Welcome

The practice has published a new Fear of Flying Policy which can be downloaded below:

As the weather gets warmer, we find lots of blood tests need repeating as people are dehydrated when they attend.

Please help to save us and you time by drinking plenty of water before a blood test.

If you are hydrated it means you have more fluid in your veins which makes them plumper and more visible.

This makes it easier for us to find your vein and draw blood.

Well-hydrated veins also contribute to a quicker blood test.

If you’re well hydrated, it is easier to take a sample of blood and we are more likely to get an accurate result.

Did you know that emollient creams pose a fire risk?  
What do we mean by emollient creams?

Emollient creams are moisturisers that can be used to prevent or treat dry skin conditions like:
• Eczema
• Bed sores
• Ulcers
• Psoriasis 

They come in a variety of forms: creams, lotions or gels. All cover the skin with a protective film to reduce water loss. 

They can be very flammable, so are a fire safety concern, especially when used by people who spend extended periods in a bed or armchair due to illness or impaired mobility.

There is a risk of severe and fatal burns with all emollients, including paraffin-free products. This risk increases with use of greater amounts of emollient, more frequent application and greater surface area of application.

How can you use emollient creams more safely?

If you, or someone you care for, needs emollient creams, lotions or gels, you can help to by understanding and reducing the related risks. 
Understand the risks:

Anyone using emollients regularly should keep well away from fire or naked flames, as emollients easily transfer from the skin and create a build up of residue on bedding, clothing, and dressings increasing their flammability. 

Although not flammable in themselves or when on the skin, this build up of residue on fabrics can act as an accelerant, increasing the speed of ignition and intensity of the fire. 

In turn, this significantly reduces the time available to act to put out the fire before serious or fatal burns are sustained, and may also be harder to extinguish than a ‘clean’ fabric fire.

Wash regularly
Wash fabrics daily at the highest temperature recommended by the manufacturer with plenty of detergent to reduce the build-up of skin cream; but, please remember, whilst washing at high temperatures might reduce the build-up, it does not remove it completely and there may still be a danger.

Furniture
Please be aware, emollients can also transfer from skin onto the fabric of furniture, cushions, and blankets when you are sitting or lying on it.

Smoking
If you are wearing clothing or a bandage that has been in contact with an emollient do not smoke.

If this is not possible, please take steps to ensure you are safe, such as using a flameless lighter or e-cigarette.

Cooking
Emollient users should also avoid cooking and any naked flames or heat source (such as, gas, halogen, electric bar or open fire) whilst wearing clothing or dressings that have been in contact with emollients or emollient treated skin.

How can you keep yourself safe?

- Don't smoke
- Loose clothing can easily catch fire – take care not to lean over a hot hob and roll up your sleeves if possible when cooking.
-Keep candles away from your clothing, including when lighting them.
-Sit at least one metre away from a heater – sitting too close could easily set light to your clothes or chair.

The NHS is offering lung health checks in order to improve early diagnosis so that survival rates can be improved. Please see further information on this page.

Demand for appointments is at unparalleled levels. The 999 service is for medical emergencies only. For health advice if it is less than an emergency or if the surgery is closed, NHS 111 service is available on-line or by dialing 111. Please read our 'Choose the Right Service' feature on this page to find the service most appropriate for your needs. For a child under 18 with an acute illness, please refer to the Healthier Together website or download the app

THE NHS has issued information and guidance regarding Strep A infections