Newsletter

you are entitled to have a flu jab. Because the virus constantly mutates it is necessary to get the jab every year, to protect against the latest strains of the virus.

Flu is a nasty experience for most people but not usually serious unless you are in the high risk group. This is why the vaccine is offered only to those people who are at most risk from the serious complications of flu.

Flu is highly infectious and spreads rapidly by coughs and sneezes from people carrying the virus.

Flu vaccine works by making your body produce antibodies to the vaccine virus about a week to ten days after the injection. The antibodies help protect you against any similar viruses you then come into contact with.

OPENING TIMES

From August we have created some appointments on Mondays, later in the evening and early morning appointments, to help accommodate patients that find it difficult to get in during the day

If you would like one of these appointments please let the receptionists know and they will try to organise one for you. If you are able to attend during the day we would appreciate if you could continue to do so.

Swimming is seen as a fantastic way to improve your health. Regular swimming helps your heart and lungs, improves mobility whilst protecting joints, it works your whole body and encourages relaxation

Staff Update

New partner.

Due to Dr Calder and Dr Geddes reducing their sessions at the surgery Dr Mark Howson will be starting on 2 November as a new partner. Dr Howson qualified in 2004 but prior to studying medicine he was a physicist at Leeds University and has worked in both France and the USA. He has a special interest in ENT, and currently does a Friday morning session at Harrogate hospital. He is looking forward to helping provide an excellent service for our patients. Dr Mike Pointon has also joined us as our new GP registrar until February. He qualified in 2004 and has recently returned from Australia – where he worked mainly in A&E. He enjoys socializing, swimming and spending time in the English countryside where he can be sure there are no snakes or crocodiles!

Kate Collins our health care assistant gave birth in August to her second son – he is called Isaac. While Kate is on maternity leave we have Sally Walker covering. Sally will be taking routine blood tests.

New to reception is Donna, please bear with her as she completes her training.

Women aged between 50 and 70 who are registered at this practice are currently being called for their routine mammograms. You will receive an appointment through the post, so it is important that we have your correct details. If you are over 70 and would like to have a mammogram contact us and we will request one.

autumn

NEWSLETTER 2009

Book a Flu Jab Today!