FLU VACCINATION CLINICS 2020

Patients who are eligible to receive the Flu Vaccination (over 65, certain at risk patients under 65 and preschool children) should receive a letter before 3^rd October 2020 with details of their appointment date and time. This year we will be running our flu clinics over 4 Saturday mornings.   We have a huge number of patients to vaccinate and in order to keep our patients and staff safe and promote social distancing we will be making some changes to the way we run the flu clinic.

• There will be a one way system through the building and you will join a moving queue keeping 2m apart from the next patient & will exit to the car park via a different door. Staff and signage will guide patients throughout the building.
• PATIENTS MUST BRING THIER LETTER - Patients will not check in at reception this year and to gain entry into the building they must bring the personal letter from the surgery.
• Our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment.
• For speed where possible patients will be vaccinated standing up and will be allowed to leave the building immediately afterwards.
• Patients should dress in such a way that your upper arm can be quickly accessed for the injection (adults) although be aware of the weather conditions as there may be a requirement to join the end of the queue outside of the building.
• Patients should wear a mask or face covering (adults).
• Please do not come to the Health Centre if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e. new continuous cough, fever or loss of smell/taste).
• If the district nurse administered your vaccination last year they have been automatically given your name to have your vaccination at home.
• If you think that you are eligible to receive a flu vaccine and have not received a letter please telephone reception on 028 2766 0300.
• If you are not eligible to receive a flu vaccine but would like to avail of one you can ask your local pharmacy to administer for a small fee if they provide this service.

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TRAINING CLOSURE

Ballymoney Family Practice will be closed on:

WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2020 from 1.00pm

 Should you require a doctor in an EMERGENCY, please contact: 

07850 755 618 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ORDERED ADEQUATE MEDICATION TO COVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.  THERE IS NO NEED TO ORDER UNNECESSARILY UNLESS YOUR MEDICATION IS DUE TO RUN OUT DURING THE PLANNED CLOSURE!

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COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS

If you are suffering from fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms you may have coronavirus.  This is usually mild and you can obtain advice from www.publichealth.hscni.net or www.111.nhs.uk

Please do not book an appointment and do not enter the health centre building if you have any of these symptoms.  If necessary you may phone our reception for advice.

Due to the pressures over the coming weeks we will be limiting advanced bookable appointments although will do our best to provide care to all other conditions as we normally do.

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BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Ballymoney Family Practice will be closed on:

FRIDAY 25th DECEMBER 2020

MONDAY 28th DECEMBER 2020

FRIDAY 1st JANUARY 2021

 Should you require a doctor in an EMERGENCY, please contact: 

028 2566 3500 

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ORDERED ADEQUATE MEDICATION TO COVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.  THERE IS NO NEED TO ORDER UNNECESSARILY UNLESS YOUR MEDICATION IS DUE TO RUN OUT DURING THE PLANNED CLOSURE!

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PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS!! 

It is essential that when a patient orders repeat medication that they allow 24 WORKING HOURS before attempting to collect at reception and a further 24 WORKING HOURS if you wish your  medication to be sent to a named chemist.  If you are ordering an acute item which might be deemed more urgent, it is important that you tell the receptionist so that this can be prioritised.  If you have asked for your medication to be collected at the chemist we would kindly ask that you would check with them first before presenting yourself to reception but again please allow a minimum of 24 WORKING HOURS!

THANK YOU

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BOWEL SCREENING

A new video has been released giving information on the Bowel Screening Testing

which is currently underway for eligible patients in Northern Ireland. 

If you have to take the test please follow the link below - you may find it of use!

http://www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/2188.htm

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OCD SUPPORT GROUP - COLERAINE

 There is a new support group in Coleraine for OCD sufferers.  For futher information please click on the link below.....

http://www.ocdni.co.uk/coleraine-support-group/4588795096

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"A Guide to Preventing Blood Clots" - INFORMATION LEAFLET

 As part of on-going work a leaflet has been developed or patient to help them with the prevention of blood clots.  For futher information please click on the link below.....

www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-nursing-and-allied-health-professions/hsc-safety-forum 

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