NEWSLETTER FOR THE GENERAL PRACTICE LINK OFFICE
FEBRUARY 1998 ISSUE 46
The General Practice Link Office is always looking for articles to be included in Link News. If there is anyone out there involved in General Practice who would like to submit an article, please contact us with any contributions, which will be warmly welcomed.
CONTENTS
NON-SMOKING DAY - 11 MARCH 1998
NON-SMOKING DAY - 11 MARCH 1998
The theme "Ready, Steady … Stop!" this year will assist us in targeting patients who are pregnant and those with young children. Many local agencies and groups will be contributing, as part of "Healthy Croydon", these include parent support groups, church mums and toddlers groups, nurseries, school crossing staff, schools and the business community. A recent report by Croydon's Director of Public Health highlights the continuing problem of smoking among young mothers with 43 per cent of those under 20 reporting that they smoked throughout their pregnancy. We plan to offer a half-day training course "Action on Smoking and Pregnancy" for practices in the near future and will keep you informed. In the meantime if you would like No Smoking Day resources, leaflets, posters or stickers, please contact Margaret Lewis in Health Promotion Resources on 0181-680 2008 extension 214 (while stocks last). Margaret Howard - CCHT
Accidents are one of the most common causes of holiday problems. Examples include, swimming pool accidents, drink driving, motor bike accidents etc. Alcohol is a direct cause of many accidents so be aware. Remember:
� Enjoy your alcohol, but "do not go over the top"
� Take a first aid kit with you
� Buy a comprehensive holiday insurance policy which will cover flying you home, in case of accident/illness.
Taken in part from Traveller World Wide Health Information Service and brought to you by the Croydon Practice Nurse Group Committee.
0181-649 9339 is the new telephone number for carers in Croydon. This is the Carers Contactline, developed as a result of a working partnership between a number of local organisations concerned with carers' issues. Carers' Alliance, Croydon Crossroads, NSF, Off the Record and the Whitgift Foundation have all collaborated to provide workers for this new service for carers. GPs will now be able to tell carers, young and old, that if they need information or support then they should call this one telephone number. On hand will be a young carers worker, two adult carers workers, a worker for carers looking after people with mental health problems, and an information officer. Gae Edwards is the Croydon Crossroads worker and will be working closely with primary health care providers. Surgeries are often the first port of call for carers and are often a prime resource for local information and agencies. With the support of doctors, practice managers and practice nurses, the Contactline will be publicised to carers and will aim to respond to the needs of carers in Croydon and ensure that carers are recognised and valued. Helen Pack Co-ordinator
There seems to be an epidemic of this disease in Croydon, which originated in Japan. Last year scores of mothers were seen queuing in their cars at Toys R Us on the Purley Way, Croydon (sadly my wife was one of those affected). They were eagerly waiting to buy these silicon chip monsters having been brain washed by their school children to purchase them. Once purchased the disease rapidly takes an unusual turn. After a few days the children seem to have been cured of all symptoms but unfortunately it takes a rapid hold usually of the mothers. These parasites dominate the day by squeaking intermittently and by manipulating four protuberances on the ventral surface the problem is displayed on a screen e.g. clear up faeces, needs an injection, wants feeding, needs a smack (better not tell the EEC) and oh yes, wants to go to sleep. Unfortunately these little devils can often be seen clipped in twos or even threes around the waist of the victim and have been seen both at the workplace and football matches. The trouble is that if they are not looked after, they die! My wife, who works as a part-time receptionist, has been sadly afflicted with this lethal condition and the squeaking noises from reception have been even heard by patients in our surgery waiting room. Do not despair! I have found the only affective CURE. Teach your cat to think the Nano Baby is a mouse! I've tried it and Tigger, our mog, had a whale of a time much to the disgust of Lesley (My wife) and the twins Harry and Sophie! He was last seen charging down the garden with wires and bits of semi-conductor hanging from his mouth. The only fallout from this is that he seems to be purring in a different way. I hope he doesn't catch Nanobabyitis otherwise he will be down straight to the vet for a different sort of injection!
Dr Nicholas Cambridge
The GPLO does not necessarily endorse or support any of the positions, products or people advertised herein
For Sale Amstrad PCW 8256 Computer Word Processor plus printer and 9 Compact Floppy Disks. �50.00 o.n.o. Telephone Lisa Eve 0181-660 7064
Receptionist required to work in a friendly two doctor computerised practice in South Croydon. Hours Thursday and Friday 8:30a.m. to 3p.m. Please contact Margaret O'Brien on 0181-686 6655.
Experienced part time Practice Manager (20 hours) required ASAP for a busy three doctor practice. The applicant should be friendly, self motivated, computer literate and experienced in finance, personnel and links. AMSPAR diploma preferred. Salary according to qualifications and experience. Please apply to Dr H Gooneratne, 6 Galpins Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Telephone 0181-684 3450.
Practice Nurse required full time. Please contact Lisa English at "Chalgrove" Farleigh Common, Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9PE.
Locum Practice Nurse/s required for two sessions per week: Monday: 2pm - 6:30pm Thursday: 9am - 11:30am Enquiries to Mrs D Gibbs, Practice Manager, 59 Addiscombe Road, Croydon CR0 6SD (Telephone 0181-688 1213).
Practice Nurse required part-time 10 hours minimum per week. F/G Grade depending on experience. Please apply with CV to Mrs T Haines, Practice Manager, 96 Brighton Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 6AD. Telephone 0181-688 0875.
Retired GP (early retirement) available from April or May to join Group Practice as Assistant, part or full time. Fax 0181-765 1560.