Patient Newsletter June 2021

Retirement – Dr Chuk Onyekwere

It is with deepest sadness that we have to inform all of our patients that Dr Chuk Onyekwere will be retiring from the practice with effect of 1st July 2021. All patients currently registered with Dr Onyekwere will be reallocated to one of our other Partners in the practice. Dr Chuk has worked at Alma Medical Centre for 23 years and will be greatly missed by all of our staff members and patients alike. If you would like to send any special wishes to Dr Chuk – please do so via the Practice Manager (Mrs Angie Brebner)

Dr Ahmed Abdelmotelb will join us on 1st July 2021. I am sure you will all join us in welcoming Dr Ahmed to Alma Surgery.

Major milestone reached as 2m COVID-19 vaccines delivered across Hampshire and Isle of Wight

A major milestone has been reached in the local delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme with 2m jabs delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Latest official data published today (Thursday 17 June) shows that 2,068,810 doses of the vaccine had been delivered locally by the week ending 13 June.

To date more than 91% of adults aged 30 and over have received their first COVID-19 jab and the vaccination programme continues to roll-out at pace across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Rise in Covid Delta Variant - Hampshire

We are sure that you are already aware. The “Delta Variant of Covid 19” cases are rising fast here in Southampton. Invitations have been sent out to all of our Adult Population to book their Covid Vaccination. Please do not ignore this invitation and ensure that you book your vaccinations as per the Government Guidance as soon as possible.

WE NEED TO ENSURE ALL OF OUR PATIENT POPULATION ARE PROTECTED.

Clinics are offered at the RSH (Free Parking – Car Park F) and also at the Southampton University Hospital.

Childhood Vaccination Programme

It is imperative that your child/children are up to date with their vaccination programme. If your child has missed out on any vaccinations in the past 18 months, please do call the Surgery on 02380 672666 and arrange a telephone appointment with our Nurse – Stella. Please ensure that you continue to attend appointments with your children for their vaccinations.

Cervical  Cytology

If you have missed your Cervical Cytology (Smear) please contact us to book your appointment with the Nurse on 02380 672666. Catching Cervical Cancer early SAVES LIVES

Face to face appointments

If you are invited in for a Face to Face Appointment we must ask all of our patients to adhere to our strict guidance.

• We are operating a 1 door access only
• Face Coverings Must be worn at all times
• Only 1 patient to be seen at a time with the exception of parents/carers bringing in patients.
• Let the reception staff know you have arrived by using the intercom at the front of the building
• When you have registered at the front door please wait in the back car park and distance yourself from other patients.
• Appointments will take longer because of the intermittent cleaning and changing of PPE.

We ask for your patience during this difficult time. Thank you

Our receptionn staff are here to help you - NOT TO BE ABUSED

Our reception staff has received some very inappropriate and offensive abuse lately from some of our patients. This is not something that we will tolerate. Our team are trying their upmost to deal with all queries received. Not everything is urgent and patients should try and help themselves by using other services available. Please be patient and RESPECT our team members at all times.

WE OPERATE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Anyone been abusive, aggressive or offensive to our Staff Members will be removed from our practice list at the request of the partners.

Pharmacy First

For non-urgent advice and medicines, please use the Over the Counter Facility available at the Pharmacy and save the NHS ££££££’s.

If you have any minor ailments or conditions Please go to your local pharmacy in the first instance. They can give advice and over the counter consultations for the following:-

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol should be bought over the Counter. Prescriptions will not be issued routinely – as per the guidance from NHS England.

Please also note that we no longer take prescriptions over the telephone – unless in special circumstances.

Published: Jun 29, 2021