PRESCRIPTIONS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
NHS Ayrshire and Arran has agreed with GP practices and Community pharmacies to have a standardised time frame for ordering of repeat prescriptions. This change will commence on Monday 20th February 2023. We are asking for support from our patients to do the following:
- Please now allow seven working days from initially ordering your repeat prescription to collecting your medication at your community pharmacy
- Order all of your required prescription items at the same time – your community pharmacist can facilitate alignment when required
- If you are on regular medication for a long term condition we are reviewing this for any medication that may be able to be placed on CMS, this would enable 6 month supplies to be issued for your chemist to dispense on a 2 monthly basis. Going forward the pharmacy would order the medication for you. If any patient is suitable for this the pharmacy team will be in touch.
Thank you for your continued support.
GP’s and staff Portland/Meadowgreen Surgery
Notice Board
Strep A Information
Group A Streptococcus
What you need to know:
Group A streptococcus (GAS), also known as strep A is a common bacteria which causes mild infections. These are usually mild but on some rare occasions can become a more serious infection known as invasive Group A Strep (iGAS).
What to look out for:
You know your child best and should always trust your instinct when they are unwell. Speak to your GP or call 111 if your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
Always call 999 or go to the emergency department if your child:
· Is having difficulty breathing
· Their skin, tongue or lips are blue
· Is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
Help to reduce risk:
Strep A is spread when people are in close contact. It’s important both adults and children take the following steps to help reduce the risk of catching or spreading infections:
· Wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds
· Use a disposable tissue to catch coughs and sneezes
· Keep away from others when feeling unwell
For more information visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/strepA
Scam Warnings
- Counter Fraud has been made aware of an attempted scam involving a patient registered at a NHS Scotland Medical Practice. The patient registered for services using the Ask My GP Portal, understood to be a cloud based secure portal to assist GP Practices with workflow and facilitate communication directly with clinical teams. After submitting a request via the portal, the patient received an unsolicited email from a company called “Just Answer”. The email is understood to have contained a link to a medical questionnaire which the patient clicked on. The patient was then asked to input bank details.
This service does NOT require payment for NHS treatment, and patients who use this system are advised never to disclose bank details to any third parties. - Counter Fraud has been alerted to an unsolicited approach made to a patient. The patient received a telephone call from a male stating he was Harry Sherridan from “Beechgrove”. Beechgrove House is understood to be a NHS services provider named the Community Care and Treatment Service (CCATS) in Perth. The caller described a new trial for patients over 70 with Arthritis and informed the patient that they did not need to pay for equipment, but that he required the patients bank card details to take payment for a £3.50 insurance charge, which would later be refunded. The Community Care and Treatment Service (CCATS) is confirmed by NHS Tayside as a provider of a range of NHS care and minor injury services, based at seven locations across the Tayside region. The patient received a further unsolicited telephone call the following day, with the caller stating they were from NHS Outpatients and advised that the scheme would cost £10 per week for 10 months, with the first month free. The caller advised that the patient had been referred by NHS Physio Department/NHS Outpatient. The company name given on the telephone call is “Be Sure” with telephone numbers 020 3949 8214 and 01723 338 882. CFS have been unable to verify these telephone numbers. In both incidents, the patient did not provide bank details and no loss has occurred. CFS would recommend that patients remain vigilant of such telephone calls, and are reminded not to provide any bank account details for the provision of NHS services.
Covid Vaccine Update
For the most up to date information regarding the Covid-19 vaccine please visit:
www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
The contact number for the helpline is: 0800 030 8013
Aggressive and Abusive Behaviour
Over the past six months our admin staff have been receiving increasing levels of abuse.
This has now reached an unacceptable level resulting in one of our staff leaving.
We operate a zero tolerance policy to aggressive/abusive behaviour.
Anybody abusing our staff will be removed from our list with no further warning.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms. It’s not just physical abuse, it also includes coercive and controlling behaviour. If you are, or someone you know is experiencing violent, abusive or controlling behaviour, help is available. Controlling behaviour takes away your choices in life and the things that make you, you. It can happen to anyone in an intimate relationship. You don’t need to live with your partner to experience domestic abuse. It’s important to talk to someone if you think you are experiencing domestic abuse. If you’re not ready to report it, you can still seek support. To speak in confidence call Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234. For more info visit safer.scot
Important Information
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