You may remember in the last newsletter we warned of the planned changes that would mean GP Surgeries located within 1 mile of a pharmacy would be unable to dispense medication to their patients. In other words as there is a pharmacy in Weedon within 1 mile of the surgery our dispensary would have to close. Due to the unprecedented response from patients throughout England, the Government have had to review their decision.

On the 16 December 2008 Phil Hope, the Minister responsible for pharmacy said, “We are analysing the responses we have received to the consultation on pharmaceutical provision in England and we will be making an announcement on these wider issues as soon as possible in the New Year. However, I am aware of the strength of responses we have received on the various options for amending the criteria for dispensing by doctors. We have taken account of the views of those attending the listening events, the meetings and so on. Because of this I am pleased to announce today that there will be no change to the current arrangements for GP’s dispensing medicines to their patients”

PATIENT SURVEY 2009
More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the government this month. The survey is being sent out directly to selected homes and not being carried out at the surgery as in previous years.

STAFF NEWS
We would like to welcome Kerri Austin, Practice Nurse back after having a beautiful baby boy. As Rebekah Mattacola was covering Kerri's maternity leave, she will now be leaving. We wish her well in her future career.

Produced in conjunction with the Patient Participation Group:

Clare Blackman, John Ford, Barry Fuller, Dr Katy Hill, Paul Holdsworth, Devina Moore,John Ford, Eileen Perry and Diana Wright.

Friends of Weedon Surgery

Contact: Eileen Perry 38 West Street, Weedon NN7 4QU Telephone 01327 340271

DO YOU LOOK AFTER SOMEONE WHO IS
ILL, FRAIL, DISABLED OR MENTALLY ILL?

We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.


As a Carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment. Contact the Adult Care Team in the Daventry district on 0845 1244500.

If you are a carer, please ask at Reception for a

CARERS IDENTIFICATION FORM

which you can complete to let us know about your caring responsibilities.