Bridge The Gap

Patient Participation Group Newsletter - September 2023

 

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Welcome to Bridge the Gap, brought to you by your Patient Participation Group (PPG). The newsletter will include all the latest news from the Practice as well interesting articles and health initiatives.

We are inviting patients to join the PPG to work collaboratively with us and the Practice to improve services for patients. If you are interested, please speak to one of the receptionists who will pass your details on to us, and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you can sign up online.

image of a patient group

 

Meet the Practice Team

Samiya Vahora - Assistant Practice Manager

We are pleased to welcome Samiya Vahora who was appointed Assistant Practice Manager 3 months ago. Samiya used to work as a Chef but had a career change 3 years ago when she became a receptionist in an NHS GP Practice. She really enjoyed it and was promoted twice to more responsible positions. Whilst there she also trained and undertook Patient Health checks. Samiya enjoys the challenge of working in the NHS and learning new things every day and working to improve patient care

 

E4 Network PCN Services

Evening and weekend appointments

Patients can now access face to face-to-face appointments on Saturdays at Chingford Medical Centre. This service is setup by the five GP surgeries in Chingford known as the Primary Care Network and is available upon request from the Receptionist. GP’s from your own surgery will have responsibility for supporting this service and this will give some continuity of care.

There are also appointments for general health checks and blood tests which can be arranged through Reception.

The practice will be offering late-night telephone consultations on Friday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm. This is offered with limited capacity to provide solutions to simple medical issues.

Patients who are housebound can be referred by their GP for the domiciliary phlebotomy service, plus health checks for diabetes and pulse and blood pressure checks at home.

image depicting extended access hours

 

Flu vaccination Clinics

Flu vaccination clinics are starting for patients who are eligible, and texts are being sent out to them to book an appointment. There will be Clinics at both Churchill and Chingway.

Patients can ask about receiving vaccinations for Shingles and Pneumonia at the same time if they are eligible.

 

Falls Prevention Service

How to reduce your risk of falling

The Patient Participation Group for Churchill and Chingway Medical Centres invites you to:

A Falls Prevention Presention at Chingway Medical Centre

Tuesday 19th September 1:15pm to 2:15pm

A speaker from Waltham Forest Falls Protection Service will give advice on

  • How to minimise the risk of falls within the home, garden and when out and about
  • How to make your home safer
  • How rails and small itms of equipment can be arranged
  • How to do a self-assessment of risk
  • How to apply for a home assessment
  • Learn about a 12 week course on Falls Prevention
  • Exercises to keep you strong and help prevent fall.s

Look forward to seeing you. Ask at reception for more information or just come along.

 

image of a physiotherapist

Physiotherapy Service

The E4 Primary Care Network have commissioned a new physiotherapy service to be delivered from Chingway on Tuesday, Thursday and at Churchill Terrace on Friday’s.

Patients can refer themselves through the e-consult service and the reception team will organise a face-to-face appointment on their behalf.

The physiotherapist can make referrals for scans and more intensive treatment at Whipps Cross, as well as prescribing certain medications if required.

 

Craft and Chat

This Group meets on the First Tuesday of the month in the Seminar room at Churchill from 2 to 3-30pm.

This friendly group is for men and women and we would be delighted if you would like to join us over a cup of tea or coffee and delicious cake and a range of interesting activities including knitting, embroidery, patchwork, mindful colouring and board games, or just come and have a cuppa and chat.

Here are some comments from the group

‘ It’s a friendly group where everyone talks to each other, lovely homemade cake and tea and coffee provided. If you haven’t got your own craft there are things to do.’
‘ A nice group of people, I feel at home and enjoy doing crafts.’
‘ I have made new friends, it’s good to get out of the house and I enjoy making things, also the tea and cake.’
‘ Friendly, nice relaxing place, lovely cake

Published: Sep 14, 2023