1. Combs Ford Surgery Patient Information Screen July 2014

2. Welcome to the Surgery!

3. Please support your local surgery The Partners would like to encourage all patients to back the “Your GP Cares” campaign and the “Put Patients First” campaign Details are displayed in the waiting room and a petition and example letters for your MP are available from reception. Please sign up now…….

4. BMA Campaign -Your GP Cares The British Medical Association is calling for long-term, sustainable investment in general practice now to: Attract, retain and expand the number of GPs Expand the number of practice staff Improve premises GP services are provided from www.bma.org.uk/yourgpcares

5. RCGP – Put Patients First, Back General Practice Please also support The Royal College of General Practitioners campaign to fight the funding crisis in your local surgery – less money means a cut in services for patients. Please sign the petition now or go online www.rcgp.org.uk/campaign-homewww.rcgp.org.uk/campaign-home or write to you MP – sample letters available from reception.

6. Phlebotomy (blood clinic) The phlebotomist has short appointment times to take your blood test It would be very helpful if patients could present with coats/jackets/cardigans off. Thank you

7. Summer Holiday abroad? When booking your holiday, particularly late bookings on the internet, please make sure you have enough time for any vaccinations that are necessary for your destination.

8. Summer Holiday abroad? Please complete a travel form at reception. The nurse will contact you with full travel advice and make an appointment for vaccinations if appropriate. Don’t forget malaria tablets!

9. Hay-fever Did you know that your local chemist or pharmacist can advise you regarding hay-fever and home remedies? For example anti-histamines and eye drops?

10. Physiotherapy – self referral Patients are able to refer themselves for physiotherapy advice either online or by phone Initially advice and exercises Onward referral if necessary No need to see your GP! Pick up a card from reception

11. Physiotherapy “Refer yourself to Physiotherapy” Via www.ahpsuffolk.co.ukwww.ahpsuffolk.co.uk Or telephone 01473 770066 This service is run by Allied Health Professionals under contract with the NHS

12. Early Morning Tuesday and Saturday Morning Clinics Please note that if you wish to see a Dr. between 7am and 8am on a Tuesday or between 8am and 11am on a Saturday, you must book an appointment in advance. We regret that “walk in” patients are not able to be seen during these surgery times. Thank you.

13. Don’t be cold this winter! Its only July but… Suffolk County Council want to make sure that elderly and vulnerable people are not cold this winter Grants are available for those on low income who need help to keep warm

14. Don’t be cold this winter! Call for free advice on 08456 037 686 if you need help with An emergency fuel payment Making your home warmer as well as more energy efficient Emergency boiler and heating repairs Loan of temporary heaters in an emergency Cheaper oil prices

15. Don’t be cold this winter Call local rate telephone 08456 037 686 www.suffolk.gov.uk/warmhomes Eligibility criteria applies. To find out if you are eligible telephone the above number

16. Top tips for staying steady There are some simple things you can do to stay steady on your feet. There are top tips to help you to improve your strength and balance and to feel more confident if you are worried about falling. For more information or a free copy of an advice guide staying steady call 0800 169 6565

17. Top Tips for staying steady Advice from ageUK 1.Exercise regularly 2.Check your eyes and hearing 3.Ask about your medicines 4.Visit your GP (if you have had a fall) 5.Vitamin D for vitality 6.Count your calcium 7.Check for home hazards 8.Look after your feet

20. Dr Adam Wankowski Dr Wankowski will be retiring from the practice after 25 years on the 29 th of August. Dr Wankowski’s patients will be advised of the arrangements for their future care. Unfortunately, at present, it is not possible to transfer patients to another Partner because of existing workloads.

21. Outside normal working hours Evenings and weekends For urgent advice and treatment Call the usual surgery number and you will be given the number to use – 111

22. Contact Us We welcome constructive feedback! Combs Ford Surgery Combs Lane STOWMARKET IP14 2SY Tel – 01449 678333 (not to be used for prescription orders) Please note that calls are recorded for quality and training purposes. www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk