Newsletter November 2024

Flu Vaccination

We have a limited number of vaccines remaining for eligible patients:

• Patients aged 65 and over
• Patients with pre-existing medical conditions
• Pregnant women
• Carers
• Patients who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Children aged 2 and 3 years old

If you haven't had your vaccine yet, please call us on 020 8763 5620 to book an appointment or ask your clinician when you are next at the surgery.

Social Media

Woodcote Medical is now on Facebook and Twitter. Please follow us for the latest health tips, news and more!

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including cough, sore throat, sneezing and runny or blocked nose. There is a free vaccine available for:

• patients who turn 75 years of age on or after 1 September 2024
• patients who are already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024
• pregnant women from 28 weeks

Please click here to find out more about RSV and read answers to commonly asked questions.

Pharmacy First

Most pharmacies can help you with seven common conditions without needing a GP appointment:

• SINUSITIS (adults and children aged 12 years and over)
• SORE THROAT (adults and children aged 5 years and over)
• EARACHE (children and young adults aged 1 year to 17 years)
• INFECTED INSECT BITE (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• IMPETIGO (adults and children aged 1 year and over)
• SHINGLES (adults aged 18 years and over)
• URINARY TRACT INFECTION (women, aged 16 to 64 years)

Please ask you pharmacy for more information about these services.

Out of Area Registrations

Recent changes to registrations means that Woodcote Medical is now able to register new patients who do not live within our practice area and keep any current patients who are moving out of area, but who wish to stay with us. Please note that patients who are out of area will not be provided with home visits, therefore, we will only register patients for this service if it is clinically appropriate and practical to do so.

You can find out more about out of area registrations here or by asking at Reception for a copy of our Out of Area Patient Information leaflet.

Exercise Classes for Parkinsons Patients

Age UK Croydon is offering free, weekly exercise sessions specifically designed for individuals at all stages of Parkinson’s disease focusing on both seated and standing exercises that aim to improve strength, mobility, and coordination.

These sessions are held every Monday from 2pm to 3pm at Age UK Croydon Scratchley Hall, 81 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7JH.  A virtual option is available every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm for those who prefer to join from home.

For more information please contact: 020 8686 0066 or email healthierlifestyles@ageukcroydon.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/croydon/activities-and-events/

Education Courses for Patients with Asthma or COPD

Croydon Respiratory Team are offering education courses for patients who have been diagnosed with Asthma or COPD. Attending the course will help you to understand how the condition will affect your daily life and what you can do to avoid attacks/exacerbations and keep yourself well.

The courses are based at various venues in Croydon, including Purley Christ Church Hall. Alternatively, an online course is also available. We will be contacting our patients with further information over the coming weeks, but if you have been diagnosed with either Asthma or COPD (recently or in the past), you can self refer yourself to a course by signing up here: https://forms.office.com/e/piLZTwsPUs

Christmas Opening Times

Our surgeries will be open as follows over the Christmas period:

Published: Nov 1, 2024