If you want to know more about Menopause then please check out Menopause Matters webpage by clicking on the following link Menopause Matters, menopausal symptoms, remedies, advice

The practice will be training new staff members over the next few months therefore your call or query might take longer to process and there maybe delays at the front desk. Your patience and understanding would be appreciated during this time

We are expecting our flu vaccines to arrive by the beginning of October 2024. We will advise you when appointments for flu vaccinations are available to book either by telephone or online for patients who are aged over 65. We will also have appointments available for patients aged under 65 but you MUST be in the at risk category to be eligible for a vaccination at this time. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for this programme, then please check with one of our Reception team before booking.

A free mental health resource for people living with depression and other conditions is now available across the whole of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

Big White Wall, which is available at www.bigwhitewall.com, provides a clinically safe and anonymous online community providing peer to peer support, personal assessments and self-help courses for those who need it.

“Big White Wall is a fantastic tool for people who are suffering as they can log in anonymously and express how they are feeling to a community of people who feel the same way.

“And for those who struggle to put how they feel into words, they can ‘draw a brick’ to express the difficulties they are facing, which many people find quite therapeutic and relieving.”

Big White Wall chief executive Henry Jones said: “Everyone has mental health and we believe everyone should be able to access support as and when they need it.

“We are delighted to form part of a joint strategy from NHS Fylde and Wyre and NHS Blackpool CCGs of delivering highly effective and easily accessible support for all Fylde Coast residents. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our community.”

The Big White Wall is constantly monitored by ‘wall guides’ who are on hand 24/7 and will intervene if members seem particularly low and at risk and provide personal support on a one-to-one basis.

Big White Wall also offers members the opportunity to take online tests to measure their anxiety or depression levels to set goals and track their progress.

Online courses with health professionals covering things like sleep problems, stopping smoking and anger management are also available.

For more information or to sign up to Big White Wall quickly, anonymously and free of charge, visit www.bigwhitewall.com

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It’s World Diabetes Day and to mark the occasion health and care organisations across Lancashire and South Cumbria are celebrating the success of a flagship NHS diabetes prevention programme which is helping prevent Type 2 diabetes, with more than 7,000 people being referred to the programme.

The national Diabetes Prevention Programme, a partnership between NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, is a free programme available to people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The initiative offers tailored, personalised help to support people to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, including education on lifestyle choices, advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is the first ever nationwide Type 2 diabetes prevention programme and the largest undertaking of its kind in the world for those at risk of

These figures are being released to further increase awareness of the risk that diabetes poses to people living in the region.  It is estimated that nearly 200,000 people are currently at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; which can lead to other serious conditions including strokes, heart disease, limb amputation and early death.

Diabetes and its complications cost over £6 billion every year to treat and one in six patients in hospital has diabetes. Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes which is closely linked to obesity and yet is largely preventable by eating healthily, being more active and losing weight.

ClareHowarth, head of the North at Diabetes UK, said: “There are 12.3 million peopleat risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by a variety offactors, some of which are out of people’s control. However, we know that threein five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by makinghealthier choices, helping everyone understand their own risk of developing thecondition − and how to reduce it − and securing early diagnosis for those athigh risk.”

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The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free local service for those who are at risk of type 2 diabetes. The Programme is designed to stop or delay the onset of the disease through a range of personalised lifestyle interventions, including education on lifestyle choices, advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

Dr Kieran Murphy, Medical Director, NHS England (Lancashire and South Cumbria)said, “Many people are at high risk of pre-diabetes but are probably completely unaware of it. This is because the condition often develops gradually without any warning signs or symptoms.

“We are delighted with the results that we are seeing locally thanks to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Lancashire County Council Director for Public Health, said: “Preventing diabetes is a key priority in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition which is affecting many people but that is also largely preventable.”

“Organisations are working in partnership across Lancashire and South Cumbria to put people in control of their health by giving them the tools, information and support they need to make changes to their lifestyles that can significantly reduce their risk of the disease and the potential complications associated with it like stroke and kidney failure.”

Dr Murphy added “This world diabetes day we are calling on all of those who are at risk of developing diabetes to speak to their GP practice around taking part in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.”“The theme of world diabetes day this year is family, we have evidence that taking part in the diabetes prevention programme can help the entire family become more fit and healthy.  You can check to see if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes at diabetes.org.uk/risk.”

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DESMOND is a nationally accredited course for people with Type 2 Diabetes.

It’s pretty unique. It is an education programme specifically designed to support you the person with diabetes to become the expert. The fully trained educators are there to help you increase your knowledge and understanding of what having diabetes will mean for you and how you can manage your care effectively. It is an opportunity to meet and share experiences with others.

DESMOND as a programme can be delivered over one day course or 2 half day (equivalent)sessions.

You are invited to join a small group of up to 10 people with Type 2 Diabetes. You will be given up to date information and learn practical skills to manage your diabetes. The DESMOND programme is built around group activities, but there will be opportunities for individuals to speak to an Educator on their own if they wish. An opportunity will be provided to discuss and explore factors relating to diabetes such as food choices, activity and medication. You will also be able to meet and talk to others in the same situation. The sessions are delivered in an informal and friendly atmosphere. It is not like being back at school! You can bring your partner, family member, carer or friend, they will be very welcome.

The course can be accessed by people that have been newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (within first 12 months of diagnosis) but also those who have established Type 2 diabetes.

Coverage

Courses are delivered in both health care settings and local community venues. A full list of locations across the Fylde coast can be found here:

Course Duration: 9.30 to 4.30pm (to include breaks), plus a mixture of half day sessions and occasional Saturdays. To book a place Tel: (01772) 777620 or

email: [email protected]

Locations:

Blackpool

Moor Park Health & Leisure Centre, Bristol Avenue, Blackpool, FY2 0JG

Whitegate Drive Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, FY3 9ES

South Shore PCC, Lytham Road Blackpool FY4 1TJ

Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park, Barlow Crescent off West Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 9EQ ** New Venue for 2018**

Chorley and South Ribble

Coppull Clinic, 2 Springfield Road, Coppull, PR7 5EJ

Cotswold Supported Housing Centre, Cotswold House, Cotswold Road, Chorley, PR7 3HW

Preston

Minerva Health Centre, Lowthorpe Road, Preston, PR1 6SB

Longridge Hospital St. Wilfrids Terrace Longridge, Preston PR3 3WQ

Wyre and Fylde

St Annes Primary Care Centre, Durham Avenue, St Annes, FY8 2EP

Mountcroft, Albert Street, Fleetwood, FY7 6AH

Wyre Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde,Lancashire, FY6 7PU

Wesham PCC Derby Road, Wesham, PR4 3AL

Garstang Surgery, Kepple Lane, Garstang, PR3 1PB

Over Wyre Medical Centre, Wilkinson Way, Preesall, FY6 OFA ** New Venue for 2018**

North Lancashire

Heysham PCC Middleton Way, Heysham, LA3 2LE

Moor Lane Mills, Lancaster, LA1 1QD

The Globe Arena Morecambe FC, Christie Way, Westgate, Morecambe, LA4 4TB ** New Venue for 2018**

Galloways, 12 Victoria Street, Morecambe, LA4 4AH ** New Venue for 2018**

Curriculum basis for the day covers:

• Introduction and housekeeping
• The Participants Story
• Type 2 Diabetes and Glucose
• Managing Blood Glucose
• Food Choices: Glycaemia and Insulin Resistance

Reflections so far

• Long term effects of Type 2 Diabetes
• Physical Activity
• Food Choices – Focus on fats
• Diabetes Self-management Plan
• Questions and future care

Further information on Desmond can be found on our website at : https://www.lancashirecare.nhs.uk/desmond

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People living across the Fylde coast have been urged to ‘Act FAST’ if they suspect a friend or loved one is having a stroke.

It comes as health professionals in the area backed a national campaign to remind people of the main symptoms of stroke and importance of calling 999 immediately.

This week sees the national ‘Act FAST’ stroke campaign re-launched by Public Health England, working closely with the Stroke Association.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of stroke and to encourage people who recognise any single one of the symptoms of stroke, in themselves or others, to call 999 immediately.

Stroke kills over 40,000 people a year and leaves around two-thirds of stroke survivors with a disability.

One of the main objectives of the campaign is get people who witness somebody showing stroke symptoms to overcome any initial reluctance to call. They are being asked to ‘Make the Call’ and dial 999.

Research shows that 24% of people would wait to call an ambulance because they wrongly believe that they need to see 2 or more symptoms of stroke to be sure. Other barriers to dialling 999 include feeling that they need permission to act on behalf of others.

Prof Mark O’Donnell, Medical Director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. said: “NHS stroke care and survival are now at record levels, stroke is very treatable but every minute counts. Knowing when to call 999 when you see any single one of the signs will make a significant difference to someone’s recovery and rehabilitation.

“The F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym has featured in the advertising for a number of years and is a simple test to help people identify the most common signs of a stroke, and to emphasise the importance of acting quickly by calling 999.

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“Acting F.A.S.T. as soon as stroke symptoms present themselves can not only save lives but potentially limit long-term effects.

“The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.”

F.A.S.T. teaches people what to look out for in themselves and in others:

• Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?
• Time to call 999

There are some of other symptoms that people should be aware of as these may occasionally be due to stroke. These include:

• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden memory loss or confusion
• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other symptoms

A stroke is a ‘brain attack’, caused by a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. So recognising the signs of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial

Approximately 110,000 people have a stroke each year in England. It is the third largest cause of death, and the largest cause of complex disability; over half of all stroke survivors are left with a disability.

One of the main objectives of the campaign is get people who witness somebody showing stroke symptoms to overcome any initial reluctance to call. They are being asked to ‘Make the Call’ and dial 999.

Act FAST. Make the Call. Dial 999.

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The CQC inspected the surgery in January 2017 and their report is now available to read. Our overall rating is GOOD.

 

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Anyone who notices blood in their urine must act fast and see their GP – that’s the message from a new bladder and kidney cancer campaign.

Residents of the Fylde coast have an increased chance of beating bladder and kidney cancer if they act quickly.

The national ‘Be Clear on Cancer – Blood in Pee’ campaign, which is running from Tuesday, February 16 to Thursday, March 31, is being backed by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Fylde and Wyre CCG.

Residents are being advised that if they see blood in their pee – even if it’s just the once – they should take action. The chances are it’s nothing serious, but if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer each year.

These cancers can affect people of all ages but are most common in people over 50 years of age. People who smoke, who work in the resin industry and who use hair dye as hairdressers are also at an increased risk.

Uro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists from the urology department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Helen Bright, Melanie Fluss and Denise Lonican, say if you spot blood in your urine you must act quickly.

The urology team has treated approximately 40 people in the last year for bladder cancer alone.

Helen said: “If you have blood in your urine, go and see your GP. You will be fast-tracked to our service.

“We will do a cystoscopy which involves using a local anaesthetic and a thin tube with a light to look inside the bladder.

“Most bladder cancers are diagnosed while they are still only in the bladder lining (early stage). These early bladder cancers can often be cured or controlled with minor surgery or treatment into the bladder. If bladder cancer is left untreated it has the potential to spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, lungs or liver.”

Denise is the newest member of the team. She previously worked as a urology nurse practitioner and is planning to create a ‘one stop’ service. This will involve counselling the patient post-cystoscopy, doing the pre-operative assessments and arranging a date when they will come in for their treatment.

Patients are supported by Helen, Denise and Melanie throughout their hospital treatment.

Denise said: “There are lots of different treatments. Some are very low key and some are much more invasive.

“We also see people who don’t have blood in their urine. They have usually been referred to us from other routes.”

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Melanie said: “People might think blood in their pee is something and nothing but please don’t ignore it.

“If investigations show a kidney cancer, this can be removed. Most people can live a normal life with one kidney.

“The chances are it’s not cancer but people need to get it checked out.”

Denise, Helen and Melanie cover all aspects of urology including bladder, prostate, kidney, testicular and penile matters.

Helen said: “There is always a potential for cancer to come back which is why we keep monitoring our patients.

“We continue to follow up patients for a long time so that if it does come back we can treat it early.”

Melanie explained: “At first we look in the bladder every three to four months and, after a patient has had a longer time without a recurrence, they get annual follow-ups.”

Helen said the team’s work was tough but enjoyable: “It’s a hard job mentally because we are dealing with cancer patients and their distress and anxiety but it’s also very rewarding to be able to support and guide them.

“It is a privilege to get people through their diagnosis and to help them live beyond cancer.”

 Other bladder cancer symptoms include cystitis (a urinary tract infection) that is difficult to treat or comes back quickly after treatment and pain when urinating. Additional kidney cancer symptoms include pain in the side, below the ribs, that doesn’t go away and weight loss.

Dr Tony Naughton, Fylde and Wyre CCG’s clinical chief officer, said: “It’s a really simple message, but such an important one – if you notice blood in your pee please see your GP straight away and they will be able to set you on the right path.

“It may well not be serious but if it is the cancer, the earlier it is diagnosed the better.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, a Blackpool GP and Chief Clinical Officer at NHS Blackpool CCG, said: “Cancer is a challenge for Blackpool and is one of our health priorities.

“The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcomes. Blackpool CCG is currently working on the Fylde coast cancer strategy where prevention, raising awareness and early detection and diagnosis feature heavily.

“Be Clear on Cancer goes a long way to raise awareness nationally and so it is important that people in Blackpool particularly take notice of its message.”

For further information on kidney and bladder cancer go to nhs.uk/bloodinpee

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