Great Shelford Health issues | GreatShelfordonline

Great Shelford Medical Practice April update

Spring COVID-19 vaccine

NHS UK will contact you directly if your NHS medical record suggests you may be eligible for a spring COVID-19 vaccine.

You may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine from April 2024 if you:-

Are aged 75 years old or over
Live in a care home for older adults
Are aged 6 months old or over and have a weakened immune system

When available, there will be different ways to obtain your vaccine, including:

Booking online
Going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
Through your care home
Via one of the community services

If you go to a walk-in centre please remember to take your invitation letter with you.

As and when we receive further information about the spring vaccine we will let you know.

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net

Posted March 20

Great Shelford Medical Practice March update

Our telephone system is being upgraded.

You said, we listened. Our new ‘phone system now allows you to stay in the queue whilst not staying in the queue. If you are holding on waiting to be spoken to, you will be given the option to request a call back. You can then come off the line and we will ring you back when it’s your turn to go through to reception, keeping your place in the ‘phone queue.

Don’t forget though, you don’t have to ring up at 8am to get an appointment. If your health condition is urgent you will be seen on that day, regardless of the time you ring. If you need a routine appointment you can ring any time of the day, you can book online (new appointments are released online at 8am and at 2pm daily), or you can use our online consultation tool, Accurx Patient Triage, a link to which can be found on our website.

Finally, I just wanted to say thank you to all of you that have taken the time to give us positive feedback recently. All of our staff work really hard to provide the best possible service, in the face of increasing pressures in primary care. Every single compliment is shared with the entire team, and really makes a difference. Thank you.

Sandra East

Posted Feb 27 2024

Great Shelford medical practice February update

Appointments update

Here at Granta, we continue to offer a mixture of face to face, telephone and online appointments. I would like to take this opportunity to explain how our appointments system works and what is available to Granta patients.

Firstly, please be assured that no-one apart from clinicians make clinical decisions about your care when you first contact us. Our reception teams have clear criteria, set by GPs, as to what can be put straight onto a clinician’s urgent list. However, if they or you are unsure, they will take your details and discuss your concerns with the clinical team and then get back to you.

When ringing for an appointment you will be asked if there is a particular clinician you would like to see, either for continuity of your presenting problem or continuity of overall care. It may be that you don’t mind who you see – you just need to speak to someone about your current medical problem.

Please do help our reception team by providing as much information as possible. All information is treated as confidential and will only be used for triage purposes. They are simply trying to make sure you are seen by the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

If you do feel that your problem is not urgent, you will be asked if a routine appointment may be more suitable, or perhaps a long term medical conditions appointment, a palliative care appointment, or whether we can help you in any other way.

If your appointment starts with a telephone call then, together with the clinician, it can be decided whether a face to face appointment will be the appropriate next step.

Routine appointments are available a few weeks in advance, all pre-bookable via our reception teams and online. New routine appointments are released daily at 8am and at 2pm to allow for regular availability. If you ring and there is nothing available, our reception team can send you a link that is valid for 7 days (that you can check daily) to pre-book a face to face or telephone appointment, so that you do not need to ring back.

Alternatively, if you would prefer, you could use Accurx Patient Triage via our website to have an online consultation with a clinician. We do ask however that you only send routine queries as it can take up to 72 hours to respond.

There will always be sickness, annual leave and the perception that clinicians are not seeing patients. However, on average, Granta’s doctors and nurses see around 4,000 patients face to face per week, and consult with another 3,500 via the telephone and online. We continue to try and accommodate all of our patients in a way that suits and please be assured that we are continuously reviewing and revising patient access.

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

Posted Jan 22 2024

Great Shelford Medical Practice December update

Please find below details of when our surgeries will be open over the Christmas and New Year break.

Please remember to order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time so that you do not run out of your medication over the holidays. The table below shows you when you will be able to collect your prescriptions, depending on the date you place your order.

Date

Opening hours

Repeat prescription schedule

Fri 22.12.2023

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up

Fri 29.12.2023

Sat 23.12.2023

Open for pre-booked appointments only (Sawston)

Place order today, pick up

Tues 02.01.2024

Sun 24.12.2023 (Christmas Eve)

Closed

Place order today, pick up

Tues 02.01.2024

Mon 25.12.2023 (Christmas Day)

Closed

Place order today, pick up

Tues 02.01.2024

Tues 26.12.2023 (Boxing Day)

Closed

Place order today, pick up

Tues 02.01.2024

Wed 27.12.2023

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up

Tues 02.01.2024

Thurs 28.12.2023

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up

Wed 03.01.2024

Fri 29.12.2023

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up

Thurs 04.01.2024

Sat 30.12.2023

Open for pre-booked appointments only (Sawston)

Place order today, pick up

Fri 05.01.2024

Sun 31.01.2023 (New Years’ Eve)

Closed

Place order today, pick up

Fri 05.01.2024

Mon 01.01.2024 (New Years’ Day)

Closed

Place order today, pick up

Fri 05.01.2024

Tues 02.01.2024

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up

Fri 05.01.2024

Don’t forget, there are Prescription Collection Points at Sawston, Linton and Shelford. Sign up today via cpicb.grantadispensing@nhs.net to pick up your medication at your convenience over the holidays.

Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs by having a supply of health care essentials such as pain relief (paracetamol / ibuprofen), cough and sore throat remedies, a first aid kit, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment and heartburn / indigestion treatment. Having these essentials at home will not only save you time and help you feel better quicker, but will also help save the NHS much needed resources.

Local pharmacists can also offer you advice and guidance on the best treatment for you. They are available on every high street and in supermarkets, with many open in the evening and at weekends.

Whilst we are closed, if you need urgent medical assistance please use the NHS 111 service. If you have an emergency that poses an immediate threat to life, please ring 999.

For further information on available healthcare services, please go to www.nhs.uk or our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk

We wish you all a healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Sandra East, Head of Patient Services

Great Shelford Medical Practice November update

Flu vaccines: If you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine but have not yet had it please call us today on 0300 234 5555 to book your appointment –it’s not too late! If you are eligible for shingles and pneumo vaccines you can get these as the same time.
Covid vaccines: We are vaccinating our housebound patients and care home residents. For anyone else eligible, vaccines are available at various walk-in centres and vaccination sites. For further information please go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/

· Accurx Patient Triage: Our online consultation tool is now live. Accurx replaces our email service, is easy to use and is a secure way of liaising with us. Accurx is PC-based – you do not need to download an app and you don’t need to create an account. Accurx can also be used for administrative queries, such as insurance forms, etc. Simply go to our website and click on the link to start. If you don’t use online services you can still ring or pop in to see us.

Repeat prescriptions: Now is the time to start thinking about your repeat medication stocks over the Christmas period. When is your repeat due? Does it work around your Christmas plans? Avoid the last minute rush and plan ahead now!

Sandra East, Granta Patient Services

www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk

Posted Oct 9 2023

Great Shelford Medical Practice September update

The NHS App

Did you know that you can use the NHS App to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet? It doesn’t replace existing services, and you can still contact us in the usual ways.

However, once you have verified your identity in the app, you will have easy, 24/7 access to a growing range of health services and information. You can:

Order repeat prescriptions
Access NHS111 online
Find NHS services
View your health records
Book appointments
And much more …

If you have any problems using the NHS App, you can select “help” in the top right-hand corner of the app or visitwww.nhs.uk/helpmeapp

Flu Clinics

Have you booked your flu jab yet? If not please call us now on 0300 234 5555. Details of dates and eligibility can be found on our websitehttps://www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk/uncategorised/flu-vaccination-programme-2023/

Please note that over 50’s with no underlying conditions are no longer eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine. However, private flu vaccinations will be widely available through high street pharmacies, etc.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

E. cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net

Posted Aug 16 2023

Great Shelford Medical Practice August update

Granta Medical Practices Flu Clinics 2023

Influenza (flu) vaccines that protect against the influenza viruses. Most flu vaccines are given with a needle in the arm but there is also a nasal spray flu vaccine.

Flu vaccination is important because, whilst flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening to others, particularly those with certain health conditions. The best times to have your flu vaccine is early autumn before flu starts spreading. However, you can get your vaccine later if necessary.

We are holding our flu clinics on the following dates:

Saturday 23rd September – Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Saturday 23rd September – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Sunday 24th September – Royston Health Centre, SG8 7BS
Saturday 30th September – Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY
Saturday 7th October – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Sunday 8th October - Royston Health Centre, SG8 7BS
Saturday 14th October – Barley Surgery, SG8 8HY
Saturday 14th October - Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Saturday 21st October - Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY
Saturday 28th October - Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Saturday 28th October - Barley Surgery, SG8 8HY

All clinics start at 8:30am and finish at 4:15pm

Groups eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine from 1st September 2023 are:

Those aged 65 years and over

Those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups:

Chronic respiratory disease
Ischaemic heart disease and vascular disease
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
Chronic neurological disease
Diabetes and adrenal insufficiency
Immunosuppression and those who are in close contact with an immunosuppressed person
Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
Pregnant women
Morbid obesity, BMI 40+

Carers in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

Care home residents

Pregnant women

Children aged 2 or 3 years old, specifically at 31st August 2023

Primary school children will be vaccinated in school and only eligible to have through us if they have an underlying health condition mentioned above.

Please note that the over 50’s with no underlying conditions are no longer eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine. However, private flu vaccinations will be widely available through high street pharmacies, etc.

Whilst you are having your jab don’t forget to ask about your eligibility for other vaccinations such as shingles, pneumonia or whooping cough.

Eligible patients will shortly receive a text with a link to book a flu jab, or you can call us on 0300 234 5555. Clinics will be available to book into from August.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

E. cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net

Posted July 26 2023

Great Shelford medical practice July update

National flu immunisation programme 2023

Eligibility for the free NHS flu vaccination is changing. This year the free NHS flu vaccine will not be offered to over 50’s. Instead the following people will be invited:

· those aged 65 years and over

· those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups

· pregnant women

· all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023

· primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)

· those in long-stay residential care homes

· carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

· close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

· frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

We are finalising plans for our flu clinics and next month we will let everyone know what the dates are.

In the meantime, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to ring us on 0300 234 5555 or email cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

Posted June 20 2023

Granta Medical Practice March update

Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) survey will go live 1st March 2023, and will remain open until 31st March 2023. Please find below the web link to take part. For those of you that do not have access to a computer or mobile telephone, please call into any Granta surgery and pick up a paper copy.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KP86J9B

We would like to thank all of you in advance for taking the time to complete this questionnaire, and thank you to our PPG committee who have worked tirelessly putting this survey together. Whilst we cannot guarantee to fix the NHS, we do really want to try and accommodate patient feedback where appropriate and possible.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Sandra East on sandra.east@nhs.net

Posted Feb 27 2023

Granta Medical Practices Update June 2023

Royston Health Centre is now part of Granta Medical Practices. We are very excited to work with the Royston team and extend a warm welcome to our new patients.

I would just like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about where our surgeries are and the telephone options:

Granta Sawston, 0300 234 5555 – option 2
Granta Linton, 0300 234 5555 – option 3
Granta Barley, 0300 234 5555 – option 4
Granta Royston Market Hill, 0300 234 5555 – option 5
Granta Shelford, 0300 234 5555 – option 6
Granta Royston Health Centre, 0300 234 5555 – option 7

You can continue to go to your usual surgery and request to see your usual clinician, but you are also very welcome to go to any other Granta surgery if you wish.

The NHS continues to be under huge pressure across the whole country. Here at Granta, we continue to try to provide the best possible service we can in the face of GP shortages and increased demand.

We know that some of you struggle to get through on the ‘phone to us and / or get an appointment. As we all know, there is no easy fix. However, there are small ways you can help, which in turn helps us.

Self-care: You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats and upset stomachs at home. Make sure you are stocked up with healthcare essentials such as pain relief (e.g. Paracetamol), cough and sore throat remedies, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment, heartburn / indigestion treatments and a first aid kit.

Use the NHS UK Symptom Checker www.nhs.uk: This helpful tool can guide you through your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs.

Use your local pharmacy: As qualified health professionals, pharmacists can offer you advice and guidance on your symptoms and on the best treatment for you – no appointment required. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets, with many being open in the evenings and at weekends. If your symptoms suggest something serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need.

Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS): This service enables patients to have a same day appointment with their community pharmacist for minor illnesses or an urgent supply of a regular medicine. Should you need to be escalated or referred to an alternative service, the pharmacist can arrange this. Please speak to a member of our reception team to be referred into this service.

Ring NHS 111, Option 2: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis this First Response Service puts your mental health first. There are a team of specialist mental health clinicians on hand 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to offer advice and support and signpost you as appropriate.

Non-urgent appointments: Before ringing us, check availability of appointments online. You can do this if you have online access via SystmOnline, the Airmid app, or the NHS app.

Medication: If you need to order your repeat medication, please do this online via SystmOnline, the NHS app, or the Airmid app. Details of how to do this can be found on our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk If you do not have internet or mobile telephone access, you can send in your repeat medication slip or write in with your repeat request.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to speak to one of our reception team or email us on cpicb.grantapatientservices@nhs.net

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

Posted May 24 2023

Granta medical practice update January 2023

Happy New Year!

For some of us its New Years’ Resolutions time, and we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

“In 2023 I would like to ..... stop smoking”

We can offer you smoking cessation and our trained nurses will be happy to help you. Please ring us on 0300 234 5555 for further information and to arrange an appointment.

“In 2023 I would like to ….. lose weight”

If you are over 16 and your BMI is greater than 25 you can access a free adult weight management service via our Social Navigation team. Please ring 01223 627745 or email granta.socialnavigator@nhs.net When contacting the team please give your current weight and height.

“In 2023 I would like to ….. stay healthy”

If you are aged between 40 and 74 and do not have a pre-existing long term medical condition, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. Please ring us on 0300 234 5555 for further information and to book an appointment.

Also, are you up to date with the vaccinations you are eligible for, e.g. flu, shingles, pneumonia? If you are unsure please do not hesitate to contact us and we can check for you.

“In 2023 I would like to ….. go on holiday”

Are you planning a holiday of a life time in 2023? The Granta Travel Clinic team can give you advice on what vaccines and medications you may need for your trip away. Simply fill out a travel form via our website or call in to pick up a leaflet.

From all of us here at Granta, we wish you a healthy and safe 2023.

Sandra East, Head of Patient Services

E. sandra.east@nhs.net

Posted Dec 6 2022

NHS Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre

We clean, re-tube and supply batteries for NHS hearing aids. We do not provide hearing aids or hearing tests

GREAT SHELFORD

Great Shelford Free Church (Baptist)

Ashen Green, Great Shelford, CB22 5EY

2023

This is a drop-off and wait service by appointment only.

To book an appointment please use our online service at www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk

or phone the office 01223 416141 or Text: 07852 699196.

Thursday 5th January Thursday 6th July

2nd February 3rd August

2nd March 7th September

6th April 5th October

4th May 2nd November

1st June 7th December

Supported by NHS Audiology and Cambridgeshire County Council

Batteries

If you require batteries only, you can now collect them from any one of our Hearing Aid Maintenance Centres, without the need to make an appointment. Please drop in during our HAM Centre opening hours and we will issue them to you.

For cleaning/retubing, please make an appointment.

You can also pick-up batteries from the Cambridgeshire Mobile Library which visits 85 villages and communities throughout the county.

Donations

CDA Hearing Help is a charity. If you would like to donate, you may do some by sending us a cheque, online via our website or in person at a Hearing Aid Maintenance Centre. Any contribution will be gratefully received. Thank you.

For postal donations, please send to:

CDA Hearing Help

153 St Neots Road,

Hardwick,

Cambridge CB23 7QJ

Please make cheques payable to:

Cambridgeshire Deaf Association

For online donations, simply visit:

www.cambridgeshirehearinghelp.org.uk and click on the ‘Make a donation to Cambridgeshire Hearing Help’ button on the bottom right of the screen. You will be able to make a one-off donation or set up a standing order using your bank card/Paypal account. Thank you.

Posted Dec 22 2022

Granta Medical Practices update, December 2022

Please find below details of when our surgeries will be open over the Christmas and New Year break.

Make sure that you order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time to ensure that you do not run out of your medication over the holidays. The table below shows you when you will be able to collect your prescriptions, depending on the date you place your order.

Fri 23.12.2022

Open as usual

Sat 24.12.2022 (Christmas Eve)

Open for pre-booked appointments only

Sun 25.12.2022 (Christmas Day)

Closed

Monday 26.12.2022 (Boxing Day)

Closed

Tues 27.12.2022 (Bank Holiday)

Closed

Wed 28.12.2022

Open as usual

Thurs 29.12.2022

Open as usual

Fri 30.12.2022

Open as usual

Sat 31.12.2022 (New Years’ Eve)

Open for pre-booked appointments only

Sun 01.01.2023 (New Years’ Day)

Closed

Mon 02.01.2023 (Bank Holiday)

Closed

Tues 03.01.2023

Open as usual

Don’t forget, we now have the Prescription Collection Points at Sawston, Linton and Shelford. Sign up today to pick up your medication at your convenience, over the Christmas holidays.

Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs by having a supply of health care essentials such as pain relief (paracetamol), cough and sore throat remedies, a first aid kit, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment and heartburn / indigestion treatment. Having these essentials at home will not only save you time and help you feel better quicker, but will also help save the NHS much needed resources.

Your local pharmacist can also offer you advice and guidance on the best treatment for you. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets with many open evenings and weekends.

Whilst we are closed, if you need urgent medical assistance please use the NHS 111 service. If you have an emergency that poses an immediate threat to life, please ring 999.

For further information on available healthcare services, please go to www.nhs.uk or our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk

We wish you all a healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Sandra East, Head of Patient Services. Email: sandra.east@nhs.net

Granta Medical Practices Update, October 2022

24/7 Prescription Collection Points

Here at Granta, we recognise that modern life is pretty busy, which often makes remembering to order and collecting your medication challenging.

With our 24/7 prescription collection points, you can pick up your repeat prescriptions on a day and at a time that suits you – even when our dispensaries are closed. You can collect day or night, weekends and bank holidays.

Where can I find the collection points?

We have 24/7 collection points at Granta Sawston and Granta Linton, and have just installed a new one at Granta Shelford.

How do they work?

Order your prescriptions from your surgery in the usual way.
When your medicines are ready to collect you will receive a text on your mobile phone with a unique collection pin.
Simply type the pin number into the machine and pay any charges via card (if you pay for prescriptions) and the machine will dispense your medication.

Are there items that cannot be collected from a 24/7 collection point?

There are some items the collection points cannot be used for, for clinical or regulatory reasons. These include:-

Controlled drugs like morphine and oxycodone
Drugs that need to be stored in a fridge
Very large bulky items

More ways to manage your repeat prescriptions

The 24/7 collection points add to the range of ways you can now access your medications – direct at the dispensary counter, in the comfort of your own home with our free home delivery service, and now at a date/time of your choice.

Try them out for yourself

For further information and to register, pick up one of our collection point forms or contact us via granta.dispensing@nhs.net, stating which collection point you would like your medicines dispensed from. Our friendly team are here to help. Please note that you do need to have a smartphone to use this service.

Flu Clinics 2022 - Reminder

Have you booked your flu jab appointment yet? If not, but you are eligible, ring 0300 234 5555 now to book your appointment. The flu clinic dates are as follows:

Saturday 24th September – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Saturday 1st October – Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Sunday 2nd October – Market Hill Surgery, SG8 9JN
Saturday 8th October – Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY
Sunday 16th October – Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Sunday 16th October – Barley Surgery, SG8 8HY
Friday 21st October – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Saturday 22nd October – Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY

Sandra East

sandra.east@nhs.net

T. 0300 234 5555

Posted Sept 27 2022

Great Shelford health news

Granta Update September 2022

Flu Clinics 2022

Now that we are all socialising again and there are questions about lower levels of immunity since lockdown, it is really important to get your flu vaccine. We now have the dates of our clinics, which are as follows:-

Saturday 24th September – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Saturday 1st October – Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Sunday 2nd October – Market Hill Surgery, SG8 9JN
Saturday 8th October – Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY
Sunday 16th October – Linton Health Centre, CB21 4JS
Sunday 16th October – Barley Surgery, SG8 8HY
Friday 21st October – Sawston Medical Practice, CB22 3HU
Saturday 22nd October – Shelford Health Centre, CB22 5FY

All clinics will run from 8:30am to 4pm.

We will be vaccinating:-

all children aged 2 to 3 years on 31 August 2022
people aged 65 years and over (including those becoming 65 by 31 March 2023
those patients aged from 6 months to less than 65 years of age in a clinical risk group such as asthma, COPD, chronic heart problems, and diabetes. If you are unsure if you fit into an “at risk” group don’t hesitate to ask
pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the influenza season)
household contacts of immunocompromised individuals, especially those for whom continuing close contact is unavoidable
those in long stay residential care homes
those who are carers
those with a learning disability.

The Government is also extending the cohort to include those patients 50 years old and over with no underlying health conditions. However, these patients will be vaccinated later in the programme, most likely November time.

The vaccines we are using this year are:

For the 2 to 3 year olds – Fluenz nasal spray. This should arrive in time for us to vaccinate in our planned clinics.

For 18 to 64 year olds – Flucelvax and Supemtek. These are both egg-free and provide a better immune response than the traditional egg-based vaccines used in previous years.

For 65 years old and over – Fluad (adjuvanted quadrivalent). This vaccine contains an immunity boost.

We are hopeful that we will be able to give the Covid autumn boosters at the same time as the flu vaccines. We will keep you updated with any developments.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

Sandra East

sandra.east@nhs.net

T. 0300 234 5555

Posted August 26 2022

Stop press Vaccines Update

Here at Granta, we are dedicated to delivering a full flu vaccination programme this autumn. As a result, we have had to make the very difficult decision to not co-administer Covid vaccinations. A number of factors have influenced our decision, including:

• Our wish to deliver the best possible flu vaccination programme to all of our eligible patients.

• Co-administration would mean less flu vaccinations done due to different ways of storage, administration, and different computer system requirements.

• Previously, in order to deliver Covid vaccines we had to postpone many normal day-to-day services. We do not wish to do this again.

• Covid-19 vaccinations will be widely available to everyone in the area.

We can confirm that we will be delivering Covid vaccines to our care home residents, and that CCS or CPFT will be vaccinating our housebound patients.

NHS England will be sending out communications during September and you will be able to either go into a vaccine walk-in centre or book an appointment via the National Booking Service.

Thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Posted Aug 31 2022

flu

AngliEar makes the news

AngliEar's advice about children who may be experiencing hearing problems have been highlighted in the Cambridge Independent.

Granta practices April update

We continue to try to provide the best possible service to our patients whilst experiencing staff shortages and high demand. Please bear with us as day-to-day operations are disrupted. Listed below are some hints and tips to help you help yourself and in turn help us and the NHS:-

SELF-CARE: You can treat many minor illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats and upset stomachs at home. Make sure you are stocked up with healthcare essentials such as pain relief (e.g. Paracetamol), cough and sore throat remedies, upset stomach treatment, rehydration treatment, heartburn / indigestion treatments and a first aid kit.

USE YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST: They can offer you advice and guidance on your symptoms and on the best treatment for you – no appointment needed. Pharmacists are available on every high street and in supermarkets, with many being open in the evenings and at weekends.

COMMUNITY PHARMACIST CONSULTATION SERVICE (CPCS): This service enables patients to have a same day appointment with their community pharmacist for minor illness or an urgent supply of a regular medicine. Should you need to be escalated or referred to an alternative service, the pharmacist can arrange this. Please speak to our reception team to be referred into this service.

USE THE NHS UK SYMPTOM CHECKER www.nhs.uk: This helpful tool can guide you through your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate health service for your needs.

RING NHS 111, OPTION 2: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis this First Response Service puts your mental health first. It provides 24-hour access, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to mental health care, advice, support and treatment.

MEDICATION: If you need to order medication, please do this online via SystmOnline or the Airmid app. Details of how to do this can be found on our website www.grantamedicalpractices.co.uk If you do not have internet or mobile telephone access, you can send in your repeat medication slip or write in with your repeat request. Unfortunately, we cannot take prescription orders over the telephone.

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support. #bekind

Posted March 22 2022

Granta apri

Granta Medical Practices Update, March 2022

Are you up to date with all of your vaccinations? There are a number of vaccines available on the NHS, the more common of which are listed below. If you are unsure whether you are eligible or would like further information please do not hesitate to call us on 0300 234 5555 or visit www.NHS.UK

Shingles vaccine – who is eligible?

Adults 70 to 79 years old

You only need to have the shingles vaccine once and you can have it at any time of year. Whilst it is a very effective vaccine, some people can develop shingles at a later stage, but the illness will be milder. It is also fine to have the shingles vaccine if you have already had shingles. It works well in people who have had shingles before, and it will boost your immunity against further shingles attacks.

There is a new vaccine available for people who are immunosuppressed called Shingrix and this is available at all of our surgeries as a 2-dose course.

Pneumonia vaccine – who is eligible?

Babies, as part of the national immunisation programme
Adults aged 65 and over
Children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition.

The pneumonia vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal infections and encourages your body to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria.

If you have a long-term health condition you may only need a single one-off vaccination or a vaccination every 5 years, depending on your underlying problem.

Flu vaccine – who is eligible?

Adults 50 years and over
Have certain health conditions
Are pregnant
Are in a long-stay residential care
Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
Live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis).
Frontline health or social care workers

If you are not eligible for a free NHS vaccine you can buy one from your local pharmacist. Granta Pharmacy in Sawston have stocks of flu vaccine – to book an appointment call 01223 727530.

Covid vaccine – who is eligible?

People aged 16 and over
Children aged 12 to 15
Some children aged 5 to 11

Adults have 2 vaccinations plus a booster dose. People with a severely weakened immune system are offered 3 doses plus a booster. Please note that it is never too late to start your covid vaccine course.

Visit www.nhs.uk to find out where get covid vaccinations.

Sandra East, Head of Patient Services

Granta Medical Practices, London Road, Sawston, CB22 3HU

Posted Feb 14 2022

Granta Medical Practices Update, February 2022

Covid Vaccine Update

On 13th December 2021 the government announced that the deadline for every adult to have been offered a covid booster was being brought forward from 31st January 2022 to 31st December 2021.

Granta staff stepped forward to support the “Omicron Emergency Booster National Mission” to encourage everyone who is eligible to “get boosted now”.

Between 15th December and 3rd January an extra 7,000 Granta patients were vaccinated. Staff worked the 3 bank holidays, in addition to squeezing extra vaccine clinics into their normal working days, to ensure that as many patients as possible were vaccinated before the new deadline passed.

New Hospital Helpline for Patients

The Covid-19 pandemic has added to the strain on all NHS services. As a result of this, waiting list times for outpatient and specialist appointments and procedures have increased for everybody.

This can cause worry and uncertainty about when you will eventually receive an appointment, and unfortunately Granta has no direct access to the hospital appointment lists.

If you have been referred by your GP / are waiting for:

·An outpatient appointment

·An appointment for hospital tests (e.g. scans)

·A date for an operation or other treatment

·A follow-up from your hospital team

and you have a query about what is happening, there is now a new dedicated Freephone Patient Help Line - 0800 048 5800.

May we respectfully ask that you only call Granta if your condition has genuinely deteriorated, when you will be reviewed by one of the clinical team and appropriate action can be taken in regard to your hospital care.

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support.

Sandra East

Head of Patient Services

sandra.east@nhs.net

Posted Jan 31 2022

Great Shelford health news

Granta Medical Practices Update December 2021

Please find below details of when our surgeries will be open over the Christmas and New Year break.

Day and date

Opening hours

Repeat prescription schedule

Thursday 23rd December 2021

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up 30th Dec

Friday 24th December (Christmas Eve)

Open as usual

Place order today, pick up 31st Dec

Saturday 25th December (Christmas Day)

Closed