Westwood Wellness

March 2024

The newsletter of Hildenborough & Tonbridge Medical Group

Measles is deadly: don’t take risks with your children’s health…

 
Leanne Flux

Hello again.

Hello, and welcome to HTMG’s newsletter number two. This time we are highlighting the recent spike in measles cases - you will have seen the reports in the media.

Measles is very infectious: it is spread through coughs and sneezes. It can give you ear infections and other difficulties, as well as eye problems, chest infections, pneumonia, fits, inflammation of the brain - and sometimes even death. It really is a deadly disease. 

You can easily protect yourself - and others - by having just two vaccine jabs. The vaccine we use is safe and effective, and not only protects you against measles, but also against mumps and rubella. We’ve been using it and recommending it since 1988.

It’s not just for children: you can have the vaccine at any age - there is no upper age limit. If you have missed out because of safety concerns or the outdated myth about autism, please be reassured: there is no link between vaccines and autism whatsoever. The dangers of catching measles, however – or passing it to a loved one - are all too true.

If you think you may have missed out, or maybe only had one dose - or indeed if you have any questions at all - please contact the surgery and ask to speak to one of the nurses.

Measles is so easily preventable: don’t risk it.

Best wishes,

Leanne Flux, Practice Manager

measles is extremely infectious and can be serious

  • Make sure your children get two MMR vaccines on time: the first at 1 year of age and the second at 3 years, 4 months
  • If you or your children missed these vaccines, it's not too late. Ask for the free vaccine from your family doctor (GP) if you or your children aren't up-to-date
  • if you have symptoms of measles, stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. STAY AWAY from GP surgeries and A&E departments - you could spread the illness to others
  • symptoms include: high fever; sore red, watery eyes; coughing; aching and feeling generally unwell; a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the first symptoms go to nhs.uk for more measles information
 

NEW! - Pharmacy First saves you time

When you call our care navigators, you may be referred to the new Pharmacy First service. That means you can go to a local participating pharmacy for a consultation and advice. This is not the same as simply popping in to the pharmacist to ask for advice: you need to be referred by the GP surgery for a proper consultation.

Nowadays pharmacists are very highly trained and competent to deal with many less urgent cases – and in addition, this will save you a trip to the surgery.

Of course, if your case is more complex, you may need a GP appointment. But as well as checking blood pressure and advising on contraception services, pharmacists are now offering quicker and more convenient care for many minor illnesses – and, as always, supplying you with appropriate medicines for your condition. 

 

What’s so great about the NHS app?

Here at Westwood Wellness we love the NHS app. And every day, more and more patients are finding out what it can do for them. You can use it on your smartphone or tablet. It doesn’t replace existing services, and you can still contact us in the usual way.

But here are some of the things you can do with it:

  • Order a repeat prescription and choose where to collect it
  • Book and manage appointments
  • View your GP health record
  • Register your decision on organ donation
  • View your NHS number (or find out what it is!)
  • Use NHS 111 online to get instant advice, 24/7

Help!

For security, you will need to verify your identity before using the app. If you need help to get you set up, visit www.digitalkent.uk or call 03000 4210 950: they hold regular face-to-face sessions at Tonbridge North Library in York Parade. If you have problems using the app, select ‘help’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Don’t struggle - help is out there! 

nhs-app
 

Meet Jo, our cancer care coordinator

“I am Jo Meredith. As HTMG’s cancer care coordinator, I contact all our cancer patients within three months of diagnosis, offering support, information and an ear - often for loved ones too. I’m available for phone calls or face-to-face appointments, Tuesday-Friday, to give advice about a patient’s specific diagnosis and situation.

My work is not time limited: I continue to offer support for as long as it is wanted. Many people don’t realise how much support is out there and I can put patients in touch with support groups that can help. Within 12 months of diagnosis, I make sure each patient has a 20 minute inperson Cancer Care Review (CCR) with a GP, covering practical, physical, financial and emotional concerns. If you have any questions about cancer care or my role, please make contact via the care navigation team, or use the eConsult form on our website.”

 

Comings and Goings

Welcome to phlebotomist Michelle who has joined us temporarily. We know many patients have been waiting for their bloods to be done, so Michelle will be with us until the end of May to help clear the backlog. We’re delighted that Sofi has joined us as a care navigator, having completed her two month training. We say goodbye to finance manager Caroline, who has been with HTMG for 2 years and is moving on. 

Published: Mar 14, 2024