SUMMER NEWS LETTER

2008

Retirement of the Practice Manager

It is with great sadness that the practice will be saying goodbye to Don Sykes, who has been our practice manager for the past 13 years. He has held the practice on course with a steady hand on the tiller through the choppy waters of a myriad of NHS changes during these years. His quiet but effective form of management has made him popular with everyone, and his sound business sense has been of enormous benefit to the practice. We shall greatly miss his warm personality and dry sense of humour, and we wish him well for his retirement.

Dr Tracy McArdle is expecting a baby and is hoping to carry on working with us until the end of August. Whilst Dr McArdle is on maternity leave Dr Clare Harker and Dr Penny Parish will be covering some of Tracy’s clinics to ensure that patients continue to receive  care from familiar doctors.

 

NHS Direct Online provides quality, trustworthy health advice and information for you and your family.

 

·        Self-help guide to treating common health problems at home 

·        Encyclopaedia covering over 400 illnesses and conditions, treatments and operations

·        Local information on hospitals, GP surgeries, dentist, opticians and pharmacies including addresses, telephone numbers and opening times

 

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

 

NHS Walk-in Centre provides fast and convenient access to the NHS. You can see an experienced nurse for healthcare advice and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries.

 

A&E/999 If you or your family need emergency hospital treatment you should go immediately to your nearest A&E department or call 999 for an emergency ambulance. An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation which may include loss of consciousness or severe chest pain.

Travel Clinics  Ensure your holiday immunisations are up to date by obtaining a Travel Form. Ask at reception, preferably six  weeks before you travel (especially if you are going somewhere tropical) or visit our website www.cliftonhealthcentre.co.uk.

Travel Clinics are held on Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoons once a month

Please return your completed  travel form to the surgery and arrange an appointment in one of the Travel Clinics. 

Sun Safety – Protect yourself and your family! Make sure you never burn:

§         Stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm

§         Wear loose cotton clothes in the sun and wear a hat.

§         Remember to take extra care with children

§         Use Factor 15+ sun cream. Fair skins (and red hair) are at greater risk of burning

Precautions – take a medical kit, especially if you are going to a remote destination.

Take adequate supplies of any regular medication – always carry medicines in your hand luggage on an aircraft.

Air Travel – Travel in loose clothes and try to walk around the aircraft.

Drink little and often to reduce dehydration (not alcohol as this causes dehydration)!

While you are away – over exposure to the sun can cause burning, dehydration and even skin cancer. So cover up!