Autumn Newsletter 2024

 

Note from the Practice

It has been a privilege to be a part of Forest Edge Prac/ce for the past three years. This experience has allowed me to build strong relationships with a diverse group of parents and staff, and to contribute to delivering 
excellent healthcare services. During my time here, I have been committed to supportng the practice's goals and ensuring that we provide the highest standard of care. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of doctors and partners who continuously support our efforts. It has truly been a rewarding experience to work for Forest Edge Practice. 

Esra Nur Akbayrak 
Practice Operations Manager

 

New online & TV information

This year the information on the TV screen has been reviewed, down sized and made clearer. Information on the Out of Hours Hubs providing access to doctors for those unable to get an urgent appointment at their registered doctor has been updated. Additional vaccination information and general health information is displayed. 

Included are NHS slides asking all patients with a smart mobile phone to install the NHS app. The App is constantly being developed but provides reliable access to a patients medical information. It allows repeat prescriptions to be requested via your GP to the pharmacy of your choice. It provides the ability to search for General Medical information on the NHS data base and to raise a patients health concerns with their GP. In addition any vaccination records and appointment requests are visible via the App. The App is protected by password and biometric information.

 

Patient Participation Group

This year we have maintained our monthly meetings with the practice doctors. In order to enable more doctors to be involved, the meeting time has been changed from Monday to Tuesday evenings at 6:45pm. We have had several speakers come and update us on improvements in our health Service. The practice has upgraded its Phones and computer systems and increased the number of Doctors with additional consulting rooms.

Members of the PPG are able to receive information regarding the changes in health services delivered in our Fairlop ward.

David Lyon

 

Integrated Care Board 

The Integrated Care Board make requests for information from Patients in our North East London area. These are regarding changes to our health services. Currently the ICB is reviewing how to increase the number of operations that do not require an overnight stay in hospital. Other research considers how to improve cancer care in North East London. 

 

Children’s health

Poor Mental Health in adolescents aged 11 to 19 years old, has become worrying. The isolation to young people during the pandemic appears to have exacerbated the rise in poor mental health. In order to improve the support required, young people have an additional service on line known as Kooth. This does not require a doctors referral, an adolescent can use the site and gain access to documents and support guiding how to resolve the issues of concern.

 

Key Medical Changes

This year a new vaccine has been released for those aged between 75 and 79. It is provided to reduce the symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This is an infectious disease of the air ways and lungs. It presents as a common cold with a cough, sore throat, sneezing, or blocked nose. It can easily lead to shortness of breath and then to pneumonia. It’s severity increases for people with medical conditions or reduced immune response. Only one life time vaccination is required.

 

Hospital Info Update

Queens Hospital is undergoing building works this autumn which has required the closure of the multi story carpark until 6th October 2024

 

Prescription & Health changes

Guidance on

  1. Valproate may cause neurological problems if being taken by men while assisting conception. 
  2. Tramadole some batches have been found to have incorrect constituent ratios and pharmacists asked to return specific batches. 
  3. In some cases Warfarin has been found to interact with Tramadol increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. 
  4. Redbridge ICB has started a project for people identified by GP’s to be selected for a falls prevention program. Patients are advised how best to avoid them and their houses are set up to monitor for any falls that may occur.
 

General info

Out of Hours assistance

  1. For life threatening situations dial 999
  2. Fractures and serious cuts. Go to A & E 
  3. Discomforting conditions use a “Walk in Centre” or Urgent Care 24 hour Centres at King George or Queens. 
  4. For rapidly deteriorating ailments or GP advice call the surgery or NHS on 111.
  5. If you need an urgent appointment in the evening call 111 or 0203 770 1888 and ask for an appointment.

To cancel an appointment

  • Call appointment number with Name & Time
  • Use the NHS app

The NHS 111 phone number is available 24 hours a day and should be the first point of contact if the surgery is closed

Published: Nov 12, 2024