St George's Medical Centre

Most high street opticians in the UK offer free eye tests funded by the NHS to those who qualify.

It's usually a simple and easy process! You can book an appointment online to get a free eye test at most opticians, including Boots Opticians, Vision Express or Specsavers.

To find out whether you are eligible for a free test or NHS Optical vouchers to reduce the price of your glasses or contact lenses, go to https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers/

Did you know you can receive secure messages and notifications from trusted healthcare services, like your GP surgery via the NHS App?

You can enable this service by switching on notifications within the NHS App. By enabling notifications, this will also allow you to view and act on messages quickly, as well as help NHS staff update you about your care.

Please note that time-critical messages are not sent via NHS App.

To enable notifications:

∙ Log in to the NHS App.
∙ Go to More.
∙ Select Account and settings.
∙ Then select Manage notifications.
∙ Use the toggle to turn notifications on
∙ Turning your notifications on/off may take up to 24 hours to take effect.

If you use the app on multiple devices, you'll need to allow notifications on each device.

You can also watch this short step-by-step video guide on how to enable notifications in the NHS App ⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBDj4RyfxZs

NHS staff are here to help you. Thank you for treating us with respect

🌟 Celebrate Learning Disability Week! 🌟

Join us in supporting Learning Disability Week by sharing valuable resources. Check out this book from Pinpoint for parents, carers, and professionals. It offers invaluable guidance on navigating the diagnosis pathway or exploring the possibility that a child or young person may be neurodiverse.

📖 Discover the Book https://www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk/neurodiversity-book/

Let's spread awareness and support our community!

Neurodiversity Book Raising a child or young person with special needs in Cambridgeshire? Pinpoint offers useful information for parent carers.Can’t find the information you need? Contact us and we’ll put you in touch with experts and advisors who can help.

☀️ With the peak of the summer heat around the corner, it's essential to stay safe in the sun. The NHS offers these vital tips to protect your skin and overall health:

🧴 Sun Protection Tips:
1. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
2. Seek Shade: Stay in the shade, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM when the sun is strongest.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
5. Avoid Tanning Beds: Use self-tanning products instead of tanning beds.

🌟 Why It Matters:
- Prevent Skin Cancer: Reduces the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Avoid Sunburn: Protects against painful sunburns that can damage skin cells.
- Prevent Premature Aging: Helps avoid wrinkles, leathery skin, and age spots caused by sun exposure.
- Maintain Overall Skin Health: Keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy.

For more sun safety information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly! ☀️🧢🕶️

⚠️ Important: E. coli Outbreak - What to Do If You Have Symptoms ⚠️

We want to alert our community to a recent rise in E. coli cases. Please read this important advice to stay informed and safe.

🦠 What is E. coli? E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause severe stomach pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water.

❗ Symptoms to Watch For:

Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever

👩‍⚕️ If You Have Symptoms:

Seek Medical Attention: Contact your healthcare provider if you are ill for more than 7 days or experience symptoms of dehydration

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.

Avoid Spreading the Infection: Wash your hands frequently and avoid preparing food for others until you are symptom-free.

For more detailed information, visit the official advice from NICE: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/diarrhoea-adults-assessment/management/acute-diarrhoea-less-than-4-weeks/

Meningitis can strike quickly and is a serious illness, especially in children. Knowing the signs and what to do could save a life. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and a rash that doesn't fade under pressure.

If you suspect meningitis, don't wait. Seek medical help immediately or call 999 for emergency assistance. Protect your child with routine vaccinations against meningitis, including the MenACWY and MenB vaccines.

Check with your GP to ensure they're up to date. Learn more about meningitis and the vaccines available - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/vaccination/

Today, on World Blood Donor Day, let's celebrate the heroes who donate blood and plasma to save lives. Plasma donations are crucial for patients with severe burns, trauma, and certain medical conditions. Your donation can make a huge difference!

💉 Why Donate Plasma?

- Life-Saving Treatment: Plasma is used in therapies for serious health conditions.

- High Demand: Plasma is always needed to help patients recover.

- You Can Help: A single plasma donation can help multiple patients

🏥 How to Donate:

1. Find a donation center near you.

2. Book an appointment.

3. Donate and save lives!

For more information and to find your nearest donation centre, visit https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/how-you-can-help/donate/).

Be a hero. Donate plasma. 💪❤️

Patient notice - We will be closed for staff training on Tuesday 18th June between 2.00-6.30pm.
AskMyGP will be open between 8am-10am for online requests. Phone lines will be open from 8.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-2.00pm.
For urgent medical assistance during this time please contact 111. As usual, for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain or collapse, please dial 999.

👥 It’s Men’s Health Week! Let’s Talk About Mental Health with Andy’s Man Club 👥

This Men’s Health Week, we’re shining a light on the importance of mental health. Andy’s Man Club provides a safe space for men to talk, listen, and support each other. Remember, it's okay to talk.

🗓️ Join a Session:

Every week, men across the UK gather to share their experiences and support one another. Whether you’re struggling or just need to chat, Andy’s Man Club is here for you.

📍 Find your nearest group: Visit https://www.andysmanclub.co.uk to find a session near you.

Let’s break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health together. 💬

🩸 Concerned About Infected Blood? 🩸

With the recent media coverage, we understand you might have concerns about your health. The NHS has set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support.

🔗 Visit: https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support

If you're worried about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a free, confidential home NHS test online. Get your self-testing kit quickly dispatched to your home:

🔗 Order Here: https://hepctest.nhs.uk

Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood. While it usually clears up on its own, it can develop into chronic hepatitis B. Learn more here:

🔗 Info: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-b/

HIV testing is available free of charge on the NHS, including home testing and home sampling kits:

*🔗 More on HIV Testing: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/

Stay informed and take care of your health with these valuable resources. 💙

If you’re a carer for a child or adult and you are registered with the same practice, you can link your NHS App accounts.
Use the app to book appointments, view messages and upcoming appointments all in one place.

Find out more by visiting: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/linked-profiles-in-the-nhs-app/

Or download it now for Apple devices: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/nhs-app/id1388411277

Or Android devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhs.online.nhsonline&pcampaignid=web_share

Find out about local activities and support available locally on JOY Marketplace. From arts and craft activities, community groups, gardening clubs, healthy lifestyles, exercise classes, helping with money matters, mental health support, and many more. Visit https://services.thejoyapp.com/ to find out more.

Planning a trip? Make sure you're protected! 🛡️ Travel vaccines are essential to keep you safe from diseases while exploring new destinations. Here's when and where to get your travel vaccines:

🗓️ When: Ideally, get your vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to ensure they're fully effective.

🏥 Where:
- Pharmacy: Many local pharmacies offer travel vaccinations. Convenient and quick!
- NHS: Your GP or a local NHS travel clinic can provide the necessary vaccines and advice.

Stay healthy and travel smart! For more information, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/ 💉🌏

A baby’s brain is making one million neural connections every second! 🤯 Pregnancy and the first two years are crucial for their healthy development. Every interaction between you and your baby lays the foundation for their physical and emotional wellbeing, now and in the future. Secure relationships with parents and carers positively impact child development outcomes and reduce the likelihood of mental health difficulties. 🌟

Discover more about bonding with your baby and making the most of these precious moments: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/baby-basics/bonding-with-your-baby/ 💕

Looking for local activities in your area? Visit JOY Marketplace online, your local directory of activities, groups and support available near you. Visit https://services.thejoyapp.com/ to find out more.

Why learn child and baby first aid? 👶🩹 Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, especially when it comes to our little ones. Learning child and baby first aid equips you with life-saving skills to respond confidently in emergencies. From choking and CPR to burns and fevers, being prepared can make all the difference. Join us in prioritising safety and peace of mind.

Discover more at https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid-for-babies-and-children.

🚑💙

📢 Important Update: Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise

We want to inform you about a concerning trend in whooping cough cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In March alone, there were 1,319 confirmed cases, a significant increase from previous months. Sadly, this year has already seen five infant deaths due to whooping cough.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/whooping-cough-cases-continue-to-rise

But there's some good news too! The pertussis vaccine given during pregnancy is highly effective in protecting both mothers and babies. By getting vaccinated between 16 to 32 weeks of pregnancy, or even up to birth, you can pass on crucial antibodies to your baby, giving them early protection.

We understand there may be questions or concerns about vaccination. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk to your GP about getting vaccinated against whooping cough. Let's work together to keep our families healthy and safe. 🌟

Joy helps you to find activities, groups and support offers near you. From walking groups to helping with money advice, it’s about what matters to you. Visit https://services.thejoyapp.com/ to find out more.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection injures its tissues and organs.

Recognising the signs and acting quickly is crucial. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek medical help immediately by calling 999.

Early detection and prompt treatment can make all the difference. For more information, go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

🩺🚨

Have you seen an Asian hornet?

What is it?
A highly aggressive predator of native insects that poses a significant threat to honey bees and other pollinators. Originally from Asia, in 2004 this invasive non-native species was accidentally introduced to France where it has spread rapidly and into neighbouring countries. Since 2016 a number of sightings have been recorded in the UK.

Slightly smaller than the native European hornet. May be confused with other species, shown below in actual size for comparison.

Where might I see it?
May be seen on flowering plants, around beehives, around rotting / fermenting fruit and protein, and at street markets attracted by sweet fruit and fish stalls. Active February to November across England and Wales.

Please report sightings immediately with a photo:
• with the iPhone and Android recording app: Asian Hornet Watch
• online at: nonnativespecies.org/asianhornet
• by email: [email protected]

For more information on invasive non-native species visit: nonnativespecies.org

We would like to make patients aware that we will be closed for staff training Tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd May between 2.00-6.30pm.
AskMyGP will be open between 8am-10am for online requests. Phone lines will be open from 8.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-2.00pm.
For urgent medical assistance during this time please contact 111. As usual, for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain or collapse, please dial 999.

COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

You or your child may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine if you:

are 75 years or over (you need to be 75 years old by 30 June 2024)
are 6 months to 74 years old and have a weakened immune system
live in a care home for older adults
If you’re eligible, you can get a spring COVID-19 vaccine by:

booking online
going to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
booking on the NHS App
talking to a local NHS service, such as a
For more information, go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine/

We would like to make patients aware that we will be closed for staff training Wednesday 22nd May between 2.00-6.30pm.
AskMyGP will be open between 8am-10am for online requests. Phone lines will be open from 8.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-2.00pm.
For urgent medical assistance during this time please contact 111. As usual, for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain or collapse, please dial 999.

Unlocking Access: Celebrate International Accessibility Awareness Day on May 18th! 🌍💻 It's a day to raise awareness and advocate for digital inclusion, ensuring everyone has equal access to online resources and opportunities. From accessible websites to assistive technologies, let's work together to break down barriers and create a more inclusive digital landscape. Join us in promoting awareness, understanding, and action.

Explore resources, tutorials, and tools for digital empowerment at https://www.learnmyway.com/explore-the-subjects. Together, we can make a difference!

📱✨