Patient News for November 2024
Understanding Long-Term Conditions
Long-term conditions (LTCs) are chronic health issues that require ongoing management and care. In England, over 15 million people are affected by at least one LTC, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or arthritis. These conditions significantly impact both physical health and mental well-being.
- Definition: LTCs are health issues lasting a year or more that require continuous medical attention or limit daily activities.
- Prevalence: Approximately 30% of adults in England live with one or more LTCs, leading to increased healthcare costs and resource use.
- Impact on Patients:
- Physical Health: Symptoms can worsen over time if not managed properly.
- Mental Health: Living with an LTC may lead to anxiety and depression due to constant management demands.
Recent Changes in Patient Monitoring
To improve care for patients with LTCs, we have made several changes:
- Nursing Team Reviews: Patients will be invited for reviews based on their month of birth, ensuring timely check-ups.
- Comprehensive Assessments: Reviews will include physical health checks as well as mental health and well-being assessments.
- Blood Tests: Some patients may need blood tests to monitor specific health indicators.
Importance of Patient Feedback
We value your input and will be collecting feedback from patients attending these appointments. Your experiences are important for us to enhance our services. We encourage you to participate in your scheduled reviews and share your thoughts with us. Together, we can ensure our healthcare services effectively meet your needs.
Long-Term Condition Stats
- 19% of our practice population has one or more long-term conditions.
- This includes:
- 1,871 patients with Hypertension
- 603 patients with Asthma
- 475 patients with Diabetes
Our practice supports patients with 19 different long-term conditions, many of which require an annual review. These reviews are essential to ensure that our patients receive the support they need and that their conditions are closely monitored.
Vaccine Update
- COVID-19 Vaccines After 22 November, we will no longer be able to book COVID-19 vaccines at the practice. You can still book your vaccine through the NHS website or by calling 119.
- Flu Vaccines We have low stock of flu vaccines for people over and under 65. If you want to see if we can still book you an appointment, please call us.
- Fluenz (Nasal Flu Vaccine) Fluenz is still available for children aged 2 and 3 years old, and for children who missed their flu vaccine at school. Please contact us to find out more or to book an appointment.
- RSV Vaccine The RSV vaccine is available to book for patients aged 75-79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks. If you’re eligible, please contact us to book.
What is Movember?
Movember is an annual campaign that takes place every November, aimed at raising awareness and funds for men's health issues. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health, particularly suicide prevention. The Movember Foundation, which runs the campaign, seeks to "change the face of men's health" by encouraging men to engage in conversations about their health and well-being.
Key Focus Areas:
- Prostate Cancer: Awareness and early detection are vital, as prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men.
- Testicular Cancer: Education about self-examination can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
- Mental Health: The campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health issues and promote conversations about suicide prevention.
Support Available
- Movember Foundation: Find out more about the campaign and how to get involved at Movember's official website
- Mental Health Support:
- MIND: Call 0300 123 3393 for advice on mental health issues.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for confidential support available 24/7.
Stress Awareness Week
Stress Awareness Week, from November 4th to 8th this year, aims to highlight the impact of stress on mental and physical health while promoting effective stress management strategies. Supported by NHS England, this campaign encourages open dialogue about stress and mental well-being to reduce stigma and improve understanding.
For those seeking support, visit Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies website, which offers various services to help manage stress and improve mental health. You can find more information about local support groups and resources through their website or by contacting them directly. Remember, taking care of your mental health is essential!
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon Family Groups offers support for individuals affected by someone else's drinking. The meetings provide a safe and welcoming environment where members can share their experiences and feelings.
This is not therapy or counselling; rather, it’s an opportunity to listen and learn from others who understand what you’re going through. By hearing the shared experiences of other members, you may find the strength and confidence to cope with the challenges that arise from someone else’s drinking.
For more information about Al-Anon or to find a meeting near you, please visit the Al-Anon website or contact them via email at helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk. You can also call their free helpline at 0800 0086 81 for support.
Poppy Appeal
The Poppy Appeal is a national charity that raises money to support the Armed Forces community. You can donate to the Poppy Appeal by dropping your donation into the box at reception.
Patient Participation Group
Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a great way to get involved and have your say. If you're interested in joining, please email us at bobicb-bucks.thehallpractice.ppg@nhs.net
Chris
Meet Ruth Franklin
Managing Partner at The Hall Practice since 2010
I have had the privilege of working at The Hall Practice for nearly 15 years, and it has been a truly rewarding experience. My passion for primary care spans over 25 years, with 23 of those years spent in management roles. I am dedicated to overseeing our practice's strategic and business aspects, collaborating closely with our partners and our exceptional team.At The Hall Practice, we prioritise our patients in everything we do. We actively encourage both our team and patients to engage in shaping our services, which has contributed to our outstanding CQC ratings. Our core values—person-centred care, personal responsibility, team pride, and a passion for excellence—guide us daily.Additionally, my work with the Royal College of General Practitioners and the NHS General Practice Improvement Programme has enriched my perspective on innovative practices nationwide. I am grateful to be part of such a caring and dedicated team at The Hall Practice.
Meet Chris McFadden
Social Prescriber for the PCN since 2021
I joined our Primary Care Network (PCN) in April 2021 and work at The Hall practice on Mondays and Thursdays. My background is in Social Care, where I have gained extensive experience working with patients who have dementia and learning disabilities. In my role as a Social Prescriber, I connect patients with community services and activities that can enhance their health and overall quality of life. My primary focus is to understand what matters most to our patients and to provide support for non-medical issues. These may include feelings of loneliness or isolation, financial difficulties, and challenges accessing community resources. I take the time to listen to patients, helping them find practical solutions to improve their wellbeing. I can guide them towards local groups, activities, or services that align with their interests and needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my seven grandchildren, which keeps me busy and young at heart!