Lambourn Surgery Patient Participation Group Newsletter, Oct 2022

Autumn Vaccination Programme

The flu season is now in full swing. The surgery can give both flu and covid vaccinations at the surgery and there are 3 clinics being held offsite at the Walwyn Hall. These clinics are fully booked but there will be more at the surgery, and they will be in touch with eligible patients soon to offer you an appointment if you have not yet received your invitation.

Please do not contact the surgery re these clinics, wait for your invitation.

Phone System

A new phone system is being installed on the 11th of October. This brings with it some new features such as a call back feature, giving you the chance to hang up and your place will be held in the queue; the ability for the surgery to monitor how many calls are waiting, thereby enabling resources to be diverted, when available, to help manage call volumes; and a messaging service so that patients can be sent direct links to information requested. Please bear with staff while they learn how to use the system and its features. It has been tested and is in use in many surgeries so they are confident it will bring many benefits.

Dementia Café and Carers Support

New, starting 28th September 2022, running on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 10.30 – 12.00 at the Memorial Hall in Lambourn. This facility proved a great success at its first meeting and all patients and carers are invited to attend for fun, friendship, refreshments, and conversation.

To book, contact Victoria Rowland at Age UK. victoria.rowland@ageukberkshire.org.uk or 0118 959 4242

This café has been set up with the support of Age UK and our Mental Healthcare Team based at West Berkshire Hospital. There is a contribution of £2.50 per person to help with running costs.

Waiting Room Blood Pressure Machine

We are pleased to announce that the patient blood pressure machine in back in the waiting room. It is there for patients use to keep an eye on your BP without the need for a GP or nurse appointment. It will produce a slip of paper with the reading printed on it which can be handed to reception. They will add this to your record. You may be asked by a staff member to use it as part of a long term condition assessment or following a medication request.

You do not need permission to use it and clear instructions are on the machine, if you need help, please ask a member of staff who will assist.

There is also a set of weighing scales in the corridor where you are also welcome to check your weight.

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; mailto: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