Asthma

Just before your birth month you will be invited to book an annual review via text, email, or letter. Please contact reception to book your review.

This review will look at how you are coping, any triggers or change of symptoms, medication such as inhalers, smoking status and advice if required, and the clinician will advise how best to proceed.

You may get extra questionnaires via text or in the post to gain further information. Please complete these promptly. If there are any issues we will contact you again to book you in with the relevant clinician.

COPD

Just before your birth month you will be invited to book an annual review via text, email, or letter. Please contact reception to book your review.

This review will look at how you are coping, any triggers or change of symptoms, medication such as inhalers, smoking status and advice if required, and the clinician will advise how best to proceed. It may include features of an Asthma review if there has been some overlap of the two conditions. If you require referrals your clinician will be able to do these if your condition requires it.

You may get extra questionnaires via text or in the post to gain further information. Please complete these promptly. If there are any issues we will contact you again to book you in with the relevant clinician.

Hypertension/High Blood Pressure 

If you are able to use a home blood pressure machine, and return the results to the surgery.
If this is not possible do not worry, it will be reviewed at a later date.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Just before your birth month you will be invited to book an annual review via text, email, or letter. Please contact reception to book your review.

Diabetes

Many of our reviews are currently being completed over the phone to the best of our ability; however, there are some checks which may require face-to-face appointments.

To limit the need of patients to attend in person we have provided a questionnaire to diabetic patients.
It is important to fill this out to the best of your ability and in its totality so the clinicians can make the best decisions about your care/treatment. Every patient will have a telephone appointment to discuss after all data has been received.

If you have been invited to a blood test appointment, please bring completed documents and samples with you, and pass them to the clinician. If not (or you cannot attend), please deliver completed documents and samples to the surgery as soon as possible.
You will then be booked a telephone appointment to complete the review. If you are not invited to a blood test it may be something we attempt to book in later in the year or early next year.

Daily Foot Care

Checking your feet daily is really important as foot problems can get worse quickly. If you’re about to put your socks on, or you’re getting into bed, take the opportunity to have a good look. If you struggle to lift your feet up or see your feet properly, use a mirror and/or ask someone to help you.

Simple foot care tips:
- Watch out cutting your nails as piercing the skin can lead to other injuries.
- Washing your feet daily is a simply way to avoid infections.
- Make sure footwear fits properly so you are comfortable.
- Use a moisturising cream every day but don’t put cream or talcum powder between your toes.

If you notice any changes, any cuts, blisters, broken skin, etc, please report this to the surgery straight away.

Diabetes Education

If you wish to access myDESMOND structured diabetes education online (www.desmond-project.org.uk) should send your name, email address, postcode, the name of your GP practice (Beacon Health Group), and your NHS number, to: myDESMOND@uhl-tr.nhs.uk.

Statins

If you have had a blood test and the level of LDL Cholesterol (often referred to as “bad cholesterol”) has been found to be higher than is healthy your GP may recommend lifestyle changes first such as eating healthily, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, sometimes medication is recommended or necessary if these measures do not help or risk of high cholesterol needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of it inside your liver. Statins often work very well. They can reduce LDL cholesterol by around 30% or more. There are five types of statin available on prescription in the UK and your GP may recommend trying a specific type to start.

What are the benefits of taking statins?
Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is dangerous because it can lead to hardening and narrowing of arteries, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the most common cause of death in the UK. By taking statins we can reduce LDL cholesterol and in turn reduce your risk of heart disease, angina, heart attack, and stroke. CVD can also contribute to the development of some types of dementia, as well as conditions such as erectile dysfunction, and sleep disorders.

For more information you can find help via the NHS (nhs.uk/conditions/statins), the British Heart Foundation (www.bhf.org.ukhf.org.uk) or Heart UK (heartUK.org.uk). Of course you are always welcome to book an appointment to discuss with a GP or pharmacist.

Mental Health

Currently your review will either be included in another annual review by an appropriate clinician, or you will be contacted to complete your review over the phone. This will include reviewing any medication, your care plan, as well as any changes since you were last seen.

However, if you have any emergency needs please contact the surgery to book an appointment.

Dementia

Currently your review will either be included in another annual review by an appropriate clinician, or you will be contacted to complete your review over the phone. This will include reviewing any medication, your care plan, as well as any changes since you were last seen.

We can also get you help through the Alzheimer’s Society and other referrals. Please click here to see our Dementia Support page for more information and resources. 

Where to get help

NHS Fitness Studio  www.nhs.uk/Conditions/nhs-fitness-studio

Healthy Living for Type 2 Diabetes  Coming soon – use search engine to check

Diabetes UK Helpline  0345 123 2399 (9am – 6pm Mon-Fri) helpline@diabetes.org.uk 

Diabetes UK Guide  www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes

Diabetes Meal Plans www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-todiabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/meal-plans   

Diabetes Emotions www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/emotions         

NHS Diabetes Advice Helpline 0345 123 2399
www.england.nhs.uk/london/london-clinical-networks/our-networks/diabetes/diabetes-covid-19-key-information     

MyType1Diabetes  www.myType1diabetes.nhs.uk                           

Dementia UK (support for those with dementia) www.dementiauk.org 

Age UK (further information on ageing & dementia)  www.ageuk.org.uk 

Alzheimer’s Society (support for those with dementia)  0300 222 1122 or www.alzheimers.org.uk 

Carers Support (support for carers) www.carersuk.org 

Carers Trust (support for carers) www.carers.org 

Rethink (practical help on issues inc. carers’ rights) 0300 5000 927 (9.30am – 4pm)

Samaritans (free 24/7 emotional support) 116 123 or www.samaritans.org

SaneLine (mental health & emotional support) 0300 304 7000

Mind Infoline (information on mental health issues) 0300 123 3393 (9am – 6pm Mon-Fri)

Big White Wall (online support community) www.bigwhitewall.com

CALM (support line for men in crisis) www.thecalmzone.net