Patient News

We're excited to share some updates and important information in our Christmas Newsflash for December 2023.

Please click the link below to read the newsletter:

Christmas Newsflash | December 2023

Hampshire County Council good practice guidance for schools and other support agencies.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance Guide | EBSA - good-practice-guidance

These medications are used in diabetes and weight loss services. Some people chose to buy these privately because there has been a national shortage via the NHS. We have been alerted by the medicines regulator, the MHRA, that there are some injections contain insulin. Insulin lowers the blood glucose & can cause hypoglycaemia. This can be dangerous.   

Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia include: Shaking/sweating/hunger, poor concentration & thought processing, and unconsciousness. For more information please see pages 1-3 of the MHRA information- click on the link :  

Drug Safety Update (publishing.service.gov.uk) 

We are pleased to inform you that the pharmacies at Fleet Medical Centre and Branksomewood Healthcare Centre have been taken over by new management, normal services and operating hours have resumed. This is a family run business, you can nominate these pharmacies through the NHS App, Patient Access or in-store.

There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:

o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or

o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.

After 1 July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:

South East Complaints Hub

NHS Frimley ICB

Aldershot Centre for Health

Hospital Hill 

Aldershot 

Hampshire 

GU11 1AY

Phone number: 0300 561 0290 

Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net

As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.

Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.

Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.

Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.

Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. 

Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. 

Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly.

To read further please see the entire leaflet here.

Dear Patient,

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the disruption to Online Access that the merger has caused. I understand that many users have managed to gain access but there remain some issues with the level of access. To fix this we will need to manually correct this for each patient, as you can imagine this will be a huge task and again, I ask that you bear with us whilst we get this fixed. 

Although we have patients that still use Patient Access, I would kindly ask that you try and register for the NHS App please go to www.nhs.uk/nhs-app for more information.

If you are struggling to access the NHS App help can be found at www.nhs.uk/nhs-app.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered via our website www.harthealth.nhs.uk/prescriptions if you still have trouble with the app.

If you are unable to access the NHS App following the merger, here are some instructions to follow

Please only follow these instructions if you still cannot use the NHS App

• Delete your account If you are still able to log in to the NHS App on your mobile device, please do so, then select More (in the top-right corner), then NHS login, then Delete NHS login. If you are unable to log in to the NHS App on your mobile device, please visit the website via the following link: https://account.login.nhs.uk/#/manage-nhs-login/delete For security reasons, you will need to log in with your usual NHS login credentials. Once logged in, you will then be able to delete your account.
• Create a new account via the NHS App Once your login has been deleted, re-open the NHS App, select 'Continue with NHS login' and follow the on-screen instructions, registering using Photo ID or by selecting 'How to prove who you are without sending a photo of your I.D.', Then select 'Yes – I use online services'. On the following screen, select 'Yes – I have all 3 Details' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.' Please note, if You do not have photo ID, you will need to request 3 pieces of information from your Surgery, your account ID, a “linkage key” (this may also be called a “passphrase”) and their Organisation Code (J82110).

I have provided an email address for you contact us with your Online Access queries, please DO NOT use the address for anything else as it will not be monitored regularly.

Frimleyicb.hhp.online@nhs.net

Please use the email address for :

• You have access to the NHS App but some of the functions are missing e.g., medical records.
• You had proxy access to a child or family member but have lost this following the emerger.
• You have followed the instructions above and still cannot access the App.
• You are unable to provide photo I.D and require a “linkage key”.

I really appreciate your patience while we try and correct your access problems. I would appreciate it if you used the email address to contact us with your online access queries, our reception team are unable to help over the phone or at the reception desk.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Cardwell 
Practice Manager

Please click here to download the Online Access - Patient Notice.

The Branksomewood Healthcare Centre and Fleet Medical Centre has completed the merger.  

We are now working together as Hart Health Partnership. We are excited to be working in this new way and we hope that as you get to know the practice in its new form you will feel some of this excitement as well.

Dr Streeter De Diego, local GP, Paediatric Doctor & Clinical lead Frimley Healthier Together, talks through what to do if you're worried and when to seek help.

Please listen to the podcast here.

Please see NHS Job Advert for more details.

https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/A2597-22-6931  

Our flu appointments are now available to book for all our eligible patients. To book please use our online services or phone the surgery after 2pm.

Frimley Health has launched a new electronic patient record system that is affecting the Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park Hospitals. Safety remains paramount, so please be patient with the staff. Waiting times are likely to be longer than usual. 

Unless it’s an emergency remember there are lots of alternatives for you to make use of:

• Visit your local pharmacy
• During the day contact your GP practice via online consultation or phone
• Contact NHS 111 online, www.111.nhs.uk or dial 111. If you are calling NHS 111, please be patient. NHS 111 may advise you to contact your GP or its out-of-hours service or attend the Bracknell Minor Injuries Unit.
• For minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, or minor head injuries, visit the Minor Injury Unit at Brants Bridge in Bracknell or the High Wycombe Urgent Care Centre – open 8 am-8 pm 7 days a week.

Anyone with a life-threatening condition should call 999. Help us to help you by seeking alternatives to A&E where it is safe to do so.

The surgery will be going live with a new telephone system on Tuesday 7th June. Should any delays be experienced as we make the transition, please can we ask for your patience and understanding. Thank you.

It is with excitement that Fleet Medical Centre and Branksomewood Healthcare Centre proudly announce that they will be merging as of 1st April 2023.

It is a big piece of work to merge our 2 practices and we are keen to do this to protect and preserve the provision of healthcare services in this part of Fleet by creating stability, recruitment and training options for the future. We already work closely together as member practices of Fleet Primary Care Network and we have good relationships with the other 2 local surgeries -Richmond Surgery and Crondall New Surgery- who are supportive of our merger.

Please view this leaflet for further information.

Worried about your child's health and wellbeing?

Please see the Healthier Together information here.

The Emergency Departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park hospitals are currently experiencing an increasing level of demand which is likely to continue throughout this weekend. Please only attend if you have severe symptoms or suffering from a life-threatening condition. Check out our Know Where To Go  guide for advice on how to get the help you need quickly and close to home. Remember, if it’s less than an emergency, call 111.

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins

GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.

We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.

Following a Government announcement on 29th November, the NHS is developing plans to extend the Covid-19 booster vaccination programme to include everyone aged 18 and over.

12 to 15 year olds will also be offered a second dose of the vaccine and an additional booster will be available for people who are immunosuppressed.

People will become eligible for their booster three months after their second dose (reduced from six months).

For now, all you need to do is wait to be contacted by the NHS. Please help us to help all patients by not contacting your GP practice about your booster or attending vaccination sites.

If you are over 40 or a health and social care worker, and are eligible for your booster, go online to www.nhs.uk or call 119 to book your appointment.

Visit www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins to see all the places you can go for a walk-in appointment

In view of the government changes today and given that we have a smaller vaccination and observation area at The Harlington due to the pantomime, we will ONLY accept WALK-IN patients from GU51 or GU52 postcodes who are 6 months or more since their second vaccination.

We are working hard to invite others VIA THEIR GP SURGERY IN COHORT ORDER over the next few weeks.  You will need to book your appointment via text links we send out or via your surgery.

This applies to Branksomewood Healthcare Centre, Fleet Medical Centre and Richmond Surgeries patients only.

We cannot accommodate other walk-ins due to space and vaccine constraints.  It is important that the public do not overwhelm our service so please do not attend if you do not fulfil these criteria.

We will be reviewing our service regularly and will communicate updates in as many ways as possible.

Rest assured, we will work hard to get everyone vaccinated in a timely and fair fashion.

FREE NHS IAPT talking therapies service

TalkPlus is your friendly NHS primary mental health care service, available to anyone aged 16+ in the North East Hampshire and Farnham area.

We offer support for common mental health problems; you can find out more information about how we can help on our website https://www.talkplus.org.uk/ We also have a guided self help section with booklets to work through and read https://www.talkplus.org.uk/guidedselfhelp

You can refer online https://www.talkplus.org.uk/self-referraloptin or via the phone with Admin on 01252 533 355.

Don’t like talking on the phone? Text us on 07860018070.

If in doubt about referring, you can discuss the best option with your GP.

Whilst we are not a crisis service, like with most physical health conditions it’s good to seek advice earlier rather than later. https://www.talkplus.org.uk/need-urgent-help-or-in-crisis

Contact us:

01252 533 355 / www.talkplus.org.uk

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The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.

Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.

Catherine is the social prescribing link worker here at Branksomewood Healthcare Centre. Please read this important document to know more on the help she can offer to patients.

Covid Wellbeing Pack Jan 2021

Many questions are being asked by the residents registered at the Fleet GP’s about Vaccinations in the local area. This information sheet has been put together with the help of the North East Hants & Farnham CCG, Fleet Medical Practice, The Richmond Surgery, Branksomewood Healthcare Centre, Crondall New Surgery, Hart Voluntary Action and Church Crookham and Elvetham Heath Parish Councils.

Any changes in government guidance or delivery of vaccinations that affect Fleet residents will be included in future issues of Fleet Vaccinations Update. Read the complete information here - Fleet Vaccination Update.

The NHS is here for you

As you will have heard from the national announcements, early signs suggest the success of the vaccination programme is contributing to reducing numbers of patients in hospital with coronavirus. Due to effective social distancing, handwashing and the wearing of face masks, we are also seeing reports of community transmission of the virus reducing. This is very good news, but we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the national guidance.

Our GP surgery remains open and while you can still contact us by phone, we would encourage you to use other contact methods on this website to tell us more about your condition. This keeps the phone lines free for those who do not have internet access and who need to speak to us. 

Initial consultations continue to be conducted over the phone or online, which enables us to assess patients for potential coronavirus. People will be invited to face-to-face appointments as necessary.  

We are doing what we can to keep our patients and staff safe in this current climate. It is really important for us that our patients continue to look after their own health at home. We would like to remind patients with long term conditions, those with a health concern that is not going away, or symptoms that may be worrying you, to please get in touch.

Please follow our guidance on where to go when feeling unwell, especially for minor illnesses or conditions that can be dealt with by your local pharmacist. If you need advice over and above what your pharmacy can provide, you can use NHS 111 online NHS 111 online or call NHS111 if you do not have access to the internet.  

Please remember, our staff have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times, so if you need to contact the practice please remember that any abuse of our staff will not be tolerated.

Thank you for supporting your general practice surgery at this time.

Please check this Leaflet in Nepalese Language

Are you worried that your child is seriously ill? Use this flowchart to help with deciding whether to keep your child off school during the pandemic.

NHSX has secured a six-month national licence for NHS clinicians to access a health and care video library of more than 600 patient information videos free of charge.The videos have been developed and written by NHS clinicians to use within a wide range of care pathways including maternity, physiotherapy, rheumatology and podiatry.

Advice in your region:

England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
 

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, Branksomewood Healthcare Centre will be triaging all requests for face-to-face appointments to minimise the rate of spread of the infection, reduce the risk to vulnerable members of our community and lessen the impact on the wider healthcare system.You will not be able to book any appointments at the reception desk. If you need an appointment, please visit our website and complete an eConsult your doctor will then assess your need or suitability for a face to face appointment and book you in accordingly. Alternatively, please contact us by telephone.All pre-booked face to face appointments have been cancelled and changed to telephone calls in the first instance. You will be advised if you can attend surgery AFTER this call, therefore we respectively ask that you do not call the surgery to check if your appointment has been cancelled.This does not IN ANY WAY mean that we are closed. It is an ever-evolving and highly unusual situation, so it is likely that, with guidance from Public Health England, we will continue to change how we provide care for our patients over the coming weeks and months. We are grateful for your understanding and patience in helping us provide the most effective service we can.

There will be no reception cover at our late Friday evening clinics from 6:30pm. If you are attending the surgery for an appointment after this time, please take a seat and you will be called by the GP or Nurse on duty.