RSV Vaccinations
From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including:
- cough
- sore throat
- sneezing
- a runny or blocked nose
It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves.
Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die. RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system. RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for small babies and for older people.
Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine. This is because older adults are more at risk of serious complications from RSV. You can still get the vaccine up to the day before you turn 80.
For the first year of the programme, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024 as part of a catch up programme.
If you are not yet 75 the NHS will invite you for vaccination once you turn 75.
The Practice will invite eligible patients after the 1st of September 2024.
For more information see this NHS webpage or view this leaflet.
Added: 21/08/2024
NHS Talking Therapies
Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are effective and confidential treatments delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. They can help if you're struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You can access talking therapies for free on the NHS. You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.
Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course.
For more information go to the NHS Website.
Added: 20/08/2024
Did you know? Pharmacy First Scheme
The new Pharmacy First scheme means you can see a pharmacist about several minor illnesses and conditions you would previously have had to see your GP about. You can visit your pharmacist for a consultation and they will treat you and prescribe medication if necessary. If your condition is more serious you will be referred to a GP or hospital.
Under Pharmacy First Scheme, pharmacists can treat and prescribe medication for seven conditions. These are the conditions, and at what age, you can see the pharmacist:
- Earache - 1 to 17 years
- Impetigo - 1 year and over
- Infected insect bites - 1 year and over
- Shingles - 18 years and over
- Sinusitis - 12 years and over
- Sore throat - 5 years and over
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections - women only 16-64 years
Should you contact the Surgery about one of these conditions you may be referred to a local chemist. Normally the chemist will contact you to discuss and issue any appropriate medication.
Click here for more information about the Pharmacy First Scheme or click here for a list of participating pharmacies
Updated: 03/05/2024
Acronyms in the NHS
Do you ever wonder what acronyms in the NHS mean? What is a F2 GP? What a PCN?
The Patient Group have published a list to hopefully help you.
Click here to view the list.
Update: 18/09/2024
Are you waiting for a hospital appointment or operation?
My Planned Care gives you help and support while you wait
The My Planned Care website supports people waiting for a hospital appointment, operation or treatment, and provides advice and support while you wait.
This includes access to average hospital waiting times* and other useful advice including: helping you to prepare for your appointment; information on how to keep healthy; looking after your mental health; accessing financial help and other local support services.
The site is easy to use and updated weekly. Carers, friends, relatives and NHS teams can access the site and support people if required.
*Waiting list information for cancer treatments is not available on this website.
Reviewed: 22/01/2023