Newsletter-Issue 28- October 2023

  • Welcome
  • Accessing health information on-line
  •  Covid booster vaccinations / the flu

vaccination programme / the MMR vaccine

  • Keeping warm and the role of the Social Prescriber
  • Sunday GP face-to-face appointments at
    the Woodberry Hub
  • The introduction of Care Navigators
  • Gillan House Reception Confidential area
  • Who’s Who at Gillan House Surgery?

Welcome to the October 2023 edition of Gillan House Surgery’s Newsletter.  In this edition we report on changes to the information available on-line about patient health records.  Also, with the arrival of autumn, there is an important reminder about covid boosters, flu injections, and the need for an MMR vaccination.   

Accessing health information on-line

For some while now it has been possible for patients to access their GP record on-line showing health conditions, test results and allergies, and any medications they may be taking.  But the available information is now being extended to include letters, and appointment notes.  This has many advantages because it provides patients with a more convenient way to access their health information and will reduce telephone calls to the Surgery and appointments.  To gain access to this extended on-line GP record patients must first register with the NHS App service.

Covid booster vaccinations / the flu vaccination programme / the MMR vaccine

The risk of severe Covid continues to be strongly associated with increasing age and underlying health conditions. People at greatest risk of serious illness from Covid include the over 65s and patients in this age group are now eligible for an autumn vaccine booster.  Unfortunately supplies of the Covid vaccine have not been made available to Gillan House, but local pharmacies are able to offer injections and some have a walk-in service.  Please contact Gillan House Reception if you are eligible for a Covid vaccination this autumn but have not been able to find a location to have one. 

Flu vaccination is also now underway and this year sees an expansion of the programme to include groups not previously eligible.  There is clear evidence that vaccination last season had an important role preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital. The best protection is to get the flu vaccine ahead of winter.  Supplies of the vaccine are available at Gillan House and if you are in an eligible group the Receptionists will be able to make arrangements for you to have an injection.

Since the introduction of the MMR vaccine there has been a significant reduction in the prevalence of measles, mumps and rubella.  However due to a number of factors the uptake level has fluctuated and because of an increase in the number of cases of measles post-covid the UK has now lost its measles-free status. The consequences of catching rubella can be significant and during pregnancy there can be devastating consequences for the unborn child such as cataracts, deafness, heart defects and in some cases miscarriage.  Eligible patients are wide-ranging from 1-year olds through to older adults and Gillan House Receptionists can assist any patient wishing to have an MMR vaccination.

Keeping warm and the role of the Social Prescriber

Our last Newsletter briefly explained the role of the Social Prescriber, an additional staff member at Gillan House appointed through our Primary Care Network.  Patients seeking help through a Gillan House GP may have more than a medical need and in such cases a Social Prescriber can connect them to the appropriate community groups and services.  Over the coming winter months it is important that particularly older patients keep themselves and their homes warm, because the colder weather can contribute to colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.  The Social Prescriber will have links to local organisations such as AgeUK or the Enfield Wellbeing Network and will direct patients where appropriate to such organisations for help and support.

Sunday GP face-to-face appointments at the Woodberry Hub

For the winter period only Sunday face-to-face GP appointments are available at the The Woodberry Practice, Winchmore Hill between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm.  This service is provided through the South-west Enfield Primary Care Network.  Appointments may be made on-line or through Gillan House Reception.

The introduction of Care Navigators

Under a new NHS initiative all GP Practices are being asked to identify one member of staff to be trained as a Care Navigator.  This would normally be an administrator or a member of the Reception team.  Once trained they would be able to direct patients to the most suitable person to help them who may not always be a GP.  Care Navigators would not attempt to diagnose a patient’s problem or offer clinical advice.  Their role would be to find out the nature of a patient’s problem and, if appropriate, to offer the choice of seeing other health professionals who may be available more quickly and easily.  Gillan House is participating in this NHS initiative and more information will be given in future Newsletters as it becomes available. 

Gillan House Reception Confidential area

There may be occasions when patients wish to discuss a sensitive or confidential matter with the Reception staff.  Patients should not hesitate to make this known and the Reception staff will direct patients to the Confidential area.