Some of you may be aware of the announcement of a delay in the delivery of flu vaccines to GP Practice.

We have been informed that our expected deliveries for our clinics on 16^th and 23^rd October will be delayed by up to 2 weeks and our supplier is unable to confirm new deliver dates at this time. 

We are therefore NOT able to schedule or book any new clinics until our deliveries are confirmed. 

We are assured that we will get our full allocation of vaccines and we will then make appointments available as soon as practically possible.  

In the meantime we ask that patient DO NOT contact the surgery to enquire about flu vaccines but instead check our website and social media pages as these will be updated regularly. 

For patients that have already made appointments, we are not yet cancelling these as we expect the situation may change in the intervening weeks.

Many thanks for your patience and understanding and we can assure you we are as frustrated by the situation as many of you will be.

The Brookside Team

DISPENSARY OPENING HOURS 

• COVID VACCINATIONS FOR 16 & 17 YEAR OLDS

You may have seen in national news items that the Government are considering extending the vaccine offer to 16 - 17 year olds.

There is nothing you need to do now - you will be contacted and invited for your vaccination as soon as the programme is up-and-running.

We are currently waiting for the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to update and publish.

We are also currently awaiting guidance on the vaccination of 12 - 17 year old clinically vulnerable children and will be in touch as and when we have further information.

 Thank you to everyone for their continued patience, understanding and politeness with our Reception and Practice team. We strive to ensure the practice remains as accessible as possible whilst maintaining a Covid secure environment.

 As it becomes available, more information will be shared on the NHS England website www.england.nhs.uk 

• LONG COVID

Have you or someone you know been affected by COVID-19?

Have you been left with some long-term effects?

Covid 19 has affected us all over the last 12 months and the results of that impact will be with us for some time to come. We are only just beginning to understand some of the long-term implications it can have on the physical and mental wellbeing of survivors. In Warwickshire we know that talking to others who have had similar experiences is essential for growth and recovery. COVID-19 Survivors Group will be molded by its members, through your voices and opinions.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining a support group, please get in touch at longcovidsupport@brunswickhlc.org.uk

01926 422123 (lines open 10am-2pm)

•  '3 BEFORE GP'

Before booking a GP appointment can you 1. Self Care? 2. Use trusted online services like www.nhs.uk for advice? 3. Get advice from a pharmacist - they are highly skilled professionals who can offer valuable advice. For other useful information that ties in with 'Self Care Week' visit www.bma.org.uk/about-us/patient-information/self-care

• CERVICAL SCREENING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN  

Smear tests can stop cancer before it starts - don't forget to book in with Reception if you are due. If you are nervous or have some questions our Nurse will be happy to talk to you or you can have a look at https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-screening for more information.

• THE SURGERY REMAINS OPEN

Brookside Surgery remains open – if you feel you need to talk to a doctor / nurse / pharmacist then please contact the reception team and they will signpost you appropriately. Whilst we are working differently, we are speaking to more patients than ever before.

•   ONLINE ACCESS  

If you would like to make appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view part of your medical record online then please ask reception for a form to complete and bring a form of photo ID with you (either a driving licence, bus pass or passport). Order your prescription from your warm home rather than coming out in the cold!

• STAFF TRAINING

None currently booked -  

• STAFFING

Unfortunately we had to say a sad goodbye to Nicki our HCA/Dispenser and Esther our Receptionist. We wish them both all the best for the future and thank them for all the hard work they have put in over their years at Brookside. They will both be very missed. 

We are pleased to welcome a Practice First Contact Physio, Hayley, and a Practice Dietician, Chloe, to the team. They will be helping in their areas to ensure patients can get the best specialist care and advice possible.

•   EXTENDED HOURS SERVICE  

We are pleased to be able to offer routine GP appointments between 6.30 – 9.30 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening.  This service is staffed by GPs from the Coventry and Rugby GP Alliance (CRGPA) Extended Access Team and can be booked through calling the surgery on 024 7654 2525.

• PATIENT REFERENCE GROUP

 We have an active patient group and the group welcomes all patients.

Updated 8th September 2021