Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre

Patient Group

NEWSLETTER: JULY 2014 – ISSUE 40

STAFF CHANGES

GPs: Dr Helen Catterick is back from her maternity leave and is working on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Registrar: Dr Jennie Bee will complete her year as Registrar at the end of July though will continue to locum for the surgery throughout the summer months.
Our new Registrar, Dr Brian Taylor, will begin at the beginning of August.
Retirement: Since our last newsletter 2 members of staff have retired - Hilary Rendell, one of our secretaries and Jan Manfield one of our practice nurses. We wish them both a very long and happy retirement.
New Face: We have welcomed a new member of staff to our reception team, Lynn Turner who has recently moved to Devon and has worked in surgeries for over 15 years.

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON HEALTH CENTRE CHARITY

Budleigh Salterton Health Centre Charity was formed approximately 18 years ago when the medical centre was undergoing very extensive refurbishment. When refurbishment was complete,the Health Centre Charity took on the responsibility of providing a significant amount of the modern facilitieswithin the new building. Of prime importance was the comfort of patients and the provision ofup-to-date medical equipment. Today, the Charity continues to supply much needed modern medical equipment when requested.
The AGM of the Charity is on Tuesday 5th August at 2.30 pm in the Peter Hall at which all are welcome. Sadly after 12 years as Chairman Dr David Evans will be standing down at this meeting.
Inthe last few months some of the itemsthe charityhas giftedare 2 phlebotomy chairs for our nurses, 3 portable defibrillators for our GPs and a baby measuring mat.
Thank you very much to those who have donated to the Charity and also to those who volunteer their time as Trustees for this Charity so successfully.
FREE TO USE OUTDOOR GYMS
Some pieces of gym equipment have been provided for public use on the Budleigh Salterton Green and in the Lime Kiln car park, adjacent to the children's play equipment. All ages are encouraged to try the various exercise types of equipment, which are specifically made for robust outdoor use.
Mark McGlade and Cllr Chris Kitson were on the Town Council working group who organised the gyms to be provided. The £15,000 cost was met from a special fund, called Section 106,which is administered by East Devon District Council. All approved new housing developments in the Town are levied a fee to be used for community recreational projects a total fund of£35,000 had been accumulated. The community were asked through local press articles to nominate appropriate projects for consideration, these were then qualified to be appropriate and voted on by local residents at the 2013 Gala Day event. An outdoor gym and a cycle track across the Green won the community vote.
At the 2013 Christmas Late night shopping evening residents could vote for the style and layout of the two outdoor gyms, you can see and try them NOW.
The cycle track, running alongside the existing footpath across The Green is now inthe planning stage within a budget of £20,000. There will be opportunities for similar projects as current and future housing developments make statutory payments to the Section 106 fund.
Chris Kitson
S.M.A.R.T. SAFETY IN THE SUN
Sensible sunshine is good for us, helping the body to create vitamin D and giving many of us a feeling of general well.
However, all too often we over-do our sun exposure, which can lead to a range of skin problems, the most serious of which include skin cancer. Sunburn and prolonged tans are harmful and can lead to skin cancer.
You can get burnt, even in the UK, in a very short time – ten minutes is all it can take. Sunburn can damage your skin for life and doubles your risk of skin cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is increasing; there are over 69,000 new cases diagnosed yearly in the UK. Skin cancer is the second most common cancer among 20-39 year olds and it can be fatal. 80% of skin cancer in the South-west could be avoided if people practice sun safety throughout their lives.
Make sure that before going out in the sun you and your family use a sun cream with at least factor 15 (factor 30 for a child) to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The cream needs to be reapplied regularly, every two to three hours, and always after swimming.
If you are blonde, a redhead, have fair skin or freckles you have a higher risk of skin cancer and need to take extra care. Appropriate clothing should be worn alongside this, especially for children who attend schools or nursery as they could be out in the midday sun.
If you do find that you or a member of your family has burnt try to keep the area cool with cold water and after sun suitable for your skin. If you or they feel unwell, or the skin swells, or badly blisters call your doctor for advice. The Minor Injury Unit based at Exmouth can also treat burns. You should stay out of the sun until all signs of the redness have gone.
Keep your body hydrated and drink plenty of fluids – this should either be water or a rehydration drink such as a sports drink. Avoid alcohol or caffeine as this can increase levels of dehydration.
If you remember the simple S.M.A.R.T. message you will help to protect you and your children from the worst effects of the sun but still be able to have a great time.
1.  Spend time in the shade between 11am-3pm
2.  Make sure you never burn, as sunburn causes permanent damage
3.  Aim to cover up with T-shirt, hat and glasses
4.  Remember to take extra care with children
5.  Then apply a factor 15+ sunscreen (minimum factor 30 for children)
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP AGM
On the 4th June 2014, the Patient Participation Group (PPG) held its AGM at the Public Hall with guest speakers Jo Collingborn, from our local Hospiscare and Meriel Fishwick, CEO of FORCE, a local cancer support charity. Both presentations were warmly received and the presenters gave an excellent overview of the services provided locally to support those with terminal illness and palliative care (Hospiscare) and also those people living with a diagnosis of cancer and their families (FORCE). The AGM re-elected three members of the committee (Robert Harland, James Birtwistle and Peter Frean) and also elected a new member of the committee, Maureen Tregurtha who was welcomed to the PPG as a representative from Colaton Raleigh. The PPG is planning for future speakers/presentations later this year on Diabetes and another on First Aid, dates to be confirmed.
HAVE YOU RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NHS ENGLAND LIST MAINTENANCE TEAM?
It is not a scam, but a piece of work to improve the accuracy of the GP lists, NHS England are writing to a sample of patients to ask them to confirm their GP registration details.
Please be aware that if you received a letter from NHS England during March & April asking you to confirm who you are registered with and did not respond, you will be automatically de-registered unless you make contact with your surgery.
If this applies to you, please contact your surgery as soon as possible to confirm you wish to remain registered.
NO CHANGES TO YOUR DETAILS: If all details are CORRECT and there are NO CHANGES then you can confirm your registration details either on the phone 0800 3265270 or 0330 3332651, Register by Internet www.sbs.nhs.uk/primary-care-services/sw, text (SMS) 86006 or return the letter in the freepost envelope enclosed with the letter. The telephone number to direct patients to is 0208 536 3075.
DETAILS INCORRECT: If your address or GP practice details printed on the first page of the letter are NOT correct, return the 2nd page, completed with the correct details in the FREEPOST envelope.

During July we will be installing a new clinical IT system called SystmOne. This new system will bring many benefits for both staff and patients; however IT training may take some time.
Later in the year we hope you will be able to interact with our practice using the internet at your convenience, even when we are closed. There is the possibility you will be able to book appointments, cancel appointments, and request medication through your medical record.
When this system is fully operational you will be able to register at the practice to access this service, and once registered you will be given information that will enable you to create your own unique username and password.
We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and patience during this transitional period.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON MEDICAL CENTRE’S MEMORY CAFÉ
Are you worried about your memory? Do you care for someone with memory problems?
Come and meet new people and play games and quizzes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm (every other Friday) - Venue: Budleigh Salterton Football Club
Budleigh Salterton Football Club, Greenway Lane, Budleigh Salterton (Free Parking)
To raise funds there is a 50p book sale at the surgery reception which is very popular with waiting-room patients and consequently we have a high turnover of books – replenishments greatly appreciated!
For all enquiries please phone Sophie or Diane on 01395 441212

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