Patient News
With our move to new premises later this year, we would like to engage with our patients so that we can share our plans and listen to your views and suggestions on our services.
The meeting will be held at Farnham Hospital, Hale Road, on 8th February at 6-7.30pm
If you would like to attend, please email: downingstreetpf@gmail.com
With our move to new premises later this year, we would like to engage with our patients so that we can share our plans and listen to your views and suggestions on our services.
The meeting will be held at Farnham Hospital, Hale Road, on 8th February at 6-7.30pm
If you would like to attend, please email: downingstreetpf@gmail.com
Downing Street Practice, in partnership with Waverley Borough Council, is excited to announce that it will be moving premises to Wey Court East in Farnham town centre.
The GP practice, with more than 13600 patients, will be relocating to these larger premises at Wey Court East by Summer 2024.
Dr Edward Wernick, GP Partner at Downing Street Group Practice, said: “While we will be sorry to leave our current building which has housed the practice for over 200 years, the move is an exciting new chapter for us.
“The new premises at Wey Court East will enable us to continue to provide first-class care for our patients in a state-of-the-art facility with additional clinical rooms, improved technology and larger facilities for staff and patients in a spacious, modern setting.”
The new premises will have access to nearby town centre parking and offers disabled access to the first floor via a lift.
Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Property, Councillor Mark Merryweather, said: “This is a fantastic result for everyone concerned. We’ve been able to help ensure that the practice can stay in the heart of Farnham town centre and allow them to grow and meet the needs of our local community.
“For the council, we’ve been able to secure an outstanding tenant for a building that has been vacant for a very long time and the long-term lease has also given us the certainty to be able to fund significant re-modelling works required to make the building fit for the future.”
The number to call the practice (01252 716226) will remain the same. The practice will will look to change its name as it relocates.
To keep up-to-date on the relocation, please follow the practice on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/downingstreetgrouppractice, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/downingstreetgrouppractice
Downing Street Practice, in partnership with Waverley Borough Council, is excited to announce that it will be moving premises to Wey Court East in Farnham town centre.
The GP practice, with more than 13600 patients, will be relocating to these larger premises at Wey Court East by Summer 2024.
Dr Edward Wernick, GP Partner at Downing Street Group Practice, said: “While we will be sorry to leave our current building which has housed the practice for over 200 years, the move is an exciting new chapter for us.
“The new premises at Wey Court East will enable us to continue to provide first-class care for our patients in a state-of-the-art facility with additional clinical rooms, improved technology and larger facilities for staff and patients in a spacious, modern setting.”
The new premises will have access to nearby town centre parking and offers disabled access to the first floor via a lift.
Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Finance, Assets and Property, Councillor Mark Merryweather, said: “This is a fantastic result for everyone concerned. We’ve been able to help ensure that the practice can stay in the heart of Farnham town centre and allow them to grow and meet the needs of our local community.
“For the council, we’ve been able to secure an outstanding tenant for a building that has been vacant for a very long time and the long-term lease has also given us the certainty to be able to fund significant re-modelling works required to make the building fit for the future.”
The number to call the practice (01252 716226) will remain the same. The practice will will look to change its name as it relocates.
To keep up-to-date on the relocation, please follow the practice on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/downingstreetgrouppractice, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/downingstreetgrouppractice
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
After 1 July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
After 1 July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Dear patients,
We would like to inform you that Downing Street Practice is hoping to relocate to new premises in Farnham town centre in approximately 12 months.
Whilst we will be sorry to leave our current building which has housed the practice for over 200 years, the move is an exciting new chapter for us. By relocating we will be able to look at extending our services to patients while ensuring we still enjoy a town centre location.
We are working hard to finalise arrangements of the relocation and will be able to provide additional information to patients in the coming weeks.
To keep up to date on the relocation, please visit the practice website www.downingstreetsurgery.co.uk or follow our social media https://www.facebook.com/downingstreetgrouppractice https://www.instagram.com/downingstreetgrouppractice for future updates.
If you are concerned about what this may mean for you and your family, please contact frimleyicb.public@nhs.net
Dear patients,
We would like to inform you that Downing Street Practice is hoping to relocate to new premises in Farnham town centre in approximately 12 months.
Whilst we will be sorry to leave our current building which has housed the practice for over 200 years, the move is an exciting new chapter for us. By relocating we will be able to look at extending our services to patients while ensuring we still enjoy a town centre location.
We are working hard to finalise arrangements of the relocation and will be able to provide additional information to patients in the coming weeks.
To keep up to date on the relocation, please visit the practice website www.downingstreetsurgery.co.uk or follow our social media https://www.facebook.com/downingstreetgrouppractice https://www.instagram.com/downingstreetgrouppractice for future updates.
If you are concerned about what this may mean for you and your family, please contact frimleyicb.public@nhs.net
Testosterone guidelines
The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has published recent guidance on the risk of accidental exposure of children to testosterone from a topical testosterone gel used by their parents and caregivers and provide advice to avoid this.
Guidance recommends that patients who are prescribed the gel follow the following steps and take care that the testosterone product is not accidentally transferred onto the skin of someone else:
- after applying the product, wash your hands with soap and water o once the product has dried, cover the application site with clean clothing (such as a t-shirt)
- before physical contact with another person (adult or child), wash the application site with soap and water after the recommended time period following application has passed
Topical testosterone products are gels or creams applied directly to the skin. They are authorised to replace testosterone in men who do not produce sufficient natural testosterone; a condition known as hypogonadism. It acts in the same way as the testosterone that is produced in the body, which is responsible for the development of genitals and maintaining sexual characteristics (deepening of voice, hair growth, and sex drive). These products are also used outside of the licence for a range of conditions, including for peri/post-menopausal symptoms in women.
If the testosterone in the product is accidentally transferred to someone else through physical contact, it can lead to increased blood testosterone levels in the other person. It can cause facial and body hair growth, deepening of voice and changes in the menstrual cycle of women, or accelerated height, genital enlargement, and early puberty (including development of pubic hair) in children.
Testosterone guidelines
The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has published recent guidance on the risk of accidental exposure of children to testosterone from a topical testosterone gel used by their parents and caregivers and provide advice to avoid this.
Guidance recommends that patients who are prescribed the gel follow the following steps and take care that the testosterone product is not accidentally transferred onto the skin of someone else:
- after applying the product, wash your hands with soap and water o once the product has dried, cover the application site with clean clothing (such as a t-shirt)
- before physical contact with another person (adult or child), wash the application site with soap and water after the recommended time period following application has passed
Topical testosterone products are gels or creams applied directly to the skin. They are authorised to replace testosterone in men who do not produce sufficient natural testosterone; a condition known as hypogonadism. It acts in the same way as the testosterone that is produced in the body, which is responsible for the development of genitals and maintaining sexual characteristics (deepening of voice, hair growth, and sex drive). These products are also used outside of the licence for a range of conditions, including for peri/post-menopausal symptoms in women.
If the testosterone in the product is accidentally transferred to someone else through physical contact, it can lead to increased blood testosterone levels in the other person. It can cause facial and body hair growth, deepening of voice and changes in the menstrual cycle of women, or accelerated height, genital enlargement, and early puberty (including development of pubic hair) in children.
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Dr Das at the end of the year. We will be placing any messages left by patients and colleagues in a book for her so please feel free to leave anything with reception.
We are very sad to be saying goodbye to Dr Das at the end of the year. We will be placing any messages left by patients and colleagues in a book for her so please feel free to leave anything with reception.
Dr Streeter De Diego, local GP, Paediatric Doctor & Clinical lead Frimley Healthier Together, talks through what to do if you're worried and when to seek help.
Dr Streeter De Diego, local GP, Paediatric Doctor & Clinical lead Frimley Healthier Together, talks through what to do if you're worried and when to seek help.
Use the links to find and follow us - we'll be posting our practice news and useful health information.
Use the links to find and follow us - we'll be posting our practice news and useful health information.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Tiffany Lee to the practice. She will be taking over the care of Dr Hubbard’s patients.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Tiffany Lee to the practice. She will be taking over the care of Dr Hubbard’s patients.
Welcome to Downing Street Group's new WEBSITE, we hope you will find it informative, useful and we welcome your feedback about it. We will try to keep it up to date as possible with surgery changes such as new patient services available to you, Covid changes and vaccine news and latest news.
Welcome to Downing Street Group's new WEBSITE, we hope you will find it informative, useful and we welcome your feedback about it. We will try to keep it up to date as possible with surgery changes such as new patient services available to you, Covid changes and vaccine news and latest news.
The Emergency Departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park hospitals are currently experiencing an increasing level of demand which is likely to continue throughout this weekend. Please only attend if you have severe symptoms or suffering from a life-threatening condition. Check out our Know Where To Go guide for advice on how to get the help you need quickly and close to home. Remember, if it’s less than an emergency, call 111 https://orlo.uk/MYet4.
The Emergency Departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park hospitals are currently experiencing an increasing level of demand which is likely to continue throughout this weekend. Please only attend if you have severe symptoms or suffering from a life-threatening condition. Check out our Know Where To Go guide for advice on how to get the help you need quickly and close to home. Remember, if it’s less than an emergency, call 111 https://orlo.uk/MYet4.
Throughout the year the practice provides both medical and administration staff, training to improve their skills and knowledge base. All Practice Staff are required to attend these training days.
During this time the surgery will be closed 12:30 onwards.
Prior to each training session we will advise patients of the dates with information posters around the surgery and a telephone message to advise patients what to do on the day. When the surgery is shut for training telephone cover is provided by East Berkshire OOHs service for Emergencies.
BASE - Protected learning time dates - Surgery closed at 12:30
Wednesday 12th January 2022
Tuesday 8th February 2022
Thursday 27th April 2023
Throughout the year the practice provides both medical and administration staff, training to improve their skills and knowledge base. All Practice Staff are required to attend these training days.
During this time the surgery will be closed 12:30 onwards.
Prior to each training session we will advise patients of the dates with information posters around the surgery and a telephone message to advise patients what to do on the day. When the surgery is shut for training telephone cover is provided by East Berkshire OOHs service for Emergencies.
BASE - Protected learning time dates - Surgery closed at 12:30
Wednesday 12th January 2022
Tuesday 8th February 2022
Thursday 27th April 2023
The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.
The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.
The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins
GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.
Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.
We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.
The NHS vaccination programme will offer every adult the chance to book a covid-19 booster vaccine by the end of the year to protect the nation against the Omicron variant.
As part of the biggest and fastest vaccine programme in health service history, online bookings are available for all those in their 30s and above from today.
The best way to get your vaccine is by booking online at www.nhs.uk or by calling 119 – please do keep checking availability as appointments are loaded onto the system every day. The website and phoneline are understandably very busy and we thank you for your patience when booking.
The national booking service will then open up to everyone aged 18 and over from Wednesday this week.
The NHS is prioritising bookings for boosters and is urging people to book a slot to guarantee their vital jab. Some sites offer walk-in appointments where no appointment is needed. Please check here for clinics with walk-in availability and their opening hours www.happyhealthylives.uk/vaccinationdrop-ins
GP teams have been asked to clinically prioritise their services to free up maximal capacity to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, alongside delivering critical appointments such as cancer, urgent and emergency care. This might mean that for some people, routine appointments are postponed as part of the national mission to roll out boosters.
Scientists are very concerned about the spread of Omicron due to the speed with which it spreads and because two doses do not appear to provide much protection but thankfully, a booster dramatically improves this.That is why the Government has asked the NHS to prioritise boosters over other routine care.
We appreciate your support and understanding – and urge you to come forward for your vaccination as soon as possible.
The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.
Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.
The highest priority for the NHS remains the safety of staff, patients and visitors. While COVID restrictions will end in many settings in England from 19 July, everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and follow social distancing rules.
Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are therefore set to remain in place for all staff and visitors and across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dentists, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Read the infection prevention control guidance for further details.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
If you are over 70 and/or a Family Carer for someone over 70, and want to find out about local services and events in Farnham that could support you to live well in the winter, then come along to our event! Our team and local services will be on hand to tell you all about what’s going on over the winter, including befriending services, transport support, how to use healthcare apps on your phone, financial advice from Citizens Advice and much more. For family carers, come and find out about support for both you and your loved one. See www.farnhampcn.co.uk for more information.
If you are over 70 and/or a Family Carer for someone over 70, and want to find out about local services and events in Farnham that could support you to live well in the winter, then come along to our event! Our team and local services will be on hand to tell you all about what’s going on over the winter, including befriending services, transport support, how to use healthcare apps on your phone, financial advice from Citizens Advice and much more. For family carers, come and find out about support for both you and your loved one. See www.farnhampcn.co.uk for more information.