This is the April 2025 edition of the  PPG Newsletter, Issue 38.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• Surgery opening times over the Easter and May Bank holiday period
• Information on an offer from Dougie Mac for free Will Writing in May.
• Details of the PPG AGM.
• Information on the Wheelchair and equipment loan service provided by the NN-PCN PPG.
• Details on a service for helping people with their digital skills, free to people with a N-U-L Borough Council postcode.

This is the March 2025 edition of the  PPG Newsletter, Issue 37.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• The Cancer Tour Bus venues and dates.
• Defibrillator Update.
• Surgery opening times over the Easter period
• Information on the Spring COVID booster vaccination programme.
• An update on Dr Bradshaw.
• Information on the next Dementia Carer Support Group Meeting at Talke.
• Friends and Family results for February.
• Social Prescribing and what it has to offer.

This is the February 2025 edition of the  PPG Newsletter, Issue 36.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• Defibrillator availability in Kidsgrove.
• The Approach Carer Support and advice sessions in Talke.
• A new monthly Carers Support Group for all carers, held in Kidsgrove Library.
• A new podcast episode where Kaktie, a Nurse at Audley Health Centre, talks about Cervical Screening.
• A visit to the surgery by children from Thursfield Primary School.
• What to do if you suspect someone is having a Stroke (FAST).
• Reducing your Carbon Footprint by disposing of used inhalers correctly.

This is the  January 2025 edition of the PPG Newsletter, Issue 35.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• The Christmas party held for the socially isolated patients of the practice with a thank you message.
• Information on the next NHS App Workshop.
• Ensuring that your contact details are up to date if you have had a new mobile phone for Christmas.
• The Dry January challenge.
• Invitation to patients to join the PPG

This is the December 2024 PPG Newsletter, Issue 34 - December 2024.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• The surgery opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period.
• Where to go for help during the Christmas period.
• Information on Urgent Treatment Centres.
• An update on the Practice Boundary change.
• Help on Staying Well this Winter.
• Information on  Pension Credit with a link to the eligibility checker.
• How to find a Warm Space this winter.

This is the November 2024 PPG Newsletter, Issue 33 - November 2024.

The newsletter contains items on: -

• The PPG party for socially isolated Patients – Donations request
• The VAST Door2Door Transport scheme.
• Parent and Child Parking at the surgery.
• Congratulations to Lesley Lomas on 40 years service for the NHS.
• Movember - Mens Health Awareness Month.
• Information on the RSV vaccinations.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter contains details of the  Podcast by Dr Hussain.

The newsletter also contains items on: -

• October being National Stop Smoking Month.
• The Carer Advice Day on 24th October.
• The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
• A request to make sure People who have served in the Armed Forces are registered as veterans with the practice.
• The Friends and Family Test results for September.

The main Item of this edition is an update on the Defibrillator project currently being undertaken by the PPG

It also contains: -

• Details on how to learn CPR in 15 Minutes.
• Information on how to locate Defibrillators near you.
• Information on the Digital Skills Workshop being held in Newcastle Library.
• The Friends and Family Test results for August 2024.

The main Item of this edition is a review of the 2024 GP Patient Survey Results.

It also contains: -

• A reminder of the upcoming Bank Holiday on 27th August and information on how to contact NHS 111

The main Item of this edition is a welcome to Dr Zainab Hussain who joined the GP team last month.

It also contains: -

• Information about contacting the surgery online
• An update on the PPG Awareness Week.
• Information regarding travel vaccinations.
• A link to our guide of how to order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App.

These are the links referenced in the podcast: -

Link to the Online consultation form -  https://florey.accurx.com/p/M83084

Link to the practice website - https://www.mountroadpractice.nhs.uk/

How to order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App - http://mountroadpracticeppg.nhs.uk/repeat-prescrition-on-nhs-app

Vaccination guidance for the country you are travelling to - https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.

The main Item of this edition is about the First-anniversary celebration of our weekly Dementia Activity Group.

It also contains: -

• Details of PPG Awareness week.
• Information about the upcoming Pensioners’ support fair.
• A call from HealthWatch Staffordshire asking for people to share their experience of Dialysis services.
• Details on a new Parent/Carer group run by Little Humans Staffordshire CIC.
• Information on the next Monthly Digital Health Workshop.

These are the links referenced in the podcast: -

BBC Sounds (Lee Blakeman show episode selector) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016nj82/episodes/guide

HealtWatch Staffordshire Dialysis Service Survey - https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/QR2FUQ/

The main Item of this edition is about carers and Young Carers and encourages carers to make sure they are registered with the surgery.

It also contains: -

• A request to ensure that patient contact details are up to date.
• Information about the upcoming Pensioners’ support fair.
• Details on the NHS App Digital Drop-in sessions.
• A reminder about the May Bank holiday closures for the surgery, and where to get support.
• A request to ensure that appointments are cancelled if not required, and not forgotten.

The main Item of this newsletter contains information on the podcast by Claire Knight who is the Operations Manager for the Newcastle North Primary Care Network (PCN) where she talks about the PCN.

It also contains: -

• Information about the Footsteps Cafe at Whitehill Methodist Community Church.
• The Friends and Family Test results for January to March 2024
• A request for patients to join the PPG.

The main Item of this edition is about a new support group that has been set up by Approach Dementia Support to help carers of people with Dementia get the support they require and signpost them to the services available. 

It also contains: -

• The Surgery opening times over the Easter period.
• Information on Measles and how to find out if your child has received both doses.
• Information about the Surgery signing up to the Safe Surgery scheme and Marie Curie Daffodils Standard.
• Details on the Community Corner initiative being hosted by St Thomas’s Church in Kidsgrove.

The main feature of this Newsletter is how to access NHS 111 and out-of-hours services. 

It also contains: -

• Information on the new D&G bus route that stops outside the medical centre (No. 95).
• Details on Prescription Prepayment certificates.
• A request by Healthwatch Staffordshire for people who have called 999 for an ambulance to complete their survey.
• An invitation from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board for people to join the People’s Panel
• A link to Healthwatch Staffordshire’s Deep Dive Report on “Accessing Primary Care - Avoiding the 8:00 am Rush”
• Information on the Warm Space facility being offered by St Thomas’ Church.
• News about the PPG being shortlisted for the Best Collaborative Project category in the VAST Totally Stoked Awards.

This episode has the Friends and Family Test results for 2023. 

It also contains: -

• Information on the Christmas Parties that we held in December.
• A call for new PPG members.
• An update on the screen in the waiting room.

This edition has the Opening times for the surgery over the Christmas and New Year period. 

It also contains: -

• A link to find the nearest Pharmacy to your location that is open.
• Changes to the length of appointments for appointments with the Nurse. 
• Information on our entry to the NAPP Corkill Award for 2023
• Details on the podcast episode recorded by our PCN dietitian, Carrie Eckersley.

The main item in this edition is a statement from Mount Road Practice following the distribution of a political party leaflet that contains several concerning and factually incorrect statements regarding Mount Road Practice. 

It also contains: -

• The Friends and Family Test results from October 2023
• Information on Get INTO, a new free initiative from Staffordshire County Council and Active Travel England 

The main item this Month talks about Self Care and the options available to get the most appropriate and timely care

It also contains: -

• Information about the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS)
• An update on the upcoming COVID and Flu vaccination sessions.
• Details about the Digital Access drop-in session being hels at the surgery on 12th October.
• Information on Stoptober and how to access the Quit Smoking App.
•  A call for volunteers to help out with serving refreshments at the weekly Dementia Activity Group

These are the links related to the newsletter: -

Who Should I see (Mount Road Practice web page)  - Who should I see 

NHS web page on health conditions and treatment advice, including self-help - Visit the NHS website 

NHS Quit Smoking information pages - https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Email address to contact if you are interested in helping out at the Dementia Activity group - admin@kidsgrovegpsppg.co.uk

The main item of this edition talks about the Cancer Screening Programmes that are run by NHS England to catch Cancer early and the importance of accepting your invitation

It also contains: -

• Information about this year's COVID and Flu vaccination programme
• A link to learn CPR in 15 Minutes, an initiative by the British Heart Foundation.
• A reminder of some of the PPG podcats available on our website.
• A call out for new PPG members, especially younger people and people who can represent minority groups.

This is the link to the NHS Cervical screening pages - NHS Cervical Screening pages 

Link to the NHS Bowel Screening pages - nhs.uk bowel cancer screening pages 

Link to the Breast Screening Pages- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-screening-mammogram/ 

Link to learn CPR in 15 minutes - https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes

The main item of this edition talks about the Weekly Dementia Activity Group, held weekly at Whitehill Methodist Community Church and calls for volunteers to help with serving refreshments.

It also contains: -

• Information about an online self-referral system for adults and people with learning difficulties which has been launched by NSCHT (North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust)
• A request for donation of any unused wheelchairs.
• A reminder about the benefits of the NHS App
• A call out for new PPG members, especially younger people and people who can represent minority groups.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter focusses on Diabetes Prevention Week, which is 22nd to 28th May 2023.

It also contains: -

• Details on the weekly Dementia Activity Group that the Surgery and PPG have organised in partnership with Approach Dementia Support.
• Advice on ensuring that patients are sufficiently hydrated before attending Blood test appointments.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter gives details of the latest Friends and Family test results.

It also contains: -

• An update on the Spring COVID-19 booster campaign.
• Information about booking blood tests at the surgery.
• Information on the upcoming move towards more environmentally friendly inhalers.
• An article on the Veteran Friendly Support Services.
• Information about the "New" Mount Road Practice website.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter has an update on the number and cost of missed appointments (DNA's) for 2022.

It also contains: -

• An article regarding the risk of Prostate Cancer, and a link to a website where you can check your risk in 30 seconds. It may be 30 seconds that could save your life!
• Information on the latest podcast where Nataliya Cheema from the PCN and Alex Zahorodnyj from Well Pharmacy talk about the Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS). This episode complements the recent podcast recorded by Dr Bradshaw where she talks about the appointment process at the practice, (Episode 21).
• Information on a new initiative that the PPG is working on with Approach Dementia Support. 
• News that the Footsteps Cafe has reopened at the Whitehill Methodist Community Church.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter has information on the new practice website, as well as the Christmas and New Year opening times for the surgery. The new practice website also has details of how you can access any health services you may require during this period.

It also contains: -

• A notice that the Ear Syringing service will no longer be available at the surgery after 3rd January 2023.
• An update on the Patient Library.
• Details of the Targeted Lung Health check initiative being run by the NHS.

The Practice website can be found at https://www.mountroadpractice.nhs.uk 

For more information about the Targeted Lung Health Check initiative call 01782 671554 or visit: - www.uhnm.nhs.uk/TLC 

The main item in this edition of the newsletter talks about missed appointments also known as DNA (Did Not Attend). The figure for September was 56 DNAs with an estimated cost to the surgery of £8,960!

It also contains: -

• An article on the Breast Screening service now that the screening unit is on-site at the surgery again.
• A link to the latest podcast episode recorded by Dr Bradshaw where she talks about appointments at the surgery.  It gives a very interesting insight into the appointment process and is well worth a listen. It's available on all the main podcast provider sites but if you don't know how to listen to a podcast here is a link so you can listen on our PPG website - http://mountroadpracticeppg.nhs.uk/ppg-podcasts
• Information on the COVID booster and Flu vaccination rollout.
• Information on a new App available to download called "My Health and Care".
• A recruitment call for new PPG members.

The main item in this edition of the newsletter talks about appointments, including key points about appointments at the surgery.

It also contains: -

• Information on the DNA’s (Did Not Attend) for the surgery in August 
• News that the self-service check-in is now operational again.
• Details on the Friends and Family results for August, and how you can complete the test yourself.
• An update on the Patient Library.
• A link to the 2022 Patient Satisfaction Survey.

The opening item of this edition of the newsletter talks about the cost of living problems many people are currently experiencing and, more importantly, the support available to help.

It also contains: -

• Information on the annual GP Patient Survey and the NN-PCN Patient Satisfaction Survey.
• The results of the Friends and Family responses for June 2022.
• A request for patients to ensure their contact details are up to date
• Congratulations to Josephine Locke on being selected as a Queens Baton Bearer to commemorate the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The opening item of this edition of the newsletter details 4 weekly sessions about navigating the menopasue.

It also contains: -

• An update on the Greener Practice initiative.
•  Details on a number of dementia-friendly activities being hosted by the Brampton Museum.
• Details about the latest PPG podcast in which Julie, one of the receptionists at Mount Road Practice talks about the role of a GP receptionist. (Episode 16)

The opening item of this edition of the newsletter is regarding ordering prescriptions in plenty of time.

It also contains: -

• A focus on early cancer diagnosis and prevention.
•  An update on the Community Pharmacy Consultation Process (CPCS).
• A reminder for patients to ensure that their contact details at the surgery are up to date.
• A reminder that the surgery has extended opening hours with appointments available on Saturday mornings. 

The opening item in this edition of the newsletter is about the practice signing up to the Greener Practice initiative to try & reduce their carbon footprint.

It also contains: -

• Details of the latest Friends and Family survey results.
• A reminder to patients to ensure their contact details are up to date.
• A calling notice for new PPG members.
• Details on the Easter opening hours for the surgery and local pharmacies.

The opening item of this edition of the newsletter is regarding travel vaccinations and the need to ensure requests are made at least 6 weeks prior to being required.

It also contains: -

• An update on the current surgery status.
• A request for donations for the people of Ukraine.
• A reminder about Cervical Screening.
• An item about the help available for people recovering from COVID-19.
• A reminder to ensure that your personal details are up to date at both the surgery and hospital, if applicable.
• Information about the latest PPG Podcast giving details on the PPG and members sharing their experiences.

The main feature of this edition of the newsletter is information on how you can order your repeat prescription(s) using the NHS App.

It also contains: -

Details on how you can download the NHS App if you don't already have it.

Information on Raynaud's disease with a link to their website.

Information on how to correctly record your blood pressure at home together with a link to the blood pressure diary form.

Information on how to access the surgery's online consultation tool.

A request for people to come along and join us as PPG members.

The main features of this edition of the newsletter are a Christmas message and Surgery name clarification.

It also contains: -

Surgery Christmas opening hours.

The latest on the COVID-19 booster vaccination program.

A link to finding Pharmacies and opening times for the holiday period.

A request to respect surgery staff and the additional hours they are working.

A summary of the PPG's Social Media presence and information sources.

The main features of this edition of the newsletter are updates on the Armed Forces Veterans Friendly Accreditation, Electronic Surveys and a Podcast from Dr. Hannah Bradshaw.

It also contains: -

The latest on the COVID-19 booster vaccination program.

An update on the PPG and publishing of PPG meeting summaries.

A reminder about the recently launched On-Line consultation system.

A summary of the PPG's Social Media presence and information sources.

The main features of this edition of the newsletter are updates on the Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccination program.

It also contains: -

• Details on the launch of the NN-PCN Podcast channel.
• An overview of some of the shared services available to patients as part of the PCN.
• A reminder about the recently launched On-Line consultation system.
• A summary of the PPG's Social Media presence and information sources.

Issue 2 - New developments including: -

• Information on the recently launched online consultation system.
• Exciting news about the PPG Podcast channel launch.
• Friends and Family feedback.
• Community Outreach in partnership with Whitehill Methodist Community Church.

Issue 1 - The first Newsletter since the surgery changed from Dr Robinson & Partners to Mount Road Practice. This issue includes: -

• Details on the changes you will, and won't see, as a result of the renaming.
• An update on surgery apppointments.
• Information on the proposed triage/online consultation process.
• Information on the NHS App & hoe to access it.

Issue 20 - Important announcement regarding the retirement of Dr Robinson. 

It also contains: -

• An update of the vaccination status for the NN-PCN now that phase 1 has been officially completed.
• Information on the second dose of the Coronavirus vaccine.
• News about restoring General Practice.
• News of a new role for Carole who has taken up a role as Practice Care Facilitator.
• A reminder regarding Staff abuse.

Issue 19 - Contains an update on the COVID-19 vaccination status. Also included : -

• Information on the Diabetes advice helpline
• Community testing for COVID-19 in Kidsgrove
• An update on the most at risk from COVID-19
• Goodbye to Carole, the Elderly Care Facilitator

Issue 18 - This edition is focused on the current rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations. It has details of the vaccination centre, the current status of the rollout as well as lots of other useful information.

Issue 17 - A message of thanks and hope. Other items include: -

• Flu Vaccination Update
• Tier 3 restrictions
• MacMilllan Coffee Morning update

Issue 16 - Latest news from the surgery including: -

• Flu Vaccination Update
• Friends and Family Survey feedback
• Practice updates

Issue 15 - Latest news from the surgery including: -

• An update on the new telephone system.
• Information on the NHS App and options available on it.
• A brief update on the Flu Clinics for 2020.
• A link to how to take your blood pressure reading.

Apologies for the newsletter being later than normal. We were hoping to have more detailed information on the Flu Clinics for this year, but are still awaiting the details, which we are hoping to receive next week. We will then be issuing a Flu Clinic special with details of the plans for this year.

Issue 14 - Latest news from the surgery including: -

• An update on the requirement to wear a face mask and exemptions.
• News on the new surgery website and telephone sysem, including the queue busting option.
• Exciting news regarding the appointment of Dr Bradshaw.
• Detail on the web based blood test process and out patient appointments
• A link to how to take your blood pressure reading.

Issue 13 - Latest news from the surgery including: -

• The requirement to wear a face mask or covering for all in-practice appointments
• Advice on Blood Pressure checks
• Resumption of Contraceptive Implant services.
• Resumption of Cervical Smear appointments.
• Blood Test advice.
• Physio appointments restarting from 15th June.
• News on the new NHS App

Issue 12 - Latest news from the surgery including: -

• Sad news about the passing away of Dr Holland. 
• Support available during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Thanks for organisations that have helped support the practice.
• A reminder to ensure that patients do not ignore the early warning signs of suspected cancer during the Pandemic.

Issue 11 - Updated with an explanation regarding the High-Risk Patient letters: -

We are currently awaiting further guidance from NHS England, NHS Digital and EMIS due to issues with the patient data lists - this is a national problem.  We have received an update today which advises GP practices that new NHS generated lists will be issued over the next 2 - 3 weeks along with appropriate new readcodes so patients can be flagged appropriately.

If you feel you are vulnerable you can register on the government website - GP Practices will be receiving lists of patients who have registered on the Government website as vulnerable. Use the below website to register.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Issue 11 is dedicated to providing information and support regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and has: -

Information for Shielded Patients, Help for the Elderly, or those with a serious health condition & Help for other vulnerable people.

More information is available on our website including help and support for people not in the above categories. Either click on the links in the Newsletter, or head over to the COVID-19 page on the PPG website.

Information on Prescription charges and avoiding medicine waste.

Details on the latest patients survey, with a chance to complete online.

An update on the Did Not Attend (DNA) figures for missed appointments.

Information regarding the upcoming changes to the organ donor policy.

A statement on Staff respect and an update on the practice registering as a Parkrun practice.

The latest DNA figures and details on the new patient library.

Information on surgery opening times.

Advice on how to access NHS services over the Christmas holiday period, and how to find out pharmacy opening hours

Issue 6 has details of the latest Flu clinic, Requesting Blood Test results from the surgery, use of the Self Service Check-in, promotion of Prostate Cancer UK, as well as the latest DNA (Did Not Attend) appointment figures and an update on the planned Tea Party for the elderly.

Issue 5 has details of the Breast Screening clinic, now the scerening van is on-site, an update on the Electronic Prescription Service, details of the latest Flu clinic & more.

Issue 4 has details regarding the Flu Clinics, Prescribing of over the counter medcines, Extended Surgery hours & more!

Issue 3 has details about the latest CQC Inspection, and update on the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), a War Vetrans Statement of care, Livung with Cancer & much more.

Issue 2 has items about the latest CQC Inspection, an update on the Tea Party held on 13th June, information on the introduction of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) and more.

Our very first first newsletter! Items include on-line registration, Health & Wellbeing initiatives for the month, and details on the new Pink Sisters support group in Kidsgrove.