Granta Medical Practices - December news

Covid Vaccine Update

On 13^th December 2021 the government announced that the deadline for every adult to have been offered a covid booster was being brought forward from 31^st January 2022 to 31^st 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 15^th December and 3^rd 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.

At the time of writing this piece, we are experiencing a high level of staff absence. We have no doubt that this will continue as Covid, flu and norovirus continue to take their toll over the winter months, combined with ever-changing Covid guidelines. We will continue to try and provide the best possible service we can to all of our patients, but please bear with us as day-to-day operations may be disrupted. 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.

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.

If you have done all you can but feel that your problem remains unresolved, please do ring us and we will be happy to help you.

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.