Winter health

Unless otherwise specified every appointment lasts for 10 minutes only which is enough time to discuss one medical problem only.

If you have more than one problem to discuss, you may need to return for a second appointment.

Many medical issues can be dealt with by our nursing staff a lot quicker, so please tell our receptionists what you need your appointment for. This also helps to ensure that you see the right person who can also prepare better if the reason for the appointment is known. If your reason is highly personal, tell the receptionist and they will not probe further.

• Clearly formulate in your own mind what you are worried about and highlight any particular concerns.
• Consider preparing short notes to help you remember what you want to say including a description of your symptoms and exactly how long they have been experienced (in days, weeks or months, not “a while”!)
• Consider what is achievable in your one appointment. Be realistic.
• Get to the point. You do not have to justify being there and don’t save important issues to the end when you’ve run out of time.
• Do not use your mobile phone while in an appointment.
• Wear easily removed clothing. If you need to be examined, taking off many layers of clothing and redressing uses up too much of your appointment time and can cause clinicians to run late.
• At the end of your appointment, make sure you fully understand any advice you’ve been given or steps you must take.
• Don’t be put off by a doctor or nurse running late. This is often due to them having to give bad news to a previous patient or dealing with an emergency before you arrived. We all might need a bit of extra time unexpectedly one day so although it might not be convenient to you, please consider others.

Thank you for your understand and help.

This is a morning only service where you have to register in person between 8am and 10am and wait in order of arrival to be seen. We have clinicians available at all sites to ensure everyone is seen on the same day.

When to use open access

• unwell patients who feel that waiting for a bookable appointment will be detrimental to their health.
• any illnesses or infections that have not improved with self-care remedies, after visiting the chemist, or worsening faster than expected.

Any babies/ children that parents are worried about due to acute illness and not improving after trying appropriate NHS advice.

• Chronic problems that need a doctor’s attention and waiting for pre-bookable appointments will deteriorate the condition.
• Urgent medication queries unsolvable over the phone or with reception (not repeat requests or simple authorisations, medications reviews).
• You called 111 and they told you to attend the practice in a certain amount of time.

When to consider not using open access

• You have acute onset chest pains, shortness of breath or palpitations which are not settling within 10-15 min, please go to A&E.
• You feel acutely unwell, can’t keep fluids or food down and are dehydrated, call 111 or go to A&E.
• You feel you have a fracture that requires Xray immediately (we can’t refer same day).
• You have an eye infection or eye minor injury, or foreign body, please access Minor Injury Services via Opticians.
• When you need a sick certificate/MED3 after being in hospital/seen by other services or if you need an extension, just ask reception, we can sort it without you waiting for a clinician.
• You need a prescription renewal or a medication review (this is a routine non urgent need and you can use our websites or using the NHS app).

We have pre-bookable face to face and phone appointments in the afternoon. Our staff have been trained by the GPs to ask all kinds of simple medical questions so they can assess and advise on your needs.

Now you can book directly via Reception.

What is a musculoskeletal specialist practitioner?

Musculoskeletal specialist practitioners are senior chartered physiotherapists working in your GP surgery to see you alongside the GP team to provide an assessment and treatment service.

They are trained to a high level and specialise in any conditions involving muscle, bone, tendon, ligament, nerve and many other conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia.

They can request further investigations as needed and refer onwards for various other procedures as necessary.

Who is it for?

• all soft tissue injuries, sprain, strains or sport injuries- upper and lower limb
• arthritis: any joint
• possible problems with muscle, ligaments, tendons or bone e.g. Tennis / Golfers elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
• lower back pain, spinal pain (with or without pins and needles or neurological symptoms), neck and middle spine issues as well
• mobility changes/ post orthopaedic surgery

For more information visit: www.firstpointphysio.co.uk

What is My Social Prescribing™ (MSP)?

‘My Social Prescription™ is a community-based scheme led by Community360 across Colchester. It serves to address the social issues that can affect people’s wellbeing. MSP does this by connecting people to voluntary and community services, volunteering as well as providing support with health conditions and encouraging self-care. MSP is designed to empower individuals. This is achieved through a personalised service where the MSP team identifies the best services, club, or support to meet the needs of individuals. The result being that people see an improvement in their well-being, feel supported and connected with their community.

It has been designed to reduce time spent finding the help people need by informing them of the right service, in the right place, first time.

You can refer yourself, so give us a call today and let’s chat to see how you might benefit. Phone 01206 505250 or send an email to msp@community360.org.uk.

The social prescriber for Colchester Medical Practice is Emily Settle.

 Winter support

Visit us at the One Colchester Community Hub situated in Long Wyre Street, Colchester, the hub offers a wealth of services, activities, and support for the community. A welcoming and warm space where you can access a wide range of programs, services, social and wellbeing activities. Anyone is welcome to drop in for advice and practical support such as winter packs and slippers for those at risk of falls. Pick up a warm piece of clothing (subject to availability) or to see a friendly face and enjoy a warm drink.

Useful links

• Winter Fuel Payments: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/winter-fuel-payment/
• Tips on keeping well this Winter: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
• Warm Homes Essex: www.warmhomesessex.org.uk/our-work/

Looking for the tools to cope with life stressors and want to improve your health, wellbeing & lifestyle?

• Reducing stress, anxiety and low mood
• Weight reduction and management
• Motivation building and lifestyle changes
• Health relationship and social support
• Mindfulness and medication support
• Confidence and self-esteem building
• Anxiety around physical health issues

To see one of our two health and wellbeing coaches, just contact your usual surgery for information.

We have a dedicated cancer care nurse named Laura to support our patients and their families to live well with, and beyond cancer. Laura will help to provide joined up care between services and offers appointments including face to face, telephone, video calls and home visits.

Laura also supports building awareness of and increasing take up of the national screening programmes for breast, cervical and bowel cancer.

If you or a family member needs any support around all aspects of cancer, please contact your usual surgery for more information.