WITH CHARTHAM AND BLEAN surgeries

PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

Summer Newsletter 2025

The Chartham Health Pod

A Health Pod has been set up at the Chartham surgery.  A Health Pod is a secure computer system where patients can carry out their own checks on such things as blood pressure, weight, pulse, and alcohol consumption, which are instantaneously updated onto your patient record.  The results can be viewed immediately and any result out of range will be flagged to the GP. The patient interacts with a touch screenwhich will guide you throught the procedure.  The idea is that patient and doctor can save a lot of time if these routine checks are carried out on a regular basis and  before a consultation.

health-pod Example of a Health Pod

Check a Mole

There will be another opportunity for patients to have any mole or skin blemished check by a doctor at a clinic on Monday June 16th between 8.30 and 12.00. Email Alison Clarke to make an appointment: alison.clarke72@nhs.com  it is worth noting that this is at present the only clinic of its kind in Canterbury.

Walk & Talk Group

This is not one of those groups which energetically tramp along the Pilgrims Way but rather a leisurely exploration of some of the delights of Canterbury The most recent walks have taken us to the Dane John, Westgate Gardens, St Augustine’s, and St Martins, and we have followed the beobab trail and solved the Cozens flagstone mystery.  The pace is gentle and there is usually a stop for coffee – about an hour and a half in all. Details are displayed on the PPG banner in Reception. Walks are on the first Thursday of the month. If you are interested in joining us for the next walk (Thursday June 5th 10.30 at the Practice) you will be very welcome.

Eating Disorders

Last February the week beginning the 26th was given over to awareness of eating disorders and to highlighting sources of help for those who are suffering and their families.

The PPG has come up with two sources of information and help:

  • Kent and Medway All Age Eating Disorder Service. Phone: 0300 300 1980
  •  Email address: The Courtyard Pudding Lane Maidstone Kent ME14 1P.
  • “BEAT” a charitable organisation offering help to those affected by this problem: beateatingdisorders.org.uk/signs

Diabetes Support Group

This newly formed group has had two meetings to date. The first was on eye care and health, when Amanda Bodemeaid from East Kent Association for the Blind shared information on grants and resources currently available. Secondly, Jodie McIntosh (engagement lead from Kent and Medway for the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme) described the free healthy eating programme supported by the NHS.  Interested patients should speak to their Diabetes Nurse at the practice. This group promises to be an important source of help and support so please come along to the next meeting at the Practice on Wednesday June 25th at 12.30 when the speaker will be Gary Fagg from the Paula Carr Diabetes Centre.  Even better join the committee and help to run it!

Important Appointment Reminders

  • Cancel Unneeded Appointments: If you no longer need your appointment, please remember to cancel it by calling the practice and selecting option 2. You will be asked to leave your name, date of birth, and appointment details. This helps us free up appointments for others who need them.
  • E-Consult Requests: if you've requested an e-Consult appointment but then manage to secure a regular appointment, please cancel your e-Consult request. Failing to do so wastes valuable appointment slots.
  • Blood Test Tips: if you've been asked to have a blood test, we have appointments available daily. To ensure accurate results, please drink plenty of fluids before your appointment.
  • Shingles Vaccination: if you are over 70 and have received a text from us, please book your appointment for the shingles vaccination.

Staff Leaving

It is with mixed emotions that we announce three important staff changes at Northgate Medical Practice:

  1. Marietta left us in April to pursue new opportunities and venture into pastures new. We are grateful for the contributions she has made to the team, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
  2. Julie will be retiring after 17 years of dedicated service to the practice. Julie has been a valued member of our team and her loyalty and hard work have made a significant impact on both patients and colleagues alike. We are sad to see her go but are thankful for her years of commitment and the positive influence she has had on the practice.
  3. Sue will also be retiring after many wonderful years of devoted service to the practice. Sue has been a truly valued and trusted member of our team, known for her unwavering reliability and meticulous attention to detail. While we will miss her dearly, we are deeply grateful for the time we have had with her and for the invaluable wisdom she shared, especially regarding pensions. We wish her all the happiness and relaxation she so richly deserves in her retirement.

Five things you may not know about the practice

  1. Veteran-Friendly Accreditation: Northgate Medical Practice is officially accredited by the Royal College of GPs as a veteran friendly practice. This distinction highlights their commitment to providing tailored support and specialised care for military veterans.
  2. Comprehensive Specialist Clinics: The practice offers a wide variety of onsite specialist clinics, including ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), audiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, Physiotherapy and minor surgery. These services provide high quality care without requiring referrals to external specialists, ensuring greater convenience for patients.
  3. Advanced Diagnostic Services: Northgate Medical Practice offers advanced diagnostic services, such as 24-hour blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. These tools enable prompt and accurate diagnosis, allowing for quicker treatment and more personalised care plans.
  4. Extensive Online Services: The practice provides a comprehensive suite of online services, including appointment booking, repeat prescription requests, e-Consults, and the option to cancel appointments. This ensures greater accessibility and convenience for patients managing their healthcare needs remotely.

  5. Training Practice Status: As an approved Health Education England training practice, Northgate Medical Practice hosts medical students and trainees across various disciplines. This involvement in training future healthcare professionals helps maintain high standards of patient care while fostering ongoing innovation in the practice.

To Contact Private Travel & Health Vaccination Clinics

Due to high demand, private COVID and all travel vaccinations including RSV, pneumonia, yellow fever, dengue fever, whooping cough etc, are available all year round at Northgate Medical Practice. For further information and to book an appointment please complete the form on the following link: www.canterburyvaccinationsite.co.uk

The Patients Participation Group email address is: alison.clarke72@nhs.com