Brookside Surgery would like to thank our patient community for their continued support through this difficult time. We want to reassure you that we remain open, here and working hard to help you with all your health needs. In line with national guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, our doctors and nurses are speaking to all patients by telephone in the first instance. In addition to telephone consultations, we are able to offer secure and confidential video consultations and use photographs to aid in clinical assessments. If we are unable to help resolve your health concerns in this way then we are able to offer face-to-face appointments at the practice. If a patient is assessed as being housebound, then we are able to offer home visits by a member of our team or a specialist community healthcare team.

As we face the second national lockdown, we continue to work hard to help you with your health needs in the best and safest way possible. Please do contact us if you have any new concerns about your current health or long-term condition.

Lastly, just to say that this is a really difficult time for everyone. Be kind, look after one another, keep active, eat healthily, set positive goals, but most importantly please reach out for help if you need it - we are here for you.

The Brookside Surgery team

DISPENSARY OPENING HOURS 

 We now have stocks of both vaccines that are in use this season so if you are in the at risk groups below or are 65 years or over then call the surgery to book an appointment for a flu jab. For more information www.nhs.uk

Patients in an 'at risk' group include - 

• Long term respiratory diseases such as asthma (that requires an inhaled or tablet steroid or has led to hospital admission in the past), COPD, Emphysema or Bronchitis.
• Chronic Heart Disease such as Heart Failure
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Chronic Liver Disease such as Hepatitis
• Chronic Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Motor Neurone disease, Multiple Schlerosis or Cerebral Palsy
• Learning Disability
• Diabetes
• Problems with your spleen such as Sickle Cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
• Weakened Immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDs or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
• Seriously Overweight (BMI of 40 or above)
• Being Pregnant - at any stage of the pregnancy
• Household member of someone that "shielded" earlier in the year

Children aged 2-3: Children aged 2 and 3 as of 1st September 2020 are eligible for a nasal flu vaccine as usual. These WILL NOT be given at any of our Saturday Flu Clinics. Please can parents ring the surgery on 02476 542525 after 9th September to book an appointment with the nurse. Reception will advise you of our COVID procedures.

Patients aged 50-64: This year the government has indicated that all patientd aged 50-64 should also recieve an NHS flu vaccine. The logistics of these extra vaccines has not yet been finalised and we have not been advised when we can begin to give vaccines to this group of patients.

• '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

• Extended Hourse 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.

• 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.

   

        Our practice now offers a wide range of services through our website,  such as ordering repeat prescriptions and booking/cancelling appointments. Register to gain access.