March has arrived with its display of yellow, white and pink, soon to be followed by blue. As the days become longer people start to feel better, physically and emotionally. Getting outside is one of the best things to raise the spirits, get some exercise and get a much-needed dose of Vitamin D.
Clift Surgery is having a face lift, with some decoration, a new examining room and the Portacabin is now in use as an office and staff room. Its use will evolve over time, but it is a much needed and welcomed addition to the accommodation.
Spring COVID boosters will be available shortly and those eligible will be invited soon.
Congratulations to Dr Ward for raising an amazing amount of money for the frailty team. This means so many more people can be tested in their own home, thus avoiding difficult and stressful journeys to the hospital. Many thanks to all who donated.
For those who aren’t confident in using their Smart phone for the NHS app and would like some support, the PPG will be holding regular sessions. Keep a look out on our Facebook page and in the surgery for further details.
Health Awareness Day in January
People braved the awful weather to attend a very interesting and helpful day about prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Ward and Dr Champion gave a excellent talk on what diabetes is and what happens in your body. This included a practical demonstration using a large number of coloured balls! I hope they re-create this for You Tube. Such a fun yet clear explanation.
The second session explained about the impact of exercise and nutrition.
Several organisations also attended including Better Gym in Festival Place, Diabetes UK, the Red Cross Social Prescriber and the Podiatry Team who had lots of hints and tips on how to look after your feet.
The PPG provided refreshments including homemade savoury muffins and sugar free biscuits.
Look out for similar events locally.
News from the dispensary
The dispensary is working hard to prepare prescriptions on time and the turn around has improved greatly. However, there are occasions when patients forget to submit their repeat prescription in time.
This results in an emergency prescription having to be issued and that pushes back requests that were made in the appropriate time scale.
To help everyone concerned, please make a note of when you picked up your last medicine and write in a diary or calendar when the next requestion should be submitted.
Thank you to all the staff in the dispensary who work so hard to make sure patients receive what they need for a healthy life.
