Newsletter - June 2021

Published: 12 May 2021

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

11 tips to cope with anxiety about coming out of lockdown
Easing of lockdown will allow us to get back to the people and things we love, but it's OK if you feel worried about going back to something more "normal" as lockdown restrictions loosen.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has been hard for us all and we have all experienced the effects differently, including those of us who have been shielding. Even positive change can lead to anxiety, and it can take time to readjust to things we have not done for a while. Feelings of post-lockdown anxiety are likely to pass with time as we get used to the "new normal" but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health.

There are lots of things that can help you to manage these feelings and make it easier to adjust. The NHS website provides the following top tips for taking care of your mental health as things change.

Go at your own pace
Do not avoid things entirely
Get your information from the right sources
Discuss any changes with others
Make time to relax
Challenge unhelpful thoughts
Tell someone how you feel
Plan social occasions
Find routine where you can
Write down your thoughts
Focus on the present

For further information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/coronavirus/tips-to-cope-with-anxiety-lockdown-lifting

And remember, mind and body go hand in hand – visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health for lots of free tools and support to help you kick start your physical health too.

Covid Vaccination programme
Over the last five months we have vaccinated thousands of patients and are so grateful to all of our staff and local volunteers whose hard work, support and dedication has enabled us to help deliver the vaccine to our patients who are most at risk of Covid-19.

The vaccine programme has now entered Phase 2 which will focus on cohorts 10 -12 (ages 18 – 49). Whilst we continue to provide second doses to our patients who received their first dose through the practice, we have taken the decision to opt out of offering vaccination services for Phase 2 cohorts to enable us to focus on our day-to-day GP services.

Patients in cohorts 10 – 12 (ages 18-49) will be invited for their vaccine via a text or letter from the National Booking Service and will be able to book an appointment online via www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or by calling 119 at one of the local Vaccination Centres, which includes Chesterton Bowls Club, Grafton Centre and Superdrug on Sidney Street, as well as centres in Huntingdon and Newmarket.

Any patient in cohort 1-9 who has not yet received their vaccine can still book online via www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or by calling 119.

Whether you have had the vaccine or not, please continue to follow all the guidance in place to control the virus and save lives.

Further information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including frequently asked questions and patient information leaflets here https://www.cambridgeshireandpeterboroughccg.nhs.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/covid-19-national-vaccination-programme/.

Farewell Dr Harding
At the end of May the practice said goodbye to Dr Harding, as he retired from General Practice. Dr Harding has been a very valued member of the team for the past 2 years, and we wish him well in his retirement.