PATIENT NOTICE

Dr Fiona Armstrong, Senior Partner – Resignation from General Practice.

We would like to inform our patients and primary care colleagues that Dr Fiona Armstrong will be leaving Spa Medical Centre on 30^th April 2025.

After qualifying as a Doctor, Fiona qualified as a GP in Nailsea near Bristol and has worked at Spa Medical Centre since October 2006, almost 20 years.

Throughout her career in General Practice, Fiona has worked tirelessly to serve the local community. A fantastic capable, experienced, and caring Doctor, Fiona has consistently delivered high-quality patient centred clinical treatment and care, specialising in dermatology and women’s health.

Fiona’s contribution to the practice has been significant, most notably Fiona has led, developed, and delivered Spa Surgical Services, which has an excellent reputation in the locality, serving patients from Banes, Wiltshire, and Swindon.

Her caring, insightful, instructive, and measured approach is appreciated by her patients and clinical colleagues.

A keen potter, musician and traveller, Fiona is looking forward to having more time to pursue other interests outside of General Practice.

I am sure both patients and colleagues will join me in thanking Fiona for the commitment, compassion and care dedicated to all patients and practice during her long and successful career.

A much-valued member of the practice, Fiona will be missed by her team and her patients.

We would like to thank Fiona for her loyalty, commitment and care, good luck with the next chapter!

Healthwatch Wiltshire on behalf of Wiltshire Council have designed a quick survey. Please scan the QR code to complete the survey.

This interactive resource is designed to help parents, carers and families discover who they will meet and when, as they navigate the different stages from pregnancy to their child starting school.

Wendy Clayton Alzheimer’s Support volunteer will be here at the surgery the last Thursday of the month, 2pm-4pm.

Do you have any concerns about a relative becoming forgetful?

Not sure what to expect as you get older?

Wendy can give information and answer your questions.

The Chatty Café Scheme is the UK’s leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness.

We offer three services, all designed to reduce loneliness and/or social isolation. They include;

• Face to face meet ups where venues offer ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables, where customers can get together and chat. We have hundreds of venues around the UK, many Chatter & Natter tables are hosted by Chatty Table Volunteers.
• Online Chatty Cafe Sessions held every Tuesday* from 1pm – 1:30pm. Anyone over 18 can join, simply to chat to others.
• Telephone Friendship Service for anyone over 18 who is experiencing loneliness and could benefit from a weekly chat on the phone.

About Melksham Chatty Cafe

The Chatty Cafe is held at the Poolside Cafe based inside Melksham Community Campus. Come and join in the friendly atmosphere with our own speciality coffee, and delicious cakes. Grab and go fridge, morning pastries and light lunches are also available. Find out more here

If you would like to volunteer to help host a Chatter & Natter table at this venue, apply here.

#SelfCareDay. 💙

Take a moment to reflect on your wellbeing. It’s important to make time for yourself and the things that help improve your mood.

Here are a few tips you can try: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips

#SelfCareDay. 💙: 

The Lullaby Trust's  safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

Their advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.

If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, please call our information line on 0808 802 6869 (lines open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm).

For more information click the link below.

Safer Sleep for babies presentations - The Lullaby Trust

The 24/7 text messaging support service provides free confidential support for anyone in Wiltshire who is struggling with their mental health. As it is free, it will not appear on anyone's phone bill.

To use the service, people should text the word 'WILTS' to 85258. This will start a text conversation with a trained volunteer who will aim to get the texter to a calm and safe place, with a plan of what they are going to do to support themselves moving forward. This will include providing information about local support services where required.

The service can help with:

• anxiety and stress
• depression or sadness
• suicidal thoughts
• self-harm
• panic attacks
• loneliness or isolation
• abuse
• bullying

If you’re looking after someone who is living with dementia, Wiltshire Council and Carer Support Wiltshire are seeking your views on dementia support in the county.

For more information Visit

Are you a young person looking after someone? Or maybe your child is helping out with someone you look after? Whatever your situation - have a look at our Young Carer website for information, advice and support for young carers and parents.

Click Here for more information or ask at reception.

Get the kids moving with these fun games inspired by some of their favourite Disney characters.

These boredom-busting activities will help them reach the 60 active minutes they need every day!

10 Minute Shake Up games – Healthier Families - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

As of 1st April 2023 patients can purchase an annual HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) for the cost of 2 single prescription charges (currently £18.70)

Find out more, including how to get the new HRT Prescription Prepayment Certificate

NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC) | NHSBSA

You've got this!! 

Click here for more information.

Our practice is working closely with local pharmacists to support you with certain minor health conditions
It may be more appropriate to have your NHS consultation with a trained pharmacist instead of the GP practice. You can choose a pharmacy convenient to you and we will arrange this for you.

Your consultation will either be by phone or video call, or you can go into the pharmacy. With your consent, the pharmacist will let us know what happened at your consultation to make sure your medical record is updated.

Have we asked you to provide a urine or stool sample? If so, please get your sample to us before 4:30pm to ensure it's collected that afternoon.

As we enter Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, it's time to shine a light on this disease that affects thousands of lives each year. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. Yet, it's one of the most treatable cancers if detected early. This month, let's come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and take action against bowel cancer.

Awareness is the first step in the fight against bowel cancer. Knowing your risk factors, understanding the symptoms, and participating in screening programs can make a significant difference in early detection and treatment outcomes. Bowel Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize your health and take proactive steps to reduce your risk.

There are several ways you can take action during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month:

1. Get Screened: If you're eligible, participate in bowel cancer screening programs such as bowel scope screening or the bowel cancer screening test. Early detection can save lives.

2. Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of bowel cancer or other related conditions, talk to your doctor about your risk and appropriate screening measures.

3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit red and processed meats, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

4. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about bowel cancer awareness to your friends, family, and community. Encourage others to learn about the importance of early detection and screening.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a time to unite in the fight against this prevalent yet preventable disease. 

When should I go for an asthma review?

Most people go for an asthma review once a year, with a health professional that has specialist asthma knowledge.

If you have difficult or severe asthma you may need to go for an asthma review more often. Asthma guidelines recommend this as an important way to help you stay on top of your asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks and hospital admissions.

Usually your Surgery will invite you for an annual asthma review around your birthday month, or you can book an appointment yourself.

Why is it important to go for your annual asthma review?

A regular asthma review could help you keep free of symptoms and cut down the risk of an asthma attack. This is a great way to talk to the health professional about:

·  Symptoms affecting your daily lifestyle

·  Asthma attacks – whether you’ve had one, or you’re scared of having one.

·  Medicines/inhalers – how they help your asthma and the side effects and to check that you are able to use them correctly as poor inhaler technique will prevent the inhalers working properly. 

·  Stopping smoking advice and other ways to help you avoid asthma triggers.

However, even if you feel your asthma is well controlled always make sure you attend your asthma review.

It’s a chance to ensure your asthma stays under control, so you can carry on enjoying day to day activities without needing time off work/school.

What happens at your asthma review?

Your asthma review is a check up to see how you’re managing and coping with your asthma and to see if there’s anything else you and your asthma health professional can do to help you and your symptoms. At your asthma review the health professional may do the following:

·  Carry out some tests – These are simple breathing tests like peak flow, FENO where you can see the results straight away, these can indicate to the Nurse/GP/ Health Professional how well you’re lungs are working. You may be booked in for further testing such as Spirometry if indicated.

·  Check your inhaler technique – Taking your inhaler the correct way can make a huge difference to how well your medicines work.

·  Talk about your risk of an asthma attack – This is an effective way to talk through ways of lowering your chances of having an asthma attack, for example discussing lifestyle factors like stopping smoking or losing excess weight. Also in the event of asthma attack how to help recognise and treat it effectively.

·  Update your written  Personal Asthma Management /Action Plan – with any changes to your medicines or inhalers.

·  Review your medication and arrange re authorisation as appropriate.

How to make the most of your asthma review

Here are some ideas to help you prepare for your appointment to get the most out it.

·  Write down any questions you want to ask

·  Keep a note of any symptoms – e.g. Triggers, missed medicines.

·  Take along all your inhalers  spacers and peak flow meter (if you have one).

·  Take along your action plan – (if you have one) and peak flow charted readings (if you have done some)

·  Be open about anything that could be making your asthma worse.

Seeing your GP/Nurse/health Professional at other times

Make sure you book to see your GP/Nurse/Paramedic/Health Professional before your annual review is due if:

·  If your asthma symptoms are getting worse, you need to use your reliever inhaler more than 3 times a week or in the night – within 24 hours or you are having symptoms of a tight chest, cough, wheeze, worsening shortness of breath or think that you have a chest infection

·  If you’ve been to the hospital with an asthma attack- within two working days.

·  If your prescription has changed – within 4-8 weeks

Development of PAAP’s (Personal Asthma Action Plans)

The British Asthma guidelines recommend that people with Asthma should be offered individualised self-management education supported by a written action plan. The benefits of this approach are shown to include an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in hospital admissions, unplanned healthcare consultations, time lost from work/school and a decrease of night-time symptoms.

Working in partnership with the patient enables the Nurse/GP/Paramedic/Health Professional to ensure that information can be tailored to the individuals own needs and preferences. Use websites to seek more information on your condition: www.asthma.org.uk

Around 1 in 4 adults in the UK have high blood pressure, but many don’t know it.
It can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Find out how to get checked, understand what your numbers mean and how to manage your risk.

We have a blood pressure machine ain reception, so pop in and check yours today.

Click Here for more information

Download the NHS App or open the NHS website up and login to access a range of NHS services online.

NHS App and your NHS account - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Measles cases are rising in England.

Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations.

For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

If you are struggling with the cost of essentials you may be able to receieve extra support via Wiltshire Council VISIT