Kittoch Medical Practice Summer Newsletter
Issue 10
Welcome to the latest issue of ourPractice Newsletter. In this and future issues we hope to keep you up to date on what’s going on in the Practice and to keep you informed of important dates for your diary.
Please remember that you can also keep up to date by logging onto our website
From time to time, the self check in causes issues because patients are forgetting to press ‘finish’ once they have checked in. We would ask that you make sure that you complete the process fully before taking a seat. Forgetting to press finish means that you could be sitting waiting to see the Dr or Nurse without us knowing you are here. If you have difficulty, please speak with the Receptionist.
We now have the facility to text patients to remind them about appointments.
We will also shortly be piloting our online repeat ordering service. You will be able to log on and order your repeats without having to hand in a tick list. Please ask for a registration form at reception, We have had a few teething problems but hope you get this up and running soon.
Opening times and Closures
We open from 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday and in addition we operate an early morning surgery for those who work each Tuesday from 7.15am until 8am.
We close each Wednesday from 1pm until 2pm for staff meetings and training.
We will be closed on Monday 18 July. If you need medical assistance during times when we are closed, call NHS24 on 111.
*********please note this important New Procedure *********
Chronic Disease Annual reviews
Since April this year, we have reduced the number of letters we send out to our patients reminding them that their Annual review is due. Previously we would have sent up to 3 reminders. Please be aware that we will now send one letter only. Patients should contact the Surgery as soon as possible after receiving their annual reminder to make the necessary appointments
Confidentiality
We will never leave automated messages asking you to key in personal information. We may however leave messages on your answer phone, stating who we are and why we are calling you. This will very often be because we have a message for you from the Dr.
When we call to speak with you we will ask for your date of birth. This is so that we can identify you from other patients who may have a similar name. If you are not happy to give us your date of birth, and you want to verify that the call is genuine, we will be happy for you to call us back.
We hope that you will understand the reasons that we cannot divulge information about other patients without their prior consent to do so. Please speak with Practice Manager Karon Knox for further information.
Cancelling unwanted appointments
We continue to experience a high number of non attenders for Dr and Nurse appointments. This is a huge waste of time and prevents others from seeing the Dr or Nurse when they really need to. PLEASE let us know if you no longer need your appointment by calling us or by emailing us as soon as possible failure to cancel may mean you will be asked to find another GP.
Are you a Carer?
The South LanarkshireCarer Network work closely with us to make sure that those who are carers are given the help and support they need in their important and often unseen role. They can put you in touch with various organisations and networks to help with making sure amongst other things that you are getting the correct benefits and granting Power of Attorney.
Please let us know if you are a carer either by speaking to any of the staff in the Practice. We can then give you information on how to get the help you deserve.
Parking
The new multi storey car park to the side of the Health Centre is now open for use by patients and those visiting the Health Centre. Parking is restricted to 90 minutes and is free during this time. Parking for longer than 90 minutes may incur a fine. Please be aware of this when visiting the Health Centre and attending for appointments which are running late.
Bowel Screening
We are participating in a Health Board wide initiative to encourage our patients to take part in Bowel Screening.If you are over 50yrs you will be sent a screening kit through the post with instructions on what to do. The test is easy to do and designed to detect abnormalities in your bowel at an early stage, which is when treatment, if needed, is more likely to be effective. We strongly to encourage you to take part. Don‘t worry if you have thrown away or lost your kit. Another kit can be obtained by calling the National Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833. Unfortunately we do not hold stock of the kits in the Surgery.
Please ask the Dr at your next appointment if you have any questions.
Changes to address and telephone numbers
We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping us informed of changes to your telephone numbers and address. Please help us to keep our records as up to date as possible. Wrong details mean that procedures and referrals arranged by the Dr could potentially be delayed if you are not contactable. Please fill out a form at reception and post it in the box or ask the Receptionist of a change of details form. Alternatively, you can email us at
If you move outside the G74 and G75 area you will be asked to change surgery to a Dr nearer your new address.
Patient Participation
We welcome comments and suggestions on the way the Practice is run and would welcome participation from our patients Please speak to the Practice Manager, Karon Knox when you are next in the practice.
.
Self help and self referral for patients
Eye problems
Self refer by going along to a local Optician with all eye problems. Lanarkshire Health Board operate the LENS service. Information on participating Opticians is available from reception
Pregnancy
Self refer To make your first ante-natal appointment with the Midwife, call Hunter Health Centre 01355597464
Physiotherapy
Self refer for Physiotherapy if you have muscle or joint problems. Phone 0800917 9390 or ask for a card from Reception.
Minor Injuries
From 9am to 9pm, Hairmyres, Monklands and Wishaw Hospitals operate a minor injuries service for problems such as sprains, strains, burns, cuts/bites/stings.
Travel
Routine travel vaccinations with a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice before travel may be available at the Practice. Complete a form (available from Reception) for the Practice Nurse.
Other travel clinics
Masta Travel Clinic, Dr Meggs & Partners 01355 578008
Monklands Hospital Travel Clinic 012366712134
Anxious/Stressed?
Breathing space 0800 838575
Stress control Sessions – 03003030447 or visit
Living life to the full – tel 0800 328 6955 or visit
Samaritans – 08457 909090
Social care direct
Social work information and support (Homecare/physical disability/occupational health, emergency social work services) 0303 123 1008
Stop Smoking Service
Self refer Call 0300 303 0240
Or Text 81066
Drug and Alcohol problems
Self refer to LAaDS call 01355 597456
Sexual and reproductive Health in Hunter Health Centre
Self refer call 01355 597444 for walk in appointment times
Sandyford Sexual Health (GUM) Clinic
Self refer 6 Sandyford place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G37NB
Telephone: 0141 211 8130
You can also self refer for termination of pregnancy 0141 221 8620
Pharmacies
Thepharmacy is an accessible health resource for you and your family. Everyone can get advice from a pharmacist and buy medicine for a minor ailment or illness.
Many pharmacies are open when your GP surgery is closed (evenings, weekends and on public holidays). You don't even need to make an appointment to speak to a pharmacist.
There is a service, available from every pharmacy in Scotland, called the NHS Minor Ailment service.
Deans 222410
Boots Plaza 228771
Boots Brouster 224518
Boots Princes Sq 263515
Frasers 226104
Lloyds 222517
Morrisons 220703
Rowlands Calderwood 221185
Rowlands St Leonards 230714
Rowlands Village 221135
St James 200370
What should I have at home?Pain Relief
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most common remedies available in tablet and liquid form. Aspirin and ibuprofen also reduce inflammation.
(Remember, aspirin should not be given to anyone under 16 years of age)
Anti-histamines
Help allergies and runny noses. These are available as tablets and liquids.
Diarrhoea treatments
Make sure you drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid for the first 24 hours. Your pharmacist can also recommend rehydration drinks.
Indigestion remedies
Various different types are available. A simple antacid will relieve the majority of symptoms.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen SPF 30 (or SP50 for children and vulnerable adults) and sunburn treatment e.g. calamine lotion. / Sore throat remedy
General pain relief is recommended e.g. paracetemol. Adults may gargle with soluble aspirin. Throat lozenges and sprays may also ease symptoms.
Cough linctus
Many different types are available. These will either reduce a cough or loosen it.
Travel sickness tablets
Containing hyoscine or an antihistamine such as cinnarizine
A mild laxative
For constipation
Children's medicines
There are children's formulations available for most medicines. Ask your pharmacist if there is a sugar free variety available, particularly if it's a regularly used medicine.
Remember if you are on medication to get
your repeat prescriptions from your GP.in plenty of time and before running out