Staffing
Nairn Healthcare would like to congratulate Practice Nurse, Nicola Thomson, who has just taken on the role of Lead Practice Nurse. Nicola has been with the Practice since 2012.
We will also be welcoming Foundation Year 2 doctor, Dr Rachel Armitage, to the team. Dr Armitage is due to start in the beginning of August.
Flu Vaccine Review
Nairn Healthcare held their annual flu review meeting recently. 6,046 of Nairn Healthcare patients qualified for the flu vaccine last Winter because of their age, clinical history, pregnancy or because they are a carer. 58% of these patients chose to receive the free flu vaccine.
Although, we have not yet received our flu vaccines for this year, please keep your eyes peeled on our website, newsletters, media screens and local shops and chemists around both Nairn and Ardersier for when this year’s campaign will commence. Patients aged over 65 will receive a letter from NHS Highland.
CAB Outreach
The Citizens Advice Office in the GPs surgery will be closed due to annual leave from Monday 17th July and will re-open on Monday 31st July.
If there are any urgent enquiries The High Street Bureau will be open and can be accessed by either dropping in or telephoning 01667 456677.
My Well Being and Me
Find out about how to improve your health without the misery of dieting with new group, My Well-Being and Me. Their approach is your health for your size and to develop a healthy relationship with food. The next Well course will take place in the Conference Room (before GP Reception), Nairn Hospital on Tuesday 29th August at 4pm-6pm. Please contact Ann Grant on 01667 422719 or email ann.grant7@nhs.net to book a place
Sun Protection
Recently, the UK has been experiencing some of the hottest days of the year so far. Although it’s great to have some sun shining, we still need to protect our skin with suitable clothing, seeking shade and applying sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be suitable for your skin type and block both UVA and UVB radiation, at least SPF15 should be applied and the product shouldn’t be applied if after its expiry date.
Children and babies have more sensitive skin than adults so please take extra care to protect them. Children under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. There are sunscreens available that are formulated for children and babies, these are less likely to irritate their skin.
If you do happen to get sunburnt, paracetamol and ibuprofen will ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation. Sponge the sore skin with cool water and apply aftersun lotion. If you feel unwell or the skin swells or blisters, please seek medical help and stay out of the sun until all redness has gone.
For more information on sun protection, please visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/travelhealth/pages/sunsafetyqa.aspx
Hayfever
Hay fever is one of the most common allergic conditions affecting one in five people at some point in their life and unfortunately, it is during the Summer months that it surfaces. It is an allergy to pollen and the symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.
There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment to a certain extent. Treatment options include antihistamines which can help prevent an allergic reaction from occurring. Steroids are sometimes recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Most hay fever cases can be controlled with over-the-counter medication from the pharmacy, however if you feel your hay fever is more troublesome, it may be worth speaking to a GP as you may require prescribed medication.
Some self-help tips:
Wearing sunglasses outdoors to stop pollen reaching your eyes
Take a shower after being outdoors to remove unwanted pollen from your body
Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the nasal opening to trap pollen grains.
Art in Healthcare
Nairn Books and Arts festival goers are invited to attend an Exhibition and talk given by the chief executive of the Art in Healthcare charity Margaret O'Connor. The exhibition includes artwork from emerging and established Scottish artists such as TG McGill Duncan, David Michie, and also Christopher Gilvan Cartwright, whose paintings were inspired by recovery following illness.
Light refreshments will be available. Free event. Monday 11th September. 7.30pm. Nairn Healthcare Group.
