PRACTICE NEWS
27.10.2023 Wells Health Centre Autumn 2023 Newsletter
Please click link below to read our latest newsletter
18.10.2023 Get U Better MSK App
getUBetter is a 24/7 online app which provides self-management support for all common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions including back, back and leg, neck, shoulder, knee and ankle pain. Please click here to register and get started.
27.09.2023 Sumitting ad hoc general requests for your GP
The number of requests and messages we are receiving from patients asking that a message or note be passed onto their GP, is increasing, therefore, to ensure that each request is dealt with in a timely manner and not a way of by passing the systems we have in place, we have standardised our process.
Should you wish that a message is passed onto their GP either in person, over the phone or through email, regardless of whether you feel it’s urgent or not please be reassured that your message/request will be forwarded to your GP.
Should the GP wish to discuss this with you, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Please note it may take up to 10 working days for your message to be processed.
25.09.2023 Sing2Breathe
Sing2breathe is a sociable group activity where techniques for breathing control and improved posture are taught through singing.
It is not about being a great singer – the aim is to help you breathe better, not sing better.
Please click here to find out about the Wells events and here to find out what's involved
20.09.2023 Child Nasal Flu appointments
We have started to send invites to children that are eligible for the nasal flu vaccine. We have appointments on Monday 2nd and 9th of October between 12pm and 1pm and 4pm and 6pm and also Thursday 5th October from 9am to 10am.
08.08.2023 GP Patient Survey Results
The GP Patient Survey is an independent survey run by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England. The survey is sent out to over two million people across the UK. The results show how people feel about their GP practice. You can find the results of this survey here and read more information about the results, including how our reception team were ranked number 1 in the country here!
22.06.2023 Wells Health Centre Prescription Newsletter
Please click on the link below to read our latest Newsletter which is all about prescriptions!
17.04.2023 Wells Health Centre Spring Newsletter
Please click on the link below to read our latest Newsletter
14.04.23 Your views matter about our website
With more of our patients visiting our website we would like to know your thoughts about how easy it is to use and navigate therefore we would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete the attached 'Your views matter' survey.
16.12.22 Wells Health Centre Winter Newsletter
Please click on the link below to read our latest Newsletter.
16.12.22 Strep A information
We are experiencing a high volume of calls to the practice with patients concerned about the recent Strep A outbreak. Dr Sarah Bridges, Paediatric Consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital has shared a short video explaining the symptoms, what to look for and when you need to contact your GP. See the Strep A information video.
12.12.22 - Strep A concerns
Getting flu and other viral infections can increase the risk of invasive Group A Strep infection in the following weeks. Invasive Group A Strep infections increased during the 2009-10 flu pandemic. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of having flu and group A Strep infections at the same time therefore it reduces the chance of developing invasive Group A Strep. We strongly recommend children who are eligible get a flu vaccine – it’s the best way to protect them from serious illness. The flu vaccine for children has an excellent safety record, this includes the nasal spray given to school aged children and pre-schoolers, which has been given to millions of children in the UK and worldwide.
09.11.22 Somerset Carers
Somerset Carers is a new website for carers. You can receive support from Somerset Carers for free if are over 18 and you look after someone in an ‘unpaid’ caring capacity (not employed or self employed as a Carer).
The person you look after could be a loved one, friend, partner, parent or child (it doesn’t matter if they are under or over 18) on a regular or irregular basis.
They will do their utmost to ensure you receive the right support you need in your day-to-day life, by working with healthcare providers, and other local services to create a tailored, integrated package of care that works for you.
Access the Somerset Carers website or phone 0800 3168600.
26.10.22 PenCycle - recycling pre-filled insulin pens
Wells Health Centre is part of an initiative called Greener Practice whose aim is to make General Practice more sustainable. As part of this, we are promoting recycling of Novo Nordisk pre-filled insulin pens. Patients that are prescribed these items have been contacted to give them more information about this scheme and people wishing to know more about it can visit the PenCycle website or see the PenCycle leaflet.
19.10.22 Register with a GP Practice online
The practice has signed up to the new NHS Register with a GP surgery service which allows new patients to register with us online. Patients can use their existing NHS login, if they have one, or can complete the online form.
10.10.22 Wells Health Centre Autumn Newsletter 2022
Please click on the link below to read our latest practice newsletter
28.09.22 - Wells Cancer Support Group
A new cancer support group has launched in Wells at the Portway Annexe. The group will meet every Monday from 11am to 2pm.
The group will be peer-led, with support from Estelle Gray, an NHS social prescriber for cancer care, and Macmillan. It will be open to people who have a current cancer diagnosis, those who are in remission, and to the carers/family members/friends of people with cancer.
If you'd like to register your interest in attending please call 01458 553025. People are also welcome to drop in on the day.
Volunteers are also needed to assist with the running of the group, so please get in touch via the number above if you can help.
27.07.22 - Veteran Friendly GP Practice scheme
Support for Ex-Forces and Veterans
At Wells Health Centre we are proud to have become an accredited Veteran Friendly GP practice, which means as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a dedicated clinician who has specialist knowledge of military related health conditions and veteran specific health services. The impact of serving in the armed forces isn’t always obvious, but through becoming a Veteran Friendly accredited Practice, our team is specially trained to support our veteran patients and help them to access the specialist services they need.
See Tips for getting the most out of your GP
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22.07.22 - Wells Health Centre Summer newsletter
Please click on the link below to read our latest Newsletter:
26.04.22 - Community Pharmacy Consultation Service
The NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS) is an NHS England initiative providing more convenient treatment closer to patients’ homes.
Lots of conditions are more appropriate for a consultation with a Community Pharmacist, rather than a GP. Our team will discuss your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you for a same day appointment with our community pharmacist colleagues at a local community pharmacy for a personal consultation. You will have a choice over which pharmacy you are referred to.
What is an NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation?
It’s a one-to-one consultation with a fully qualified clinical pharmacist at a local pharmacy.
It involves a clinical assessment and conversation with the pharmacist.
The consultation is normally by phone in the first instance or in the privacy of a consultation room at the pharmacy.
The clinical pharmacist will normally contact the patient within 4 working hours.
The clinical pharmacist will advise if an over-the-counter medicine is suitable, if so this can be obtained from your usual pharmacy, or if you need to be seen then they will refer you back to the GP practice.
11.11.21 - Mjog App users to note
If you have received a message recently from Mjog like this:
"This message is to inform patients that we will no longer be sending smart messages via the "MJOG Messenger App".
Messages sent via SMS will still work as normal while smart messages will now be sent as a SMS message with a link to the smart message, as a part of our Web Messenger service."
We can confirm this is a genuine message from Mjog signalling the end of their Messenger App. If you use this app it is proposed that you un-install it from your smart phone and you will receive SMS to your smartphone instead.
20.10.21 - Wells Health Centre Autumn 2021 Newsletter
Please click on the link below to read our latest Newsletter:
31.8.21 - Pharmacy Inhaler Disposal Scheme
For more information on this please click on the link below to view our Prescriptions Advice page:
Access our Prescriptions Advice page
15.8.21 - Organ/Blood Donation
Organ/Blood donations - Please see our Patient Advice and Information page for more information. Please click on the link below if you wish to visit this page.
View our Patient Advice and information page
11.08.21 - There's a new app available for parents of young children
Please click on the link below to visit our Patient Advice and Information pages for more information abouth the new
Handi app.
More information on the Handi app
GPDPR
The GENERAL PRACTICE DATA FOR PLANNING & RESEARCH (GPDPR) schedule for introduction has changed. Please see further information on our Confidentiality and Data Sharing page by clicking on the link below:
View our Confidentiality and Data Sharing page for the latest on GPDPR
27.05.21 - Access to GP Services letter from Somerset CCG
Please click on this link to view the letter from Somerset CCG:
10.03.21 - Spring 2021 Wells Health Centre Newsletter
Please click on the link below to view our latest Newsletter
View our Spring 2021 Newsletter
29.01.21 - My Diabetes My Way in Somerset
My Diabetes My Way Somerset is a website for people with diabetes and their carers. It contains information resources that can help you understand more about your diabetes and explains how you can more effectively manage the condition. In addition to this information, you can also access your diabetes records. Data are collected from your GP notes, hospital diabetes clinic records, eye screening service and laboratory blood tests.
See our article on My Diabetes My Way in Somerset for further details.
04.12.20 - Flu vaccine information for patients aged 50 to 64 yrs old
Information about the Flu vaccine being used for patients in the age range 50 to 64.
23.10.20 - Autumn 2020 Newsletter
Please read our Autumn 2020 Newsletter.
29.07.20 - Health Connections Mendip newsletter
View the latest newsletter from Health Connections (opens new window)
14.07.20 - Health and Care videos now available
You can now access hundreds of self-help videos by clicking on the link below. Areas range from Allergies to Heart Problems to Vaccinations. There is also an app available on that website.
View the Health and Care videos on our Self Help and Advice page (opens new window)
26.06.20 - Young Somerset virtual hub
Young Somerset has launched virtual hubs for young people and their parents/guardians to talk about wellbeing and mental health support available in Somerset.
Further information about Somerset Young Person virtual hub (opens new window)
19.06.20 - Online Consultations for Carers
Engage Consult (our online consultation process) can be set-up so that Carers can send in queries/scripts on behalf of those they care for. So far we have received queries on medical matters, referrals and medications It is not a service for use in an emergency but it is quick and easy to set-up and allows the user to send queries at a time that is convenient to them. The Practice aims to respond to all queries on the day we receive them. We would encourage all our Carers to take up this opportunity. Please click on the link below to see the Guide for Carers.
Read about the benefits of Engage Consult online consultations (opens new window)
19.05.20 - Online consultations coming soon
We are introducing online consultations on Monday 1st June; please revisit these pages in June to find out more. 'Engage Consult' allows patients to communicate securely and safely online with the surgery about non-emergency medical conditions or admin questions. It also offers 24/7 access to symptom-specific self-help information and easy access to other local NHS and self-care services.
03.02.20 – Latest advice and guidance on the Coronavirus
Please see our Home Page for all the very latest advice and guidance on the Covid-19 pandemic.
28.01.20 – ‘Dadpads’ launched in Somerset – useful resources for new dads and dads-to-be
The DadPad is an easy-to-use resource for new dads and dads-to-be, packed with relevant information. Its aim is to provide new fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
Building a strong attachment will not only enable dads to better enjoy their new role but also contribute towards positive long-term social, health and educational outcomes for their babies. Crucially, the DadPad also provides dads with guidance on how to support, and seek help for, their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles, and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.
The DadPad covers topics such as:
- Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby
- Surviving without sleep and coping with crying
- Getting to know your baby
- First aid
- Looking after yourself and supporting your partner
The Somerset DadPad app is available for free download on both Apple and Android devices.
20.01.20 – Latest Patient Transport Service details
See this Patient Transport information
20.01.20 – Health Connections Newsletter January 2020
Health Connections Mendip
Health Connections Mendip is a new health and wellbeing service available to patients. Patients can talk to a health connector at the surgery to find out about local activities, support and services available, and can also arrange one-to-one appointments to speak to a Connector.
Health Connections Mendip page
Mendip Directory of Services
Below is a documentary about Health Connections Mendip:
The NHS app
What is the NHS App
The NHS App gives patients a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on their smartphone or tablet. The NHS App is owned and run by the NHS.
The NHS App enables people to:
- order repeat prescriptions - see your available medicines, request a new repeat prescription and choose a pharmacy for your prescriptions to be sent to
- book appointments - search for, book and cancel appointments at your GP surgery, and see details of your upcoming and past appointments
- check your symptoms - search trusted NHS information and advice on hundreds of conditions and treatments, and get instant advice or medical help near you
- view your medical record - securely access your GP medical record, to see information like your allergies and your current and past medicines
- register your organ donation decision - choose to donate some or all of your organs and check your registered decision
- find out how the NHS uses your data - choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning
The app has been developed by the NHS and has been designed to help people get more information about their health and care - and more control of how they use NHS services. New functions and services will also be added in the coming months.
You can click on the link below to view a short video about the NHS app:
View a short film about the NHS app (opens new window).
Who can use the NHS app
To use the NHS App you must be aged 13 and over and registered with a GP surgery in England.
Is the NHS App secure
Just like a banking app, your identity will be carefully checked during the simple registration process. The app has been designed, built and tested so that your personal information is always safe and secure.
When you've downloaded the app, you will need to set up an NHS login and prove who you are. The NHS App then securely connects to information from your GP surgery.
If your device supports fingerprint detection or facial recognition, you can use it to log in to the NHS App each time, instead of using a password and security code.
How do I get the NHS App
From you mobile phone, please use one of the links below:
Engage Consult and Patient Access
We have two online service options for our patients: Engage Consult and Patient Access. Please note that you will need a separate account and log-in details each of these options.
Engage Consult - allows you to send in queries and request advice and guidance from the team here at the surgery, and you can request medications. You do not see a list of your current Repeat medications when you use this option. Click on the 'Consult' option just above if you wish to use this option.
Please do not send requests for assistance for medical problems using the 'Administrative Query or Question' option as they will be returned to you. We would expect to see a request for a GP letter or similar in an Administrative query. There are important, automatic safety checks/alerts that are in place for medical requests that are not in place for Admin queries.
Patient Access - allows you to book appointments (although we are not currently using this option during the pandemic), view your medical record online and request your current repeat medications. You will see a list of your Repeat medications using this option and you have the option to send us a message but only when you are requesting any repeat medications. Click on the link below to go to Patient Access to Sign in or Register:
Visit the Patient Access website to sign in or Register
29.01.21 - My Diabetes My Way in Somerset
My Diabetes My Way Somerset is a website for people with diabetes and their carers. It contains information resources that can help you understand more about your diabetes and explains how you can more effectively manage the condition. In addition to this information, you can also access your diabetes records. Data are collected from your GP notes, hospital diabetes clinic records, eye screening service and laboratory blood tests.
People who use the service say that it improves their knowledge to help them meet goals, improves motivation to make improvements and acts as a reminder for discussions during appointments. The service is not a replacement for your normal care, but helps you to monitor your results before, during and after contacts with your healthcare team.
Go to the My Diabetes My Way website (opens new window)
If you wish to find out more about the service before you register please email the My Diabetes My Way team for more information: somerset@mwdh.co.uk
