spring is seen as a time of growth, renewal, and of new life. · 2016-03-02 · some of you may...

1 - S PRI NG NEWS LET TER

Spring is seen as a time of growth, renewal, and

of new life.

With this in mind we have decided to bring out our

Spring Newsletter early as there will be changes in the

Spring at the Surgery too.

We will have some new faces for you to get to know

and we also say a fond farewell to Dr Ken Sutton who

is retiring at the end of March, also leaving us to

further her training elsewhere is Dr Rachael Trow-

Poole who some of you may have met in the surgery.

We hope you will join us in wishing both Ken &

Rachael well in their futures and we are delighted to

welcome Dr Sally Brading, Dr Maria O’Hare, Dr Rana

Mehdi, Hilary Cater and Donna Glencross, to the Court

Thorn Team.

“CTS — Court Thorn Snippets” S

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Spring Newsletter


Farewells

Dr Ken Sutton is retiring at the end of March, he has spent many years here, looking after both the patients and the practice. We wish him well in his retirement and hope that he will pop in and see us.

Dr Rachael Trow-Poole is moving on to continue her training we wish her all the best.

New Faces

We have a GP Registrar Dr Maria O’Hare, who started with us on Monday 8th February, and will be with us for the next 6 months. Dr O’Hare will be here on a Monday & Tuesday, she will have appointments available for you to see her. Some of you may have already met her, or seen her in the practice.

The reception team has a new addition also, Hilary Cater has joined us, after moving to Cumbria from the Isle of Man, she will be getting to know you in reception and no doubt speaking to you on the telephone.

Dr Sally Brading is our new GP Partner, and she has been a worked across Cumbria as a GP since 2008, Sally will be able to provide family planning including implant and coil fitting as well as supporting the training of the practice team and junior doctors.

Donna Glencross joins the Dispensary team she has worked within dispensary for a number of years.

Dr Rana Mehdi joins us on the 6th April.

Court Thorn — Highlights


Court Thorn — Updates

Protected Learning Time 2016

We will be closed between 1- 5 PM on the following days:-

Thursday 17th March

Wednesday 20th April

Thursday 19th May

Wednesday 22nd June

Wednesday 20th July

No August date

Thursday 22nd September

Wednesday 19th October

Thursday 24th November

No December date

Contact Details

Please remember to update any details you may change such as telephone numbers. We would also like your e-mail address, if we do not have yours

please speak to reception and we will update your details.


Could you help this worthy local cause?

Any donations big or small would make a huge difference and would be greatly appreciated.

Please fill in the form at the back of this newsletter if you would like to help.

PPG


Farewell - Dr Sutton

What’s your proudest moment at Court Thorn Surgery?

It has to be developing the surgery as being a recognised teaching unit. With me at the helm, Court

Thorn is renowned for not standing still. We enjoy going against the grain and evolving to be the best

we can be, to deliver excellent care.

I’ve also been astounded at how many volunteers and volunteer groups have come about as a result of

putting the patient first. From the original Feel Good Group, to the prescription delivery drivers and the

award winning Patient Participation Group. They are the envy of many other Practices in Cumbria.

The volunteers have had a huge impact and no more so than their endeavours to provide a defibrillator

in as many hamlets and villages with the Practice area. The groups and individuals are truly amazing

and work tirelessly for their neighbours and communities.

So how important has the patients’ feedback been on the progression of Court Thorn Surgery?

One word ‘Enormous’. Patient’s feedback has helped me and the team to shape Court Thorn to what it

is today. We strive to be that bit different, to be ahead of the trends without losing focus as to why we

are here – It’s all about the Patient!

What was your most challenging moment?

Mmmmm – I’m not one who likes to ‘bite their tongue’ and at times this has got me into trouble. I think

being on Eden Locality as a representative of the Eden Valley GP’s was a challenge. I can’t stand pro-

crastination. To me it’s a waste of time and money. Either you make a decision to evolve and move on

or you don’t. If you choose the latter then at least it’s a decision.


Can you see Court Thorn Surgery becoming a larger super surgery with many GP’s?

Not at all. Court Thorn Surgery is dynamic; it delivers personal care and personal service. For me, ‘Small is beautiful’.

What was the saddest time for you?

It was 2001 and the time of the Foot and Mouth Disease. I remember very vividly visiting the local farms to give care as they

couldn’t come off the farm. The smell of the burning carcasses and the despair the farming community was going through

was just so palpable.

One minute I was giving an injection to the Farmer and then looked outside into the yard only to see his much treasured cat-

tle being put down by Defra. It was such a traumatic time and even today the memories are still very vivid.

Did you always want to be a GP?

It’s funny up until the age of 12, I always wanted to be an engineer. You often found me dressed in blue wellies, blue shorts

and a blue cap. Yes, that was a sign of the times or rather school uniform fashion in the 60’s/70’s.

Then my interest developed into medicine. Which suppose is engineering really. It’s all about pipes and valves isn’t it!

How long have you been the lead GP?

Well I moved here from East Yorkshire with my family in October 1999. I remember stretching out my arms and touching

all four walls in the old White House Surgery, High Hesket. Sarah had to keep her equipment in the attic space and there

were only 6 seats in the waiting room. How things have changed. After 16 years as a GP, Court Thorn Surgery has gone

from 1700 patients to a staggering 3000 patients. That is an achievement and one that demonstrates the reputation of excel-

lence that Court Thorn has.

So what’s in the future?

Well, lots. I feel that I am leaving the Practice in very capable hands of Iain and Lynne with my replacement Sally to start in

April.

On a personal level, as many patients may know I love to tinker! I’ll be tinkering away on projects at home. I will be spend-

ing time travelling home and abroad in our motorhome, with my lovely supportive wife, Jennie that many of the patients

may know.

Not only that, enjoying our extended doggie family of 3 German Pointers.

Then there is the forthcoming wedding of my eldest son Matthew to Kerys (who once worked at Court Thorn as a dis-

penser). Court Thorn has truly been a family venture!




What’s one tradition you hope Court Thorn Surgery will keep alive?

The Birthday cake tradition! The staff know what I mean. Needless to say Court Thorn Surgery staff can knock spots off the Great

British Bake Off!

Do you have any regrets?

I choose not to have regrets and live life to the full. But as you are pushing me…there is one. That’s that I never became a GP train-

er. To train other future GP’s. I did the next best thing and trained final year medical students though and appraised other GP’s.

Some of which are still in touch with me today and have said since hearing that I’m retiring ‘what will the NHS do?’ That was very

touching.

What do you think about the junior doctors going on strike?

It’s a sad reflection that the medical profession has to take this stance in order to get the Government to sit up and take notice. It’s

not about the pay which is less than a Lidl Manager, it’s about the long hours that these doctors are expected to do and put patients

at high risk. The Government are devaluing the NHS if their measures go ahead and that will be an absolute travesty for all.

Has medicine changed over the years?

Absolutely! Today medicine is governed by guidelines and protocols. Sometimes it takes away the human spirit. Treating the indi-

vidual patient is about going with your gut feeling which is something you can’t put in black and white.

So is there any chance you’ll come back to medicine?

I have no intention in coming back to medicine after 33 years. I am a volunteer for a local social care charity, Eden Carers. I hope

to use my medical experience and knowledge in that capacity.

What’s your proudest moment?

That’s easy - my children. My two eldest sons, Matt and Aaron following me into the medical profession (working at the Cumber-

land Infirmary and Sunderland General Hospitals). Then there is Tom, who is destined to be an entrepreneur and travel the globe.

As for my daughter Naomi, she’s going to be a human rights lawyer. Move over Amal Clooney!

Do you have any final thoughts?

To finish, I am indebted to the staff at Court Thorn Surgery over the years, and most importantly all the Patients. After all, it’s the

people in the building that make a difference, not the building!

Thank you.


My name is Maria O'Hare and I'll be working here 2 days a week for the next

6 months as a GP Registrar.

I'm originally from Lancaster but moved up to Carlisle in 2012 when I

qualified. I spent my Foundation years in the Cumberland Infirmary working

on a mixture of General Medical (Cardiology and Respiratory), Surgical

(General + Colorectal) and Elderly Care/Stroke wards. I decided early on that

I really enjoyed living and working in this area so joined the East

Cumbria GP Training Scheme in 2014.

I've had the opportunity to work in Ophthalmology, A+E and Paediatrics and

am currently spending 2 days a week in Dermatology to gain experience of

this specialty with a view to developing minor operative skills.

I love the variety of presentations you experience in General Practice, no two

days are the same. I also plan to take part in

some community activities in the near future

to help provide support and education to

those who may be interested and who often

do not access the care and advice that is

available to them.

I recently got married and I strive to

maintain a healthy work-life balance by

exploring The Lake District or heading

abroad in my spare time.

Having met the team at Court Thorn, I am

very much looking forward to working here

for the next 6 months and I hope to meet

some of you soon.

GP Registrar - Dr O’Hare


Sally Brading is joining the practice in April. We ask her a few

questions by way of introduction.

Tell us something about your past training and work.

Having grown up in Cambridge I fled the flat Fenlands to Leeds to start as a medical student.

After further training in London and Cambridge universities I qualified in medicine in 2000. My

early years as a doctor were in Ipswich and Nottingham before moving to Carlisle in 2004 to

train in general practice. I have worked as a GP since 2008 across Cumbria in Brampton,

Carlisle and slightly further afield in Alston, Glenridding and West Cumbria. I have also

worked as a volunteer for short periods in South Africa and Haiti and did a diploma in

Liverpool in infectious diseases and tropical medicine.

In November last year I took the opportunity to do something a little different and have been

working in Kendal (and occasionally Penrith) hospital mainly in the minor injuries unit (PCAS)

– a staple diet of broken bones, head injuries and falling off ladders trying to retrieve Christmas

tree decorations from the loft.

What hobbies do you have?

In my free time you will find me weather permitting, out on my

bike, running, walking or gardening. I am a regular volunteer in

the gardens at National Trust’s Acorn Bank and am involved

with the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. I sing with the Penrith

Community choir, play in a small folk band and attend Penrith

Methodist Church. I travel down to see my parents in

Cambridge or nephews in Surrey when possible.

What attracted you to Court Thorn Surgery?

The opportunity to work in a small team, get to know patients and be involved in the local

community.

Do you have any particular skills or interests?

I hope to be able to provide family planning including implant and coil fitting as well as

supporting the training of the practice team and junior doctors.

I have already received a warm welcome from the team and look forward to becoming part of

the practice and to meeting you in the surgery (if you unfortunately need us!) or out and about.

1 0 - S PRI NG NEWS LET TER

After doing my A levels I started a dispenser training course with Boots which took 2

years, at the end of this I earned my Apothecary Hall

Dispensing Technicians Certificate.

I worked part time after having my first 2 children, then

had a career break after my third. I am looking forward

to returning to being a dispenser and to being part of the

team at Court Thorn.

In my spare time I enjoy going running and I run the

football and athletics teams at my youngest son's school.

New Dispensary team member - Donna Glencross

Thank you—Dr Trow-Poole

Prior to starting my job at Court Thorn Surgery I felt apprehensive about the role as I had spent the previous year solely

based at the acute hospital. However, this feeling quickly diminished when I was made to feel incredibly welcome by all the

staff at the surgery, and met the numerous lovely patients who attended the practice.

On my very first day, Ann (Secretary) and Rachael (Practice Manager) kindly gave up their time to explain all the important

points of how the surgery operated on a day-to-day basis and my role in this so that I could settle in easily. I later met Nurses

Jill and Sarah, Sharon (Secretary), Nichola (Receptionist) and the team within the dispensary – Fiona, Jamie, Kim - all of

whom have been hugely supportive and fun to work with.

It is important for me not to forget the GPs Dr Grainger, Dr Harris and Dr Sutton, who are

incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking individuals. I will be forever thankful for the

excellent example they set and opportunity they’ve given me to develop my skills as a doctor.

I shall miss my role within Court Thorn Surgery and the camaraderie between myself and the

staff. I will forever remember this experience with great fondness.

With many new staff starting I am sure they will have an equally valuable and enjoyable time.

I wish all the current staff, future staff and patients the very best for the future


Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

The surgery is closed over Easter on the following days:

Good Friday 25th March and Easter Monday 28th March.

We will re-open on Tuesday 29th March.

Please ensure that you order any medication in advance of the bank holiday weekend.


I have recently moved to Cumbria from the Isle of Man but have many years working in primary care, and have the grey hair and wrinkles to prove it!!

At home I spend most of my time as unpaid servant to two naughty poodles and am enjoying discovering the beautiful Cumbrian country-side with them. As well as the dogs I like to spend my time reading and, of course, nagging at my long-suffering husband who dreads the words “I’ve had an idea…” as it usually involves work for him!

Please bare with me while I get used to the accents here!

I look forward to getting to know you all the patients at Court Thorn Surgery in time.

New Reception Team Member - Hilary Cater


Antibiotic Resistance

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria can adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become ‘antibiotic resistant’ so that the antibiotic no longer works. The more often we use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will be-come resistant to it. The overuse of antibiotics in recent years has played a major part in antibiotic resistance. This includes using antibiotics to treat minor conditions that would have got better anyway. It has led to the emergence of 'superbugs'. These are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to many different types of antibiotics. The NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics to try to combat the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Why should antibiotics not be used to treat coughs and colds?

All colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work against infections

caused by viruses. Viral infections are much more common than bacterial infections.

How can antibiotic resistance be avoided?

By using antibiotics less often we can slow down the development of resistance. It’s not possible to stop it com-

pletely, but slowing it down stops resistance spreading and buys some time to develop new types of antibiotics.

What can we do about antibiotic resistance?

Only use antibiotics when it’s appropriate to do so. We now know that most coughs and colds get better just as

quickly without antibiotics.

Here are some simple actions we can take:

Don’t ask for antibiotics for coughs, colds and sore throats. The best way to treat these illnesses is to drink

plenty of fluids and to rest. Colds can last about two weeks and may end with a cough and bringing up

phlegm. Sore throast can last up to a week. There are many over the counter remedies to ease the

symptoms such as Paracetamol. If the cold lasts more than three weeks, or you become breathless or

have chest pains, or already have a chest complaint, see your doctor.

Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Never save them for later. Never share them with others. The com-

plete course should be taken in order to get rid of the bacteria completely. If the course isn’t completed,

some bacteria may be left to develop resistance.

Spread the word, tell our friends and family about antibiotic resistance.

Further information can be found on the following website: www.nhs.uk/antibiotics


Online Medication Ordering & Appointment Booking

Are you registered with us for online access??

It is a simple process, please ask at reception and we will issue you with the registration paperwork to enable you to access this service.

If you are new to the practice, we will contact you once we have re-ceived your records and ask you if you would like to join the patient ac-cess scheme. If you do we will issue registration paperwork for you to

collect the next time you are in the practice.

Dispensary


Dispensary

For repeat prescriptions please telephone (016974) 73553 between 1pm - 5pm.

Please allow 2 working days before collection, as your prescription will be

joining a queue

We are noticing an increasing number of patients who are requesting medication with less than 2 working days notice. If all patients did this it would be impossible for the team to

meet the demand.

It is your responsibility to request your medication in good time. Please ensure you request your prescription allowing at least 2 working days for your request to be processed.

Failure to do this may result in you missing doses of your required medication. Medication often needs to be ordered into the practice and cannot be obtained at short notice.

Medication orders are processed during business hours of

8.15am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

If you order outside of these times the request will not be processed until the next working day. Please bear this in mind when ordering.

If medication ordered on :- Will be ready to collect from :-

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday

Saturday or Sunday Wednesday (the following Week)


The number to call if you need a doctor in an emergency when we are closed has changed to 111.

Obtain Blood Results

In order to make things easier and more convenient for you, we are starting a new system for obtaining blood results. We are asking patients where possible to ring the surgery between 1pm and 3pm in order to ensure that any results we do have

back have been checked by the GP’s.

Thank you for your help.

Home Visits

Just to remind patients that all requests for home visits are to be made

before 10am. We can not guarantee home visits can be given if arranged

after this time due to service demands.

Newsletter by E-mail

If you would like to receive our newsletter by email, please click on the link on our website www.courtthornsurgery.co.uk and help us to

reduce our carbon footprint.


Compliments from Patients

Brought daughter in as in severe discomfort, seen straight away, thank you very much.

Always have excellent help and service especially from Dr Grainger.

Brought husband and as always got best

attention,. This is the best doctors we have had in the last 40 years.

As always you are amazing, supportive, caring thank you all for your care and support.

The service in this practice is second to none. Well done.

Excellent once again, makes me

look forward to my visits.

Sarah .. What a Star !

When I came in last month Dr Grainger

was so calm and supportive, also Sarah

was a great help to my

wife. Thankfully all clear,

but thank you so much.

I accidentally forgot an appointment

and rang up to apologise, but I was

immediately offered another

appointment on the same day which

although it caused extra time and effort,

I was made to feel very welcome even

though I didn't deserve it. Many many

thanks .

Every member of staff so

helpful & caring. I am so

lucky to be looked after by

you all. Many thanks

A&E is for Emergencies Only

Help keep A&E free to deal with urgent conditions such as heart attacks , strokes, meningitis and seri-

ous injury.

Think twice before visiting A&E

If you feel unwell make an appointment with your

DOCTOR FIRST.

We have daily appointments available with the Doctor or Nurse for any patient who is ill and needs seen urgently. In addition if you are unsure where to go, or need help as-sessing how

urgently treatment is needed a member of staff will take some details and arrange for a Doctor to call you back with telephone advice. If you have minor injury or arrange admis-sion to hospital should it be deemed necessary. Moreover this will avoid a journey to hos-pital and potentially a long waiting time.

Thank you Dr Graff for

all your help, and to Dr

Harris as well

10 out of 10

Sarah looks after my

whole family, Cheers

Gold Star for Dr

Grainger - fantastic

doctor - Thank you

spring is seen as a time of growth, renewal, and of new life. · 2016-03-02 · some of you may...

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