From NHS Nottingham & Nottinghamshire:

As well as referring yourself to the weight loss and exercise programmes, your GP may be able to refer you to weight management services if you are eligible.

The weight management service will assess you and consider the next steps depending on your individual circumstances and NHS eligibility criteria. These options may include:

• diet and exercise programmes
• weight loss injections
• bariatric surgery.

The only way to get weight-loss injections via the NHS is through weight management services following a referral from your GP. Weight-loss injections will only be available to specific people with the highest clinical need. Find out more about the eligibility criteria for weight-loss injections.

As part of the weight management service, you will be monitored over time to ensure you are receiving the right support.

Join us on 12th June for a Carers Coffee Morning! Book your place by calling the Practice.

Some GPs are currently trialling an AI app with our clinical system, to help us document consultations.

This requires the app to listen to the consultation and transcribe notes, which are then saved to your records. The recording is deleted.

It has been approved by the NHS, and meets Data Protection Act, and GDPR. If you do not wish to participate, please let your doctor know when they ask for consent.

To find out more, click here.

A big thank you to the Carers Federation for their support to the Practice and understanding our commitment to supporting Carers.

Find more information and help at www.torkardhill.co.uk/carers-advice 

A free guide dedicated to supporting older people in South Nottinghamshire with their health and wellbeing.

The booklet has been written by Dr Caroline White, a GP with an interest in the care of elderly patients, with the support of Arnold and Calverton Primary Care Network and South Nottinghamshire Place-Based Partnership.

Download your copy here!

A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.

You'll be able to get the vaccine if:

• you're aged 75 to 79
• you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born

If you're aged 75 to 79, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.

From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more.

The Friends & Family Test provides patients, as well as their carers and loved ones, the opportunity to leave feedback on their care and treatment at the Practice.

The latest results from July 2024 shows the majority of our patients are likely to be complimentary to us to their friends and family.

We can now accept payment for private letters, medicals, and reports by card!

To take part, visit:

https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5C61nsvJm3BJi6i

The Friends & Family Test provides patients, as well as their carers and loved ones, the opportunity to leave feedback on their care and treatment at the Practice.

The latest results from May 2024 shows the majority of our patients are likely to be complimentary to us to their friends and family.

We currently have vacancies for:

Care Navigator & Correspondance Management Clerk - https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/A1632-24-0000

The Friends and Family Test (FFT) is an important feedback tool that supports the fundamental principle that people who use NHS services should have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.

Our latest results can be found here.

Need Help with the NHS App?

Downloading, setting up or using the app on your phone/tablet?

Come along to the Torkard Hill Medical Centre for 1 to 1 help on Monday 19th February from 10:00 to 14:00. No appointment necessary.

We are inviting patients to get involved with the Discover Me Study, a national study looking into understanding diseases through analysing health and genetic information.

More information on the study, and registration, can be found at: www.discovermestudy.com

The new Pharmacy First scheme has launched, meaning you can now get treatment for 7 common ailments directly from your pharmacist instead of needing your GP. 

The 7 conditions are:

• impetigo
• ear ache
• sinusitis
• sore throats
• insect bites
• shingles
• uncomplicated urine infection

From manufacturer:

PRODUCT: Certain batches of the Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 and stage 2 as set out in this notice

At Reckitt, we are committed to the highest level of quality and safety, and the health and safety of infants is our highest priority. As a precaution we are recalling the batches of the Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 and stage 2 set out in this notice due to an isolated overseas sample of the product testing positive for Cronobacter sakazakii, whilst we continue to conduct a thorough investigation. In the meantime please do not use the batches of the products below and return them to the pharmacy that dispensed them to you. The products being recalled are:

Regulatory Batch Code Description Expiry Date

ZL3F7D Nutramigen LGG Stage 1, 400 g 1st July 2025

ZL3FAA Nutramigen LGG Stage 2, 400 g 1st July 2025

ZL3FDM Nutramigen LGG Stage 2, 400 g 1st July 2025

We can confirm that no other batches of Nutramigen LGG Stage 1 and stage 2 are affected, and these remain safe to use. We can also confirm that no other Nutramigen products in the range are affected.

If you have the product listed above (please note the batch numbers) please return it to the pharmacy that dispensed it to you or if you require any further assistance or information, please contact our consumer relations line.

Your statutory rights are not affected.

CARELINE FREEPHONE NUMBER +44 (0)1895 230575 Or email ConsumerNutrition_GB@rb.com

We would like to thank everyone in advance for their co-operation and understanding. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Download the latest NHS App update.

The NHS App has been redesigned to make it simpler and easier to access NHS services.

Some items have moved within the App, but all the health services you need are still available. Your settings will remain the same before and after the update too. 

The new, user-friendly version of the NHS App will start to be available from December 11th, making it easier to: 

- order repeat prescriptions 

- book appointments 

- access 111 Online

- view your GP record

and much more…

Need some help using the NHS App? Use the in-app Help feature or visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

You can now watch highlights of our recent virtual PPG meeting online - click here!

Need help with the NHS app?

Want to learn more about how digital services can be used to manage your health and care?

Come along to our Digital Support hub on Monday 16th October between 9am and 12pm to have all your questions answered!

Understanding the changes in General Practice

Presentations by GP, Nurse & Pharmacy Teams (with cake & coffee!)

Anybody is welcome! Numbers are limited due to space, please book my clicking the link on the text message.

Wednesday 11th October

10am - 11am

At the Practice

Consultant and junior doctors are taking industrial action next week. The joint strike will take place from 7am Monday 2 October to 7am Thursday 5 October

We anticipate some junior doctors at our Practice will participate, and therefore some appointmnts will be cancelled. You will be notified if affected.

There will be severe disruption across the NHS next week.

You can now book a booster vaccine!

Online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

or call 119

Find out more on our dedicated pages: Covid Vaccine

Thank you for the feedback regards to experiences of ringing the practice. Despite answering a call on average every minute, we know that isn't enough due to the local demands for our service!

From next week, we will be implementing a new caller system. We will be utilising capacity from additional trained navigators, who will use the existing protocols to ensure get you the care from the right person, and the right time.

We are very pleased and thankful to have been shortlisted for "Team of the Year" at the Nottinghamshire LMC annual GP awards!

Our next online "e-PPG (Patient Participation Group)" meeting will be on: 4th October 2023

The topic will be to share some of the changes to the Practice (and wider NHS system), learn about new roles and faces at the practice, and getting the right care by the right person at the right time.

Find out more about the PPG here.

A big hello and welcome to our new doctors starting this week who will be with us for 4-6 months:

Dr Marwan Ibrahim, Dr Itrat Rizvi, and Dr Ethel Alexander Mohan who are all training to be GPs!

Dr Shida Gholamian and Dr Danielle Berahzer who are Foundation Year 2 Doctors!

Our receptionists and care navigators sadly continue to be abused on a daily basis by a minority of patients.

This is never acceptable.

The NHS has a Zero Tolerance Policy that you can read here and we will warn and remove patients who continue to act in this manner.

To the majority of our patients, we would like to say a big thank you for your patience, support, and understanding!

Space is extremely limited around the practice, but please be considerate to our neighbours!

The British Medical Association (BMA) has advised that some of their members are taking industrial action from 7am on Thursday 13 July to 7am on Tuesday 18 July. As a result, a number of BMA members will be on strike on these days. This includes trainee doctors that work in GP practices. Please be aware that this may mean that less appointments are available on these days, but we are doing all we can to maintain access to care for our patients.  

Please attend your appointment as normal unless you are contacted and told otherwise. We may experience a higher volume of calls and contact from patients making enquiries than usual during these dates, please bear with us and be patient during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience, please be kind to our colleagues when you speak to them.

Patients are being reminded that their local NHS is here for them to receive urgent and emergency care during the industrial action – but are being asked to support NHS staff by using services wisely and attending appointments as planned.

Here’s how you can help your NHS during planned industrial action: 

• Please use A&E or call 999 if you are facing life threatening illness or injury. Your NHS is here for you when you need it – especially if you or your loved ones become seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
• If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do whatever you can to help bring them home as early as possible. This will help our teams to free-up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.
• The quickest way to receive medical help is via NHS111 online, but you can also use your GP, pharmacy or urgent treatment centre.
• Pharmacies can offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies.

The NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service is now available in our area!

Local pharmacists can deliver care to minor conditions and provide treatments for minor illnesses. This service is available to ages 1 and above. When you contact the Practice, you may be referred to this service.

The blood machines at QMC labs have stopped working this afternoon (Mon 12th June), because they are "too hot".

As a result the hospital will prioritise inpatient samples and stop processing bloods for GPs, for the remainder of today and Tuesday.

This will mean a significant delay on getting results.

We will soon be launching the NHS Community Pharmacy Consultation Service (CPCS) for our patients.

Lots of conditions are more appropriate for a consultation with a Community Pharmacist, rather than a GP.  Our Receptionists will discuss your symptoms and, if appropriate, send you for a same day appointment with an NHS Community Pharmacist for a personal consultation, assessment, and treatment. 

Find out more at: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/benefits-finance/benefits 

You will now be required to pay a refundable deposit of £20, to borrow one of our blood pressure machines.

Please do not submit online queries or consultations via the website or NHS App.

This feature is NOT currently live.

Junior doctors are taking industrial action for 96 hours from 7am on Tuesday 11 April until 7am on Saturday 15 April 2023.

This is expected to cause significant disruption across the entire NHS this week.

Please be reassured that any urgent medical care will be provided by the NHS.


To help keep you safe and protect the NHS, we are asking you to:

- Visit a local pharmacy for things like coughs, colds and sore throats.
- Use 111 online or call 111 – 111 can direct you to the best place and even book you an appointment.
- If you are in mental health distress, please call the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0808 196 3779.

Please continue to contact the NHS if you have an urgent health need. 

A spring booster dose of the Covid vaccine is available to:

• everyone aged 75+
• residents in care homes for older adults
• immunosuppressed people aged 5+

Book now to stay protected throughout Spring and Summer.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination

Nurse Alison Hill and Dr Alex Brodie will be leaving us soon.

We would like to wish both a heartfelt thank you for their commitment to the practice and the community, and wish them all the very best for the future.

On Monday 30^th January 2023, to improve our network speeds and ability to offer service to our patients, our practice will have a reboot of our IT systems. This will impact our service ability during the times: 13:15 & 14:15.

We thank our patients for their tolerance during this time as routine and urgent services may be impacted for a short period.

The practice will be closed next Thursday 26th Jan from 12pm, for staff training, and we will reopen on Friday 27th Jan from 8am.

From Thursday 5th January, we will be adopting a new system to manage urgent same day appointments.

To find out about these changes, and understand why, please visit our dedicated page here.

Find out more information at:

https://what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/scarlet-fever

The Practice condemns the use of GP practice appointment data by the press, to create league tables.

Torkard Hill Medical Centre, alongside many other GP practices, are working incredibly hard to meet unprecedented levels of demand. These league tables are inaccurate, divisive, unwarranted, and do not lead to better care for patients.

These league tables were drawn up without consultation with the local NHS or Practices.

We are working hard to meet the needs of our patients and have embraced different ways of working to serve you the best way that we can. 

We continue to advocate for better access to primary care by improved resourcing – especially in areas like Hucknall with a growing population of very elderly and the housebound, as well as young children under the age of 5. We have 50% more residents in care homes than the national average. We need to be able to attract doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals into our area.

Primary Care carries out more than 90% of the total NHS patient contact (hospitals do less than 10%) whilst only being funded with less than 8% of the NHS budget. GP appointments each month are 25 times greater than A&E attendances.

GP numbers continue to fall despite promises by governments – we see the effects of this locally and Hucknall is a typical example of this. It has been Government and NHS England policy even before covid to have a blended approach to appointments with use of technology such as virtual and remote consultation.

Torkard Hill Medical Centre is proud of the work we do with our patients – we will continue to do our very best for you and our community.

Dr Kachhala

Thank you to those who attended the digital support hub at the practice last month!

Aches and pains? You can self refer for specialist servcies without needing to see the GP!

Visit www.connecthealth.co.uk/resources/physionow or ring 0115 7842147

This month, we are inviting female patients aged 18 & over to take part in an Imperial College London study on the theme of domestic violence & abuse.

This study aims to raise awareness of this issue across our community.

Please click the link to participate.

https://imperial.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5nLy2C6shi25ksC

Do you need help registering for or using the NHS app?

Want to learn more about how digital services can be used to manage your health and care?

Come along to our Digital Support hub at the practice, on Thursday 20th October between 9am to 12pm to have all your questions answered.

We support Join Dementia Research, a service enabling people to take part in vital dementia research. Anyone over 18 years can register at www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/signup 

This weekend (9th October 2022), you may receive a text message from the practice asking you to confirm your ethnicity.

Please do complete!

This national NHS survey forms part of the "Prevention and Tackling Health Inequalities" scheme, that allows the NHS to understand our patient population better.

Thank you!

Anyone aged 50 years and over, can book in for their free NHS flu jab! Please contact reception to book!

Check eligibility at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine 

People aged 75 and over and those with weakened immune systems can now book their autumn COVID-19 booster online 🤩

Visit www.nhs.uk/covid-booster

Dr Alaa Ismail, Dr Ayesha Akhter & Dr Zeeshan Murtaza are with us for their GP speciality training, whilst Dr Anna Bennet & Dr Roshni Rahman will be with us for 4 months for their foundation doctor training.

When making appointments with doctors, please let reception know if you prefer a face to face appointment or telephone appointment - this is available for all doctors (excluding locum GPs)

#TorkardTopTips for the hot weather!

It’s going to be a record breaking few days! Do enjoy the weather but please be safe and look after yourselves!

• Drink plenty of fluids (unless you have specific medical condition that is worsened by that).
• Avoid excess alcohol (alcohol actually dehydrates you!).
• Stay cool indoors: close curtains in rooms that face the sun. Turn off the central heating and unnecessary lights/electrical equipment.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
• Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Walk in the shade if possible.
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
• Avoid enclosed spaces such as cars – they get hot veery quickly!
• Take regular breaks at work, where possible.
• Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated, such as older people, people who live alone, and those with underlying conditions.
• Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging).

If you find that you are unable to keep an appointment, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that we can re-allocate the appointment to another patient.

Unfortunately, a number of clinicians are currently off unwell with Covid and other illnesses 🤧.

This will impact nursing and doctor availability 🙁.

Please be patient with us and continue to be kind when contacting reception and making appointments - availability will be extremely limited this week 😫.

Please also remember to use NHS 111, the Urgent Treatment Centre, and the Nottinghamshire Mental Health and Crisis lines.

For bloods, please use the clinic at Hucknall Health Centre on Curtis Street, and if urgent or a blood request from a hospital clinic, please use the phlebotomy clinics at Nottingham City and QMC.

Thank you.

As Covid rates are now increasing in our region, you are requested to wear a face mask when coming to the Practice.

Thank you to those of you who took part! Objective was to determine the effectiveness of two online behavioural interventions to support eczema self-management. Eczema Care Online for parents/carers and Eczema Care Online for young people.

Please ensure you book routine blood tests at the phlebotomy clinic at Hucknall Health Centre, Curtis Street.

To make an appointment, please ring 0115 8440565.

We understand the frustration of not being to access a NHS dentist. However, the GP service is not a substitute. We cannot assess, and treat, dental problems.

Please also be aware that dentists can:

✅ Prescribe antibiotics
✅ Prescribe pain killers
✅ Refer you to a hospital specialist for complex problems

If after contacting several dental surgeries you still cannot find a dentist accepting NHS patients, call NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 3112233.

If you have a dental emergency, ring your usual dentist or 111.

Monkeypox is a rare infection that's mainly spread by wild animals in parts of west or central Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is LOW.

Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK.

You're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if:

▶ you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa
▶ you have not been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox (such as touching their skin or sharing bedding)

Find out more: www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/ 

Air pollution impacts us all. It can move from your lungs into your bloodstream and reach many organs in the body.

If you suffer from long term lung disease including asthma or COPD, heart and circulatory disease, diabetes, dementia or are pregnant, you may be more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution.

Find health expert approved guidance with simple steps that you can take to tackle air pollution and protect your health at cleanairhub.org.uk

A vaccine to prevent shingles, a common, painful skin disease, is available to some people.

Unlike the flu vaccine, you'll only need to have the vaccination once and you can have it at any time of the year.

The shingles vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles. If you do go on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.

Be U Notts has launched! It is a mental health service for children and young people under age 25, that provides early support.

Find out more at www.beusupport.co.uk 

We are calling on those eligible to consider coming forward for a world-first trial to find antiviral medicines to treat people with COVID-19.

The study is home-based, lasts for only 5 days, the antivirals are oral capsules and participants are free to withdraw at any time.

To be eligible you must have received a positive test for COVID-19 and feel unwell with symptoms that started in the last five days, as well as being over 50, or 18-49 with an underlying medical condition.

It’s a world first opportunity to make a global impact and help us lives.

So visit www.panoramictrial.org to check if you’re eligible and to find out how to sign up!

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet, including:

• the ability to self-monitor and track symptoms
• accessing test results 
• view your medical record
• ordering repeat prescriptions
• the ability to access your care plans
• a library of local information resources to help manage your condition(s)

Download at: www.nottsnhsapp.nhs.uk 

The Nottinghamshire Diabetes Newsletter is out now!

Download the March 2022 edition here!

Carers in Hucknall is a support group; they meet twice a month, to provide advice and support. Their website is here.

Find out more about carers and the support you may access, at our webpage.

Get answers to all your weaning questions, plus safety advice, recipes and more at NHS Start for Life.

Visit www.nhs.uk/start4life

#StartforLifeWeaning

Many people are nervous about going for cervical screening (a smear test), but our staff are here to help if you feel this way.

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It's not a test for cancer; it's a test to help prevent cancer.

All women with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter. During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. The sample is then tested for changes to the cells of your cervix. Finding abnormal changes early means they can be monitored or treated so they do not get a chance to turn into cervical cancer. You'll get your results by letter, usually in about 4-6 weeks.

Cervical screening may check for:

• abnormal cell changes in your cervix – left untreated, this could turn into cancer
• Human Papilloma Virus ( HPV) – some types of HPV can lead to cell changes in your cervix and cancer

Try not to put off cervical screening. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Want to know more? Feel free to contact us to discuss further with a clinician of your choice, or visit Jo’s cervical cancer trust helpline on 0808 802 8000 or website www.jostrust.org.uk

Further information is also available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/

We have a couple of vacancies at the Practice. Please take a look at www.torkardhill.co.uk/vacancies for further information and how to apply!

FIT Magpies is a free weight management project looking to tackle physical inactivity and obesity in adults within Nottingham with behaviour change being at the core of the programme.

The project is open to males and females looking to lose weight, get fitter and improve their lifestyle.

Participants are supported through their journey by a qualified and dedicated team of coaches who ensure every person feels included, motivated, and empowered to reach their targets.

Each 90-minute session includes a physical activity session that introduces all participants to simple, effective ways of exercising (e.g. walking football, circuit training, aerobics, group walks etc.) some of which they can continue in their own time.

Classroom sessions cover relevant topics such as the Eatwell Guide, take-aways, alcohol, portion sizes, and food labels. Participants receive a workbook that enables them to set targets, review their progress, and highlights areas for further reading.

More information at: www.efltrust.com/fitfans/ 

NHS Digital has delayed their plan to extract GP data for Research purposes, because they want to review the way the data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans, and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data if they choose to do so.

We will update you when we know more about their plans, and any updates about to change how you can control who has access to your data.

More information can be found on: www.nhs.uk/otcmedicines