Introduction
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Welcome to our Newsletter!Here you will find:
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CHANGES IN CONTROLLED DRUGS RULES Following the Harold Shipman case there have been changes in the rules on prescribing controlled drugs, which will affect some patients. These drugs mainly involve very strong painkillers like Morphine. However, they also include Phenobarbitone, which is used for epilepsy, Temazepam a commonly used sleeping pill and growth hormone. From now on prescriptions for these drugs are only valid for up to 28 days after they have been signed. The maximum amount supplied on a prescription will be for 30 days at most. WHEELCHAIR LOANS A new Service that will provide short-term loans of wheelchairs to people living in the Colchester postcode area will be launched early this month. The League of Friends Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Service will be based in the Independent Living Centre at Catalyst House, Newcomen Way, Colchester Business Park. Among those who will be able to benefit will include adults and children with leg fractures, ankle sprains and those with restricted mobility needing a wheelchair for a special event, such as a wedding, weekend away or holiday. This Service will become operational on Monday 3rd July 2006 and involves 5 main Partner Organisations: Colchester Borough Council, Colchester Catalyst Charity, Colchester League of Hospital and Community Friends, Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust (which runs the North East Essex Wheelchair Service) and the Essex Equipment Service (part of Essex County Council). Referrals can be made from various sources, eg District Nurses, Community Matrons, etc and patients can also self-refer. Anyone wanting more information about the League of Friends Short-Term Wheelchair Loan Service should phone the Independent Living Centre on: 01206 518888. CHANGES TO HOW YOU MAKE YOUR DIABETIC APPOINTMENT We have reviewed the Diabetic Clinic and have decided that the Health Care Assistant (HCA) could help at this very busy Clinic and so make best use of the many skills we have at Parsons Heath. If you come to the Practice for your blood test, order your blood test forms from Reception and you will be given two appointments. The first morning appointment will be with the HCA for 20 minutes and she will take your blood sample and then perform the routine checks required. The second appointment will be for 15 minutes and with the Diabetic Nurse, who will review your blood test results and discuss your medication, and any questions you may have regarding your Diabetes. Please bring an early morning urine sample and your blood sugar record book to this appointment. However, if you find it more convenient to go to the Walk-in Centre or Hospital for your routine blood test this does not need to change. Please request your blood test forms and make an appointment to see either of the Diabetic Nurses one week after you have had your blood taken, this appointment will be for 30 minutes. Please bring an early morning urine sample and your blood sugar record book to this appointment. Should you have any problems please speak to the Receptionist who will help you make these appointments.
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