Lancaster Medical Practice

November is and Dr Neil Smith, primary care director at our Cancer Alliance, has this message for people in Lancashire and South Cumbria



👉www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer

Suffering from a Sore Throat?

Pharmacists are qualified to give you healthcare advice and treat a whole range of conditions - without the need for a GP appointment.

The NHS Pharmacy First service is available at your local pharmacy and they can give advice and, if needed, NHS medicines, to treat seven common health conditions.

Call in to the pharmacy if you suspect you have:

✅ Earache (in children aged 1 year to 17 years)
✅ Impetigo (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
✅ Infected inset bite (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
✅ Shingles (adults aged 18 years and over)
✅ Sinusitis (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
✅ Sore throat (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
✅ Urinary tract infection (women, aged 16 to 64 years)

ℹ️ Advance notice - upcoming practice closure

We will be closed from 12:30pm on Wednesday 13 November for essential staff training and we will re-open at 8:00am on Thursday 14 November.

If you require medical assistance while we are closed, please contact 111.

In an emergency (if you have chest pains and / or shortness of breath), dial 999.

The early symptoms of a heart attack don’t always feel severe.

A squeezing across the chest. A feeling of unease.

It’s never too early to call 999 and describe your symptoms: www.nhs.uk/HeartAttack

🩺 Walk-In Vaccine Appointments at Rosebank Surgery this Saturday, 9th November! 🩺

Eligible patients can stop by at Rosebank Surgery for a Flu and Covid vaccine! The last day to get your winter Covid booster is 20th December 2024!

Vaccines are a great way to reduce your risk of serious illness this winter, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

📆 Walk-in or book through Patchs or give us a call at 📞 01524 551551.

➡️ Check if you’re eligible here: https://www.lancastermedicalpractice.co.uk/health-information/flu-covid-19-hub/flu-and-covid-19-vaccination-eligibility/

💪 Get “winter strong” and stay protected so you can enjoy your plans worry-free!

Did you know about the New Medicine Service?

Through this service, your pharmacists are able to support you and carers to manage newly prescribed medicines for long-term conditions and support in making shared decisions about your care.

pharmacists can help you manage any newly prescribed medicines for the following conditions:

✅ asthma and COPD
✅ diabetes (Type 2)
✅ hypertension
✅ hypercholesterolaemia
✅ osteoporosis
✅ gout
✅ glaucoma
✅ epilepsy
✅ urinary incontinence/retention
✅ Parkinson’s disease
✅ heart failure
✅ acute coronary syndromes
✅ atrial fibrillation
✅ long term risks of venous thromboembolism/embolism
✅ stroke/transient ischemic attack
✅ coronary heart disease

Here is what we were up to in October!

🩺 Walk-In Vaccine Appointments at Dalton Square Tomorrow! 🩺

This Saturday (2nd November), eligible patients can stop by the Dalton Square Surgery for a Flu and Covid vaccine!

Vaccines are a great way to reduce your risk of serious illness this winter, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

📆 Appointments are available for eligible patients. You can walk-in tomorrow or book through Patchs or give us a call at 📞 01524 551551.

➡️ Check if you’re eligible here: https://www.lancastermedicalpractice.co.uk/health-information/flu-covid-19-hub/flu-and-covid-19-vaccination-eligibility/

💪 Get “winter strong” and stay protected so you can enjoy your plans worry-free!

Op COURAGE provides specialist care and support for UK Armed Forces veterans, service leavers and reservists who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

Op COURAGE can help you and your family with a range of support and treatment, including:

ℹ helping you transition from military to civilian life by providing mental health care with Defence Medical Services (DMS)
ℹ helping you recognise and treat early signs of mental health problems, as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
ℹ providing support and treatment for substance misuse and addictions
ℹ helping you to access other NHS mental health services if you need them
ℹ liaising with charities and local organisations to support your wider health and wellbeing needs, such as help with housing, relationships, finances and employment
ℹ supporting armed forces families affected by mental health problems, including helping them to access local services

Available across England, visit www.nhs.uk/opcourage for more information.

Considering the coil?

The coil is a small T-shaped device that’s put into your womb to stop you getting pregnant.

Coils are more than 99% effective for contraception. There are hormone containing coils (IUS eg mirena) and copper coils (IUD).

We can offer a consultation prior to fitting to determine which coil is most suitable for your needs!

ℹ They can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on the type of coil

ℹ They can be taken out at any time if your circumstances change

We have coil-fitting appointments available at various times. Clinics are friendly, and appointments slots are long enough to give patients time to discuss the procedure and any questions they may have. We also have an assistant present to help look after the patient throughout.

Book an appointment with one of our practice nurses or GPs today to discuss your options.

To know more facts about the coil:

👉 Copper coils (IUD) - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/iud-coil/
👉 Hormonal coils (IUS) - IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
👉 NHS information on all forms of contraception: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/

Respiratory viruses, such as flu, usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period.

Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best possible protection.

An estimated 4.2 million adults in England are living with undiagnosed high blood
pressure. Left untreated, it can significantly increase your risk of a fatal heart attack,
stroke, kidney disease or vascular dementia.

If you're aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at a local pharmacy.

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you, without needing to book 👉 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-blood-pressure-checks/?WT.mc_ID=CVD24_PR&wt.tsrc=affiliate

🎓 Attention Students! 📝

Are you in need of health documentation from your GP? 🏥 Make sure you plan ahead! It can take up to 30 days (sometimes longer during busy periods) to fulfill your request. ⏳

👉 Don’t wait until the last minute—be prepared and submit your request early to avoid delays. ✅

Early detection can help prevent cervical cancer from further developing.

Come and get a smear test at our next Super Saturday Smear clinic at Rosebank Surgery on Saturday 16th November 2024.

You can book an appointment via Patchs or call at the reception on 01524 551551.

Here is what will happen in those lifesaving 5 minutes:

👉 You'll be asked to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
👉 The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
👉 They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your va**na. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
👉 The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
👉 Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
👉 The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.

You will always be in control of the cervical screening test and can ask the nurse to stop at any time.

Expecting? Keep your baby safe from serious illness with the RSV vaccine.

Get vaccinated from 28 weeks of pregnancy and reduce the risk of RSV complications.

During pregnancy, you’re more vulnerable to gum disease.

Remember, your dental check-ups and treatments are FREE up to a year after your baby’s birth. Visit Start for Life for more tips and advice!

Quit Smoking for ?

More oxygen will be getting to your skin, making it brighter, and your teeth will no longer be getting stained with tar.

Struggling with addiction and substance misuse?

Inspire Clinics are here to support you every Friday at LMP King Street Surgery!

Services Include:

🌟Personalized Care Plans
🤝 One-to-One Support
👥 Group Therapy Sessions
💉 Needle Exchange Program
🏠 Community Detox Support
👪 Family & Carer Resources
🔄 Recovery & Aftercare Programs

Take the First Step:
➡️ Visit inspirelancs.org.uk/north-and-central
➡️ Contact our reception team for more information