F O R D I N G B R I D G E S U R G E R Y

BARTONS ROAD, FORDINGBRIDGE HAMPSHIRE SP6 1RS

PATIENT LINE: 01425 653430

Email: fordingbridgesurgery@nhs.net

Website: www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk

THIS BOOKLETThis booklet is to assist you with information about the Practice, its services and ways we can help you. Please retain it for your future use.

THE PARTNERSDr Philip G C Downes(St Thomas’s 1991) MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

Dr Toby D Wallis(Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School 1997) MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

Dr Joanna Dingley(Nottingham 2000) BMBS DCH MRCGP

Dr Holly Williams(Southampton 2006) BM MRCGP DRCOG DFSRH

Dr Charlotte HillsleyPeninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (2008) BMBS DCH DFSRH MRCGP

ASSOCIATE GPs Dr Stephen Arthur(Leicester 2007) MB ChB MRCP (UK) MRCGPDr Stacey Ringham(Leicester 2007) MRCGP MB ChB DFSRHDr Alex Corcoran(Southampton 2011) BM MRCGPDr Ayrton Goddard(Warwick 2012) MBIOL MBChB PGDip MRCGP MAcadMed FHEA

PRACTICE STAFFPractice ManagerMrs Michelle Raymond HSSM, PGcert (AMGP) MIHMMichelle joined the Practice in 1993 and is responsible for the efficient and effective running of all aspects of the Practice. Michelle would be pleased to hear your views and suggestions regarding the services we offer. You can write to her at the Practice or email: fordingbridgesurgery@nhs.net Practice TeamAll the team are committed to helping you and are absolutely bound by a strict code of confidentiality to maintain your security and privacy.Advanced Nurse PractitionersOur highly qualified advanced nurse practitioners offer chronic disease management appointments. They are able to prescribe in their own right.An advanced nurse practitioner is a specialised nurse who has undertaken an extensive course of study to degree level.

This builds on nursing experience and extends the “traditional” role to include some of the skills of their medical colleagues. These include the ability to perform physical examination, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health problems in patients of all ages.Practice NursesWe have an excellent team of practice nurses. We offer a specialised anti-coagulation clinic in addition to all the usual nurse treatments.Healthcare AssistantsOur team of healthcare assistants offer a multitude of services including phlebotomy, ECGs, wound dressing and hearing assessments.ReceptionistsThese are our front-line staff who deal with all the day-to-day questions and make your appointments. It is a difficult job sometimes and we seek your co-operation in answering questions they are required to ask to ensure you see the right clinician for your medical treatment.

HOW TO SEE USNEED ADVICE?WebGPFormerly known as eConsult, WebGP is an online consultation method that provides self-help tools allowing you to manage your own needs without visiting the practice. You will need to register for SystmOnline to use this service. Please visit www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk for further information.

Urgent Care Service (Urgent Problems)The Urgent Care Service assessment team deal with on the day URGENT medical problems only in the following way:-The receptionist will take your details, including an idea of the problem and a contact telephone number. A doctor or nurse practitioner will call you back where possible within two hours of your initial contact. The doctor or nurse practitioner will make an assessment on the telephone and you will be either offered telephone advice, an appointment for that day or in the future as further tests may be required first.Telephone Consultation with a DoctorMany problems can be dealt with by your doctor over the telephone. If you need non-urgent advice that you think may be able to be dealt with over the telephone, please contact the reception team on 01425 653430 and they will arrange for the doctor to call you back.Need A Home Visit?If you are too unwell to attend the surgery or are housebound, please telephone before 10.00am and your request will be added to the Urgent Care Service telephone list. Please help us by telling the receptionist the nature of your problem. Visits are usually made late morning or early afternoon. A nurse practitioner or doctor will telephone you to discuss your symptoms before visiting.

To advertise your business to our patients on low cost, easy payment terms call 0800 0234 196.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Every week surgeriessuffer from high numbers of patients who miss their appointments.Don’t be one of them, if you would normally travel by car and are unable to due to illness; book a local taxi now to avoid disappointment.

Let the taxi take the strain!You know the feeling - you have been feeling ‘a bit under the weather’ for some time, and have finally got around to making an appointment to see the doctor. Do you really feel well enough to drive to the surgery? Of course it is vital to arrive in plenty of time for your appointment, and not to arrive stressed as that could mask other symptoms.

So why not call a local taxi company? They will take you door to door, get you there on time, and no worries about parking the car either!!

Many older or disabled patients regularly use their local taxi firm for all kinds of trips. They appreciate the convenience and relatively low cost. Mums find a taxi has many advantages especially for transporting all the paraphernalia associated with keeping an appointment, at a fixed time, and having to take a baby and/or a young child with them.

Once you have found a good reliable firm you will use them over again on a variety of occasions.

Need Test Results?Please ensure that you find out the result of any test performed by the surgery. Results may be obtained via our online service SystmOnline (you will need to register for this service) or by telephoning the surgery on Tuesdays and Fridays 3.00 – 6.30pm. As a guide please allow several days for the results of tests to come back to us – blood tests and x-rays usually take approximately one week. Cervical smear results usually take approximately three weeks.

Repeat PrescriptionsYour doctor may agree that you can have regular medication without consultation. You should bring your prescription slip to the surgery or post with a stamped addressed envelope. For patient’s safety and accuracy, we are unable to take requests for medication

over the telephone.You may also request repeat prescriptions using our secure online service - SystmOnline (you will need to register for this service). Please visit our website for further information - www.fordingbridgegps.co.ukRequests may be collected within two working days (unless we are dispensing your medication, in which case you may collect in three working days).Please note that in accordance with Department of Health policy to reduce national medicine wastage, this Practice offers a 28 day supply of medicine only.

DispensingWe may be able to dispense your medicine to you. Please enquire when you register. Please allow three working days for your prescription to be processed – remember to order in advance.

PROOF OF ID/ADDRESS POLICYThis Practice has a policy to check the identification and residency of all newly registered patients. This is recommended by the Department of Health and is designed to reduce NHS fraud.

As part of the registration process you will be asked to bring in both photographic identification and proof of address documents from the suggested list below.

This list is in order of preferred documents but as a last resort you may have other document types that we haven’t listed that may also be acceptable.Photographic ID documentsPassportDriving licenceID CardStudent cardEmployer ID cardHackney carriage licenceBus passProof of address documentsDriving licenceUtility billCredit card/bank statementSolicitors letterRent or Tenancy Agreement

Attract more business by placing your advert here. Simply call 0800 0234 196.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Fordingbridge Day NurseryFordingbridge Day Nursery is a newly established, spacious full day care nursery for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Located on the A388 in Burgate, just outside Fordingbridge, the Grade 2 listed building has been refurbished to the highest standard, including having the roof re-thatched and gardens redesigned. All rooms are on the ground floor with doors which open directly into the garden area giving children access to outside play at all times. There is a growing staff team which is highly qualified, experienced, motivated and dedicated to providing quality care and education for children in their earliest years.

Children’s earliest years are vital and are the foundation to lifelong learning. The nursery aims to nurture children in an environment which enables and promotes play based learning, creativity, imagination, social and cognitive skills and provides the fun experiences which make childhood so enjoyable.

Open 7am - 7pm, Monday to Friday for 51 weeks of the year, the nursery offers both full and part time care and education. It is situated within easy reach of Salisbury, Ringwood, Southampton, Bournemouth and Poole. There is ample parking. For further information, please see out website at www.fordingbridgenursery.com or telephone 01425 656060 to find out more.

Let our practice publications promote your business for you!To place an advertisingfeature in our Practice Bookletssimply phone Veronica Smithnow on 0800 612 1516.

SYSTMONLINE REGISTRATION PROCEDURENew patients need to register as a patient with the Practice first and wait until you have received your letter from the health authority to confirm your registration with us. Please ask reception for more information and for the ‘Internet Access Application Form’.

SURGERY OPENING TIMESThe Fordingbridge Surgery is open from 8.00am until 6.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 8.00am until 6.00pm on Friday. If you require advice or a doctor outside these surgery hours, please ring 111 and you will be dealt with by the out of hours service.Exact surgery hours may vary. Please ask at reception for help.

Fordingbridge Surgery

AM PM

Monday Arthur Dingley Arthur Williams

Downes Hillsley Downes Ringham

Ringham Wallis Wallis Tuesday Arthur Corcoran Arthur Corcoran

Downes Hillsley Downes Wednesday Arthur Dingley Arthur Dingley

Hillsley Goddard Hillsley Goddard

Wallis Ringham Wallis Ringham Thursday Williams Williams Wallis

Downes Downes

Wallis Friday Arthur Corcoran Arthur Corcoran

Dingley Downes Goddard

Downes Hillsley Wallis Ringham

Goddard Ringham

Wallis Williams

Doctors attend Alderholt Surgery on a rota basis.

Extended HoursThe Practice offers a limited number of additional doctor and nurse appointments outside the USUAL opening hours (8.00am – 6.30pm). This provision is designed to help patients who are otherwise unable to attend surgery due to work commitments etc.THESE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR ROUTINE MATTERS ONLY AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE BY CONTACTING THE SURGERY DURING USUAL OPENING HOURS.

To advertise your business to our patients on low cost, easy payment terms call 0800 0234 196.

Please be aware that the appointments provided by the GPs and nurse team of the Practice are on a rotational basis and that follow-up appointments and nurse appointments (ie ECGs) should be made during normal working hours.Please ask at reception for further information or visit our website: www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk Home visits and urgent problems will continue to be handled by the out of hours service on 111 and should be contacted directly.This service benefits those patients who previously have had difficulty arranging appointments, and we ask that you continue to attend during usual hours if at all possible.

IMPORTANT In an emergency you should attend the local Accident and Emergency Department or dial 999. An emergency is a critical or life threatening situation and includes chest pain or suspected heart attack, head injury, severe loss of blood, severe breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, deep wounds or suspected broken bones.

APPOINTMENT LENGTHS The majority of GP/Nurse appointments at the surgery are ten minutes.We ask where possible that you try to observe the ‘one appointment, one problem’ ethos rather than bringing a list of medical problems to the doctor.We strive to deal with every medical problem to the highest standard for your safety, but this proves impossible if we are expected to deal with a number of problems in one appointment.Also, please do not expect the doctor to deal with the problem of a relative or a child during your appointment. Please make another appointment if they need to see a doctor.

OUT OF HOURS CAREWe are pleased to be able to offer you a range of appointments at the evenings and weekends to improve the access for our patients. These appointments are provided for our patients by PHL. These appointments are available at Ringwood Medical Centre and Lymington Hospital and can be booked via our reception.There are a range of clinicians available including GP, Nurse, Specialist Mental Health Nurse and First Contact Physiotherapy.

CAR PARKINGWhen coming to the surgery you may park in our car park for a maximum of 30 minutes. Alternatively the public car park is nearby.

DISABLED FACILITIESThere are car parking bays at both ends of the surgery. WC facilities are available and wheelchair assistance if you require it. Please let us know if we can help you in any other way.

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE SURGERYMinor SurgeryA variety of procedures are carried out at the surgery including the fitting of contraceptive devices, removal of small lumps and bumps and a wide range of joint injections. We are unable to provide some services that are not funded on the NHS. These include requests for removal of lumps and lesions on cosmetic grounds or lesions that are self-limiting.

CLINICS FOR CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS• Asthma • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)• Heart Disease • Stress • Hypertension • Diabetes • Patients on Warfarin • Leg UlcersA wide variety of chronic health problems are monitored and managed by our nurse team.Vasectomy SurgeryThe Practice is contracted by Solent NHS Trust to provide vasectomies to patients. If you have any queries regarding this service, please discuss with your doctor.Community Nurses And Health VisitorsCommunity nurses and health visitors are based locally.Foreign TravelThe Practice is an authorised yellow fever centre and as of 1st March 2020 we will be able to offer advice and appropriate immunisations for foreign travel. The vaccines we are able to offer include:- Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio & Diptheria and MMR if needed. Vaccines that we are not able to offer at this time are those which are considered to be private vaccines, outside the GP Contract and chargeable include:- Hepatitis B, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-borne Encephalitis and Malaria tablets. Patients will therefore be required to obtain these vaccinations elsewhere. Please seek advice 8 to 12 weeks before departure. You will be required to complete a travel assessment form 6-8 weeks prior to travelling. The form is available from the surgery, via SystmOnline or downloadable from the surgery website.

CHILD IMMUNISATION CLINICSImmunisation Schedule 2 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B Pneumococcal, Rotavirus and Meningitis B 3 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B and Rotavirus 4 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal and Meningitis B 12 months Hib and Meningitis C booster, Measles, Mumps and Rubella and a Pneumococcal booster and Meningitis B booster 3 years 4 months Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio booster and Measles, Mumps and Rubella boosterFor babies born on or after the 1st January 2020, the vaccine schedule is changing. Instead of having 2 + booster they will be having 1 + booster – so instead of 8 weeks and 16 weeks, the only one is being given at 12 weeks.For more information please contact your health visitor or visit www.nhs.uk

ClinicWeekly Child Immunisation Clinic• Wednesday 8.40 - 10.30amYou will be sent a letter when your child’s immunisations are due requesting you to contact the surgery to make an appointment in the immunisation clinic.ConsentIf anyone other than you, as the parent, is bringing your child, they must have signed consent for the immunisation from you as the parent or guardian.

ANNUAL FLU CLINICEach year in the autumn we offer flu vaccinations to our patients aged 65 and over or anyone who is otherwise at risk. Please discuss with your doctor if you are uncertain whether or not to have the vaccination.

NON-NHS SERVICESMany certificates, forms and reports requested by patients are not covered by the NHS. They may be provided by the surgery and are charged at BMA recommended rates. These include new medicals, insurance reports, travel claim forms, private certificates and passport counter signatories.

GP AND MEDICAL STUDENT TRAININGWe take pride in being a training Practice. Doctors at different stages in their studies are placed with the Practice throughout the year. GP registrars remain with us for 12 months. These doctors have at least three years of post-graduate hospital experience, but are new to general practice. Some of their consultations are videotaped to assist with their training. Recording will not be done without your consent. Any such recordings are strictly confidential and viewed only by doctors.Medical students may accompany your doctor from time to time; you may request to see your GP in private if you prefer.

MEDICAL RECORDS, DATA PROTECTION AND CONFIDENTIALITYWhilst we are responsible for the proper maintenance of your medical records during your period of registration with the Practice, these records remain the property of the Health Authority.Fordingbridge Surgery is registered under the Data Protection Act 2018. We are required under the Data Protection Act 2018 to maintain your personal medical records in a confidential manner and access to your records is therefore restricted to those persons deemed to be maintaining those records on behalf of the Department of Health and by those directly involved in your health care.As an NHS training Practice we are often called upon to facilitate research into clinical conditions and prevalence data. Only fully qualified medical staff undertake such research and the data extracted is fully anonymised to ensure that no individual data subject can be identified.As the patient (data subject) you have a right, subject to limitations under the law, to have access to your personal medical record. Enquiries about your medical history from such bodies as Insurance/Life Assurance companies etc, are generally only permissible with your formal consent. You will normally be asked to give consent to such enquiries before your general practitioner releases information.

If for any reason you wish to view your personal medical records, you are required to make a formal request in writing or via email, including your reason for making this request and which part of your record you wish to look at to the Practice. We will agree a date and time for you to visit the Practice and have access to those records. Whilst reviewing your record you are at liberty to make any notes that you may feel appropriate. You will be allowed to ask for copies of any information that you have seen and you will be asked to pay a nominal sum for these copies. If a decision is taken that the records should not be disclosed, a letter informing you of this decision will be sent. If you wish to discuss the reason for the refusal of the disclosure of your records, then you will need to contact the surgery and make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.

You are not allowed under any circumstances to amend, delete or in any other way alter the records. If you believe that there is an error in your record, you must bring this to the attention of the practice manager who will ensure that your concerns are notified to your general practitioner. The alleged error will be investigated and if the error is confirmed the general practitioner will amend your records accordingly.

CONSENT TO SHARE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONThe Data Protection Act 2018 and the ethical codes of conduct of all health care professionals, require that medical data be treated with great respect and confidentiality. We are not permitted to share any medical details with a third party without your consent.A Consent to Share form is available for patients to complete.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENTWhatever the reason for your visit to the Practice we offer everyone, including those under 16, a confidential service in a safe environment. This means that:• Anything you say to us will be treated with respect.• We keep records so that other staff can care for you.• We do not usually discuss your personal details outside the Practice without your knowledge.We have a duty to keep you safe. Confidentiality will only be broken in very exceptional circumstances, for example:• When there is, in our professional judgement, a strong suspicion that you might harm others or that you might harm yourself.• When someone under 18 discloses that he/she is being physically, sexually or emotionally abused and that not taking any action would put that person at further risk.• When it is disclosed that other young people (under 18) are being abused or at risk, for example brothers or sisters being abused at home.• When a court order is issued to the Practice.

OUR SERVICE TO YOUAs a patient of the Practice you can expect:

• A clear explanation of any treatment proposed for you.

• To be supported by a relative or friend if you want one.

• Privacy and confidentiality.

• Courtesy from staff.

• To be seen within 30 minutes of an appointment. If for any reason you cannot be seen within this time a clear explanation will be given.

• To be given an appointment the same day if you need to see a doctor urgently via the Same Day Service system.

• Review of your medication regularly if you are receiving repeat prescriptions.

• To be referred to a consultant when your GP thinks it necessary, and to be referred for a second opinion if both you and your GP agree that this is desirable.

• To have access to your health records written after 1 November 1991, and to know that those working in the NHS will, by law, keep their contents confidential.

• To choose whether or not you wish to take part in medical research or medical student training.

• Information will only be released to your relatives and friends about the progress of your treatment at your request.

We request your help in:

• Keeping appointments, or giving as much notice as possible if you have to cancel.

• Letting us know as soon as possible if you move address.

• Calling out of hours only in an emergency and not for routine treatment or advice.

• Attending the surgery instead of requesting a visit unless you are too ill to travel.

We very much welcome constructive comments and feedback on our service, which you may pass on by word of mouth in writing or via email to our Practice Manager.

If you are experiencing problems with our services, we will always try to resolve them efficiently. We have an established complaints procedure – in the first instance please contact the Practice Manager.

COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTSWe are always interested to hear any complaints or observation you may have so that we can act upon them and improve the service we give. We operate a Practice complaints procedure as part of an NHS system for dealing with complaints. Our complaints system meets national criteria.

We hope that most problems can be sorted out easily and quickly, often at the time they arise and with the person concerned. If your problem cannot be sorted out in this way and you wish to make a complaint, we would like you to let us know as soon as possible.

Your complaint will be confidentially handled by the Practice Manager or one of the Partners in the Practice, who will promptly and thoroughly investigate. You will be kept fully informed at each stage of the procedure.

We also welcome suggestions and complimentary comments!

Procedure in the Event of a ComplaintIn this Practice, patient complaints are dealt with by adherence to the following procedure:

Practice Manager informed of complaint

Complaint acknowledged within two days of receipt. If necessary, Practice Manager meets or telephones complainant to discuss and assess whether the problem is clinical or administrative.

Administrative problem: Practice Manager investigatesClinical problem: lead doctor investigates

Complainant contacted – letter, meeting or telephone discussion and explanation offered

Complaint resolved (usually within two weeks of receipt) Staff re-trained, procedures revised where necessary

ORComplaint unresolved:Complainant should write to:-

NHS EnglandPO Box 16738RedditchB97 9PTEmail: england.contactus@nhs.netTel: 0300 311 2233OR

The Parliamentary & Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank TowerMillbankLondonSW1P 4QP(Must be within 12 months from date of initial written complaint.)

Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk

Tel: 0345 015 4033

www.ombudsman.org.uk

VIOLENT OR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUROur staff are encouraged to handle all enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner and wherever possible to avoid confrontation. We are aware that for many patients their attendance at a GP surgery can be a stressful experience. We endeavour to provide a clean and relaxing environment so that patients can await their consultation with our staff in comparative peace.

Occasionally patients may, for various reasons, feel that they have a right to express their feelings in a violent or abusive manner. Whilst recognising that in some cases there may be some justification for extreme behaviour, other patients, our doctors, nurses and staff are not here to be the butt of unreasonable expressions of anger.

If a patient persists in such behaviour and continues to act unreasonably in either a verbal or physically violent manner, we are at liberty to take action that may result in the patient being permanently removed from the Practice list. We will, in extreme cases, enlist the assistance of the local Police to remove an offender and in this instance we will ask the Police to issue a crime reference number that will be reported to the West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Violent or abusive patients who have been identified to the West Hampshire CCG in this manner, may subsequently find it difficult to register for medical services with an alternative practice in the area and may be referred to a special unit who deal specifically with violent or abusive patients.

SUMMARY CARE RECORD – YOUR EMERGENCY CARE SUMMARYThe NHS in England has introduced the Summary Care Record which is used in emergency care. The record contains information about any medicines you are taking, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had to ensure those caring for you have enough information to treat you safely.You can choose not to have a Summary Care Record and you can change your mind at any time by informing the GP Practice. If you decide you don’t want a Summary Care Record, please ask reception for an opt-out form. This form should be completed and returned to the Practice.

DO YOU LOOK AFTER A RELATIVE, FRIEND OR NEIGHBOUR WHO NEEDS HELP BECAUSE OF THEIR ILLNESS, FRAILTY, ADDICTION OR DISABILITY?If so, you are a carer and we would like to support you. Please ask a receptionist for a form and once completed hand it into reception. If you are agreeable, we will pass your details to the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, which is a local organisation providing free confidential support, information and advice for carers.They can also discuss your need to be assessed by Adult Care Services.

KEEPING HEALTHY, STAYING HEALTHYSensible Drinking A small amount of alcohol does you no harm but if it’s more than a small amount, you may be damaging your health.Alcohol is measured in units – one unit is 10ml of alcohol and is found in:• Half a pint of beer or less than half a pint of export beer, lager or strong cider• A small sherry• A pub single measure of spirits• However a small glass of wine equals 1.5 unitsOnly you really know how many units you drink. Stay within healthy limits. For men, a sensible limit is up to 21 units a week. For women the limit is 14 units a week.

Giving Up SmokingSome people smoke because they enjoy it and do not want to stop. However when we ask most people, they say they do not really enjoy it, would like to stop, but cannot manage to. Some of the risks are:• Heart and arterial disease – heart attack, stroke and amputation• Cancer (many kinds)• Chronic bronchitis (a cough with phlegm every morning is an early sign)• Stomach ulcersContact the surgery or your local pharmacy for further advice.

SELF-TREATMENT OF COMMON ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTSMany problems can be treated at home without the need to consult a doctor.

Back PainMost back pain is caused by poor lifting technique. Always lift by bending your knees and keeping your back straight. Rest your back by sitting as upright as possible or lying flat on your back with your knees bent (a cushion under your knees often helps). Gentle stretching exercises improve the speed of your recovery. Swimming, walking and cycling are excellent when a little more mobile. If there is no improvement after a few days, or if bladder or bowel control is affected, make an appointment to see a doctor.

Bed SoresBed sores are far easier to prevent than cure. They are caused by prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body when lying in bed for long periods. They can be prevented by encouraging the patient to shift position as often as possible and taking care to smooth out creases in the bottom sheet. Watch for red marks appearing at the pressure points such as heels, elbows, buttocks and hips. If they begin to appear, inform the community nurse before they get worse.

BurnsApply large quantities of cold water to the affected area. If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose dressing. If the burn is larger than 10cm in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor or nurse, or attend a casualty unit.

ChickenpoxUsually develops about two weeks after contact with the disease. On the first day a rash appears as small red patches 3 - 4mm across, and within a short time blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear, and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Oily calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears to five days after this date. Children may return to school five days from the start of the skin eruptions.

Colds, Coughs and Stuffy NosesColds are caused by viruses. Even today there is still no cure for the common cold. Paracetamol will help to relieve the headache, sore throat and aching as well as bring down a fever. Rest at home, take plenty of liquids. The best way to relieve catarrh is by inhaling steam. Add a teaspoon of vapour rub to a bowl of hot water, place your head under a towel and inhale for 5 - 10 minutes.

ConstipationThis is a very common problem which can generally be avoided by ensuring plenty of fibre (eg cereals, fruit and vegetables), in the daily diet, combined with plenty to drink. If necessary, laxatives are available from chemists and most supermarkets.

CystitisThis is not uncommon in women. It causes a burning sensation during frequent passing of urine. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have a fever or if the symptoms last more than 48 hours, consult your doctor.

Diarrhoea and VomitingThis condition nearly always settles without treatment and the main aim is to ensure plenty of clear drinks are taken. Rehydration solutions are available from the chemist or alternatively adding one teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to a pint of boiled water makes a suitable drink. Food and milk should be avoided for the first 24 hours (breast feeding should continue, but more frequently if possible). Medication to stop diarrhoea is best avoided. A little bland food such as bread, potatoes or rice can be started when free from vomiting for at least 12 hours.

EaracheEarache is more common at night and may settle with paracetamol. If it persists for more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by a high fever or ear discharge, consult your doctor the next day.

HeadliceThese little parasites, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and not necessarily a sign of poor personal hygiene. Frequent combing using a ‘nit’ comb (available from the chemist) through wet hair with conditioner is the best treatment. Medicated lotion can be obtained from the chemist without prescription if combing fails.

InfluenzaThis is a viral infection for which there is no cure, but it may be prevented by vaccination. For those at particular risk and for all patients aged over 65 years, there are Vaccination Clinics every autumn. The treatment is the same as colds.

Insect Bites and StingsAntihistamine tablets or creams eg Wasp-eze, can be obtained from the chemist and will usually relieve most symptoms. Bee stings should be scraped away rather than ‘plucked’ to avoid squeezing the contents of the venom sac into the wound.

Looking After Your Child with a High TemperatureA child usually develops a fever in response to an infection. Usually the child will get over the infection without antibiotics. A few children, usually under three years old, may have a convulsion with a high temperature. It is therefore important to bring the temperature down, to make your child feel comfortable and to avoid convulsions. If your child has a temperature or feels hot:1. Give paracetamol at the higher recommended dose.2. Undress your child and avoid thick covers at night.3. Give plenty of cool drinks as fluid is lost with a fever.4. Repeat the dose of paracetamol every four hours if necessary.5. If your child does not improve, ask your doctor for advice.6. You will not make matters worse if you bring your child out to see the doctor. Sometimes the fresh air makes feverish children feel better.7. If your child does have a convulsion, it should subside within five minutes. Lay the child on their side, stay with them while it lasts and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Minor Cuts and GrazesGently clean the wound, pressing firmly for five minutes to stop any bleeding. Cover with a dry dressing.

Nose BleedsPinch the soft part of the nose, below the bridge, firmly for 10 minutes. Sit upright with your head slightly forward. Rinse the mouth frequently with cold water.

SprainsApply a cold compress, containing ice if possible, for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce the swelling. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel is good for this purpose. Then apply a firm crepe bandage, and rest the injury until the pain has eased. Gentle movement over the next few days will speed recovery.

SunburnTreat as for other burns with cold water. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation. Children are particularly susceptible and great care should be taken to avoid over-exposure. Use protective sunscreens eg factor 15 or above, and take plenty of cool drinks to avoid dehydration.

TicksThese burrow into the skin and can be removed by gently pulling and twisting with tweezers. Clean the wound with antiseptic. Ticks are common in the New Forest but fortunately the much publicised Lyme disease is rare. If the wound forms a spreading red patch, or if you become unwell, consult your doctor.

ThreadwormsThese can be seen in the motions or suspected by intense itching around the back passage. A simple treatment is available from the chemist.

THE FAMILY MEDICINE CHESTHere is a list of useful medicines and dressings with a description of their use. All are quite cheap and should be stocked at home in readiness. Keep them in a box or a cupboard with a lock, or store them well out of the reach of children.

Antihistamine Tablets/CreamsFor relief of stings and itchy rashes.

Antiseptic CreamFor treating septic spots, sores and grazes.

Antiseptic MouthwashGargles will often relieve a sore throat.

Antiseptic SolutionDiluted in warm water for cleaning cuts and grazes.

Calamine LotionFor dabbing on bites, stings and sunburn. Also soothes chickenpox and shingles.

Cotton WoolFor cleaning cuts and grazes and for dabbing on calamine lotion.

Dressings/Plasters/BandagesAlways useful.

Menthol Crystals/Vapour RubAdd to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh and dry or painful coughs.

Paracetamol MixtureFor the relief of pain or fever in young children. (Paracetamol teething gel is also useful.)

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen TabletsFor adults and children but check the recommendations and dosage on the box carefully. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.

Begins with fee l ing unwell, a rash and maybe a temperature. Spots are red and become fluid-filled blisters within a day or so. Come first on the chest and back, then spreads. The spots eventually dry into scabs, which drop off. Unless spots are badly infected, they don’t usually leave a scar.

No need to see the doctor unless you are unsure whether it is chickenpox or your child is very unwell and/or distressed. Give plenty to drink. P a r ace t amo l w i l l help bring down a temperature. Baths, loose comfortable clothes and calamine lotion can all ease the itchiness.

From the day before the rash appears until the spots are dry.

From a few days before the rash appears until five days after it goes.

Rash appears a f ter third or fourth day of a feverish illness. Spots are red and slightly raised; may become blotchy. Rash is not itchy. Child becomes very unwell, with cough and high temperature . I l lness usually lasts about a week.

Contact your doctor. Give rest, and plenty to drink. Warm drinks will ease the cough. Paracetamol will ease discomfort and lower the tempera ture . Vaseline around the lips protects the skin. Wash crustiness from eyelids with warm water.

From a few days before becoming unwell until swelling goes down.Maybe 10 days in all.

Child may complain of pain around the ear or feel uncomfortable when chewing. Swelling then starts under the jaw by the ear. Swelling often starts on one side, followed (though not always) by the other.

Child may not feel especially ill and may not want to be in bed. Paracetamol will ease pain in the swollen glands. Give plenty to drink but not fruit juices. They make the saliva flow which may hurt.

CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND SYMPTOMS Incubation Period Infectious Period How To Recognise It What To Do

The time between When your child catching the illness can give the illness and becoming ill. to someone else.

Chickenpox 14 - 16 days

Measles 7 - 12 days

Mumps 14 - 21 days

Incubation Period Infectious Period How To Recognise It What To Do

The time between When your child catching the illness can give the illness and becoming ill. to someone else.

Mumps(Cont’d)

Rubella 14 - 21 days(GermanMeasles)

Whooping 7 - 14 daysCough

(It is rare for mumps to affect boys’ testes. This happens rather more in adult men with mumps. However the risk of permanent damage is very low.)

No need to see the doctor unless your child has stomach-ache and is being sick.

F rom the f i r s t signs of illness until about six weeks after coughing first started, unless an antibiotic is given.

It is a gradually worsening cough . A f te r about two weeks, coughing bouts start. These are exhausting and make it difficult to breathe. Somet imes , but not always, there’s a whooping noise as the child draws in breath after coughing. It takes some weeks before the coughing fits start to die down.

If your child has a cough that gets worse rather than better and starts to have longer fits of coughing more and more often, contact your doctor. It’s important for the sake of other children to know whether or not it is a whooping cough.

From a few days before the illness starts until a week after the rash first appears.

No need to see the doctor. Keep your child away from anyone you know who is pregnant (or trying to become so). If your child was with anyone pregnant before you knew about the illness, let them know.

Can be d i f f i cu l t to diagnose with certainty. Starts with a mild cold. Rash appears in a day or two, first on the face, then spreading. Spots are flat. On a light skin, they are pale pink. Glands in the back of the neck may be swollen. Child doesn’t usually feel unwell. Give plenty to drink.

Sunscreen (Eg Factor 15)When buying sunscreen, the label should have: a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection.For protection from sunlight.

Thermometer or Ear Thermometer (Forehead Temperature Strip for Babies)For measuring fevers.

TweezersFor removing splinters and ticks.

RASHESPlease note rashes look different on different people. The colours of spots can vary, and on black skin, rashes may be less easy to see. If in doubt, check with your doctor.Measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough can all be prevented by immunisation. See Child Immunisation Clinics section for information.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS BEING ADMITTED TO HOSPITALThe Practice wishes you well in your admission to hospital, and trusts you will make a speedy recovery. Below is some information which will be helpful for you and will also help us:

1. Before discharge from hospital:

• Medical Certificates (fit for work notes) If you require one, please ask the nurses or the doctor on the ward before you are discharged. The hospital should provide one that covers the time you are expected to be “off work”, not just the time you are in hospital. The agreement locally is that this would usually be up to a maximum of six weeks.

• Medication If you require regular medications on discharge, ensure you are given two weeks supply.

• Discharge Summary/Letter You should be given a discharge summary/letter for your GP. Please ensure that someone delivers this to the surgery as soon as possible. Home visits following discharge from hospital are rarely necessary and are not undertaken routinely. The hospital will liaise with the Community Nurse Team directly if they require them to visit you.

2. Information about what has happened during your admission.Patients sometimes consult their GP shortly after a period of time in hospital, solely for the purpose of asking questions relating to their stay in hospital. Often we have incomplete information and are not fully able to answer the questions, but will try to assist where possible.Please ask the doctors and nurses in the hospital if you have any questions; they will be able to give you a much better answer than we can, as the information will be to hand.

ZZ/DP 02.20 B00508J-26

WHAT TO DO IN TIME OF BEREAVEMENTIf Death Occurs At Home1. Telephone the doctor who may visit to confirm death has taken place and will provide a death certificate if appropriate2. Contact a funeral director.

When Death Occurs In Hospital1. Contact a funeral director to inform them their services will be required.2. Collect doctor’s death certificate from the hospital.In both cases take the death certificate to the registrar for the area in which death took place, also take the deceased’s medical card and birth certificate if available. Then take the green certificate (issued by registrar) to the funeral director, who will take over responsibility for arranging the funeral. If you are in need of emotional support there are a number of agencies who can provide this, such as CRUSE, details of which can be found in the surgery lobby.

THE FRIENDS OF FORDINGBRIDGE SURGERYPatron Mr Murray Walker OBEThe Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery was established as a registered charity in 2001, to responsibly manage donations made for the benefit of our patients. They also produce newsletters and arrange an annual fund-raising calendar to provide events for all ages and tastes. Proceeds from the charity are used towards purchasing equipment or facilities for our patients that may not be adequately met by NHS funding. The Friends aim is to improve the experience of patients using this surgery and enhance its facilities. If you feel able to offer a little time, you may like to volunteer to help on the committee. Please let the Practice Manager know or obtain further information from the newsletter available in the surgery or visit our website www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk

THE FORDINGBRIDGE SURGERYPATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG)WOULD YOU LIKE TO.........Help shape the way the Practice develops?Share your views on how services are run?Give constructive feedback?Why not join our Patient Participation Group (PPG)? This could involve attending meetings, taking part in email surveys, or becoming part of a project group.The aims of the PPG are to encourage a positive relationship between the patients and the surgery staff, both medical and administrative.Further information can be found on our website www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk If you are willing to become a member of the PPG, either by email or post, to be consulted occasionally about specific services or health issues, please inform reception or email the surgery: fordingbridgesurgery@nhs.net.

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U S E F U L T E L E P H O N E N U M B E R SSalisbury District Hospital ........................................................01722 336262Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals .......................01202 303626Fordingbridge Police .................................................................................101Relate .......................................................................................0300 100 1234Samaritans ..........................................................................................116 123Hampshire Advice Line(part of the Citizens Advice Telephone Service) ....... 0344 411 1306 or 0344 411 1444Hampshire County Council Adult Services ............................0300 555 1386Dorset County Council Adult Social Care ...............................01305 221016

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