Newsletter - March 2020

Published: 04 February 2020

Using emollients safely
Emollients are moisturising treatments used by all ages to manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it, emollients cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture.

There is a fire risk associated with all emollients whether they contain paraffin or not. However, emollients are an important and effective treatment for dry skin conditions when used safely.

How can you use your emollients safely?

Keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using any type of emollient. Dressings, clothing and bedding that have been in contact with an emollient can easily catch fire.
Change clothing and bedding regularly – preferably daily. Emollients soak into fabric and the build-up of residues can increase the fire risk. Washing fabrics at high temperatures may reduce the build-up but does not remove it entirely.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you normally smoke. They will be able to offer you help and advice to stop smoking.
Tell your relatives or carers about your treatment and the fire risk. Those who care for you can help to keep you safe.

Further information on using emollients safely can found online at https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/campaigns/fire-risk-with-emollients/

MyChart
MyChart is the electronic patient portal at Addenbrooke’s and The Rosie hospitals which allows patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospitals’ Epic electronic patient record system.

View upcoming appointments / past appointment details, current problems / conditions, clinical correspondence, test results and medications.

MyChart is designed to improve communication between you and your clinical teams, and enable you to be more involved and informed about your care by having access to your information.

This is a hospital based system, so you will need to speak with a clinic receptionist at the Hospital or your clinical team for details on how to sign-up to MyChart.
Once you have signed-up you will be able to access your hospital information via MyChart from your smartphone or tablet device (Apple or Android) or from a computer or laptop.

Monday Morning
We are aware that it can take some time to get through to our receptionists on Monday morning’s. Please be assured that we have 3 receptionists working at the busy time taking your calls, and we will work our way through the queue as quickly as possible.

In order to ease congestion at this particularly busy time, we politely ask that any routine matters such as blood test results, booking routine check-ups and drug reviews are called through after 11am where possible, so we can speak to those that require treatment urgently as quickly as possible.

Cambridgeshire Hearing Clinics
The next Hearing Aid Clinics at Willingham Surgery on Weds 18th March, Weds 15th April, Weds 20th May from 2:00pm-4:00pm. No appointment necessary, just pop along for your free NHS hearing aid batteries and for help and advice regarding hearing loss.

Carers Support Meetings
Meetings held on the first Wednesday of every month. 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.

A&E is not an alternative to a GP appointment. If we are closed, please call 111.