CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice. Please click here.

In January 108 patients failed to attend Nurse and GP appointments

Wiltshire Mind Young People's Counselling

Further Information: 

 Wiltshire Mind Young People's Counselling Leaflet

Wiltshire Counselling Service

Further Information:  Wiltshire Counselling Service Leaflet

Moved to the UK? - Get Up-To-Date With Your Vaccinations

For further information please see the leaflet here:Vaccination Leaflet

Doctorlink

The Practice is experiencing unprecedented demand for clinical appointments and we invite our patients to register for Doctorlink, an online symptom assessment platform, providing patients the ability to seek clinically approved medical advice 24/7.

Through its clinical decision algorithm, Doctorlink helps people engage in their health and  wellbeing, guiding them to the right care.

Doctorlink is free, simple and easy to use!

Click here to register

If Doctorlink advises that you need to see a clinician, your details will be sent directly to the Practice and we will contact you with an appointment by telephone.

Please ensure you update the Practice with your contact telephone details.

St Damian's Surgery, Melksham - Notice of Closure

The Practice is sad to formally announce the closure of St. Damian's Surgery, Melksham on 31 March 2020, after the application was accepted by the Clinical Commissioning Group.

Those patients who wish to remain with the Practice will be automatically transferred to the Bradford on Avon Health Centre on 31 March 2020. 

To read the full letter that has been sent to all patients please click here

To read the frequently asked question document in response to patient concerns raised please click here

If you would like to pick up a hard copy of the letter you can do so at any of our Practice sites.

Posted: 04/02/2020

Green Tree Health - Notice of Closure

Green Tree Health (11 St. Margaret's Street, Bradford on Avon) has now permanently closed for business.

We are pleased to confirm that Chris Smith (Physiotherapist) and Gina Brown (Podiatrist) have relocated their clinics to an alternative premises in Bradford on Avon. To book an appointment and for more details on their new location please call the temporary telephone number shown below:

01225 863565

Thank you to our patients who have supported the Therapists over the years.

Posted: 04/02/2020

Wuhan Novel Coronavirus Advice

Living well with Diabetes in Wiltshire -  Diabeteswellbeing.org

SmearForSmear2020 Campaign 

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 20th -26th January

Smear tests aren’t easy for everyone, but they can save lives. 

The number of people going for smear tests is lower than ever. Together we can change this! We want everyone to know what a smear test is for, why they’re important and ways to make them better.

Find out what it’s all about

Smear tests prevent 75% of cervical cancers, so while they may not be pleasant, they are important. Join the campaign to ensure every woman understands the importance of screening in preventing cervical cancer.

Let’s talk about it

There are lots of reasons smear tests can be difficult. But however you feel and whatever your question or concern, you’re not alone.

"Until recently, I thought it was just me anxious about smear tests - if anything the #SmearForSmear campaign this year reminded me - you're not alone, don't put it off" 
  

For more information please click here

Carers support group cafe

Public Consultation - Proposed St Damian’s Branch Surgery Closure, Melksham

We invite your response to the proposed closure of our St Damian’s Branch Surgery in Melksham.

Please complete the questionnaire in the link below before the 10^th January 2020. Alternatively these questionnaires are available at St Damian's Surgery, Winsley Health Centre, St Margaret's Surgery & Bradford on Avon Health Centre, there is a collection box at each of these locations. 

Please read the reasons for the proposed closure in the following document: 

BOAMHP Poppy Appeal

We are please to report that staff and patients raised £64.97

St Damian's Surgery New opening Times

St Damian's Surgery

Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 8.30-12.30 (closed on Tuesdays)

Normal Opening Times

(Excluding Bank Holidays)

Bradford on Avon Health Centre

Monday to Friday 8.15 - 18.30 (phone lines open 8.30)

Winsley Health Centre

Monday to Friday 8.30-13.00 & 14.00-18.00

St Damian's Surgery

8.30-12.30 Monday to Friday                  

St Margaret's Surgery

Clinics by appointment 

Extended Hours

We offer appointments outside the Practice's normal working hours for those patients who find it difficult to make appointments, due to work and family commitments.

During Extended Hours, patients have the opportunity to book a telephone consultation appointment with a Doctor or arrange for a nurse appointment to have for example a smear test, blood test or flu jab.

Extended Hours surgeries are held as follows:

Bradford on Avon Health Centre

Monday to Thursday Evenings 18.30-20.00

Tuesday Mornings 7.30-8.00

Monthly Friends and Family Test 

Over 50. Think you can't get HIV?

The Herbert Protocol - Wiltshire Police and Alzheimer's Support launch new initiative

Wiltshire Police is launching the Herbert Protocol in partnership with Alzheimer’s Support on the 19^th September.

The Herbert protocol is effectively a diary of information kept by a carer, family member or close friend of someone who suffers with dementia, which, in the case of the sufferer going missing, the information booklet can be handed over to the police to aid with their search for that person. More information is contained here.

We are recruiting!

Click here for more details!

Posted: 02.09.19

Carers Café in Bradford-on-Avon: 1st Tuesday of the Month

The Partners would like to welcome Dr Alice Pembridge and Dr Charlotte Tawse, both final year registrars, to the Surgery.

Dr Alice Pembridge		Dr Charlotte Tawse

The Partners would like to welcome Dr Natasha Butters, a second year registrar, to the Surgery.

Dr Natasha Butters

Download the free MJOG app for secure, two-way communication with Bradford-on-Avon and Melksham Health Partnership

If you are registered patient with us over the age of 16 and have a smart phone, download the free MJOG app today!
MJOG provides a simple and secure channel for two-way communications between the Practice and you, including:

• Handy appointment reminders
• Instant notifications from their GP Practice
• One-click process for cancelling their appointments
• Private and secure messaging

MJOG can be downloaded from the App Store, or Google Play. It’s really easy to use and has no hidden messaging costs.
Please ensure that we have your up to date contact details

IT STARTS WITH ME

Your Local Transforming Care for Older People Team

Congratulations to Heather!

We would like to congratulate our Practice Pharmacist, Heather Call, who successfully completed the 26.2 mile London Marathon!
Heather completed the race in 5 hours 12 minutes to raise money for Dementia Revolution and Heads Together.
Heather has raised over £1000 for this worthy cause.
We are very proud to share Heather’s courageous achievement and commend Heather for the dedication she has put into the many hours of training

Hay Fever

The Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) no longer supports prescribing of hay fever medicines on the NHS. If treatment is needed, a wide range of preparations can be purchased from pharmacies, supermarkets and other stores without seeing a doctor.
Speak to your local pharmacist to get advice on the best treatment for your symptoms and always read the patient information leaflet included.

Further information is available here. Hay Fever

St. Damian's Update

Further to the statement issued in February 2019 advising patients of the declined decision by the Wiltshire Commissioning Group to close the St. Damian's branch surgery and amend the Practice boundary we have reviewed the service that we are able to provide.

From 1st April 2019 St. Damian's branch surgery will be open on Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, and all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Patients requiring urgent on the day appointments on Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoons will be given an appointment at our main surgery in Bradford on Avon.

We will continue to review service provision and there may be further changes.

For further details about the services available at St. Damian's please click here.

Posted: 12.03.19

Cervical Screening can stop cancer before it starts

St. Damian's Prescription Service

As from 1 March 2019 the St. Damian's Surgery reception will no longer be processing repeat prescription requests and this will now operate at the Health Centre, BoA.

Please click here to find out how to order your repeat prescription.

If you normally collect your prescription from St. Damian's Surgery you will now be required to collect from the Health Centre, BoA. Alternatively, we can send your prescription electronically to a Pharmacy of your choosing. To register for this service please contact your local Pharmacist or telephone the Prescription Team on 01225 866611.

Please note:

In line with CQC guidance of the safe management of medicines all prescription requests are not accepted over the telephone. Any housebound patient that has difficulty ordering their repeat prescription can contact our Transforming Care for Older People Team for support on 01225 860812.

Posted: 27.02.19

Decision on the proposed closures of St Damian’s Surgery, Melksham and the Practice Boundary

The BoA&MHP partners would like to inform our patients, that Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group have declined our proposal to close our St Damian’s Branch Surgery and amend our Practice Boundary, at this point. As a consequence of this announcement, we will need to re-assess the service provision across all of our 4 sites, in view of our workforce challenges. We will communicate any proposed changes to you in the coming weeks.

Dr Janice Patrick and Partners

The Patient Participation Group DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS

All meetings will be held at The Health Centre, Bradford on Avon, at 7pm, unless otherwise stated.

The dates of future meetings are:

10th March 2020, Topic – Asthma
9th June 2020, Topic - Diet & Exercise for Health
15th September 2020, Topic – Telemedicine
1st December 2020, Christmas social event

If you are unable to attend PPG meetings but would still like to help the practice improve services, you may be interested in signing up for our virtual e-mail group. 

Reasons for a Home Visit 

Posted: 28.12.18

Solutions 4 Health- Wiltshire Council

Solutions 4 Health has been commissioned by Public Health, to provide a new adult weight management programme for Wiltshire. With a significant track record in tackling health inequalities, through the delivery of innovative prevention and behaviour change programmes, Solutions 4 Health (S4H) is a leading provider of public health services across the country. Examples of the health improvement programmes and services we currently provide can be found here.

List of January 2019 Courses

Wiltshire Weight loss leaflet

Changes to availability of gluten free foods on NHS prescription

Following a consultation on the availability gluten-free foods at NHS expense in primary care in England, the Department of Health and Social Care announced in February 2018 that gluten free food prescribing would be restricted to Gluten Free breads and Gluten Free mixes only.

For more information pleas click here

CAMHS - Patient or Parents can now self refer

Young people and their parents can self refer themselves to CAMHS services.  The GP does not need to make a formal referral.

Email: obmh.MelkshamCAMHS@nhs.net

Phone: 01865 903777

Melksham Community CAMHS Melksham Hospital Spa Road Melksham Wiltshire SN12 7NZ

Remembrance Day - BOA & Melksham Leg Club

IMPROVED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE

Do you struggle to attend appointments during the working week?

Wiltshire patients can now arrange to be seen 18:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Practices across West Wiltshire are working together to provide additional appointments, you may need to travel to be seen by another surgery.

For Bradford on Avon & Melksham Health Partnership: Monday to Thursday evenings will be provided at The Health Centre in Bradford on Avon, with Friday evenings and Saturday mornings being provided from one of three hubs in rotation Giffords Surgery in Melksham, Trowbridge Health Centre or Westbury Group Practice. Sunday mornings will be provided from Southbroom Surgery in Devizes.

To book one of these appointments, please contact your registered Surgery during normal opening hours.

You will need to give consent for your medical information to be shared between Practices to use this service.

This is aimed at those patients who are unable to access daytime medical care during the week and we anticipate that demand may be high, so please bear with us, particularly during this pilot phase.

 For more information, please contact your usual GP surgery.

Posted 1.10.18

Following a period of national consultations, NHS England issued new guidance on over the counter medicines. This means that for 35 minor, short-term health conditions over the counter medicines will not be routinely prescribed.

To find out more about which conditions are affected visit:

www.wiltshireccg.nhs.uk/over-the-counter

posted 12.09.18

     Getting to hospital - are you a patient registered with a Wiltshire GP 

Posted 04.09.18

Is your heart older than you?

Do you know your heart age? Adults across the country are being encouraged to take a few minutes out of their day to get to know their heart age by taking a free online, ‘Heart Age Test’, which asks physical and lifestyle related information, as well as blood pressure and cholesterol, and determines if someone’s heart is at a higher age than their actual age.

Having a heart age older than your chronological age means that you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, which are the two main forms of cardiovascular disease, which is the second leading cause of death in the country. It is estimated that over 50 deaths a day from these conditions could be prevented if people had a better understanding of their heart health.**

The Heart Age Test has been completed 1.9 million times so far and four out of five of those have a heart age higher than their chronological age. To find out your heart age, search ‘Heart Age’ or go to: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/check-your-heart-age-tool/

** This figure has been derived from investigating the number of deaths of this kind in people under 75 years of age

Posted 04.09.18

Be Clear on Cancer campaign urges people to “tell their doctor” if they notice blood in their pee

On 19th July, a Be Clear on Cancer campaign will launch to raise awareness of ‘blood in pee’ as a key symptom of bladder and kidney cancer.

The campaign is urging people to tell their doctor straight away if they notice blood in their pee, even if it is just once. Blood in pee is a key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers and these cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

Knowing the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers and going to see the doctor if you have any of them could save your life.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/bloodinpee

Posted 03.08.18

APPEAL FOR PATIENT SUPPORT 

Bradford on Avon & Melksham Health Partnership, along with other local surgeries in our area are experiencing unprecedented demand for appointments. A growing number of these surgeries (for example; Frome, Giffords and Pultney Street), like ourselves, have moved to telephone consultation led approaches, in an attempt to manage 1) patient safety 2) unprecedented demand for GP appointments and 3) a shortage of GPs.

We appreciate that the new system is not ideal for all of our patients, and know that patient safety is something which is causing concern amongst the local community. The partners feel that this appointment system keeps patients safe, with all urgent on the day patients assessed by a clinician.

We have a great team who have high standards and we absolutely want to provide the outstanding levels of service that we have been recognised for in the past. We are all working extremely hard, in challenging circumstances.

As a practice we have taken action by:

• Broadening our clinical team: employing 2 Paramedics and a Clinical Pharmacist. We also have a strong team of Nurses offering pre-bookable appointments, our Emergency Nurses see patients on the day with a range of conditions and if appropriate can prescribe
• Increasing the number of phone lines and staffing levels: 2 new medical receptionists starting this month, increasing the number of calls can be processed, sickness and recruitment issues have impacted the timeliness of calls being processed. Please be mindful that patient behaviour towards our staff (when negative) can have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of those trying to help you

• Renewing our emphasis with staff on the benefits of our flu vaccination program. Influenza outbreaks in winter and well into spring resulted in high levels of absence amongst all of our staff, which compounded pressures.

• Recruiting more GPs: Dr Gough, Dr Heffer and Dr Chisnall retired in March/April and we want to ensure a high calibre of replacement, this is taking longer than we would have wished, as the national shortage of GPs is taking its toll. We have recruited Dr Debbie Cash, who was previously a locum and Dr Emma Cole who starts in July 2018. Dr Nell Wyatt will return to the surgery in August 2018. Dr Brontë Vidoni will join us as an associate after she qualifies and her maternity leave will be covered Dr Paul Thorne.
• Implementing a ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) Policy, which will enable us to remove patients from our list should they continue to miss appointments

How you can help with us relieve some of the current pressures:

• If you have concerns about a vulnerable older person, or you yourself feel you fall into this category then please call the TCOP Team (Transforming Care of the Older Person, where age UK and dementia UK workers work alongside our own staff, who liaise with the doctors,) directly on 01225 860812 and your needs will be assessed (please note this is a separate site, calls cannot be transferred to the appointments line)
• Consider other ways of accessing healthcare; your local pharmacist is a great resource or you could consult NHS 111 for advice
• Cancel your appointment if you are unable to attend, we are still experiencing 100’s of ‘Did Not Arrive’ appointments each month

• Do not leave your medication requests until you have run out, please allow a minimum of 7 days
• Once the emergency only message is in place, staff can only book an appointment if it is urgent on that day please call back the following day for routine GP appointments

• Please consult the hospital which carried out the procedure if you have any post-operative problems/concerns

• If a life threatening emergency for example chest pains, please ring 999
• Please don’t ring first thing in the morning for results queries
• Please register for online services, which will allow you to access a limited number of online appointments and order your repeat prescriptions, this is an area we hope to expand further in the near future

• Please attend the Minor Injury Unit in Trowbridge if you have a minor injury such as; falls, bites, head injuries, etc

• Social media is not a constructive way to communicate your concern, we ask that you consult the ‘have your say’ leaflets which explains various options for you to raise your concerns, including our comprehensive complaints procedure. Following this process will ensure that we can respond to your individual needs or concerns, more detail can be found on our website www.boamhp.co.uk

We continue to work closely with our Patient Participation Group (PPG) to find ways to address concerns raised by patients. The PPG would welcome new members to work constructively with the practice to find solutions they not have considered so far. Please email: ppgboam@gmail.com

Posted: 13.07.18 

Transforming health and social care

Local system leaders in health and social care invite anyone living in Wiltshire to take part in the development of our vision for the way we provide health and care services in the county.  Your views will help us to build and develop our health and wellbeing strategy, which sets the direction for services supporting people to live as well as possible.

We’d like you to help us to understand what Wiltshire people consider to be the most important factors in their health and care.  The feedback you give us will also help us work out how to prioritise the money we have to help people manage their own health and wellbeing, and what support people need to live independently in their own communities for as long as possible.

Everyone – no matter what age – is welcome to contribute.  This is your county, so please share your thoughts with us.

The survey is open from until noon on Tuesday 3 July 2018 and can be accessed here: Your Wiltshire Vision 2018

For more information please click here

 Age UK Wiltshire - Suspends nail care Service

From 1^st July 2018 Age UK Wiltshire have decided to suspend their nail care service.  The suspension will allow them time to review how the service can be delivered in the future or whether it might continue in another form.

Current nail care clients are being advised by letter of the suspension and that any appointments booked after 1^st July will not be going ahead.

If clients need help to find alternative nail care then they can contact the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists on 0207 234 8620 or, alternatively, they can use the Society’s search function to find nearby nail care practitioners: https://www.scpod.org/find-a-podiatrist/.

Falls and balance classes

Classes are specially designed to help people who have concerns regarding their balance, have has a fall or who are afraid they may fall. The class involves a variety of standing exercises supported by a chair which improves strength and balance and help participants to increase their confidence.

Class: Tuesday – Starting 20^th February 2018

Time:   12.30 -1.15pm

1.30 – 2.15pm

2.30pm – 3.15pm

Location: United Church Hall, 10 St Margaret’s Hill, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DT

Cost: £ 2.50 per person

For more information contact – Sally Phillips or email sally.phillips@wiltshire.gov.uk

Practice news update!

As you know Dr Gough & Dr Heffer retired from the Partnership at the end of March 2018. Dr Janice Patrick will be the new Senior Partner and she will be giving an update next month. 

Dr Chisnall has also retired from the Partnership for personal reasons, he wishes everyone the best and thanks patients, staff and partners for 15 happy years.

We have made 3 new GP appointments, these doctors will be arriving over the next 4 months. Dr Debbie Cash, who was working as a locum with us previously, will now be continuing with us as an associate. Dr Bronte Vidoni, who is one of our current trainee doctors, will also be staying on after she qualifies in August 2018. Dr Emma Cole will join us in July 2018 after relocating to the area with her family.

“All GP practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GPs working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice.

The average pay for GPs working in Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership in the last financial year was £61,442 before tax and National Insurance. This is for 7 full time GPs, 4 part time GPs, and 3 locum GPs who worked in the practice for more than six months.”

 PSA testing and prostate cancer: advice for well men aged 50 and over

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs you have it for many years.

Symptoms often only become apparent when your prostate is large enough to affect the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).

When this happens, you may notice things like an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.

These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, but they do not mean you definitely have prostate cancer. It is more likely that they are caused by something else, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH or prostate enlargement).

For more information please click NHS England Fact sheet

Your local Transforming Care for Older PeopleTeam

 (TCOP)

We are your Older Person’s Team and we are here to help you. Our aim is to ensure you feel supported and have access to the services that are right for you.

We have a range of medical and non-medical staff and can refer you to a GP if necessary.

For more information please click here

Please view the TCOP presentation and meet the team click here

Dr Nell Wyatt - Clipper Round the world update

The race is now complete and Dr Wyatt’s boat came in 4^th overall.  Absolutely incredible!

Stop Smoking services available in Wiltshire

 http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-stop-smoking

Smokers will also find useful information at  https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree

Wiltshire IAPT Service (Improving Access to Psychological Therapy

The Wiltshire IAPT Service is an NHS provider of psychological support to patients over the age of 16 years registered with a Wiltshire GP practice.

The service provides a wide range of support through GP surgeries to people experiencing common mental health difficulties, primarily those associated with anxiety and depression.  The Wiltshire IAPT services range from self-help therapies, to psycho-educational courses, online and one to one support.

Assessment appointments with a Psychology Practitioner can be arranged by calling the Wiltshire IAPT Service administration team on 01380 731 335.

For more information please visit the following link

 https://iapt-wilts.awp.nhs.uk/

Act F.A.S.T. campaign returns to empower people to call 999 at any sign of a stroke

On 1st February 2018, Public Health England, working closely with Stroke Association, will relaunch the national “Act F.A.S.T.” stroke campaign.

The campaign raises awareness for the signs of stroke and reinforces the importance of acting F.A.S.T. and calling 999 if you notice any single one of the signs in themselves or others. All three signs are not needed in order to make a 999 call, one is enough. Therefore, the campaign urges individuals to act without hesitation, upon spotting any sign, for both themselves and on behalf of others.

The campaign is built around the ‘Act F.A.S.T.’ (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym to highlight the key signs of stroke and emphasise the importance of acting quickly by calling 999:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?
• Time to call 999

A stroke is known as a ‘brain attack’. There are over 100,000 strokes a year in the UK, causing over 40,000 deaths. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention as every minute is vital. That is why calling 999 is so crucial. An ambulance can give stroke patients those extra precious minutes, through faster and more specialist treatment via their knowledge of the nearest appropriate Hyper Acute Stroke Unit.

For more information please click here

If you use the services of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) your welcome.

Come have a coffee and a chat.

T.U.G will be available from 15.01.18 for 1pm to 5pm for the next month, times may change in February.

Sessions will run:

1pm to 4pm free drop-in for coffee, chat Advice on Benefits/Services etc.

4pm to 4.45pm Mindfulness/Mediation and wellness sessions come for relaxing meditation and share your tips for keeping well.

For more information please click here

 Carer’s café

Get support   share information    Relax

The Kings Arms, 20 market Place, Melksham

1^st Thursday of every month

10.30am – 12.00pm

For anyone aged 18 or over who help another person in their day to day life, usually a relative or friend, who could not manage without that support

For more information, please contact Carers Support Wiltshire on Freephone 0800 181 4118 or email admin@carersinwiltshire.co.uk

Or you can visit www.carerinwiltshire.co.uk

Could you be a LINK?  Co-ordinator

People in the community need help to get to hospital or their GP surgery.

BUT they need transport. Melksham Link can provide transport BUT we need volunteers to arrange it.

You would take the phone messages, arrange a driver answer the caller know what time the driver will collect them. You could do one week at a time, probably every four weeks, or you might do 2 or 3 regularly per month.   A mobile phone is provided & is handed over along with the paperwork to whoever is next on duty

 Phone or email for more details

07979 129052

01.12.17