IT IS GETTING COLDER!!!
And so it begins – scraping ice off the car and pulling out the winter woollies!!
As the weather gets colder (and we are forecasted a white winter this year) please remember to check on friends and relatives who may be vulnerable. We need to ensure everyone is kept warm and safe in their own homes.
We also need to ensure that we are protected against viruses that could potentially be fatal to anyone over 65 years of age or who have a chronic disease such as COPD, diabetes or who are immunosuppressant.
Forest Medical will be vaccinating all our patients who fall into these categories and I strongly urge you to visit us on our Flu Day (5th October) or make an appointment with a Healthcare Assistant for your flu vaccination. If you are visiting any of our clinicians at any time do not be afraid to enquire as to whether you need a flu vaccination, if you are you will be vaccinated straight away – no need for another appointment.
Children age 5 years and above are now receiving their Fluenz in schools. Therefore we are offering the Fluenz nasal spray to vaccinate all 2, 3 and 4 year olds against the influenza virus. Once more we are holding a Halloween themed Fluenz Day whereby staff will be dressed up to make the experience more enjoyable for your children. Unfortunately Halloween falls on a Monday this year which is our busiest day, therefore please bring your children on Tuesday 1st November (we will just pretend it is still Halloween!).
Again this year we are holding a Flu Season Raffle and tickets are for sale on reception at both our sites. The prize drawer will be done on Friday 30th December and the lucky winners will be informed shortly after.
All proceeds from the ticket sales will be added to the PPG fundraising pot. We are hoping to purchase Near Patient Testing which will directly benefit the huge amount of patients who have their bloods taken with us. This is because most bloods can be tested there and then rather than sending them to the Pathology Department at Kings Mill.
Our PPG is always looking at ways to enhance our service to our patients and if you would like to contact them or join our group please email Neil at ppg_rsch@hotmail.co.uk.
APPOINTMENT SYSTEM
As you aware I encourage all patients to provide me with their view on our services. Recent suggestions have been a rethink of our appointment system and so we have done just that.
From 1st October 2016 we are trialling a new way of making GP appointments. Rather than having to call after 12 for an afternoon appointment we are going to make appointments available to book at anytime during the day.
GP appointments on the day are for patients that really do need to be seen on the day. If you need something less urgent such as a sick note, a medication review or more medication, the receptionist may be able to assist or will help you find an appointment to book in the future. We can book up to 6 weeks in advance so as long as you do not want to see a specific GP or at a specific time you should be able to get an appointment without any difficulty.
CONTACT DETAILS
It is extremely important that you update us when you move home or change your mobile number. If you are unsure as to whether we have your correct details please use the CONTACT US page and let us know the following –
Full Name
Date of Birth
Address
Mobile Phone Number
Email Address
You can also do this online if you have signed up to SystmOnline.
If you would like any assistance setting up your SystmOnline just simply contact us and we will get back to you with the details.
Kind Regards
Nicola Ryan
Practice Manager