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Patient News
Our practice is offering a new Weight Management programme.
The 12‑week programme is FREE of charge, motivating group physical activity, providing practical tips towards a balanced diet, meals on a budget, and weight loss through fun activity for patients living in South Shields and is starting very soon.
Please contact the Surgery to find out more and visit our clinics and services page for more information https://trinitymedicalcentre.nhs.uk/clinics
Our practice is offering a new Weight Management programme.
The 12‑week programme is FREE of charge, motivating group physical activity, providing practical tips towards a balanced diet, meals on a budget, and weight loss through fun activity for patients living in South Shields and is starting very soon.
Please contact the Surgery to find out more and visit our clinics and services page for more information https://trinitymedicalcentre.nhs.uk/clinics
When individuals leave the UK Armed Forces, it’s important for them to register with an NHS GP practice and tell them they’ve served. This means their GP can better understand their health, particularly any health problems relating to their time in Service.
This does not always happen though, meaning some veterans may not be getting the support that is right for them, particularly in terms of benefitting from care and treatment from dedicated services, such as
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and
Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service.
NHS England, together with the Office for Veterans' Affairs, is running a campaign to encourage veterans to let their GP practice know they have served in the UK Armed Forces; it's important to ‘say you served’. It does not matter how long someone served for or when they left the Armed Forces, it's important that veterans let their GP surgery know this information, as it may be relevant to their health and care, now or in the future.
To find out more, visit www.nhs.uk/veterans
When individuals leave the UK Armed Forces, it’s important for them to register with an NHS GP practice and tell them they’ve served. This means their GP can better understand their health, particularly any health problems relating to their time in Service.
This does not always happen though, meaning some veterans may not be getting the support that is right for them, particularly in terms of benefitting from care and treatment from dedicated services, such as
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and
Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service.
NHS England, together with the Office for Veterans' Affairs, is running a campaign to encourage veterans to let their GP practice know they have served in the UK Armed Forces; it's important to ‘say you served’. It does not matter how long someone served for or when they left the Armed Forces, it's important that veterans let their GP surgery know this information, as it may be relevant to their health and care, now or in the future.
To find out more, visit www.nhs.uk/veterans
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information on your smartphone or tablet. Millions of people are already using the NHS App to manage their health the easy way from the comfort of their homes.
Whether viewing your GP health record, ordering repeat prescriptions, or nominating your preferred pharmacy – the NHS App hosts a range of features that make it easier to access NHS services and information.
Start using the App today. For more information, including how to download the NHS App, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhsapp.
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services and information on your smartphone or tablet. Millions of people are already using the NHS App to manage their health the easy way from the comfort of their homes.
Whether viewing your GP health record, ordering repeat prescriptions, or nominating your preferred pharmacy – the NHS App hosts a range of features that make it easier to access NHS services and information.
Start using the App today. For more information, including how to download the NHS App, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhsapp.
We're here to help you and your family in more ways than you think:
• face to face • on the phone • or online
With:
• a GP • an advanced nurse practitioner • nurse • pharmacist
• social prescribing link worker • or another member of the health care team
Our practice reception team can tell you how, and who, would be best for you.
Need an evening or weekend appointment?
Did you know by using the extended access service you can be seen up to 8pm on weeknights or 5pm on Saturdays? This might not be at your usual GP practice. Contact the surgery to find out more.
You can also log into your NHS account to:
• book appointments • order repeat prescriptions • access a range of other healthcare services and advice
Need help using the app? Visit www.nhs.uk/helpmeapp
#HeretoHelp
We're here to help you and your family in more ways than you think:
• face to face • on the phone • or online
With:
• a GP • an advanced nurse practitioner • nurse • pharmacist
• social prescribing link worker • or another member of the health care team
Our practice reception team can tell you how, and who, would be best for you.
Need an evening or weekend appointment?
Did you know by using the extended access service you can be seen up to 8pm on weeknights or 5pm on Saturdays? This might not be at your usual GP practice. Contact the surgery to find out more.
You can also log into your NHS account to:
• book appointments • order repeat prescriptions • access a range of other healthcare services and advice
Need help using the app? Visit www.nhs.uk/helpmeapp
#HeretoHelp
Star for Life!
A baby’s brain is making one million new connections every second, making the first 2 years so important for a baby’s healthy development.
Building a strong connection with your baby during this time makes them feel loved and secure, laying the foundations for their future mental health and happiness.
Babies don’t come with a manual, but they do work hard to try to be understood. Their expressions, reactions, noises, and cries are the ways they communicate their needs and feelings and can be an indication of their mental wellbeing. Learning how to interpret these cues can help parents find the best way to meet their needs.
Here are some tips for parents to help interpret cues and build strong connections with your baby:
- Mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – You can mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – such as smiling back if they have bright eyes – as this shows them that it's OK to express those emotions.
- Comfort your baby when they are crying – If your baby is crying, try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly, or singing to them.
- Enjoy playing face-to-face with your baby in everyday moments – This can be as simple as saying what they do and name what they see, as you’re going about your routine.
- Let your baby take breaks when they need them – Show them that it’s ok if they need to try something different, or to just to rest.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a new Better Health Start for Life – If They Could Tell You campaign, which aims to support parents to build a strong bond with their baby.
For tips and advice on building your relationship with your baby visit the Start for Life website Start for Life home - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or visit your local Family Hub to find out more.
Star for Life!
A baby’s brain is making one million new connections every second, making the first 2 years so important for a baby’s healthy development.
Building a strong connection with your baby during this time makes them feel loved and secure, laying the foundations for their future mental health and happiness.
Babies don’t come with a manual, but they do work hard to try to be understood. Their expressions, reactions, noises, and cries are the ways they communicate their needs and feelings and can be an indication of their mental wellbeing. Learning how to interpret these cues can help parents find the best way to meet their needs.
Here are some tips for parents to help interpret cues and build strong connections with your baby:
- Mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – You can mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – such as smiling back if they have bright eyes – as this shows them that it's OK to express those emotions.
- Comfort your baby when they are crying – If your baby is crying, try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly, or singing to them.
- Enjoy playing face-to-face with your baby in everyday moments – This can be as simple as saying what they do and name what they see, as you’re going about your routine.
- Let your baby take breaks when they need them – Show them that it’s ok if they need to try something different, or to just to rest.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a new Better Health Start for Life – If They Could Tell You campaign, which aims to support parents to build a strong bond with their baby.
For tips and advice on building your relationship with your baby visit the Start for Life website Start for Life home - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or visit your local Family Hub to find out more.
The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through NHS Talking Therapies services. These are effective, confidential and free treatments delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone, or in person.
If you’re struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies service can be one of the best steps you can take to overcome mental health issues and get back on track.
You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS Talking Therapies service. Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact.
For those whose first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, and in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service.
Your GP can refer you for NHS Talking Therapies, or you can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk.
The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as excessive worry, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through NHS Talking Therapies services. These are effective, confidential and free treatments delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone, or in person.
If you’re struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies service can be one of the best steps you can take to overcome mental health issues and get back on track.
You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself to an NHS Talking Therapies service. Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact.
For those whose first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, and in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service.
Your GP can refer you for NHS Talking Therapies, or you can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk.
Got an…itch, tummy trouble, tickly cough ….. head to your local pharmacy!
Pharmacies across the North East and North Cumbria can offer advice and treatment for many common health conditions. There's no need for a GP appointment – just head to your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are qualified experts in healthcare and can help with a wide range of common illnesses.
Who can use this service?
Anyone. The service is available for all adults and children, in participating pharmacies, across the North East and North Cumbria.
Why should I go to a pharmacy, instead of my GP practice?
Local community pharmacists are trained to treat common conditions. They offer a confidential and high-quality service designed to meet your needs. You can walk in with no appointment needed and speak in confidence. Most pharmacies have private consultation rooms available.
Which pharmacy can I go to?
Most pharmacies across the North East and North Cumbria offer the common conditions service. Ask your local pharmacy for more details.
What will the pharmacist ask me?
The pharmacist will ask you questions about:
• your symptoms
• your current medication
• history of ailments
• any other illness you have
The answers will help the pharmacist to advise and treat your condition.
Will I always get treatment for my condition?
You will be given treatment if necessary.
Your pharmacist may decide that you need further advice/treatment and can signpost you to another service or contact your GP practice directly, to book you an appointment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Your pharmacist will provide treatment and/or advice under the common health conditions scheme, in line with the symptoms you have described. If your symptoms persist, you should seek further advice from your GP.
How it works
Step 1 – Pop along to your local pharmacy and talk to a health care professional about your illness and they will offer advice.
Step 2 - If you need treatment, the pharmacist will check your eligibility and whether the illness is covered by the service
Step 3 - A suitable medicine may be offered to you*
*Charges will apply if you normally pay for your prescriptions.*
If you hold a medical exemption certificate, for example people under 16 or over 60, then you will not pay for your medicine.
What health conditions are covered as part of this service?
• Aches and pains - back pain, headache, migraine, muscle ache, period pain, teething, toothache
• Allergies - bites and stings, hay fever, skin reaction
• Colds and flu – cough, congestion, sore throat, fever / temperature (including fever following immunisation)
• Ear care – earache, ear infection, ear wax
• Eye care - bacterial conjunctivitis, styes
• Gastrointestinal care – diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, haemorrhoids (piles), reflux, threadworms, sickness
• Head lice
• Mouth care - cold sores, oral thrush, ulcers
• Skin care - athletes foot, chicken pox, contact dermatitis / atopic eczema, fungal skin infections, nappy rash, pruritis, scabies, warts, verrucaes
• Vaginal thrush
Got an…itch, tummy trouble, tickly cough ….. head to your local pharmacy!
Pharmacies across the North East and North Cumbria can offer advice and treatment for many common health conditions. There's no need for a GP appointment – just head to your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are qualified experts in healthcare and can help with a wide range of common illnesses.
Who can use this service?
Anyone. The service is available for all adults and children, in participating pharmacies, across the North East and North Cumbria.
Why should I go to a pharmacy, instead of my GP practice?
Local community pharmacists are trained to treat common conditions. They offer a confidential and high-quality service designed to meet your needs. You can walk in with no appointment needed and speak in confidence. Most pharmacies have private consultation rooms available.
Which pharmacy can I go to?
Most pharmacies across the North East and North Cumbria offer the common conditions service. Ask your local pharmacy for more details.
What will the pharmacist ask me?
The pharmacist will ask you questions about:
• your symptoms
• your current medication
• history of ailments
• any other illness you have
The answers will help the pharmacist to advise and treat your condition.
Will I always get treatment for my condition?
You will be given treatment if necessary.
Your pharmacist may decide that you need further advice/treatment and can signpost you to another service or contact your GP practice directly, to book you an appointment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Your pharmacist will provide treatment and/or advice under the common health conditions scheme, in line with the symptoms you have described. If your symptoms persist, you should seek further advice from your GP.
How it works
Step 1 – Pop along to your local pharmacy and talk to a health care professional about your illness and they will offer advice.
Step 2 - If you need treatment, the pharmacist will check your eligibility and whether the illness is covered by the service
Step 3 - A suitable medicine may be offered to you*
*Charges will apply if you normally pay for your prescriptions.*
If you hold a medical exemption certificate, for example people under 16 or over 60, then you will not pay for your medicine.
What health conditions are covered as part of this service?
• Aches and pains - back pain, headache, migraine, muscle ache, period pain, teething, toothache
• Allergies - bites and stings, hay fever, skin reaction
• Colds and flu – cough, congestion, sore throat, fever / temperature (including fever following immunisation)
• Ear care – earache, ear infection, ear wax
• Eye care - bacterial conjunctivitis, styes
• Gastrointestinal care – diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, haemorrhoids (piles), reflux, threadworms, sickness
• Head lice
• Mouth care - cold sores, oral thrush, ulcers
• Skin care - athletes foot, chicken pox, contact dermatitis / atopic eczema, fungal skin infections, nappy rash, pruritis, scabies, warts, verrucaes
• Vaginal thrush
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We've had a new phone system installed this week. We'd be grateful for your patience and understanding whilst we get used to the new technology.
Many thanks
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We've had a new phone system installed this week. We'd be grateful for your patience and understanding whilst we get used to the new technology.
Many thanks
Are you thinking about making to Stop Smoking your New Year's Resolution?
Quitting smoking is much easier with the right support. There are lots of options to choose from. Make 2024 the year you quit smoking for good!
Contact the Surgery to book an appointment with our Stop Smoking Advisers or visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ to find out more
Are you thinking about making to Stop Smoking your New Year's Resolution?
Quitting smoking is much easier with the right support. There are lots of options to choose from. Make 2024 the year you quit smoking for good!
Contact the Surgery to book an appointment with our Stop Smoking Advisers or visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ to find out more
Get quick and reliable NHS advice about your children’s health this winter
Healthier Together is a locally-developed NHS resource, providing clear and reliable healthcare advice for parents and carers all in one place on a regional website and app. Healthier Together uses a simple ‘traffic light’ system based on the symptoms of common childhood illnesses and other conditions, and advises where and how to seek help if required.
Healthier Together can help you to make informed decisions about accessing the right local healthcare service for your baby or child. If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen by a doctor, the easy-to-follow guidance on Healthier Together will ease worry and ensure you are signposted to the best service to provide help, such as a pharmacy or GP, or to self-care at home. You can also be reassured that if your child does need to be seen by a health professional urgently, you will be directed to the most appropriate local service.
If you are unsure whether your child should be attending school or their usual childcare setting during a period of illness, you can visit this page for advice on a range of common conditions. Healthier Together also uses Recite Me to translate the information into different languages and provides a range of accessibility tools.
The Healthier Together mobile app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store so download it today ready to use when you might need it.
Get quick and reliable NHS advice about your children’s health this winter
Healthier Together is a locally-developed NHS resource, providing clear and reliable healthcare advice for parents and carers all in one place on a regional website and app. Healthier Together uses a simple ‘traffic light’ system based on the symptoms of common childhood illnesses and other conditions, and advises where and how to seek help if required.
Healthier Together can help you to make informed decisions about accessing the right local healthcare service for your baby or child. If you are unsure whether your child needs to be seen by a doctor, the easy-to-follow guidance on Healthier Together will ease worry and ensure you are signposted to the best service to provide help, such as a pharmacy or GP, or to self-care at home. You can also be reassured that if your child does need to be seen by a health professional urgently, you will be directed to the most appropriate local service.
If you are unsure whether your child should be attending school or their usual childcare setting during a period of illness, you can visit this page for advice on a range of common conditions. Healthier Together also uses Recite Me to translate the information into different languages and provides a range of accessibility tools.
The Healthier Together mobile app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store so download it today ready to use when you might need it.
Did you know that, in addition to your GP, there are other health professionals in general practice who can help you get the right care?
A new survey has found that over a third (36%)of people in England are not confident that they can identify the various health professionals working in a general practice, which could include clinical pharmacists, nurses and even paramedics.
To help explain the support available, the NHS has released a film that sees three curious children go behind the scenes at a general practice to meet the health professionals working there and learn more about how they help get patients the care they need.
The film illustrates the real-life process patients go through when they contact their local general practice, from the reception team using the information patients provide to getting directed to the right health professional – such as a physiotherapist or mental health practitioner.
If you need to see a GP, you will always be offered an appointment, however having a range of health professionals at your general practice means you can receive the most appropriate care for your condition as quickly as possible.
Your general practice team is here to help you. Visit nhs.uk/GPservices to find out more.
Did you know that, in addition to your GP, there are other health professionals in general practice who can help you get the right care?
A new survey has found that over a third (36%)of people in England are not confident that they can identify the various health professionals working in a general practice, which could include clinical pharmacists, nurses and even paramedics.
To help explain the support available, the NHS has released a film that sees three curious children go behind the scenes at a general practice to meet the health professionals working there and learn more about how they help get patients the care they need.
The film illustrates the real-life process patients go through when they contact their local general practice, from the reception team using the information patients provide to getting directed to the right health professional – such as a physiotherapist or mental health practitioner.
If you need to see a GP, you will always be offered an appointment, however having a range of health professionals at your general practice means you can receive the most appropriate care for your condition as quickly as possible.
Your general practice team is here to help you. Visit nhs.uk/GPservices to find out more.
Calling all men of the North East
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms and are most common in men aged over 65.
AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.
You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it. It could save your life!
Calling all men of the North East
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms and are most common in men aged over 65.
AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.
You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it. It could save your life!
Please see the attached document for urgent information if you take one of the following medications for type 2 diabetes (Dulaglutide, Exenatide, Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Lixisenatide).
Please see the attached document for urgent information if you take one of the following medications for type 2 diabetes (Dulaglutide, Exenatide, Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Lixisenatide).
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Patients aged 55-74 who have ever smoked will start to be invited for a Targeted Lung Health Check to help spot lung conditions, including lung cancer, at an early stage, when there are often no signs or symptoms. Targeted Lung Health Checks help find problems earlier and help save lives. Please click on the link to view a leaflet giving more information on what to expect if you are invited.
Patients aged 55-74 who have ever smoked will start to be invited for a Targeted Lung Health Check to help spot lung conditions, including lung cancer, at an early stage, when there are often no signs or symptoms. Targeted Lung Health Checks help find problems earlier and help save lives. Please click on the link to view a leaflet giving more information on what to expect if you are invited.
In a new ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign that is the first of its kind nationally NHS England is encouraging people who have
been sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit to complete the test.
Detecting bowel cancer at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated.
So, the NHS is asking everyone who it is sent the test to remember to complete it The test detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong, is simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom.
If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit Put it by the loo Don’t put it off
Visit nhs uk/conditions/bowel screening for more information.
In a new ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign that is the first of its kind nationally NHS England is encouraging people who have
been sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit to complete the test.
Detecting bowel cancer at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated.
So, the NHS is asking everyone who it is sent the test to remember to complete it The test detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong, is simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom.
If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit Put it by the loo Don’t put it off
Visit nhs uk/conditions/bowel screening for more information.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.