Welcome to the latest of our weekly newsletters. We regard it as a priority that all patients at our Adlington, Buckshaw, Croston, Eaves Lane Chorley and Lostock Hall surgeries are kept fully informed of news relevant to them. We hope these updates continue to prove useful.
Temporary Surgery Closure – Thank You
We would like to thank all our patients for their patience and understanding when our surgeries and phone lines were closed on Tuesday afternoon for staff training.
This was essential training which was delivered to NHS staff nationwide.
It is as always our first priority to offer our patients the best service possible and we hope this training will improve and enhance our service to you in the future.
Annual Flu Vaccine
Our annual flu vaccination programme has now come to a close and we’d like to thank all our patients who took advantage of the programme and attended our clinics.
Flu cases remain high so if you still wish to have the jab, there are some local pharmacies which are carrying out vaccinations.
To find a pharmacy near you which is taking part in the programme, you can use the NHS’s online service which you can access by clicking this link.
Please note this service will close at the end of March.
NHS Health Checks
Any patients over 40 are eligible for a free NHS health check at their own surgery.
We would urge you to book one of these checks, particularly if you have not seen a GP or other Clinician for some time as it may be that it will pick up an undetected issue for which early treatment would be beneficial.
You will need to have a blood test before the main appointment so if you wish to proceed, please call your surgery and our reception team will be pleased to book you in for the blood test and a follow up appointment for your health check with the practice nurse.
The 111 and Pharmacy First Service
The NHS has just experienced its busiest winter ever and while we are continuing to make every effort as always to provide as many appointments as possible, using the 111 or Pharmacy First service for less serious complaints eases the pressure and can avoid an unnecessary GP appointment, A&E trip or 999 call.
The 111 service operates 24 hours a day and is staffed by fully qualified health professionals who can if needed arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic.
In addition, local pharmacies registered with the Pharmacy First service can suggest treatments and even offer prescription medicine for some conditions without you needing to make a GP appointment.
The service can be used if you are suffering from impetigo, infected insect bites, earache, sore throat, sinusitis, urinary tract infections or shingles.
Please note you should always call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency.