Summer 2021 Newsletter

Saintbridge Surgery Reopens

Saintbridge has been being used as our Covid Hot Hub. However, from the 12th July 2021 the covid hub will be moved to Warwick Avenue Branch Surgery in Tuffley.  This allows time to finish redecorating and cleaning the Saintbridge Site to reopen in August.  Both Aspen and Saintbridge Surgery will be used for routine checks and to see patients who are not acutely unwell with suspected covid. This will continue to protect staff and vulnerable patients. Keeping Covid Secure.  Although vaccination numbers are climbing so are covid cases. These are mainly in younger patients who are only partially vaccinated or haven’t had their first dose.  All patients over the age of 18 have now been invited for their first dose.

Please remember still to:

  • Only attend the surgery if you have an appointment
  • Wear a mask
  • Come alone if possible
  • Bring a urine sample if needed, as there are limited toilet facilities
  • Please sit 2 meters apart
  • Do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your appointment time
  • Do not attend if you or are a household member have symptoms
  • You are isolating after travel
  • Do not attend the Aspen Centre site if you have tested positive in the previous 10 days

Appointments

As per national guidance we continue to triage all requests to see a doctor. This is to manage patients where possible and only if safely over the phone or via video call.

Patients who need to be examined or cannot be supported over the phone will be seen in a face to face appointment. Online appointment booking has had to be suspended due to safety.

Our Wonderful Reception Care Navigators

Please support our Reception team by giving as much information so that they can navigate the call safely and to the most appropriate person Sadly we are experiencing significant isolation and sickness within the team. Where possible staff are working from home if they have to isolate.

We are also experiencing high levels of abusive language and behaviour on the phones, in person on social media and the website. Our calls are recorded. We have a zero-tolerance approach to this behaviour and warming letters will be sent if necessary. If this is a recurring problem, you will be advised to re-register at another surgery.

Aspen Carers Group

Virtual Carers Support Our monthly carers support has gone virtual and we are now offering monthly Zoom meeting with Gloucestershire Carers Hub. Please ensure we have you registered as a carer so that you receive regular texts.

Aspen Carers Listening & Support Line

Our wonderful volunteers, who all have experienced the difficulties of being carers first hand are here for you. Every Wednesday between 11am –1pm they are ready to listen, support and signpost without judgement. Please call 07864 210 500.

Eat Real Food

Our monthly Eat Real Food Support group has also gone virtual. Learn more about the benefits of an Eat Real Food lifestyle on our website and join us monthly. We are missing our group consultations but have launched an online Eat Real Food Programme with bite sized videos for you to watch and then join our three zoom sessions with Dr Kuok, Dr Wilson or Dr Andrews. www.eatrealfood.uk

New members of Team Aspen

We are delighted to have Dr Matile join us on Mondays & Wednesdays. She is interested in all aspects of general practice, particularly mental health, children’s & women’s health.

Say hello to Jeff who has joined our Frailty team supporting our community Matron Rachel Bucknall with our social prescriber Lena.

Patient Participation Group

Our new PPG has now had their first meeting with their new members. To keep in touch with what the PPG are doing and who are members please click on their link on the left hand menu on the website or via their blog https:// aspenppg.blogspot.com/

Follow Us

We are active on social media which includes our own Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram account. Please follow us via our website or by searching for us. We will be using social media to share information and keep patients updated.