News
Whooping cough updates
The number of whooping cough (pertussis) cases continues to rise, with 1319 cases confirmed in England for March 2024, compared with 858 cases in the whole of 2023. The pertussis infection can be very serious and can result in hospitalisation and even death in babies who are too young to start their vaccinations.
Sadly, between January and March 2024, there have been 5 infant deaths, across England, from whooping cough and the NHS is urging pregnant women to come forward for their vaccination.
The pertussis vaccination given in pregnancy provides protection for pregnant women and young babies against this very serious illness.
Infected blood public inquiry report - briefing for GP practices
- We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so we have set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support - https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support
- 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.
- 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 technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.
- Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C
- If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit hepctest.nhs.uk.
- Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B. Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information
- HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS. Home testing and home sampling kits are also available. You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.
- Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here: https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/
The NHS App
The Surgery would like to invite you to use the NHS App
The new, simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
Get a free home test for hepatitis C
Patients who are concerned that they may be at risk of hepatitis C can now do a simple test at home to find out if they have hepatitis C using the new hepatitis C testing website.
COVID Spring booster campaign
Information for Under 18 year Olds Eligible for the COVID 19 Spring Booster 2024
6 month – 4 year olds
Can obtain vaccines from the following Practice -
Site |
Address |
Booking Mechanism |
Clinic Times |
Stubley Medical Practice |
7 Stubley Drive, Dronfield Woodhouse, S18 8QY |
01246 296970 |
Every Wednesday: 12- 2 from the w/c 22nd April to 30th June.
Please note the clinic on the w/c 1st May has been cancelled. |
5-11 year olds and 12-17 year olds
Can obtain vaccines from the following Places –
Site |
Address |
Booking Mechanism |
Clinic Times |
Tideswell Pharmacy |
Queen Street, Tideswell, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 8JT |
Both telephone and NBS. Staff will help patients book online if necessary: Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Tel: 01298 871249 |
Every Saturday: 9am-midday from the w/c 22nd April to 30th June. |
Crich Pharmacy |
Crich Medical Centre, Oakwell Drive, Matlock, DE4 5PB |
TELEPHONE, NBS & PHARMACY WEBSITE 01773 852351 |
Every Friday: 2-4pm from the w/c 22nd April to 30th June.
|
Stubley Medical Practice |
7 Stubley Drive, Dronfield Woodhouse, S18 8QY |
NBS |
Fortnightly clinic every other Saturday from 9am to 1pm. 4th May 18th May 1st June 15th June 29th June |
Pear Tree Pharmacy |
207 St Thomas Road, Derby, DE23 8RJ |
NBS |
Fortnightly clinic every other Saturday from 9am to 1pm. 4th May 18th May 1st June 15th June 29th June |