Newsletter September 2024

 

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An important message from our Local Medical Committee

Following the recent British Medical Association (BMA) ballot which you may have heard about in the press, the Devon GP LMC group have written this to help to explain what this means for patients and the future of General Practice. 

GPs have for years been doing work that is not funded and not contracted due to gaps in commissioned services and pressures in secondary care services; they have been doing so out of concern for their patients and to ensure that you continue to receive the care you deserve. However, with chronic underfunding and increased demand it is no longer sustainable for GPs to continue working in this way. 

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Since 2015 we have seen 1600 Practices close or merge, there are 6 million more registered patients and 2000 fewer full time equivalent GPs across the country. Our funding levels are significantly lower than 2018 levels. This means we will be focusing on the safety and stability of our service going forwards. 

Collective action is about working legitimately within our contracts. You may have heard this referred to in the press as industrial action; this is factually incorrect. We will not be doing anything that compromises your safety, and we will not currently be going on strike. 

We hope you understand that we are taking this action to ensure general practice locally, in Devon and across England is there for our patients in years to come, and hope for your forbearance. 

 

Covid and Flu Vaccinations Autumn 2024

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Please support the practice by choosing to book your Flu and Covid vaccine with us. By getting your vaccination in October, you will be protected throughout the winter months (October to March) when there are the most Flu and Covid cases. 

Appointments are available on Saturday 5th October in Exminster and Saturday 12th October in Starcross. There will be one appointment per patient – unfortunately we cannot offer two appointments to receive the vaccines on separate days.

We are currently contacting patients to book in via an online link so don’t miss out! If you’ve not heard from us, please call. 

 

RSV Vaccination

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as newborns, infants and older adults. 

We will be offering the vaccination for adults aged from 75 to 79 years of age. If you are pregnant, you will be offered an RSV vaccination through your maternity team when you reach 28 weeks. 

 

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection which affects the lungs. The first signs of infection are similar to a cold, but after about a week, the infection can develop into coughing bouts. It can be life threatening in babies. 

Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time. Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. 

Please speak to your midwife about a vaccination to protect you and your baby. 

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Staff Changes!

We have recently welcomed several new receptionists to our team. As they are still in the process of being trained by our experienced staff, you may notice that they are taking a little extra time to assist you. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as they familiarise themselves with their new roles. 

We are also pleased to introduce Dr Aaditya Rajaseharan, our new GP Registrar, who will be with us for the next year as part of his training and development. Additionally, Dr Matthew Davies, our GP F2, will be joining us for the next couple of months. Both doctors are excited to be part of our team and look forward to providing you with excellent care.  

 

Would you like to join our Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

We want to hear our patients’ views, giving feedback on the care you receive. We want you to receive the best possible treatment in all aspects of your care and want you to participate in the choices and plans we make. We would also like everyone to be responsible for their health and wellbeing and ensure you are proactively involved in decisions about your care.

No time to attend meetings? If you would like to get involved but are unable to attend meetings, why not join our Virtual Patient Participation Group? Members can send us views and suggestions. Please see our website for more information or ask our reception team how to sign up.

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Every month we receive a huge amount of positive patient feedback. We appreciate all feedback received from our lovely patients. 

“We have just moved to the area and are so impressed with every interaction so far. Staff have been kind and helpful – without exception.” 

“The clinician was thorough, and examinations very well explained. They couldn’t have been more helpful or knowledgeable.” 

“All staff are competent, helpful and friendly.” 

“Excellent service, same day appointment, perfect!”