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Spring newsletter 2025

Last Updated: Monday, 31 March 2025

Welcome Spring!

A spring scene

As the days grow longer and the weather warms, we're delighted to share our Spring newsletter with you. We hope you're all enjoying the brighter season!

Positive Changes: Improved Phone Access & Digital Front Door

We're pleased to report that our new opening hours, implemented in the new year, have been a success. There are no more queues outside the gate, and the additional staff member dedicated to phone lines during the first 30 minutes of each day has reduced waiting times for a call back.

The new Blinx-powered Digital Front Door has also launched with success, replacing the old PATCHS system and providing an increased range of online services.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we strive to improve our services.

Spring COVID-19 Booster Campaign

Promotional image for the COVID booster campaign

The NHS is currently offering a Spring COVID-19 booster to those most vulnerable. This includes individuals aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

  • Why it's important: This booster helps maintain protection against severe illness, especially as immunity from previous vaccinations may wane.
  • How to access it locally:

Focus on Cardiovascular Health: "Know Your Numbers"

This year, the NHS is placing a strong emphasis on cardiovascular health. Do you "know your numbers"? Understanding your blood pressure and cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing heart disease and strokes. Drs Baxter & Widnall have made an informational video about this:

 

Measuring your blood pressure

There are several ways to get your blood pressure checked:

  • Automated kiosk: Our automated kiosk in the ground floor corridor by Room 6 is available for convenient blood pressure checks without an appointment. Simply drop in to the surgery during our opening hours, follow the instructions and give the print-out to our Receptionist who will add it to your record, and pass it on to a clinician for review if it’s outside the normal range.
  • Invest in your own monitor: reliable machines are now relatively inexpensive to purchase and can be a good investment to keep an eye on the health of everyone in the house. The British & Irish Hypertension Society publishes a list of approved devices on their website: https://bihs.org.uk/bp-monitors/for-home-use/
  • Borrow a machine from us: We offer loan machines for home blood pressure monitoring. We require a returnable cash deposit of £20. Please enquire at reception. 

If you check your blood pressure at home with your own or a borrowed machine, you can now send these readings to us at your own convenience through our Digital Front Door: https://blinx.uk/x6DhB 

  • Your local pharmacy: Many local chemists are signed up to provide blood pressure checks, and they will usually send the results straight to us
  • Our nursing team: If none of the options above are suitable you can book in to see one of our nursing team who can check your blood pressure, along with giving suitable lifestyle advice and ensuring any other checks are up to date.

For more information on blood pressure, please visit the British Heart Foundation: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure  

Hay Fever Season: Managing Symptoms

A hayfever sufferer with a nasal spray

With spring comes pollen! Hay fever can be a real nuisance, but there are ways to manage it:

  • Over-the-counter remedies: Antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays, and eye drops can provide relief and are available without needing to see a doctor. For best results these ideally need to be started several weeks before peak season, and used on a daily basis during the main hayfever period. You can talk to your local pharmacist for advice.
  • Practical tips: Monitor pollen forecasts, keep windows closed during peak pollen times, and shower and change clothes after being outdoors.

We request that patients try these over the counter options before booking an appointment, as this helps us to keep appointments free for more complex medical cases.

Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin

Enjoying the sunshine is wonderful, and a great way to get your vital Vitamin D - but it's essential to protect your skin:

  • Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. You will need to re-apply this every two hours or so.
  • Protective clothing: Wear hats and long sleeves when possible.
  • Seek shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm).
  • Skin cancer awareness: Remember, even one episode of sunburn significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. Regularly check your skin for any changes and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

You can read more about sun protection on the British Association of Dermatologists' website.

Spring into action!

With the lighter nights and (hopefully) warmer weather, now is a great time to think about lifestyle adjustment you can make, not only with your diet, but also increasing your physical activity by getting outdoors.

  • Think about your healthy eating habits with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • Have you considered the "Couch to 5K" programme? Dr Baxter did this a couple of years ago and found it a great way to go from not really running at all to being able to run comfortably for over half an hour. The gradual and structured programme means that you are eased in to it, reducing the risk of injury whilst also building confidence with an increase in performance each week. Get running with Couch to 5K - Better Health - NHS 

NHS App

Have you downloaded the NHS App yet? You can view your test results, order prescriptions, and access trusted health information. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/about-the-nhs-app/  

 

Upcoming Bank Holidays

There are a few Bank Holidays coming up this springtime, don’t forget we are closed on Bank Holidays, but you can still access help via NHS 111 online or by telephone by calling 111.

  • Friday 18 April - Good Friday 
  • Monday 21 April - Easter Monday 
  • Monday 5 May - Early May bank holiday 
  • Monday 26 May - Spring bank holiday

Patient Participation Group

Our valued Patient Participation Group remains open to accepting new members if you’re interested in having a say on how the practice runs for the benefit of its patients.


We hope this newsletter helps you make the most of the spring season and stay healthy!


Warm regards,
The Grassendale Medical Practice Team.