PUBLIC HOLIDAY - Benbecula Medical Practice and the Daliburgh Branch Surgery will be closed on Monday 6th May. Normal emergency arrangements apply.
MEASLES
There is an outbreak of measles in the UK at present. We ask that you phone ahead to inform the surgery if you have a fever and a rash, to avoid putting other patients at risk. If you have had contact with a case of measles, and have not been vaccinated, you may be at risk. If you have a rash, you will be contagious for 4 or more days after the rash appeared. For more information, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/measles/
BENBECULA MEDICAL PRACTICE TRANSFERING TO HEALTH BOARD MANAGEMENT IN APRIL 2024:
The practice will transfer to health board management on the 2nd April 2024. There will be no changes to services to patients or staffing. Dr Dawson and Dr Johnson will continue to work at the practice in the medium term, while the health board recruits new GPs to work in the hospital and the practice.
Dr Dawson says "I am very proud of the services that we provide to patients, and the support we offer to each other as a team. Our practice manager, Sheena MacKinnon, has been exemplary in keeping everything well organised in the run-up to the handover. I'm also very proud of our patients, and the good relationship between the practice staff and practice population, and I would like to say thank you to you all for your support. I look forward to that same kindness and support to all and from all in the future."
COVID, FLU, SHINGLES AND MEASLES VACCINATIONS:
If you would like a vaccine but have not been contacted, please call 0808 196 8383 or email wi.vaccination@nhs.scot as soon as possible. The lines are busy so please keep trying. The vaccination team will be arranging home visits to those that are unable to attend the clinics. If you are an unpaid carer for someone whose welfare depends on your help, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/carersregister or contact the surgery to register. There is more information on nhsinform.scot
IT IS OK TO ASK:
For any treatment, work out what suits you. Ask yourself and your doctor:
- Benefits - what are the benefits of my treatment plan?
- Risks - what are the risks from my treatment plan?
- Alternatives - are there any other ways of managing my problem?
- Nothing - what happens if we do nothing?
For more information, please visit NHS inform - realistic medicine. One of the GPs, Dr Dawson, writes an occasional blog about her views on realistic medicine.