v Grosvenor Team Tops National Patient Survey for 2nd Year!
We are very proud to have scored very highly in the patient survey once again.
99% of patients described the overall experience of this GP practice as good compared to the clinical commissioning group (CCG) average of 92% and a national average of 85%.
But the gold medal goes to the Nurse and Reception teams at Grosvenor Place who scored 100% and 99% respectively – Well done everyone!
v Fond Farewell after 14 years!
Recently we said goodbye to one of our longest standing members. Receptionist Amanda Robbins decided it was time for a change and left us to join the ward staff at the RUH.
We will miss Mandy’s dedication and humour, and wish her well in her new role.
v Flu Season on its way
The injectedflu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHSto people who are at risk. This isto ensure they are protected againstcatching flu and developing serious complications. You are eligible to receive a freeflujab if you:
- are 65 years of ageor over
- are pregnant
- medical conditions such as a serious heart complaint, COPD or asthma,kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, stroke or TIA
- lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication orcancertreatment
- if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
- are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
- receive acarer's allowance, or you arethe main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
v Cancer Screening – Information to help you decide
We have reviewed our patient’s screening rates and disappointingly, we have found that many of you are not taking up the offer of national screening programmes, and our patients screening rates are low for all these 3 types cancer.
Cancer Research UK has excellent patient resources with written information and videos on Cancer Screening http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
v Bowel Cancer
It is important to get to know your body and what is normal for you.
If you have bowel cancer diagnosed at the earliest stage, there is a very good chance that the cancer can be cured. The statistics show that more than 9 out of 10 people (90%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more. When it is found at a late stage, the chances of survival are much lower.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/bowel-cancer/about/screening/about-bowel-cancer-screening
v Cervical cancer
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cancer by finding and treating early changes in the neck of the womb (cervix). These changes could lead to cancer if left untreated.
The screening uses a test called cytology, which many people know as the smear test. A nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix with a small brush. They send the sample to a laboratory to be checked for abnormalities. Samples are also tested for a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV) that increases the risk of cervical cancer.
For those of you who have not come for screening , you need to look out for any unusual changes to your body. Check for any abnormal bleeding, unpleasant discharge or pain after sex. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Cancer causing chemicals in cigarette smoke can go into the blood and travel around the body. These chemicals can damage the cells of the cervix.
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/cervical-cancer/about/cervical-cancer-screening
v Breast Cancer
Breast cancers found by screening are generally at an early stage. Very early breast cancers are usually easier to treat, may need less treatment, and are more likely to be cured. The current evidence suggests that breast screening reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer by about 1,300 a year in the UK.
Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest possible stage have a 9 in 10 chance (90%) of surviving for at least 5 years after diagnosis. Although breast cancer screening can find many cancers early it is not perfect. There are some risks.
Screening doesn't always find a cancer that is there. So some people with breast cancer will be missed. This is called a false negative result.As well as finding cancers that need treating, screening can also pick up some breast cancers that will not cause any problems in a woman's lifetime. At the moment it is not possible for doctors or patients to be certain whether a breast cancer will grow quickly and needs treating, or will grow slowly or not at all.
Whilst we have national campaigns to highlight symptoms of possible cancer, we also have national screening programmes to detect possible cancer before one becomes aware of symptoms.
v Summertime- Ways to enjoy the sun safely
Whatever your age, the best way to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from sunburn is to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen. When the sun is strong or you’re at risk of burning:
v Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
· Cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
· Use a sunscreen with a protection level of at least SPF15 and 4 stars. Use it generously and reapply regularly
Am I at risk of sunburn?
Your risk of sunburn depends on 2 things. How sun-sensitive your skin is, and how strong the UV rays are you’re exposed to. Different people will have a different risk of sunburn on the same day, so it’s a good idea to know when your risk is high, so you can protect your skin. Read more about safe sun and skin cancer from Cancer Research UK http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/am-i-at-risk-of-sunburn
How do I tell if I might have skin cancer? The following may be a sign:
· Achange such as a new mole, or any moles, freckles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour.
· Anew growth or sore that will not heal.
· Aspot, mole or sore that itches or hurts.
· Amole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs
We are always happy to review your skin concerns, so make an appointment with one of the GPs if you have any of these concerns.
v Preventing Cancer by being Physically Active
Being physically active isn’t just good for your heart:there is lots of evidence that it can also reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or womb cancer. Keeping active could help to prevent around 3,400 cases of cancer every year in the UK.
It can be easier than you think to increase your activity levels, even if you don’t do much at the moment. Making small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the lift or making short journeys on foot, can really help increase how active you are. And it’s never too late to start making a difference. Even if you’ve been inactive for years, becoming more active can improve your health and reduce the risk of cancer.
The Government recommends that adults should aim to do at least 2 ½ hours of moderate activity every week
v Measles Warning
Public Health England (PHE) is reminding teenagers and young people to make sure they are vaccinated against measles after new cases were reported across England.
A significant number of cases, linked to music festivals and other large public events, have been reported since June.
Teenagers and young people who are unsure if they have been fully vaccinated should check with their Practice Nurse and make an appointment to ensure they receive the 2 doses ofMMRvaccine required.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/543379/9867_MMR_A5leaflet.pdf