News

Over 50 years of age?

Over 50 years of age and 6 months since your last vaccination?

Quick tool to see how long since your second vaccination https://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html 

 

Over 50 years of age and 6 months since your last vaccination?

Book you vaccination now Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

 

Covid-19 Vaccinations Phase 3 update 17-09-2021

Q&A

1) Whom are going to be invited?

Groups 1-9https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-care-home-and-healthcare-settings-posters/covid-19-vaccination-first-phase-priority-groups

 

 

 

2) I am in the list when will I be invited?

On or after 6 months after your second COVID-19 Vaccination

 

3) Whom will invite me?

This will be done by NHS England via text or letter (your surgery may also text you to say you time has come for a booster)

 

4)Will my surgery be vaccinating me?

While your surgery took part in the first and second COVID-19 vaccinations via the PCN (Primary Care Network) we believe as there is a local vaccination centre close to you now provided via the pharmacy network with help from a network of Super Hero volunteers your GP surgery is better placed to concentrate on other medical conditions.

 

5) Do I book my Covid-19 vaccination via my GP?

No this will be done via calling 119 onlinehttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

 

6) Should I try and book now?

Please wait until you are called the information 119 hold know when it has been 6 months and the system will not allow booking until then.

 

7) I have a question about the booster vaccination should I call the surgery and make an appointment?

Please call 119 with all COVID-19 related questions (they was setup just for these situations)

 

8 ) I am or a relative is housebound what will happen to us?

This is being looked into and information will be available in the future.

 

9) It is 6 months today and no one has contacted me should I start calling?

Don’t worry no one will be forgotten.

 

10) When does the Booster Covid-19 vaccinating start?
From the 27th September 2021

 

Hopefully this should give you some helpful information but please remember since the start of the pandemic information can change on a daily, hourly or even minute by minute basis

Flu jab appointments moved due to HGV driver shortage delayed our delivery

Due to an issue with delivery of the Flu vaccine we have had to move some appointments.

If your appointment was on Saturday the 18th of September or Sunday the 19th of September we have moved your appointment to Saturday the 2nd of October and Sunday the 3rd of October.

 

To keep things simple the location, time and actual day of your appointment is the same just the date has moved by 2 weeks later.

 

We do apologise about this but the delivery is not in the control of the Surgery.

 

If you are unable to attend the new appointment and need to cancel the fastest way is via the NHS App or Patient Access and can be found at https://www.ourpractice.co.uk/online-access-2 if you are unable to use these services please call us after 11am on 01494 562189

 

Why no join us for up-to-date info at our Facebook group

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hughendenvalleysurgeries

 

Scott Ridley Hughenden Valley Surgeries

 

Flu jabs in England and Wales delayed due to HGV driver shortage

One of the UK's largest suppliers of seasonal flu vaccines has said there will be a delay in jab deliveries to some GP surgeries due issues related to a shortage of HGV drivers.

Seqirus, one of the world's largest flu vaccine companies, said it had told customers about delays of up to a fortnight.
The company said it was "working hard to resolve the delay".

NHS England says patients who are affected will be contacted by their GP.

Seqirus, which supplies vaccines to all GP practices and pharmacies in England and Wales, said: "Due to unforeseen challenges linked with road freight delays, we have informed all our customers of a consequent delay to their scheduled vaccine delivery by a maximum of one to two weeks.

The professional body representing GPs said it would hit practices.

"This is news we really didn't want to hear", said Dr Gary Howsam, vice chairman of the Royal College of GPs.
"With more than 36 million people eligible for the flu vaccine on the NHS this year, GPs need the supply chain to run like clockwork.

Dr Howsam said GPs are "already under enormous pressure and still waiting for details of how the Covid booster campaign will align with everything else they need to do this winter".

Doctors meticulously plan jabs each year, he said, adding that it is "essential that as many people as possible in at-risk groups get their vaccination as early into the flu season as possible".

"A delay of even a couple of weeks is going to have a big impact on practices and their patients, especially when GPs are already dealing with the fallout caused by the shortage of blood test bottles and the anxiety this is causing."

"General practice and the entire NHS is dependent on the smooth roll-out of the winter flu vaccination programme. It cannot fail," he said.

Doctors are already dealing with a shortage of blood test tube vials due to supply chain issues.

GP pressure
Dr Richard Vautrey, British Medical Association GP committee chairman, said the delay is likely to affect a "significant proportion" of practices - and have a "serious impact" on practice workloads and patients.

He said: "Many practices will have spent the last few days and weeks meticulously planning for their flu vaccination programme, inviting and booking patients in for their jabs, only now to have to contact them all again to cancel or reschedule appointments.

"This causes a huge increase in staff's already unsustainable workloads, and inconvenience and unneeded anxiety for patients who will be keen to be protected ahead of winter.

Hughenden Valley Surgeries are already making plans to make any changes needed.

Please keep looking back here for any updates.

Most vulnerable to be offered COVID-19 booster vaccines from 20th September 2021

 
 
Millions of vulnerable people are to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine from next week as the government confirms it has accepted the final advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
 
The programme will be rolled out to the same priority groups as previously. This means care home residents, health and social care workers, people aged over 50, those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, adult carers, and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals will be prioritised.
 
However, there will be flexibility in the programme, allowing all those eligible to receive their booster from 6 months after their second doses. This approach will allow more vulnerable people to be given their boosters quicker.
 
The move will ensure the protection vaccines provide for those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will be maintained over the winter months. Data published by ONS yesterday shows people who have not been vaccinated account for around 99% of all deaths involving COVID-19 in England in the first half of this year. All 4 nations of the UK will follow the JCVI’s advice.
 
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:
 
Our vaccine roll-out has been phenomenal. It’s vital that we do everything we can to prolong the protection our vaccines offer, particularly for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 as we head into the autumn and winter months. I have today accepted the advice from the independent experts at the JCVI to offer a booster vaccine to those most at risk.
 
The booster programme will start next week thanks to the extensive preparations the NHS has already made to ensure booster jabs can be rolled out as quickly as possible.
 
I urge all those eligible to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as they can, so you have the strongest possible protection over the winter months.
 
Vaccinations will begin next week and the NHS will contact people directly to let them know when it is their turn to get their booster vaccine.
 
The JCVI has also advised that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. The NHS will now consider where it’s appropriate for co-administration to be used to support the roll-out of both programmes and where waiting to deliver one vaccine does not unduly delay administration of the other. It is important people take up the offer of both vaccines when they receive it, so people are encouraged to get both vaccinations as soon as possible rather than waiting for the possibility of getting them together.
 
People will be offered either a full dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or a half dose of the Moderna vaccine, following scientific evidence showing that both provide a strong booster response. This will be regardless of which vaccine the individual previously had.
 
Where neither can be offered, for example for those who have an allergy to either vaccine, the JCVI advise that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be used for those who received this vaccine for their first and second doses. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is safe, effective and has already saved thousands of lives in the UK and around the world.
 
NHS England will outline further details on deployment shortly. Plans for the roll-out will use the existing networks in place for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including:
 
local vaccination services co-ordinated by primary care networks and community pharmacies
vaccination centres across the country, ensuring people can access a booster dose regardless of where they live
Following the JCVI’s interim advice, the NHS wrote to providers on 1 July to ask them to start preparing for a potential booster programme. Local NHS organisations, in collaboration with local providers, local authorities and regional teams, have worked over the summer to ensure these preparations are in place.
 
NHS plans include ensuring there is capacity across community pharmacy, vaccination centres and general practice to deliver booster jabs, that the NHS has the workforce in place to deliver the programme and measures to maximise the use of the NHS Estate.
 
Flu vaccination remains a priority. It has been recommended for staff and vulnerable groups in the UK since the late 1960s, with the average number of estimated deaths in England for the 5 seasons 2015 to 2020 at over 11,000 deaths annually. During the 2019 to 2020 winter season, 86% of deaths associated with flu were people aged 65 and over.
 
The JCVI advice has taken into account data from the government-funded COV-Boost clinical trial, looking at the impact of a booster dose of each vaccine on people’s immune systems, as well as ComFluCOV, which is investigating co-administration of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
 
The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University shows vaccines have saved more than 112,300 lives and prevented 143,600 hospitalisations and 24 million cases in England.

EPS (Electronic Prescription Service) at Hughenden Valley surgeries is about to go live

EPS (Electronic Prescription Service)  makes it possible for your prescriptions to be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice. Your pharmacy of choice is referred to as your nominated pharmacy. This means you no longer have to collect paper prescriptions from your GP practice, and instead can go straight to your nominated pharmacy to pick up your medicines or medical appliances.

Before we are able to go live we need you to choose your nominated pharmacy.

How do I do this?

Via the NHS APP

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/prescriptions-in-the-nhs-app/nominating-a-pharmacy/

Via Patient access

https://support.patientaccess.com/repeat-prescriptions/nominate-pharmacy

Named GP

As part of our road map out of Covid-19 one of the things we have put in place to improve continuity of care is for our GP’s to have patient lists and for all the ongoing care for each patient to be taken on by the named GP.
Don’t worry if your GP is away or you need to be seen for a more urgent nature you can ask to see another GP at the surgery.
 
Text messages will be sent out to inform you whom your named GP is.
 
You can also request to change you named GP and will be looked at on a case by case basis.
 
https://www.ourpractice.co.uk/forms

AZ Vaccine manufactured in India –additional information from DHSC

Following on from the additional queries raised around the AZ vaccine that has been manufactured in India, we have been in touch with DHSC (who are leading on this piece of work) again. They have now provided us with the following additional lines regarding this issue: 

 

  • All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS COVID Pass as Vaxzevria.  
  • The European Medicines Agency, as well as our own medicines regulator, has authorised this vaccine and travel should not be affected. 
  • No Covishield vaccines have been administered in the UK. 
  • All doses used in the UK have been subject to rigorous safety and quality checks, including individual batch testing and physical site inspections, by the UK medicine’s regulator, the MHRA. 
  • Ensuring safe and open travel with our global partners is a clear priority and we are engaging with international partners on certification to ensure travel for vaccinated people is unhindered in the future. 
  • We have spoken to the EU Commission who have confirmed that neither the Commission nor the EMA has advised Member States against accepting travellers vaccinated with ‘SII doses’. 
  • Our High Commission in Malta has been discussing this issue with the Maltese Government, who have agreed that they will accept the NHS certificate with the EMA approved AZ Vaxzevria dose. 
  • Astra Zeneca vaccine will be recognised in the same way as any other. 

 

On the stories specifically about Malta last week: 

  • The Maltese authorities have agreed to amend their travel advice so this should not happen again. 

NHS Patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings after the 15 July 2021

England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.

In Hughenden Valley Surgeries we will be keeping Face coverings and social distancing rules so if you need to come and see us please bring a face covering and keep to a social distance this is for the protection of both our patients and staff and your support is greatly appreciated.

Are you COVID-19 Vaccination details correct? 26-06-2021

How COVID-19 vaccinations are recorded

1. When a patient is vaccinated, a record is made in a clinical system at the point of care:

at a GP practice, primary care network (PCN), or community pharmacy, the point of care system is Outcomes4Health (Pinnacle)
at a vaccination centre, the point of care system is either Outcomes4Health (Pinnacle) or the National Immunisation Vaccination System (NIVS) app
hospitals use the NIVS or the National Immunisation Management System (NIMS) app to record when they have vaccinated staff members or patients

This data then comes either directly to the GP system or via the Data Processing Service (DPS).

Hughenden Valley Surgery is using EMIS, data from all point of care systems is currently sent via the DPS

Once the vaccination record has been added to the your medical records, it will appear in the vaccinations section of your record.

 

What if my data was incorrectly recorded?

Your surgery can correct your data in EMIS (the surgery clinical software) this will make your data on your clinical record correct.

I contacted the surgery and they said they had updated my data on their clinical system (EMIS) but on my NHS App vaccination passport has not been updated I am about to book my holiday and I am worried there will be an issue at the airport what do I do now?

The NHS App Covid-19 vaccination passport information does not come from the GP surgery clinical system (EMIS) this comes from the vaccination centre, point of care system Outcomes4Health (Pinnacle) or the National Immunisation Vaccination System (NIVS) app to update this data you will need to contact the vaccination centre where you had your vaccination and explain your situation and ask them to correct your data.

What should I do to see if this effects me?

1) First take a picture of your Vaccination card on your phone the information on this is helpful to correct any issues going forward this way if you lose your vaccination card you will have a copy.

2) if you have not already download the NHS App do this now to confirm your data is correct (on the way to the airport may be a little to late)

https://www.ourpractice.co.uk/online-access-2

The NHS have been working tirelessly in vaccinating the whole nation in a very short period and mistakes can happen and I am pleased to say this issue is very few are far between.

Type 1 opt-out: medical records held at your GP practice

06/06/2021

National data opt-out

You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. To find out more visit nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.

You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used. You can change your choice at any time.

Type 1 opt-out: medical records held at your GP practice

You can also tell your GP practice if you do not want your confidential patient information held in your GP medical record to be used for purposes other than your individual care. This is commonly called a type 1 opt-out. This opt-out request can only be recorded by your GP practice.

Type 2 opt-out: information held by NHS Digital

Previously you could tell your GP practice if you did not want us, NHS Digital, to share confidential patient information that we collect from across the health and care service for purposes other than your individual care. This was called a type 2 opt-out.

The type 2 opt-out was replaced by the national data opt-out. Type 2 opt-outs recorded on or before 11 October 2018 have been automatically converted to national data opt-outs.

Read more about the collection and conversion of type 2 opt-outs.

 

OnlineType 1 opt out form please click here

Covid-19 Vaccination Site in Hughenden 18-05-2021

May be an image of text that says "Hughenden Valley NHS Pharmacy COVID-19 www.hvpharmacy.co.uk Vaccination Centre"

 
You may have noticed that a Covid-19 Vaccination centre has appeared in the Hughenden Valley Surgery (Hughenden) Staff car park. So parking in the village may be a bit more troublesome due to this (apologies in advance but it is for the greater good)
 
Some frequently asked questions
 
Q. Whom will be running the vaccination centre?
 
This is being run wholly by the Hughenden Valley Pharmacy with help from volunteers from the PPG, Mountain rescue and St John’s Ambulance.
 
Q. Can I book my Vaccination here by calling the Surgery?
 
Please do not call the surgery as this is being delivered by Hughenden Pharmacy and can only be booked online https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119, This is so the surgery can concentrate on other medical conditions other than Covid-19 Vaccinations.
 
 
Q. Why now?
 
PCN vaccination centres are starting to slowly close so GP’s and Nurses can get back to the day job’s and with NHSE guidance to see more patients face to face.
 
 
Q. Whom will be vaccinated?
 
 16-40 year olds as and when they are called (Pfizer)
 
 
Q. I have already had 2 Vaccinations why would I want any disruption in the village?
 
Until we are all safe no one is safe and there is also a plan for a 3rd vaccination later in the year.
 
 
Q. What can I do to help ease the parking situation in the village?
 
1) Only come to the surgery or pharmacy if absolutely necessary.
 
2) If I need to drop off my repeat prescription ( you can order you repeat prescription online via the NHS app or Nhs App web portal) https://www.ourpractice.co.uk/online-access-2
 
3) If you do need come to the surgery or pharmacy to walk if at all possible. (Good for the environment and your health)
 
 
Once again very sorry for any inconvenience caused and hopefully soon due to everyone’s efforts we can beat Covid-19.
 

Update 28-04-2021

May be an image of text that says "Hughenden Valley NHS Surgeries THANK YOU for your patience during this National Health Emergency."

 

We understand that trying to contact us has been challenging at times. The entire NHS has been overwhelmed by the pandemic, and this has caused much frustration. On behalf of Hughenden Valley Surgeries, I would like to sincerely apologise but also thank you for your support at this most difficult time.

 

Presently, there are several issues converging on General Practice. Approximately 10% of the UK population is chasing overdue NHS services, 75% of the population is awaiting vaccination and locally, some services are already advising waiting times for appointments of several years.

 

There appears to be a near infinite demand for face to face GP appointments across the UK. Each day, requests for appointments are several hundred times higher than the maximum number of appointments possible. We are all working our socks off to clear the backlog, however, it seems very unlikely that the NHS will be able to return to the pre-COVID model of General Practice in the foreseeable future, if ever at all. There are simply not enough people qualified as GPs in the world to meet current levels of demand.

 

At Hughenden Surgeries, we have not stopped for a moment during the pandemic. We have continued to see our patients face to face throughout, taking steps to minimise your exposure to the virus as much as humanly possible. Having the first half of your appointment on the telephone and only being in the building when you need to be examined is nobody’s first choice, but it has protected our patients and our staff.

 

Our team has worked tirelessly, late into the nights, at weekends and through bank holidays to keep you safe and we will not hold back now. If you have struggled to get through on the phonelines it is only because hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of patients were ahead of you in the queue. That is all.

 

From Downley to Great Missenden, demand for access to our services has increased more than tenfold since the national lockdown measures eased. At the same time, worries about the virus and the vaccinations have skyrocketed

but there is good news ahead.

 

We have set in place a Roadmap to help our patients access our services, not just back to pre-COVID levels, but faster, easier, and better than ever before.

 

You have given us your feedback, and we have listened.


Changes of this magnitude cannot be made suddenly. We are working closely with our PPG to provide you with the service you want, while also continuing to provide the care that you need.

 

At Hughenden Valley Surgeries, we have a belief that communication is key to our success. We have a plan, and will keep you informed via our website, via social-media and via our PPG.

 

We are blessed with a particularly fantastic Patient Participation Group, who have also been working relentlessly to help you through this pandemic. Our vaccination efforts could not have succeeded as they have, without their astonishing support and volunteer workforce. We will continue to work with them throughout this next chapter and beyond.

 

Clearly there are challenging times ahead for us all, however, we are doing everything possible to see as many patients as possible as quickly and as safely as possible. Our trained Care Navigators will continue to allocate the resources made available to us on the basis of clinical need, so that we are here when you need us.

 

In January 2020 we initiated our Patient Shield, protecting you from a “new potentially serious, upcoming virus”. Our protective plans have worked. Our barriers and patient distancing measures are sound and reliable and will remain in place.

 

As the first wave approached, we gave you unprecedented 24h/day 7 days/week access to our Admin and Clinical Teams with eConsult, our Online Consultations platform and we have continued that same level of service throughout the entire pandemic. At Hughenden Surgeries, online GP access and eConsult are here to stay and are in addition to all other services that we offer.

 

You have needed to contact us in previously unimaginable numbers, and we installed a dozen new phone lines and expanded our Care Navigation Hub to take the strain, ensuring we could meet your health needs while also shielding you from the dangers.

 

We also brought you Video Consultations, SMS Consultations and Picture Message Consultations so that you can still access your GP without needing to leave the safety of your home. All of these services are here to stay.

 

For the very many people who have still needed to see a GP face to face, we have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep you safe whenever we visited you at home or have seen you in our surgeries.

 

Since January 2021, following the vaccination success in Chesham Town Hall and our Prestwood Surgery, we have been able to allow more people into the buildings at once. Our waiting room conversions also allow more people to wait safely at the same time and we continue to clean thoroughly between every patient contact.

 

At Hughenden Surgeries, we have never stopped seeing our patients; we will not stop seeing patients, and we are not slowing down now. Every patient that has needed to see a doctor for clinical reasons, has been seen by a doctor.

 

But there is more to come…

  • Additional GP sessions
  • More Appointments
  • More calls answered simultaneously
  • Improved Access
  • Greater Flexibility
  • Rapid Access Services

Watch this space, for the big reveal….

 

Keeping you safe,

 

Scott Ridley

Practice Manger

Prescription delivery service

With the easing of lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions being lifted we will not be delivering medicines routinely as when covid-19 restrictions was in place.

Coronavirus scam calls and texts

Hughhenden Valley Surgeries 

Keeping you safe - Keeping you informed

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/problems/tackling-nuisance-calls-and-messages/coronavirus-scam-calls-and-texts

New JCVI guidance around household contacts of patients with severe immunosuppression

COVID-19 Vaccinations - New JCVI guidance around household contacts of patients with severe immunosuppression
 
JCVI has published guidance that recommends that adults living with adults who are immunosuppressed should be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine.
 
GP practices will write to patients who fall into the Green Book definition of severely immunosuppressed and inform these individuals that their adult household contacts are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Hughenden Valley Surgeries have now sent these letters out today either via text or post.

COVID-19: NHS app to be used as coronavirus passport for international travel.


COVID-19: NHS app to be used as coronavirus passport for international travel.

Access your NHS services

Use NHS App online to access services on your desktop or laptop computer, through your web browser. You do not need to install anything to get started.

Use this service to:

book and manage appointments at your GP surgery
order repeat prescriptions
get health information and advice
view your medical record securely
view your NHS number

At the moment it will not automatically show your vaccination status but NHS England are working in the background to fix this sometime in May.

My advice would be to download the NHS app before the 17th of May when international travel restrictions are due to end.

https://www.ourpractice.co.uk/online-access-2 

Keeping you safe - Keeping you informed

Scott Ridley

Practice Manager

2nd Covid-19 Vaccination

Image
 
 
 
Please find an update on when your 2nd Covid-19 Vaccination should be due (please note this is guidance and subject to change)
 
FAQ
 
Q) My 2nd vaccination date has gone already what now?
A) call the Surgery on 01494 562189 (they may have been trying to contact you)
 
Q) It is about 1 week away until my 2nd vaccination is due and I have not be contacted what should I do?
A) call the Surgery on 01494 562189 (they may have been trying to contact you)
 
Q) My first Vaccination was done in the Prestwood Surgery will this be where the 2nd vaccine will be done?
A) Sorry due to how many extra clinical staff was needed to cover both sites it has made it impossible to continue to administer the vaccine from Prestwood.
 
Q) I am over 50 and not had my 1st Vaccination yet what should i do?
A) Call the surgery, 119 or go to https://www.nhs.uk/book-a.../do-you-have-an-nhs-number to book it online.
 
Q) I am under 50 and have not had my 1st Vaccination when will the surgery call me?
A) Under 50 years is Phase 2 of the vaccination program and the surgery will not be taking part in this as the surgery believe in general most of these grouping are more mobile and can use 119 or https://www.nhs.uk/book-a.../do-you-have-an-nhs-number to book it online.
 
Q) The date of my first vaccination is not on the list?
A) Look for the date nearest to when you recived your 1st vaccination your 2nd will be on or around this date.

Q) I had my 1st vaccination at the Prestwood surgery where will be my 2nd?
A) Chesham Town Hall.

Pfizer second dose update 21-04-2021

Please be aware Chesham Town Hall will have NO MORE Pfizer vaccine deliveries after may 6th so if you are in need of a Pfizer 2nd dose (your fist does was a Pfizer) and you have not already booked please contact the surgery after 11am to book your appointment with out delay.

Covid-19 Vaccination Program 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Update 21-03-2021

The UK has seen a new record for the most coronavirus jabs given out over 24 hours, the second time in consecutive days that figure has been broken.

A total of 711,156 doses were given across the UK on Friday, 589,675 of those were first doses and 121,481 were second.

If you are over 50 years of age (or in groups 1-9) and not yet had your vaccination please call the surgery after 11am on 01494 562189 or go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination

Issues with our clinic system 19-04-2021 9:31am

Good morning, we are currently experiencing connectivity issues with our clinic system. This is a national issue and is being worked on by our provider. We ask that whilst we are experiencing these problems please do not contact the surgery for routine matters. If you are expecting a telephone call from a clinician today please rest assured they will call but it may be at a slightly different time. We will keep you informed of any changes. Thank you,

COVID-19 2nd Vaccination Update 14-03-2021

I am pleased to confirm we have been given notice of the date 2nd COVID-19 vaccinations will start an this will be from Tuesday the 23rd of March 2021.

Some usual questions and answers

Question:
Should I call the surgery to book my vaccination?
Answer:
No we will contact you via text or telephone. (Also keep an eye on our website and Facebook group)

Question:
I have not had my first vaccination yet why are you inviting patients for their second?
Answer:
The NHSE guidance at the moment is for patients to have their 2nd vaccination on or around the 12 weeks mark.

Question:
Have you stopped giving the 1st vaccination?
Answer:
At the moment we are still continuing to do 1st vaccinations

Question:
I have not been invited for any COVID-19 vaccination but normally I receive a Flu jab I must be in the wrong group should I write or call you to ask you to check my group?
Answer:
We are unable to change your group NHSE and our software providers setup the group lists and can not change them so please do not contact us to make a change.

Question:
I have been sent a text to ask to book but it must be wrong as I am fit and healthy, I do not want to take someone else’s vaccination should I contact the surgery to cancel. (We all need a vaccination at some point)

Answer:
No please do not contact the surgery as this will take up valuable care navigation or clinical time that could be used to help other patients with other non COVID-19 problems.

We are now 1/3 of the way through the Covid-19 vaccination programme and still have a long way to go, We thank every one of you for standing by us and helping us drive our COVID-19 vaccination Bus on our journey to a if not the same destination as before a better place than we are in now.

I would also like to thank all the surgery staff including Admin, Dispensary, Care navigation, Pharmacy and clinical team that without them this exit strategy would not be possible.

Also a big thank you to Elizabeth Carless and the PPG family that send teams of volunteers out in all weathers to help.

I would also request that any patients with any conditions they are worried about please do not put off coming to see the surgery team as we are still here and open for other conditions that are not COVID-19 related.

Scott Ridley
Practice Manager

Covid-19 Vaccination Program 2021

03-03-2021

How does Vaccination appointments work and when will i be called?
 
Being called in for the vaccination is based on 2 main points:
  1. your age
  2. Your medical record
the above 2 points will put you into a group as for the full list of groups please click the link below:
 
https://www.gov.uk/.../covid-19-vaccination-first-phase...
 
once the NHS know what group you are in and the NHS is ready to call you in some or all the following will happen:
  1. your GP surgery will send you a text invite.
  2. your GP surgery will telephone you.
  3. NHSE will send you a letter (these are not from your GP surgery)
The Covid-19 vaccination program is not done by just your GP surgery but by all of the following:
 
  1. Your GP surgery
  2. A Primary Care Network (Group of local surgeries)
  3. NHSE in mass vaccination centres
  4. Local Pharmacy
 
FAQ
1) I have not been called for my vaccination should I call my surgery to ask why?
No it may not be your surgery supplying your vaccination.
 
2) I have been called but can not think why I have don't want to take a vaccination that is not for me?
 
Please take the vaccination calling your GP takes time away from dealing with other patients (GP's are needed for more than just covid-19) and everyone will need to be vaccinated at some point.
 
3) I think someone has put me in the wrong group should i telephone the surgery to change my group?
Your GP surgery is unable to change your grouping all we can change is if your condition is not on your medical record.
 
4) I have some questions about how the grouping works can i speak to a GP about this?
 
No please use the grouping link above a GP will have no further information than this.
 
5) I have some questions about Covid-19 and Vaccinations should I cont my GP for advice?
 
No Providing a helpline to answer the overwhelming number of vaccine enquiries we are receiving would make it impossible for us to provide any other care for our patients.
Please research your question before contacting us.
We are not given any additional information at the surgery.
 
The following information may also be helpful.
https://patient.info/.../when-will-i-get-my-covid-19-vaccine
https://www.gov.uk/.../information-for-uk-recipients-on...
 
Please note that government "Shielding Letters" are not sent out by the practice and it is your medical history and not the letter itself that impacts the cost of your travel insurance.

News update 02-03-2021

COVID VACCINATION PROGRAM UPDATE 02-03-2021

*** Vaccination appointments available NOW Group 1-6 and not had your first jab please call us NOW***

Hughenden Valley Surgeries are happy to confirm we are able to offer the Astra Zeneca vaccine at our Chequers drive site in Prestwood once again on Friday the 12th of March 2021.

 

We are thrilled to be able to offer the vaccine to our patients locally.

 

What are the Groups?

 

Priority Risk group

1 Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults

2 All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers

3 All those 75 years of age and over

4 All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those under 16 years of age)

5 All those 65 years of age and over

6 Adults aged 16 to 65 years in an at-risk group (see clinical conditions below) [footnote 1]

7 All those 60 years of age and over

8 All those 55 years of age and over

9 All those 50 years of age and over

10 Rest of the population (to be determined)

Clinical conditions list:

• a blood cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)

• diabetes

• dementia

• a heart problem

• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma

• a kidney disease

• a liver disease

• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as HIV infection, steroid medication, chemotherapy or radiotherapy)

• rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or psoriasis (who may require long-term immunosuppressive treatments)

• have had an organ transplant

• had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

• a neurological or muscle wasting condition

• a severe or profound learning disability

• a problem with your spleen, example sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed

• are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above)

• are severely mentally ill

 

Further detailed information on priority groups is available in the COVID-19 Green Book, chapter 14a.

  1. At the same time as adults under 65 years with long-term conditions, the vaccine will also be offered to unpaid adult carers – those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. ↩

 

Vaccine deliveries are sent to our Chesham main site based on stock levels at the main distribution centres (Hughenden Valley Surgeries or the Chesham Main Site do place orders) and when any Vaccines arrive our PCN grouping jump into action and administer them post haste.

(our number one priority is never to waste time or vaccine)

 

We will not be posting figures of how many left in each group to be vaccinated as we believe clock watching is not helpful to our patients and it is also not helpful to add more pressure to our workforce.

 

2nd Vaccine

We do not have any details of when these will take place this is directed by NHSE and when we have vaccine stock.

We would like to thank the PPG for arranging volunteers for our vaccination clinics and the continued hard work from the staff in the enormous task of vaccinating our patients.

 

Hughenden Pharmacy is in the process being vetted to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations from Hughenden.

 

Please see any previous frequently asked questions in previous posts and please join us on Facebook for updates

https://www.facebook.com/groups/430238914377799

Eat well, exercise well and live well Can you ?

I CAN  !!! 

(eat well, exercise well and live well)

Can you ? 

 

Please join me on a ZOOM meeting to look at LIVING WELL to STAY WELL.

Friday 26th March at 10.30am. A Zoom link will be sent from your GP surgery prior to the event.

Joining me will be ;

Hannah                 Live Well Stay Well                                                                         “What’s the point ? “

Tejal                       Buckinghamshire Healthcare                                                     Good eating habits & “Food for Mood”

Benson                 The Fitness Garden                                                                         Some gentle exercise

LEAP                                                                                                                                      Learn more about this new initiative

Fiona                      Simply Walks                                                                                      Get involved as a walker or a VOLUNTEER

PLUS Food and exercise challenges

I look forward to seeing you there. June ( Community Link Worker for Mid-Chilterns PCN )

Hughenden Valley Surgery

Chequers Surgery

John Hampden Surgery

Prospect House

Amersham Health Clinic

Rectory Meadows Surgery

No Smoking Day 3rd March 2021

Quit smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you'll ever do for your health.

When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you'll be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too - and they start almost immediately.

It's never too late to quit. Let's do this!

Download the free NHS Smokefree app

Download the free NHS Smokefree app to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier.

The app allows you to:

  • track your progress
  • see how much you're saving
  • get daily support

If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you're 5 times more likely to quit for good!

Download the Download the free NHS Smokefree app app on the App Store
 
Download the Download the free NHS Smokefree app app on Google Play
 

Ways to quit

Many people try to quit smoking with willpower alone, but it's much easier with the right help. There are lots of support options available, try a combination that works for you.

Get your free personal quit plan

Answer 3 easy questions to find the combination of support that's right for you.

Read up on stop smoking aids

Stop smoking aids help you manage nicotine cravings and other tobacco withdrawal symptoms.

Find your local Stop Smoking Service

Get free expert help from your local Stop Smoking Service and boost your chances of quitting by 3 times.

 

Did you know?

E-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking cigarettes and can help you quit.

 

What happens when you quit?

The sooner you quit, the sooner you'll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good.

After 20 minutes

Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.

After 8 hours

Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.

After 48 hours

All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.

After 72 hours

If you notice that breathing feels easier, it's because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.

After 2 to 12 weeks

Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.

After 3 to 9 months

Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.

After 1 year

Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.

After 10 years

More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker's.

 

Did you know?

Stopping smoking not only improves your physical health but also is proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Quitting can improve mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

 

Quitting tips

You have made a great decision to give up smoking. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

Once you have picked your quit date, remember to add it to your calendar.

  1. List your reasons to quit.
  2. Tell people you're quitting.
  3. If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked.
  4. Use stop smoking aids.
  5. Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke.
  6. List your smoking triggers and how to avoid them.
  7. Keep cravings at bay by keeping busy.
  8. Exercise away the urge.
  9. Join the Facebook group for support and advice.

Good luck. Throw away all your cigarettes before you start. Remember, there is never "just 1 cigarette". You can do it!

 

Smokefree pregnancy

Advice on stopping smoking and protecting your unborn baby.

Secondhand smoke

Find out how to protect your loved ones against secondhand smoke.

Paan, bidi and shisha

Find out the risks and how you can quit.

 

Did you know?

A lot of people think nicotine is very harmful, but in fact it's the thousands of other chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause almost all of the harm from smoking.

 

Get daily email support

If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up for email support

Find your online community

You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment.

Join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook

Want to talk to someone?

Call the free National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only). Talk to a trained adviser for advice and support.

Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm

Take care of your mind

Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health.

Answer 5 quick questions to get your free mind plan from Every Mind Matters – including tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.

Get Your Mind Plan