Patient News for April 2025
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As part of the NHS's ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups against COVID-19, we are continuing to offer the Spring Booster vaccine here at The Hall Practice. This booster is essential for maintaining immunity, especially for those most at risk, including adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Appointment still available at The Hall Practice. If you are eligible you should have already received a text message or a letter from us. If you have not yet booked your appointment, please call us on 01753 989800.
The recent announcement about the closure of NHS England has understandably raised questions among our patients. We'd like to take this opportunity to clarify what these changes mean and reassure you about the continuity of your healthcare services.
Key Points to Understand
The closure of the NHS England will not directly impact GP Practices or your care.
NHS England is one organisational element of the NHS that supports the Government with the overall administration of the health service, including managing funding, establishing policies, and overseeing processes. Any essential work currently performed by NHS England will be transitioned to other appropriate parts of the NHS structure.
Importantly, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which manage funding and contracts for GP Practices, will remain in place. They will continue working closely with practices like ours to ensure minimal disruption to services.
The NHS as a whole will continue to exist and deliver patient services as it does now. Your access to care at The Hall Practice will remain unchanged.
Looking to the Future
There are discussions about potentially transferring some patient services from secondary care (hospitals) into primary care (GP practices) with appropriate funding. While specific details are not yet known, we view this as a positive development for primary care.
GP Practices like ours deliver excellent patient services cost-effectively. We welcome the opportunity to review and potentially introduce new services with proper funding in the future, which could mean more comprehensive care available closer to home.
Stay Informed
We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more about these changes.
This year, we're highlighting the important connection between debt and mental health. Debt can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, affecting both financial and mental well-being. To break the stigma around discussing financial struggles, it's important to seek help.
StepChange Debt Charity offers free, confidential advice and support to manage debt effectively. They provide solutions like Debt Management Plans and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). You can contact them on 0800 138 1111 or visit www.stepchange.org.
By talking openly about debt and seeking support, we can create a more supportive community. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling. Together, we can address financial challenges without fear of judgment and improve both our financial and mental health.
Are you a parent of an autistic child or exploring neurodiversity? The Autism Early Support Parent's Portal is an online community and offers 24/7 access to reliable information, support, and guidance.
The portal features resources to watch and read, live workshops, parent support groups, and discussion forums. You'll find advice on schooling, EHCPs, strategies for home, and a supportive community of parents and practitioners.
For unlimited access to all features, there's a small monthly fee. Learn more and sign up at https://autismearlysupport.org.uk/parents-portal/.
This month, one of our patients shares their inspiring story of volunteering and the positive impact it has had on their life.
'I recently started volunteering at Gerrards Cross library and the Thames Hospice shop on the high street. Volunteering has been a lovely experience. It’s given me a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and it’s made me feel more connected to my community. I’ve met some really kind people I wouldn’t have otherwise met, and they’ve all been so friendly and welcoming. At first, I was a bit nervous about meeting new people and learning new skills, but those worries turned out to be totally unfounded. Everyone has been so patient and kind. Now, I’m more open to trying new things and talking to people I see in my daily life that I might have been too shy to approach before. Volunteering has given me a chance to give back and meet new people at the same time. Zara'
To find out more about volunteering in and around Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire, UK, you can explore the following resources:
Feel free to contact these organizations directly for specific opportunities in Chalfont St Peter and Gerrards Cross.
The practice will be closed on Friday 18 April, and Monday 21 April. If during these times you request urgent medical assistance that cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please contact NHS 111 Service by dialling 111 or visiting NHS 111 Online.
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Additionally, our online portal for contacting the surgery, will be unavailable from 17:00 on Thursday 17 April until 08:00 Tuesday 22 April.
As Easter approaches, we want to remind you to order your prescriptions in good time. With many if us busy with celebrations and travel, it's easy to forget about medication needs. Please remember to:
By planning ahead, you help us provide better service and ensure you have everything you need for a happy and healthy holiday season.
Thank you for your cooperation.
