News

Your guide to local health services

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:47:50 +0100

Wakefield District PCT has published a local services new booklet: Your Health 2010 - Your guide to local health services. This is available in PDF format (4.3Mb) here

Medication Review

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:44:05 +0100

If you attend a clinic regularly, ie, diabetes, heart clinic, respiratory clinic and are due your medications review, this will be carried out at your appointment. If you have a reminder on your prescription you do not need to see the doctor if you are attending the clinic.

Carers

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:43:18 +0100

We are working in partnership with Carers Wakefield & District to improve our service for Carers. If you are a Carer please let the receptionist know when you are next at the surgery or collect a leaflet for further information.

Carers are ordinary people whose lives change because they are looking after relatives or friends who cannot manage at home without help. This may be due to a long term health condition, a physical, sensory or learning disability, a mental health problem or due to the effects of old age. Caring can have a major impact on your life.

Fit Note replaces Sick Note

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:24:05 +0100

From 6 April 2010, the fit note replaced the sick note (medical statement or doctor's note).

How is the fit note different?

The main change is that your GP can give you advice to help you return to work. This is because work can play an important part in helping people to recover from illness or injury.

With the fit note, your GP can choose one of two options to advise that:

you are 'not fit for work', or
you may be fit for work'

The fit note also includes more space for your GP to give general advice about the impact of your illness or injury and tick boxes for your GP to suggest, where appropriate, common ways in which your employer could support your return to work.

What does 'may be fit for work' mean?

Your GP will choose the 'may be fit for work' option if they think that returning to work - with support from your employer - will help you.

Your GP can give general advice on the fit note about how your illness or injury may affect your ability to work. You should discuss this advice with your employer to see if you can return to work. For example, your GP may suggest possible changes, such as:

returning to work gradually, for example, by starting part-time
working different hours temporarily
doing different duties or tasks
having other support to do your job, for example, if you have back pain, avoiding heavy lifting

Getting advice and support

You should talk openly and honestly with your GP about how your illness will affect you at work, so they can give you the right advice to help your recovery.

You should also be open with your employer about what you can and can't do. If you're not, your employer may not be able to provide the right support.

If your employer has an occupational health department, they may be able to give you help and advice about going back to work.

Returning to work

Your GP's first concern will be to help you get well as soon as possible.

Being signed off sick isn't always best for you, particularly if it means you lose pay or your health gets worse. It can be very frustrating if you know you can still do part of your job, even if there are some parts that you can't do.

If it's possible for you to return to work, you and your employer should agree:

how you will return
what support you will receive
how long the support will last

Pneumonia Vaccine

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:23:07 +0100

If you are over 65 years or under 65 years and have respiratory or heart disease, or are diabetic you may be at risk of pneumonia. The practice is currently offering pneumonia vaccines to patients at risk.

If you have not had a pneumonia vaccine and think you may be at risk please check at the surgery.

Patient Feedback

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:22:57 +0100

We are always keen to hear from patients on the services we provide. You can do this through the suggestion box, writing to the Practice Manager or via the Practice web page

2010 Seasonal Influenza Campaign

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:21:19 +0100

The 2010 seasonal influenza campaign will commence late September/early October depending upon delivery dates of vaccines. Please put a reminder in your diary to contact surgery in September to book your appointment.

Hayfever

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:20:18 +0100

Symptoms: blocked or itchy nose, sore, steaming and watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pain or tickly throat.

How You Can Try to Avoid Hay Fever

If you suffer from hay fever look out for the pollen count which is publicised in many newspapers and is often on TV weather forecasts.

Ask your pharmacist for advice, there are a range of over the counter medicines available to treat hay fever such as antihistamines, decongestants and eye drops.

Repeat Prescriptions

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:19:09 +0100

If you are wanting to request a repeat prescription please telephone after 11.00 am as our telephones lines are less busy after this time.

Monday is our busiest day for phone calls and we often receive 500 during the day. The telephones are usually at their busiest between 8.30 and 10.30am.

Alternatively you can:

leave a voicemail outside surgery hours by following the instructions on the phone system
order repeat prescriptions on line through our website
tick the items on your counterfoil and leave in the box in the waiting room at each surgery

Drop in Blood Clinic

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:17:55 +0100

The drop in blood clinic has been a huge success. The clinics are being held Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8.30 and 11.30 and Monday afternoons between 1.30 and 4.15 pm at Ferrybridge Surgery on High Street.

Patients do not need to book an appointment to attend the clinic and can just drop in if blood tests have been requested, however patients can still pre-book an appointment in any of the other blood clinics if they would prefer.

New Walk-in Blood Tests and Blood Pressure Clinics - No Appointment Needed

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:09:01 +0000

We now have a walk-in blood test and Blood Pressure clinic at Ferrybridge Medical Centre (old building on High Street) every Monday 13.30 - 16.15, Tuesday 8.30 - 11.30 and Thursday 8.30 - 11.30 no appointment is necessary.

Merry Christmas

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:46:21 +0000

From all at the practice, may we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Complaints Leaflet

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

We have produced a patient information leaflet concerning complaints to the practice

Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Miners' Knee)

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:24:32 +0000

New government help for miners - Osteoarthritis of the Knee (commonly known as miners knee) - Click on this link for more information

Welcome to the new website!

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:14:56 +0100

Welcome to the newly redesigned website for Dr Pinder and Partners. We hope you like it, and of course - any and all feedback is much appreciated! Thanks

Swine Flu Update

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:01:15 +0100

Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus.

Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.

The UK has now moved to a treatment phase to manage the current pandemic flu outbreak. As a result GP's will diagnose cases on the basis of clinical observation rather than laboratory testing. Everyone who has flu like symptoms will be assessed by a doctor and if diagnosed with swine flu will be given an antiviral to manage their illness.

Antivirals used in the treatment of flu are not a 'cure'. They reduce the virus spreading in the body, help the patient to recover more quickly and reduce the risk of complications. They also reduce shedding of the virus by infected people so that its spread may be delayed. However they do not offer longer term protection.

Health protection advice:

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes:

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
People who think they have swine flu should first go online and check their symptoms on NHS Website, or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

They should remain at home and then call their GP who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis and appropriate advice on treatment over the phone. PLEASE DO NOT GO TO YOUR GP SURGERY. IF YOU RING THE SURGERY with flu like symptoms the Receptionists will arrange for the Nurse to call you back to discuss your symptoms and identify any contact with the virus you may have had. If swine flu cannot be discounted, a telephone appointment will be made with a GP who will assess your condition and determine what treatment is required.

Information taken from the Health Protection Agency

Medication Reviews

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:59:23 +0100

If you attend a clinic regularly ie, diabetes, heart clinic, respiratory clinic and are due your medications review, this will be carried out at your appointment. If you have a reminder on your prescription you do not need to see the doctor if you are attending the clinic.

2009 Influenza Campaign

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:58:56 +0100

The 2009 influenza campaign will commence early October. Dates will be arranged when the delivery date of vaccines is confirmed.

If you are over 65 years of age, or under 65 years of age and have a chronic disease ie, COPD, heart disease, diabetes or other long standing condition, and have been offered the flu vaccination in the past, please remember to ring for your appointment in September.

Rashes and Insect Bites

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:58:01 +0100

Rashes can happen because of heat, sweat and friction or an allergic reaction. Insect bites become itchy and reddened and stings can be painful.

How to Treat Rashes and Insect Bites

Ask your pharmacist, there are many over the counter lotions and creams available that will ease rashes, help clear up redness and soothe pain.

For insect bites and wasp stings there are a range of antihistamine creams that can help.

Get insect repellent to prevent bites if you are going abroad or where you think your risk of being bitten is higher than normal

Sunburn

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:56:41 +0100

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultra violet rays in sunlight. Too much exposure to this UV light makes your skin overheat, your skin becomes red and painful and may later peel or blister.

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Very effective sunscreens have been developed that protect from UVA and UVB which are the components of sunlight responsible for burning and cancerous changes in the skin. Wearing a sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF) is recommended. The higher SPF numbers indicate greater protection. The lighter your skin tone, the higher the SPF should be. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater. Sunscreen should be generously applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, and re-applied every hour and after swimming. Make-up is now available with sun screening protection. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and ultra violet-protected sunglasses are all recommended to prevent excessive sun exposure. Dress smart. Wear muted colours such as tan. Brilliant colours and white reflect sun onto the face. Wear a hat when in the sun.

Do you feel uncomfortable answering questions when you ring for an appointment?

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The telephone staff are trained to maximise the most efficient use of the number of appointments available. To do this they may need to ask details of your problem. The questions they ask will be on set guidelines so that you are given the most appropriate appointment with a doctor, nurse or health professional. All staff who work for the NHS are bound by strict laws of confidentiality so any information you provide will be completely confidential.

Clinical Receptionists Role

Janet and Monique our Clinical Receptionists are extremely experienced receptionists who have been with the practice for a number of years. Alongside their everyday duties as receptionists they play a supportive role to the nursing team. They hold clinical sessions to take blood, blood pressure and test urine samples. To enable the receptionists to become Clinical Receptionists they had extensive training from an outside source and internal training. We feel having clinical Receptionists within the Practice is a bonus to patients. Creating the role enables the practice nurses to have more time for concentrating on their specialist skills. So, next time you need an appointment for a blood test or your blood pressure checking, ask for an appointment with a Clinical Receptionist.

What to Do With Dental Issues

With a dental problem such as a lost crown, broken tooth without pain, lost filling without continuous pain, bleeding gums of less than 20 minutes duration, sensitivity to hot or cold food, brace problems or any other pain of short duration or controlled by over the counter analgesics you should contact your own dentist and ask them for a routine appointment. If you are not registered with a dentist you should contact Local Care Direct on 0845 122 0221 for a list of dentists in the area who are accepting new patients. With a more urgent problem such as severe pain which lasts for 20 minutes or more and is not relieved by over the counter analgesic, minor swelling around the teeth or gums, trauma affecting the teeth or gums for example a tooth fractured, or bleeding which does not stop after applying pressure with a clean handkerchief for 20 minutes then you should contact your dentist who should see you within 24 hours. If you are not registered with a dentist you should contact Local Care Direct on 0845 122 0221 who will triage the call and arrange an appointment with the emergency service if appropriate. For emergency treatment involving trauma and loss of consciousness, trauma to other parts of the body as well as the mouth, fractured jaws, swellings affecting the airway, one or more teeth knocked out or displaced or uncontrolled bleeding after 6pm in the evening you should attend the local Accident and Emergency Department at the hospital.