Ity looks as if we may hit the highest temperature for June next week

Look after yourself and follow the advice given to everyone from the NHS

STAY SAFE IN VERY HOT WEATHER NHS Guidance
KEEP YOURSELF COOL Drink plenty of water Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine Wear loose, light clothing Take cool showers or use a damp cloth Keep curtains/blinds closed on the sunny side Use fans if you have them	KEEP YOUR HOME COOL Open windows when it’s cooler outside Close windows/blinds when it’s hotter outside Turn off unused lights and appliances Spend time in the coolest room Use cool public spaces (library, supermarket) if needed	LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH Heat can worsen long‑term conditions If you feel unwell, use NHS 111 online Don’t stop medicines without advice Watch for heat exhaustion: headache • dizziness • nausea • fast breathing • pale, clammy skin
PROTECT YOURSELF OUTDOORS Stay out of the sun 11am–3pm Use SPF 30+ sunscreen Wear a hat and sunglasses Carry water Avoid strenuous activity Never leave anyone in a parked car	CHECK ON OTHERS Look out for: older adults babies and young children people with long‑term conditions people living alone anyone in a hot or poorly ventilated home	KEEP BABIES & CHILDREN SAFE Keep them out of direct sun Offer regular drinks Dress lightly Never cover a pram with a blanket Keep bedrooms cool (ideally 16–20°C)
HEATSTROKE IS AN EMERGENCY Call 999 if someone: is not sweating despite being very hot is confused, unresponsive or has a seizure has very fast breathing has a high temperature and feels unwell While waiting for help: move to a cool place • cool the skin • fan them • give fluids if conscious
Stay safe. Stay cool. Look after each other.

Clift Surgery is updating how it communicates with patients

“Our communication system has recently been improved. Reception, GPs, nurses and the dispensary team can now send updates by email.

Please remember to check both your email inbox and your NHS App if you are expecting a message from the surgery, including notifications when your prescription is ready to collect. It is important to switch on notifications for the NHS App so you don’t miss anything.

From now on, email will be our main method of contacting you via Accurx. If you have a preferred way of receiving messages, please let a member of staff know.

If you would prefer to continue receiving text messages when your medication is ready, please speak to a member of staff about signing up for the Pharmabox. This provides a quick and convenient way to collect your medication during and outside of surgery hours.”

For additional support, please email ppgclift@gmail.com

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.