Simple lifestyle changes can help to stop or reduce snoring. Read more here: nhs.uk/Snoring

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition which can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

 

More info: nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/

For more information on managing allergies, head to:

 

 

 

 

If you are 11-19 and need some advice or support, you can text our school nurses.

 

You could save your own or someone else's life, or help limit the long-term effects of stroke, by learning to think and Act F.A.S.T.

Here are some top tips on managing the symptoms of hay fever.

 

Find out more on the NHS website:

 

 

One of the groups who most often say they feel lonely are young people. Being surrounded by people doesn’t necessarily reduce feelings of loneliness. There are some things you can do to try and ease the feeling of being alone:

 

 

1.4 million older adults say they are often lonely. If this affects you, Age UK have some insight into loneliness in older adults and advice about how we can change this:

 

 

For a range of resources, tips and advice visit: www.MindingYourHead.info

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. If you catch norovirus, it’s important to rest and have plenty of fluids.

 

nhs.uk/Norovirus

Patients can arrange for a free collection or drop off by calling 0117 957 9140 or email emersonsgreen@medequip-uk.com.

 

CRUTCHES that are no longer needed can also be returned to the Urgent care centre at South Bristol Community Hospital, Hengrove Promenade, Bristol BS14 0DE .

The NHS Healthier Together Partnership have places available on the following virtual work experience programmes:

 

Non-Clinical Healthcare careers: 17 June-1 July

 

Nursing and Healthcare careers: 11-15 July

 

Find out more by searching ‘NHS BNSSG’ on the Springpod website:

 

Read more in the following blog:

 

All high strength treatments for hay fever are now available to purchase at your local pharmacy.

 

GPs will no longer be able to give routine prescriptions for hay fever treatments. This is BNSSG CCG Guidelines.

 

Patients are advised to speak to the pharmacy team for support and clinical advice about the treatment options available, including:

 

* Antihistamine tablets and syrups: good at preventing symptoms of hay fever when taken at the start of the day

* Antihistamine nasal sprays: can be used instead of, or in addition to, tablets to prevent nasal symptoms

* Steroid nasal sprays: can be used in addition to preventer medication to treat symptoms. Note, they can take approx. three days to begin to work

* Nasal inhalants: helpful to ease nasal congestion and eye drops: helpful to ease itching or dry eyes

* Pain relief medication: can be used to aid symptoms of sinus or head pain

* Cold/flu medications- decongestant / throat lozenges: can be taken to help ease congestion and sore, tickly throats

We have noticed the number of POSITIVE lateral flow test results or PCRs has shot up recently suggesting the Omicron variant has spread vastly throughout Bristol (and likely nationally).

 

In turn many people are experiencing post Covid symptoms (eg fatigue, cough, dizziness) and some are developing Post Covid Syndrome (Long Covid).

 

This website has lots of useful information about how to manage your Post Covid recovery:

 

There are lots of ways to make managing stress easier, like finding time to get active.

 

For more tips on reducing stress and improving your mental wellbeing visit Every Mind Matters: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

It's quick, easy and free.

 

 

 

Book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online or find your nearest walk-in site.

 

nhs.uk/CovidVaccination

 

Spring COVID vaccination booster invites will be starting this week for patients who are 75+ year old, with clinics running from our Stockwood Vaccination Hub.

 

Please wait for your invite and book in when offered.

 

Please do not call the Practice or Stockwood to enquire - invites will be sent this week

 

Eligible patients for the Spring Booster campaign are:

 

75+ year olds who are 6 months from their last booster

12 year olds and above who are immunocompromised

 

If patients receive letters from NHS England you are welcome to book via the National Booking System or by calling 119 if you prefer

 

Please use the link in the text you are sent to book your appointment, if you do not have a smart phone please call the PCN COVID vaccine tel number 0117 4288189 or 0117 4288190

 

For any housebound patients we will be in contact in the near future

Parents don’t ignore signs of #type1diabetes and don’t let the current COVID-19 pandemic put you off seeking help.

 

If symptoms develop, get your child’s blood sugar checked that day. For further information see http://pha.site/type1

Even if symptoms are mild or don’t last, dial 999 immediately.

 

For more info visit: nidirect.gov.uk/stroke

 

If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease.

 

The school-based vaccination programme, which includes the HPV, school leavers’ booster and menACWY is also continuing, so don’t forgot to sign and return consent forms when you receive them.

 

Read more: pha.site/mmr-getvaccinated

 

Download the free NHS HANDiApp to gain access to the quick and easy to use child symptom checker for common childhood illnesses, plus advise on how best to treat them.

 

Find out more, including how to download, on our website: https://bnssgccg.nhs.uk/get.../campaigns/download-handi-app/

This will help patients when being referred for treatment, to have information regarding timeframes of waiting lists and manage expectations.

 

Visit www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk to see the average wait times for hospitals in our region.

Like you, we are digesting the information from last night’s Downing Street briefing. We are awaiting further guidance on managing and safety within Health Care settings.

 

• From 24th February the legal obligation to self-isolate will be removed.

• Free testing for the general public will end on 1st April.

• We know many of you will be concerned about these changes.

 

Until specific guidance for healthcare settings is released, our practices will not change. We will continue to ask patients not to attend the surgery if they have COVID symptoms or have tested positive.

 

The Chief Medical Officer continues to advise safety measures to protect the vulnerable in our community. We will therefore continue to ask patients to wear masks, social distance and use hand gel when in the surgery. When further information is released for healthcare settings, we will provide an update.

 

Thank you for your continued support

 

Priory Surgery