News
Stay Well with COPD in winter - top tips from Respiratory Champions and Specialist Nurses
St Pauls COPD Education Programme
Session 1 - Thursday 24th October - What is COPD
We're excited to share that our first COPD education session was a great success! A wonderful group of patients joined us, eager to learn and engage in discussions about managing their condition.
While the attendance was fantastic, we faced a bit of a hiccup with our internet connection, which unfortunately prevented us from showing the videos of the MYCOPD app we had prepared therefore we have attached the links to those videos below for you to view at your convenience.
Another successful class!
We have had another successful morning at our Fit for life class. We're thrilled to see so many patients returning and already experiencing the benefits from these sessions.
These sessions offer numerous benefits, including hand strengthening, cognitive improvement, enhanced balance and more.
It's a great opportunity to improve your overall well-being, we still have plenty of space available - come join us!
Wow, what a great morning!
Today was the first Fit for Life class at the School House Cafe, and it was a huge success. We had a fantastic turnout, with many people attending and enjoying the class, followed by a lovely chat and drinks to end the session. We cant wait to do it all again next week!
Fit For Life Classes Cheltenham
Fir For Life classes are coming to the School House Cafe!
These classes are open to anyone who struggles with mobility issues, neurological problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, MS, Parkinson's, anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
We are also dementia friendly!
Our classes are subisidezed, only £3 per session. This includes a home excersize booklet, resistance band, and refreshments after each class.
For more information and updates, check out our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/
Infected Blood Inquiry
We understand that you may be feeling anxious following the recent media interest in the infected blood products inquiry.
Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients. Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.
There have been no reported and confirmed cases of hepatitis C, from any UK blood component since a 1997 transfusion and for HIV from a transfusion in 2002. All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed not only in terms of testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.
If you are concerned, there is more information available at:
Infected Blood Inquiry report : NHS Gloucestershire ICB (nhsglos.nhs.uk)
If you think you may have been affected can find support by visiting:
Support for people who may have been affected by infected blood - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you are concerned about a possible Hepatitis C infection, you can book an at home NHS test online, these are free and confidential. To do this visit hepctest.nhs.uk. Alterntively, you can request a blood test via your practice.
It is unlikely that there are people living with undetected HIV from the infected blood period. However, if you are concerned you can visit HIV and AIDS - Diagnosis - NHS and you can search for testing services here:
Find HIV testing services - NHS
Home testing and home sampling kits are also available for HIV.
Hepatitis B usually clears up on its own without treatment. However, if you are worried you can visit Hepatitis B - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or contact your GP. Alternatively, you can find a local sexual health clinic here: Find a sexual health clinic - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and access support from them.
GP appointments in Gloucestershire up by over a quarter post-pandemic
March Resolutions
It's two months into 2024, but it's still not too late to take up your New Years Resolutions.
There are many reasons to quit smoking: to save money, to improve your mental health, to breathe easier, to improve your circulation, and simply to iimprove your wellbeing all round.
You can feel a difference in as little as 20 minutes. For more information, and to help with quitting visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ or check out our facebook page for wellbeing tips.
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/
Fit For Life in Cheltenham
Fit For Life is coming to Cheltenham.
If you think you, or someone you know, could benefit from these classes contact the team using the details below!
For more information and updates, check out our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/
Four Quick Tricks for Dealing with Stress!
It is easy for stress to grow, and feel overwhelming. However, even something as simple as a few minutes of breathing exercises can make you feel so much better.
But most importantly, try not to become isolated by stress. Reaching out to friends, family, health care professionals, or volunteers can give you a chance to share your worries and ease the burden.
For more information on manging stress, as well as other issues, follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!
Did you know, 1 in 4 people do not attend their cervical screening test?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you think you are due a smear test, contact your surgery. For more support and information on cervical screenings, visit the NHS website (Cervical screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)) or Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. (What is Cervical Screening (Smear Test)? | Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk))
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Cervical Cancer, don't wait until your next smear, contact to your GP now!
Choosing an NHS Service.
Feeling Under the Weather?
We know that finding the right health care can be stressful, especially when services are facing disruption.
To save some worry, use this guide to work out where to go! And don't forget, NHS 111 is there for you 24/7.
For more information, check us out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/
Cheltenham Animal Shelter Shoebox Appeal 2023!
This Christmas the St Pauls PCN team have donated to the Cheltenham Animal Shelter shoebox appeal. Thank you so much to the shelter staff for everything they do for the animals in their care all year. Merry Christmas😸🐶🎄✨
To see more of what we do, check us out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/St-Pauls-Primary-Care-Network/100088933042410/