We’re seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses at the moment. Many of these illnesses, like bronchiolitis are caused by a virus called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks without the need for treatment. But we know it’s a worry if your child is unwell so please use this guide to help care for them. If in doubt contact NHS 111.
Monthly Archives: October 2021
Update: Dr Branfoot
Please be aware that Dr Branfoot underwent a heart operation last week and will now be taking some time out of the Practice for the next 6-months to recover.
Dr Branfoot wanted to keep all of her patients up to date with what was happening in case you wondered where she was.
From all of the staff and patients here at Temple House Practice we send our very best wishes to Dr Branfoot.
Supporting your GP Practice
Please take the time to read the information below from the British Medical Association highlighting why we need your support:
Getting your winter vaccinations
COVID-19 boosters:
You will have no doubt heard on the news about the COVID-19 vaccination booster programme. This is important in order to ensure good continuing protection from COVID-19.
If you are not a frontline health or social care worker, please wait to be contacted by the NHS before booking your booster dose.
Please call 119 or follow the link below to book online, once you have been notified to book. There is no need to contact your GP practice.
The COVID-19 booster is being offered to the following groups:
- those living in residential care homes for older adults
- all adults aged 50 years or over
- frontline health and social care workers
- all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19
- adult carers and those experiencing homelessness
- adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
You’ll only be able to book an appointment for a booster dose if it’s been at least 6 months (180 days) since your 2nd dose of the vaccine. All groups should receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, as studies show it offers the best protection, unless they are known to be allergic to one of the Pfizer vaccine ingredients
All practices in Keynsham have made the difficult decision not to participate in this phase of the vaccination programme. This is because as practices we are under enormous pressure and feel we need to prioritise our resources on core GP Services to meet the wider needs of our practice population. Flu vaccines will still be available from each practice as in previous years.
But you will find many of our community pharmacies are offering appointments in Keynsham and our surrounding local area, and there are options of larger centres for those who can travel such as at Bath Racecourse. There will also be a centrally organised service for delivering the vaccine to completely housebound patients and those living in residential care homes.
Flu vaccines:
It is expected that flu could be a significant problem this coming winter. Therefore it is really important that those in eligible groups get their free NHS flu vaccine as soon as possible.
This year the flu vaccine will be offered free to:
- All children who are aged two and three on 31 August 2021
- All children in primary school and all secondary school pupils under the age of 16 on 31 August (delivered in schools)
- Those aged six months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 50 years and over
- People in residential care
- Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems
- Health and care staff
There were delays in flu vaccine delivery due to the truck driver shortage which was outside GP practices’ control. Our first vaccine delivery has arrived with our first flu clinic being held on Saturday 2nd October which is now fully booked. Further flu clinics are being arranged once more flu vaccine stock arrives and we will contact you to book. There is no need to contact your GP practice.
