Lambourn Surgery Patient Participation Group Newsletter, September 2021

As you will be aware the NHS continues to suffer the aftermath of Covid made worse by chronic staff shortages. Our surgery is working flat out to maintain a level of service that is acceptable, but they will admit that this is proving very hard under the pressures they face. For straightforward medical advice, please consider consulting with a pharmacist or calling 111 or the online service 111.nhs.uk

Blood Bottles

Nationally there is a shortage of blood bottles, and the surgery are following guidance from NHS England regarding this. They are only able to carry out blood tests classed as an emergency or clinically urgent.

Some routine blood tests already booked may be cancelled and the surgery will be in touch with you. If you do not hear from them, please attend your booked appointment.

Flu vaccine

This is another area of current uncertainty as supplies have been delayed, however I can tell you that eligible Lambourn Surgery patients will be invited to flu clinics before the end of September. The dates will be confirmed once the vaccine supplies have been received. As last year these will be held on Saturdays at community facilities. Watch out for more news.

Covid Booster

Lambourn, like all other practices is awaiting government/NHS England advice re how and when a Covid booster programme will be implemented. Once again eligible patients will be advised once detail is available.

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