WINTER NEWSLETTER
1999
Flu Vaccines
We still have some flu vaccines available for those at particular
risk ie over-75s, diabetics and people with chest ,heart and kidney conditions.
Please ask at reception on how to arrange to receive yours.
The vaccine will not prevent common colds but repeated annual doses
will give protection against the genuine Influenza infection.
Appointments
We have recently urgently reviewed our appointments situation and all
the doctors added extra hours to catch up with demand. We appreciate your
patience in waiting and we try to be flexible in fitting in with your requirements.
We have to balance the need to offer urgent appointments with the needs of
those needing review and follow up.
Repeat Prescriptions
We would be grateful if patients would order early for the holiday period
and allow longer for the requests to be processed . Late requests are disruptive and
delay those already waiting.
Repeat prescriptions can be ordered by sending a stamped addressed
envelope or via our website if you prefer http://www.whinfield.co.uk./Page100.html
The health authority have asked us to consider prescribing alternative therapies
when they are as effective as those the hospital may have started you on. We would
not change your prescription on cost grounds alone but we have a duty to prescribe
sensibly to make best use of resources.
Reception Staff
Our reception staff are committed to serving the needs of a
large patient population in as fair a way as possible . They
understand your concerns and share your frustration if they
cannot give you an immediate answer or appointment.
Please do not feel the receptionists are questioning you
without reason. They are simply asking to assess how serious
your problem is in order to offer the most appropriate help.
Remember most coughs and colds are caused by viruses
and they will clear up anyway in a few days