PETERCULTER MEDICAL PRACTICE

THERE are a few outstanding jobs relating to the building to report. Firstly, some potholes in the main car park are in need of attention and these will be repaired. In the meantime, do be careful as you walk up to the building from the car park.

Secondly, some of you may have noticed the flies, wasps and other uninvited flying beasts that were buzzing around the glass canopy at the entrance in huge numbers during the summer. The canopy design means that once they have gained access to the area under the glass, these insects cannot escape upwards, with the result that a large quantity of dead insects accumulates on the ground below - not a very welcoming or appropriate sight at the entrance to a health centre! An alteration to the apex of the canopy will be made which will allow the hapless creatures to escape to freedom. In the meantime thanks to Dr Millar for his sterling efforts with his high-pressure hose!

There has been a good response to the 'flu vaccination programme this year -any of you who feel you may have missed out on this should contact the practice for advice. At the time of writing this article, we have not seen any significant numbers of true influenza cases but these usually peak a little later in the season. There has been the usual seasonal round of respiratory tract and tummy virus infections, most of them self-limiting.

How are you finding the out-of-hours service these days? Also, have any of you been using the NHS24 help line during the day? We would be interested to hear your views on these developing areas.

Be sure to have your repeat prescriptions ordered up in good time during the forthcoming festive season (see practice information boards for details) bearing in mind we will be closed during the public holidays.

With best wishes Dr DCM Harris