Warm Wishes for a Merry Christmas and New Year

As we approach the festive season, we want to take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We understand that this time of the year can be challenging for many, especially those facing health and social issues. If you find yourself struggling, please know that you are not alone. We encourage you to reach out for support from friends, family, or our healthcare team. Your well-being is important to us.

Wishing you peace and confort during this season.

Dr Nicola Turner, Dr Katherine Yeomans, Ruth Franklin and Dr Jasraj Panesar

Christmas and New Year's Opening Hours

The practice will be closed on Wednesday 25 December and Thursday 26 December, and Wednesday 1 January. 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 during the Christmas and New Year's Bank Holidays and will direct you to our Out of Hours contact details. 

Order Your Prescriptions Early for the Holidays

As Christmas and New Year approach, 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:

Plan Ahead: Order your prescriptions at least 72 hours in advance to ensure timely processing.

Expect Pharmacies to be Busy: Pharmacies can get very busy during the holiday season, so avoid last-minute requests to prevent delays.

Check Your Supplies: Take a moment to check your medication cabinet. If you're running low on any medications, please let us know as soon as possible. 

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. 

NHS Pharmacy First

The NHS Pharmacy First Service is designed to improve access to healthcare through your local community pharmacy. This initiative allows pharmacists to manage seven common health conditions without needing for a GP appointment.

Patients can receive advice and treatment for:

• Sinusitis
• Sore Throats
• Earaches
• Impetigo
• Shingles
• Infected Insect Bites
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women 

How to access the service:

• You can visit a participating pharmacy directly.
• You may also be referred by NHS 111 or your GP.

What Pharmacies Can Do:

• Provide self-care advice.
• Issue NHS-funded over-the-counter medicines.
• Prescribe certain medications when necessary.

The Pharmacy First Service aims to reduce pressure on GP surgeries and provide quicker access to treatment for minor health issues. This means you can get the care you need more conveniently. For more information, please check with your local pharmacy. 

Staff Updates

Kalpna Merchant, Senior Clinical Pharmacist at The Hall Practice, would like to introduce 2 new members of the pharmacy team, that you may have contact with and share with you their experience and how they may be able to help you. 

Together we can bring fresh perspectives and expertise that will benefit all our patients. The pharmacy team is dedicated to ensuring medication safety, providing education, and offering compassionate care. We're here to support you in managing your health effectively! 

Rachna Patel - Pharmacy Technician

Rachna is our new Pharmacy Technician, full of enthusiasm and eager to learn. She is starting her 18-month CPPE (Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education) course, which will further her skills in pharmacy practice. In her short time with us, Rachna has already taken on important tasks such as: 

• Reviewing blood pressure diaries to help patients manage their readings.
• Answering medication and prescription questions accurately.
• Preparing repeat prescriptions to ensure they are processed on time.
• Participating in patient education about medication use and lifestyle advice.

Rachna's commintment to patient care makes her a fantastic addition to our team. 

Rahim Ullah - Trainee Pharmacist

Rahim joins us with valuable experience from Buckinghamshire Hospitals, where he worked while completing his training. His role at The Hall Practice includes:

• Conducting reviews for lipid management to help reduce heart disease risk.
• Optimising treatments for high blood pressure.
• Performing thorough medication reviews to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• Interpreting blood pressure diaries and providing personalized advice.
• Assisting with medication queries promptly.
• Collaborating with me on complex medication safety checks.

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease - By Dr Kieran McCartney-Patel

Fatty Liver Disease,  also know as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) or Hepatic Steatosis, is a common condition affecting up to one in three adults in the UK. It occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, which can lead to serious health issues like liver scarring (Cirrhosis) or liver cancer if not addressed. 

Causes of Fatty Liver Disease

• Being overweight or obese
• Type 2 Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Regular alcohol consumption

Liver Disease: Warning Signs

Many people may not experience symptoms initially. However, you should consult your GP if you notice:

• Disconfort in the upper right abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue 

Liver Disease: Diagnosis and Management

Fatty liver is often diagnosed through an ultrasound scan that shows fat in the liver. It may be discovered during tests for other issues. 

While there's no medication to cure fatty liver disease, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise.
• Limit alcohol intake to 14 units per week.
• Control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

For more information, speak to your GP or visit the NHS website.

Blood Tests at The Hall Practice

Patients are now able to have blood tests done at The Hall Practice. 

To book your appointment, please call 01494 419230 between 10 AM and 12 PM, Monday to Friday. 

When calling, make sure to provide your NHS Number.

Please note that you should not call the surgery to book or cancel these appointments. This service is run by FedBucks and not The Hall Practice. 

Carers Bucks

Carers Bucks provides invaluable support for unpaid and young carers in Buckinghamshire. They deliver information, advice, and emotional support tailored to the unique needs of carers.

Key services include support groups, workshops, and guidance on carer assessments and emergency planning. These resources are available to anyone who provides unpaid care to someone with a health condition or disability.

For more details on the support available, please visit their official website at Carers Bucks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the surgery.