Note: when you submit an eConsult, an initial response from us will not necessarily mean an appointment or telephone call with a GP. We will review your request and contact you to explain the next steps.
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eConsults
We apologise for the delay in responding to eConsults. Please bear with us as we deal with an increase in e-consults combined with staff absence. We are working through them as quickly as possible, but unfortunately this is taking 3 to 5 working days currently.
If you need more urgent advice, please call 111 or in an emergency 999. There is also the Pharmacy First service - your local community pharmacy can support on minor illnesses including coughs, cold, sore throats and UTI’s.
August Holidays opening times - 2024
Monday, 26 August 2024 - Closed
Tuesday, 27 August onwards - Normal opening hours
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine (RSV)
From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.
Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV which can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.
NHS England eligibility for this one-time RSV vaccination
Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a one-time RSV vaccine, up until the day before their 76th birthday. As this is a new vaccine programme, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are aged 76 to 79 years on 1 September 2024 (this eligibility remains until the end of August 2025).
If you are not yet 75 we will invite you for vaccination once you turn 75 years old.
Booking an RSV vaccination
We will send a SMS text message to eligible patients with an appointment booking link. For those who don’t have a mobile phone, we will send a letter. Guidance recommends leaving a week between the RSV vaccine and Covid/flu vaccines. Having your RSV vaccination in September means you are ready to have your Covid/flu vaccination in early October.
For more information about the vaccine, side effects and the programme please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults/your-guide-to-the-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults
Major System Outages
You may of read in the national news this morning that many systems have been hit by an IT Outage.
Our systems at Cowes Medical Centre are currently unaffected, however we know some of our partner services, like chemists, are hit. We will endeavour to keep our patients updated throughout today.
Heat Health Alert
The Met Office has declared a heat health alert for the South East from 24 June to 27 June.
The increased temperatures can cause risk to people’s health, so it’s important we look after ourselves and each other. People most at risk of harm from hot weather include older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
During prolonged hot weather there is risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heatstroke can
occur if symptoms of heat exhaustion are left untreated, it can also occur suddenly without warning.
Please take extra care over the next couple days and follow these top tips to keeping safe during the hot weather:
- Stay out of the heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- Wear light, loose fitting, breathable clothes
- Have plenty of cold drinks and avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
Covid-19 vaccination & health check - Mon, 10 June 2024
Health and wellbeing discussions and COVID vaccinations are now being offered for Islanders in community venues across the Island in June. There is no need to book.
As well as delivering the COVID vaccination, the team will also be offering blood pressure checks, information and advice on healthy lifestyle choices such as weight management support, stopping smoking, stress management and light refreshments will be available for anyone attending.
The Apex, St Faith's Church Cowes | Thursday 20th June 10:30am to 1:30pm | St Faith's Rd,
Cowes, PO31 7HH |
East Cowes Library | Tuesday 4th June 9:30am to 12:30pm | York Avenue
East Cowes, PO32 6RU |
The Green Room
Ventnor Town Hall | Thursday 6th June 10:30am to 1:30pm | 1 Salisbury Gardens,
Dudley Rd,
Ventnor, PO38 1EJ |
Wootton Bridge Community Centre | Monday 10th June 1pm to 4pm | Brannon Way,
Wootton Bridge,
Ryde, PO33 4NW |
Freshwater Sports Centre | Tuesday 11th June 10:30am to 1:30pm | Moa Place,
Freshwater, PO40 9XH |
Ryde Library | Wednesday 12th June 11am to 2pm | George Street,
Ryde, PO33 2JE |
The Broadway Centre, Sandown | Thursday 13th June 1pm to 4pm | 1 Broadway,
Sandown, PO36 9GG |
Shanklin Methodist Church Hall | Wednesday 19th June 10:30am to 1:30pm | 21 Regent St,
Shanklin, PO37 7AF |
Lord Louis Library | Wednesday 26th June 10:30am to 1:30pm | Orchard Street Newport, PO30 1LL |
The Vaccination Hub at St Mary's Hospital is also open and offering walk-in COVID vaccinations in June on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:45am to 1:30pm.
If you are eligible, you can also book via the National Booking System, by calling 119, or via the NHS App, until 27 June.
If you’re not sure if you have a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help via 0300 561 0018.
Afternoon closure - Weds, 5 June 2024
All the island GP Practices will be closed on Wednesday afternoon from 1pm. This is to enable clinicians and teams to come together for training. The Practice will re-open Thursday 6 June at 8am.
May Bank Holidays opening times - 2024
Monday, 6 May 2024 - Closed
Tuesday, 7 May onwards - Normal opening hours
Monday, 27 May 2024 - Closed
Tuesday, 28 May onwards - Normal opening hours
Over 75s & Immunosuppressed Spring Covid Vaccinations - April 2023
As directed by NHS England, the Covid-19 spring programme will run from April to June, with care home residents being vaccinated as a priority.
The Practice will offer covid vaccinations for patients aged 75 and over, along with care home residents and anyone over 18 who is immunosuppressed.
We are setting up Covid vaccination clinics and will be in touch with eligible patients. This will take a number of weeks as there are over 2,000 eligible patients.
Vaccination remains the best way to stay protected against Covid-19 and the spring booster provides an opportunity for those who are at highest risk of severe illness to keep their immunity topped up.
Easter Bank Holiday Pharmacy Opening Hours - 2024
Good Friday – 29 March
Boots Newport - tel 752908: 10am – 4pm
Day Lewis Carisbrooke - tel 525216: 10am to 1pm
Easter Sunday – 31 March
Boots Newport - tel 752908: 2pm – 5pm
Easter Monday – 1 April
Boots Newport - tel 752908: 10am – 4pm
Boots at Cowes Medical Centre – 7 March 2024
Boots are closing their pharmacy at the medical centre Friday, 8 March 2024. They have sold their business to Jhoots pharmacy who are yet to confirm when next week they will be up and running. We also do not yet have any information about their opening hours.
To ensure our patients who have nominated Boots-Cowes as their preferred pharmacy can get their medication during this transition, we will send prescriptions to the 'cloud'. Having your prescription sent to the 'cloud' means you can go into any pharmacy and ask them to ‘download your prescription’ and fill it. You will need to have your NHS number with you to do this.
Boots will transfer any patients who have nominated Boots Cowes as their preferred pharmacy to Jhoots Cowes. You can of course decide to change your preferred pharmacy.
The pharmacy, be that Boots or Jhoots, is an independent business which just happens to be in the same building as us - the Practice was not involved in this process, nor has any influence over it. Any concerns or compliments about the pharmacy service should be directed to the pharmacy.
Covid Vaccination Clinics – update 19 Jan 2023
For those eligible, this will be the last opportunity to have your COVID vaccinations this winter.
St Mary’s are running a clinic for children that are eligible for a Covid Vaccination on the 22 January 2023 at Children’s Outpatients, North Hospital between 8am – 11am. Parents will need to phone the HIOW Covid Helpline on 0330-561-0018 to book an appointment.
There are also walk-in clinics with the option to have your blood pressure checked and get New Year healthy lifestyle advice. Clinics are taking place across the Island:
Ventnor Town Council - Town Hall, The Green Room - Town Hall, 1, Salisbury Gardens, Dudley Rd, Ventnor PO38 1EJ | Thursday 18 January Clinic Time 10:00 - 13:00 |
Sandown Town Council - Town Hall - Sandown Town Council, Town Hall, The Broadway Centre, 1 Broadway, Sandown PO36 9GG | Monday 22 January Clinic Time 10:30 - 13:30 |
Freshwater Sports Centre - Freshwater Sports Centre, Moa Pl, Freshwater PO40 9XH | Tuesday 23 January Clinic Time 10:30 - 14:30 |
Newport PAN Together - Newport PAN Together, Downside Community Centre, Furrlongs, Newport, PO30 2AX | Wednesday 24th January Clinic Time 13:00 - 16:00 |
Cowes The Apex, St Faith's Church - The Apex, St Faith's Church, St Faith's Rd, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 | Thursday 25 January Clinic Time 10:30 -13:30 |
Wootton Community Centre Association - Wootton Bridge Community Centre, Brannon Way, Wootton Bridge, Ryde PO33 4NW | Monday 29 January Clinic Time 13:30 - 16:30 |
Christmas & New Year opening times – 15 December 2023
Friday 22 December 2023 - Normal working hours
Monday 25 December 2023 - Closed
Tuesday 26 December 2023 - Closed
Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 December 2023 - Normal working hours
Monday 1 January 2024 - Closed
Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 January 2024 - Normal working hours
eConsult:
The Practice will not be accepting eConsult requests from:
5pm on Friday 22 December to 8am on Wednesday 27 December 2023
5pm on Friday 29 December to 8am on Tuesday 2 January 2024
If you need urgent help or advice, please contact NHS 111. If you have a medical emergency, please call 999
Pharmacy:
Open Christmas Day: Day Lewis - High Street Carisbrooke 10am to 1pm
Open Boxing Day: Boots Newport 10am to 5pm
Open New Years Day: Day Lewis - High Str Newport 10am to 1pm
Diabetes UK – 15 December 2023
Diabetes UK is also arranging a Zoom meeting for patients, on the 23 January 2024 at 6.30pm titled ‘Diabetes and the Menopause’. To join register at: https://diabetes-menopause-2023.eventbrite.com
Shingles vaccination programme – from 1 September 2023
Individuals from 70 to 79 years of age who have not received the shingles vaccine before are already eligible for the shingles vaccine and they remain eligible up to their 80th birthday.
Severely immunosuppressed individuals aged 50 years and over who have not received the shingles vaccine before are now eligible.
From 1 September 2023, NHS England is changing the routine age for the shingles programme from routinely offering vaccination at 70 years of age, to routinely offering vaccination at 60 years of age. This change is being phased in over 10-years:
- During stage 1 (1 September 2023 to 31 August 2028) the shingles vaccine will be offered to those turning 70 and 65 years of age.
- During stage 2 (1 September 2028 to 31 August 2033) the shingles vaccine will be offered to those turning 65 and 60 years of age.
Thereafter, from 1 September 2033, the shingles vaccine will be offered routinely to all individuals at 60 years of age.
For more information on why not everyone is eligible at the same time click on the link: Why you may have to wait for your shingles vaccine - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Free webinar for patients on staying well during cold & flu season – 19 September 2023, 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a free on-line event on the 19th. It will be packed full of information on winter wellness, with expert advice from a GP, Dietitian, Health & Wellbeing Coach, Medicines Optimisation and Public Health.
Click on this link to book a space:
Let’s talk about… Staying well during cold & flu season – Newport Health Centre
Covid and Flu vaccination appointments – 31 August 2023
We are now offering the autumn Covid-19 vaccinations and annual flu vaccinations to our eligible patients. There are over 5,000 eligible patients so we will be offering appointments across many weeks.
Please look out for text messages which enable easy direct appointment booking. You can have both vaccines at the same time if you are eligible for both.
If you do not have a smartphone, please call the Practice and select option 4 to make a booking.
Autumn Flu & Covid vaccination eligibility– 31 August 2023
Vaccination remains the best way to stay protected against flu and Covid-19. The Autumn programme is an opportunity for those who are at highest risk of severe illness, or caring for those who are, to keep their immunity topped up.
NHS England has now confirmed that the flu and Covid-19 Autumn booster programme will run from 11 September with the aim to complete this by 15 December 2023.
You are eligible for BOTH Covid and flu vaccinations if: you turn 65 years by 31 March 2024, or are immunosuppressed or their close contact, or in a clinical risk group aged 12-64, or a carer*.
You are eligible for COVID-19 booster vaccine if you are:
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group,
- Frontline health and social care worker, or staff working in care homes for older adults
- Aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression (The Practice does not provide appointments for under 16 years as this is a separate service on the Island)
- Aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (*in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person)
You are eligible for just a flu vaccine if you are:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6) – this will be provided in-school
August Bank holiday opening times - 28 August 2023
Monday, 28 Aug 2023 - Closed for the Bank Holiday
Tuesday, 29 Aug 2023 - Open
Wednesday, 30 Aug 2023 - Open
Thursday, 31 Aug 2023 - Open
Friday, 1 Sep 2023 - Open
Friends of Cowes Medical Centre event - 21 July 2023
Join the Friends for a coffee morning, Friday, 21st July 10.30am at Meda, Medham Farm Lane, Northwood, PO31 8PH. Donations in support of the Friends of Cowes Medical Centre charity. There is also the opportunity to purchase individually produced pottery.
Abbott FreeStyle LibreLink App - 17 July 2023
NHSE advise that there appears to be a problem with the Abbott FreeStyle LibreLink app, which monitors glucose levels in DIABETIC patients. The problem appears to have started after an update to the LibreLink app, which is specific to some Apple iphones in the UK. The Android version is not affected.
Customers experiencing issues with the iOS app should uninstall and reinstall the app. For further advice contact the Customer Services team on 0800 170 1177 or visit the website: https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/iphone.html
If you are still having problems with the app or if the readings do not seem appropriate, you should revert to the finger prick test for checking blood sugar levels.
Spring Bank holiday opening times - 24 May 2023
Monday 29 May 2023 - Closed for the Bank Holiday
Tuesday 30 May 2023 - Open
Wednesday 31 May 2023 - Open
Thursday 1 June 2023 - Open
Friday 2 June 2023 - Open
Cervical screening results delayed by approx 8 weeks - 17 April 2023
Unfortunately due to operational issues with ongoing sickness and vacancies within this Pathology team, the turnaround times for cervical sample results has been affected. These results will be delayed by approximately 8 weeks. They are working closely with NHSE and SQAS to implement a recovery programme in order to reduce the current backlog. The team apologises for this delay.
Older Persons Good Living Show 22 April 2023 10am-4pm
At Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Free entry, including free entry to the gardens. Stalls and information from social groups, care and support services, health & wellness on living well in later years.
High levels of sickness - 3 April 2023
We continue to experience extremely high levels of sickness across our GPs, ANPs and Patient Advisers.
We apologies as this is severely impacting our service for our patients and will do so up to the Easter weekend. Please bear with us, we are doing the best we can in very difficult circumstances.
High levels of sickness - 30 March 2023
We are experiencing high levels of sickness across our GPs, ANPs and Patient Advisers.
We apologies as this is severely impacting our service for our patients. Please bear with us, we are doing the best we can in very difficult circumstances.
Easter opening times - 30 March 2023
Monday 3 April 2023 - Open
Tuesday 4 April 2023 - Open
Wednesday 5 April 2023 - Open
Thursday 6 April 2023 - Open
Friday 7 April 2023 - Closed
Monday 10 April 2023 - Closed
Tuesday 11 April 2023 - Normal opening hours until 1 May Bank Holiday
Elderly & Immunosuppressed to be offered spring Covid booster jab - 30 March 2023
As directed by NHS England, the Covid-19 spring booster programme will run from 17 April to 30 June, with care home residents being vaccinated as a priority.
The Practice will offer patients aged 75 and over a spring booster jab, along with care home residents and anyone over 18 who is immunosuppressed. We will post an update on our website when we are informed of the arrangements for immunosuppressed children.
We are setting up Covid spring booster vaccination clinics and will be in touch with eligible patients from 5 April onwards. This will take a number of weeks as there are over 2,000 eligible patients.
Vaccination remains the best way to stay protected against Covid-19 and the spring booster provides an opportunity for those who are at highest risk of severe illness to keep their immunity topped up.
Advice and guidance during pregnancy and for parents of 0-18 children - 27 January 2023
https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/
The resources on the Healthier Together website have been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You'll find clear information on common illnesses, including advice on what serious 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long symptoms are likely to last.
Friends of Cowes Medical Centre - Annual General Meeting:
Wednesday 25 January 2023 at 2.30pm.
To be held at the West Chapel, Northwood Cemetery.
Doors open at 2pm. Light refreshments supplied.
Christmas and New Year opening times - 15 December 2022
Friday 23 December 2022 - Normal working hours
Monday 26 December 2022 - Closed
Tuesday 27 December 2022 - Closed
Wednesday 28 December 2022 - Normal working hours
Monday 2 January 2023 - Closed
eConsult:
The Practice will not be accepting eConsult requests from:
5pm on Friday 23 December to 8am on Wednesday 28 December 2022
5pm on Friday 30 December to 8am on Tuesday 2 January 2023
If you need urgent help or advice, please contact NHS 111. If you have a medical emergency, please call 999
A new look for eConsult - 12 December 2022
The eConsult site will soon be getting a new, cleaner look, with a simplified template selection journey. You’ll see these changes take effect after 16th December.
Scarlet Fever/Strep A - 7 December 2022
Dr Ranj has made a helpful video on signs and symptoms for Strep A/Scarlet fever click on this YouTube link to view it: (6) What you need to know about Group A Strep (scarlet fever)… - YouTube
If you think you or your child may have Strep A or Scarlet fever please do not hesitate to call us, or if you have difficulty getting through call NHS 111. We are experiencing a high number of calls and eConsults about this - we do understand your call/enquiry is important.
Responding to increased demand – 7 December 2022
We have increased the number of appointments to respond to the outbreak of scarlet fever/Strep A – we are providing 40 to 50 appointments a day to see these patients, whilst also doing our best for all our other patients who need us.
Message from St Mary’s Hospital blood testing service - 4 November 2022
Blood testing service relocation
If your blood test has been requested by a hospital clinician, you will be attending St Mary's Phlebotomy Department to have your bloods taken.
Our blood testing service has now moved to North Hospital. Head to our blood service website page for more information.
Covid and Flu vaccinations - 26 October 2022
We are now offering the autumn Covid vaccination and annual flu vaccination to our eligible patients.
In line with Government guidelines we are working through the age groups.
We are currently taking vaccination bookings for those aged 50 and over.
Please look out for text messages which enable easy direct appointment booking.
If you do not have a smartphone please call the Practice and select option 4 to make a booking.
Covid and Flu vaccinations - 5 October 2022
We are now offering the autumn Covid vaccination and annual flu vaccination to our eligible patients.
In line with Government guidelines we are working through the age groups.
We are currently taking vaccination bookings for those aged 65 and over.
Please look out for text messages which enable easy direct appointment booking.
If you do not have a smartphone please call the Practice and select option 4 to make a booking.
Practice Closure on 19 September 2022
The government has confirmed that Monday, 19th September will be a bank holiday, and NHS England has given permission for GP Practices to close.
Out of respect for her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and to enable our staff to observe this sad day, the Practice will be closed on Monday, 19 September.
If you need assistance when we are closed please call 111, or 999 for a medical emergency.
The Practice will reopen on Tuesday, 20 September.
Covid & Flu Vaccination Information - 5 September 2022
Eligible patients can have a free NHS Covid vaccination and a free NHS flu vaccination here at Cowes Medical Centre, with our experienced clinical team.
Our vaccination clinics are due to start at the end of September and are expected to run to the end of the year. We are scheduling a series of Saturday clinics to deliver most of the vaccinations.
The initial supply of the new Autumn Covid Booster vaccine is limited across all vaccination providers - we are therefore prioritising in the first instance the over 80’s, and care home residents, then the over 75s, as directed by NHS England.
Our vaccination clinics for patients 50 to 64 with no long-term health condition are due to start from mid-October as directed by NHS England.
To ease pressures on our telephone system, we are texting updates to those patients who can receive these and using alternative means of communication for those that can’t.
It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time, and you can let the clinician know in your vaccination appointment if you would like one or other, or both.
Autumn booster eligibility:
- residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers
- all adults aged 50 years and over
- persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
Note: Must be at least 91 days since their last Covid vaccination and 28 days from when you last have Covid (if you are aware)
Flu Vaccinations eligibility:
- are in long-stay residential care
- frontline health or social care worker
- are 50 and over (including those who'll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
Note:
- We will give nasal flu vaccinations to 2 to 3 year olds
- School aged children who are eligible will receive their vaccination at School
Prescriptions - 30 March 2022
The Health Minister, Edward Argar, has confirmed that there are no plans to change the cost of prescriptions from 1 April 2022 - so they remain at £9.35.
Infection Protection & Control Measures - 24 February 2022
We have been advised that both patients and staff should continue to wear face coverings in health and care settings. Therefore all staff and patients will need to continue to wear a face covering to keep staff and other patients safe.
Free NHS Food Scanner app - 2 Feb 2022
Online booking form for Maternity Services – 1 Nov 2021
See 'USEFUL CONTACTS' in the side bar for full information or click:
https://www.badgernotes.net/SelfReferral/CareLocation/SHIP
New telephone system - 5 August 2021
We are pleased to announce that our new telephone system is going live today (5 August).
There may be some disruption during the transition from the old system to the new system, and please bear with us whilst we are getting used to a sophisticated new system. You will now hear an options message once your call is connected, this will help to ensure that you speak to the appropriate person as quickly as possible.
Major milestone reached as 2 million COVID-19 vaccines delivered across Hampshire and Isle of Wight - 17 June 2021
A major milestone has been reached in the local delivery of the COVID-19 vaccination programme with 2m jabs delivered across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Latest official data published today (Thursday 17 June) shows that 2,068,810 doses of the vaccine had been delivered locally by the week ending 13 June.
To date more than 91% of adults aged 30 and over have received their first COVID-19 jab and the vaccination programme continues to roll-out at pace across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The milestone has been reached just six months since the launch of the biggest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS.
Anyone aged 21 and over is invited to make an appointment to receive the vaccine by contacting the National Booking Service at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119. Text invitations appear as an alert from 'NHSvaccine', including a web link to the NHS website to make a booking.
NHS England - Advice on how to access GP services:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXHPWbEmp5s&feature=youtu.be
eCONSULT - IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Please note any digital image submitted as part of an online consultation, will be stored within your clinical notes.