Newsletter - October 2018

Flu Vaccinations
We expect to start receiving our vaccines in the second half of September, with further deliveries in October and November. There will be 3 different flu vaccinations available this year.  

• All patients aged 65 and over will be offered a new vaccine called FLUAD. This has been recommended by the government as being the most effective vaccine for this age group.
• Patients between 18 and 64 years AND in an “at risk” category will be offered the quadrivalent vaccine which should offer more protection than the ones given in previous years.
• Children over the age of 2 will again be offered the nasal flu. School age children in reception and years 1-5 will be having the vaccine at school.
• The surgery will give the nasal flu to those children born between 01/09/2014 and 31/08/2016.

Please contact the surgery of you have any queries.

Private Flu Vaccinations
These are available from the pharmacy at a cost of £10 for those who are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination. Please ask in pharmacy.

Nurse Barbara
We will be saying a fond farewell to our Practice Nurse Barbara at the end of November, as she retires from her position at the Surgery, to enjoy time with her family. Barbara has been at the practice for over 14 years and I’m sure most of our patients will have been treated by her in the past. She is a key member of our team, and will be missed by many. We would like to publicly wish her well in her retirement, and will have a message book available for patients at Willingham and Longstanton Surgery, so you can pass on your well wishes and leaving messages for her.

Patient Surveys
We conduct a patient survey annually in order to get your feedback and look at how we can improve and adapt our service for you. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire when you attend the surgery, or alternatively you can complete the survey anonymously online via our website www.willinghammedicalpractice.nhs.uk. Your feedback is greatly valued, and you can do this either by posting a review on our NHS choices page, or by completing the form on the website, or by posting a comment in the box at reception.

Carers Support Meetings
Our next meetings at Willingham Surgery are on Wednesday 3rd October, Wednesday 7th November and Wednesday 5th December. 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 or email her at susan.lawson7@nhs.net for more information.

Cambridgeshire Hearing Clinics
The next Hearing Aid Clinics at Willingham Surgery are 17th October, 21st November and 19th December. 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, who will give advice and direct you to the most suitable local service.