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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Welcome to this edition of The ElliottEar. I hope you can find time to read some of the articles we have produced for you.
Since the last edition we have had our AGM. The business part of the meeting was fairly uneventful, with just a few items of note which I will repeat here. I was pleased to be able to announce that, following the recruitment of three new drivers, we were able to resume taking patient referrals for Transport from the Medical Centre. A little help can make a big difference.
Beryl Peacop stood down as Vice Chairman but continues her role as Carers’ Group Co-ordinator. She has been a great help to me and I am sure will continue to be so. Tony Berry has stepped into the vacated position and he will also continue as our Business Manager for The ElliottEar. All remaining Officers were re-elected.
We were lucky enough to have Tim Hoyle as our speaker. Tim is from the Harrow Public Health Team and he was able to give us a wealth of information on what is provided for Harrow residents to enable us to manage our health and well-being. Tim has written about this work and I am sure you will find it interesting (see page 12).
Our fund-raiser in May went well, with the usual excellent Quiz. Our Quizmaster, Tony Berry, did very well keeping the (at times somewhat over-excited) quizzers on track. I was very pleased when, much to their amazement, a table of volunteers won!
On a slightly more sombre note, we have had more than our usual number of fairly serious medical problems among our Co-ordinators this past few months. Somehow they have managed to keep hold of the reigns and their services have not suffered. How lucky we have been. I suspect we might be getting to the end of our luck, and if more volunteers do not come forward our services will have to reduce if not disappear. You know the answer! I do not have to remind you.
As I write we are finalizing arrangements for the Christmas morning, and you will find details on page 4, so please come and support us.
Many thanks to our tireless, enthusiastic, wonderful volunteer team.
Jane Billenness, Chairman
Please come to theChristmas Fair/Coffee Morning
on 21 November(see page 4 for details)
Patients’ Association ContactsChairman Miss Jane Billenness 020 8428 3739Vice Chairman Mr Tony Berry 020 8428 5112Treasurer Mrs Michelle Davis 020 8428 3957Secretary Ms Valerie Mugridge
Co-ordinators for ServicesBereavement Visiting Scheme Mrs Jenny Dawson 020 8428 7228Carers’ Support Group Mrs Beryl Peacop 020 8428 6533Home Visiting Mrs Joy Brown 020 8428 7669Shopping Mrs Pat Ball 020 8428 3251Social and Fund-Raising (Vacancy) Tea Parties Mrs Tova Salomon 020 8428 4063Transport Mr David and Mrs Pat James 020 8428 1711
The ElliottEarEditor Miss Lesley Walmsley 020 8428 7954Advertising Manager Mrs Jacqui Manning 020 8421 0978Business Manager Mr Tony Berry 020 8428 5112Distribution Managers Messrs James & Ken Brown 020 8428 7669
Member at Large Mr Arthur Peacop 020 8428 6533 Elliott Hall Medical Centre, 165-167 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA 020 8428 4019
TheElliottEar is designed/artworked by Steve Wright and printed by The Print Shop, Pinner Green
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Doctor, Doctor...About these pills you gave me for BO...?
What’s wrong with them?
They keep slipping out from under my arms!
We are sometimes asked for a list of doctors at the practice, so here they are:
Partners: Dr Jenner, Dr Majus, Dr Kelshiker, Dr Charlton and Dr Dhankot.
Doctor Team: Dr Vaughan, Dr Francis, Dr Patel, Dr Clarke, Dr Szasz, Dr Katwa and Dr Williams (the latter two currently on maternity leave).
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Jemma Klein-Besser BSc (Hons) MChsChiropodist/Podiatrist
Member of the Health and Care Professions Council
Monday & Thursday afternoon Clinics at The Elliot Hall Medical CentreHome visits are available for immobile patients
For an appointment Tel: 0208 203 3078 Mobile number: 07818 438 552
You can have a look at our Website for more information on services provided at: www.jemsfootcare.co.uk
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Christmas Fair/Coffee Morningwill be held on
Saturday 21 Novemberfrom 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Hatch End Free Church
Rowlands Avenue, Hatch End
Stalls will include
Cakes, Home made produce, Books/DVDsUnwanted gifts
There will also be refreshments and a raffle.
DONATIONS FOR ANY OF THE STALLS OR RAFFLE PRIZES WOULD BE MOST WELCOME
Donations can be dropped off at the surgery from 16 November (not before please). If this is not convenient please ring one of the under-mentioned volunteers.
If you plan to bring a cake or can spare an hour or two on the day to help it would be very useful to know in advance.
Please contact:
Pam 020 8428 4109 orTricia 020 8428 2846
Come along and meet the Doctors and other friends and support your Patients’ Association
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Aim: To provide transport to Aim: An opportunity forthe Medical Centre and local small groups to meethospitals. up for tea and a chat.Needed: Drivers Needed: DriversContact: David and Pat James Contact: Tova Salomon020 8428 1711 020 8428 4063
Aim: To provide shopping Aim: To deliver the EE Newsletter twice yearly tofacilities for the housebound. every patient household.Needed: Co-ordinator and shoppers Needed: DeliverersContact: Pat Ball Contact: James Brown 020 8428 3251 020 8428 7669
Aim: To provide visitors for housebound Aim: To provide help and information for carersand isolated patients, and to give through monthly meetings and individual visits.respite to carers. Needed: Companions (male and female) to sit withNeeded: Visitors a loved one while a carer goes to Group.Contact: Joy Brown Contact: Beryl Peacop020 8428 7669 020 8428 6533
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please can you help?
TRANSPORT SERVICE
SHOPPING SERVICE
HOME VISITING SERVICE & GAMES GROUPS
TEA PARTIES
THE ELLIOTT EAR
CARER’S SUPPORT GROUP
If you can help with any of these volunteer groups please contact the number shown or the PA Chairman:
Jane on 020 8428 3739
SOCIAL AND FUND-RAISINGAim: To arrange social events to raise funds to enable the PA to pay its running costs, which include insurance for volunteers and a contribution towards the
production costs of The ElliottEar.
Needed: A Co-Ordinator and group members. Contact: Jane
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Home Visiting Service The Home Visiting Service runs four Rummikub Groups weekly, a Book Club which meets monthly, as well as visiting lonely elderly folk who live on their own. Our four Rummikub groups flourish and members become friends but we are always pleased to welcome new faces. There are places to fill as regulars move or go to live near relatives.
My registered team of visitors also visit individuals who live alone and cannot manage to join a group. Please let me know if you would like to join a group or be visited. You can always phone me if you would like to know more. We aim particularly to include elderly folk who live alone and would like to widen their social contacts. Transport is not a problem as we can usually arrange a lift.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my team of loyal volunteer visitors who make all this possible. We can always use more volunteers – have you some time to spare?
Do phone me if you have any questions
Joy Brown, Home Visiting and Groups Organiser 020 8428 7669
Transport ServiceFor use by patients who are mobile and have been approved by a Doctor.
Aim To provide transport to the Medical Centre and local hospitals (excluding Northwick Park at the moment) Monday – Friday (no evenings) for patients who are unable to use public transport.
Below – for new referrals and a reminder for patients who regularly use us – we give the operation of the service:
1. Bookings – Volunteers are available at the Medical Centre (020 8428 4019) to take bookings on Tuesday and Friday 10 am -12 noon.
Emergency appointments will be dealt with on 020 8428 1711 by David and Pat James. Drivers do not take bookings.
2. Statutory donation of £5 return journey to hospitals and £2 return journey to Medical Centre. Money to be given to the driver.
3. Anyone needing assistance at the hospital should take an escort with them. No wheelchairs can be accommodated.
Once again David and Pat would like to thank all our drivers – those who have been with us for many years and our new volunteers. Without the willing help from all of them the service would not be able to operate.
PLEASE DO THINK ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AS NEW DRIVERS ARE STILL URGENTLY NEEDED.
DAVID & PAT JAMES 020 8428 1711
The ElliottEar DeliverersWe would like to take this opportunity to thank again the small army of over 80 volunteer deliverers that make our job of distribution of The ElliottEar possible. In particular we would pick out those who are able to take on the more difficult areas. These are for example: the disparate areas at the edge of the surgery catchment and those with flats with lots of stairs and entry time restrictions. Additional volunteers are always needed.
James & Ken Brown 020 8428 7669
Do you have some time to spare? Are you an IT / photography whizz?
The medical centre is looking for volunteer(s) to help with the surgery website and to help maintain the picture boards in the practice.
If you feel you can help in either of these areas please contact the surgery on 020 8428 4019
Your help will be greatly appreciated!
Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
@elliotthallmc
CO-ORDINATORS’ REPORTS
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Fundraising Lunch - Sat 17th Oct Hot buffet with wine £10 in aid of the Restoration Appeal 12.30pm
Christmas Fair - Sat 28th Nov Bring & Buy Stalls – Refreshments – Children’s Activities - 11am to 2pm
Christmas Organ Recital - Mon 28th Dec 7.30pm
Harrow Apollo Male Voice Choir - Sun 28th Feb 2016
Sunday Eucharist 8am+10am Church open to all at 11am for coffee Sunday School Term-time 10 -11am. Parish Hall for hire £20 per hour Tel: 07824 505707
Visitors welcome! Built for the people of Hatch End, this lovely Victorian Church belongs to us all, offering peace and stillness in a hectic world. For full service details and to arrange Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals and Memorials, call Rev. Clive Pearce 020 8428 4111
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STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS
Why did I not get a reminder from the doctor that my medication review or blood tests were due?This is a worrying question we have been asked on several occasions recently. Before electronic prescribing was linked to your pharmacy all patients received the prescription counterfoil. Despite national NHS guidance, some pharmacies are not providing this counterfoil to patients to take home each time they collect medications. If your pharmacist is one of those please make sure that you obtain your prescription request form. If you do not then you may not get messages from the practice reminding you of your review or blood tests needed. This counterfoil is also an up-to-date record of your medication and useful for emergencies if you need to see a doctor, nurse or dentist for any other reason. The counterfoil also has the date of your next review.
Sadly we have seen patients who, despite our writing to them, have not received our messages.
PLEASE ASK YOUR PHARMACIST FOR YOUR MEDICATION LIST AT EVERY MEDICATION COLLECTION. Dr Christ Jenner
I’m Back!Well, hasn’t time flown?!Firstly, thank you so much for all the lovely cards and wishes we received on the arrival of Nitai. Hiren and I are truly touched to have so many well-wishers.
I can remember this time last year. I was at home and Nitai was around 2 months old. Twelve months later he is now cruising around the place whilst I have come back to Elliott Hall.
So much has happened since I have been away;
In December we had a successful Christmas coffee morning (please don’t forget to put this year’s coffee morning date in your diaries! Saturday 21 November at the Free Church in Hatch End).
In January this year, EHMC had a routine infection control inspection and passed with flying colours! Dr Szasz also announced she got engaged over the Christmas holidays and will be getting married in February 2016. Congratulations!
March saw the arrival of Dr Dhankot’s beautiful baby girl Zahra, and in April Dr Clarke and Nurse Beasley joined the EHMC team. Both have settled in well.
In May we had the fantastic Fish and Chip Quiz Supper Night with quiz host Tony Berry and Jane and her team of helpers. The social and fundraising committee did an amazing job of co-ordinating the catering. Thank you. The event raised over £400.00. Another great success. The Patients’ Association AGM was also held in May.
Dr Patel joined the EHMC team in June and has also settled in very well.
In July Dr Majus became a mother in law – congratulations to her and her family! In July we also held our bi-annual Strategy Meeting. Here the senior management team and Partners spent the morning discussing management work streams within the practice, and developed a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that we would like to meet over the next few months. The next Strategy Meeting is scheduled for January 2016 when we will spend part of the meeting reviewing outcomes of our KPIs. I also returned in July.
In August we said congratulations to our registrars for 2014-15 and wished them well as they completed their final year at EHMC. (continued overleaf)
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Both have recently taken up GP positions at local GP practices. Whilst we said farewell to Dr Nisar and Dr Chauhan we welcomed Dr Vaghela (registrar to Dr Jenner), Dr Sohail (registrar to Dr Majus) and Dr Chindo-Besong (registrar to Dr Kelshiker) to the EHMC team. We also welcomed Dr Lang who is the F2 doctor and is under the supervision of Dr Vaughan. Dr Jenner and Sister Jenner announced the engagement of their son William. The wedding will be held in Spring 2016. Congratulations to the Jenners!
In August we also received planning permission from Harrow Council for building works to take place at the surgery. This funding support was applied for, from NHS England, to create much needed space at the surgery. It will involve adding 3 new consultation rooms to the practice. In addition to this we will be looking to install a ramp, making the new waiting area on the first floor accessible to all patients. We will be working with the same construction team that carried out the building works in 2012, so you may see a few familiar faces around the building! We apologise in advance for the noise and dust that we hope to keep to an absolute minimum by starting early in the day. Thank you for your support during a challenging time for both patients and staff.
In September Heather (one of our receptionists) got married. It was a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations to Heather & Anthony! The PA committee members also met in September.
And here we are in October! This month will see the start of the building works at the surgery; once again we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. October will also be the month when the flu clinics get well under way – please remember we will be holding Saturday flu clinics on 3 October and 17 October 08:00 – 12:00
As usual if you have any feedback about the surgery please do let us know.
For those of you who are new to the surgery please find below a guide to accessing care / support at the medical centre that you may find useful:
The Reception team is available on the phone or face to face 08:00 – 18:30 Monday – Friday. We offer an early morning commuter clinic between 07:00 and 08:00 Monday to Friday where you can book a routine appointment to see a doctor – this is specifically for those who find normal opening hours a challenge.
If you are calling to make a routine appointment or for results, we suggest you call after 09:30 or in the afternoon as the phones tend to be a little less busy at these times. You will be offered the first available appointment, but if your problem is too urgent to wait till then, you will be offered one for the same day with whichever clinician may be available at short notice. Please call early if you need to be seen for an urgent medical problem – this allows us to plan the doctor’s working day more effectively. Routine appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance. There are surgeries running every morning and afternoon.
Please call in as early as possible if you think you need a home visit – it gives the doctor a chance to assess the urgency of the request. Unless the request is very urgent, most people are visited between morning and afternoon surgery, and the workload is shared between the doctors. Home visits are made at the clinician’s discretion and are for housebound patients or for those too ill to come or be brought to the medical centre. Late requests make it difficult to plan the workload and can mean the doctor has to visit without a summary of the patient’s medical history – this is not ideal. Please try and request any home visit by 11.30 a.m. if possible. For those with mobility problems there is disabled parking at the front of the Medical Centre and we have wheelchairs available for patient use.
If you need to talk to a doctor urgently outside of these times, please dial 111 and you will be guided to receive the most appropriate care.
Many people are now using the internet for booking appointments and requesting prescriptions. This uses a secure site and is available for our patients who are over the age of 16 years. If you would like to do so, please fill in a form which is available at the Reception desk or on our website, enclose it with a stamped addressed envelope, and we will send out the necessary details in the post. If you prefer to collect your log-on details from the surgery reception please bring a proof of identity so that we can issue this to you.
Rupa Yagnik Practice Manager
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A very BIG THANK YOU to all our Valued Advertisers. Without you the Patients Association would not be
able to meet the production costs of this Newsletter.
It must be pointed out that the accuracy of any
statements cannot be warranted, nor can any
products or services advertised be guaranteed
or endorsed.
If you contact one of the advertisers please let them know that you heard about them through The ElliottEar.
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Health Improvement services available in HarrowThe Harrow Public Health Team are based at Harrow Council and we provide or arrange a range of services for local people to use to help you to improve your health by staying fit and active. They are mostly free and are open access. Here are some of the services we provide and how to get more information about them:
Stop Smoking Service – Self-referral services offered at local pharmacies (Walk-in) and some GP Practices or contact the team at [email protected] or 020 8420 9536
The Expert Patient Programme – A 6-week course for people who are living with long term health conditions (& their carers) to learn to better self manage. It is led by people living with health issues themselves. Contact [email protected] or 020 8420 9525
Harrow Health Walks – Our volunteer-led walks provide an excellent opportunity to walk regularly in a relaxed and friendly environment, with 10 regular local walks. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age and fitness level. For more information go to www.harrowhealthwalks.org
Harrow Park Run – Every Saturday morning there is a 5k Park Run in Harrow Recreation ground. For more information or to register go to http://www.parkrun.org.uk/harrow/
Harrow Health Champions – Volunteers working with us in various ways to help people to stay healthy, some also as mentors to support people living with long term health conditions. Contact [email protected]
Exercise on Referral – GPs or other health professionals refer patients with certain health conditions to an exercise specialist for a tailored exercise programme. Contact your GP for more information.
Health Trainers – Free to Harrow residents to help motivate you to be healthier, you set your own goals around healthy eating or being more active. Contact [email protected] or 020 8420 9525
Outdoor Gyms – Many of Harrow’s parks have free-to-use fitness equipment, just go along in your own time. Trained Gym Activators can show groups of people how to use the equipment. Contact [email protected] or 020 8420 9526
Community Dance – There are a range of different dance sessions provided free by community groups across the borough to help inactive people to be more active in a fun way. Contact [email protected] 07957 726 822 or [email protected] 020 3468 2282
Drugs and Alcohol – Support, advice and information is available for people having problems with drugs or alcohol, and their families or carers. Contact 020 8861 2787 or see www.compass-uk.org
Sexual Health & Family Planning – Free and confidential services including testing, treatment and advice for sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive Information. [email protected]
Health improvement in HarrowAt the Annual General Meeting in May, Tim Hoyle, who is the on the Harrow Public Health Team, spoke of the Health Improvement Services in Harrow, and here is a summary of his talk.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PRACTICE NURSEI’ve been a practice nurse at Elliott Hall for nearly two years now, having moved up from the Elmcroft Surgery with Doctors Charlton and Pearce and all their lovely staff. The practice wasn’t completely new to me as I’d worked here in 2005 on my return to practice course after having a “baby break”. Sister Jenner and Nurse Pople helped me ease back into nursing and updated all my skills with great patience and understanding – especially where the computer was concerned!
My day starts at 8 a.m., checking emails, messages and fridge temperatures. It’s very important that the fridges are at the required temperature, as they hold all our vaccines for the childhood immunisation programme, travel and, at this time of year, our flu vaccination programme. There’s usually
time for a quick cup of tea and to meet with the other nurses to catch up before appointments start at 8.30 am
Appointments are 15 minutes long, enough time for most things! One of the nice things about working in General Practice is the variety of our work. As nurses we see all age ranges, from tiny babies to the more senior members of our community.
We give immunisations from the age of 2 months right through to 18 years, when they’ve grown up and are leaving home for university. Travel vaccinations and advice are also a big part of our work, ensuring you can enjoy your holiday and keep well. The flu vaccination campaign is just about to start and that keeps us busy for a few months, making sure everyone who is at risk is “jabbed” and kept safe over the winter months.
Dressings are a big part of our workload, from treating simple cuts and lacerations to more complex leg ulcers, removing stitches and clips after operations and giving advice about wound care, as people are discharged from hospital so much more quickly than they used to be.
We syringe a lot of ears in the Elliott Hall population, and although most people think it’s an awful job, it is quite rewarding, as people leave the surgery being able to hear much better (in most cases) than when they arrived, and they are so grateful!
Mornings are always busy and go so quickly. After finishing the morning session it’s up to the Common Room in the loft for the lunchtime clinical meeting to meet up with all the other members of the practice team.
Nurse Ruth Godfrey
Staying On A WhileMany of you know I announced that I would be retiring at the end of September. Almost immediately after we distributed the last issue of The ElliottEar two of the doctors, Dr Williams and Dr Katwa, announced that they were going off on maternity leave. Both have subsequently had their babies and, needless to say, both are absolutely adorable.
When I was informed, I volunteered to stay on a further six months to cover their absence, and so shall be staying until the end of March 2016. I will be doing reduced hours but three full days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, as from 1 October, but I will definitely be going at the end of March 2016.
Dr Jonathan Charlton
Doctor, Doctor...Doctor: You need new glasses.
Patient: How do you know?, I haven’t told you what’s wrong with me yet.
Doctor: I could tell as soon as you walked in through the window!
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For several years EHMC has been developing an interest in this area. Our older patients (over 85) and their carers will be familiar with our annual questionnaires asking for updates on their health and social situation. We have developed a register of those most at risk and a named clinician acts as their care co-ordinator. Most of these patients have Care Plans which summarise areas of health and social care needs. This Care Plan may be useful to share with the hospital or other health care professionals or family members.
The ENP builds on this work and importantly is a combined initiative with the three other practices in our network, the Pinn Medical Centre, Hatch End Medical Centre and Enderley Road Medical Centre. The government wishes to encourage practice collaboration as core to the future of the NHS, and this is the first time in Harrow that such a joint initiative has taken place.
The project involves us improving communication with our hospital colleagues and facilitating more efficient and safer hospital discharge. As a result we hope to reduce the number of discharges resulting in re-admission (termed a failed discharge) and reduce hospital stay where it is in the best interest of patients.
To do this we are actively forwarding detailed patient information when patients are admitted to hospital. At present our IT systems do not communicate, so if a patient is admitted out of hours or as an emergency as soon as we are aware we locate where the patient is in the hospital and
send a summary, also passing on details of the patient’s usual care co-ordinator (GP or Nurse). When patients are subsequently discharged and they are on our supportive care register, we follow this up with either a visit or phone call to check if there are concerns. All other discharges are vetted by Helen and Gemma, who then, together with members of the team who may know the patient, decide if the patient should be included on our register. If this is the case they will be assessed, a care plan written up and if it is felt they are at risk then they will be case managed (i.e. kept under a watchful eye) for as long as it takes for the case manager to feel they have stabilized.
We have over 300 patients on our supportive care register so this project is keeping us busy in addition to our other responsibilities.
If you or someone you care for has a care plan from us please do let us know if they are admitted to hospital, as we may not be aware until you tell us. It will be clear from the patient’s care plan (and on our records) who the lead clinician (care co-ordinator) is, so once you let us know we can follow this up and make contact with the hospital. Likewise, informing the hospital doctor or nurses that someone has a care plan may be helpful as they can contact the practice to request it.
The 4 practices meet and share learning and tools every 4 weeks, and every other week there is a support and learning group for the nurses involved in the project.
In future editions we will update you on our progress.
Dr Chris Jenner
Enhanced Nursing Project
(ENP)This exciting initiative
has been supported in all practices by our Clinical
Commissioning Group (CCG – see page 19 for more
information). It aims to encourage the identification
of patients who may be vulnerable and help support
those who have recently been discharged from
hospital.
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Age UK Harrow is an independent registered charity working with and for older residents in the Borough of Harrow, their aim being to provide services that are appropriate to all older residents of Harrow.Services currently provided are:
Advice ServiceThis provides free, confidential information and advice on a range of issues including benefit checks, form filling, housing, care homes, transport, your rights to social services.
Advocacy serviceThis provides a higher level of advocacy support to help you say what you want, secure your rights, represent your interests and obtain services you need.
Minority Ethnic Elders ProjectThis aims to improve the life chances of minority ethnic elders by reducing isolation and maintaining their independence as active citizens
Visiting (Befriending) ServiceThe visiting scheme can introduce a volunteer to visit older people in Harrow who are isolated and housebound.
Health and Wellbeing Activities (please contact for further information and prices). These are Chargeable Services and include:
• Basic Gardening Service • Will Writing service • Computer Classes • Fitter Feet nail Cutting Service (referral by GP)
Contact DetailsAge UK Harrow, 3rd floor, Premier House, 1 Canning Road, Wealdstone HA3 7TS Telephone: 020 8861 7980 Email: [email protected] www.ageukharrow.org.uk
Drop in service: 10:00-13:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. Wednesday and Friday by appointment only.
Seasonal Flu programmeChildhood seasonal influenza vaccination programme This year the childhood season influenza vaccination programme includes children aged two, three and four years old (but not aged less than two or aged five or over) on 31 August 2015. A nasal spray vaccine is offered to children in those age cohorts routinely and does not depend on any underlying health issue (no injection is required). We will be starting our flu vaccination programme from end September 2015.
Seasonal influenza vaccination programme For most healthy people, influenza is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease. However, children, older people, pregnant women and those with underlying disease are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch it. The “at risk” categories this year are those patients: • aged 65 or over (or aged 64 years old but
turning 65 by 31.3.2016) • aged 2, 3 or 4 as on 31.8.2015 (eligible for a
nasal spray vaccine) • with a long-term medical condition
(e.g. diabetes, heart disease, stroke, asthma, lung/kidney disease) or a weakened immunity aged 6 months & older
• who are pregnant, live in long term residential care home or carers
Individuals aged 2-17 years of age are offered the nasal spray vaccine. We actively invite eligible patients for vaccination to attend one of our flu vaccination clinics held across a range of days and times.We will be offering two Saturday morning sessions on 3 October and 17 October, in addition to appointments in the week. Please do book an appointment at your convenience.
Housebound PatientsAny housebound patients will be offered a flu vaccination and will be visited during the flu vaccination season by one of our nurses. We will ring to make a convenient time to visit you.Sister Helen Jenner
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Teaching medical students at Elliott Hall Medical Centre
“He who studies medicine without books sails an uncharted sea, but he who studies medicine without patients does not go to sea at all.”
Sir William Osler, Physician (1849 – 1919)
At EHMC we have a strong ethos of teaching and training the doctors of the future and have forged close links with the medical schools at Imperial College London, University College London and King’s College London.
We are always on the look-out for patient volunteers to help us with teaching and would like to hear from you if you might be interested in being a “model” patient for our students to talk to and examine. We are especially interested in patients who have multiple medical problems or patients who have interesting clinical signs that students can examine. The students find it a richly rewarding and educational experience talking to real patients rather than just learning from textbooks, and previous patient volunteers have also very much enjoyed being part of our teaching sessions.
If you think you might be able to give up some of your spare time to help us with this, please contact either Rupa or Marie and we will add your name to our database.
Dr Allihusein Dhankot
What is CQC?You may have heard about CQC in the news over the past few months and wonder what exactly it is… let us explain.
CQC is the Care Quality Commission which was established in 2009 and is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health. Its role is to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England. By October 2016 all GP practices in England should have been visited – this is quite a task, with around only 1,500 of the 7,700 practices visited already. We are expecting an inspection here at Elliott Hall in the next year and this will be a routine visit looking at 5 key areas. These areas are looking at how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led our service is. As always we value feedback from patients so we have a comments box on our front desk and welcome you letting us know what works well and giving any suggestions for improvements you may have.
Once we have been inspected the report will take a few months to be released, at which point it will be publicly available for you to read.
Dr Carly Szasz
Zero Tolerance PolicyThere have been a small number of incidents of verbal abuse aimed at the staff recently. We would like to remind you that this practice has a Zero Tolerance Policy – this means no abuse of any sort will be allowed. The staff are doing their best to help you within the guidelines laid down by the Doctors, but it may not always be possible to offer you the appointment/doctor requested. We are most fortunate that these incidents are confined to an extremely small minority, as most of our patients are a pleasure to deal with, but we will not tolerate any abuse to any member of the team.
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Updated Guide to vaccination programmes The new vaccination programmes introduced in 2015
There are a number of new vaccination programmes introduced by the NHS this year both as part of the childhood immunisation programme as well as for specific groups of patients. This is a brief background of these programmes and explains how they might relate to you.
The new vaccination programmes rolled out this year are the following:
• Meningitis B vaccine for babies
• Meningitis ACWY vaccine for 17-18 year olds (born between 1 September 1996 and 31 August 1997) and older university entrants (aged 19–25). This builds on the Meningitis C fresher’s programme which was rolled out last year.
Meningitis B vaccine for babies
A new vaccine to prevent meningitis will be offered to babies as part of the routine NHS childhood vaccination programme from 1 September 2015.
The Men B vaccine will be offered to babies aged 2 months, followed by a second dose at 4 months, and a booster at 12 months.
There will also be a temporary catch-up programme for babies who are due their 3- and 4-month vaccinations in September 2015, to protect them when they are most at risk from infection.
The Men B vaccine will protect your baby against infection by meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which are serious and potentially fatal illnesses.
Meningitis ACWY vaccination programme (17-25 year olds)
17–18 year olds (school year 13 born between 1 September 1996 and 31 August 1997) and older university entrants (aged 19–25 between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016) are eligible for one dose of the Meningitis ACWY.
Patients aged 19-25 who are attending university/further education for the first time can request the vaccine if they book an appointment with the practice nurse. The same age groups will also be offered the vaccine in 2016 and 2017. This builds on the Meningitis C freshers’ vaccination programme which was rolled out last year.
General childhood immunisation programme
The childhood immunisation programme, which starts from two months of age, protects children against a range of serious illnesses, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B), some types of pneumococcal infection, rotavirus, meningitis B and C, measles, mumps, rubella and also includes the HPV and Men ACWY vaccines when individuals reach their early teens. There is also a children’s flu vaccine programme which we will elaborate on further below.
There are also a series of additional optional vaccines including the BCG vaccination, typically given at birth in the hospital for those children who have a high chance of coming into contact with tuberculosis.
We strongly recommend that all parents ensure their children are fully vaccinated to give them the best possible protection against a host of serious diseases. (continued opposite)
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These are routine vaccinations that are offered free of charge on the NHS to all babies and children in the UK.
Childhood seasonal influenza vaccination programme
This year the childhood season influenza vaccination programme includes children aged two, three and four years old (but not aged less than two or aged five or over) on 31 August 2015. A nasal spray vaccine is offered to children in those age cohorts routinely and does not depend on any underlying health issue (no injection is required). We will be starting our flu vaccination programme from end September 2015.
Seasonal influenza vaccination programme
For most healthy people, influenza is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease.
However, children, older people, pregnant women and those with underlying disease are at particular risk of severe illness if they catch it. The “at risk” categories this year are set out in Sister Jenner’s article on page 17.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination programme
Severe pneumococcal infection predominantly affects those with underlying conditions and the elderly. In line with NHS guidance the practice offers the pneumococcal vaccination to those aged 65 years of age and older and those with underlying conditions (such diabetes, heart disease and COPD) which would place them at greater risk of serious illness or death if they developed pneumococcal disease. The pneumococcal vaccination can be given safely at the same time as the influenza vaccination.
Shingles vaccination programme
The risk and severity of shingles increases with age and can lead to complications. It is therefore recommended to get vaccinated against shingles if you fall in the eligible cohorts.
The date of birth range for patients eligible to receive the shingles (routine aged 70) vaccination is 2 September 1944 to 1 September 1945.
The programme will be phased in over the next few years, not everyone will be eligible for the vaccine this year. If you are eligible for the vaccination, please do book an appointment.
Routine Cohort (2015/16)
• Adults aged 70 years on 1 September 2015
Catch-up cohort (2015/16)
• Patients aged 78 years old on 1 September 2015 who have not previously had a dose of shingles vaccine.
• Patients who were previously eligible for shingles vaccine under this programme, who have not been immunised with shingles vaccine, until their 80th birthday (i.e. patients aged 71, 72 and 79 years on 1 September 2015).
The shingles vaccine can be given routinely with both the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
MMR (aged 16 and over) vaccination programme
There have been over 3,300 reported cases of measles since 2012 in England. Many of these cases have been in teenagers and it is likely that the increase in this age group was related to the adverse publicity about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine between 1998 and 2003, which resulted in lower vaccine coverage.
Therefore this vaccination programme is aimed at those aged 16 and over who present to the practice requesting vaccination and who have not received two doses of the MMR. The Green Book, which sets out recommendations for healthcare professionals on vaccinations, does not recommend individuals born before 1970 to get vaccinated as they are likely to have had all three natural infections. (continued overleaf)
Updated Guide to vaccination programmes (continued)
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If you are aged over 16 years of age or older (but not born before 1970) and have not had the MMR or have only had one dose you are recommended to get vaccinated. Please book an appointment with a practice nurse.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination programme for pregnant women
There’s a lot of whooping cough (pertussis) around at the moment, and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk. Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When
whooping cough is particularly severe, they can die.
Pregnant women can safely help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally when they are 28-32 weeks pregnant, although they may be given the vaccine up to 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Please request an appointment with one of our practice nurses for the pertussis vaccination if you are eligible for this vaccine. Alternatively you can request this from the GP or midwife when you come in for your antenatal appointment.
Updated Guide to vaccination programmes (continued)
Pre-DiabetesThere are currently about 3 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK. It’s an important health condition as it can lead to an increased risk of ill health through raised blood sugar levels damaging organs and vessels. The good news is that even if the body can’t control sugar levels properly we can take control and manage this ourselves through attention to our diets and also through utilising sugar through activity.
The NHS focus is turning more to diabetes prevention. The 5-10 million or so of us who are at increased risk (overweight and/or having a large waist circumference) have the opportunity to prevent the condition through a few simple changes and modest weight reduction. Many people know what to do and the challenge for clinicians is increasingly how to support people in making the required changes that give the health benefits. This can take the form of conversations where we move from telling people what to do to prompting people to come up with their own ideas and commit to making changes.
There is also good evidence that group work, where people are given information but then set their own goals and are followed up, can also be powerful in promoting change.
Watch this space as there is a large scale NHS-wide project in the pipeline along these lines. Elliott Hall will be playing our part in supporting these initiatives and in supporting our patients to stay healthy.
http://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/qual-clin-lead/action-for-diabetes/diabetes-prevention
Dr Ashok Kelshiker
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Staff News Gemma BeasleyHello all,
I joined Elliott Hall in May this year in a combined role as both a Practice Nurse and as part of the Enhanced Nursing Project, which is developing a new role assisting older people with multiple health problems. I was thrilled to be offered the role and being part of such a fantastic team has exceeded all my expectations!
I have a special interest in supporting people with chronic diseases and have spent much of my career so far in that area. I trained at Kings College London, initially working in a renal unit at Kings College Hospital and then moving to the transplant unit at Harefield Hospital. My last role was as a Heart Failure Specialist Nurse and I am looking forward to both learning new skills and using my experience with chronic disease management to support the patients at Elliott Hall.
As a keen baker and food fan I can’t wait to try the huge variety of cuisines available in Hatch End! I also enjoy a variety of hobbies including jewellery making, sewing and Pilates, although my greatest enjoyment is my beautiful 6-month old niece – her ability to get porridge everywhere is astonishing.
Heather PartridgeHaving worked in the NHS for 28 years I retired as an Auditor in March 2014. I enjoyed my work and meeting people within the NHS Trusts mainly in and around London. After working for so long as part of a team, I missed the communication with others and decided to try and find a job continuing in the NHS and meeting people again.
In January 2015 I was offered the post of receptionist at Elliott Hall and I have enjoyed myself in a variety of work, and the challenges and rewards it has brought, and have made some new friends.
My hobbies are dancing, travelling, reading and spending time with my family, especially my 15-year old granddaughter and 18-month old grandson. By the time you read this I will have got married and be looking forward to a new part of my life.
Lorretta Chindo-BesongHello all!
I am originally from Cameroon in West Africa, but have lived in the UK for 13 years. I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2012 and worked in Cambridge as a junior doctor for two years. I have recently started my GP training here at Elliott Hall Medical Centre under the Barnet Training Scheme, and feel privileged to be working in such a friendly surgery with good support from senior colleagues. I look forward to learning a lot over the next 6 months and being at the service
of my patients.
Outside work, I enjoy outdoor activities and travelling. I love adventures and have successfully climbed Mt Kilimanjaro (highest mountain in Africa) to the summit, and done a skydive and a bungee jump for charity. I also enjoy cooking and often spend my spare time experimenting on cooking food from different parts of the world.
Dr Riti PatelI completed my medical studies at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Medical School in London in 2008 before undertaking my foundation training as a doctor in Hertfordshire and London. I gained a further experience by doing a year of Medicine as a Core Medical Trainee in Cardiology and Endocrinology before completing my GP training in Watford last year. I was kept on as a Locum GP at my training practice in Rickmansworth for just under a year, which is where I gained confidence and clinical experience as a newly qualified GP, whilst also having the flexibility to work at a handful of other practices.
Fortunately, I came across the opportunity to work at Elliott Hall Medical Centre and am delighted to have joined the team recently. Having grown up locally and lived nearby for many years, it has been a friendly and familiar area to work in so far. In my spare time, I try to exercise at the gym, occasionally manage to attend Zumba classes, socialise with family and friends, as well as find some time to travel to different parts of the world! (continued overleaf)
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Dr Nadir SohailI studied for my medical degree at Keele University before moving back to London to complete my Foundation training in Essex and East London. Having been born and raised in Harrow, I applied to the Northwick Park General Practice training scheme, spending time gaining experience in Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Accident and Emergency Medicine.
I am very happy to have joined the Elliott Hall Medical Team for my final year of training, and am looking forwarding to completing my registrar year at such a well regarded practice.
Outside of Medicine, I enjoy weight lifting at the gym, supporting the mighty Liverpool Football Club and spending time relaxing with family and friends.
Nicolette BuckleyI moved to Harrow with my husband and children in November 2003. Before joining Elliott Hall Medical Centre in October 2014 I had worked as a Housing Benefits Officer until being made redundant in May 2014.
Working in a medical centre, as a member of the reception team, has been a new experience for me which I am really enjoying, the practice is really busy and there is never a dull moment, always lots to do and learn.
It has also shown me the other side which you don’t normally
see, which is how hard all the medical and office staff work which goes towards making a great medical centre.
Reya GohilHello all, I am very excited to be a part of the team at Elliot Hall Medical Centre.
I am originally from Staffordshire but came to London for university where I qualified from Imperial College in 2010 with also a BSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health. Since then I have trained in North West London as a junior doctor, and during GP training I have furthered my interest in Obstetrics & Gynaecology by completing the DRCOG and the diploma in Family Planning. I also have completed the Cardiff University Diploma in Dermatology which has furthered my interest in this field.
I have just returned from maternity leave and have a 11-month old girl who keeps me very busy! Other than that I enjoy spending time with family and friends and keeping fit.
I hope to meet as many of you as possible and look forward to my time here.
Sarah-Jane LangHello All,
I am the new Foundation Year 2 Doctor attached to the practice for four months from August, and have just finished my Foundation Year 1 at Northwick Park Hospital. Before moving to London, I studied at Cambridge University.
Away from work I love to bake and very much enjoy scuba diving, which has taken me to Egypt, Thailand and the Philippines.
I look forward to meeting some of you over the next few months.
