Garstang Medical Centre

FAIRTRADE (cont) GARSTANG MEDICAL CENTRE

need to be a Fairtrade expert, but you do need to be someone who is passionate about seeing a world where people know and care where their food came from, and who is prepared to take action for the world you want to see. Sounds great! What do I need to do? Visit the link below to download the application form then send it back to Joanna Milis Joanna.milis@fairtrade.org.uk. There is no closing date, but we are keen to start working together as soon as possible.

Your Local Group

If you would prefer working in a group then why not join our small but enthusiastic team – just email us.

Peter Ryder e: garstangfairtrade@gmail.com www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/Youthfor-Fairtrade Covid Vaccination

With the increase of the Delta variant in our area it is very important that patients receive both doses of the vaccine as soon as possible. Please encourage all your family and friends who are eligible, but have not yet had their vaccinations, to book in as soon as they receive their invitation. Appointments are available throughout the area at the NHS vaccination centres for first doses and second doses for those who did not receive their first doses here. If you believe you are due or overdue your second dose with us, please contact our Covid vaccination line on (01995) 607370. We are actively posting updates on our Facebook page and website (details below), so please do keep an eye out for the latest announcements. Our ongoing thanks to Garstang Volunteer Force and to everyone who has given up their time to support the vaccination clinics.

GARSTANG MEDICAL CENTRE

We really could not do it without you. Also grateful thanks to Garstang Town Council and Kepple Lane Park Trust for giving permission for our staff members to park on the scout hut car park, therefore allowing sufficient space for our patients to attend the clinics.

Covid Testing

As a practice we are experiencing and expecting to see a further increase in respiratory illness including coughs, fevers, colds and sore throats as well as Covid cases. If you experience symptoms of Covid (fever/temperature, new cough, loss of taste or smell) it is still really important to isolate and book a PCR test online or by ringing 119. This is the case even if you have been vaccinated. Please do not ignore possible symptoms.

Telephone Access

We are aware that patients are having difficulty getting through to the surgery by telephone at peak times. Our services are currently under extreme pressure from an unprecedented demand. This is being experienced by practices nationally as well as locally. This is no doubt, in part, due to the restrictions imposed by the lockdowns which have led to some patients postponing health care until recent months. It is also due to the restrictions we have had to impose at the surgery due to Covid. Patients are asked not to come to the surgery to book appointments or raise queries at the reception desk as we need to minimise footfall into the surgery in order to maintain the building as Covid safe. This obviously puts greater pressure on the telephone system and patients are having to queue for much longer than we would like. Please do try to avoid calling the surgery in the morning if you do not require an appointment or home visit. We do apologise for the difficulties patients are facing and would like to reassure you that we are actively recruiting and training new staff in order to address these access problems and would ask for your patience in the interim.

Minor Ailments

As the weather improves don’t let minor ailments like hay fever ruin your plans Pharmacists are healthcare professionals that can offer advice and provide over-thecounter medication for minor ailments like hay fever, sunburn, upset stomach, aches and pains. Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life. Symptoms include: sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes which you’ll experience if you have an allergic reaction to tree pollen (released during spring), grass pollen (released during the end of spring

GARSTANG MEDICAL (cont)

and beginning of summer) or weed pollen (released late autumn). There’s currently no cure for hay fever, but most people can relieve symptoms with treatment. The most effective way to control hay fever is to avoid exposure to pollen, however this is very difficult, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors. Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring and corticosteroids (steroids), which help to reduce inflammation and swelling. You usually only need to contact your GP surgery if: • you can’t control your symptoms with over-the-counter medications, or you have troublesome side effects caused by the medication • you’re experiencing persistent complications of hay fever, such as worsening of asthma or repeated episodes of sinusitis • the pattern of your symptoms is unusual, such as occurring during the winter or only at your workplace (it’s likely that another substance other than pollen is responsible, and further testing will be needed to confirm this)

Hayfever Self-care Advice

• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen • Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes • Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off • Stay indoors whenever possible • Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp