Patient News
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Friends of Hastings House, registered charity number 1195268 was launched in 2021. It has been set up to raise funds to provide extra support, services and equipment that the NHS does not currently provide. Click here for more information.
What we fund already:
The charity has already funded the Wellbeing Navigator role in conjunction with Orbit, helping to support vulnerable people registered at Hastings House; and has provided funds to purchase an ambulatory blood pressure machine, allowing patients blood pressure to be monitored for 24 hours and therefore improving diagnosis and management of people with hypertension.
What we hope to achieve this year:
Set up a toe nail cutting and foot care service for the elderly. Many elderly people struggle to look after their own feet. Good foot care can mean the difference between being housebound and keeping independence.
Employ a Dementia Wellbeing Navigator to complement existing Hastings House staff.
Can you donate?
To meet our aspirations we need to raise around £50,000 per year, any donation however small will assist. To make a one-off donation, click here:
Please could you consider a regular contribution? To set up a monthly donation please fill in the direct debit form which you can collect from the surgery.
Visit our Facebook page to see what we have been up to.
Can you help?
Would you like to volunteer? Can you help fundraise? Do you want to know more? Contact Emily at the surgery or email her on emily.taylor33@nhs.net
Friends of Hastings House, registered charity number 1195268 was launched in 2021. It has been set up to raise funds to provide extra support, services and equipment that the NHS does not currently provide. Click here for more information.
What we fund already:
The charity has already funded the Wellbeing Navigator role in conjunction with Orbit, helping to support vulnerable people registered at Hastings House; and has provided funds to purchase an ambulatory blood pressure machine, allowing patients blood pressure to be monitored for 24 hours and therefore improving diagnosis and management of people with hypertension.
What we hope to achieve this year:
Set up a toe nail cutting and foot care service for the elderly. Many elderly people struggle to look after their own feet. Good foot care can mean the difference between being housebound and keeping independence.
Employ a Dementia Wellbeing Navigator to complement existing Hastings House staff.
Can you donate?
To meet our aspirations we need to raise around £50,000 per year, any donation however small will assist. To make a one-off donation, click here:
Please could you consider a regular contribution? To set up a monthly donation please fill in the direct debit form which you can collect from the surgery.
Visit our Facebook page to see what we have been up to.
Can you help?
Would you like to volunteer? Can you help fundraise? Do you want to know more? Contact Emily at the surgery or email her on emily.taylor33@nhs.net
The Practice need our help and support in relation to an important developing issue concerning the provision of services for residents of Upper Lighthorne (UL)
Some of you may be aware that the number of dwellings in UL is planned to grow by 3000 over the next 5- 7 years as a result of new housing development.
This development is obviously leading the NHS ICB (formerly CCG) to consider what the options are for Primary Care service provision for residents of UL.
The review includes the possibility that a number of local practices could potentially provide services to the additional population of UL - with the alternative option being the provision of a new dedicated Primary Care practice located in UL.
Hastings House Partners believe the latter option to be preferable i.e. a new practice based in UL.
This is primarily because the first option (i.e. potentially circa 2000 additional patients registering with the Practice) would lead to the need for Hastings House to reduce the wide range of additional services that it is now able to offer as a result of the additional space it has following the opening of the new facility at Rivers Way The space used by these additional services would have to be ‘re-purposed’ to provide consulting space to cope with the additional patient list.
Given the above, the Partners have submitted a proposal to the ICB to develop and operate a dedicated facility in UL. Further information and context relating to this proposal are attached for your reference.
The purpose of my email is to inform you that as part of the wider ICB process of considering its options – and engaging with local stakeholders; it has launched a survey to gather feedback on the 3 potential solutions that it is considering. Again, I have attached further information relating to this. It is a poor document which contains too many references that its readership will have no understanding of, however ‘we are where we are’ on this.
I have been asked by the Partners to share this information with you – with a view to getting the PPG to publicise the survey and encourage our friends, neighbours, families, community links etc to complete the survey – preferably by supporting option 2 or possibly option 3.
The link to the survey is here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ULPrimarycaresurvey
The closing date for the survey is Wednesday 14th December 2022.
The Practice need our help and support in relation to an important developing issue concerning the provision of services for residents of Upper Lighthorne (UL)
Some of you may be aware that the number of dwellings in UL is planned to grow by 3000 over the next 5- 7 years as a result of new housing development.
This development is obviously leading the NHS ICB (formerly CCG) to consider what the options are for Primary Care service provision for residents of UL.
The review includes the possibility that a number of local practices could potentially provide services to the additional population of UL - with the alternative option being the provision of a new dedicated Primary Care practice located in UL.
Hastings House Partners believe the latter option to be preferable i.e. a new practice based in UL.
This is primarily because the first option (i.e. potentially circa 2000 additional patients registering with the Practice) would lead to the need for Hastings House to reduce the wide range of additional services that it is now able to offer as a result of the additional space it has following the opening of the new facility at Rivers Way The space used by these additional services would have to be ‘re-purposed’ to provide consulting space to cope with the additional patient list.
Given the above, the Partners have submitted a proposal to the ICB to develop and operate a dedicated facility in UL. Further information and context relating to this proposal are attached for your reference.
The purpose of my email is to inform you that as part of the wider ICB process of considering its options – and engaging with local stakeholders; it has launched a survey to gather feedback on the 3 potential solutions that it is considering. Again, I have attached further information relating to this. It is a poor document which contains too many references that its readership will have no understanding of, however ‘we are where we are’ on this.
I have been asked by the Partners to share this information with you – with a view to getting the PPG to publicise the survey and encourage our friends, neighbours, families, community links etc to complete the survey – preferably by supporting option 2 or possibly option 3.
The link to the survey is here:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ULPrimarycaresurvey
The closing date for the survey is Wednesday 14th December 2022.
Vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds at-risk
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that 5 to 11-year-olds who are either in a clinical risk group or are a ousehold contact of someone who is immunosuppressed should be offered two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimum interval of eight weeks.
- This means around half a million children nationally will soon be invited to take up their jab.
- The JCVI has set out criteria for determining who should be offered vaccination within this group and clinicians will be responsible for identifying children in their care who are eligible.
- Information on eligibility can be found in the Green Book, chapter 14a in the section on children aged 5-11 years and tables 3 and 4.
How will I know if my child is eligible?
- GPs and hospital specialists have been asked to identify 5 to 11-year-olds who are eligible. For children eligible as a household contact, we will write directly to the person who is immunosuppressed.
- Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should get the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment. The NHS will be in touch in the coming weeks if your child is eligible, so it’s important that parents wait to hear from us and do not contact their GP.
Vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds at-risk
- The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that 5 to 11-year-olds who are either in a clinical risk group or are a ousehold contact of someone who is immunosuppressed should be offered two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimum interval of eight weeks.
- This means around half a million children nationally will soon be invited to take up their jab.
- The JCVI has set out criteria for determining who should be offered vaccination within this group and clinicians will be responsible for identifying children in their care who are eligible.
- Information on eligibility can be found in the Green Book, chapter 14a in the section on children aged 5-11 years and tables 3 and 4.
How will I know if my child is eligible?
- GPs and hospital specialists have been asked to identify 5 to 11-year-olds who are eligible. For children eligible as a household contact, we will write directly to the person who is immunosuppressed.
- Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should get the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment. The NHS will be in touch in the coming weeks if your child is eligible, so it’s important that parents wait to hear from us and do not contact their GP.
In February, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system
The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so people should wait until they hear from the NHS. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up between three and six months over the Spring and early Summer.
In February, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system
The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so people should wait until they hear from the NHS. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up between three and six months over the Spring and early Summer.
In order to protect yourselves, your families and the NHS please ‘grab a covid vaccine jab’.
You can book your booster jab …or indeed your first or second jab using the links below. You may also get a text message from your local GP offering appointments
Don’t delay …BOOK NOW
Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
In order to protect yourselves, your families and the NHS please ‘grab a covid vaccine jab’.
You can book your booster jab …or indeed your first or second jab using the links below. You may also get a text message from your local GP offering appointments
Don’t delay …BOOK NOW
Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.
The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.
The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins
GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.
Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.
We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.
The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.
The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.
The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins
GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.
Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.
We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.
EMIS Health have received reports from both Patient Access users and people who have never registered for the service, that they have received Covid passport emails purporting to be from Patient Access.
They would like to share the following guidance from Patient Access:
- EMIS Health advise users of Patient Access to check the name and email address of the sender; all emails from Patient Access will come via an email address that ends in @patientaccess.com.
- EMIS Health advise users never to click on any log in links that you receive via email but to visit the site via the address bar of your browser instead so that you know you are on the genuine Patient Access log in page. You can find more information and guidance on our information security page here: https://www.patientaccess.com/security
- EMIS Health strongly advise users to set up their Memorable Word security feature, as well as using biometrics (fingerprint ID) if they use the app.
- Email addresses used to register for Patient Access account are secure. They do not share any data and no data is ever saved or stored on any device you use to access Patient Access.
EMIS Health have received reports from both Patient Access users and people who have never registered for the service, that they have received Covid passport emails purporting to be from Patient Access.
They would like to share the following guidance from Patient Access:
- EMIS Health advise users of Patient Access to check the name and email address of the sender; all emails from Patient Access will come via an email address that ends in @patientaccess.com.
- EMIS Health advise users never to click on any log in links that you receive via email but to visit the site via the address bar of your browser instead so that you know you are on the genuine Patient Access log in page. You can find more information and guidance on our information security page here: https://www.patientaccess.com/security
- EMIS Health strongly advise users to set up their Memorable Word security feature, as well as using biometrics (fingerprint ID) if they use the app.
- Email addresses used to register for Patient Access account are secure. They do not share any data and no data is ever saved or stored on any device you use to access Patient Access.
The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.
Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice. There was a deadline of the 1st September but this deadline has been removed (see below):
However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt outprocess which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time:
- Patients do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded.
- NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out.
- The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while we get the new arrangements up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian.
This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2020 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed. Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.
We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.
For further information on this - please click here.
The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.
Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice. There was a deadline of the 1st September but this deadline has been removed (see below):
However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt outprocess which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time:
- Patients do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded.
- NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out.
- The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while we get the new arrangements up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian.
This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2020 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed. Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.
We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.
For further information on this - please click here.
The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.
Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.
The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.
Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.
PCNs are group of GP practices working closely together - along with other healthcare staff and organisations - providing integrated services to the local population. Arden PCN covers the following: Meon Medical Centre | Shipston Medical Centre | Hastings House Medical Centre
PCNs are group of GP practices working closely together - along with other healthcare staff and organisations - providing integrated services to the local population. Arden PCN covers the following: Meon Medical Centre | Shipston Medical Centre | Hastings House Medical Centre
Please do not contact the surgery to enquire about covid vaccination certificates.
We are unable to issue this certificate at the practice.
Please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad for further information.
Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHSapp, which is also valuable for accessing your health records and ordering repeat prescriptions. Refer Online Services page to download it.
Alternatively you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you've completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.
Please do not contact the surgery to enquire about covid vaccination certificates.
We are unable to issue this certificate at the practice.
Please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad for further information.
Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHSapp, which is also valuable for accessing your health records and ordering repeat prescriptions. Refer Online Services page to download it.
Alternatively you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you've completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.
The medical team at Hastings House are pleased to announce the launch of a new charitable organisation. Friends of Hasting House will augment the core services provided through the NHS.
Covid 19 has amplified many problems experienced by patients including social isolation and deprivation. We also foresee an increasing need to provide additional support to those suffering from Dementia.
It will take several months for the new charity to be fully functioning, but the charity will start fundraising to provide these services as soon as possible.
The partners at Hastings House are delighted that Keith Greetham, who will bring his significant business experience has agreed to be the inaugural chair
In addition, FOHH are seeking a trustee to oversee fundraising efforts as well as a treasurer and secretary. If you think you have the background and experience to help, we would like to hear from you.
Contact Keith Greetham; friendsofhastingshouse@gmail.com
The medical team at Hastings House are pleased to announce the launch of a new charitable organisation. Friends of Hasting House will augment the core services provided through the NHS.
Covid 19 has amplified many problems experienced by patients including social isolation and deprivation. We also foresee an increasing need to provide additional support to those suffering from Dementia.
It will take several months for the new charity to be fully functioning, but the charity will start fundraising to provide these services as soon as possible.
The partners at Hastings House are delighted that Keith Greetham, who will bring his significant business experience has agreed to be the inaugural chair
In addition, FOHH are seeking a trustee to oversee fundraising efforts as well as a treasurer and secretary. If you think you have the background and experience to help, we would like to hear from you.
Contact Keith Greetham; friendsofhastingshouse@gmail.com
If you are in touch regarding concerns about the Oxford Astra Zeneca, Public Health England have produced a patient information leaflet that is available here.
If you are in touch regarding concerns about the Oxford Astra Zeneca, Public Health England have produced a patient information leaflet that is available here.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Wellesbourne and Walton Community Cares is for you to be able to register as someone who needs some help, or to register as a volunteer, in this difficult situation. Please visit the website for more details.
Wellesbourne and Walton Community Cares is for you to be able to register as someone who needs some help, or to register as a volunteer, in this difficult situation. Please visit the website for more details.