Patient News

Our existing process for accessing appointments and other services is no longer working. Our patient population has seen significant growth over the last few years, and we must be innovative to meet patient demand and ensure an improved service.   
 
We are therefore pleased to announce that commencing Wednesday 06 March 2024 we will be moving to a new system where you will no longer need to experience lengthy waiting times on the telephone to access an appointment or obtain medical advice.   

By completing an online proforma located on our website OR via the NHS App, your request will be reviewed by a GP who will make a clinical assessment following which you will be contacted regarding the next steps. This might include a face-to-face or a telephone consultation or you may receive a text message with advice.    
 
Our aim is to give everyone fair and equitable access to care and avoid the ‘8 am rush’ to see a healthcare professional. It’s quick, safe and sends your request straight to our team.    
 
If you are unable to contact us online, you can still telephone or visit the surgery. We will process all requests in the same way no route is quicker than another.   
 
The Reception Team will be happy to support you once we go live or if you require more information beforehand.   
 
Amanda Kettle   
Practice Manager    
Warwick Gates Family Health Centre   

The Flu vaccination is recommended yearly for the following patient cohorts:

• Everyone aged 65 years and over
• Children aged 2 to 3 years old on 31 August 2023
• Pregnant women
• People living with certain long-term medical conditions
• People who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if the carer gets sick close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

If you have had a text or letter please call the surgery to book your appointment. 

The NHS in Coventry & Warwickshire are encouraging suitable patients to swap to a more environmentally-friendly “greener” inhaler which could reduce your carbon footprint by the equivalent of driving around 1,740 miles a year.

Leamington North and South Primary Care Networks (PCN) are promoting the use of dry powder inhalers (DPI) instead of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) for respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.

This is because evidence shows that many people will be able to achieve the same benefit from using a DPI, which is much kinder to the environment than a metered dose inhaler as it does not use powerful greenhouse gases to propel the medication into your lungs. 
As a result, greener inhalers have an estimated carbon footprint equivalent of just 20g per dose compared with 500g in MDIs.

If you use inhalers we encourage you to discuss their carbon footprint with your nurse or GP at your next respiratory review. You will then be invited to work alongside your healthcare professional to make the right choice for you.

If you opt to change to a greener inhaler you will be given training on how to use it.

The PCN is also urging patients to return their used inhalers to their pharmacy for environmentally safe disposal or recycling.

Please click here to see the poster.

• Do you want to make changes to your lifestyle?
• Want help with that journey?
• Are you struggling with Post (Long)-COVID symptoms?
• Want to be part of a free local community to help you achieve our goals?

Then this clinic will be perfect for you! Based at Clarendon Lodge we will be giving you up to date information on how you can use your lifestyle to help protect and treat a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. It is open to all patients registered with a Leamington GP surgery. 

Please use the referral form below for registering with this clinic.

Lifestyle Clinic - Referral Form

Lifestyle Clinic - Physical Activities and Wellness Groups Leaflet

Please view the newsletter here.

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In February, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised a spring dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in care homes for older adults
• individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system

The NHS will contact those who are eligible to make a spring booster appointment, so people should wait until they hear from the NHS. The NHS will prioritise those whose clinical need is greatest, as it has throughout, starting with those who have had a bigger gap since their last dose, then working through the cohort to invite others who have waited less time. Everyone who is eligible will be offered a top up between three and six months over the Spring and early Summer.

Vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds at-risk

• The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that 5 to 11-year-olds who are either in a clinical risk group or are a ousehold contact of someone who is immunosuppressed should be offered two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a minimum interval of eight weeks.
• This means around half a million children nationally will soon be invited to take up their jab.
• The JCVI has set out criteria for determining who should be offered vaccination within this group and clinicians will be responsible for identifying children in their care who are eligible.
• Information on eligibility can be found in the Green Book, chapter 14a in the section on children aged 5-11 years and tables 3 and 4.

How will I know if my child is eligible?

• GPs and hospital specialists have been asked to identify 5 to 11-year-olds who are eligible. For children eligible as a household contact, we will write directly to the person who is immunosuppressed.
• Parents and guardians will be notified if their child should get the vaccine and told how they can book an appointment. The NHS will be in touch in the coming weeks if your child is eligible, so it’s important that parents wait to hear from us and do not contact their GP.

In order to protect yourselves, your families and the NHS please ‘grab a covid vaccine jab’.

You can book your booster jab …or indeed your first or second jab using the links below. You may also get a text message from your local GP offering appointments

Don’t delay …BOOK NOW

Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Find a walk-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.

As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.

The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.

The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.

The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins

GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.

Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.

We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.

Why the ICR matters? - Watch Video

The school flu vaccination programme is going ahead this year. All schools will have completed their flu clinics by the end of the year. Some clinics have been pushed back slightly to accommodate the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination clinics that are currently taking place in schools. There is no need to contact your GP about the school flu vaccination programme – you will hear from your school as usual in due course.

You may have received a text from the NHS national booking service to book your Covid-19 booster vaccination. 

Please be assured your local vaccination team will also be providing this service and will be in touch very soon so there is no need to contact your GP practice. 

And don’t forget your booster will only be given six months after your second dose.

We look forwards to seeing you soon at your local vaccination centre. 

The government has announced that all children aged 12 to 15 in England will be offered one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. Invitations for the vaccine are expected to begin next week (20-26 September). 

The vaccination programme for this age group will be delivered through schools, not via GP practices. Parents and guardians of those eligible will be contacted when it’s their turn to get the vaccine. 

Covid-19 booster jabs are expected to be offered to eligible groups in the coming weeks.   The booster jab should be given at least six months after your second dose of the vaccine. 

The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to get the booster vaccine, so please don’t contact the NHS. If you are invited, it is vital you attend so that you have the best possible protection against Covid-19.

Why are things different?

Why do receptionists ask such personal questions?

Why am I seeing someone who is not my GP?

Where else can I get help?

A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.

Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one, but where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.

Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

We are conscious that some patients registered at Warwick Gates Family Surgery may be affected by current events in Afghanistan.  Warwick Gates Surgery is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners as one which specialises in the care of military veterans and their families. 

All the team has been trained in the care of military veterans and their families. If recent events have affected you and you wish to seek help, please come forward.

The Leamington PCN are planning the delivery of the COVID Booster and Flu Vaccination Programmes for 2021/2022.

All eligible patients will be able to receive their vaccines at a Leamington clinic (or at home if housebound).

Please wait to be contacted by your GP practice and book your appointment as soon as you receive your invite .

You may have seen in national news items that the Government are considering extending the vaccine offer to 16 - 17 year olds.

There is nothing you need to do now - you will be contacted and invited for your vaccination as soon as the programme is up-and-running.

We are currently waiting for the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to update and publish. We are also currently awaiting guidance on the vaccination of 12 - 17 year old clinically vulnerable children and will be in touch as and when we have further information.

THE WOLF RUN RETURNS 4th & 5th SEPTEMBER 2021 - Volunteers needed. Please check this leaflet for further details.

TEST AND ISOLATE IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS. 

CONTINUE TO RESPECT (2M) SOCIAL DISTANCING WASH/SANITISE HANDS REGULARLY

If you have symptoms you must get a PCR test as soon as possible & before visiting your GP. 

Rapid lateral flow tests should not be used to confirm infection. It’s vital that you and anyone in your household isolate until you receive your test result, and for 10 days thereafter if the result is positive. 

In line with current Government guidance patients are required to continue to wear a face-covering in all healthcare settings. Face coverings primarily protect others, so doing so – unless exempt – is key to preventing the spread of infection.

PLEASE WEAR FACE COVERINGS. COVID-19 PROTECTIONS ARE STILL IN PLACE IN THIS SURGERY

The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.

Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice. There was a deadline of the 1st September but this deadline has been removed (see below):

However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data.  NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt outprocess which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time:

• Patients do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded.
• NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out.
• The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while we get the new arrangements up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian.

This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2020 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed.  Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.

We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.

For further information on this - please click here.

The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.

Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.

Please follow the below links for more information on Hay Fever:

NHS.UK Website

AllergyUK Website

Patients wishing to register a Type 1 Opt out from the NHS Digital General Practice Data for Planning and Research collection which starts on 1st September 2021 should download this form and return it to the Practice.

More information on this data collection can be found here.

Video - How the NHS uses your patient data from GP practices to improve health and care

Please do not contact the surgery to enquire about covid vaccination certificates.

We are unable to issue this certificate at the practice.

Please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad for further information.

Proof of your vaccination status will be available on the NHSapp, which is also valuable for accessing your health records and ordering repeat prescriptions. Refer Online Services page to download it.

Alternatively you can call the NHS helpline on 119 (from 17 May) and ask for a letter to be posted to you. This must be at least 5 days after you've completed your course of the vaccine, the letter may to take up to 5 days to reach you.

If you are in touch regarding concerns about the Oxford Astra Zeneca, Public Health England have produced a patient information leaflet that is available here.

We are getting ready to be able to give flu vaccinations to people aged 50-64 as part of the largest flu vaccination programme in NHS history. 

Please don’t call your surgery, when we get stock available, we will be in touch to invite you for your vaccination. 

New online booking system available for booking blood clinics for children at Warwick Hospital, Macgregor Ward.

We will no longer accept telephone calls to book appointments for children’s (11 years and younger) blood tests, this will be superseded by the new electronic booking system, called SwiftQueue. This electronic system will give flexibility for parents and clinicians to book an appointment at their convenience.

Please click here for booking information.

In response to government advice during this time we have taken the approach to keep the front door locked with doorbell access to protect both the staff and patients of the practice. We would also request that you wear a face covering for your own protection and the protection of others. Patients will only be permitted access to the practice if they have a pre-booked appointment, have been screened and are wearing a face covering.

Advice in your region:

England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland

Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms

Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.

Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms

Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.

Testing and tracing

Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.

People at high risk

Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.

Social distancing and changes to everyday life

Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.

GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support

Government information and advice.

In response to government advice during this time we have taken the approach to keep the front door locked with doorbell access to protect both the staff and patients of the practice. Patients will only be permitted access to the practice if they have a pre booked appointment and have been screened.

We are also experiencing a very high volume of calls at the moment. Please bear with us during this time. We ask if you have online access to complete your repeat prescriptions via the app or use our webform, if you don’t have an online account. Please visit our Repeat Prescriptions page for details.

Unfortunately due to the high volume of e-mail requests we aim to reply to these within 48 hours where possible.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience with us during the unprecedented time

After 2 years of discussion we have secured funding & planning permission to expand the existing surgery premises to allow us to provide sufficient services to meet the needs of the expanding local population.

 Please click here for more information.