Our practice newsletter is now avalable to read online here: Bilborough Newsletter Winter 24.pdf

For a print copy, please speak to reception.

People at high-risk of serious illness are now able to book in their free flu and Covid-19 jabs to help keep them protected this winter.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

If eligable, you can also get your Covid-19 vaccination at the same time. You can book, amend, or cancel your vaccination appointment online by clicking here.

We are offer a limited number of flu vaccinations at the practice, but not Covid jabs. Please contact the reception team for more information.

You can also book a Covid-19 vaccination appointment by calling 119, or visiting a nearby walk-in vaccination site.

If you are over the state pension age and on low income, you may be able to apply for Pension Credit.

Pension Credit can help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges, and allow you to apply for Winter Fuel Payments. All together these can provide up to £3,900 to help you stay warm this winter.

To see if you can apply, call 0800 99 1234 or visit the Government website: Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK. Applications must be made by 21 December to get access to the Winter Fuel Payment.

There are a number of local agencies avaiable to provide advice and support through the application process. Visit ASKLion to find services near you.

To help over 50s manage their finances this winter, a drop-in event is being held at Nottingham Central Library on Tuesday 26 November (10am - 3pm). For more infromation, email healthandwellbeing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. 

NHS staff are working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists down and consistently deliver the best care.

We know change is needed. But we also know that many of the solutions we need are already here, working somewhere in the NHS today.

Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes: a new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future. Together we can fix it. We need your voice.

Go to change.nhs.uk to find out how you can take part.

Every year, thousands of people across the country make the pledge to quit smoking in October. Evidence shows people who go 28 days without smoking are five times more likely to permanently kick the habit.

By stopping smoking you will reduce your risk of serious illness, improve your general physical and mental health, and save money as well! It's never too late to stop smoking and feel the benefits of a smoke-free life.

To get started on your quitting journey, why not contact the free stop smoking service providing by Thriving Nottingham. They provide tailored support to help you towards a healthier future. Contact them by calling 01156 485 724 or emailing hello@thrivingnottingham.org.uk.

Our practice newsletter is now available to view online. Read here: Bilborough Newsletter Autumn 24.pdf

If they're not vaccinated, they're not protected.

Vaccinations for preventable illnesses, like measles, are free as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule.

In England, vaccines prevent more than 5,000 deaths and more than 100,000 hospital admissions each year.If you do have any questions, do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor – they will be happy to address any concerns and guide you through the vaccination schedule.

Although it important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it is never too late to contact your GP to check if you can catch up.

Please visit www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations to find out more.

With the violent disorder we have seen across the country, we are reminding patients we have ZERO TOLERANCE approach to all and any abuse towards its staff, doctors or other patients. This could be physical, verbal, or online abuse.

GPs and other staff have the right to care for others without fear of being attacked, abused or treated badly in any way. To successfully provide our services a mutual respect between staff and patients has to be in place.

In order for the practice to maintain good relations with our patients we would like to ask all our patients to read and take note of the occasional types of behaviour we see that would be found unacceptable:

• Using bad language, swearing or shouting at practice staff.
• Any physical violence towards any member of our team or other patients.
• Verbal abuse towards the staff in any form, including shouting.
• Racial abuse, discrimination or sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
• Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible and explanations given when they cannot be met.
• Being perceived to bully a member of staff to obtain something.
• Causing damage/stealing from the practices premises, staff or patients.
• Obtaining drugs and/or medical services fraudulently.

All of our staff aim to be polite, helpful and sensitive to all patients’ individuals’ needs and circumstances. We would respectfully remind patients that very often staff could be confronted with a multitude of varying, and sometimes difficult tasks and situations, all at the same time.

Please note, aggressive behaviour, be it physical, verbal or online, will not be tolerated and may result in you being removed.

Following recent news stories about the threat of GP practices closing in Nottingham, a number of people have asked reception if we will be affected. We want to reassure all our patients there are no plans to close the practice.

It is true general practice across the country is struggling, and we are no different. We have more patients to see without the funding to employ the necessary staff. This means we can’t make as many appointments available as we would like.

However, we have implemented some changes at the practice to help improve the service you receive. We recently installed a new phone system which allows us to answer your calls more efficiently, and has a call back feature. There is also a new system called Accurx that you can find on our website. This system allows you to raise non-urgent queries online without the need to make a phone call to reception.

Please rest assured we are working hard to improve our service and provide the best care possible for you, our patients.

If you would like to see a little more about why GP practices are under such strain, please watch this video from the BMA: https://youtu.be/Tds7ML2OfY8?si=g8v4QhwINKN0TAeC

While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke:

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply suncreen
• drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.

Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• tiredness
• weakness
• feeling faint
• headache
• muscle cramps
• feeling or being sick
• heavy sweating
• intense thirst

Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high.

Common symptoms of heatstroke include:

• confusion
• lack of co-ordination
• fast heartbeat
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• hot skin that is not sweating
• seizures

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down.

You can find out more about symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke on NHS.UK.

How to cool down

How to cool down if you or someone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
• remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
• drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
• apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help

You should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

If you are concerned about symptoms, or they are worsening, seek medical advice by contacting NHS 111. In an emergency, or if you think someone has heatstroke, dial 999.

Having a long-term health condition or disability can make it so much harder to find a job and thrive in your career. 

Working Well East Midlands can support you find a job or retain your current one even you are experiencing health problems. They offer one-to-one support to suit your needs and employment goals, and help in conversations between you and employers to ensure you are provided with ongoing support.

To qualify for help in finding a job you must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a mental and/or physical health condition or disability
• Have an entitlement to public funds
• Not be part of another Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contracted employment programme or provision including ESF

You can also get help retaining your current job if you are aged 18+ and have been in your role for at least six months, and working a minimum of seven hours

To apply for help from the service, visit IPSPC Working Well East Midlands.

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term illness that can seriously affect your life. Left untreated it can lead to life threatening kidney damage, heart disease, and even blindness.

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of suffering from the condition. These include:

• Over 40s
• Over 25s from Black or South Asian backgrounds
• People with high blood pressure
• Overweight people
• Those with a family history of the condition

There are certain symptoms to look out for. These can be of concern to anyone, but especially those who fall into the high-risk categories. Common symptoms include:

• Urinating more than usual
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying to
• Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
• Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
• Blurred vision

For Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, we are encouraging those at high-risk of developing the condition or experiencing symptoms to speak to their GP. Taking a routine blood test will allow your GP to test for diabetes, and establish your future risk of developing the condition.

Your GP will be able to provide advise on lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of diabetes, and point you in the direct of local services that may help you live a healthier life.

Check your level of risk by using the Diabetes UK 'Know Your Risk' tool: Diabetes UK – Know Your Risk of Type 2 diabetes

We currently have significant staff shortages at the practice. This may mean extended waiting times on the phones, and increasing waiting times to see a clinician.

We apologise for any delays, we are doing all we can to respond to every enquiry as quickly as possible. 

During this period it may be quicker and easier to use our online services to make appointments, order prescriptions, and get test results. Find out more here: Bilborough Medical Centre - powered by My Surgery Website.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

As our staff celebrate the Easter season, the practice will be closed on:

• 29 March
• 1 April

Make sure you have enough medication to get you through this period by placing repeat prescription requests ahead of time.

You can still get medical assistance and advice while the practice is closed by calling 111, or vising the NHS App. In an emergency, call 999.

From 2 April 2024 Stub it! will no longer be providing stop smoking services for the citizens of Nottingham city. This means Stub it! will be unable to take any new referrals after 1 March 2024.

If you would like help to stop smoking after 1 March 2024 you will be supported by Thriving Nottingham – a new, free health & wellbeing service here to help you live well and feel great. You can sign up from the 2 April by visiting www.thrivingnottingham.org.uk, or you can join their waiting list now.

Please be aware that the new service doesn’t start until 2 April 2024, therefore there will be a delay in your referral being processed. Although it is appreciated a delay isn’t ideal, it will mean you receive consistency in care and support to stop smoking.

Stop smoking services are just one part of the new Thriving Nottingham service. Thriving Nottingham will support adults, children and families with weight management, as well as providing smoking cessation, community-based physical activity options, and personalised 1-1 health and wellbeing coaching.

Thriving Nottingham is accessible free of charge to all Nottingham city residents and is funded by the Nottingham City Council Public Health Grant.

If you have any questions about the new stop smoking offer, or the Integrated Wellbeing Service please email: hello@thrivingnottingham.org.uk

Presenting the the Wellness Exchange Podcast!

This series, hosted by Projal Raote, has been created by health and wellbeing coaches from the BACHS PCN to help patients have a better understand of the ways they can live a healthier lifestyle.

Listen to the first episode on Youtube by following this link: https://youtu.be/Q1S0hWrkgHY

From today (31st January 2024), patients in England will be able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their high street pharmacy without needing to see a GP.

Highly trained pharmacists will be able to assess and treat patients without the need for a GP appointment or prescription for common conditions:

• sinusitis
• sore throat
• earache
• infected insect bite
• impetigo
• shingles
• uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women (under the age of 65) 

Over 90% of community pharmacies in England (10,265 in total) will be offering this service. It is hoped this will ease the pressure on GP practices and provide quicker and more convient treament for patients experiencing non-urgent health concerns.

To find your nearest pharmacy, you can use the NHS 'find a pharmacy' feature. Please be aware that not all pharmacies will be able to provide treament for these conditions.

Click here to read the latest edition of our practice newsletter for winter 2023. For a physical copy, please visit the practice and speak to reception.

From 1st November 2023, we will NOT be accepting medication requests over the phone.

Instead, it is advised to use the NHS App. You can find more details of how to download and view your NHS account here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/ 

If this option isn’t suitable, prescriptions can also be requested via: request slips found in foyer or sending your request by post.

If you run out of medicine outside of your GP surgery’s normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply quickly, even if you’re away from home.

This is for urgent need only, so it is important to always remember to order repeat medication from your GP practice in good time so that you never run out.

There are two main ways you can request an emergency supply of medicines:

• Contact NHS 111 via telephone or use the online service here: Emergency prescriptions – NHS 111. NHS 111 will then tell you which pharmacy you can go to or direct you to an urgent care centre. If the medicine is supplied, you will be charged the relevant prescription charge unless you are eligible for free prescriptions. This is not an NHS service so charges will vary.
• Contact a Community Pharmacy directly. Use the NHS pharmacy service search to find other nearby pharmacies and their opening hours – some are open until midnight or later, even on public holidays. This is not an NHS service so charges will vary.

What happens next:

The Community Pharmacist will need to talk to you to check that they can meet the legal criteria to supply and to find out:

• if you need the medicine immediately
• who previously prescribed the medicine to you,
• what medicine and dose of the medicine the prescriber has asked you to take.

The pharmacist will decide how much to supply up to a maximum of 30 days. There are sometimes when the smallest pack available has to be given such as one inhaler.

Only a few controlled medicines can be prescribed in an emergency, such as those for epilepsy and only up to 5 days supply can be given. Many controlled medicines, such as morphine or diamorphine, cannot be supplied without a prescription by a pharmacist in an emergency.

At the request of the prescriber

In the rare case that a prescriber cannot get a prescription to the Community Pharmacist quickly enough, a community pharmacist may be able to issue an emergency prescription at the request of the prescriber.

The Community Pharmacist will make a record of the supply and the prescriber must supply a prescription within 72 hours.

The medicine involved must not be a controlled medicine, except phenobarbital for the treatment of epilepsy.

This Stoptober, we are encouraging smokers in Nottingham to start their quit attempt.

Nottingham city has a particular problem with smoking, with rates much higher than the national average. It is one of the biggest causes of ill-health and death in the city.

To help reduce these rates and make Nottingham a healthier city, the Stub it! Stop Smoking Service provides FREE, personalised treatment to help create a programme that works for you.

Over 12-weeks, our expert and friendly advisors will use a variety of methods (including vapes) to help make your quit attempt a success, adapting it to your specific goals, needs, and reasons for quitting.

Since 2018, the Stub it! team have seen over 5,000 patients, with 40% of our graduates quitting for good. 99% of people who have used the service say they would recommend it to friends and family, and came away extremely satisfied with the support we provided.

As well as improving your health, stopping smoking can save you thousands of pounds a year. The average smoker spends over £2,000 a year on cigarettes alone. That’s an awful lot of money, especially in the current cost of living crisis.

Stub it! is available to all Nottingham city residents aged 12 or over. To start your quit attempt with us you, you can call the team on 0115 824 0583 (option 2), email nnicb-nn.info.ncgpa@nhs.net, or fill out the registration form on our website.

You can also sign up in person by speaking to the GP+ reception team between 4pm and 8pm (Angel Row entrance). For further updates from the team including tips on assisting your stop smoking journey, follow our Stub it! page on Facebook.

Click here to view the latest newsletter.

This year there has been a big rise in cases of measles in certain parts of the country.

Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Problems that can be caused by measles include:

• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Blindness
• Seizures (fits)

These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.

To ensure the best protection for our local population, we are asking parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses. Please call the practice or speak to reception to book in your child for their jabs.

For full details and advice, please visit the government's website: Vaccine update: issue 341, August 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The practice now uses Notts Care Record to share data across health services to improve your care.

The Notts Care Record is a view of all the data about you that is held by each different health and social care organisation across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. By sharing patient data across services, clinical and care staff involved in your care can access relevant medical information to improve your care.

We understand the importance of handling senstive medical information with due care and consideration. Please see the below FAQs to understand how, why, and when we use this data, and how to opt-out of the service:

Who can see my health and social care data? 

Only professionals in health and care organisations that you have interacted with can see this data.  For example, Doctors in Accident and Emergency and your GP.

Why are you sharing my data?

We are already sharing some of your health and care data to make sure that your health and care professionals have the correct information about your medical history.

The Notts Care Record is the upgraded version of this data sharing which will allow health and care professionals to see important information about you to make sure you get the right care at the right time. It will also help reduce the number of times you need to tell the same set of information to different health and care professionals, which will make your care experience more pleasant.

Is this data sharing safe?

This system has been created by the NHS, for the NHS and social care. All the necessary checks have been done to ensure your data is safe and can only be viewed by health or care professionals.

How can I opt out of this data sharing?

If you would not like your data to be shared, please speak to the practice in order to opt-out of the service.

What is the consequence of opting out of this data sharing?

If you take steps to prevent some or all of your health and care data being shared, you can still receive good quality health and care from organisations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

It will mean however, that you may need to tell the same set of information to each different health or care professional that you encounter as they will not have the ability to know your medical history across the organisations you have used.

It might also mean that you are asked to do the same, or similar tests at different organisations because they don’t have access to the results. For example, A&E might do the same blood test that your GP did last week because they can’t see the results from that initial blood test.

A free NHS service has been launched to offer specialist treatment and support to people in the East Midlands who are struggling with a gambling problem.

The East Midlands Gambling Harms Service, which is based in Derby, will provide specialist therapies, treatment and recovery to those affected by gambling addiction and gambling problems in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.

The team providing the service will include clinical psychologists, therapists, mental health practitioners and psychiatrists as well as experts-by-experience – people who have recovered from a gambling addiction themselves.

Most support will be provided through virtual treatment programmes and group workshops. Further support and advice will be available to family members and carers, with the support of other agencies to help with problems such as mental health, debt management and housing.

The service is accepting referrals and individuals who are concerned about their gambling can either refer themselves or ask a health worker to make a professional referral for them.

The service is being run by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Paul Sanger, East Midlands Gambling Harms Service Manager, said: “The team are pleased to launch this service, to provide support and treatment to those individuals who are experiencing problems with gambling problems across the East Midlands region.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work as one of a number of gambling services now in operation across the country in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

“Our aim is to equip those in need of help with the tools to overcome the desire to gamble, and to support those close to someone who is experiencing problems with gambling. We are confident that this service will provide better access to help in the region.”

Chris Kershaw, a recovering compulsive gambler who has supported the launch of the East Midlands Gambling Harms Service, said: “Problem gambling can have extremely detrimental effects on people’s physical and mental health, relationships and work, as well as causing financial issues such as debt.

“For me, my 24/7 compulsive gambling led to a breakdown and suicide attempt in early February 2006. I lost everything – not just money but also many relationships, which had a massive impact on my mental health.

“This service is a vital resource for residents across the East Midlands, to help people make better life choices. The support available will help those struggling to lead better, more fulfilling lives – not only for themselves but also their often long-suffering loved ones.”

Any resident within the East Midlands wishing to access support from East Midlands Gambling Service can call 0300 013 2330 or visit www.eastmidlandsgambling.nhs.uk.

Check out the latest edition of our newsletter here: Newsletter

Keeping active has been shown to help reduce pain and improve joint function in people with arthritis. This is particularly important for people who are about to undergo, or are recovering from, hip or knee operations. 

This is why Versus Arthritis have launched the Let's Move for Surgery Toolkit.

Let’s Move for Surgery is packed with physical activities to help people keep moving when they’re waiting for or recovering from joint replacement surgery. They have created tailor-made, follow-along exercise routines for hip, shoulder and knee replacement, as well as full body workouts to help maintain overall fitness.

The toolskit explore personal stories and advice from those living with arthritis who have been through joint replacement surgery, as well as tips on keeping active from a physiotherapist.

If you would like direct advice and support on managing your condition you cancontact the Versus Arthritis helpline on 0800 5200 520. It's open Monday to Friday from 9am until 6pm.

Spring Covid-19 Boosters For Vulnerable People – Book Your Appointment Today!

Bookings are now open for those who are at highest risk of becoming unwell from Covid-19.

Spring Booster vaccinations can be booked from today (5th April), with vaccinations being available from 17 April, subject to vaccine availability.

The spring booster will be offered to:

• everyone aged 75 years and over
• residents in care homes for older adults
• people aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around 6 months after their previous dose.

The vaccination is available through a mixture of walk-in and booked appointments at pharmacies, GP sites, designated health centres and hospital hubs across the city and county.

People who have not yet received a 1st and 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccinations will still be able to receive this – however, following JCVI advice, availability of these vaccines will conclude at the end of the spring campaign on 30 June 2023.

Steve Upton, Deputy Director of Operations for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Boosters are offered to help you maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch Covid-19.

“That’s why the most vulnerable people are given a chance to top up their immunity with a seasonal booster. It is important those at highest risk of severe illness do not become complacent and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward and book a spring booster as soon as possible.

“We have been delivering the life saving vaccine for more than two years now and our incredible teams of staff will be available to give you the very best service, help and advice throughout the whole process.”

People can book an appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119. Or you can also get a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a walk-in site without an appointment. People can find their nearest walk-in sites on the NHS website.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare, alongside partners across the Integrated Care System, has teamed up with mental health charity Mental Health Innovations to launch free and confidential mental health support 24/7, through the charity’s text messaging support service Shout.

From today (Monday 6 March 2023), anyone living in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can text the word Notts to 85258 to be connected to a trained Shout Volunteer. The service is open around the clock and volunteers, supervised by a bank of clinicians, can help with issues such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

The conversation, which takes place entirely by text message, aims to help the texter reach a calmer place with a plan to move forward. It will also signpost them to further support available locally.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Deputy Director of Local Mental Health Services, Kazia Foster says: “This new dedicated texting service, specifically for people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, is an excellent addition to our urgent mental health support offer, which includes a 24/7 crisis line and crisis sanctuaries. It offers local people a different way to access help when they need it and I would like to urge anyone who is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing to text ‘Notts’ to 85258 and get support from the Shout team.”

Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service, designed to provide people with ‘in the moment’ support. Texting Shout does not appear on phone bills and all messages are confidential unless there is concern about someone’s safety.

• Nottinghamshire Healthcare provides a crisis line 0808 196 3779 available to anyone in mental health crisis at anytime, anywhere across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Available 24 hours a day, seven-days a week, it’s the number to call if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help. It’s open to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support.
• Crisis sanctuaries are also available for adults over 18 at different locations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, venues, days and opening times can be found here: Home | Nottinghamshire Crisis Sanctuaries
• For online support and advice for young people, visit: https://nottalone.org.uk
• Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Powered by charity Mental Health Innovations, Shout launched publicly in May 2019 and has taken 1,8 million conversations with more than 620,000 people who were feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who needed urgent support - About Shout 85258 | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)

Ahead of national No Smoking Day on the 8th March, there has never been a better time to attempt to quit smoking with Stub it!

With the cost of living crisis, we are all looking at ways to cut down on the amount of money we are spending. If you are a smoker one of the biggest drains your bank account may be the cost of smoking.

Estimates predict the average smoker spends £2,303.15 a year on cigarettes. That is more than the average annual energy bill, and around 8% of the average yearly salary in the UK. This is on top of the costs that come with suffering from smoking-related health problems, including having to miss work or buy medication.

This is where Stub it! can help.

Stub it! is a free stop smoking service available to all Nottingham city residents and provides personalised sessions with our stop smoking specialists to help find a way of quitting that works for you. This service is highly effective for many people, with 43% of people completing the programme managing to kick the habit.

Get in touch with us today to start your quit attempt: Stub it! - Nottingham City GP Alliance (ncgpa.org.uk)

Join the Nottingham biking revolution by taking part in ‘Love to Ride’.

Cyclists of all levels are invited to set personal goals, compete in challenges, and win prizes, all while experiencing the health and wellbeing benefits of bike riding.

Visit their website to register for free and take part - Register : Love to Ride UK

Aged 55–74 with a history of smoking? You may be eligible for a free lung health check.

This free NHS service for Nottingham city residents will check that your lungs are fit and healthy.

Even if you have not noticed any problems with your breathing, we advise current and former smokers to their lungs checked so we can spot any potential problems early. Think of it like annual MOT for your lung health.

Eligible residents in Nottingham city, Mansfield, and Ashfield will receive a letter in the post with details of their appointment.

Find out more here: Nottingham NHS Lung Health Checks (nottslunghealthcheck.nhs.uk)

If you are unwell or injured it is important to choose the right NHS service.

If you have a health concern but aren't sure what to do, try NHS 111 online first Choosing the right care first time, means that you and your family will get the best treatment available.

Get assessed and directed to the right place for you without leaving your armchair. 

Use 111 online. Help us help you. 111.nhs.uk

This week both Bilborough Medical Centre and Assarts Farm Medical Centre are scheduled to have routine systems updates take place.

We will do everything we can to minimise the impact on our services, however the system updates may cause disruption to service for up to two hours.

The updates are planned as follows:

Bilborough Medical Centre: Wednesday 21 December 12pm - 2pm

Assarts Farm Medical Centre: Thursday 22 December 9.45am - 11.45am

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

General Practice is working in new ways to better meet the needs of the population. To make this happen Nottingham city has been split in to eight Primary Care Networks (PCNs). PCNs are groups of GP practices, and other community healthcare providers, that work together to focus care on the needs of the local population. Our practice is part of the BACHS Primary Care Network.

The GP practices in our PCN are offering evening and weekend appointments - either at this practice, or another NHS practice nearby. Appointments are available with a range of clinicians depending on your needs. Please speak to our reception team for more information, or to book an evening or weekend appointment.  

Additional appointments are available: 

6.30 pm – 8pm Monday – Friday 

9am – 5pm Saturday  

This is not a walk-in service; appointments are needed and can be booked with reception.  

If Stoptober has got you thinking about quitting or making a quit attempt, you don’t have to do it alone. There are lots of great resources available on the NHS website  or if you are worried you won't be able to quit alone, you can access support through Stub it! the dedicated stop smoking service for people of Nottingham city (aged 16+). The Stub it! team will support you in developing a personalised quit plan that combines behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy.  

Don’t just take our word for it. There is some great feedback from those who have sought support to quit with Stub it!: 

• 88% of people who used the service felt extremely satisfied, and 91% of people who used the service said that they would be likely to recommend the service to a friend or family member.  
• Since 2018, the Stub it! Team have seen over 2000 patients and counting! 40% of who have quit for good (higher than the national average).  

Stopping smoking will save you money, improve your breathing and make you able to do more fitness and exercise. Take the first step on your stop smoking journey and fill out an online self-referral form.  

If you would like to find out more visit the Stub it! website, call the team on 0115 824 0583 (option 2), email ncgpa.stubit@nhs.netr or pop in and fill out a referral form with the reception team at GP+ between 4pm and 8pm at the Angel Row entrance (NG1 6JE). 

Following the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and funeral taking place on Monday 19th September please be advised that the practice will be closed on Monday 19th September. This will enable our teams to join the nation in a day that marks the end of national mourning and celebrate the life of Her Majesty. 

If they haven't already, the practice team will be in touch to cancel, and where possible rearrange, appointments. If you are due a repeat prescription on Monday, please request this as soon as possible. 

Should you need medical advice while the practice is closed, please call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online for advice. 

Thank you for your support and understanding. 

It is of great sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II ruled for 70 years, longer than any other Monarch in British history, and it has been a constant for generations. As well as our Queen she was also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. You can find the official announcement on the Royal Family website.

We would like to reassure you that’s the NHS, including NCGPA, will continue to provide services as planned. While we anticipate that appointments will continue as scheduled, we will offer compassionate care for those struggling with the impact of this news, please be considerate of others during this time.

We are not yet sure of the details for the period of national mourning, but we will update you as we learn more about arrangements and any potential impact it will have on the services we provide.

Click here to view our July 2022 practice newsletter!

As a patient at Bilborough Medical Centre, the BACHS Primary Care Network (PNC)* want to understand your views on what a healthy lifestyle means to you, as well as learn how you can access GP services more effectively, to help improve these areas for you!

Please take a moment to complete this survey to share your comments and feedback - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO45Q8A3NbYeZDpnpYIVfDOclUNkZBWkcxOVZVVVNRSkI2MjNTODJBRElBTi4u

*Bilborough Medical Centre sits within the BACHS PCN which is a group of GP practices and other local organisations/groups that are located in the same area of the city, and work collaboratively to support the communities health care. BACHS covers Bilborough, Beechdale, Aspley, Cinderhill, Hyson Green and Strelley.

We expect there to be disruptions to our phone line on the Tuesday 28th June as we are changing telephone providers.

We will keep you updated on any issues with the phones and calling in to reception, but we hope there won't be too many issues.

If you are needing urgent medical advice, and cannot get through to the practice on this day, please visit NHS 111 or call 111.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Our website currently isnt displaying the Userway accessibility widget (meaning that some may find it more difficult to navigate our site). We have informed our website developers, and hopefully they will be able to resolve this issue quickly. 

If you, or somebody else you know, is stuggling to access our website, please contact the practice and they wil be able to help you find the information you need. 

We are sorry for any inconvinience caused. 

Monday 11 April - Closed

Your general practice team are here for you.

Locally the number of people testing postive for Covid is on the rise and we have an increase in staff absence, both admin and clinical, as a result.

Our practice(s) are still open and continuing to provide services as we have done throughout the pandemic. But, we may take longer to answer the phone than we would like, or we may need to cancel/reschedule appointments if our staffing levels reduce. Please be assured we are working to ensure impact on patients is mimimised wherever possible. 

When calling the practice the reception team will ask you questions to make sure you get an appointment with the most appropriate person for your needs. Our teams are working hard cover absence and we are working at a reduced staffing level, please be patient.

If you are unsure if you need a GP appointment you can call NHS111, or visit 111.nhs.uk

Alternatively, you can visit the local pharmacy for clinical advice on minor health concerns.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

We don't yet know what the guidance will be for primary care in response to the new 'Living with Covid' reponse, therefore until this is confirmed, please can you continue to:

-Wear your mask in the surgery

-Keep distance when in the surgery 

-Arrive no longer than 5 minutes before your appointment time

-Avoid attending for routine care when you have COVID

-Tell us if you have COVID symptoms, or are COVID positive when you have an appointment

That way we can keep all patient safe - including those who cannot be vaccinated or whose immune systems are weak.

It is not our policy to issue COVID-19 certificates for international travel purposes, this includes 'fit to fly' letters for COVID-19.

Travel advice is changing very rapidly, therefore it is recommended that you check the government website as it gives the most up to date information on what you will need to do when planning to travel abroad. Click this link to be taken to the Government website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-abroad-from-england-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Click here to view our January 2022 practice newsletter!

Are you stopping smoking for Stoptober? 

There are resources available to help you throughout your quit attempt to make sure you can make it through Stoptober without smoking - www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

If you have been inspired by Stoptober but feel you may need some extra support, as a resident of Nottingham city you are ale to access Stub It! stop smoking service. For more information visit - www.ncgpa.org.uk/stub-it

Click here to view our September 2021 practice newsletter!

Although the government guidelines have changed, it is our priority to ensure that patients, visitors and our staff are kept healthy and safe during their time in the practice. We therefore ask that all those in the  practice continue to wear a face covering; and for it to be covering both the mouth and nose. We understand some exemptions apply, if this is appliciable, please speak to the reception team.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation.