Category: Practice News

PROTECT Study

Posted on 16 August, 2023

 

What is PROTECT?

PROTECT is an innovative online research study for people aged 40 and over, run by the University of Exeter and King’s College London. It aims to understand what happens to the brain as we age, and to conduct important new research into how we might protect the brain from conditions such as dementia. PROTECT is gathering information from 50,000 adults in the UK, including brain health, lifestyle, medical information and DNA samples. PROTECT aims to provide insight into the aging brain, and to improve the brain health of older adults in the UK.

 

Who can take part?

PROTECT is open to anyone aged 40 and over without a diagnosis of dementia. You need to have regular access to a computer and the internet and be able to speak English.

 

What does it involve?

You can take part in the PROTECT study online, at home, for free. You can register at www.protectstudy.org.uk. After reading an information sheet and giving consent to take part, you will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires and brain tests on your computer. You can also access a programme of brain training games which are proven to help maintain brain health in people over 50. You will be asked to provide a DNA sample through a saliva sample kit. This is painless, quick and easy to do with an at-home testing kit you will receive through the post. By taking part you will be contributing to vital research into brain health and dementia risk. You also have the option of taking part in other studies and clinical trials that are available through the PROTECT website. The PROTECT study complies with all legal requirements for research and ensures all of your data is protected and secure

Free Low Impact Activity and Movement Sessions

Posted on 22 May, 2023

Somerset Libraries has a fun new initiative starting soon!

The sessions are a fun one-hour low impact activity, movement and coordination sessions in Chard library to support people who may have a health condition. All sessions will be guided by a professional coach and will be tailor-made for attendees.

The sessions will include:

  • Gentle stretching and flexibility activities
  • Activities whilst sitting
  • Have a go with Virtual Reality
  • Have fun with our Interactive Projector
  • Try using an Activity Tracker Watch

May Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on 4 May, 2023

During the month of May there are a few types of cancers that Cancer Research would like to make patients aware of. These are: Bladder Cancer, Melanoma/Skin Cancer and then on May 8th there is World Ovarian Cancer Day.

Please see below all the posters that have been designed to help patients look out for symptoms of these types of cancers. If you experience any of the symptoms these may not be cancer related but don’t take that risk, take action and contact the surgery to arrange an appointment with one of our clinicians.

    

Publication of Local GP Data

Posted on 24 November, 2022

You may have seen that on 24 November, NHS Digital will publish General Practice Access
Data (GPAD) for all practices in England on a monthly basis.

This will cover, for example, the total number of appointments at a GP, how the patient
was consulted (e.g., telephone or in person); and who consulted with the patients (e.g., GP
or other healthcare professional).

It has been acknowledged that GPAD is an experimental statistics publication, which means
the statistics are in the testing phase and are not yet fully developed

Dr Jeremy Imms, Associate Director for Primary Care at NHS Somerset says: “We know just
how hard our GP practices in Somerset have been working in recent years responding to
the pressures of Covid-19 at a time when there has a huge increase in demand for their
services. “It’s been disappointing for a number of our GPs to see that there are inaccuracies
in the data published today.

“This includes data showing a number of practices are seeing very few patients face-to-face, when in fact they are performing well above average. We understand this has been
caused by a problem with computer systems. We would like to reassure patients and staff
in affected practices that we are working hard to make sure this data is updated to reflect
the true picture.

“We have a wide range of staff in primary care at our 63 GPs in Somerset, ranging from
mental health nurses and paramedics to health connectors, physiotherapists, practice
nurses, care navigator, as well as GPs, who all help our patients access the care that they
need.”

“We are pleased to see 2022 GP Patient survey looking at data from July 2021 – July 2022
recognised the quality of care our GPs provide in Somerset showing:

·95% of patients in Somerset say they have confidence and trust in healthcare staff at their
GP (compared to 93% nationally)
·93% said they had their needs met (compare to 91% nationally)

Visit NHS Somerset for more information around primary care in Somerset

Menopause & HRT Webinar

Posted on 9 May, 2022

Dr Kathryn Patrick, GP & Clinical Lead at Buttercross Health Centre in Somerton, will be running a Menopause & HRT Webinar on Monday 16th May at 7pm.

Please click on the link here to register.

SHAPE Study

Posted on 27 April, 2022

Please click on the link below regarding information on Online Self-management and Health Promotion in early-stage dementia with E-learning for carers.

SHAPE Poster

Menopause and HRT Webinar

Posted on 16 February, 2022

Dr Kathryn Patrick, GP & Clinical Lead at Buttercross Health Centre in Somerton, will be running a Menopause & HRT Webinar on Monday 28th February at 7pm.

Please click on the link here to register:

 

Community Pharmacy Consultation Service

Posted on 11 February, 2022

The Community Pharmacy Consultation Service is a new service at the surgery, which we can offer to all patients. If you require same day appointments/advice for minor injuries and conditions, then we can refer you to your local pharmacy who will be in contact within 4 hours. Please see below images for more information.