WHINFIELD SURGERY NEWSLETTER - Spring 2000
NORMAL FONT VERSION | AUDIO VERSION
In this issue:
Doctor News | NHS Direct | Stopping Smoking | Gastro-enteritis | Repeat Prescriptions | Rubbing Creams
We would like to welcome Dr McLeish back to work with us again. She returned in February and will spend 6 months in the Practice completing her training before she looks for a practice of her own. She has been in hospitals doing further training in paediatrics and at the Teesside Hospice. She is being supervised by the partners, but is now competent to see all types of patients and perform home visits. We appreciate her return to the team and would like to assure our patients that having young doctors in the Practice is to the benefit of all. They bring new ideas into the Practice and stimulate discussion about current changes in treatment.
Doctors in the Practice would recommend the services of NHS Direct, both in and out of working hours. The feedback we have had from this service from patients is good and that it is a valuable addition to our surgery services. They can advise on the best way to deal with a problem and can explain concerns when a doctor is not available. We hope this service will continue to compliment the service we offer.
Stop Smoking for the Millennium
As you are aware there is a lot of publicity on the TV and radio about stopping smoking. We would obviously encourage this, and there are many ways to help you kick the habit. We would recommend the nicotine patches and chewing gum as they reduce craving, but they can be quite expensive. There is no substitute for willpower and support from a relative or friend and we would encourage you to do this at the present time when there is lots of media support as you are likely to be more successful.
Do not be disheartened if you do not last - sometimes it takes two or three attempts to stop smoking. It is well worth it in the long run -for many reasons.
There is a nasty diarrhoea and sickness bug going around Darlington at present that unfortunately seems to be caused by a virus and there is little treatment we can offer.
If a person in your household is able to take water or fluids keep them off food until the diarrhoea has settled. If you are worried they may be becoming dehydrated, in that they are not keeping any fluids down or not passing any urine, or there are any other symptoms that concern you, please contact the surgery.
The current infection going around town seems to be lasting 4-5 days in some cases so do not be too alarmed if the person affected is in reasonable health and their symptoms are persisting up to this length of time. If symptoms last for up to a week then a sample should be left with the surgery and we can send it off to Public Health.
We are concerned regarding fraudulent prescription requests so would patients please keep the re-order slips and not discard them in the waiting area.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Repeat Prescription Order:
http://www.whinfield.co.uk/Page100.html
Clinical trials have shown that rub-on creams for arthritis and back pain (eg Ibuleve, Feldene Gel, Movelat, Difflam, etc) are not effective. Any improvement will have been as a result of the massage in applying the cream. We will therefore be taking this item off repeat prescribing as these can be expensive and are of no proven benefit.
As you will note the surgery has recently been decorated. This had not been done for some time and certain rooms were showing signs of wear and tear.
You will note that the reception desk has been improved - to make working conditions better for our reception staff.
Thank you for your patience during these alterations, which we hope will provide a better environment for all who work and visit here.
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