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**LATEST NEWS: COVID BOOSTER VACCINATIONS**

We are pleased to have now received guidance and start planning the COVID Booster programme for patients over 50.  The Autumn brings for us many challenges and logistical complications.  We wish to avoid two visits in order for you to receive both the flu vaccine and COVID booster, however, COVID boosters can only be given 6 months after the second doses and we are already well advanced with the flu clinics.  This means that when vaccine supplies arrive (we anticipate in the next week or so), we will start by inviting the patients in line with the published guidelines, those most at risk and older age cohorts.

We will use our online booking system to invite patients so you will receive a text and be able to book using a mobile/smartphone from a selection of appointment times.  Patients who do not have a mobile/smartphone will be called by the surgery to offer an appointment.

Thank you – The Buntingford & Puckeridge Medical Practice.

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 IMPORTANT NOTICE -FACE COVERINGS

- Whilst COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from today, the Practice continues to follow Public Health Infection Control guidance to protect our staff and vulnerable patients in requiring all patients and visitors to wear a face covering and observe social distance when attending the surgery.

Thank you for your ongoing support and co-operation.

The Buntingford & Puckeridge Medical Practice.

  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

'WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOUR CARE'

COVID-19 has changed how patients access their GP. The pandemic has supercharged the use of remote consultations in primary care. These will never replace face to face appointments which should be available to all patients where appropriate. However, they can be a convenient way for people to access medical advice and treatment.

There is a risk that if patients don’t feel they have access to a GP for non-urgent issues, they will seek help at A&E.

• Due to the coronavirus outbreak, how you contact your GP surgery will be different at the moment. This is to manage footfall and face-face contact where possible and help stop the spread of coronavirus
• Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients, but you will be asked to discuss your conditions over the phone or online first to assess what would be most appropriate for you
• In addition to face-to-face consultations, many GP practices may offer consultations online or over the phone. This can be a convenient and flexible way to receive healthcare but if you would prefer to see a GP or healthcare professional in person then this can be discussed with the clinician.

Ways to seek healthcare advice from a GP

• Call your surgery to discuss a face-to-face or virtual (telephone or video) appointment

• Visit your GP surgery website and complete a confidential online form to receive a response before the end of the next working day

• Call NHS 111 or go online to seek advice https://111.nhs.uk/

Download the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions, book appointments and check your symptoms 

Training Practice Accreditation

We are delighted to announce that The Buntingford & Puckeridge Medical Practice has been accredited as a training practice which means we will be providing educational placements to qualified postgraduate doctors. It is possible that in the coming months you may be seen by one of these doctors who work under our supervision at the surgery for between 4 to 12 months.

 Germ Defence

We are letting you know about a very useful website called Germ Defence which was created by a team of doctors and scientists to give you advice that has been proven to reduce the spread of viruses in the home. It can help you plan how to protect yourself and members of your family from infection by COVID-19 and ‘flu.  

It’s easy to use and only takes 10 minutes - just click on this link: www.germdefence.org/index.html?src=E82130

Women’s health - Let's talk about it 

We ask certain questions to help make sure that our policy making is representative and to understand how it may affect certain groups. Please do not identify anyone else in your answers to any questions during this survey if they have not given permission for you to do so (consultations.dhsc.gov.uk).

https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/talkwomenshealth

Need to know your NHS number: Its easy, just follow the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/