Saltaire Medical Practice News
Saltaire Medical Practice and Cottingley Branch Surgery
Issue 63
Autumn/Winter 2016
Colds and Flu? Follow this simple advice from our Advanced
Nurse Practitioner, Emma Snee.
Coughs and colds do not normally need medical attention. These usually clear up within a week, so
meanwhile drink plenty of fluids (to reduce the stickiness of the phlegm), take paracetamol and rest.
Influenza (flu) is different from a cold. But most people recover within a week with rest, paracetamol
(for aching limbs) and plenty of fluids. Flu can lead to more serious complications in people with
lowered immunity (babies, older people, pregnant women and anyone with underlying health
conditions).
If the symptoms of Flu are not improving, or are getting worse after several days (particularly for
people with lowered immunity) then seek advice from your pharmacist or GP.
It is important to have a flu vaccination if you are eligible.
Winter vomiting bug (Norovirus) causes diarrhoea and vomiting, sometimes fever and aching limbs.
The best treatment is to replace lost fluids by drinking plenty even when this is difficult. Most people
do not need medical attention and recover within 2-3 days.
Babies and very elderly people may be at risk of serious dehydration and may need medical advice.
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly, which is why we ask you to avoid attending the
Practice. If you are worried about becoming severely dehydrated, a GP can speak with you on the
telephone.
Disposable tissues to sneeze and cough into and good hand washing with warm soap and
water is the best way to limit the spread of these illnesses.
More information is available on the NHS choices website or visit your local pharmacy.
NOW BOOKING FLU CLINICS
Are you aged 65 or over?
Do you have diabetes, asthma, COPD or any other chronic illness?
Are you a registered carer?
Are you pregnant?
If so, please book into our clinics which begin at the end of September.
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
TOP TIPS TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR GP CONSULATION
The average GP appointment lasts 10 minutes. 10 minutes. Yes, 10 minutes!
Lots of people are aware of this fact; but have you ever actually stopped to think how long that
actually is. The answer is not long. And don't forget that the clock starts as soon as your name is
called, so the 10 minute-slot includes you walking into the doctor's room, having your consultation,
putting your coat back on, leaving and then the doctor writing up your notes and requesting various
investigations, etc.
It's also worth mentioning that in an average surgery of 20 patients - spending just two extra minutes
with each person leaves you well over half an hour late by the time your last patient rolls in. So
please try to remember this whilst you are gnashing your teeth in the waiting room.
Clearly time is tight. In order that you get as much as possible out of this small time slot, there are a
few things you can do to help things go as smoothly as possible.
1. Be on time
Yes, yes I know doctors always run late. But just in case they are running to time, don't waste allimportant minutes by being tardy. Some doctors run a 'first come, first served' policy. So even if you
are just a few minutes late, the next person may have sped past you and been seen first.
2. Don't get too comfy!
Unless you need to show the GP a huge lesion on your arm, don't start peeling off scarves or coats
and laboriously hanging them up. You are wasting valuable time that could be better spent discussing
your problems. The same applies to lovingly and caringly removing layers from your beautiful baby or
changing their nappy. Not in the doctor room please.
3. Don't bring a list
Please don't come in with a long list of complaints that all need sorting today. It is unrealistic to
expect to deal with so many issues at one time. Pick the most pressing problem and try working
through that, rather than leaping between troubles and not addressing any of them properly. It's also
not fair on your fellow patients, who will inevitably end up waiting longer. If you do have lots of
problems to discuss, speak to the receptionist and they can book you another appointment.
4. Think about your 'story' and tell it chronologically
If possible try to tell your story from the beginning; for example 'it all began three months ago when I
first had a pain in my side… '. You want to try and paint a picture for your GP of your symptoms and
the story that goes with it.
5. When giving timings try to be accurate
When asked when your symptoms started, it's best to try to be as specific as possible. Saying 'a long
time', 'it seems like forever' or 'not long at all,' are all really unhelpful because the meaning varies so
much between patients. If possible, try to talk about durations in terms of hours, days, months or
years; broad-bush timescales which everyone can understand. Again it just saves time if your story is
as clear as possible from the outset.
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
6. Be aware of how consultations usually work
Generally speaking, your consultation will follow this pattern:




You tell your story
The doctor asks you specific questions based on your story
Your doctor will examine you (although not always necessary)
Your doctor will discuss what they think might be going on and suggest treatment options or
plans
 You ask questions/discuss 'the plan'.
This is how we are as doctors taught to do things, right from the start of our training at medical
school. For most GPs, it is just second nature.
7. Get the important issues out first
If there is something you are really worried about, for example, a breast lump or crushing chest pain,
please, please mention it first. Loads of people talk about something relatively minor to start with as a
kind of 'warm-up'. If your GP doesn't know that the real problem is coming up, they will spend your
10-minute appointment discussing your verruca (entirely possible I assure you!). If you then casually
mention you are worried you might be having a heart attack, the verruca somewhat pales into
significance. Be bold - mention your real worries upfront.
8. ‘Quoting Google’
If you have run a Google search please don't tell the GP what your diagnosis is as a 'fait acompli' (in
other words, something that has already been decided). This is unhelpful and often quite distracting.
However, if you are worried about a specific illness please do tell the GP as we'd rather we discussed
it and (a) you might be onto something and we can talk about what to do next, or (b) I can reassure
you and you'll leave feeling much happier (hopefully!).
9. If possible leave the kids at home
If at all possible try to off-load the children with someone during the consultation. Inevitably parents
get distracted trying to keep little Jonny in order. This results in a tendency to, not only waste time,
but also stops you from being fully-focused and engaged in the consultation. Needless to say, if you
do bring your child and bribe them with sweets, and/or your iPad that is totally fine!
10. Be kind
Despite what you read in the press or on many web forums the vast majority of GPs really are trying
their best to help you. If you can muster up a smile or a thank you, it will make their day!
Online Services for Patients
GP Practices are now contractually required to offer and promote to patients: online booking
of appointments, online ordering or repeat prescriptions and online access to summary
information within patient records (allergies, medications, adverse reactions).
If you would like to sign up for online services please ask our Reception Team. You will be
required to provide two forms of identity – one photographic and one to confirm address.
Existing online users will now be able to access a Summary Care Record which details
medicines you might be taking, any allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to
medicines that you have previously experienced.
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
What to do when the Practice is closed?
If you are feeling unwell when the surgery is closed and you do not feel it will wait until we
reopen there is a number to call.
You can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.
You will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can
help you. That could be A&E, an Urgent Care Centre or Minor Injuries Unit or out of hours GP,
community nurse, emergency dentist or a late opening pharmacist.
You can ring the 111 number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from
landlines and mobile phones are free.
Would you like to receive confirmation of your appointment by text?
Would you like to receive a reminder of your appointment
24 hours in advance?
If so please speak to our Receptionist today and make sure we have your
current mobile phone details or register your interest online at:
saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk.
Items that the Practice do not usually prescribe
The Practice has reviewed prescribing and in order to concentrate resources where most
needed it has been decided that we will cease to prescribe remedies that are readily available
at your local pharmacy.
NAME OF ITEM
Aciclovir (Zovirax) cream
Olive oil drops
Any wart or verruca preparations
Paracetamol (for anyone between 16 and 65
except for those on long term pain relief)
Colic drops (Infacol)
Any mouthwashes – except for palliative care
Simple linctus
Pholcodine
Bonjela
Ibuprofen – except for those on long term pain
relief
Head lice treatments
Dioralyte (for short term diarrhoeal illness)
Difflam throat spray
Cod liver oil capsules
Nappy rash cream e.g. metanium/sudocrem
Emollients – except for eczema
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Cold sores
Ear wax
Warts and verrucas
Pain
Infantile colic – no evidence of effectiveness
for IC
Mouthwash
Simple tickly coughs
Simple tickly coughs
Mouth ulcers
Short term pain relief
Head lice
Diarrhoea
Sore throats
Aching joints
Nappy rash
Dry skin
The Practice has been awarded the National Quality
Hallmark Award by the National Gold Standards Framework Centre (GSF).
An article in the Telegraph and Argus “Praise for practices’ end of life services” reported:
Outstanding care for the dying has earned two local GP practices a prestigious national award for the
methods they use. Saltaire Medical Practice and Ilkley Moor Medical Practice have both been
awarded the Quality Hallmark Award by the National Gold Standards Framework Centre (GSF).
Dr Ian Livingstone of Saltaire said “With an ageing population this is becoming an increasingly
important part of our work as GPs and so we have to ensure consistency and equality”. The GSF
programme has helped us change the culture of the practice”.
GSF gives training to all those providing end of life care to ensure better lives for people and
recognised standards of care and has helped the two practices provide better planned care for more
of their patients. Where previously only six Saltaire patients benefited from being known as Gold
patients, now ten times more patients are now discussing their wishes and care.
Saltaire Medical Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG)
What is it for?
Every patient values the medical care provided by our Practice. The PPG’s role is to make sure your
voice can be heard, to help patients and staff to work together in maintaining high standards, and to
improve the Practice wherever possible. Our PPG has links with groups at other practices, and with
organisations which are shaping the future of the NHS.
Our PPG steering group has nine members who meet regularly and have written guidelines for their
work. Open Meetings for patients are arranged each year, in March, July and November. Activities
such as the very successful “Carers Drop-In Sessions are supported also.
The PPG “Virtual Group”
Any patient can ask to be kept informed of Open Meetings and other activities. The steering group
will contact you – occasionally, not often – by telephone, email or post. Your details will not be
shared with any other organisation.
How to contact us:
Our leaflets at Saltaire and Cottingley have a slip to fill in and drop into the Suggestions Box at either
site. You can also reach us by email at [email protected]
Open Meeting for Patients: Wednesday 16 November, 6.30pm at Saltaire
Please come to hear about Wellness Recovery Action Plans – a way to manage your life!
WRAP is a different approach to wellbeing, through individual action planning and support networks.
WRAP helps people who want to make a positive change in the way they feel and perform.
Who can use WRAP? The answer is simple…. You! WRAP uses five key recovery concepts: Hope,
Personal Responsibility, Education, Self-advocacy and Support.
WRAP is a weekly group programme where you develop a personal plan to help you recover and
maintain your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The eight sessions are followed by
fortnightly support groups. WRAP at Saltaire Medical Practice will start in January 2017.
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
New Team Members
Welcome to Dr Phillipa Smith and our new GP Registrar, Dr Michelle Eagleton,
who joined the Saltaire and Cottingley teams in August 2016.
Lifeline Primary Care Alcohol Services
The Primary Care Alcohol Service offers free, personalised, confidential advice and support for adults
(18+), who may be concerned about their drinking and are looking to make positive changes in their
lives.
You can access our service through your GP or Practice Nurse. Alternatively, contact the service
direct on 01274 809897 and make an appointment. For convenience we run weekly clinics at
Saltaire Medical Practice.
Need advice?
Do you need advice, on issues like benefits, debt, employment, housing, legal
matters?
Bradford and Airedale Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help. A regular
Tuesday morning CAB session is held at Cottingley Surgery. Appointments
are totally confidential and free. Book now with our Reception Team.
Listening, Responding, Improving
Our aim is to provide the highest level of care for all our patients. We
will always be willing to hear if there is any way that you think that we
can improve the service we provide.
Four ways to tell us what you think.......
Suggestions Box
Please take some time to tell us how we have done today. Complete a form in reception and post in
the box provided. All feedback is used to consider how we might enhance our services.
NHS Friends and Family Test
GP practices are required to implement the NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT).This is a feedback
tool, which supports the fundamental principle, that people who use NHS services, should have the
opportunity to provide feedback on their experience that can be used to improve services. It is a
continuous feedback loop between patients and practices.
Please complete the simple questionnaire in the waiting room or online at
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
NHS CHOICES
If you wish to leave a compliment about the Practice so that other patients may consider using our
services please consider visiting www.nhs.uk and giving us a star rating.
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If you have any complaints or concerns about the service you have received from your Practice or
any of the staff working here, please let us know. Catherine Darlington, Business Manager, will be
pleased to deal with any concern or complaint either by telephone or in writing.
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk
www.saltairemedicalpractice.nhs.uk