Leighton Buzzard PCN

Celebrating older people and the contribution they make to society

Central Bedfordshire residents are invited to come and join in a celebration linked to International Day of Older Persons. The event is taking place on 1st October 2021.

Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire is delighted to be able to host the annual Festival for Older People, now in its 10th year, at the Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH, from 10.00 – 14.30.

As well as being a fun social event, this is also an opportunity for older people to receive information about health, social care and housing services available locally and how to access them.

Helen Nellis, HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire said of the virtual festival held last year:
“People who are slightly older are full of wisdom and full of experience and we need to hear that voice. I just wanted to thank you all so much. I am delighted that there are so many organisations participating this week…to make the lives of our older citizens better in so many ways”.

This year, we are thankful to once again be joined by exhibitors from many statutory and voluntary organisations and local groups offering advice and information about local services for older people, including leisure activities, holistic services and much, much more.

All working together to engage the older community and promote their wellbeing, there will be plenty of free refreshments and entertainment throughout the day, such as May Blossom, Vintage Inspired Singer entertaining us with her rendition of 50’s and 60’s music, Escape2VR virtual reality wellbeing and entertainment, complementary therapies and treatments will be available in the Wellbeing room and Mobility Physio will be taking us through some gentle exercises. Blood pressure checks will be available on the day and Macmillan Cancer Support will be selling cakes donated by volunteers, Meal Time and Central Bedfordshire College.

COVID Safety – free hand sanitiser and masks will be available and we recommend that visitors have received both vaccinations and do not have any COVID symptoms prior to entry.

For more information about the event please contact Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire by email at [email protected], or call on 0300 303 8554. Visit the website https://healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk/festival-for-older-people-2021

Festival for older people 2021 Just two weeks to go until our annual ‘Festival for Older People’.   Friday 1st October 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm at The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH Entry, entertainment, lunch, tea and coffee are all FREE! Free parking is available Plus…a Goody bag for all visitors...

From Operations Manager:
At the end of September I will be retiring from the PCN and wanted to wish you all well. My successor, Paul, has already been chosen and will take up his role on 1st October.
The past year has seen the patients of Leighton Buzzard come together and support each other during the Covid pandemic.
The community spirit has been nothing less than fantastic. It has been an honour and privilege to have managed the vaccination centre at the rugby club and it was an experience that will always stay with me. Praise should go to the volunteers, staff of the rugby club and Practices who all came together to make it a success. Additionally, I would like to pass on my thanks to local supermarkets that supported the programme and donated refreshments to us all. Also, thank you to the Leighton Buzzard Observer (Steve Sims) for their excellent reporting.

The PCN is heading for a very bright future. We now have two joint Clinical Directors, Dr Henderson and Dr Lewis. They, and the Practices, will be supported by Paul Quinton, the new Operations Manager.
Finally, I wish you all good health.

Stephen King

From Operations Manager. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers that attended the BBQ on Friday.
I am sorry that I was unable to attend but I was volunteering at the National School Games in Loughborough.
Steve

A reminder to all who volunteered their time at the PCN Covid Vaccination Centre held at the LB Rugby Club that the planned 'Thank you' BBQ is on Friday 3rd September @ 19:30.

From PCN Operations Manager:

Phase 3 of the Covid-19 vaccination programme (booster vaccinations) is being planned at the moment. As soon as more information becomes available and plans are more advanced, I will relay information to you all.

Please DO NOT contact your Practice.

I will post more information on this site as it becomes available.

From: PCN Operations Manager to all Vaccination Site volunteers.

Dear all, due to unforeseen circumstances the planned BBQ functions have had to be rescheduled. The BBQ planned for the volunteers on 13th August will now take place at the Rugby Club on Friday 3rd September.

Many thanks for your patience but we ae all looking forward to seeing you again to celebrate your achievements.

From PCN Operations Manager:

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

Locality Coffee Mornings led by the Nursing team at LRS.

Sessions run weekly on a Wednesday between 11.30 and 12.30 via Zoom.

The project is led by the Nursing team at LRS and funded by The Queens Nursing Institute. It aims to connect patients through social media so ideal for those who are recovering from illness or are housebound. We can support patients with digital devices if needed and help them to access the sessions.

The Armchair based exercise session is facilitated by 2 Pilates instructors from Move Better Fitness Academy. The sessions are open to any Leighton Buzzard resident and are ideal for anyone who is struggling with their mobility.

Armchair based exercise (CBE) programmes have been used to improve health and wellness in different areas of physical activity and cognitive function for many of the general population who are unable to partake in regular exercise classes. Areas of improvement include strength, improved posture, and balance.

Exercises and techniques from Pilates, neuroscience, breath work and movement help reduce pain, improve movement, balance, co-ordination, and strength. Exercises can be adapted for different abilities and progress as the individual improves.

We also recognise that Covid-19 shielding requirements identified many patients experiencing widening social isolation, loneliness and poor mental health.

A briefing from The Social Care Institute for Excellence highlighted that loneliness and social isolation can have a detrimental impact on the physical, mental and social health of isolated older people.

The Campaign to End Loneliness points to research which shows that lacking social connections is as damaging to health as smoking 15 ci******es a day.

Lonely individuals are more likely to visit their GP, use more medication and have a higher incidence of falls and evermore likely to enter early into residential or nursing care.

A great opportunity for anyone to connect with us - session includes a 20 min armchair based exercise session followed by a quiz or chat!

Link to join the Flex & Connect Session: Sessions run weekly on a Wednesday between 11.30 and 12.30 via Zoom.
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From PCN Operations Manager. Today saw the departure of our equipment and consumables from the Rugby Club and the official closure of the PCN Vaccination Centre.

On behalf of the PCN, I would like to thank the whole community of Leighton Buzzard for their commitment and support to the vaccination programme.

The PCN will continue to support the patients of Leighton Buzzard.

Armed Forces Day!!

Show your support.

From Stephen King, PCN Operations Manager: The NHS is getting ready this weekend to provide hundreds of vaccination walk-in centres across England. Click on the link below to see where you can go in our areas to get your jab:

https://www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/drop-in-covid-19-vaccination-sessions-available-for-people-aged-40-and-over/

Anyone over the aged of 18 can use the walk-in centres.
For the first time in the area’s local vaccination programme, drop-in sessions are being offered at our large vaccination centres to make the most of available vaccine supplies. That’s why, for a limited period, people who have yet to book their vaccine can turn up at a number of sites in our region during opening hours to receive their first or second dose of the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine.

Drop-in Sessions - BLMK CCG Drop-in COVID-19 vaccination sessions available for people aged 18 and […]

Matthew Law receives the final vaccination from the PCN Clinical Director, Dr John Henderson.

Final shift

Patients who have a booked appointment at the Rugby Club this afternoon may arrive at any time between now at 7 p.m.

Please do not come to the Vaccination Centre if you don not have an appointment. Only those with a confirmed appointment for this afternoon should arrive.

Stephen King, Operations Manager

From PCN Operations Manger.

Today, after 7 months, sees the final day of vaccinations at the Centre.

It has been a privilege to have served the patients of Leighton Buzzard. Your support has been nothing short of amazing and we will miss you all.

Stephen King, Operations Manager

From PCN Operations Manager:

Dear patients, may I remind you that Friday 11th June will be the final day of vaccinations at the LB Rugby Club.

May I urge you all that if you receive an invitation for your 2nd dose of AstraZeneca, either by text or 'phone from your Practice, please book an appointment.

Once we have finished, patients will have to attend an appointment at a Mass Vaccination Site.

From PCN Operations Manager:

We will soon be drawing our vaccination programme to a close. Our final day will be on Friday 11th June where we will be administering 2nd doses of AstraZeneca.
After this date, patients will have to book into a Mass Vaccination Site for their 2nd dose. The nearest to Leighton Buzzard is either at Wing or Dunstable.
Please don't miss out - please book your vaccination.

Second COVID Vaccinations: Update

From PCN Operations Manager:

We are now drawing our locally organised vaccination programe to a close and envisage that this will only be operational for another 1-2 weeks. Please therefore respond promptly to any text messages or telephone invitations you receive from your Practice.

Once the local vaccination service at the Rugby Club closes, immunisation will continue to be available via the Mass Vaccination Centres which are bookable by contacting 119 or via the government website where you can book a slot directly at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Book or manage your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination Use this service to book a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination or manage your appointments.

Dr. Weston draws up the very last dose of Pfizer to be administered at the LB Vaccination Centre.
From next week we will be delivering AstraZeneca.
A huge milestone of over 25,000 vaccinations administered to patients.
Thank you all.

The PCN would like to thank The Dine Yard for their generous gift of hot lunch today. It was gratefully eaten by staff and volunteers!!

We would also like to thank Pecks Farm Shop for their amazing deliveries of fruit to the Centre.

Thank you all so much for your generosity.

Inviting 44 year olds to book their Covid-19 vaccine.

From today (Monday 26 April), 44 year olds will be invited to book their COVID-19 vaccination through the national booking service (online at nhs.uk or by calling 119).
People will be contacted by text today and receive a letter later this week.
A decision on inviting 40-43 year olds to book will be taken shortly. This phased approach is being taken in line with available supply.

From PCN Operations Manager: Please do not go to the Vaccination Centre unless you have a confirmed appointment.

We do not have spare vaccine. You will be contacted by your Surgery to arrange an appointment.

Dear all, the vaccination centre had a late delivery and contacted some patients to come in for their second Pfizer vaccination.

We would like to stress that we do not have extra vaccines for patients to drop into the Centre. Please, please wait for your Practice to contact you.

We will get to you all.

From Stephen King, PCN Operations Manager.

The PCN Vaccination Centre has now completed the first phase of the vaccination programme. We have vaccinated a total of 14,386 patients with their first dose of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine.
We have also started to administer the second dose to patients and have already completed 1,818 vaccinations!
We will continue with the second phase of the programme and have clinics planned for the next ten days up to 15th April.
The programme with continue beyond the 15th once our vaccine delivery dates have been published.
Patients under the age of 50 will shortly be sent invitations from NHS England to attend a Mass Vaccination Site to receive their first dose. They will also be given a date for their second dose.
Patients over the age of 50 who have yet to have their first dose are encouraged to arrange an appointment at a Mass Vaccination Site for their vaccination. The nearest sites are in Dunstable and Wing.

The vaccine is starting to come in earlier than expected. You will therefore be contacted by your Practice soon to arrange an earlier date. Please wait for your Practice to contact you with a confirmed date. You will be contacted.

From PCN Operations Manager.

Today will see the end of our first phase of the vaccination programme at the Vaccination Centre and the end of administering 1st doses.
Patients are now encouraged to use the Mass Vaccination Sites; the nearest are located in Dunstable and Wing.
We will start the second phase of our programme and commence administering the 2nd doses for patients next week!!

You will be contacted by your Practice who will arrange a date and time for you to come to the Vaccination Centre for your 2nd dose.

Although you may have been given a date for your second vaccination when you booked your first, please wait for the Practice to contact you to confirm your appointment as we may be receiving the vaccine earlier than originally planned.

We are all looking forward to seeing you again!!

Please DO NOT contact your Practice. Please WAIT for them to contact you.

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One year into Covid fight and Leighton Buzzard's vaccination programme gives hope for the future Today marks exactly one year to the day since Prime Ministor Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown in the UK.

The PCN Vaccination Centre will be open from Friday to continue our efforts to vaccinate our patients. We still have a few empty appointments available. So if you have received a text from your Surgery to book an appointment, please do so. We are now contacting all patients over the age of 50 years.
Tomorrow we will be publishing next week's appointments for patients aged over 50.

Well the PCN delivered another weekend of record breaking vaccines to our patients. Thank you to all that attended. We will be back on Friday for another weekend of protecting our community.

The PCN have full clinics for Saturday and Sunday but have vacant appointments on Monday morning. so if you have received a text asking you to book at the Rugby Club, please do so.

The PCN Vaccination Centre is pleased to announce full clinics for this week's vaccination programme on Wednesday and Thursday.

A special visit to the PCN Vaccination Centre by our young Emily was reported today in the LBO.

Stephem King, the PCN Vaccination Centre Operations Manager arranged and hosted Emily's family.
https://www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/health/coronavirus/eight-year-olds-reward-for-wonderful-letter-praising-nhs-is-vip-tour-of-leighton-buzzards-vaccination-centre-3150919?fbclid=IwAR2OOeerwtRU5s_32jw9druDOo20-92Vy9q9LO8SEQcRbT9umX5U4pB2cBM

Eight-year-old's reward for 'wonderful' letter praising NHS is VIP tour of Leighton Buzzard's vaccination centre An eight-year-old schoolgirl had an experience to remember when she was given a special tour of Leighton Buzzard's Covid-19 vaccination centre.

10,000 Vaccinations!
From Stephen King, PCN Operations Manager.
Today we broke through the milestone and delivered 10,000 vaccinations.
When we started this journey and did our first vaccination on 14th January, we did not visualise that 6 weeks later we would have achieved this remarkable target. However this has not been achieved by chance. Meticulous planning and co-ordination went into the selection of the site to ensure that we worked in an efficient and safe environment.
We have been so fortunate to have chosen the Rugby Club who have welcomed us into their premises, provided all the support that we requested and have also worked as volunteers each day. Praise must also go to the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) who also saw our vision for the Vaccination Centre and agreed for the Club to be used.
Our biggest thanks go to the patients of Leighton Buzzard who have been magnificent in their support and patience whilst waiting to be called by their Practice to come for their vaccination. Additionally we have been overwhelmed by the support within the community; from businesses to individuals. You have all been so generous in your praise for the staff and volunteers that keep the Vaccination Centre going. Your numerous gifts of snacks, drinks, biscuits and sweeties have kept us nourished.
I could not close without saying thank you to the great army of volunteers who have been the smiling, kind and thoughtful group of people who have looked after in excess of 10,000 patients as they came for their vaccinations. Thank you. I will be forever grateful to you all.
Spring is coming, the weather is improving and we are looking forward to delivering the next 10,000 vaccinations in our efforts to protect you all.
Thank you.

The PCN would like to say a massive thank you to Labib and Joe, the owners of the Spice Lounge for their very generous gift of hot food for the staff and volunteers for lunch.

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts.

Patients aged 65-69

Patients aged 65-69 should by now have received a letter from NHS England inviting them to book their COVID vaccine at a local mass vaccination site.
This is to give patient choice and to allow the Primary Care Network to focus on the 18-64 medically at risk group as instructed by NHS England.
Patients in this group may decide to wait for their Practice to call them but please be aware this will be after the group shown above.

Patients who are medically at risk aged 18-64

Please do not call the surgery to book, you will receive an invite to book by a text link or your Practice will call you.
Thank you for your understanding