What's New?

PHMP Newsletter

October 2008

Topics of conversation

Flu Vaccination Clinic
Atrial Fibrillation Screening for 65 year olds and over

Welcome to our Newsletter!

Here you will find:

· Announcements
· Important information

Flu Vaccination Clinic

The Practice will be running only one Flu Vaccination Clinic this year due to the poor uptake for the second Clinic last year. It is scheduled for:

Saturday, 18th October 2008, from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon

No appointment is necessary, just turn up to the above Clinic within the specified times.

Those eligible for a flu vaccination are patients aged 65 and over, or if you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed below, as you will fall into one of the risk groups:

- Chronic Respiratory Disease (asthmatics taking regular preventative medication)
- Chronic Heart Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system

In addition to those aged 65 and over and those in the at risk groups, the Department of Health also recommends that Healthcare Workers are vaccinated to help protect themselves and their patients. People living or working in nursing or residential homes should be vaccinated. Also, if you are a home-based carer of someone who needs vaccinating, you too should discuss flu vaccination with your Practice Nurse/Doctor.

As it will be very busy at the surgery we ask that all patients who can park their car elsewhere do so, as we are limiting the car parking facility for those patients who are disabled only.
For patients who are outside the at risk groups and not entitled to flu vaccination on the NHS the following centres are providing flu vaccine on a private fee paying basis:
Oaks Hospital, 120 Mile End Road, Colchester Essex CO4 5XR: Saturday 25th October between 9am – 1pm. The cost will be Ł25. Bookings can be arranged through our enquiry line on 01206 753245.
Aviation Medica, 150B First Avenue, Stansted Business Park, Stansted Airport, CM24 1RY
Flu vaccination day on Saturday 4th October. Weekdays available from 6th October.
The cost remains the same as the previous 2 years - Ł15.00.
Call us on 01279 661580 or email jenny@aviation-medica.co.uk for an appointment.

Atrial Fibrillation Screening for 65 year olds and over

At our Flu Vaccination Clinic this year we will also be doing an additional service which is screening for a condition called AF (Atrial Fibrillation) for patients aged 65 or over. It is a fairly common condition in the elderly. About 4% of the over 65s may have this, rising to 8.8% in those over 80 years old.

It has been recognised as a commonly undiagnosed condition in the population. Those who have AF have a 5% risk factor for stroke.

Whilst your annual flu vaccination is being given your pulse will also be taken for 30 seconds:

- If your pulse is regular no further screening will be required. - If your pulse is irregular you might have AF (please do not worry this does not require immediate diagnosis and/or treatment).

If you are found to have an irregular pulse you will be contacted by the Surgery over the following 4 weeks. You will be invited to attend the Surgery for further screening, which may involve you having an ECG (heart trace), a blood test and a clinical cardiovascular assessment by a doctor or nurse.

If you are diagnosed with AF this will lead to an overall evaluation of your cardiovascular risk which may require medication or treatment.

Please do not be concerned if you are told that you have an irregular pulse. However, if you are not offered an appointment within 4-6 weeks of your pulse being checked, please contact the Surgery for advice.

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