Covid Autumn Boosters
For those patients still eligible to receive their Covid Autumn booster, the Melissa Bus will be running twice per month until 31/03/2023. No appointments needed - just drop in!
January dates are as follows:
Wednesday 25th 10-4pm South Shields King Street
Thursday 26th 10-4pm Jarrow Morrisons car park
For more information visit www.getyourjab.uk
You can have a seasonal booster dose (autumn booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine if you are:
- aged 50 or over – you do not need a seasonal booster if you turned 50 on or after 1 January 2023
- pregnant
- aged 5 and over and at high risk from COVID-19 due to a health condition or a weakened immune system
- aged 5 and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- aged 16 and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
- living or working in a care home for older people
- a frontline health and social care worker
QUIT SMOKING THIS JANUARY
With the start of a New Year, many of us are looking at making some New Year’s Resolutions in 2023.
Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for good for your health. If you want to stop, there’s free proven NHS tools and support to help you quit this January.
If you’ve decided to quit smoking this January, here are three top tips to help you succeed
- Pick a quit date and add it to your calendar
- List your reasons to quit
- Use stop smoking aids to help manage cravings
To make 2023 the year you quit, contact the Surgery to make an appointment with our great Stop Smoking Adviser, search “Smoke Free” for more information or visit the Better Health Quit Smoking website Quit smoking - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT COVID 19 BOOSTERS
South Tyneside Local Covid Vaccination sites (Flagg Court, Cleadon Park and The Glen) will be suspended as we await the 2023 vaccine delivery plan from NHS England in the New Year.
The last planned clinics will be held on 29th December and all clinic dates and times between now and then can be found on getyourjab.uk, by calling our Call Centre on 01912831925, via your GP Surgery, or alternatively drop in during clinic opening times.
From 1st January 2023 the vaccine Call Centre will no longer be available. Covid vaccine information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/ or by calling the National Booking Service by dialling 119.
Pharmacy Christmas opening hours in South Tyneside 2022
South Tyneside Christmas pharmacy opening hours
Warm Spaces in South Tyneside
South Tyneside Council alongside the voluntary and community sector have developed a network of ‘Warm Spaces’ to help residents during the cost of living crisis. These include libraries, community centres, church halls, sports clubs, and other places.
Warm Spaces, are places where people can go, free of charge, to spend time during the day or evenings to keep warm if they are struggling to heat their homes. Many venues will also offer additional facilities such as hot drinks, free wi-fi, activities and access to information and advice. Click the link below to find out more
Warm Spaces brochure
The following link also has information on support and grants available as well as further details on warm spaces
https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/12684/Overview
Help us help you
Tummy trouble such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more, or blood in your pee – even just once, could be a sign of cancer. It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable. Contact your GP practice.
nhs.uk/CancerSymptoms
Walk-in session availability for Covid boosters
The following link can be used to access information on any available walk-in clinics for Covid Boosters in South Tyneside. This will be updated as and when clinics become available
Covid-19 and flu vaccines in South Tyneside - South Tyneside CCG South Tyneside CCG (icb.nhs.uk)
COVID-19 and flu vaccines for Carers and personal assistants
Both flu and COVID-19 can be life-threatening and getting both flu and COVID-19 increases risk of serious illness. Even if you’re healthy, you can still catch these viruses and spread them to people you care for.
As a carer or personal assistant, either paid or unpaid, you’re more likely to be exposed to the flu and COVID-19 viruses. You also care for people who may be at greater risk and it’s easy to pass these viruses on without knowing.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best defence against these potentially life-threatening viruses for carers and the people they care for.
If you work in a care home, the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine may be offered through your employer. If not, you can still get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines through the NHS free of charge.
Whether you’re a paid or unpaid carer, you can book your COVID-19 booster through the National Booking Service, call 119 or find a walk-in appointment through the online vaccination walk-in finder. The flu vaccine may be offered at the same time but if not you can get this at a GP practice or community pharmacy at another time – it’s better to get what you need as soon as you can rather than waiting to have both at the same time.
Year of Care Survey results
Following changes that we've made to our Long-Term Conditions annual review service; we asked patients for their views on our new Year of Care process. Please click on the link to view the results
Year of Care survey results
Colonoscopy confidence
We know some people feel anxious or worried when they’re told they need a colonoscopy but it’s important to have this test if you’re referred. That’s why Bowel Cancer UK have launched the
Colonoscopy Confidence campaign to explain what a colonoscopy is, why it matters and encourage people to attend their appointment.
If you’ve been asked by your doctor to have a colonoscopy it’s because they suspect something isn’t quite right about your bowel or colon, and they’d like a specialist to take a closer look. The procedure
involves an endoscopist putting a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end up your bottom so they can see the inside of your bowel.
Colonoscopy is a very common procedure - thousands of colonoscopies are carried out across the UK every week. They give endoscopists a close-up view of the inside of your bowel so they can clearly see if
there’s anything wrong. A colonoscopy can feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s an important part of maintaining good all-round health.
Most people who have a colonoscopy won’t have bowel cancer. But, if bowel cancer is detected at its earliest stage nearly everybody is treated successfully. That’s why if you have an appointment for a colonoscopy, it is really important that you attend – let’s keep your bowel in good health.
For more information visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/colonoscopyconfidence
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT OUR OPENING HOURS
From 1st October 2022 our opening times are changing. We will no longer be open at 7.30 am on Mondays and Thursdays. Our new opening hours will be Monday-Friday 8.30 am - 6.00 pm.
Need to make an appointment for weekends and evenings?
You can now book a GP appointment over the weekend or evening at another GP Practice in South Tyneside. Just call the Surgery during working hours on 0191 4560053 and ask the receptionist for further details.
STOPTOBER IS BACK
Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched a decade ago in 2012. Nearly 6 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the single biggest behavioural cause of preventable death, with 64,000 deaths a year.
If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, allowing you to start moving better, breathe more easily - and giving you more money to spend. Join the thousands of others and start your quitting journey this October. Just search ‘Stoptober’ for more information and free tools to help you quit.
New online support for unpaid carers
New online support available for unpaid carers in South Tyneside visit mobiliseonline.co.uk/south-tyneside for more information and to sign up
FLU SEASON 2022
Flu season is here again. Our clinics will be starting from Wednesday 5th October and if you are eligible you can book your appointment with us now. Please see our Flu clinic page within the Clinics & Services section for more information, by clicking on the link on the left hand side of this page. Book your appointment now and protect yourself from the Flu
Sickle Cell Awareness Campaign
A new campaign aims to increase awareness of the key signs and symptoms of a Sickle Cell crisis, particularly among urgent emergency care staff and those living with the condition and their carers.
If someone has these symptoms, they should seek urgent medical attention:
- Pain
- Signs of infection including fever
- One-sided paralysis or weakness in the face, arms or legs
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Sudden visual changes
- Unexplained numbness
- Severe headache
- Breathlessness, chest pain or low oxygen levels
Acting quickly can save lives.
Healthier Together
The Healthier Together website provides useful information on common childhood conditions as well as keeping your child healthy. Find out more by clicking https://rb.gy/bzhflt
https://youtu.be/wAhOy85YMJA
Bliss=ability Newsletter
Please see the latest Bliss=ability Newsletter for June 2022 by following the link below
Bliss ability newsletter June 2022
Practice news - Dr Dowden has retired
One of our much loved GPs Dr Dowden has decided to retire.
However, he will continue to hold occasional locum sessions at the Surgery.
We are sure you will join us in wishing him a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Fancy a cuppa? Sometimes reaching out to someone with as little as three words can make a big difference. This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is loneliness - something we all can experience at some point in our lives, which can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. Sometimes it can be easier to reach out to someone else who may be feeling lonely. As part of the Better Health: Every Mind Matters campaign the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport alongside the Department for Health and Social Care are continuing to encourage people to ‘Lift Someone Out of Loneliness’ by taking a simple action to help someone who may be feeling lonely. If we do this regularly, we can all help to lift each other up. Find out how you can help to lift someone out of loneliness.
World Immunisation Week (24-30 April)
As it is World Immunisation Week (24-30 April), NHS England is reminding people how important it is to keep up to date with routine vaccinations at all life stages.
The annual event, which is championed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), promotes the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against preventable diseases – many of which are available through the NHS in England. It is important to know that vaccinations are rigorously tested to the highest safety standards.
Ranging from pre-school vaccinations like MMR, to flu and shingles which are available to older age groups, all stages of the NHS vaccination schedule are vital for protecting the wider population’s health. This in turn, decreases pressure on the NHS and reduces hospital admissions.
If people didn’t manage to book their own or their child’s vaccine appointments when invited during the pandemic, they are urged to make an appointment with the GP practice they are registered at as soon as possible.
For more information on the NHS vaccination schedule, please visit.
Support available to help you quit smoking!
Could you be a Peer Pal?
Have you made lifestyle changes to improve your health? Are you passionate about helping others to do the same?Peer Pals are volunteers who have lived experience of long-term health conditions. These volunteers who have lived experience within these areas, Smoking Cessation, Weight Management, MSK/Chronic Pain, Long Covid and Cardia Rehab are trained and matched to someone else in the community also struggling with a similar health condition. The Peer Pals then offer one to one Peer support either via face to face or whatsapp messaging. The Idea is that the Peer Pal is on hand to be someone who can emphasise with the service user in terms of health difficulties, but also be able to offer hope, understanding, some information, advice, or even just a listening ear. Peer Pals is a free service that can be offered alongside someone’s NHS care as an additional complimentary form of emotional and wellbeing support from someone who knows exactly how it feels through lived experience 
Bliss=ability Newsletter
Please see the latest Bliss=ability Newsletter for November 2021 by following the link belowBliss Ability March 2022 issue
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) are a weakening in the aorta, that can swell and rupture causing fatalinernal bleeding. They usually don’t have any symptoms and are most common in men aged over 65.
AAA screening is a free NHS national programme, that automatically invites men to attend a quick and painless 10 minute appointment to have an ultrasound scan, in the year they turn 65.
You will receive your letter through the post when you’re eligible. Please don't ignore it. It could save your life!
If you need to rearrange your appointment give us a call on: 0191 445 8747
For more information visit: QE Gateshead Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/aaa
Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/
Cervical screening saves lives
This week the Department of Health and Social Care, together with NHS England and NHS Improvement, are launching a Help Us Help You – Cervical Screening Campaign, to highlight the benefits of cervical screening and remind people that that it can help stop cancer before it starts. The campaign encourages those eligible for screening - women and people with a cervix aged 25-64 - to respond to their cervical screening invitation letters and to book an appointment at their GP practice if they missed their last one.
Two women die every day from cervical cancer in England. Yet it is one of the most preventable cancers and getting screened can help stop it before it starts. Screening checks for certain types of the HPV virus that can cause cell changes to your cervix. Cell changes are easily treated and this prevents cervical cancer.
Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite, and if you missed your last one, book an appointment with us today. You can phone us, call in to the Surgery, or, if you are signed up to Patient Access Services, book an appointment online. Cervical screening saves lives. For more information visit nhs.uk/cervicalscreening
Routine child and adult immunisations
Did you know there are a range of free NHS routine vaccinations available? Watch this video to learn more about what immunisations you and your family need.Support available for adults and young people
www.kooth.com is a free, safe and anonymous online mental health & emotional wellbeing platform available to support children & young people aged 10 to 25 in South Tyneside.
ww.qwell.io is free, safe and anonymous online mental health & emotional wellbeing platform available to support ALL adults over the age of 24 in South Tyneside.
Face coverings update
In keeping with the latest update to Government guidelines, we ask that any patients or visitors attending the Surgery please wear a face covering whilst in the building, unless you have a medical exemption that prevents you from doing so. This will help protect our patients and staff. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.Alcohol Causes Cancer Campaign
If you drink alcohol, how do your drinks add up? And are they putting your health at risk?
Most of us know that smoking causes cancer. But a worrying new survey shows only 1 in 3 people in the North East know that alcohol also causes cancer such as bowel, breast, mouth and throat cancer. It is estimated that 4 in10 adults in the North East, or 855,000 people, are drinking above Chief Medical Officers’ low-risk guidelines of no more than 14 units per week, raising their risk.
It’s not just heavy drinkers who are affected. Even small amounts of alcohol, drunk regularly, can increase the risk of cancer. And any type of alcohol can cause cancer... whether it is wine, beer or spirits. Drinking regularly can also damage the liver and raise our risk of heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke. It can lead to us gaining weight and increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
The best way to reduce your risk is to cut down. Visit Alcohol causes cancer - Reduce My Risk try the alcohol units quiz, and download the free Try Dry app to track your units, calories and money saved when you cut down or cut out alcohol.
November is men’s health month and a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of a health condition than predominantly affects men.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) mainly affect men aged 65 or over. They are a bulge or swelling in the tummy area of the aorta, which is the main artery, that supplies blood to the body. They often have no obvious symptoms so you wouldn’t feel any different or know if you had one. If the aneurysms aren’t detected and continue to grow they can burst, which can be life threatening.
Men are invited to have an ultrasound scan, in the year they turn 65. The screening test is very quick, painless and reliable. It is the most effective way to see if you have an AAA and research suggests it can half the risk of dying from a ruptured AAA. Results are given on the day, straight after the scan.
The North East and North Cumbria Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is hosted by Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead but screens men in clinics local to where they live.
If you receive an invitation please don’t ignore it. It could save your life!
If you have received an appointment that isn’t suitable, you can change it by contacting your local screening service on: 0191 445 8747
Click this link to find out more:
https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/aaa
Click this link to watch a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9g0ObQNf1E&feature=youtu.be
New chat based Counselling for adults-Qwell
Qwell is a chat-based counselling and self-help digital platform for adults. Visit www.qwell.io to sign up and find out more
New local Veterans support service now available
New local support service available for patients with an Armed Forces connection. Visit our veterans page to find out more
Vaccine passports - How to prove vaccination status
There are only two ways to get a Vaccine Passport, download the #NHSApp from Google Play or the iOS App Store to get your Vaccine Passport.
If you do not have a smartphone, or are unable to connect to the internet, as long as you’ve had two doses of the vaccine you can receive a paper copy by ringing 119 and one will be posted to you within five working days.
Sexual Health Services Update
Please visit our sexual health services page for the latest update on South Tyneside Sexual Health Services and their latest service map
CHAT HEALTH LAUNCH
The 0-19 School Nursing Service are delighted to announce the introduction of ChatHealth a confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11-19 enabling them to access a school nurse for advice, support or signposting.
Proof of Covid vaccine status
From 17 May 2021, people in England who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can demonstrate their vaccination status for international travel. A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine. Vaccine status will be available from:
- the NHS App which you can download from app stores If you cannot access this online service, and you have had 2 vaccines, you can request a paper letter from the NHS by calling 119. Only call 119 if you are due to travel abroad in the near future and have had your second dose more than 5 working days ago. It may take 7 working days for the letter to arrive. When you're planning your travel, check the latest information on demonstrating your COVID-19 status when travelling abroad on the gov.uk website. Make sure there is time to get proof of your vaccination status before you leave.
- This practice is not able to provide you with a letter that shows your COVID-19 vaccination status.
It's Mental Health Awareness Week
It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and the theme is nature. South Tyneside has a wealth of walks, cycle routes and nature trails that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Find out more at Visit South Tyneside.
Family discovery trails
South Tyneside Walks
South Tyneside Heritage Trail
The Change4life Champions have compiled an electronic resources pack for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek. It contains general mental health resources on subjects such as sleep, as well as useful contact details of where help is available. Email change4life@southtyneside.gov.uk to request a pack or visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/mhaw to find out more.
For more guides and information on how to support and manage your Physical and Mental Health, visit our Clinics and Services page.
Tyneside MIND launch new support helpline
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind have launched a new support line from 08.00am until 8.00pm every weekday until 31st March 2021.
They will provide a friendly voice and listening ear on the end of a phone.
Please call (0191) 4774545 or visit https://www.tynesidemind.org.uk/
Spotting Cancer early saves lives
Spotting cancer early saves lives. We’re supporting @NorthernCancer’s awareness campaign which is urging people to speak to their GP if they are worried about any signs or symptoms of #cancer. #HelpUsHelpYou
Find out more: https://bit.ly/2VyBpG9
New Mental Health Parent and Carer Peer Support Group
A new parent/carer group is starting in South Tyneside. The sessions are aimed at those parents/carers of children and young people who have experienced difficulties with their mental/emotional health and who may have accessed services either now, or in the past. Visit our Parent's of under 5's section to find out more
Support and advice for parents and carers of new babies
Visit our section for Parents of under 5's to find useful videos and a link to Icon to access additional support for parents and carers of new babies
Do it for yourself Campaign
We are proud to support the #DoItForYourself campaign launched this week to raise awareness of lung cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Don't delay! If you've had a cough for more than three weeks then contact us to speak to a GP. See our Cancer page for more details.
NEW NHS-ENDORSED GUIDANCE LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Most families have experienced upheaval in their daily lives during the pandemic.
With children and young people now back at school or college, Public Health England (PHE)’s new Better Health – Every Mind Matters campaign provides NHS endorsed tips and advice to look after children and young people’s mental wellbeing.
Research reveals that the coronavirus outbreak has caused an increase in anxiety in young people, and over a third of children report being more worried, sad and stressed than before lockdown. New PHE survey data found that over half (52%) of parents said the mental wellbeing of their children topped the list of their biggest worries.
The advice available on the Better Health - Every Mind Matters website has been developed in partnership with leading children and young people’s mental health charities. It is designed to help parents and carers spot the signs that children may be struggling with their mental health and show the actions they can take to support them. In addition to the advice for parents and carers the site also provides tools to help young people build resilience and equips them to look after their mental wellbeing.
For more information search Every Mind Matters.
Support to help you quit smoking
Despite the current pandemic Trinity Medical Centre continues to offer telephone support to help you quit smoking. In addition to this, a new support service, 'U can' is also now available in South Tyneside, where you can connect with a Peer Pal who can help you deal with any challenges and be there when you need that extra help, keeping in touch by WhatsApp or text.
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE IS MOVING
Our Facebook page is moving. You can find our new page on Facebook by searching for @TrinityMedicalCentreSouthShields
Click like and continue to receive up-to-date information on what's happening at the Surgery. Thank you for your continued support
ECONSULT PHOTO UPLOADS
ECONSULT - You can now upload photos to your 'I want general advice' consultation. Watch this video to find out more and visit our website to submit an ECONSULT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3abZDtvyUU&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=PCM+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a5ac24a84-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_24_09_11_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_60a65c136a-3a5ac24a84-85065704
South Tyneside Sexual Health Services
Visit our section on Sexual Health for more information on the services currently being offered despite Covid-19 restrictions
Early Cancer Diagnosis Saves Lives
Fewer people are presenting to their GPs with possible cancer symptoms. Don't delay, contact your GP Surgery if you are concerned or notice changes that are unusual for you. Watch this short video to find out more
https://youtu.be/DfBf38taZJs
Mental Health Support and Emotional Wellbeing Self Help packs
Click on the links below to access information on how to maintain positive mental health for everyone during this period and beyond as well as details of support that is available.
Advice for Parents
Childrens Wellbeing Self Help Pack
Young Peoples Wellbeing Self Help Pack
KOOTH - online support available for young people
Follow this link for information on how to access online support for young people aged 10-25 or visit www.Kooth.com Kooth online support for young people
New Support Groups available for LGTB+ young people
LGTB Peer Support Group
LGTB Youth Group
Find your way to better Mental Health
We all have times when we feel stressed, low or anxious, or having trouble sleeping. For practical tips and expert advice to improve your mental health, visit Every Mind Matters
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
The Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme introduced by the police in partnership with other agencies which encourages carers to record useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Carers, family members and friends can complete in advance, The Herbert Protocol form recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc.
In the event of your family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily handed to the police to reduce the time taken in gathering this information.
This form could make a real difference. It could help reduce the amount of time a vulnerable person is missing, bringing them to safety even quicker.
Download the Herbert Protocol Form at
https://beta.northumbria.police.uk/advice-and-info/personal-safety/missing-persons/
Did you know? In spring 2020, the law around organ donation will change. Find out what this means for you at: http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk
#passiton #organdonation
