Patient Newsletter - Winter 2025

Pharmacy First

Did you know that you can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from your local pharmacy, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.

The Pharmacy First scheme means that pharmacists can now treat and prescribe medication for the following common conditions and ailments:

  • Earache – 1 to 17 years
  • Impetigo – 1 year and older
  • Infected insect bites – 1 year and older
  • Shingles – 18 years and older
  • Sinusitis – 12 years and over
  • Sore throat – 5 years and over
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – Women 16 to 64 years

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Pharmacists can also provide advice and over-the-counter medication for various common conditions, such as coughs, colds, flu, as well as everyday issues like aches, pains, and skin rashes. No appointment is necessary to see a pharmacist, and they will let you know if you need to see a doctor. Many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends, and often provide private consultation rooms.

 

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Here are our respiratory vaccination clinics

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection.

Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.

There are several vaccines available to help protect you or your child from infections that can cause pneumonia:

  • Pneumococcal vaccine – recommended for babies, adults over 65 and people at higher risk of pneumococcal infections
  • flu vaccine – recommended during pregnancy, for adults over 65, people with certain long-term health conditions and those at high risk of catching or passing on flu
  • RSV vaccine – recommended for adults aged 75 to 79, (see below) and during pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
  • COVID-19 vaccine – a seasonal vaccine that's recommended for people at increased risk from COVID-19.
 

Introducing our new Healthcare Assistant

The Oundle nursing team recently welcomed Healthcare Assistant John Brockway.  John, who has spent his entire career in healthcare, is experienced in general and emergency care, having worked in care homes, hospitals and urgent care centres.

He is looking forward to working with the team at Oundle, particularly with patients who may prefer to see a male member of the nursing team for their concern.

Find out more here.

Flu vaccinations

We are still offering flu vaccines to eligible patients and also have a monthly pneumonia vaccination clinic.

Why you should get the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. It helps reduce your chances of catching the flu and spreading it to those around you, especially people who are more vulnerable, like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with health issues.

How to book your vaccine

We have been notifying eligible patients to ensure no one misses out. If you believe you are eligible but haven’t been notified, please contact us to book your flu vaccine. If you were notified and initially decided not to get the vaccine but have now changed your mind, please contact us after 10am to book your appointment.

If you book in at one of our vaccination clinics please remember to attend.

 

Over 75? Have you had your RSV vaccination?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that tends to circulate during the winter. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV can be more severe in children under 5 and older adults.

RSV vaccine eligibility

  • Everyone turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine.
  • Individuals aged 75 to 79 are also eligible in the first year as part of a catch-up programme.
  • Pregnant women can have a free RSV vaccine in each pregnancy, to protect their babies.

Booking your appointment

We are now notifying eligible patients.

Eligible patients can book their RSV vaccine appointment at our surgery as soon as they receive an invitation which will be sent via an SMS message. If you think you are eligible but haven’t received an invitation yet then please contact us using Anima or alternatively call on 01832 273408 after 10am and we’ll be able to book you in.

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Patient Group

Do you know that we have a Patient Participation Group which meets regularly for constructive dialogue between patients and our GP practice?

For more information please visit their pages.

Published: Feb 4, 2025