Information for Patients
The Apples Medical Centre is now using accuRx
This is afree software for GP practices in the UK, allowing anyone in the practice to text a patient about anything they need.
The GPs would like to inform you that they are hoping to do video
consultations when appropriate. The following link gives you more details:https://support.accurx.com/en/articles/3790662-my-gp-has-sent-me-a-video-link
Dr Greg Miles; Dr Rob Lewis; Dr Chris Minton; Dr Angela Tweedie and Dr Dom Parsons
Reception Hours: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.30pm
Covid Vaccination in Sherborne
Dear Patients
Last week we vaccinated our 9000th patient. This represents over half of our adult population. At this rate we will meet all the targets for vaccination that have been set. There is strong evidence now that the first dose gives good protection and the strategy of giving the second dose at 12 weeks is very effective. Please remember however to stay at home, maintain social distancing and follow the rules, even after your first dose.
For those of you who were vaccinated at the Digby Hall in early January, we are now starting to plan your second dose. Many of you will have been given a date and time already, however this appointment will need to be confirmed prior to your attendance, as the schedules for delivery are not yet finalised. This applies to those who were given the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. Your second dose is guaranteed but may vary by a few days from the original planned date. This is because the vaccine has a very short fridge life of only 3 days when we receive it. I apologize for this but as yet we have no control over scheduling of deliveries of vaccine. We will be in touch with your confirmed second dose date as soon as we are able to.
I do not anticipate similar issues for those of you who have had the Astra Zeneca vaccine as there will be greater supplies of this vaccine and the fridge life is a lot longer.
We are indeed expecting a “surge” of vaccine after the 15th March as the manufacturers are increasing production, so we may be able to reach targets earlier than anticipated, which would be a great achievement. Thanks again for your patience and support in helping us to deliver this historic vaccination programme.
Dr Rob Childs
GP lead for Covid Vaccination in Sherborne Area Network
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2020 GP Patient Survey
https://www.gp-patient.co.uk/report?practicecode=J81029
The survey is sent out to more than two million people, aged 16 and over, every year who are registered with GP practices across England. As in previous years, the results will cover broad information about experiences of primary care –and monitors a wide range of experiences including ease of making appointments, waiting times, opening hours, treatment and care planning by healthcare professionals.
Physiotherapy
NEW - SELF-REFERRAL FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
Patients can access this online at the Dorset healthcare website by searching for ‘outpatient physiotherapy’-
The self-referral form can either be brought in to physiotherapy and left with reception or patients can email the form over.
All referrals will be prioritised in the usual manner, by a senior physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists have skill in the assessment and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect muscles, joints and soft tissues such as low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, knee pain, recent injuries or joint and muscular pain.
If you are suffering with a similar condition, and would like to see a physiotherapist for an assessment please complete a self-referral form. This can be found at the below link, your GP practice or hospital reception.
www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/our-services-hospitals/physical-health/outpatient-physiotherapy-service
Please note this service is only available at some of our community hospitals, for patients registered at selected GP practices in Dorset.
If you have any concerns you can always be referred to physiotherapy in the usual way with a letter from your GP, Consultant or Nurse.
What will happen next?
A physiotherapist will look at your form to decide how soon we will need to see you. We have urgent, soon and routine appointments. Your appointment may be 30-45 minutes, however you may be offered a shorter appointment in our ‘Rapid Assessment Clinic’ in order to commence your assessment and treatment plan as soon as possible. We will contact you as soon as we can to arrange an appointment.
What can I do to help myself in the meantime?
Research has shown that resting for more than a day or so does not help with problems such as back pain and may actually prolong pain and disability. You may need to modify your activities initially, but the sooner you get back to normal activity the sooner you will feel better.
Initially moving stiff joints and muscles can be painful, but this is a normal response and not a sign of damage. Feeling a bit sore initially is also normal and often a good sign that you are making progress. Gentle movements of the joints/muscles will help to prevent continued pain and stiffness.
Changing your position or activity frequently throughout the day will help to prevent and reduce stiffness. Try to build up your general activity gradually.
Hot or Cold?
If you have a recent injury (less than 72 hours) you may benefit from a pack of frozen peas or ice wrapped in a damp towel for 10 – 20 minutes. This may help to reduce any heat/swelling.
If you have an old injury or recurring problem you may find that holding a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 10 – 20 minutes reduces pain. Movement of the affected area will aid in preventing stiffness and pain.
NB: Be aware that hot and cold can BURN and that you need to check (every 5 minutes) that your skin does not become very red or blotchy. If this happens STOP immediately.
Painkillers
‘Over the counter’ painkillers can be helpful. A pharmacist will be able to advise you on the appropriate tablets. If your symptoms worsen you may wish to see your GP.
Further Information
The following websites contain some information you may find useful to help your recovery
Some useful exercises for a variety of conditions
https://www.csp.org.uk/tags/patient-information-leaflets
https://www.nhsinform.scot/symptoms-and-self-help
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/exercise/
Some tips and guidance on Physical activity with ‘Fitness Studio’ videos/tutorials
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
Advice to support your recovery with advice on health and wellbeing
https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/
Some useful information if you have longstanding pain
https://www.paintoolkit.org/
After much consideration Dr Steve Morris has decided to retire on 1st September 2020 after 28 very happy years at The Apples Medical Centre.
Normally we would keep a book in reception for people to write messages to Steve but in these COVID-19 times we are keeping footfall in the surgery to a minimum. Instead you could email a 30 second video message or a standard email to Steve via applesmedcentre@nhs.net.
We are delighted to welcome two new doctors to the practice, Chris Minton who is coming to Dorset from the Midlands and Dominic Parsons who is known to many already as he has done locums here. We are really looking forward to working together.
We are working to improve access to appointments for our patients, in particular at evenings and weekends. If you would like to be offered one of these appointments, which may be at a different site, please ask your surgery
