The BBC is reporting that the morning-after pill is to be made free at pharmacies in England.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8eprd9n5plo.
2025 Open Meeting Dates
The group Open Meeting dates for 2025 are now in the Events diary.
There will be Zoom meetings on Wednesdays 22/01 and 19/11; and provisionally in person meetings at the Medical Centre on Saturdays 15/03, 17/05 (our AGM), 19/07 and 20/09.
Note that the Saturdays are subject to change depending on what weekends the Practice is required to be open.… more >>>
How to Help the Practice
Barnabas, like all GP practices, is under pressure from increased demand, constrained funding, and fixed capacity. So how can we, as patients, help the Practice?
Can you free up urgently needed GP appointments? Did you know you could contact your Pharmacist in the first instance? They can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help.… more >>>
BRCA testing for those with Jewish ancestry
The following received from NW London NHS …
… more >>>BRCA testing for those with Jewish ancestry
We are reaching out to inform you about an important NHS initiative – the free BRCA testing programme specifically for individuals with Jewish ancestry (at least 1 Jewish grandparent). Early detection of BRCA gene mutations can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers as preventative action can be taken.
Cervical Screening
Yet again the NHS is urging eligible females to go for their cervical screening when invited. Acceptance rates are under 66% in women aged 25-49, rising to 74% among 50-64 age group. That means millions of women are missing out on a simple, free, cancer screening.
NHS article at https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/06/nhs-urges-more-women-to-take-up-cervical-screening-invitations/.
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough is out there and case rates are (relatively) high compared with most rcenet years. So here’s an interesting critique of the UKHSA’s “keep calm” message.
Whooping cough – have UKHSA got the framing right?
CQC Inspection Report
Finally CQC have published the (summary of) their inspection of the Practice last January.
Find the report online at https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-559846295.
Not that it tells you a lot!
But why does this take almost 6 months?
Vaccination
This from the NHS …
Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/why-vaccination-is-important-and-the-safest-way-to-protect-yourself/
Whooping Cough on the Rise
Cases of Whopping Cough (Pertussis) are continuing to rise across the country – and it can be a killer, especially for the very young.
NHS 111 Patient Advisory Group
Received this from NWL NHS …
… more >>>Are you passionate about health and want to make a difference?
If you’re a resident of North West London and have the NHS 111 service, we need your insight!
Join the NHS 111 Patient Advisory Group, managed by the London Ambulance Service and the NW London Integrated Care Board, and play a key role in improving our healthcare services.