PRACTICE NEWS
Update on Scarlet fever and Invasive Group A strep
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year. You can read more here: Further information on Scarlet fever and Invasive Group A strep.
You can also watch the youtube video in which Dr Sophie discusses scarlet fever and the bacteria that causes it, known as strep A. There has been in an increase in infections in England, including in the most severe form, which can potentially become life-threatening . For most children, scarlet fever is thankfully a mild illness, easily treated with antibiotics. Here’s what you need to know, so you are aware when to worry and when you may need to seek help. Strep A & Scarlet Fever.
Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections
This UK Health Security Agency blog includes this advice to parents:
Advice to parents:
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
@UKHSA is also running a public information campaign on social media so parents are aware of this advice.
Data Sharing
There are now many ways in which your medical information can be shared for the benefit of your health and the wider health community. Please see below an explanation of the types of data sharing currently available:
Summary Care Record
The Summary Care Record is an electronic patient record summary that is held on a central NHS database (The Spine). The data held will consist of personal details, problems, medication and allergies. It is not a copy of the entire record.
The purpose of the Summary Care Record is so that if you were to need emergency treatment somewhere else in the UK eg: Scotland, the local practice or hospital would be able to view your Summary Care Record in order to give safer and more informed treatment.
For example if you were unconscious but had severe allergies, the Summary Care Record would contain this information and potentially save your life.
This data cant be used by anyone outside of the NHS and access is carefully monitored.
Summary Care Records - Information for Patients
Medical Interoperability Gateway (MIG)
A Medical Interoperability Gateway (MIG) operates in East Kent which enables clinicians to securely share up-to-date patient data regardless of what software systems they use. This is intended to improve patient care by increasing the amount of information available to clinicians involved in your care.
For example, if you were under the care of a hospital consultant at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, the consultation would, with your permission, be able to view detailed information about your medical history.
Extended hours
The Practice is now able to book additional appointments for our patients as part of the extended access scheme. These appointments will be outside the Practice usual opening times (8:00-6:30).
The appointments will be available at the practice or other local practices during the week or at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital on a Saturday or Sunday.
These appointments may not be with a doctor from this practice but with your consent the clinician will have access to your electronic medical record.
For more information and to book please speak to a member of our Reception Team.
Practice Timings
Please see our Opening Hours page.
Public Health England’s national campaign: Keep Antibiotics Working
On Monday 23rd October, Public Health England (PHE) launches a national campaign ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ highlighting that taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts you and your family at risk. To help keep antibiotics working you are urged to always take your doctor or nurse’s advice on antibiotics. Please watch the video below:
