Start Well Virtual Offer
Are you a parent/carer who is struggling with their child’s sleep, toileting or behaviour? Do you need advice on your child's speech and language? Start Well are running digital sessions from 15th - 19th April offering help, support and Top Tips.
Free Digital Skills Sessions
Booking is Essential. Please contact Starting Point by email or phone - details contained in the flyer.
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to all our patients who very kindly send cards and gifts to us at Christmas time. This lovely gesture is greatly appreciated!
Invitations for breast screening are being posted out to women aged 50 to 70, registered with our practice.
Don’t miss your appointment, it could save your life.
GET TO KNOW WHERE TO GO
| When you use the right NHS service, you get the right treatment sooner. The first thing you should know is which service you should use for your symptoms. | |
The New Phase of Volunteer Responders
Volunteer Responders is a national, flexible volunteering programme supporting healthcare in England.
If you would like support: Volunteer Responders are available to provide a friendly phone call and a listening ear through the check in & chat programme. Further information on requesting support https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/services
Volunteering: New volunteers are invited to join Volunteer Responders as Check In and Chat Volunteers as part of the Big Help Out initiative. Further information on volunteering here https://nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk/i-want-to-volunteer
SMART Money Advice Referral Tool
Stockport council have produced a very handy booklet offering advice and guidance for those worried about money.
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with paying bills, buying food, debt or benefits Please follow the link below to access this useful information.
SMART Money Advice Referral Tool
You Can Now Self-Refer to our Wellbeing & Self Care Service
Are You Living with or Beyond Bowel Cancer?
Chat together is a welcoming online support group for people living with and beyond bowel cancer, for more information click on the following link Bowel Cancer UK Chat Together
REFERRALS
If you are waiting for an appointment following a referral, our receptionists & secretaries are unable to update you on waiting times. However, the NHS have a handy tool called My Planned Care, which gives up to date & accurate waiting times for all NHS referrals. Please click on the link & select your Trust, then the speciality you have been referred to https://www.myplannedcare.nhs.uk/nwest/
URGENT DENTAL CARE SERVICE
Please note:
• The above number should NOT be used by patients who have a regular dentist during normal surgery hours.
• This is an appointment only service – the Urgent Dental Care providers do not operate a ‘drop-in’ service at any Greater Manchester locations.
• Each one off urgent dental care appointment is a fixed NHS patient charge of Band 1, which is currently £23.80. This fee shall be paid each time you access Urgent Dental Care Services.
Diabetic Eye Screening During Pregnancy
Please see the poster & Frequently asked questions below regarding the importance of screening during pregnancy and the high risks of vision loss if diabetic retinopathy is not caught early enough.
FAQs
Dementia - My Life, My Goals
A new self-help guide to setting and reaching goals that matter to you
Dementia can bring a lot of changes to a person’s life. Working on a goal can have a positive impact, providing a focus and making a person feel more confident and in control.
My Life, My Goals is a self-help guide created for people in the early stages of dementia by people with dementia and researchers. |
.png "Age Well with ABL")
.jpg "benefits of walking")
The Arc-Centre
is offering a free perinatal programme designed to support new mums to relax, make friends, build in confidence and have some quality 'me time' exploring therapeutic creative activities.
No previous art experience required.
See flyer below for more information
Stockport Together
have restarted their fantastic sessions, from their community cafe to keep fit sessions.
For more information or to book please contact jan@sktogether.org
For more information about this charity and the work they do, please visit them at https://www.sktogether.org/
Plasma Donation
If you are a COVID-19 patient the NHS will contact you to talk about plasma donation. To find out more, or if you think you might be able to help sooner call 0300 123 23 23
Be Breast Aware
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the NHS are not able to offer self referral appointments at the moment. As there is a large backlog of women needing screening, Public Health England has made the decision units will only screen women in the routine screening age (50 to their 71st birthday). This situation is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Please remember to be breast aware and contact us as soon as possible about any unusual changes or concerns.
For more information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer please visit these websites
https://breastcancernow.org/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/
NHS Better Health
Gaining weight is often a gradual process - it happens over the years as a result of modern-day life and the odd unhealthy habit.
Extra weight causes fat to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now COVID-19.
If you are overweight or living with obesity, lowering your weight can help reduce your risk of developing serious diseases.
The NHS is offering a free 12 week weight loss programme as well as many other resources to help you on your journey
Does that Sit Right with You?
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, there are many organisations offering help and support.
Have you been a Victim of Crime?
Financial Advice & Support for those affected by illness
St Bernard Support (SBS) is a local charity who provides services for people affected by illnesses such as cancer, heart disease etc. over the telephone and online
These online or telephone help sessions are provided FREE and available to anybody, whether directly affected by an illness, a family member or a professional caregiver.
If you, or someone you know wishes to participate in the help/support sessions please e-mail help@s-b-s.org.uk or call 0800 7720723 to book a place and a time.
Are you feeling anxious, stressed or low at this time?
The PDF below has lots of helpful services you can access online or by phone, as well as help with practical challenges such as money, housing, food supply and reducing drugs, drinking or gambling
Find support in Stockport
If you need urgent help straight away you can contact the following services
Samaritans - call 116 123 - available 24/7
SHOUT - text SHOUT to 85258
Hopeline UK (if you are under 35) - call 0800 068 4141 - 9am-10pm Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm weekends
Dial 999 - in a life threatening emergency
Mental Health Support
Open Door is a new mental health crisis support service available 24/7 for all adults in Stockport. You can contact them on 0800 138 7276.
Appointments are also available via Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger. These can be booked by emailing opendoorstockport@makingspace.co.uk
Click here for more information on this service.
New Emotional Health, Wellbeing and Mental Health Services
Stockport Council and Stockport NHS CCG have formally launched 3 new emotional health, wellbeing and mental health services, which are available to residents of Stockport.
The services are:
Big White Wall - www.bigwhitewall.com/ which offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offers peer support for anyone over the age of 16 as well as support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources. To access this, if you are a Stockport resident register by using your own postcode.
The establishment of the new 24/7 mental health helpline and (currently virtual) safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276) provided by the charity Making Space.
An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. Access to this is through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub (MASSH) - 0161 217 6028 - 8:30am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am-4:30pm on Friday.
More information about looking after your health and wellbeing can also be found at: http://www.stockport.gov.uk/wellbeingcoronavirus
Please do make use of these services if you feel they are relevant to you and share the information with your friends, family and neighbours locally.
Kooth - online counselling and emotional well-being service for children and young people
Kooth is a FREE, anonymous, confidential, safe, online Wellbeing service, offering counselling, information, and forums for children and young people. Access 365 days a year to counsellors who are available from: 12 noon-10pm Monday- Friday, and 6pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday. Log on through mobile, laptop and tablet.
Kooth Information Poster
How to sign up to Kooth
https://www.kooth.com/index.html
Refuge - Domestic Abuse Helpline
Refuge is a charity for women and children who are victims of Domestic Violence. They recently launched a new digital platform to support women who are experiencing domestic abuse.
The website provides information and support where you can find out about your rights and options, contact helpline workers via a secure web contact form and find support to recognise the signs of domestic abuse.
The website address is: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
The free 24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Suffering with Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis?
From 6th April 2020, the Heel Pain clinic provided by Podiatry will no longer be a walk-in clinic. Patients will need to phone the Podiatry Booking Line to reserve their place.
The 1-hour group session provides information as well as stretches, taping and education on how to help you resolve your heel pain.
The session is held at 2:45pm every Tuesday (excluding Bank Holidays) on the 1st Floor at Kingsgate House, Wellington Road North, Stockport.
Phone 0161 204 4657 to book your place.
Dementia Friendly Cafe
St Ann's Hospice hold a Dementia Friendly Cafe on the first Tuesday of every month. It runs from 1pm to 3pm and is held at The Being You Centre at St Ann's Hospice in Heald Green.
You can drop in for refreshments, a variety of arts and crafts or enjoy a relaxing massage.
For more information call 0161 498 3612.
Safe and Well - Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Home Visits
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue can help and advise on a range of issues including health and crime prevention. They offer free Self and Well visits to your home which includes:
Identifying and offering advice about fire risks in your home
Ensuring your home has working smoke alarms
Putting together an escape plan in case of fire
Talking about the health and well-being of the whole household
Advice about home security
Directing people to services and activities that may benefit them
To arrange a visit, call the free-phone number 0800 555 815 Monday to Friday 9am-7pm.
ADHD Parenting Group
Running on the last Thursday of every month, the group is a chance for parent support and a great opportunity to socialise.
For details on the date, times and location please click here.
Are you a Carer?
Do you care for a friend or family member? If so, you can register as a Carer with Signpost and sign up to receive a Connecting Carers Card. These cards are designed to encourage carers to think about what would happen if they were no longer able to care for their loved one. The cards can also be used as evidence to show that you are a carer.
To get a card you can email claire@signpostforcarers.org.uk or call her on 0161 442 0442 and ask for a registration form. When you receive your form, simply fill it in and return it along with a clear photograph of yourself and Signpost will print your card and post it out to you. You will also receive information about where you can use the card for discounts. You will also be asked a few questions and Signpost will make you aware about the other things they do to support Stockport's carers.
For more information about the help and support Signpost can offer you can visit their website: www.signpostforcarers.org.uk
Shingles Vaccination - Who's eligible?
If you are aged 70-79 you are eligible for a free shingles vaccination.
For more information on the eligibility criteria please view the poster below from Public Health England:
Shingles Vaccination Eligibility
Sue Ryder Online Community - Bereavement Support Service
The Sue Ryder charity provides an online bereavement service. The Sue Ryder Online Community is open to anyone affected by bereavement or terminal diagnosis. It offers free, 24/7 practical and emotional support from mobiles, computers and laptops for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one.
In 2018, the service was visited more than 28,000 times every month and 94% of users say that the site helps them to feel less alone.
The forum is moderated by the charity to ensure it is a safe and supportive environment. You can browse existing conversations or become a member to start your own. Users can remain anonymous if they wish.
You can join the online community at www.sueryder.org/notalone
Telephone: 0808 164 4572 / Email: online.community@sueryder.org / Website: www.sueryder.org
The charity is also on social media. You can like them on Facebook SueRyderNational or follow them on Twitter @sue_ryder
Are you experiencing sight or hearing loss?
Around 20% of people in Stockport have a sight or hearing loss that affects their everyday life. Walthew House is a Stockport charity that provides practical and emotional support to people with sight or hearing loss. For more information, please click here.
The Northern contraception, sexual health and HIV service - Online Booking
The service which is available at the Choices Centre/Central Youth in Stockport now operates an online booking system.
You can go to the Northern at Choices Centre/ Central Youth for :
Contraception incl condoms
Pregnancy testing and advice
STI Testing (non symptomatic)
Information and advice
Emergency Contraception
STI testing & treatment (symptomatic)
PEP
HIV Services
SRE Youth Working Team (Under 25s - 0161 204 5899/ 5926)
CY Counselling (Under 19s)
For more information about the online booking system click here.
For more information about clinics including days, times and locations click here.
For more information about the service in general click here.
Patient Webinars - IBS/Coeliac Disease/IBD
The Patient Webinars website has been developed by NHS Dietitians to provide information and advice to people who have been diagnosed with IBS, Coeliac Disease and IBD.
A variety of free webinars are available for people to watch and listen to and a number of useful links and handouts for each condition are also available to read and download.
A webinar is an online presentation which allows viewers to listen to expert NHS Healthcare Professionals. You can listen anywhere at any time on a mobile, tablet, laptop or computer with a Wi-Fi or 4G internet connection.
Visit www.patientwebinars.co.uk for more information and to access these resources. You may be asked to complete a short survey prior to or after watching a webinar. You can also follow them on twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest webinars, information and advice - @patientwebinars.
Walking Football - 50+
Stockport County Community Foundation presents walking football! Sessions are for ages 50+ every Friday 11am to 12noon at Power League Stockport. Refreshments are available.
For more information call 0161 286 8888 - option 3, or email communityfoundation@stockportcounty.com. You can also visit their Facebook and Twitter pages @SCFCFoundation.
Hospital Prescriptions
We are no longer able to issue medications that have been prescribed by Hospital Specialists using Hospital prescriptions. These prescriptions must be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy.
We will add the new medication to your regular prescription if required once we receive a letter from your Specialist.
This Policy has changed to ensure patient safety.
Choose to Change Weight Management Service
Fed up of dieting and want to learn how to manage your weight?
Are you ready to make positive lifestyle changes to improve your health?
If so, then join a FREE weight management service: Choose to Change.
The FREE programme differs from traditional weight loss programmes as it encourages lifelong changes to eating habits rather than short term diets. It helps people overcome their barriers to weight loss, make sensible food choices and become more active. It has produced many successful results.
You can access the service via a health professional referral such as a GP, Nurse or Dietician.
For more information on how the programme works, what you can expect and how to join, please click on the link below:
Choose to Change Weight Management Service
NHS Prescription Services privacy note
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) provides services on behalf of the NHS.
As Data Controller, they are responsible for how your information is used and explaining that to you.
Click below to view their patient information poster to find out how they handle your prescription information.
NHS Prescription Services privacy note
Alternatively, click on the link below to find out more:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-prescription-services-privacy-notice
LEAP (Local Energy Advice Programme)
The Local Energy Advice Programme is a free energy and money saving advice service. LEAP can help you to save money and to keep your home warm and cosy. If you're eligible, you will get a free home visit from a Home Energy Advisor.
Visit the LEAP website for more information and to see if you're eligible.
Information Sharing - Stockport Foundation Trust
If you need to go to A&E the doctor or nurse treating you may ask to see your GP medical record.
Click here for more information
You have a right to opt out if you wish and you can download a form here
*If you have previously opted out of LOCAL record sharing, this will remain in force. You can change your mind, if you decide to - just let us know.
Health Checks
The practice is offering a health check to all eligible patients who have never had a health check before. If you are aged between 40 and 60 and have not yet been contacted please phone the surgery and book an appointment with the health care assistant for a routine health check.
Stockport Health and Care Record
As a Stockport resident, you may receive care and treatment from a number of places such as your GP practice, hospital and community services who will all hold information about you. In order for professionals to provide you with the best possible treatment and support it is important for them to have quick access to the information they need, which may be held by someone else who has provided you with care. In the past this was often done by fax, phone or post which can be slow. To improve this we have now moved to sharing information electronically. In Stockport this is via the Stockport Health and Care Record and the Summary Care Record.
To read more about this please click Stockport Health and Care Record Patient Leaftlet
If you do not want your information shared please below to download a form which can be completed and handed into the surgery.
No Consent Form
Named Accountable GP
The practice is required by the Government under the terms of the latest GP contract to allocate all patients a named accountable GP.
All patients are now registered with the practice and you can book an appointment with any of the doctors. This is purely an administrative exercise in order that patients can have a named responsible GP should they require them.
For convenience if you have a medical card your accountable GP will be the named doctor you are registered with. Patients registering over the last 2-3 years will not have received a medical card as these are no longer routinely sent when registering with a new GP.
However, the practice does keep a record of your registered (accountable) GP. If you wish to be told the name of your accountable GP, please ask the receptionists when you are next in the surgery.
Please note: there is no need to telephone the practice for this information.
If you need input from a variety of health professionals, then you can discuss these with the named GP if you wish. Alternatively you can discuss these with any of the other doctors.
Having a named GP does not prevent you seeing any other doctor in the practice. Your named GP will not be available at all times and if your needs are urgent, you may need to discuss them with an alternative doctor.