As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Iraq conflict, we are conscious that some military veterans might be affected by the anniversary.

The surgery is proud to be accredited as a veteran friendly practice by the Royal College of GPs. If you have been affected by this, we would initially suggest you have a look particularly at the following resource,

ORDERING URGENT MEDICATIONS

If your medication is LISTED HERE, AND YOU HAVE RUN OUT, then we will process your prescription on the same day, as missing a dose may cause you harm, however, if your medication is not listed here, it will not be processed urgently, as it is not deemed clinically urgent, and a missed dose will not be detrimental to your health.

We do understand that you may run out of medication from time to time, and that you may be concerned about this, but please be assured that your GP has advised that missing a dose or two of your medications will not be detrimental to your overall health, and as such, it is not classed as an urgent prescription, so will be processed in the normal way for routine repeat prescriptions.

For some prescribed medications, like these listed, missing a dose may cause patient harm, so requests for these medications will be processed urgently to ensure doses are not missed. We understand that it is important to take your medication regularly and as prescribed by the doctor, but on occasions where the medication requested is not considered urgent by the doctors in this practice, your health will not be compromised by missing a dose on occasion, BUT please do your best to order your prescription on time in the future.‍

Please don’t forget there are many services available for you, depending on your condition.

SELF-CARE

This is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as hangovers, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts, norovirus or sore throats. Many of these can be treated at home, simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.

NHS Symptom checker

PHARMACY

Pharmacists can give advice on and treat a range of symptoms. They can support you with things such as diarrhoea, earaches, painful coughs, sticky eyes, teething and rashes.

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NHS 111

You can access 111 online or via the telephone. Please use the online option in the first instance whenever possible. This is for any urgent but non-life threatening health concerns. They will be able to signpost you to the relevant service and provide advice where appropriate or arrange for a healthcare professional to call you.

A&E / 999

You should only attend A&E or dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties and severe chest pain.

· Self-care – This is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as hangovers, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts, norovirus or sore throats. Many of these can be treated at home, simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.

· Pharmacy – Pharmacists can give advice on and treat a range of symptoms. They can support you with things such as diarrhoea, earaches, painful coughs, sticky eyes, teething and rashes.

· NHS 111 – You can access 111 online or via the telephone. This is for any urgent but non-life threatening health concerns. They will be able to signpost you to the relevant service and provide advice where appropriate or arrange for a healthcare professional to call you.

· A&E / 999 – You should only attend A&E or dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties and severe chest pain.