Information about the PSA blood test can be read on the following links.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a PSA test. You’ll need to talk to your GP or practice nurse about these before deciding whether to have one.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/diagnosis/primary-care/primary-care-investigations/psa-testing#PSAtesting1

‘We are taking part in the national collective action; we will continue to provide safe levels of clinical care for our patients.’

Dear Patients

We wanted to give you an update in relation to our decision to support the National Collective Action being taken by GP practices across the country. 

For clarity we are NOT striking nor are we taking Industrial Action!

We can assure you that this is a collective response to ever increasing demands and pressures placed on primary care. With inadequate funding to meet those demands.

We will continue to work within our GP contract however there will be some small changes to support the national collective action. 

GPs Are on Your Side:

We’re taking this action because general practice is collapsing in England. Practices are struggling to stay open, and patients are waiting far too long for an appointment.

This is because general practice isn’t getting nearly enough funding to handle demand.

It also means that many practices can’t afford to hire the extra GPs they need, like locums, trained GPs who want to see patients.

Currently (for 2024/25), only 6% of the overall NHS budget goes to core (guaranteed) funding for general practice.

This equates to just £107.57 per year for each patient, whatever their health needs. That’s less than the cost of an annual TV licence. Or, it equates to just 30p a day – less than the cost of an apple.

We need safety, stability, and hope. Safety now, stability in next year’s contract, and hope in long-term commitments to support our profession.

GPs and patients want the same thing: to be able to see their familiar family doctor quickly and easily, in a surgery that is safe, well-staffed and local to them.

If you have any significant concerns please contact Annie Hill, Operational Practice Manager.

On Wednesday 4th September Pontesbury and Worthen Medical Practice will be closed from 12:30 for countywide staff training.

We will be open as normal from 8:30am on Thursday 5th September. If you need medical treatment that cannot wait until the surgery is open again please ring 111, or in an emergency please dial 999.

Temporary Road Closure:  B4499, Minsterley to Brockton – 2 phases

Date: 15th August to 2nd September 2024

09:30 – 16:00

Purpose: Multevo carriageway repairs.

Phase 1 – Minsterley to Leigh 15th August to 28th August 2024.

Phase 2 – Leigh to Brockton 28th August to 2nd September 2024.

These sections will not be closed at the same time.

Works Promoter:   Shropshire Council

Works Promoter Ref: UJ20882661931 

You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here:  https://one.network/?tm=139013258

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.

Need help with your joint or muscle pain? Download the free myrecovery app – launching 5th August 2024!

If you are registered with a GP Practice within Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, you can access the free myrecovery app to help you manage your joint or muscle pain.

The myrecovery app has been created for you in partnership with healthcare professionals from across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and provides information, support and encouragement to help you take control of your health. 

You can download the app on a smartphone or tablet to help you with new or recurrent musculoskeletal conditions including:

• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Elbow Pain
• Foot & Ankle Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Neck Pain

The app offers a range of key features including:

• Videos and articles to help you understand, manage and improve your condition
• Tailored exercise programmes
• Information about local services and how to access them
• Short surveys to track your progress
• Information and guidance to help improve your overall health and wellbeing

How to sign up

Click this link to register – Register here. You will need to provide your NHS number and date of birth to set up your account. If you don’t know your NHS number, follow this link: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/.

If you develop a new condition, you can re-register for the app to access additional support.

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Pharmacy Bank Holiday Opening Times

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced new NHS prescription charges in England.

From 1 May 2024, the NHS prescription charge will rise to £9.90. The cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will be:

• £32.05 for three months
• £114.50 for 12 months (patients can spread the cost and pay in 10 monthly instalments)

The cost of an NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC will be £19.80.

Everyone should check if they are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check.

People who pay for their NHS prescriptions could save with a PPC. Rather than paying £9.90 for each prescription, the three and 12 month PPC covers unlimited NHS prescriptions for the one-off set price. This offers savings for those who need four or more items in three months, or 12 or more items in 12 months.

The quickest way to buy a three or 12 month PPC is online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc.

The HRT PPC covers all listed HRT medicines for 12 months. HRT PPCs can be purchased online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or in-person at some pharmacies.

Unfortunately due to a number of staff sickness the Worthen site will be closed today. Pontesbury remains open.

Pontesbury and Worthen Medical Practice will be closed on Good Friday (29th March 2024) and Easter Monday (1st April 2024) due to the Bank Holidays. We reopen as normal on Tuesday 2nd April 2024 8:30am.

If you require urgent medical help or advice when the practice is closed please telephone NHS 111, and in an Emergency please telephone 999.

Our Christmas & New Year opening times are as follows:

• Open as normal Mon 18th Dec – Fri 22nd Dec
• Closed Mon 25th Dec and Tues 26th Dec
• Open as normal Weds 27th – Fri 29th Dec
• Closed Mon 1st Jan
• Open as normal Tues 2nd Jan

If you need medical help whilst we are closed please call 111, or 999 in an emergency, or you can find a list of the available pharmacies open over the Bank Holidays in the post below.

If you have been asked to have a blood test you can book a blood test online to attend the Hospital on a day and time convenient for you. (please ensure you have the blood form request with you for your appointment)

https://www.sath.nhs.uk/wards-services/az-services/pathology/phlebotomy/book-a-blood-test/

Our online blood pressure/type 2 diabetes/cholesterol/cardiovascular diseases clinic allows you to monitor and manage your condition from home.

We now do your yearly reviews and medication reviews over the phone. Our online clinic allows us to give you better care by:

• reducing your waiting time, we can see people much quicker online.
• providing more accessible access to our clinicians.
• give you a clear management plan.

Our online clinic also saves you the time and effort of coming into the practice to see a doctor or nurse face to face.

How our online clinic works:

• If you’re eligible to use the online clinic, we’ll send you a text message explaining that we’ll now monitor your blood pressure/type 2 diabetes/cholesterol, from home.
• We’ll send you a link to our online patient portal hosted by Suvera. This is the secure platform we use to collect your information, like blood pressure readings.
• In our patient portal, you can submit any information needed for your appointment. Don’t worry, any information you share with us is secure and stays confidential.
• When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll speak to a clinician on the telephone. We’ll talk about your health and review any medication you’re taking.
• Sometimes we might need to make a follow-up telephone appointment after a few weeks or months. This is to make sure any changes we made are working.

If you’ve been invited to our online condition: blood pressure/type 2 diabetes/cholesterol/cardiovascular diseases clinic, you can use our online patient portal or find out how to opt-out here: https://patient.suvera.org.uk/support