NEWS FROM THE BICKNACRE SURGERY

Extended Opening Hours  with effect from 8th September 2008 the Bicknacre Surgery will remain open from 4.30 pm to 7.00 pm on Mondays and Thursdays with Doctor and Nurse appointments available.

Influenza Vaccination  The ‘Flu’ season is nearly upon us and the surgery Influenza Vaccination Programme is due to start in the 1st week of October 2008.  All patients over 65 and ‘at risk’ patients are encouraged to contact Reception for an appointment.

RECYCLE FOR STROKE You can support  The Stroke Association by recycling your used inkjet cartridges and mobile phones. It’s a great way to raise money, to help people affected by stroke.  Empty printer cartridges can be worth as much as £3 each and old mobile  phones over £20. We can supply you with pre-paid recycling envelopes, so you can then simply seal old phones or empty inkjet cartridges inside and post them free of charge. For further information please call 01635 876900  or e-mail  stroke@reclaim-it.com

Walking the way to health  Walking can help Keep your heart strong Reduce strokes Reduce blood pressure Lower cholesterol Reduce stress Strengthen bones Manage weight Reduce the risk of diabetes

If you have a problem and would like some advice or reassurance, please call:

NHS DIRECT on 0845 4647

You will be able to talk to a qualified nurse.  The service is available 24 hours every day.

What happens when you call NHS Direct?

When you call NHS Direct, you will be asked to give your name, address, phone number and the name of your doctor.  You don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.

If you are feeling ill, you will be asked:

·   What your symptoms are (eg headache, sickness and when they began;

·   What you have tried already to relieve the symptom;

·   Any medicines you are already taking;

·   Any existing medical condition you have (eg diabetes, angina etc).

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, for example a child, you will also need to provide this information about them.

PUT YOUR MOBILE                 ON             I  C  E Store the word ‘ICE in your mobile phone address book and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted ‘In Case of Emergency’.  For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc. In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find who your next of kin are and be able to contact them.