Important Changes at the Surgery for 2014

Firstly we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New from all the staff at the surgery.

This past year has been a particularly tough and busy one for everyone at the surgery, and the pressures on the practice have become more and more noticeable. None more so than the pressure for appointments. It is for this reason we have written a letter to our patients to explain some important changes that will coming in the new year.

We hope you will take a few precious moments to take a look at the letter which is available on line by CLICKING HERE, and will also be available in the surgery waiting rooms.

Seasons Greetings

From all at Waterfront & Solent Surgery

Diarrhoea & Vomiting Bug - A message from Southamptom Hospital

Southampton A&E is still seeing a large number of people turning up with D&V.  They are managing to slowly re-open wards closed by Norovirus but need to keep the infection away.

If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, possibly with flu like symptoms, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol. It should pass in 48 hours but if not, or if you have any concerns, call the surgery or 111. Please do not go to A&E, stay at home and don’t risk infecting others!

You can find helpful advice sheets on our practice website here

Christmas Opening Hours

Christmas Opening Hours

Tuesday 24th Dec: 8am - 6.30pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day: CLOSED
Friday 27th Dec: 8am - 6.30pm

New Years Eve: 8am - 6.30pm
New Years Day: CLOSED

Important News about Phlebotomy Services!!

Changes to our Phlebotomy (Blood Test) Service

Due to staff changes, the surgery will no longer be able to provide a phlebotomy (blood taking) service from 9th December 2013.

We will notify patients by signs in the surgery and on the information screen when the service can be resumed.

Alternative phlebotomy services are available at:

Hythe Hospital:

Pre-booked for workers or fasting tests, MON-FRI 8am - 9.20am (Tel. 02380 423241)

Walk-In service, MON-THURS 9.30am - 3pm and FRI 9.30am - 11am

Lymington Hospital:

Walk-In service, MON-FRI 7.30am - 3pm

Southampton General Hospital:

Walk-In service, MON-FRI 8am - 4pm

Open Meeting of the Patients Forum - an update!

The next Open Meeting of the Patients Forum will be on Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, West Street, Hythe. All patients from this Practice are welcome to come along and enjoy an informative meeting.

We have two well known and respected professionals who will focus on issues concerning end of life. Dr Charlie Besley, a local G.P. will talk on palliative care and end of life care. Mrs Andrea Waring, a Partner from the local solicitors will address us on issues concerning power of attorney and writing wills that accurately reflect your wishes.

The meeting will start with a short Annual General Meeting. Any one interested in serving on the Committee should collect a nomination form from the Reception at either surgery from Monday 4 November and completed ones should be returned to the Practice Manager at Waterfront Surgery not later than 12 noon on Monday 18 November 2013.

At last, a positive article in the press!

This recent article was posted in the Daily Echo about Hampshire GPs.

We know some of you have completed these surveys on our behalf. Here are some of the results discussed. 

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10752256.Patients_show_high_regard_for_their_GPs/

Patient Forum Meeting - 21st Novemeber

Where:  Parish Hall, West Street, Hythe

When:   Thursday, 21st November - 7.30pm

You are invited to join the Patient Forum for the Annual General Meeting followed by a talk from Dr Charlie Besley called "The Inevitable Hour".

Flu clinics this Saturday (12th October)

We want to remind you that our first flu clinic takes place this Saturday. If you have booked an appointment please don't forget to come! We look forward to seeing you!

If you are eligible for the flu jab, and have yet to book an appointment, please phone the surgery to arrange an appointment for one of our flu clinics ASAP.

Watch out for your Flu letter!

Its that time of year once again...

Over the next week or so the surgery will be sending out letters to all patients who are eligible for this year's influenza vaccine. If you receive your letter, please don't delay in booking your appointment.

If you don't receive a letter by the end of September and think you are eligible, then please contact the surgery for advice.

Patient Forum Meeting - Tuesday 25th June

You are invited to attend a meeting of the Patients' Forum on:

Tuesday 25th June

7.30pm

Hythe Parish Hall

West Street, Hythe

There will be a talk entitled "Not just appointments.." by Dr Paul Menin and Dr Simon Sherwin. Also attending will be Jenny Bithell to talk about the Hythe and Waterside Lion's "Message in a Bottle" scheme.

All patients are invited to attend. Refreshments will be made available.

For more information on the Patient Forum visit their website here

MMR catch up campaign

Details of the forthcoming MMR catch up campaign have been released. The NHS Choices website has a great article on it.


Click here for details

If you have any questions please contact the nurses at the surgery.

Patient Forum Open Meeting 22nd March

You are invited to attend an Open Meeting of the Patients' Forum on:

Wednesday 20th March

7.30pm

The Community Centre

Brinton Lane, Hythe

There will be a talk entitled "Focus on Diabetes" by Dr Sheppard and our nurse practitioner Helen Carroll.

All patients of the practice are invited to attend this informative evening. There will be refreshments available and an opportunity to discuss with the Patient Forum members any concerns you think they may be able to assist you with.

Further information regarding the Patients' Forum can be obtained from their website

NHS111 - A new Out of Hours number

NHS111 is a new service that's being introduced to make it easier for you to access local NHS healthcare services. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency. NHS111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help, whatever the time.

• If you are calling from within Hampshire the service will act as your new Out of Hours number. Calls to NHS111 are free from mobiles or landlines.
• If you are calling from outside of Hampshire then our 01962 718697 number will continue to work. Calls to this number are paid for.

To find out more about the NHS111 service click here

For more details about your options in an emergency, take a look at the NHS choices website here

We also have advice about several minor illnesses on our website