VOLUNTEER TRANSPORT We would like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to our volunteer drivers who give up their own time, car and petrol to take patients to/from the surgery, who would otherwise be unable to get here. Instead of payment we ask that the patients make a donation into one of our charity boxes at Reception. Since doing this we have raised over £2000 in one of our charity boxes for the children’s charity, CHAS. Without the volunteer drivers and your kind donations this would not have been possible. We currently require more volunteer drivers to assist with our transport service. Do you have a car and some spare time? Would you like to contribute to the local community whilst meeting new people? If you would like to add your name to our volunteer drivers list please contact a member of our Reception Team.

******

SUPPORT AT CHRISTMASTIME We understand that for some people, Christmas can be a time of worry and anxiety, with pressures of time, money and family constantly occupying our thoughts. There are services available to offer advice and help to manage these stresses and strains.

BEATING THE BLUES is a computer based treatment for anxiety and depression which is free to use for people aged 16+ who are registered with a GP in Tayside. If you would like to use

this service, your GP will be able to refer you to the Tayside Beating the Blues programme.

BREATHING SPACE is a free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Family members, partners and friends who are concerned about their own wellbeing and that of people they care about can also make use of the service. Calls are taken by trained advisors. The phoneline is open 24hours at weekends (6pm Friday—6am Monday) and from 6pm—2am on weekdays. The telephone number is 0800 83 85 87.

******

Reflections of a Scottish Christmas:

The dark of winter wraps around us tight. The lamps are fired, and flickering light

beats time to the fiddle as notes float softly down, like the year’s first snow. While outside the window a blast of late December wind whistles harmony to the drone of pipes.

We push the old year back against the wall so we can dance a jig for Christmas and welcome in the new.

Johnny Cunningham (1957—2003)

Telephone: 01764 670217 Fax: 01764 679125 Email: comrie.tayside@nhs.net Website: www.comriemedicalcentre.co.uk

Repeat prescriptions email: comrieprescriptions.tayside@nhs.net

If you

COMRIE MEDICAL CENTRE

WINTER 2018 NEWSLETTER

DEAR PATIENTS Welcome to our Winter 2018 newsletter. Having had such a lovely summer, we are all wondering what the winter weather will bring us. Please take extra care on slippery pavements and keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours. WINTER........AND THE CAR PARK We would like to remind our patients to please park in the spaces provided

and not at the front door. This is for ambulances and emergencies only. During the frosty days, please be extra careful when entering and leaving the car park. We will try to have it gritted before 9.00 am but if weather conditions are more adverse with heavy snow and hard packed ice then this is more difficult to achieve. When temperatures fall below –6 the salt is ineffective and patients should take extra care. May we remind our patients that the disabled bay is for Blue Badge holders ONLY. It is closer to the main entrance and it is vital that it is reserved for disabled patients only. OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS The doctors at Comrie Medical Centre would like to remind all our patients that antibiotics are not always the answer for when you are feeling unwell. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them could in fact put you at risk, as it encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. Many common illnesses such as the cold can be managed simply by ensuring you have enough rest, fluids and by following basic hygiene procedures such as regular handwashing. Paracetamol is also useful to reduce a high temperature. There has been an advertisement on radio and TV by the NHS recently with a “jingle” that goes like this:

Antibiotics were wonderful pills But don’t ever think we’ll cure all of your ills

So when you’re feeling a bit under the weather Don’t always think that we can make you better

Take us for the wrong thing That’s dangerous to do

‘Cause when you really need us We can stop working for you

So please don’t end up paying the price Always take your doctor’s advice

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY We are closed on the following dates:

Tuesday 25 December 2018 Wednesday 26 December 2018

Tuesday 1 January 2019 Wednesday 2 January 2019

The opening hours of our Comrie branch are Monday - Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm. We offer various free NHS services including Blood Pressure testing and Smoking Cessation and plans are in hand to enhance the services supplied to Comrie and the surrounding area.

Davidsons also offer the following services:

Minor Ailment Service: Allows the team to give eligible individuals treatment for common conditions on the NHS without you having to pay for it. Please ask in the Pharmacy for more information.

Medicine Compliance Aids: Patients sometimes need assistance to ensure they are taking the right drug at the right time as prescribed by their doctor. The Monitored Dosing System has been designed to support people in the community who have varying medication requirements. The system allows patients to feel comfortable taking their medication.

We would like to wish all our patients and customers all the very best for 2019. Our festive opening hours are: When we are closed over the festive season the following Pharmacies are open in your area:

**Please ensure you stock up on all your medications to cover you for the full two weeks**

PRESCRIPTIONS - Please allow 48 hours for your medication to be available for collection from the pharmacy. You can request your repeat prescriptions in the following ways:

• Email: comrieprescriptions.tayside@nhs.net (please include name, DOB and address)

• Log into: www.comriemedicalcentre.co.uk

• Drop in your ticked repeat order form to Reception.

• Drop in your ticked repeat order form to Davidson’s Pharmacy, Comrie OR Crieff.

• Post your order form to us (please allow 7 days for this to be completed and enclose a SAE if using a different chemist than our local i.e. Crieff or Callander).

We would like to remind our patients that we do NOT accept repeat prescriptions over the phone.

Christmas Eve 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM

Christmas Day CLOSED

Boxing Day CLOSED

Thursday 27 December 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM

Friday 28 December 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM

Saturday 29 December 9.00 AM - 1.00 PM , 2.00 PM - 5.00 PM

Sunday 30 December CLOSED

Monday 31 December 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM

New Years Day CLOSED

Wednesday 2 January CLOSED

Thursday 3 January 9.00 AM - 5.30 PM

Christmas Day Davidsons Pharmacy, 5 James Square, Crieff 2.00 PM—3.00 PM

Boxing Day Strathearn Pharmacy, 68—70 King Street, Crieff 2.00 PM—4.00 PM

New Years Day Boots Chemist, 9—11 High Street, Crieff 2.00 PM— 3.00 PM

Wednesday 2 January Right Medicine Pharmacy, 56 High Street, Crieff 2.00 PM—4.00 PM

ONLINE DIABETIC SUPPORT—MY DIABETES MY WAY This is NHS Scotland’s interactive diabetes website for patients and carers. It is supported and funded by the Scottish Diabetes Group which provides expert advice to the Scottish Government. The information the website contains has been verified and validated by an Editorial Board made up of healthcare professionals, patients and technical specialists from across Scotland. The website is for patients with diabetes and their family and friends to help find diabetes information and resources. Some examples are listed below: Information about what diabetes is. Particularly useful for newly diagnosed patients Information about feet, eyes, kidneys and the heart Guidance on diet and activity Information on the various diabetes treatments Diabetes and pregnancy Diabetes in children and young adults Sign up to gain access to your own test results, clinic letters and your treatment plan. Please remember that the information on this site is general advice – if you are having any specific problems please contact your GP or another healthcare professional to get individual help. mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk

******

EAR WAX AND SYRINGING Ear wax in your ears is normal and provides protection for your ears. Your ears are self-cleaning. The movement of your jaw while eating and talking helps the wax move along the canal. Ear wax only becomes a problem if it causes deafness, pain, or if the health professional needs a clear view of the eardrum. The amount of wax produced varies from patient to patient. Some patients produce an excessive amount of wax which can block the canal. Wearing headphones, ear plugs or ear defenders can increase the amount of wax. Having a narrow or hairy canal can contribute to wax production. Many patients with dry skin who suffer from eczema or psoriasis can experience excess wax. HINTS AND TIPS: Do NOT put anything inside your ear which may cause damage, trauma or possible infection. Try to keep your ears dry when washing your hair, showering or swimming. Do not put your head under the water when bathing. If your ears block regularly, applying almond/olive oil drops every

week can help. WHEN SHOULD I SEE THE NURSE? If you are experiencing any of the following, please see the Practice Nurse: Pain Discharge or bleeding from the ear Sudden deafness Dizziness Foreign body The Practice Nurse is happy to check your ears at ay time to see if they have wax. Just make an appointment at Reception. If you are not experiencing any of the above you can manage your problem by applying almond/olive oil 2—3 times per day for a minimum of 2—3 weeks. In most cases the wax will have softened significantly and come out itself. DO NOT put cotton wool inside your ears as this just absorbs the oil. If both ears are blocked, we recommend concentrating on one ear at a time. After self-managing, if you feel your hearing is no better, please see the Practice Nurse. Ear syringing complications can include infection, trauma and perforation, and therefore we only consider ear syringing if self-management recommendations are unsuccessful. Ear wax needs to be softened for 2—3 weeks before attempting syringing.