November 2024 Patient Newsletter
š«±š½āš«²š½ Help us to help you!
We’re committed to providing the best possible care to our patients at Tudor Lodge which is why we’ve been working hard to reduce appointment wait times. We’re pleased to share that in October, most patients attended their appointments or let us know if they were no longer needed. Your cooperation helps us provide timely care to all our patients. Please give us plenty of notice (more than an hour) if you need to cancel your appointment. We have begun removing patients who fail to attend or donāt give us at least one hourās notice. We are a very busy surgery, so your help makes a big difference. In October the team:
- Answered 3,523 phone calls
- Processed 2,760 online requests (thatās an average of 89 requests a day)
- Delivered 3,029 appointments (face-to-face and telephone).
- Offered 2,909 GP appointments, 1,616 nurse appointments and 455 other healthcare appointments.
- Processed 1,510 prescriptions.
šµ Somewhere
to stay toastie and socialise
The colder winter months can beĀ a lonely time for some people! If you would like some company, why not pop along to one of the Community Spaces around Wandsworth? They are for residents looking for a friendly space to engage with others and in some cases share a drink or even a meal. Some of these services may charge a minimal fee for some of their activities and meals, whileĀ others are free. More information and venue details can be found here.
š Flu vaccination clinics still available
Donāt forget that our flu vaccination clinics are up and running for all eligible patients. If you are coming in to see a nurse or GP anyway and would like a flu vaccine while youāre here, please ask for one, and donāt forget to let us know if you have had one elsewhere so we can update our records.
š©š¾āš» A reminder about managing your bookings online
We’re committed to making it easy for you to book appointments online. You can visit our website and click the “Make an Appointment” tab or “Contact us about your request” to submit your appointment needs. A clinician will review your request to determine the best timeframe, type of appointment, and the most suitable healthcare professional to see you.
Our friendly reception team will then contact you with the doctor’s recommendations and book your appointment within the specified timeframe.
š¶š½āāļøHealth information and activities at Age UK Wandsworth
During November, Age UK in Wandsworth is providing winter health information and advice over 2 weeks of activities. Activities include coffee mornings, arts and crafts, winter walks, and seated exercise classes. The activities are designed to encourage better health and well-being and include free refreshments. More information and a full timetable can be found here.
š° Surgery News
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr Aravinden who is joining the surgery on 21stĀ November for 2 sessions a week, Dr Abi who has returned from maternity leave, and our Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Patience Udo.
š Are you due forĀ your annual medical review?
A friendly reminder that if you live with a chronic disease such as asthma, diabetes or COPD to look out for your annual medical review. We send text message invites out in your birth month and ask you to book your appointment promptly. If you donāt receive an invite or have had to cancel yours in the past, please get in touch with the practice to arrange yours.
š« Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the third most common cancer in the UK. Lung cancer often presents with subtle symptoms, making early diagnosis crucial. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent cough
- Changes in a cough, such as a cough that won’t go away or becomes worse
- Chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Blood in phlegm or coughing up blood
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, please book an appointment with your GP. Early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve the chances of successful recovery. For more information about lung cancer and the support available please visit Macmillan Cancer Support.
If you would like to opt out of receiving these monthly updates, please complete this form.
