1. Combs Ford Surgery Patient Information Screen December 2013

2. Welcome to the Surgery!

3. Winter Months During the winter months it may not always be necessary to see a GP Please give as much information to the receptionist as possible so we can book you the most appropriate appointment Self help leaflets are available in reception

4. Self help leaflets Leaflets are available to help you manage a variety of minor problems such as Coughs and colds Coughs and colds Indigestion Indigestion Constipation Constipation Athlete's foot & fungal nail infections Athlete's foot & fungal nail infections Vaginal Thrush Vaginal Thrush Head lice and threadworms Head lice and threadworms

5. Have you got cold symptoms? Did you know that on average cold symptoms, i.e. cough and nasal discharge symptoms may last 2 weeks OR MORE? Ear ache – 4 days Sore throat – 1 week Cold – 1.5 weeks Runny nose / mucus – 2.5 weeks Cough – 3 weeks

6. How To Help Relieve Cold Symptoms Take regular paracetamol Take hot water drinks with lemon and honey Steam inhalation may help Consider Echinacea and Vitamin C

7. Antibiotics Unfortunately, antibiotics will not help to get rid of your cold! “Get Well Soon” Without Antibiotics

8. Seasonal Flu Clinics Free vaccinations if you are; Over 65 A Carer Pregnant Or suffer from; Heart problems or a chest complaint Asthma (controlled with steroid inhalers) Kidney disease or diabetes Lowered immunity or are a stroke victim

9. SEASONAL FLU CLINICS Its not too late to have a flu vaccination Don’t delay Book an appointment with the Nurse today

10. The Airway Code If you suffer from COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease- a disease which affects the lungs and airways – pick up the “airway code” leaflet The guide is easy to understand and will hopefully give you the confidence to take action at an early stage to try to prevent your from having to go to hospital.

11. Patient Transport from Haughley Volunteers needed! For Haughley Voluntary Service To take elderly patients without transport to local hospitals, surgeries, dentists and podiatrists Contact 01449 258846 if you think you can help

12. Text message reminders We are now able to send reminders by text – Please contact Reception to update your mobile phone number and give consent Thank you.

13. Christmas Opening times Monday23 rd Decemberopen as usual Tuesday24 th December - early afternoon surgeries & duty doctor till 6.30 Wednesday25 th DecemberClosed Thursday26 th DecemberClosed Friday27 th Decemberopen as usual Monday30 th Decemberopen as usual Tuesday 31 st December open as usual Wednesday 1 st January 2014Closed Thursday 2 nd January onwards open as usual

14. Some tips for a happy and healthy holiday season! Make sure that you have adequate medication to last the holiday period and order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time If travelling away to friends or family, make sure you take your medication with you Keep a well stocked medicine cabinet at home Make sure you know when the surgery is closed Keep a note of the out of hours contact number

15. Out of hours Please telephone NHS 111 if you require medical assistance when the surgery is closed. For a genuine medical emergency dial 999.

16. The Doctors, Nurses, Management, Dispensers and Administration staff would like to wish our patients a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year

17. Contact Us We welcome constructive feedback! Combs Ford Surgery Combs Lane STOWMARKET IP14 2SY Tel – 01449 678333 (not to be used for prescription orders) www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk Email – Jane.crawford@gp- d83079.nhs.uk Sally.pearce@gp- d83079.nhs.uk Please do not email for clinical matters.