Patient Notice - Covid Vaccine - Larne Practice's
We are still awaiting confirmation of covid vaccine delivery dates which we hope will be during week commencing 11 January 2021. The initial group to be invited are those over 80 year by 31 March 2021, ie born before 31 March 1941 and who are able to attend the Practice. Patients will be contacted by telephone. Vaccine Clinics for all patients registered with any Larne Practice will be held at Larne Market Yard.
Patients under 80 years of age must wait until their cohort is called. Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible to avoid queues. You will have to wait for 15 minutes after your vaccination.
We are awaiting Department of Health advice about the vaccination of housebound patients.
The vaccine supply will roll out during the coming months. Therefore those aged 65 and over or in an 'at risk' group and under 65 years should not have long to wait before they receive their invite and we should hopefully be in a position to move rapidly down through the priority groups as recommended
Covid Vaccination Patient Leaflets -
December 2020
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Phone First
You can now contact the A&E Department to see if you need to attend
PHONE FIRST
FOR EMERGENCIES - 999
Including: stroke, heart attack, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or major trauma
ALWAYS CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY
Phone First – 24/7
Make sure you PHONE FIRST before going to
Antrim or Causeway Hospital Emergency Departments,
or Mid Ulster Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.
0300 123 1 123
Text relay number: 18001 0300 123 1 123
or Interpreter Now app
Get directed to the right care
Avoid busy waiting rooms
Stay safe Save time
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Christmas & New Year Holidays
The surgery will be closed on:
Thursday 24th December from 12.30pm
Friday 25th December
Monday 28th December
Thursday 31st December from 12.30pm
Friday 1st January 2021
Please order your repeat prescription 7 days in advance of when it is required
This is to allow the GP practice and Community Pharmacy time to process your prescription, to ensure you do not run out of your medicines when the GP practice or community pharmacy is closed.
If you require medical assistance during the times of closure please contact Dalriada Urgent Care on 028 2566 3500.
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Welcome Dr Mayne!
We would like to welcome Dr Mayne to the team.
Dr Mayne has been working with us for a number of years as a Locum GP but will be staying with us on a permanent basis. She will be working 3 sessions per week. We hope you will agree she is a great asset to the team.
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Last Call For Flu Vaccines...….
We only have up until the end of December to administer our Flu Vaccines to those patients eligible. If you are eligible and have not received your vaccine - PLEASE RING FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
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POWER OUTAGE!
Due to a system upgrade there will be a power outage in the Health Centre on Wednesday 4th November between 4.30pm and 5pm. This may affect our Phone Systems - In case of a medical Emergency please ring 999. For urgent enquiries please ring our Emergency Mobile 07527 351 592
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Make sure you check out our News Page Regularly!
KEEP UP TO DATE - Did you know if you subscribe to our Newspaper the latest updates will be emailed directly to you!
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9th October 2020....
If you require to speak to a Doctor or feel you need an appointment please ring before 10.30am. Only Urgent enquiries will be dealt with after this time. Thank you for your continued co-operation.
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Flu Clinic Information....
This year things are very different. Around 10,000 of our patients require a flu vaccination. Unfortunately social distancing in existing Practice premises is impossible and the prospect of the vaccination campaign being extended to all over 50 year olds have all added challenges for all GP Practices.
. We are pleased to announce that all Practices in Larne have worked together in order to arrange and deliver the Flu Campaign. With the cooperation of Mid and East Antrim Council we have been able to secure a venue that can accommodate a large flow of people in order to get everyone vaccinated safely.
We will be delivering our Flu Vaccinations Clinics from:
Larne Market Yard
Station Road
Larne
BT40 1AA
All patients have been identified as per the Department of Health guidance and should receive an invitation letter soon to arrange an appointment
Please wait for your letter to arrive before contacting your Practice for an Appointment
Please note:-
- Do not attend if you or a household family member are unwell with any of the signs or symptoms of Covid 19 or you have been told to isolate
- Remember to bring your letter to your appointment. If you do not bring your letter you will not be able to have your vaccine – no exceptions
- Wear suitable clothes which will make it easy for you as once inside the room you should be ready to receive the vaccine (i.e. upper arm exposed) The vaccinations will be given in a public open room in order to comply with infection control guidelines
- You Must wear a face covering
- If it is raining on the day please come prepared with an umbrella as the queue will be outside for a short period of time
- Please heed the instructions of the staff who are supervising the patient flow, they are there for your safety
- Be assured that we will be operating a socially distanced queuing system and strict infection control measures to reduce the risk of Covid 19 in order to keep everyone safe
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
We can assure you that the Practices are continuing to work tirelessly in order to provide the best possible service that we can under the ongoing difficult circumstances.
Corran Surgery Victoria Surgery Inver Surgery
Larne Family Practice Dr Black & Lalsingh
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Press Release..
New ways of working but GP practices still open, protecting and caring
Press Release
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Latest Up-Date - Click below for the July Update
Practice Update - 3rd July 2020
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Cervical Screening Programme
We are pleased to inform you that the Cervical Screening Programme is restarting.
We will be sending letters to all those ladies who are due/overdue their smear test.
Please ensure your respond to your letter as cervical screening will save lives!
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Latest Shielding Advice - 24th June 2020
The latest Shielding Advice has been issued by the Department of Health and letter are being processed this week. In brief If the risk continues to remain low, my assessment is that, from 31 July 2020, you will no longer need to follow the current shielding advice.
In the interim and because of the lower risk, from 6 July, I am also introducing some further easements to the current shielding guidance, and these are outlined below.
EASEMENTS FROM 6 JULY
From 6 July, people who are following the shielding advice will now be able to meet up to six people outside of their home, as long as social distancing is strictly observed.
If you are shielding alone, you can also form a support bubble with one other household. Where you form a bubble:
* social distancing is not required with the other household in your bubble; this will allow you to visit, stay over and spend more time with the second household
* the second household can be of any size; and
* both households should not be part of more than one bubble and should continue to socially distance outside the bubble.
You can find more information on support bubbles here www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-and-what-they-mean-you
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 31 JULY?
After 31 July, providing the Covid-19 risk remains low, you will not have to shield. That will mean your personal “lockdown” will no longer apply.
However, you must continue to follow public health advice at all times and be really strict about social distancing and washing your hands.
Even though the risk of coming into contact with the virus is much lower, you still need to be careful because you remain more vulnerable than the general population. So you must follow the advice that is given to people who are deemed generally vulnerable, for example people with asthma or people over 70. This is about minimising any risk as much as possible, being aware that all contacts with the outside world must be managed really carefully.
Keep your distance, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, avoid touching hard surfaces if you are out. Wherever possible, avoid enclosed spaces where social distancing is hard to maintain – such as public transport and shops.
It is important to remember that because of your underlying condition, Covid-19 will remain a threat to you. At the same time, it is accepted that shielding has been really difficult and being stuck indoors indefinitely is bad for mental and physical health. What we all have to do in these difficult times is try to strike the right balance.
You can get more advice at this website: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-vulnerable-people
For many of you, the pause to shielding is very welcome news. However, I know that you might also have some concerns. You have been shielding for many weeks and it is natural to feel a little apprehensive about this change.
You may want to consider making a plan for this now, to think about how your daily routine might change and what or who might help you to adjust.
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Free Stress Control Classes
The classes are free and the next round will commence Monday 8th June. Each class will run twice a day (2pm and 8.30pm) on 2 consecutive days. The details of the class schedule are attached.
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1st June 2020
Thank you for your patience & understanding in these continuing challenging times. Again, we have had to make a few changes to our systems and processes.
If you need to speak to a GP please ring between 08.30am and 11.30am daily.
GP’s will only be available to deal with Urgent Telephone enquires after 11.30am.
If you are asked to attend the Health Centre please observe the following rules:-
- Please do not park at the back door of the Health Centre, use the patient parking to the front of the Building
- Please wear a face mask if you have one
- On arrival, please use the intercom to notify us of your arrival
- Please stand back from the door and observe the usual social distancing recommendations
- Sterilize your hands on entry to the building
- Do not roam freely about the Building but stay in the areas you are escorted to
- From Monday 8th June the Practice will be closed from 12.30pm - 1.30pm every day, previously this was 1pm – 2pm. This will allow the team protected time to process the vast quantities of requests we are receiving. Please order repeat prescriptions through Larne Family Practice Website which is available at any time, (you do not need a registration code)
- Subscribe to our newsletter on the website to receive email updates directly.
- Follow us: @LarneFP
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- Prescription Requests will only be taken via telephone between 09.30am and 12.30pm
- A GP is on call every day during this period via the Practice mobile to provide emergency cover.
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Important Telephone Numbers
NHS Helpline: 111
Practice: 028 2826 1910
Dalriada Urgent Care: 028 2566 3500
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Help Is Out There!
Externs Community in transition Health and Well-being Project
Carrick and Larne
Will be offering support to anyone impacted by mental health, drugs or alcohol via telephone, WhatsApp, video calling.
If you need support please contact:
Sharon: 07442533165
Patricia: 07974269587
Temporary email: Reachout@extern.org
Crisis Intervention Project
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or know somebody who needs help urgently, you can contact:
Extern's Crisis Line on
(FREEPHONE) 0800 085 4808
Monday -Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday - Friday 9am – 9pm
CrisisTeam@extern.org
Extern’s Crisis Response is a de-escalation service that offers over the phone therapeutic talking techniques to support those facing crisis.
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Thank You........
We recently received the loveliest email from a new patient that we wanted to share:-
"I recently became a patient in the practice and I feel compelled to write to say that I have been very impressed by the quality of care provided and the friendly nature of everyone to whom I have spoken. I would particularly like to mention Dr.M, two nurses in the treatment room (forgive me for not remembering names) and the various ladies on reception and those who answer the phone.
Such a breath of fresh air compared to my previous practice.
Thanks again and keep up the excellent work!"
It is lovely to know that despite working under extreme circumstances at present we are still able to fulfill our Practice Aim of treating and caring for our patients the way we wish ourselves and our families to be treated and it is reassuring when we receive confirmation of this.
These kind words have given the whole team a much need boost. 'Mr H' we wholeheartedly thank you.
We are doing our very best to provide the best service we can and we can assure everyone that we will continue to do so.
Stay Well and Stay Safe Everyone
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* 1st April 2020 - Link for Isolation Note added to our Coronavirus Page
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Good Luck Rachael - We Will Miss You
We would like to wish Rachael good luck in her new job. Rachael has been part of the team for 7 years and we are all really going to miss her.
Best of luck for the future Rachael
Good Luck Rachael 
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27th March 2020 - Practice Changes
Unfortunately the Practice is now experiencing team shortages within Administrative Team. With this in mind we have to make changes in order to continue providing safe essential service.
From Monday 30th March 2020 our Practice GPs will be providing cover with all other Practices manning the new local Covid Centers. This will also result in a reduction of GPs working and providing triage Services to our patients at the Practice.
In order for us to manage our workload we will only take requests for Prescription between the hours of 09.30am and 12.30pm. We will also be closing the phone lines from 1pm to 2pm daily. This will assist us by allowing uninterrupted time to process the vast amounts of Prescription requests we are receiving. There will be an alternative number available for Emergency purposes. The best way to order your prescriptions is via our Website or by the Online Ordering System.
We are providing an URGENT ONLY service at the Practice and would ask patients to consider this before contacting reception for non-urgent matters.
We thank you for your continuing support to the Practice at this difficult time
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Practice Update 25_03_2020
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If you are required to Self Isolate you can use this code for your employer
Coronavirus Latest Update - 20th March 2020
Latest Advice - 20.03.2020
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NO ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
As per government guidance there will be no entry to Larne Health Centre without prior discussion and invite by a Doctor. There will be no face-to-face contacts including collection of prescriptions or general enquiries.
If you have been asked to attend the surgery please contact your reception for entry details
Dr Black & Lalsingh – 028 2826 1919
Larne Family Practice – 028 2826 1910
Where possible consultations will be via telephone with only urgent conditions being seen
Please advise us of your chemist preference for collection of medication as you will no longer be able to collect prescriptions from reception.
We must maintain tight hygiene controls
Where possible contact reception after 2pm for details of how to register for on-line services to be able to order prescriptions on line
Telephones are exceptionally busy so please be patient regarding telephone call backs.
Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated
If you need a repeat prescription, please continue to allow 48 hours and collect it from directly from a Pharmacy.
Please do not come to the surgery
Please contact reception if you wish to speak to the GP
Thank you for your Co-operation
The latest Newsletter covers Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Updates can also be found on the following link:-
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Patient Notice's
School Advice
Do you wonder whether you should send your child into school? Check out this guidance published by the Public Health Agency.
PHA Advice
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Closure Dates For 2020/21
(Please note can be subject to change)
Closure Dates
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Patient Services
We have been informed that the Patient Services System is running again!
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TREATMENT ROOM
Our Treatment Room is by APPOINTMENT ONLY
We feel that this has improved our services in a number of ways:-
- Our Admin Teams and Doctors are able to book/allocate you an appointment directly
- The Nursing Team are be able to spend more time on patient care
- Waiting times have been reduced
- This will ensure patient safety is maintainedWe thank you for your co-operation
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DIFFICULT TIMES!
You may or may not be aware that there is a shortage of GP’s and obtaining cover is extremely difficult.
We are experiencing difficulties getting cover and for this reason we ask that you be patient and understanding if we cannot offer you an appointment straight away. You will be offered a number of alternatives.
If you have an urgent medical issue that needs assessed we will attempt to see you as soon as possible but ‘Routine’ issues will have to wait for the next available appointment.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
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Supporting Letters
Please note we do not provide letters in support of benefits, housing applications, character references etc.
This is due to the fact that these Agencies usually contact us directly looking for specific information.
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*BOOK APPOINTMENTS AND ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS ONLINE*
REGISTER NOW
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BORN BETWEEN 1/7/1994 AND 2/7/1996?
If so you are eligible to receive a Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination.
This is 'especially' important if you will be starting University in September!
Please contact Reception to arrange an appointment with one of the Practice Nurses.
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New Contraceptive Pill Reviews
The Practice reviews your pill every 12 months in order to continue prescribing it for you.
We have introduced a Proforma that you can fill in and leave back to reception or return via Email so that we can continue to prescribe your pill without needing a face to face appointment.
If you would prefer to see a nurse or doctor then please book an appointment.
Please click on the link below, complete the Proforma in full and return it to us via email or in person.
Pill Proforma
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Appointment Changes
Due increased demand we have adjusted our appointment system from June 2019. From June, all our routine appointments are available to book online. You will be able to book well in advance as opposed to booking on the day. From now our book on the day appointments will be reserved for Urgent issues which cannot wait. For these appointments, you will be asked why you need seen, this is only to enable our team to facilitate your appointment request appropriately.
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PASSPORT SIGNATURE REQUESTS
We no longer countersign passports.
Please click link ACCEPTED OCCUPATIONS FOR COUNTERSIGNATURE OF PASSPORTS for an extensive list of people suitable to sign
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Do you know that you do not need to attend your GP for sudden eye problems??
Click here for more information Opticians Information leaflet
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New ordering time for telephone repeat prescriptions requests
Please order between 9.30 am and 2pm
order online any time
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New News: - Telephone Advice - Travel Requests
!FLU!
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of flu please see our Self Care Section for Advice.
Contact the GP if:
you're worried about your child's symptoms
you're 65 or over
you're pregnant
you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
your symptoms don't improve after 7 days
If you feel need further advice we will take your details and a GP or Medical Professional will ring you.
Telephone Advice
If you wish to speak to a doctor on the telephone, you need to ring between 09.30 and 11.30, you will be asked to leave your name, details, contact number and a brief explanation of your problem. If you ring after 09.30 and 11.30 you will be asked to ring back the next day. The doctor will then return your call as soon as possible. Please remember that the doctor has a busy schedule.
PRESCRIPTION FORWARDING SERVICE
Your prescription will be forwarded to a pharmacy for you to collect directly from them.
Pharmacies we can send your prescription to include -
Larne Chemists Ltd
Boots in Larne
McCoubreys Chemist
McFarlands Chemist
Linn Road Pharmacy
Carnlough Pharmacy
Please contact reception if you wish to avail of this service.
Travel Vaccination Request Form
A Travel Vaccination From is now available under the Clinics & Services Section of our website.
TEXT SERVICE
PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE YOUR UP-TO-DATE MOBILE NUMBER
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES, PLEASE LET US KNOW
FLU VACCINES
IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FLU VACCINATION, PLEASE ENSURE WE HAVE YOUR MOBILE PHONE NUMBER TO ALLOW US TO CONTACT YOU WHEN WE HAVE VACCINES.
PRESCRIPTION ORDERS
We take prescription orders on the telephone between 9.30am and 2pm only.
WE REQUIRE 48HOURS NOTICE FROM ORDERING PRESCRIPTION TO COLLECTION
If you register for our on-line service you can order your prescriptions anytime that is convenient for you!
HELP US KEEP YOUR MEDICAL RECORD DETAILS UP TO DATE
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR UP TO DATE MOBILE PHONE/LANDLINE NUMBER
Click on 'Online Services' and then 'About You'. Click on the link to update your records
Book Appointments and order Prescriptions online
We are updating our patient services and this will give you the opportunity to book your appointments and order prescriptions online. Please click on 'Online Service' link for all details.
Asthma Reviews Just Got Easier!
We appreciate that it is not always easy to attend appointments for ‘routine’ reviews especially if you are feeling well. However, it is important that we do regularly review you and your conditions. Asthma is one of those conditions that we do need to continually check. For your convenience, we have developed an on-line questionnaire that can be completed via our website (Home > Further Information > Asthma Review) Please complete this questionnaire and submit it to us. Once we receive this we will forward it to our Practice Nurse for review and further management.
Survey Results Are In!!
We recently undertook our patient experience survey and 97% of our patients who were surveyed stated that they are extremely satisfied with our practice and would recommend us to someone who has just moved to the area.
We received comments from patients and would like to reassure everyone that we do take these comments on board and will make appropriate changes to our systems. A full summary of the results are available on the Further Information Link.
Thank you to everyone who completed a survey.