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Breaking News

Dr John Rivett will be leaving us in December this year after 27 years a GP here.  He is retiring (I know doesn't look old enough) and we are hoping to let all his patients know who will be taking over their care very soon.  He will be greatly missed by all here and the wider health community - especially for his lead work in diabetes across Hastings and Rother and the local resource & educational website he helped found for healthcare professions which has yet to be matched in quality by its replacements. 

For Information 

Contrary to some press and internet stories most GP Surgeries have never stopped seeing patients.  From day 1 we continued to see patients in the surgery for assessment, review and treatments if face to face appointment was indicated.  We have transformed the way we work to enable more patients than ever to be helped by rapidly replacing carpets with vinyl to allow more rooms to be opened to face to face appointment.  We offer telephone, video, email consultations and yes we still do home visits.  Front door triage ensures all patients having to attend are a safe and distanced as possible and leave by other doors to the front to avoid crossing paths.  We clean down after EVERY patient.   At no time since the start of this pandemic has anyone been away from surgery duty unless annual leave, sickness or shielding and this is a testament to the dedication of amazing team from Patient Administration dealing with over a thousand calls a week; our Nursing Team working tirelessly seeing their regular patients for dressings, injections, blood tests and urgent patching up;  to Doctors who have had to adapt overnight to using technology to continue to see patients in a different way and using their skills and knowledge to try to best help those in clinical need.  With the measures we have had to put in place we have managed to avoid bringing Covid-19 into the surgery and been able to maintain and expand our services to our patients.   Whilst Covid-19 is still a threat we will continue to telephone triage ALL patient facing appointments,  and on entry to the surgery go through the protocols of temperature, recent travel, cough or loss of sense of taste or smell & ask that you wear a face covering because we already know that most people attending the surgery are already ill or at risk and we will try to do everything to ensure you are protected whilst in our care.

ALL patients attending the Surgery for their pre-booked appointment will be asked to wear a face covering or mask in line with the latest advice.

Latest News

Breaking News

Dr John Rivett will be leaving us in December this year after 27 years a GP here.  He is retiring (I know doesn't look old enough) and we are hoping to let all his patients know who will be taking over their care very soon.  He will be greatly missed by all here and the wider health community - especially for his lead work in diabetes across Hastings and Rother and the local resource & educational website he helped found for healthcare professions which has yet to be matched in quality by its replacements. 

Given current restrictions we cannot have a leaving bash for him but if anyone would like to send good luck type messages then please send to admin.martinsoak@nhs.net and we will put them together for him as a keepsake.

FLU SEASON 2020

We are halfway through flu vaccinations and this year we will be doing most of our clinics outside – to the right of the surgery – to minimise risk to patients and staff.  Clinics will be by invitation only and as in previous years you MUST bring your letter with you as we will have limited access to computers to check eligibility and may have to refuse to vaccinate those attending without their invitation letter.

*Under 18 nasal flu – Half term week - invites sent

*Catch up clinics - November date to be arranged - invites will be sent.

* Crowhurst - invites sent for 2.11.20 clinic

*Housebounds – Please attend the surgery clinics if at all possible. Our Nurses will be organising home visits but cannot give a day or time as have to be organised geographically and around having to change PPE for each home she attends and will be end October or November time.  The nurse may ring in advance to check eligibility before mapping her routes.

*Please note that, if you are aged between 50 and 64 and not in a clinical at risk group, the earliest you will be offered a flu vaccination is November, providing there is sufficient vaccine. No appointments will be offered for people in this age group until then. This is to ensure that those who are most at risk are vaccinated first. If you are aged 50 to 64 and are in a clinical ‘at risk’ group which is eligible for the flu vaccination, for example you have a health condition which puts you at risk from the flu, you will be invited earlier. 

If you usually have a flu vaccination and do not receive your letter by the end of October then please use the contact us tab on this website to let us know and we can check for you.

FACE COVERING - from 24.7.20

The Government guidance suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption. It should be sufficient for someone to declare that they are eligible for an exemption direct with the person questioning them (eg bus driver / shop).

FACE COVERING - 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering GOV.UK site

Registering a new Birth - new guidelines from 15.6.20 - click link below

https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/community/registration/registerabirth/birth-registration/

Want to lose weight, give up smoking, move more, sleep better, eat more healthily ?  One You can help with one or more of these in a plan to suit you and your needs. Go online or phone 01323 404600 to make a start in finding a new you.

https://oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/  <CLICK ON THIS LINK

Cervical Screening possible scam - We have received reports that some women are being contacted by text message, claiming to be from the call and recall service to advise they are overdue for screening. The message asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details.

 These messages are not from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

 The Action Fraud Line has been contacted.

 

Advice for Parents during Coronavirus

Royal College of Paediatric Health has put out this useful advice sheet for parents - click on this link useful resource from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Community Support for Coronavirus

Local volunteers are on hand to help people with food deliveries and prescription collection. If you are self-isolating and need support, get in touch with one of the groups below:

Battle Town Council 01424 772210 or 07309 732536

Helping Hands for Robertsbridge & Salehurst

Village Neighbours for Ewhurst, Staplecross & Cripps Corner

CrowhurstGroup@gmail.com

Crowhurst Support Group - 07395 932 355

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

The surgery is taking every precaution to ensure risks are minimal.  We ask patients to be vigilant and aware of guidelines on self-isolation if any chance of contamination -  with posters on the main door requesting anyone with symptoms of even a cold to not enter but go home and check the Gov.uk website for up to date advice & guidance 

We are phone triaging ALL requests for appointments or home visits where a GP will decide on appropriate course of action/s. 

It is imperative to maintain surgery services that anyone who thinks they might have, or have been in contact with, coronavirus DO NOT ATTEND the surgery. Self isolate using the www.gov.uk

 

New Firearm/Shotgun GP Medicals required. Follow link below for advice and guidance on applications or renewals.  This falls outside of normal GP NHS services and we have agreed a fee, for our registered patients, of £50.00 for this medical. The GP will have to access ALL your medical history to complete and sign off the form and see you for a 20 minute appointment.

 

https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fi/af/firearms-licensing/

 

Treating your infection - a really useful guide to self help, expected recovery times & when to seek help - click on this link - Treating Your Infection Leaflet

 

Named GPs at Martins Oak Surgery

You will have been informed at registration who your Named (or Registered) GP is with the surgery.  If you are unsure who your Named/Usual GP is then you can

find it on the right hand side of any repeat prescription

Use your Emis ACESS online to see your Named GP

ask at the surgery when you next attend or make contact

 

Health News from the BBC and the NHS

BBC Health
NHS Choices Behind the Headlines
 
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