The ERICA study
Electronic Risk Assessment for Cancer
Our practice is one of over 500 GP surgeries across England working with researchers at the University of Exeter on a large research study
The researchers are trying to find out if a new computer-based risk assessment tool can help to identify cancer earlier
Half of the GP surgeries will be given access to the risk assessment tool and half will not
We are taking part in the study
Patients may be contacted by us and invited to take part in the research to:
Explore your experience of care
Discuss your current health
Look at the NHS services you are using
Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know. And so do 91% of people affected by dementia. Over 9 in10 people affected by dementia say getting a diagnosis has benefitted them. It allows them to receive practical advice and support, to plan for the future, and can even offer a sense of relief in knowing what’s going on. Alzheimer’s Society offers dedicated advice and support for anyone concerned that they or someone close to them may be experiencing signs of dementia. Support is just a phone call or click away
alzheimers.org.uk
0333 150 3456
In England two women die every day from cervical cancer, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers. Getting your screening can help stop it before it starts. So don't ignore your invite, and if you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with our nurse today. Find out more at nhs.uk/cervicalscreening
YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo2R_sx3bjg
Home use information - https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/for-home-use/
Giffords Surgery - Spring Newsletter
Our Spring Newsletter is here
We hope to issue this quarterly to keep you up to date with in any changes that are happening within the surgery or that affect patient care
Click below to read the latest newsletter
Giffords Surgery - Patient Newsletter Spring 2022
New Lunch Time Hours
With effect from Monday 24th January 22, due to ongoing demands, Giffords surgery phone lines and reception will be closed everyday between 1-2pm.
For medical emergencies please call 999
The Spring Dose Booster Programme is here
If you are over 75 years old it is now time to 'top up' your covid immunity.
No Matter how many vaccines you have had, you need this booster to assist with your immunity.
Please do not contact the surgery, we cannot book these appointments for you.
Encouraging pupils to make healthier choices
Research shows that nearly 28% of pupils in Reception are overweight or obese, rising to over 40% of pupils in Year 6.
The NHS Food Scanner app is a handy health hack to make it easier for families to find healthier food and drink options.
Our new Scan, Swipe, Swap activities toolkit uses the excitement of the app to encourage young people to explore what’s in their food and make healthier choices.
Better Health
After successfully kickstarting the nation’s health at launch in 2020, the Better Health campaign is returning in January 2022 with positive and motivating messages to support us all to take action to improve our health. The campaign will show the public the simple steps they can take to help them feel better.
For almost everyone, life in 2020 and 2021 has been fundamentally different. It has prompted people to reflect on what really matters to them, with many of our audience refocusing on family, friends, and health. Recent research revealed that 80% of adults planned to make at least one change to their health and wellbeing in 2021.
Public Health England’s Better Health campaign launches on Tuesday 4th January, to help provide the nation with the resources to take the first steps towards making positive, healthier choices in 2022. As they look towards the start of a new year, people are looking for support to take practical actions that could make them feel better, so January’s Better Health campaign provides just that, whether people want to lose weight, quit smoking or increase their activity levels.
The Better Health website nhs.uk/BetterHealth has information and tools available to help get people started.
A new public health behaviours campaign ‘Stop COVID-19 hanging around’ has launched demonstrating the importance of simple actions, and how they reduce the risks of catching COVID-19 this winter; such as ventilation, face coverings and testing.
With around one in three people with COVID-19 showing no symptoms, the virus could be passed onto others without knowing. With fewer restrictions in place this winter following the success of the vaccination programme, the act of refreshing air in the home when people have visitors, testing before higher risk events and wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces, is even more important for everyone to keep infections down.
NHS England and NHS Improvement, and Public Health England ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign - ‘Lung Cancer Symptoms’ and ‘Abdominal and Urological Symptoms of Cancer’ launched on the 16 August 2021.
The campaign will seek to address the barriers that are deterring patients from accessing NHS services. This phase focuses on encouraging the public to contact their GP practice if they are worried about a cough that lasts three weeks or more, which could be a sign of lung cancer.
Also if they are worried about symptoms of abdominal and urological cancers such as tummy discomfort or diarrhoea that lasts for three weeks or more, or if they've seen blood in their pee - even just once.
Your NHS wants to see you. Help Us, Help You.
Giffords Surgery 's 19th July Update
Starting from the 21st June
Starting from Monday 21st June more restrictions have been lifted.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
It is also important to check in from time to time with others.
GIFFORDS SURGERY COVID19 UPDATE!
As per the government guidelines, from Monday 15th June it will be mandatory for all patients attending a medical environment to wear a face covering. 😷
The safety of our patients and staff is paramount and we ask that you continue to telephone with any enquiries and do not attend the surgery.
For all patients who need to attend for an appointment, we ask that where possible you do so alone.
If you attend and do not have an appointment you will be asked to leave and telephone. ☎️
In what are difficult and ever-changing times for all, we want to express our thanks and gratitude for your patience and continued co-operation.
#helpustohelpyou #stayalertcontrolthevirusprotectthenhs
Hands. Face. Space
Three steps to help protect you and others around you.
HM Government has launched Hands. Face. Space. A new campaign that urges the public to continue to wash their hands, cover their face and make space to control infection rates and avoid a second peak.
Click the link below for more information on this campaign and how you can help control the virus.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-campaign-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-indoors-this-winter
First Contact Physio
In March 2020 Giffords Surgery employed a ‘first contact‘ physiotherapist role, to help improve the care delivered to patients suffering with musculoskeletal conditions.
If you contact the surgery regarding any joint pains (including upper limb and lower back) you may be offered a direct appointment with Josh or Lizzie rather than a GP.
Alternatively patients can directly request an appointment with the Physio.
Josh or Lizzie will then conduct a phone triage followed by face to face appointment if appropriate.
They are able to offer advice on exercises, provide rehab information and refer for further care.
This is an excellent step forward in the care of patients with these common conditions.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Numbers and Websites
Mental Health phone Numbers and websites
Rethink.org
Samaritans - 116123
Mind information line - 03001233393
SANEline - 03003047000 - 16:30 – 22:30 daily
The Mix - 08088084994 - for under 25’s Sunday to Friday 14:00 – 23:00
Papyrus - 08000684141 10 – for under 35’s 10am to 22:00 daily (suicidal feelings)
CALM – 0800585858 – 17:00 – 00:00
Mind.org.uk
Shout text service 85258
HOPElink – 08000684141
NHS.co.uk/mentalhealth
www.nopanic.org information about anxiety management
LGBT community
Switchboard – 03003300630
Domestic Volience Helpline – 08009995428
Domestic abuse
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 08082000247
Refuge.org.uk
Womensaid.org.uk
Mens advice line – 08088010327
Mankind - 01823334244
Victim support – 08081689111
Self Harm
Harmless.org.uk
Selfharm.co.uk
Grief/Bereavement
Cruse – 08088081677
Hope again (young persons Cruse) – 08088081677
The Bereavement Trust – 0800435455
Dyingmatters.org
WHY – 01373 455255
Survivors bereaved by suicide 03001115065
Dorothy House Hospice - 01225 722988
Loss of a Child
Child Bereavement UK 08000288840
Child Death Helpline – 0800282986
Compassionate Friends – 08451232304
Online CBT
Apps
woebot app. CBT app that checks in daily and tracks mood.
Headspace app
CALM
Other support services
Kooth Counselling (online for young people)
Young Melksham offer counselling at the Canberra centre
Wiltshire IAPT (NHS) 01225731335
Wiltshire Mind 01225 706532
Relate offer free counselling to young people (under 18)
Help Counselling 01225 767459
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/coronavirus-support-app-uk/id1504739843?!s=1
Carers Information
Sometimes just having a chance to talk about how you’re feeling can really make a difference.
Carers Support Wiltshire's Talk and Support Service gives you the opportunity to talk with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through.
If this sounds like something you’d benefit from, please call 0800 181 4118 or email admin@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk to be registered.
#MindfulnessMoments #DoOneThing #LookingAfterYou
Active Signposting
The surgery implemented a signposting service from April 2019 to assist patients in seeking care from the surgery and other providers such as pharmacists or NHS Choices.
We have trained care navigators to carry out this new service.
Please see below for more information.
Improved Access
Improved Access is a Wiltshire-wide initiative offering increased availability of services and appointments in the evenings and at weekends. This collaboration between practices will ensure all patients in Wiltshire have this option, but you may be offered an appointment at another practice. Appointments are available 6.30pm-8pm, Monday-Friday, with some Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Appointment types will vary between face-to-face, telephone consultations, and a mixture of same-day and bookable appointments, available across the week,with GPs and other healthcare professionals, such as practice nurses or health care assistants.
You are required to give consent to use this service.
To book an appointment, contact your local Surgery during normal opening times.
Do you want to stop smoking?
For support in stopping you can contact your local pharmacy where the majority hold a stop smoking clinic. The surgery no longer offers a stop smoking clinic.
Please see the attached form for more information and details for online support.
Access to Stop Smoking Clinics for Patients