PETERCULTER MEDICAL PRACTICE

IN the treatment room, Jenny King is now on maternity leave and we wish her and her husband all the very best when the time comes. During her leave, Mrs Sue Hampton is in post doing treatment room work, and she is very welcome in the team. Dr Fiona Jackson will he in the middle of her general practice exams and assessments by the time this edition is published - these are the final hurdles to be jumped prior to becoming a fully qualified GP fit to practise independently. The assessment process is a complicated one with written exam papers, oral examinations, assessment of consultation skills (on video) and a written project. We wish her well with all the various tests.

Now, an important piece of news for you all to note regarding out-of-hours arrangements. From Saturday 17 May GDOCS will be providing the out-of- hours medical cover all day on Saturdays and also on public holidays. At present we provide an emergency surgery and availability for urgent calls until 11am on such days. Access to the emergency service will be via NHS 24 in the first instance, with GDOCS being involved if appropriate. We do not envisage any real problems with the new arrangement, having confidence in the quality of emergency care available via NHS 24 and GDOCS, although it is yet another small change in the way medical services are delivered compared to previously. Any feedback would be welcome as always. Please remember at all times, if urgent medical advice or help is required, phone the practice number 733535 - if it is out- of-hours you will be given the appropriate contact number.

The hay fever season is upon us once more, bringing its predictable range of nuisance symptoms affecting the nose and eyes mainly. Please do remember that the local pharmacy stocks an extensive range of suitable products useful for both symptom relief and prevention of this common condition.

With best wishes,

DR DOUGLAS HARRIS