We are pleased to announce a significant improvement in our healthcare services for young patients. Our hospital has launched a new online booking system for blood tests, specifically designed for children under 12 years of age.

This innovative service aims to streamline the process of scheduling blood tests, making it more convenient and efficient for parents and guardians. Here's what you need to know about this new feature:

Key Benefits

• Simplified Booking Process: Our user-friendly online portal allows you to schedule blood tests quickly and easily, eliminating the need for time-consuming phone calls or in-person visits.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose from a range of available appointment times that best suit your family's schedule.
• Reduced Waiting Times: By booking in advance, you can minimize wait times at the hospital, making the experience less stressful for both you and your child.
• Accessibility: The service is available 24/7, allowing you to book appointments at your convenience, even outside of regular office hours.

How It Works

If your GP or a clinic has recommended a blood test for your child, you can now book the appointment through our online portal. The process is straightforward and designed with busy parents in mind.

Improving Healthcare Access

This new online booking system is part of our ongoing commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and patient experience. By leveraging technology, we aim to make essential medical services more convenient for families in our community.

We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this new service when scheduling blood tests for children under 12. Your feedback is valuable to us as we continue to enhance our healthcare offerings.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit our online portal. Our staff is also available to assist you with any questions you may have about this new service.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TEST

Thanks to You! Faster & More Hygienic Sample Drop-Off at Harwood Group Practice

Thanks to your valuable feedback, we're making changes to improve your experience at Harwood Group Practice! We've heard your requests for a quicker and more hygienic way to drop off bodily samples (urine, faeces, sputum, etc.).

To address this, we've implemented a new system for sample drop-off. From now on, you can simply drop off your samples in the new sample box located next to reception.
To avoid any delays, please bring your samples before 12:30pm.

Here's a quick reminder for smooth sample drop-off:

• Only drop off samples requested by a clinician.
• Ensure your sample is in the correct container provided by your clinician.
• Make sure the container is securely sealed and labelled with your full name, date of birth, and sample type.
• Please attach any completed paperwork or forms provided by your clinician.

Please note: To ensure proper testing, we can only accept samples that follow these guidelines. Unfortunately, incorrectly labelled, unsealed samples, samples missing paperwork, or those arriving in incorrect containers will be politely refused and disposed of without testing.

This new system helps streamline the process and ensures proper handling of samples. We appreciate your cooperation!

#PatientFeedback #ImprovedServices

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Don't Miss Out: Your Guide to Cervical Screening Awareness Week

It's Cervical Screening Awareness Week, a time to shine a light on this crucial preventative measure. While you might have seen our social media posts, this blog delves deeper, answering key questions and empowering you to take control of your health.

Facing Fears, Finding Facts:

Let's be honest, cervical screening, often called a smear test, isn't always at the top of our "to-do" list. Nervousness is common, but here's the truth: it's a quick and simple procedure that can prevent cervical cancer.

What is Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening detects abnormal cell changes on the cervix, the opening to the womb. These changes, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer. The good news? Early detection through regular screening allows for effective treatment, preventing cancer altogether.

Who Should Get Screened?

In the UK, screening typically starts between the ages of 25-30 and continues until 65 (depending on guidelines). However, there are nuances. If you have questions about your eligibility, including post-menopause screening or screening for transgender individuals, talk to your doctor.

Busting Myths:

Here are some common misconceptions about cervical screening:

• Myth: It's painful.
  • Reality: While there might be some discomfort, it's usually mild and temporary.
• Myth: An abnormal result means I have cancer.
  • Reality: Most abnormal results are not cancer, but indicate cell changes that need further investigation.

Taking Charge of Your Health:

This week, prioritize your well-being. Here are some steps:

• Schedule an appointment: If your screening is due, contact your doctor or local health clinic.
• Talk to friends and family: Share the importance of cervical screening and encourage them to get checked.
• Learn more: Reliable resources like the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/) and Cancer Research UK (https://bit.ly/cc-week24) offer in-depth information.

Together, Let's Make a Difference:

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through regular screening and vaccination against HPV, the human papillomavirus. By making informed choices and supporting awareness initiatives, we can significantly decrease cervical cancer cases.

Don't forget to share this blog and our social media post to keep the conversation going and empower women (and everyone with a cervix) to prioritise their health!

Remember: Early detection saves lives. Let's make cervical screening a priority, not an afterthought.

Important Update: New Pharmacy Opening Times Please note these changes will come into effect from Monday, 24th June

We're writing to inform you about upcoming changes to our pharmacy opening times, effective Monday, June 24th. We understand convenient access to medication is vital, and while our new hours offer a slightly adjusted schedule, we hope they still meet your needs.

New Opening Hours (Starting Monday, June 24th):

• Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

We understand that some of you may have questions about these changes. Please don't hesitate to contact us at 01204 304433.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to serving you at our new pharmacy hours!

• Join your local Patient Participation Group (PPG): These groups work with healthcare providers to improve services and ensure your needs are met.

• Share your feedback: Tell your doctor or healthcare provider about your experiences.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. It causes uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe, eat, or sleep.

Vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent whooping cough. The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of a series of childhood vaccinations and booster shots are recommended for adults and adolescents. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps create a cocoon of immunity around vulnerable infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated themselves.

Don't wait until whooping cough makes the rounds in your community. Talk to your doctor today about getting yourself and your family vaccinated.

Are you struggling with... Hot flushes? Anxiety? Brain fog? Night sweats? Depression? If yes, you may benefit from attending our supportive group to learn evidence-based techniques to manage these symptoms.

Groups will be six, two-hour sessions, meeting weekly, on Tuesday mornings. 10:30am to 12:30pm at Friends’ Meeting House, Bolton.

To self-refer, please call 01204 483101 or online at www.iaptportal.co.uk/bolt.html or scan the QR code

Surgery Closed Next Monday - May 6th Bank Holiday.

Please be advised that the surgery will be closed next Monday, May 6th, for the bank holiday. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To ensure you have enough medication to last through the closure, please order your repeat prescription well in advance.

In case of urgent medical needs while we are closed:

• If you require urgent medical attention that cannot wait until we reopen, please call NHS 111. NHS 111 is a free service available 24/7 that can provide advice and direct you to the most appropriate healthcare service.
• In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 immediately.

**For minor ailments, remember that your local pharmacy may be able to offer advice and over-the-counter medication. Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide advice on a variety of minor illnesses and injuries. They can also dispense over-the-counter medication to treat these conditions.

If you're waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment, you can use the My Planned Care website to check the waiting times at your hospital.

Check hospital waiting times on the My Planned Care website

Verbal and physical abuse of our staff will not be tolerated. If patients shout or swear at any of our staff we reserve the right to hang up the call or refuse to deal with you in person - you may also be removed from our patient list. Any display of physical abuse will result in immediate removal from our Practice. 

Staff are working incredibly hard with reduced staffing levels at times due to illness or difficulty recruiting. Staff follow practice procedures agreed by the GPs and management team.  They do not deserve to suffer abuse.    Please treat them with kindness and remain patient and calm.   Thank you.

The BMA continue to campaign against abuse of GPs and their staff. Support your GP surgery by signing their petition https://e-activist.com/page/88027/petition/1

NHS England urges those unprotected against measles to come forward for their vaccinations

Measles cases are continuing to rise across England, with a number of unvaccinated children and adults requiring hospital as infections take hold. 

This month, millions of parents and carers in England are being contacted by the NHS to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new campaign to protect children from becoming seriously unwell.

NHS figures show almost 3 million children under the age of 16 years are either unprotected or not fully protected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases.

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy it can be very serious causing stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight and NHS bosses are also urging young adults to catch up on any missed doses before thinking about starting a family.

Two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine are needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.

However, anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses and it’s never too late to protect yourself.

If you or your child have not had both dose of the MMR vaccine contact the GP surgery to book an appointment as soon as possible and catch up.