Health

will see you now...

If some news stories and social media sites are to be believed, back in March 2020 our GP surgeries closed their doors and have yet to start seeing patients face to face, or at all. As a GP who has worked throughout this exceptionally challenging time, I can tell you categorically that nothing could be further from the truth. Despite huge logistical challenges all practices have continued to see their patients in the safest way possible and of course have also been planning and delivering the vaccine programme. Primary care was already under unprecedented pressure even before the pandemic hit. It was clear that we needed to work in diff erent ways, and one of the few positive side eff ects of the COVID pandemic is the acceleration in adopting new models of care. So I thought it might be a good opportunity to answer some of the most common questions we have been getting lately:

Why can’t I get a face to face appointment?

All practices are off ering face to face appointments — when clinically required. There are many problems that can be dealt with more effi ciently over the phone or digitally eg discussing blood test results, arranging fi t notes, and reviewing medication to name a few. Problems will often be triaged by a clinician fi rst, to assess the best way to deal with a particular problem.

Why cant I see a GP?

Not all problems require a GP. Sometimes there are other clinicians who are better placed to deal with the problem. For example many practices now will employ Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Physician Associates who are well qualifi ed to deal with many of the problems that patients

attend with. Also remember practice nurses and health care assistants who off er a range of services from wound care, to chronic disease treatment and monitoring. The most important thing is seeing the right person for your condition, as quickly as possible.

Why am I speaking to a GP who is not at my practice?

Many GP surgeries these days are now part of larger organisations called Primary Care Networks (PCN). Sometimes this means the clinician you speak to will be based in a practice that is “ It was clear that we needed to work in different ways, and one of the few positive side affi liated to your usual practice, rather than the one you are used to. In addition some practices may use a remote GP service eg Push effects of the COVID pandemic is Doctor. This means you may use the acceleration in adopting new models of care. ” a link to have a video or telephone consultation with a clinician you haven’t met before. Rest assured that they have access to your records, and can help you in exactly the same way.

Why do the receptionists ask me personal questions?

GP reception staff are a vital part of the team, and are trained to ask you the right questions. They abide by strict rules of confi dentiality and whilst it can be frustrating answering lots of questions, it means they can get you the right help, from the right person, fi rst time.

Why is everything online now?

Along with most sectors these days, health services are increasingly using technology to enhance the service they off er. E-consults, video consultation, text messaging and electronic prescribing are all valuable additions to the traditional way of accessing healthcare. Many patients are surprised by how convenient, quick and easy these methods are, and whilst they may not be for everyone, if you are having any problems understanding how it all works, your practice are only too happy to help. We know it can be hard to adjust to a new way of doing things, but please know that your GP surgery has been there for you through the pandemic, and will continue to be. Your support is truly appreciated . #supportyoursurgery n

Dr Rachel Tyler is a doctor at

Stirling Road Surgery, St Budeax

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Running in the winter months

Help and advice from running guru Colin Kirk-Potter

Colin holds running clinics all around the South Hams through his business Run Venture Running Hub. He aims to help people ‘winter-proof’ their running and keep them exercising throughout the season. Winter is a time when research suggests that most people use the weather and as an excuse to stop exercising. But Colin says that stopping for the whole season will just increase their chance of receiving an injury when returning to running in the spring. ‘Perfect practice makes perfect’, said Colin, a former Royal Marine from Bickleigh Barracks. ‘I hold classes all over the south west and teach people how to run, and one of the things I explain is about winter running. ‘The AA tell us to winter proof our cars, so we should winter proof our bodies for the cold and dark evenings. Are you wearing the right clothing? Where do you run that is safe?’

Another aspect of his classes includes running form: ‘We all think that we are born to run so when we start running in adulthood, or return to it, we think our body can just remember,’ said Colin. ‘Unfortunately we, as a race, Colin Kirk-Potter have become so sedentary that we have forgotten how to that we have forgotten how to run and our bodies are better run and our bodies are better designed now to sit for long periods. This contributes to so many injuries incurred by many runners. Running is a skill. ‘My movement classes are designed to re-teach that forgotten skill and help people to live better, more effi ciently and with fewer injuries.’ Colin is the director of Run Venture Ltd and has been a qualifi ed Mountain Leader since 2008. He has completed many of the top fell races, including the selfnavigating UK Mountain Trail in the Lake District, two Bob Graham rounds, the 105 mile Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc in Europe and numerous Mountain Marathons which involve running and navigating in remote areas over two days. The team at Run Venture have run over all types of terrain and distances in this country and abroad, in races, for pleasure and for sanity! pleasure and for sanity! n

Tips for running throughout the winter season:

1. Check the weather forecast. 2. Dress appropriately. Layers work best. If your hands are cold think about wearing a hat as lots of heat is lost through our heads, meaning less circulation to the fi ngers. 3. Wear something refl ective or even a fl ashing light. 4. Warm up for longer and don’t be tempted to go off quicker just because it’s cold and/or wet. 5. Stay hydrated. Just because it’s not hot, you still perspire during exercise so keep on top of the fl uids. 6. As always, tell someone where you are running if running alone.