In this issue...

• Covid-19 vaccinations
• Supporting you to return to practice
• General practice appointment data: August 
• Health and care symposium
• Black History Month family activities
• Return your unused mobility equipment
• Be kind to your mind
• Know where to go for NHS help this half term
• Prioritising your mental health
• Publications from our partners

Covid jabs now bookable for people aged 50+ 

The fastest and largest vaccination programme in NHS history has already delivered more than 5.5 million life-saving autumn top-ups since its launch a month ago.

A total of 6.6 million people who are most vulnerable to serious illness from Covid-19 because they are either over 65, have suppressed immune systems, are pregnant, have a learning disability or another health issue, are being reminded to book in as soon as possible.

Those who are at risk are able to self-declare– you do not need to wait for an invite – and can attend a walk-in site or book in online at www.nhs.uk/book-covid-booster.

There are more than 70 sites in Kent and Medway offering the Covid-19 booster and many more opportunities to get a booster jab at a walk-in clinic – these can be found on grab a jab. Appointments can also be booked by phoning 119.

• The walk-in bus at Kemsley Village Hall, Sittingbourne has been extended for another two weeks. The bus will be in the village hall car park until Saturday, 5 November. There is no need to book – just turn up and join the queue.

Supporting you to return to practice

The latest general practice appointment figures, released by NHS England show 828,677 appointments were carried out in Kent and Medway in August 2022.

Of those appointments, more than 60 per cent were face-to-face or home visits. This is 100,000 more than last August.

A total of 38,000 people did not attend their appointments in August. 

Of the total appointments, almost 418,000 took place with a member of the practice team other than a GP. Although practices still have GPs at the centre, they now work in teams of specialists so you can see the right person as quickly as possible. The professionals available differ from practice to practice (dependent on the needs of the local population) and you can find out more about each role and what they do here.

We would urge anyone who can no longer attend any appointment (be it with their GP practice, a vaccination appointment or a hospital appointment) to please cancel them. This allows the NHS to use the time to see other patients in need.

See more information on general practice here.

Join the discussion and give your views at Have your say and help shape the future of health and care now and for the generations to come.

Black History Month half term activities

Return your unused mobility equipment and help others

People in east Kent are being asked to return mobility equipment they no longer need at dedicated drop-off points in Ashford, Canterbury and Margate as part of National Recycle Week (17-23 October).

This includes equipment loaned by the NHS or Kent County Council through NRS Healthcare, such as commodes, walking frames, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, free-standing toilet frames, perching stools, chair raisers, kitchen trolleys and wheeled walkers. Crutches can also be returned.

The permanent drop-off sites are based at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent and Canterbury Hospital and QEQM in Margate. 

Find out how you can return unused equipment. 

Be kind to your mind 

Know where to go for NHS help this half term

Doctors in Kent and Medway are reminding parents and carers about where to go if they need NHS help for themselves or their children.

The October school break is a busy period for the NHS and it is important people use the right service when they are ill or injured.

Here are our top tips:

• If you or your children are not well, get advice from your pharmacist at the first sign of feeling ill – don’t wait for it to get more serious.
• Pharmacists will be happy to talk to you about a cough or a cold and can sell a range of medication without the need for a prescription.
• Make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home, which should include paracetamol, cold remedies, plasters, tweezers and a thermometer.
• If you are going away, make sure you pick up any prescription medications that you need in plenty of time and make sure to take it with you.

People can find out more about where to go for help at www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk. The website also has a map of local pharmacies and opening times and details of mental health support.

Prioritising your mental wellbeing

Worries over money, housing, heating and food can affect our mental wellbeing, causing stress, anxiety and depression.

Read more about the services available throughout Kent and Medway to help you with your mental wellbeing, including specific cost of living crisis support in ‘Making your mental health a priority’ on the NHS Kent and Medway website.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust