What keeps you happy, healthy and well? That’s the question being asked by the Integrated Care System (ICS) for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire - https://bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/.../the-integrated-care-system.../

 

As part of a wide-ranging engagement exercise to shape local health and care priorities for the next two, five, 10 and 20 years.

 

We know that being healthy isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about all the factors that contribute to wellbeing. Integrated Care Systems are the opportunity to get this right, and really invest in what people need to stay happy, healthy and well. That’s why we’re running a large-scale public engagement exercise as a whole system – we want to know what matters most to local people, so that our plans reflect their views.

 

This summer have your say on what’s important to your health. For some it’s access to green spaces, for others it’s about activities in the local community or how to travel to work. Join the conversation this summer online or in person and you could win £125 worth of high-street vouchers! Find out more at

Read more about the symptoms of COVID-19

 

 

 

Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against COVID 19

 

It reduces the risk of spreading it to others and means you're less likely to get seriously ill.

 

Find your nearest walk-in clinic by visiting:

 

If you are flexible, a good communicator, able to understand and maintain patient confidentiality, be punctual, reliable and hardworking. Your application are welcome by emailing a CV to bnssg.priory.surgery@nhs.net

 

Experience in a similar role is desirable but not compulsory.

 

For further information please call Operations Manager Tina on 01179493988

 

Thank you

 

Priory Surgery

We want to make sure everyone can access the right support when they need it, whether that’s online or face-to-face, so general practice teams are growing to include an even wider variety of medical specialists.

 

This means you may be offered an appointment with one of these specialist members of staff, instead of a GP.

 

These changes mean as many people can access general practice as possible, so that we can prevent long-term ill health and help everybody live healthier, longer lives. We’re working closely with our partners in community services, social care, hospitals and mental health to make this happen.

 

Your general practice team can now offer you more specialist services than ever. That’s because these teams include a variety of highly trained medical professionals, who each bring extensive, specialist knowledge to local care.

 

These GP-led teams include roles like Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Physiotherapists, Mental Health Support Workers or Wellbeing Coaches, Social Precribers and Clinical Pharmacists.

 

They work together closely, and if a specialist needs assistance from a GP, this can happen quickly and easily.

But would you be able to tell the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

 

Here's how to spot the signs:

 

Find out more about vaccinations and how to book on the NHS website:

 

You get a rash with blisters plus aches, a fever and swollen glands for up to three weeks.

 

Find out more info on the NHS website:

 

It’s National Bereaved Parents Day - a day to recognise those affected by the loss of a child.

 

There's no right or wrong way to feel when coping with loss. If you're struggling with grief or you need more support, there is help available.

 

More info:

 

We are providing the following advice to the public:

 

To protect yourself and others please ensure that you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Be mindful of those who may be more at risk and continue to:

 

• Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors

• Wash your hands

• Wear a face covering or mask when in busy or enclosed spaces

 

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

At Your Holiday Hub, there are a mix of funded and non-funded clubs and activities over the school holiday, including cookery classes, sports, art, drama, and forest school.

 

Find out more on the Your Holiday Hub website:

 

More advice here:

Spare an hour of your time to give blood and help save up to three lives. You’ll find out your blood type after your first donation

Register here:

 

 

Giving blood saves lives and it's safe and easy. Most people aged between 17-65 can donate.

If you're interested in giving blood, find out more here:

 

If you're living with diabetes, it's important to monitor your blood sugar level. Here’s some advice to help lower your blood sugar when it is too high.

More info:

 

 

Type two diabetes is the commonest form of diabetes to affect people and this short video explains why type two diabetes happens and some of the symptoms you might get if you have type two diabetes:

 

Be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, and drink plenty of water to keep yourself properly hydrated. Try to avoid excess alcohol.

 

Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather: click on the attached link to see how to keep your child safe in the sun.

 

There are other ways you can keep on top of the condition of your eyes in the meantime, these include wearing sunglasses, eating healthily and quitting smoking.

 

Here is advice on how you can treat or prevent heat rash yourself:

 

We never ask for bank details, so please be aware of suspicious messages.

 

Find out more about scam emails, texts and phone calls:

 

 

This change is happening to all CCGs across England, as part of the national reforms under the Health and Care Bill.

 

Read more:

 

The longer a bottle of sunscreen is open, the less effective it is at protecting your skin. If you’re using the same sunscreen from last summer, check that it hasn’t expired before using it.

 

More advice here:

The programme is for people who wish to lower their weight and improve diabetes control. Two studies have shown that participants can reduce their diabetes-related medication and, in some cases, achieve type 2 diabetes remission.

 

You and your diabetic practititioner will work to together over 12 month and the support you will receive during this time will include:

 

 

Or call 0333 577 3561

 

The Priory Team

No matter your complexion, always use protection.

 

Protecting your skin from the sun can help reduce your chance of developing skin cancer. Apply sunscreen and try to keep out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

 

Learn more about sun safety:

Here's advice on what to do if you've been bitten or stung, and when you should seek medical advice:

With many children now heading towards their summer break, here's a reminder of how to treat cuts and grazes.

 

Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that's needed. More advice here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/

Second Step in Bristol offer free workshops and courses aimed at helping people improve their wellbeing and make improvements to their mental health. Workshops are based in the community to make them easier to access.

 

For more information visit:

When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you’ll start to feel the benefits. It's never too late to quit.

More info:

 

Monkeypox is a rare infection that's mainly found in parts of west or central Africa. There have been some recent cases in the UK, but the risk of catching it is low.

 

Anyone can get monkeypox, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms.

 

More info: nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/

A dementia diagnosis can come as a shock to the person with the condition and those around them. However, there are sources of help and support for everyone involved:

 

 

If you’re worried that someone you care about may be having problems with their memory, this advice from the Alzheimer’s Society might be helpful to you. The advice looks at how to raise the issue, including where and when might be a good time or place:

 

 

Memory problems are not just a sign of getting older, they are a sign of being unwell. Do you find it difficult to remember people’s names, or find you’re putting things in places that they don’t belong? If so, it’s possible you’re having memory issues. Have other people noticed you’re struggling with your memory? The Alzheimer’s Society has some useful information on things you might want to think about.

Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. If you find it hard to drink, start with small sips and then gradually drink more

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 .

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

 

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