Our Doctor Writes

Affirmations – Shaping your mind and your life

Dr Paddon has kindly moved aside for this month so that I can introduce you all to our upcoming ‘Take What You Need” board in the surgery.

As the mental health first aider for staff at the surgery, I take joy each month in curating a mental health focused information board just for the staff wellbeing. Topics have varied from self-care to making it through the winter months and have been so well received the GP’s have tasked me with engaging our patients in a similar way.

This is how the “Take What You Need” board has come into being! I am a strong believer in affirmations and how these can help shape your mind with positive thinking and can help you deal with negative thoughts, feelings and situations. Each envelope on the board contains numerous affirmations for a quick pick me up! Recent studies have suggested that affirmative practices incorporating mindfulness have shown a positive relationship with emotional self-regulation by improving mental well-being and fostering a more focused and non-judgmental state of mind.

These are not cure all’s, and certainly not for everyone. But if you need a positivity boost or a lift to your emotions, “Take What You Need” from the board in the surgery next time you are passing through.

If you find that your mental health needs more than an affirmation, there are lots of services available to you either through the surgery or self-referral. We have Alice here at the surgery who offers support with Health and Wellbeing (everything from dietary choices to struggling with social isolation) and Emily who is our Social Prescriber.

Self-referral services are available through Wiltshire Talking Therapies 01380731335 if you find you are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or PTSD. They have a simple online referral you can complete.

Struggle to share? Text SHOUT to 85258. They are available 24/7 and communicate via a free messaging system.

Jennifer

Patient Services

PATIENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR

Part time 12 Hours per week

Monday 09:00 – 14:00, Tuesday 13:00 – 18:00, Wednesday 12:00 – 14:00

Flexibility to cover holidays and sickness throughout the whole week is required. Your role will be patient focused providing the best service face to face and over the phone having an empathetic and caring manner. You will also provide support to the doctors’, nurses, and management team in the practice. You will be learning and maintaining new procedures/work processes and inputting confidential data efficiently and precisely so you must be computer literate and be able to prioritise your workload in a busy working environment. Having a positive team working ethic is essential.

Job Responsibilities:

* Opening and closing of the surgery.

* Give out repeat and acute prescriptions to patients’ or their representatives.

* Assist patients with face-to-face enquiries and follow up as necessary.

* Answer all incoming telephone calls, booking appointments as necessary and actioning any queries resulting from those calls.

* Ensure all emails are acknowledged and processed in the correct time frame.

* To ensure all tasks are dealt with and escalated if necessary.

* Process all scanning. (Paper and electronic)

* Support GP’s and The Practice Managers.

Please apply with CV and covering letter to Nicky Johnson – nicky.johnson@nhs.net

Greatwood Domestic abuse course spring 2025.pdf

Please see poster for courses, on separate days for males and females.

The Healing Power of the Nature and the Outdoors

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many people find themselves disconnected from nature, spending most of their time indoors. Research suggests that spending time in natural environments can have profound effects on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing and that nature is a powerful tool for enhancing health, improving mood, and reducing stress.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

One of the most immediate and well-documented benefits of spending time in nature is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Research shows that green spaces help lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. Being surrounded by nature allows individuals to disconnect from the noise and demands of daily life, inducing a sense of calm and relaxation. Even brief periods of exposure to nature can have a noticeable effect on reducing symptoms of anxiety. Nature's natural rhythms like rustling leaves, flowing water and birdsong can create a peaceful soundtrack that soothes the mind. This sensory experience helps counteract the overstimulation that often comes with modern life.

Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus

Nature has a significant impact on mental clarity and cognitive function. For example, people who spend time outdoors tend to perform better on cognitive tasks like memory recall and problem-solving. This is because natural environments allow the brain to relax, providing a much-needed break from the constant mental effort required in urban settings. In a busy environment, our brains are constantly engaged in tasks that require focus, leading to mental fatigue. In contrast, natural surroundings offer restorative experiences that help replenish our mental energy, leading to greater clarity, creativity and productivity. A few minutes in our surgery garden certainly helps me.

Boosting Mood and Emotional Health

Exposure to nature has been linked to improved mood and emotional wellbeing. Walking in the woods, breathing fresh air, or simply spending time in a green space can elevate levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Studies show that people who engage with nature more frequently experience fewer symptoms of depression, sadness, irritability and have greater life satisfaction. The sense of connection with nature fosters a feeling of belonging and provides a safe space where individuals can reflect, recharge, and process emotions, leading to improved emotional resilience.

Improving Physical Health

The benefits of nature extend beyond the mind to the body. Regular outdoor activities like gardening, walking, cycling, or hiking can improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and increase overall physical fitness. Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate the body's internal clock, improving sleep quality at night. Nature has a healing touch. In hospitals, patients who have views of natural landscapes recover more quickly and report less pain than those without a view.

Promoting Social Connection and Community Wellbeing

Spending time outdoors doing nature-based activities with family, friends, or the wider community leads to greater social interaction, social bonding and shared experiences, reducing social isolation and loneliness. These moments of connection help strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging to a community. Communities that prioritise green spaces and natural areas tend to have healthier, happier populations. This social support is crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Fostering a Sense of Connection and Perspective

Time in nature can help individuals develop a deeper sense of connection to the world around them. Observing the beauty of the natural world can help cultivate a sense of awe and appreciation for life. This broader perspective can promote gratitude, a greater sense of purpose and help us feel less overwhelmed by our daily concerns. This sense of connectedness and perspective can be especially grounding during challenging times.

Nature and Mindfulness

Nature and mindfulness often go hand in hand. The practice of mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around us and anchoring us in the here and now. By focusing on the natural world, we can cultivate mindfulness, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with ourselves to promote inner peace.

Conclusion

Incorporating more time in nature into our daily lives can have profound effects on our wellbeing. Whether it is reducing stress, enhancing mood, improving cognitive function, or fostering physical health, nature provides a range of benefits that are essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy life. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s important to prioritise time outdoors. Nature not only heals us but also nurtures our mind, body, and spirit. So, the next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, step outside and let nature work its magic, even if it is raining.

Thank you for saying  “Thank you”. 

We had many wonderful cards and gifts at Christmas time. Thank you for taking the time to write your kind messages to the whole practice team. The chocolates, wine, biscuits are always shared between all the staff. The lovely selection of pukka teabags and posh coffees are a welcome change to our usual brands. The feedback you take the time to provide via ‘Family and Friends’ is also greatly appreciated.  

Saying thank you and feeling appreciated has many benefits for us as healthcare professionals. It is a huge boost to our morale and this reinforces our dedication and commitment to caring for you. It contributes to a more positive and happy work environment leading to improved job satisfaction and reduced burnout. There is a lot of laughter during our working day at The Old School House Surgery. A simple "thank you" can enhance the doctor/nurse/receptionist/dispenser/manager/administrator-patient relationship, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect. 

Your acknowledgement of our hard work and effort encourages us to continue to provide the best possible care. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in our day-to-day work life. 

Thank you,

Stay well,

Happy New Year,

Dr Angela Paddon and the team at The Old School House Surgery, Great Bedwyn. 

Please do join us in Marlborough on a Saturday morning!

Being kind and caring for yourself should be a priority. In our society, there is a tendency always to push ourselves to be busy or productive and work hard. To look after everyone else and to never say ‘no’. It is exhausting and trying to be creative, to care for family and to work efficiently is impossible if you are not looking after yourself. 

So, this Christmas give yourself the present of learning how to care for yourself. Self-care is not selfish. Nor should you feel guilty that you are taking time to self-care. You and others will benefit much more in the longer term. It does not have to be time consuming or expensive. Any activity, thought, feeling, action or attitude that makes you feel good about yourself is self-care. You may want to focus on caring for yourself self physically, mentally, emotionally, socially or professionally. 

If you do not know how to care for yourself just imagine what you would do for someone else if you were caring for them. Then apply it to yourself. 

Go for a walk, a bike ride, dance to your favourite song, run (Parkrun 9am every Saturday on Marlborough Common). Have an early night and sleep well. Eat your favourite (healthy) food. Have a long, uninterrupted bath. 

Take time to reflect, acknowledge your emotions and express them. Be patient with yourself and take the time that you need to recover if you have had difficult times. Think kinder thoughts about yourself. 

Choose demands on your time which you enjoy and learn to say ‘no’ to those you feel obligated to do. Start a project or hobby that you have been putting off. Learn something new. Watch a film. Play your favourite music. Sit and read. 

Make time to see friends and family whose company you enjoy. A quick chat over coffee, a glass of wine and supper. Bake a cake because you enjoy baking and then invite friends to share it. Buy a cake if you cannot bake. Laugh together. 

Balance work and life. Set boundaries. Take your annual leave. 

Remind yourself every day that you matter too. When life is difficult your good health and wellbeing will help you to be resilient, to persevere and to make good choices for yourself. 

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. 

Dr Angela Paddon and the team at The Old School Surgery. 

All Change

Lots of changes at The Old School Surgery with three new doctors starting in August. 

Dr Hannah Graystone and Dr Julia Hempenstall officially joined me as partners on the 1st of August. There was a lot of paperwork involved to make that happen! Dr Anne Woods has successfully started her new job in Scotland. Dr Omoike has passed all his exams and has finished his training year with us. He is now a fully qualified GP and going to work in the Marlborough Practice. We wish him every success. 

Dr Anna Woodman is joining us as our salaried GP and is working on Tuesdays and Fridays. Anna qualified as a GP in 2023 and has been working in Luggershall. She is in the process of training to insert coils which will allow us to continue to provide this service. She has an interest in Medical Education and will be a great asset to the practice. 

Dr Chi Chukwudifu is our new third year GP trainee and will be with us for the next year. Like Dr Omoike, he is from Nigeria and plans to continue Dr Omoike’s habit of wearing the colourful traditional clothes on Fridays. 

Dr Ravindra is joining us for six months. He is in his second year of GP training. He comes from a surgical background. 

Medical students have been allocated to us but will not be starting until January. 

Karen Edwards joined the reception team recently and is proving to be a great addition. Sadly, Sarah Barlow, who has been a strong presence in the dispensary is leaving for new adventures in Devon. 

We would not be able to train future doctors and GPs if it were not for your continued support. So thank you for enabling us to provide this vital role. 

Be well

Dr Angela Paddon and the team at The Old School Surgery. 

Many patients and staff gathered on a very hot afternoon on Friday 19th July 2024 to reluctantly say goodbye to Dr Anne Woods. Dr Julia Hempenstall led our goodbyes with some beautiful words and all best wishes for the future. Dr Anne has returned to Scotland and will be practicing and living in the North West. The Old School Surgery will miss her greatly.

We want to hear from you to learn what is important for people to feel part of a community and especially in the context of combating loneliness and isolation. Your feedback will help shape provision and support individuals for Wiltshire residents to help reduce loneliness and isolation within our community. Please click on the link below for further information.

ACMH+WMHIS Community Conversation Survey Feb 2024 (1).pdf

It is with huge sadness that I have to inform you that Dr. Anne Woods is leaving at the end of July. She is returning to Scotland to continue her career. Anne joined the Practice in 2016 and has been an amazing and supportive partner. She has been instrumental in the management side of the Practice, especially her hard work liaising with the other local Practices and the Commissioning Board to establish and manage the Primary Care Network. She has trained future GPs and doctors, performed lots of minor operations and joint injections, inserted hundreds of contraceptive implants and coils, helped thousands of patients and made us all laugh every day with her great sense of humour. 

It is with huge excitement and pride that I can inform you that Dr Hannah Graystone and Dr Julia Hempenstall are becoming partners in the Practice. Both Hannah and Julia trained at the Practice over 10 years ago and have worked with us since they completed their training. Hannah and Julia plan to increase the number of clinical sessions that they do so there will be more opportunity to book an appointment with them. We hope to employ a new salaried GP, but other than that very little will change. Hannah is training to do minor surgery, joint injections, and contraceptive implants and both will train as educational supervisors so that the Practice can continue to be involved in teaching future GPs and medical students when I eventually retire. 

We all wish Anne happiness and success in the future. She will be missed greatly by everyone. 

Dr Angela Paddon and the Staff at the Old School Surgery. 

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Hungerford Resource Centre is a purpose built centre providing services for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, frailty and dementia.

Please click on the link for further information:

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/38888/The-Hungerford-Resource-Centre

PPGs have an important role to play in enabling patients to have a say in the way services are delivered to best meet the needs of the local Community.

A PPG is an opportunity for patients and carers to work with the Practice to: 

• Improve local services and quality of care
• Improve communication with patients
• Promote health and wellbeing
• Ensure we remain accountable and responsive to patients needs

 Why join our PPG?

 As a PPG member you can: 

• Suggest ideas for improvements and voice any concerns about how services are organised or managed
• Provide feedback to the Practice about the patient experience
• Help with communication between the Practice and the local population
• Offer practical support to the Surgery

We would love to see you at our next meeting here in the Surgery.  If you would like to join us but are unable to come along, we do have a PPG Suggestion Box in the waiting room where you can let us know any ideas or concerns you have, these will be discussed and addressed at the next meeting and will be anonymised.

The Chairperson is Hayley Kane who is happy to be contacted directly if you would like her to raise any points on your behalf – please email hayleykane@hotmail.com 

2nd November 2023 Minutes

18th April 2024 Minutes

1st August 2024 PPG Minutes

12th December 2024 PPG.docx

Dr Angela Paddon writes a monthly article covering relevant topics for the local parish magazine.

Please click the links below to read 'Our Doctor Writes'.

October 2022.docx

20-10-2022 Winter Wellness.docx

November 2023.docx

When a patient does not attend a booked appointment, it is known as a 'Did not attend' or a DNA.

Most of our patients know it can sometimes be difficult to book a routine appointment with a GP or Nurse.

One thing that makes this more difficult to overcome is the problem of missed appointments - DNAs.

Patients sometimes have to wait longer than we would like for a routine appointment due to clinics being fully booked, it is at best disappointing when some of those patients do not turn up and have not contacted the practice to cancel the appointment so it can be released to other patients.

Remember, your DNA is another patient's denied appointment and we kindly ask that if you are unable to attend to contact the surgery to cancel so we can offer the appointment to another patient.

STATISTICS

MARCH 2025: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 62 APPOINTMENTS = 11 HOURS 40 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

FEBRUARY 2025: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 52 APPOINTMENTS = 9 HOURS OF DR/NURSE TIME

JANUARY 2025: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 37 APPOINTMENTS = 8 HOURS 5 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

DECEMBER 2024: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 58 APPOINTMENTS = 14 HOURS 45 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

NOVEMBER 2024: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 50 APPOINTMENTS = 10 HOURS 29 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

OCTOBER 2024: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 75 APPOINTMENTS = 10 HOURS 55 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

SEPTEMBER 2024: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 43 APPOINTMENTS = 11 HOURS 40 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

AUGUST 2024: NUMBER OF DNA'S: 19 APPOINTMENTS = 3 HOURS AND 10 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

JULY 2024: NUMBER OF DNAS: 51 APPOINTMENTS = 13 HOURS OF DR/NURSE TIME

JUNE 2024: NUMBER OF DNAS: 32 APPOINTMENTS = 6 HOURS 30 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

MAY 2024: NUMBER OF DNAS: 68 APPOINTMENTS = 14 HOURS AND 25 MINUTES OF DR/NURSE TIME

APRIL 2024: NUMBER OF DNAS: 58 APPOINTMENTS = 11 HOURS 10 MINS OF DR/NURSE TIME

MARCH 2024: NUMBER OF DNAS: 62 APPOINTMENTS = 15 HOURS 40 MINS OF DR/NURSE TIME 

FEBRUARY 2024: NUMBER OF DNAs: 59 APPOINTMENTS = 10 HOURS 45 MINS OF DR/ NURSE TIME 

JANUARY 2024 : NUMBER OF DNAS: 38 APPOINTMENTS = 6 HOURS OF DR/NURSE TIME

DECEMBER 2023 : NUMBER OF DNAs: 28 APPOINTMENTS = 5 HOURS/5 MINS OF DR/NURSE TIME

NOVEMBER 2023 : NUMBER OF DNAs: 46 APPOINTMENTS = 8 HOURS/45 MINS OF DR/NURSE TIME