice

 

We are delighted to welcome Dr Aleksandra Makojnik to the practice team.  Dr Aleks started with us on 1st March, previously working at Springfield House.  She has interests in mental health, sexual health and neuro linguistics.  We are very happy that she is now working with us!

 

Important information about your health record – introducing Summary Care Records

 

The NHS is introducing a new way of storing and managing important medical information electronically, called Summary Care Records.  Your Summary Care Record (SCR) is an electronic record of important information about your health.  NHS Oldham has written to all our patients regarding Summary care records.  Click here to view a copy of the letter.

What do I do if I want more information about Summary Care Records?

For further information please click here to view the Changes to your health record leaflet.

Alternatively contact

NHS Care Records Line on 0845 603 8510 or visit www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk

Oldham Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 389 8679 or email olp-pct.pals@nhs.net

 

What do I do if I want a Summary Care Record?

You do not need to take any action, If we do not hear from you a Summary Care Record will be created automatically on the 10th of May

 

What do I do if I do not want a Summary Care Record?

Please read and complete an opt out form and return it to the practice, If you do not a Summary Care Record will be created automatically.

 

How do I get an opt out form?

Swine (H1N1) Flu Vaccination Sessions

 

If you have received a letter of invitation from us 

please call Anne on 01457 874968 or 01457 872228.

to arrange an appointment for a vaccination.

 

 

SWINE (H1N1) FLU INFORMATION

Last Updated 15:50 Monday, 15 February 2010

 

Please click here to view the times of the next swine (H1N1) flu vaccination sessions.

Click here to view the Swine (H1N1) flu vaccination - What you need to know leaflet (Department of Health)

 

Swine (H1N1) Flu vaccination

What is Swine (H1N1) Flu?

It is a respiratory disease caused by a new strain of influenza virus. The symptoms of swine (H1N1) flu are very similar to those caused by seasonal flu. Swine (H1N1) flu is generally a mild infection that comes on quickly and lasts for about a week. It causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat. Other symptoms include headache, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, for those with underlying health conditions, children under 5 yrs and women who are pregnant, swine (H1N1) flu can be very serious.

Who is being offered the swine (H1N1) flu vaccination?

The groups of people who are most vulnerable to serious illness as a result of swine (H1N1) flu are being offered the vaccine. Based on the current evidence (from the UK and elsewhere), the highest rates for severe disease are in:

• People with underlying health conditions; and
• Pregnant women
• Children aged between 6mths and 5yrs

As with seasonal flu, people who have underlying health conditions (in particular people with respiratory disease) are at an increased risk from the complications of swine (H1N1) flu infection and are more likely to be hospitalised.

Will my regular seasonal flu jab protect me against swine (H1N1) flu?

No, because seasonal flu and swine (H1N1) flu are caused by different flu viruses.

Will there be any side effects?

All vaccinations can produce side effects such as soreness and swelling at the site of the injection. The vaccine is not live so cannot cause flu. Some vaccines, including vaccines similar to swine (H1N1) flu vaccine, can cause flu-like symptoms but they are very much milder than having the flu itself and only last for a day or so.

Can the swine (H1N1) flu vaccine be given to people with an egg allergy?

The GSK vaccine Pandemrix is prepared in hens’ eggs (the same as seasonal flu vaccines) and so should not be given to individuals who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction (shock or acute difficulty in breathing) to egg products; they should receive Celvapan.

Further Questions
If you have any further questions relating to having this vaccination you should talk to your GP.

 

 

If you feel unwell....

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu, read up on swine flu symptoms, stay at home and check your condition using the National Pandemic Flu Service.

Phone your GP if:

  • you have a serious underlying illness,
  • you are pregnant,
  • you have a sick child under one year of age,
  • your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
  • your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).

Note: the National Pandemic Flu Service is a new online service that will assess your symptoms. If required, it will provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point.

For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed on:

  • Telephone: 0800 151 3100.
  • Minicom: 0800 151 3200.

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A.

What is the practice doing to deal with increased demand for services?

Although the practice is implementing strategies to deal with the increased demand please be aware we like many work places are being hampered by increased staff absences due to sickness. Please appreciate the phone lines and reception are busy and you may have a longer wait than usual. Please visit our website for updated news.

How can you help at this time of high demand for services at the practice?

  • Please be aware that you may experience a longer wait than usual when booking routine appointments due to the reduced capacity.
  • Please cancel any unwanted appointments as soon as possible.
  • Please give extra consideration into your decision to attend the practice for routine matters.
  • Please consider other options available to you when obtaining initial advice about your health for example NHS Direct and Pharmacy First.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

 

To view the Department of Healths leaflet about swine flu click on the picture below

 


 

Winter 2009

 

Merry Christmas and a big thank you from all at Saddleworth Medical Practice.

 

The doctors and staff would like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes to all our patients this Christmas. 

We would also like to thank everyone for their consideration and patience at this busy time.  This time of year is a busy period for everyone.  Pressure on the practice has been increased due to the swine flu vaccination programme and reduced GP capacity.  We have recently said goodbye to Dr Calvert a full time GP who will be replaced by Dr Makojnik early next year.  Dr Gibbons is also recuperating after a recent cycling accident.   We hope to see him back in the near future and thank everyone for their get well wishes.

Summer 2009

 

NEW Recruitment Section on this Website

 

Have you seen the new recruitment section on this website.  Click here to see current vacancies at the practice. 

 

Have you seen our New Self Check-in System?

 

How does it work?

  • The check-in allows you to let us know you have arrived for your appointment.
  • The appointment you have booked is found by asking you a few simple questions.
  • After successfully checking in confirmation that you have been checked in will appear on screen.

We hope the check-in will be more convenient for patients; reducing time queuing at the reception desk and allowing reception staff extra time to deal with other enquires.  No reduction in reception staff will occur due to this new equipment.  If you require any assistance reception staff will be happy to help.

 

Where is it located?

It is located in the foyer at Uppermill.

Spring 2009

 

NEW Saddleworth Carers Group

 

A committee has decided to start the Saddleworth carers group, to cater for carers of people suffering from dementia.

The group will meet on the second Friday of the month at the Sacred Heart church hall, High Street, Uppermill, from 10am to 12pm starting on Friday the 9th of January.

Medical and care assistants will be on hand to help with any enquires or give advice.

It is widely recognised that carers of patients suffering from dementia have a very difficult role to live with.

Please come along and find out what help is available, sharing experiences and difficulties invariably helps.

 

 

Winter 2008

 

Flu Vaccination Campaign 2008/2009

 

The seasonal flu campaign starts at the beginning of October.

Click here to view flu vaccination session times

The department of health recommends that flu vaccinations should be offered to

All aged 65 years and over

All with a chronic disease i.e.

  • respiratory illnesses including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Chronic heart disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Neurological disease
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosuppression due to chemotherapy, HIV, High dose steroids, asplenia, (no spleen)
  • All living in a long stay residential care home (this does not include university halls of residence)
  • Those who receiving carers allowance or who are the main carers of elderly or disabled.
  • Healthcare workers
  • Poultry workers

Most patients who require a vaccination will receive an invitation letter to attend one of the sessions.  If you feel you have been missed please contact the practice.

 

Mobile phone numbers

Being able to contact you quickly is important to us.  Please let us have your mobile phone number so that it can be added to your contact details.

Why not Email us your Mobile phone number at olp-pct.p85016@nhs.net

Please include your full name and date of birth in your email.

Autumn 2008

 

Welcoming Dr Saqib Khan to the Practice

We are delighted to welcome Dr Saqib Khan to the practice.  As part of his ongoing training to become a GP, Dr Saqib Khan is our first specialist training year 2 doctor. He will be at Saddleworth Medical Practice until February 2009.  Specialist training year 2 doctors are fully qualified doctors preparing to enter general practice and their training will be supervised by Dr Gibbons and Dr Watson

Summer 2008

 

Extended opening hours

Since mid June the practice has extended its opening hours to offer a greater choice of appointments for those who have found it difficult to access GP’s during our usual opening times.

7.00am-8.00am  Uppermill surgery

6.30pm-8.00pm  Delph surgery

Appointments are not on each nor fixed days at present during the pilot phase,  but currently on average provide an additional 30 appointments per week.

Please note that these sessions are for pre booked appointments only.  There will be no administrative staff present to deal with enquiries.  For all other advice or treatment during these times our current arrangements apply i.e. by telephoning the surgery you will be transferred to our out of hours service Go-To-Doc who will help you further.

 

Premises development

Some of you may have heard rumours or speculation about new health premises in the Saddleworth area.

From our perspective we have been in negotiation with the Primary Care Trust for some time for additional space as we have outgrown our existing premises.

We have no plans to move out of our current settings in Uppermill and Delph, but are hopeful that any new development in Saddleworth would provide us with additional space to expand our services.  We await more concrete proposals.

 

Hay fever

It’s that time of year: the following links may prove useful.

Hay fever

Pollen Index