Lambourn Surgery Patient Participation Group Newsletter, July 2022

Covid

As I am sure that you are aware, the incidence of Covid infections has been rising rapidly across the whole country and this trend has been reflected along the valley. This has had a significant effect on surgery staffing (a third of staff were isolating last week) meaning that appointments may need to be changed due to staff absence. Please be understanding and bear with surgery staff during this time, they are doing their best to maintain service levels. Similarly, although it is no longer mandatory to wear face coverings in healthcare settings, it would be a courtesy to others and help minimise risk if you wear one if you are able.

Early Diagnosis of Cancers

A couple of months ago I highlighted a national campaign to find the “missing men” who have undiagnosed prostate cancer. This received a positive response and so now the PPG are now working together with the surgery to raise awareness of the resources available to identify other potential cancer cases. It is hoped that we may be able to provide education events in the community and we will use each edition of this newsletter to focus on a particular set of resources. This month we take a look at Bowel Cancer, which has recently been in the news due to the sad death of Dame Deborah James.

Those over the age of 50 are most at risk of developing Bowel Cancer and hence the NHS screening programme focuses on those people. Currently everyone in England between the ages of 60 and 74 is invited every two years to participate. There is a plan to include those between 50 and 59 in the next 4 years. Lambourn patients who are currently over 58 are now being invited. Although the proactive screening stops at the age of 74, patients can request to continue to be included by phoning 0800 707 60 60. The test involves taking a small sample of poo with a kit delivered through the post. It is quick and simple to use in the privacy of your own home and results are provided to you within two weeks. The take up of these screening test has improved recently among Lambourn Surgery patients, but it is still below 80%. You are encouraged to participate if invited. Last year, 2 cases from our community were identified solely though the screening programme.

For more information see the NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/

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If you have symptoms or concerns do not hesitate to contact your GP.

Autumn boosters

Although Summer has only just started our thoughts are turning to the Autumn vaccination programme. Plans are under way, and we expect the clinics to start in the second half of September, subject to vaccine availability. This year the criteria for both flu and Covid vaccines will be similar, in simple terms those over 65 and between 16 and 64 if they are clinically vulnerable will be invited for both vaccinations. If logistics allow, they will both be administered at the same appointment. There is no need to contact the surgery, you will receive an invitation if you are eligible.

Remember

In order that our surgery can provide care to those most in need please consider consulting with a pharmacist or calling 111 or using the online service www.111.nhs.uk for straightforward medical advice.

You can contact the PPG via email; ppgchairpersonlambourn@gmail.com or in writing via the surgery office (Bockhampton Road, Lambourn, RG17 8PS) addressed to the Chair of the PPG.

Alan Breadmore, Chair, Lambourn Surgery PPG