Information drawn from our Friends and Family Survey :

Carer Cafe 10.30 - 12.00

5th September 2024

The Kings Arms Hotel

20 Market Place

Melksham SN12 6EX

Our carers cafes are a great way of connecting with other carers over a hot drink and a cuppa. Free to attend and no need to book – just drop in. Kindly funded by the Melksham Almshouses Charities and Melksham Area Board.

What's on guide and newsletter (poster format).pdf for all the support and events April - September 2024

#SelfCareDay. 💙

Take a moment to reflect on your wellbeing. It’s important to make time for yourself and the things that help improve your mood.

Here are a few tips you can try: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips

#SelfCareDay. 💙: 

The Lullaby Trust's  safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

Their advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.

If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, please call our information line on 0808 802 6869 (lines open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm).

For more information click the link below.

Safer Sleep for babies presentations - The Lullaby Trust

The 24/7 text messaging support service provides free confidential support for anyone in Wiltshire who is struggling with their mental health. As it is free, it will not appear on anyone's phone bill.

To use the service, people should text the word 'WILTS' to 85258. This will start a text conversation with a trained volunteer who will aim to get the texter to a calm and safe place, with a plan of what they are going to do to support themselves moving forward. This will include providing information about local support services where required.

The service can help with:

• anxiety and stress
• depression or sadness
• suicidal thoughts
• self-harm
• panic attacks
• loneliness or isolation
• abuse
• bullying

If you’re looking after someone who is living with dementia, Wiltshire Council and Carer Support Wiltshire are seeking your views on dementia support in the county.

For more information Visit

Are you a young person looking after someone? Or maybe your child is helping out with someone you look after? Whatever your situation - have a look at our Young Carer website for information, advice and support for young carers and parents.

Click Here for more information or ask at reception.

Wendy Clayton Alzheimer’s Support volunteer will be here at the surgery the last Thursday of the month, 2pm-4pm.

Do you have any concerns about a relative becoming forgetful?

Not sure what to expect as you get older?

Wendy can give information and answer your questions.

Get the kids moving with these fun games inspired by some of their favourite Disney characters.

These boredom-busting activities will help them reach the 60 active minutes they need every day!

10 Minute Shake Up games – Healthier Families - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

As of 1st April 2023 patients can purchase an annual HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) for the cost of 2 single prescription charges (currently £18.70)

Find out more, including how to get the new HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate

NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) | NHSBSA

You've got this!! 

Click here for more information.

Our practice is working closely with local pharmacists to support you with certain minor health conditions
It may be more appropriate to have your NHS consultation with a trained pharmacist instead of the GP practice. You can choose a pharmacy convenient to you and we will arrange this for you.

Your consultation will either be by phone or video call, or you can go into the pharmacy. With your consent, the pharmacist will let us know what happened at your consultation to make sure your medical record is updated.

Have we asked you to provide a urine or stool sample? If so, please get your sample to us before 4:30pm to ensure it's collected that afternoon.

I would like to inform our patients and primary care colleagues that Dr David Thomas will be retiring from Spa Medical Centre on 30th June.

After qualifying as a Doctor, David then trained as a GP in the locality and has worked at Spa Medical Centre since February 1996, 28 years.

Throughout his 28 years in general practice, David has worked tirelessly to serve the local community. A fantastic caring Doctor, David has consistently delivered high-quality patient centred clinical treatment and care, specialising in mental health, depression, and care of the elderly. His kind, caring, compassionate, and straightforward approach is humbling.

A keen antiques collector and musician, David is looking forward to having more time to pursue other interests outside of general practice.

I am sure both patients and colleagues will join me in thanking David for the commitment, compassion and care dedicated to all patients and practice during his long and successful career. He is a much-loved local treasure with a quirky, unique sense of humour and will be missed by his team and his patients.

Good luck in your retirement David, we wish you a long, healthy, and happy one.

Gaynor Cole

On behalf of Spa Medical Centre Partnership

This explains the availability of hay fever products (antihistamines) across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is a common condition also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis and affects around 1 in 5 people in the UK. It often runs in families and is more likely to affect people who suffer from asthma and eczema. It is an allergic condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, for example pollen from grasses, flowers, weeds or trees. The pollen causes the release of chemical called histamine from cells in the nose, eyes and airways, which cause inflammation. Some people suffer symptoms all year round; they can be allergic to indoor allergens such as house dust mites, pets and indoor moulds. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis.

More information is available at: www.nhs.uk and www.patient.co.uk

What signs and symptoms do people with Hay fever experience?Examples may include any of the following:

• Itchy blocked or runny nose

• Red, itchy puffy or watery eyes

• Itchy throat

• Headaches and sinus pain

• Fatigue

Why can patients no longer have antihistamine products on prescription?

In February 2017, NHS Bath and North East Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) decided to stop funding prescriptions of hay fever products (antihistamines) to all but the most vulnerable patients. This difficult decision was made because of the urgent need to make financial savings in the NHS. BSW ICB support this decision in line with NHS England Guidance on conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed in primary care

Why was this decision made?

Hay fever products are widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies. It is cheaper for patients to buy these products over the counter than it is for the NHS to buy them. This is one way patients can help the NHS – by buying their own hay fever medicine, so the money the NHS saves can be used to fund other treatments.

Managing your hay fever

The severity of symptoms can vary, some people need medication to manage their symptoms and others can manage their condition by avoiding triggers. If treatment is needed, a wide range of medications can be purchased from community pharmacies and supermarkets without seeing a doctor.

What if patients can’t get a supply of anti- histamine medication locally?

The ICB has made sure there is a good spread of retail outlets across our county that stock a wide variety of competitively priced antihistamine hay fever medication.

What treatments can I buy?

Speak to a local pharmacist to get advice on the best treatment for your symptoms and always read the patient information leaflet that is included with the medicine. Examples include:

• Antihistamine tablets and syrups: generally effective at controlling symptoms of hay fever.

• Nasal sprays: useful if you suffer nasal symptoms and can be used instead of, or in addition to, antihistamine tablets.

• Eye drops: if your eye symptoms cannot be controlled with oral antihistamines, eye drops containing Sodium Cromoglicate or Lodoxamide may be useful.

• Other useful treatments: simple pain relief (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen) can help with headaches and sinus pain. Throat lozenges can help ease tickly throats and palates. Decongestant tablets should relieve blocked noses- always consult a pharmacist if you are on prescribed medication.

How to avoid triggers?

• Keep house and car windows closed, especially when the pollen count is high (early morning between 7am and 9am and evenings between 5pm and 7pm).

• Avoid large, grassy areas, woodland, cutting the grass, pollutants and car fumes.

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses.

• When you get in from outside, wash your hands, face, hair, rinse your eyes and change your clothes.

• If possible, stay indoors when the pollen count is high.

• You can buy pollen filters for car air vents

What is NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB (BSW ICB)?

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) is responsible for the planning and purchasing of the vast majority of health services across the area - this includes hospital care, mental health and community services. It works closely with all GP practices across BSW ICB.

Website: https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/

Patient advice and liaison team (PALs)

Patients registered across BSW practices- Scwcsu.palscomplaints@nhs.net

As we enter Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, it's time to shine a light on this disease that affects thousands of lives each year. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Yet, it's one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. This month, let's come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and take action against bowel cancer.

Awareness is the first step in the fight against bowel cancer. Knowing your risk factors, understanding the symptoms, and participating in screening programs can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment outcomes. Bowel Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize your health and take proactive steps to reduce your risk.

There are several ways you can take action during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month:

1. Get Screened: If you're eligible, participate in bowel cancer screening programs such as bowel scope screening or the bowel cancer screening test. Early detection can save lives.

2. Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of bowel cancer or other related conditions, talk to your doctor about your risk and appropriate screening measures.

3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit red and processed meats, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

4. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about bowel cancer awareness to your friends, family, and community. Encourage others to learn about the importance of early detection and screening.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a time to unite in the fight against this prevalent yet preventable disease. 

When should I go for an asthma review?

Most people go for an asthma review once a year, with a health professional that has specialist asthma knowledge.

If you have difficult or severe asthma you may need to go for an asthma review more often. Asthma guidelines recommend this as an important way to help you stay on top of your asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks and hospital admissions.

Usually your Surgery will invite you for an annual asthma review around your birthday month, or you can book an appointment yourself.

Why is it important to go for your annual asthma review?

A regular asthma review could help you keep free of symptoms and cut down the risk of an asthma attack. This is a great way to talk to the health professional about:

·  Symptoms affecting your daily lifestyle

·  Asthma attacks – whether you’ve had one, or you’re scared of having one.

·  Medicines/inhalers – how they help your asthma and the side effects and to check that you are able to use them correctly as poor inhaler technique will prevent the inhalers working properly. 

·  Stopping smoking advice and other ways to help you avoid asthma triggers.

However, even if you feel your asthma is well controlled always make sure you attend your asthma review.

It’s a chance to ensure your asthma stays under control, so you can carry on enjoying day to day activities without needing time off work/school.

What happens at your asthma review?

Your asthma review is a check up to see how you’re managing and coping with your asthma and to see if there’s anything else you and your asthma health professional can do to help you and your symptoms. At your asthma review the health professional may do the following:

·  Carry out some tests – These are simple breathing tests like peak flow, FENO where you can see the results straight away, these can indicate to the Nurse/GP/ Health Professional how well you’re lungs are working. You may be booked in for further testing such as Spirometry if indicated.

·  Check your inhaler technique – Taking your inhaler the correct way can make a huge difference to how well your medicines work.

·  Talk about your risk of an asthma attack – This is an effective way to talk through ways of lowering your chances of having an asthma attack, for example discussing lifestyle factors like stopping smoking or losing excess weight. Also in the event of asthma attack how to help recognise and treat it effectively.

·  Update your written  Personal Asthma Management /Action Plan – with any changes to your medicines or inhalers.

·  Review your medication and arrange re authorisation as appropriate.

How to make the most of your asthma review

Here are some ideas to help you prepare for your appointment to get the most out it.

·  Write down any questions you want to ask

·  Keep a note of any symptoms – e.g. Triggers, missed medicines.

·  Take along all your inhalers  spacers and peak flow meter (if you have one).

·  Take along your action plan – (if you have one) and peak flow charted readings (if you have done some)

·  Be open about anything that could be making your asthma worse.

Seeing your GP/Nurse/health Professional at other times

Make sure you book to see your GP/Nurse/Paramedic/Health Professional before your annual review is due if:

·  If your asthma symptoms are getting worse, you need to use your reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week or in the night – within 24 hours or you are having symptoms of a tight chest, cough, wheeze, worsening shortness of breath or think that you have a chest infection

·  If you’ve been to the hospital with an asthma attack- within two working days.

·  If your prescription has changed – within 4-8 weeks

Development of PAAP’s (Personal Asthma Action Plans)

The British Asthma guidelines recommend that people with Asthma should be offered individualised self-management education supported by a written action plan. The benefits of this approach are shown to include an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in hospital admissions, unplanned healthcare consultations, time lost from work/school and a decrease of night-time symptoms.

Working in partnership with the patient enables the Nurse/GP/Paramedic/Health Professional to ensure that information can be tailored to the individuals own needs and preferences. Use websites to seek more information on your condition: www.asthma.org.uk

The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness.

We offer three services, all designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. They include;

• Face to face meet ups where venues offer ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables, where customers can get together and chat. We have hundreds of venues around the UK, many Chatter & Natter tables are hosted by Chatty Table Volunteers.
• Online Chatty Cafe Sessions held every Tuesday* from 1pm – 1:30pm. Anyone over 18 can join, simply to chat to others.
• Telephone Friendship Service for anyone over 18 who is experiencing loneliness and could benefit from a weekly chat on the phone.

About Melksham Chatty Cafe

The Chatty Cafe is held at the Poolside Cafe based inside Melksham Community Campus. Come and join in the friendly atmosphere with our own speciality coffee, and delicious cakes. Grab and go fridge, morning pastries and light lunches are also available. Find out more here

If you would like to volunteer to help host a Chatter & Natter table at this venue, apply here.

 The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in 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 a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

For those eligable and have their appointments booked, they will be held here at the Surgery.

Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but many don’t know it.
It can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Find out how to get checked, understand what your numbers mean and how to manage your risk.

We have a blood pressure machine ain reception, so pop in and check yours today.

Click Here for more information

Download the NHS App or open the NHS website up and login to access a range of NHS services online.

NHS App and your NHS account - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Measles cases are rising in England.

Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations.

For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

If you are struggling with the cost of essentials you may be able to receieve extra support via Wiltshire Council VISIT