News

We have made the decision to relocate our prescription post box to upstairs in our waiting area. We know that this decision won’t be popular with all our patients, however we have done this for the following valid reasons:-

• Patient safety with regards to GDPR. The front of the building was recently vandalised and therefore by moving it, we are protecting confidential patient information we have.
• We have monitored the time it is taking our staff to collect prescriptions several times a day, and unfortunately, we are unable to spare this time. Our workload is prioritised to answer the telephones and provide service to the reception desk wherever possible.
• As a practice, we are fully committed to the sustainability and reduction of our carbon footprint. We have signed up to being a ‘Greener Practice’ and will continue to work with both our staff and patients to improve our carbon footprint. We would encourage patients to sign up to online access wherever possible. https://swallownesthealthcentre.co.uk/prescriptions-2/  

Scarlet fever - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year. The full press release statement can be read here:

UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep - UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

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