It’s ‘flu season again! FPS committee members were delighted to be consulted early on in the surgery’s planning aimed at ironing out the difficulties encountered in recent years. We were there to help out on the Saturday morning clinics, hopefully contributing to the smooth running of the days. Our little toys – the cars were especially popular this year – helped ease a few worried children coming along for their nasal spray and there was a degree of at least momentary curiosity with our goodie bags for the adults containing an acupressure ring and information about FPS and the surgery. It was also a lovely opportunity to be able to speak to our members face-to-face. PICTURES
Walking through Gadebridge Park on Saturday, I came across the ‘Park Walk’, a sibling of the more well-known ‘Park Run’, aimed at those who want to take some exercise, but can’t manage the run. Talking to the organisers, it is also aimed at being a social event, where meeting for a coffee after is encouraged and welcomed by many participants. There is also a ‘tail walker’ so no one is last! Have a look at their Facebook page. As the winter months draw in, it might be worth a try? The Park Walk runs every Saturday in the park at 9am.
We’re seeing changes in the surgery recently and we are continuing to strengthen our links with the partners and the practice and business manager. We would be interested in hearing your experience of the practice over the last month or so. We meet monthly with the practice, which is our opportunity to give feedback, both what’s going well and things which are still problematic. Remember we are unable to deal with medical issues or complaints, but we love to hear from you.
As your committee, we regularly put forward your queries, concerns and feedback to the surgery management.
The online appointment form
Following the NHS directive on October 1st, we again raised the premature closing of the online form. Patients have regularly reported it being unavailable from early in the morning. The practice manager has acted to ensure that this is now available from 8am-6.30pm for patients to submit medical concerns and be triaged within 48 hours. You can find the form here.
Check out the minutes of our meetings
The minutes from FPS’ monthly meetings, including our most recent October meeting, are available here. We hope this will improve the transparency for patients so you can see your concerns and queries are being raised.
HWEDSG webinars
Knit and Natter Group
The Knit and Natter group continues! Following Val’s moving away, Hilary, another member of the FPS committee, taking up the needles. If you’re interested in knitting, crocheting, or simply nattering, the group meets on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm at William Crook House. Contact Hilary on 01442 231179.
Want to stay up to date?
One easy way to keep up to date with FPS’ events is to follow us on our Facebook page. Every time we update the website, we’ll post a link there!
Unsubscribe from FPS communications
If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving communications about FPS, you will need to contact the surgery to ask for this note to be placed on your file. FPS does not hold any data on patients other than that provided directly by them, such as emails sent to the FPS mailbox
Know the symptoms: strokes
240 people experience a stroke and its consequences each day in the UK.
With a stroke, every second is vital, and that’s where the somewhat-familiar acronym ‘FAST’ comes in, to help you to recognise the signs:
Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms fully and keep them there?
Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
Time to call 999: if you see any one of these signs.
But there are other symptoms you may be less familiar with such as:
If you spot any one of these signs or symptoms, you need to call 999.
Find out more here
One of the major ways that the NHS seeks to save money is by encouraging greater use of its online services. The NHS app is one way you’re able to order prescriptions, view your currently booked appointments and see your medical records.
If you don’t currently use it and own a smartphone, why not give it a try? Find out more here.