NORTHGATE MEDICAL PRACTICE
WITH CHARTHAM & BLEAN
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
NEWSLETTER
Summer 2024

This Newsletter is produced by the Northgate Medical Practice Patients Participation Group (PPG).  The PPG is made up of patients whose role is to act as a communication link between the professionals at the practice and the patients, to channel the views and concerns of patients back to the team, and to offer practical help if needed.

 If you have visited the Northgate surgery recently you will have seen the new PPG banner in Reception. This provides information about the activities organised by the practice   and the PPG in promoting better health, and sourcing support for those with problems. The activities are open to patients from all three surgeries – Northgate, Chartham and   Blean. The content is also available on the practice website.

 The first half of this year has seen several initiatives organised by the Patients Participation Group. These include the dissemination of information about cervical and bowel cancer at  all three branches of the Practice, the setting up of a Diabetes Support Group, a drop-in session for anyone worried about a mole or skin blemish, and a ‘Walk and  Talk’ initiative for all   needing a bit of exercise and a chat.

Cancer Awareness

There are dates in the year set aside for the raising of awareness particularly of the commonest cancers. The aim is to encourage people to report possible symptoms as early as possible, and so result in successful treatment. When such events are due members of the PPG, armed with leaflets and booklets supplied by the NHS, Macmillan, and other cancer charities, speak to every visitor to the three surgeries and provide useful information.
A major event this spring was a drop-in clinic for anyone with a concern about a mole or other skin blemish. This was our response to the nationwide Melanoma Awareness Month. On Tuesday May 14th patients were invited to make an appointment or just to drop in to the Northgate Surgery and have any worrying skin blemish assessed by a doctor. Dr Walkington and Dr Lindsay were in attendance, a steady stream of visitors were seen. The majority were reassured, but in a few cases further investigation was advised – a timely reminder of the benefits of early diagnosis. Thanks are due to all those at the practice who were involved with the organisation and conduct of this groundbreaking initiative, especially Jason and Sarah.

Extra clinic: There will be a second clinic at the Blean surgery on June 10th from 8.30 to 11.30 a.m.

Appointments can be booked through the PPG email: contact Alison at  alison.clarke72@nhs.net 

Fancy a gentle stroll in the fresh air and a chance to have a chat with …. Anyone at all really?

The inaugural Walk and Talk event took place in April with a small group, meeting at the surgery. These events are simply a chance to meet with other people, perhaps total strangers, and take some gentle exercise while chatting, with the promise of a sit down and a cup of something on the way. This walk followed the River Stour from Sainsbury’s car park to the Costa Coffee shop near Asda at a leisurely pace and took about 90 minutes. This was followed by one on May 23rd which headed for the Westgate Gardens. Details of this and other activities involving the PPG can be found on the website and on our banner in the surgery. You can also contact the PPG by email on alison.clarke72@nhs.net

Diabetes Support Group

On April 29th a meeting was held at the Practice to discuss the setting up of a Diabetes Support Group. The aim of the group is to help and support people affected by diabetes by raising awareness, providing information, and raise funds. Present at the meeting were members of the Patient Support Group, two representatives from the practice management team and four patients who had shown an interest, representing both Northgate and Chartham surgeries.
The group would be affiliated to Diabetes UK which would provide finance, training and resources. In return the group would follow the principles and organisational rules of the charity. A good deal of administration needs to be done before the group can hold its first meeting but a start was made with three volunteers for the positions of chair, secretary and treasurer. As soon as the requirements have been met there will be an inaugural meeting to which all those who have expressed an interest will be invited, and to which anyone who would like to be involved may also come. The date will be advertised on the Practice website and on the banner in reception, or you can email the PPG at alison.clarke72@nhs.net .
Next walk June 27th from the Surgery 10.30 am

         Hay Fever - What we do and don’t prescribe:

Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. Here is a link to the NHS web page on Hay Fever for full info. The majority of 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 Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) Guidelines.

Please do not be offended if we refer you to a pharmacy. It is important we do not use appointments for services and medications that are readily available at your local pharmacy. Where you try pharmacy recommended first line options and these are unsuccessful, please contact the practice via econsult/phone/in person as an appointment may be required with ANP/GP for new medication. 

Getting Your Test Results

You can now see test results online if you log in to the NHS App. Only the recent ones are shown. You can of course ring the Practice for your result(s) but be sure to ring after 2 pm and press option 1. 

Prescriptions: a reminder

PRESCRIPTIONS CAN ONLY BE ISSUED BY A DOCTOR, A CLINICAL PHARMACIST OR A CLINICAL PRACTITIONER.

ONE-OFF PRESCRIPTIONS

You may be given a prescription after seeing a GP, the clinical pharmacist or an advanced nurse practitioner.  You can get your medication at the pharmacy next to the surgery or at your preferred pharmacy. You can ask for your prescription to be sent electronically to a specific pharmacy of your choice for collection.

REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS

IF YOU NEED A REPEAT PRESCRIPTION YOU CAN DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Use the NHS or Patient Access apps
• Use the link on our website: www.northgatemedicalpractice.com
• Email the surgery on fax.nmp@nhs.net - with your full name and date of birth 
• Complete a (green) prescription request form, which can be obtained from the receptionist
• Complete the form from your previous prescription and leave at reception
• Request a printed copy of your medication from reception
• Leave a hand-written note at reception (with your name and date of birth)

WHEN ORDERING A REPEAT PRESCIPTION YOU SHOULD DO SO IN GOOD TIME TO ALLOW  AT LEAST THREE WORKING DAYS BEFORE IT IS READY FOR COLLECTION

DID YOU KNOW

An average of 500 requests for prescriptions are dealt with every day, and each has to be checked and signed off by a GP – that’s 50 to 80 per GP!

Staff Changes

Maternity Leave:    Healthcare Assistant – Lanalea

New Staff: 

• Care Navigator – Alicia
• Care Navigator - Grace