News from the Patient Participation Group

Welcome to our December edition

Our PPG meeting at the end of October was attended by two of the Practice Partners and attracted new as well as long standing members, both face-to-face and online. Apart from updates on the Practice and the PPG, one of the main topics under discussion was self care and this is covered below.

Practice update

Staff:

Paxton Green has a new set of trainee GPs, (doctors who are specialising in general practice rather than becoming a hospital consultant). You can read who they are under Meet the Team on the Practice website.

A new practice nurse has joined the team and it is hoped that another will follow shortly.

The building:

Work is continuing to convert the old baby clinic room into two new consulting rooms. 

Test Results:

An increasing number of patients are signing up for the NHS app which enables them to get their results simply and quickly once they are available.

Consequently, the results line on 020 8655 9235 is receiving less calls and it will therefore now only be staffed for 1 hour between 12pm and 1pm on weekdays.

PPG Steering Group update

The Group has been continuing to liaise with the IT team regarding the website content and will be reviewing the displays of patient information with key practice staff.

Your community pharmacist can advise on a large number of minor conditions including aches and pains, colds and flu, ear and eye problems, rashes and stomach aches, without the need to see your doctor, as well things such as weight management, smoking cessation and contraception. In addition, under the Pharmacy First scheme, your community pharmacist can treat and prescribe medicines for earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Your pharmacist will refer you to another health service if it is considered to be more appropriate.

Certain Lambeth pharmacies are participating in the Pharmacy First Scheme plus which as well as providing professional health care advice to those most in need can offer recommended medicines free of charge to those who are eligible such as patients on income support or pension credit.

More detailed information about both schemes, and where to access them, can be found on our Appointments page.

While on the subject of Self Care, the national Self Care Forum has 28 really informative free fact sheets to download covering a variety of topics from minor ailments to boosting your mood and the menopause. See their website for more information.

The Self-Help Zone on the Practice website has advice, tips and tools on making the best choices about your physical and mental health and wellbeing, getting social care support and more. See our Self-Help zone here and do have a look at the information on the noticeboards around the Practice.

Finally, remember that the Practice requires three working days to process requests for repeat prescriptions and don’t forget to allow for any extra days when it is closed such as at Christmas and New Year. It is best to order when you have only a week’s supply left. 

Autism Strategy

At a national level, the UK government has committed to improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families by implementing policies, guidelines and initiatives that address this population’s unique needs and challenges.

Based on this, Lambeth has developed an All Age Autism Strategy which includes improving children and young people’s access to education and supporting transitions into adulthood, supporting autistic individuals into employment, tackling health and care inequalities, building community support and inpatient care and working with parents/carers.  You can read more about the strategy on the Lambeth GOV website here.

Services for young people and children with disabilities

The Lambeth SEND local offer is a place where you can find out about services and support for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities.

It can also signpost to your nearest provider in other local boroughs.  It contains a huge amount of information about how to get help and gives practical guidance and advice.  See the Lambeth GOV website for more information.

Published: Nov 28, 2024