Helping your Hospital to Help You

Published: 29 March 2018

Please note the Surgery will be CLOSED on Bank holiday Monday 7th May and Bank Holiday Monday 28th May

Helping your hospital to help you
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reported that this winter saw more patients than ever before enter the doors of A&E. Waiting times were reaching seven and a half hours in A&E. Patients can help the hospital by understanding the circumstances in which they should attend. A&E deals with life-threatening emergencies, such as:

Loss of consciousness
Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
Persistent, severe chest pain
Breathing difficulties
Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
Severe allergic reactions
Severe burns or scalds

Less severe injuries can be treated in urgent care centres or minor injuries units (MIUs). Details are available on the Cambridge and Peterborough CCG ‘choose well’ web pages. Minor injury units can treat problems such as sprains and strains, broken bones, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, minor head injuries, insect and animal bites, minor eye injuries and injuries to the back shoulder and chest.

Northstowe
As you are aware, we are now welcoming the first residents of Northstowe. We would like to reassure patients that we are equipped and prepared to register Northstowe residents at our practice. We are monitoring our patient numbers closely, and have plans in place to ensure we will continue to meet the clinical needs of our existing patients at Willingham and Longstanton Branch Surgery as the development grows. We always welcome your feedback about your experience at either surgery.

Testing for Prostate Cancer
We have received a number of enquiries about screening and testing for Prostate Cancer. If this is something you are considering, please collect a leaflet from reception which explains the PSA test and the reliability of such testing. No notional screening programme exists in the UK for prostate cancer and experts disagree on the reliability of the PSA test. If you wish to have the test, you need to discuss family history, symptoms and reasoning with a GP so they can assess whether the PSA test would be suitable for you.

Carers Support Meetings
Our next meetings are at Willingham Surgery on Weds 2nd May, Weds 6th June and Weds 4th July at 2pm. If you are a carer, please pop along and get some support from other people in the local community. Refreshments provided, no need to pre-book and completely FREE! Please contact Sue Lawson at the surgery for more information.

Cambridgeshire Hearing Clinics 2018
The next Hearing Aid Clinics at Willingham Surgery are on Weds 16th May, Weds 20th June and Weds 18th July. No appointment necessary, just pop along for your free NHS hearing aid batteries and for help and advice regarding hearing loss.

A&E is not an alternative to a GP appointment. If we are closed, please call 111, which will direct you to the best local service.