The first phase of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme has begun in Blackburn with Darwen. However, initially the vaccination will be prioritised for those over 80, care home workers and residents, and frontline health and care staff.  

Healthcare workers are working tirelessly to deliver this service and will contact eligible patients where appropriate.

Please help us and DO NOT contact the practice or other NHS services to enquire about booking an appointment or your eligibility for it. This adds additional burden on our team and telephone lines, which we need to keep available for acute medical needs. 

All eligible patients will be contacted in due course.

Please also continue to follow the national guidance to control the virus and save lives.  

Thank You

NIHR Study: Germ Defence Covid-19 Study

The Germ Defence study has been endorsed as a National Urgent Public Health Research COVID-19 Priority Project by Prof. Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England.

The Germ Defence website is an evidence-based behaviour change website that provides advice on infection control at home.

The COVID-19 version of Germ Defence was developed by clinicians and scientists at the Universities of Bristol, Southampton and Bath in collaboration with Public Health England.

You can find more information about the study, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) on:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/primaryhealthcare/researchthemes/roll-out-of-germ-defence-website/

Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group recently carried out a public consultation on behalf of all GP practices asking if it is appropriate to use NHS resources to routinely prescribe medicines for short term minor ailments or conditions when the respective medicine can be bought from a pharmacy or supermarket at a significantly lower cost than it would be issuing the same product on a prescription.

An average of 73% of respondents agreed with the proposals that such items should not routinely be prescribed.

Following the consultation we will provide you with supporting information and resources to help with the self-management of short term/minor conditions but will not routinely prescribe products that can be purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket.

The following products will therefore no longer routinely be prescribed:

Antifungal treatments

* Antihistamines

* Antiperspirants

* Bites and stings treatments

* Blepharitis wipes/lotion

* Conjunctivitis treatments

* Dandruff – cradle cap treatments

* Diarrhoea treatment

* Ear wax removers

* Emollients for mild dry skin conditions

* Headlice treatment

* Health supplements

* Indigestion / heartburn remedies

* Nasal decongestants

* Nicotine Replacement

* Simple pain relief

* Sore throat treatments

* Sunscreens

* Teething treatments

* Vitamins

* Warts and verruca treatments

Your local pharmacist will be able to recommend suitable products and provide self-care advice.

Additionally a range of handouts/leaflets are available from your surgery to help you manage these conditions.

Further information about self-treating a range of common, minor ailments is also available on line on the NHS Choices website – www.nhs.uk

If you would like to make any comments on these changes please contact the Clinical Commissioning Group Customer Care Team at:

Jubilee House, Lancashire Business Park, Leyland, PR26 6TR;

Freephone: 0800 032 2424; Telephone: 01772 777952; Textphone: 01772 227005;

Email: [email protected]

The practice is a member of Blackburn with Darwen’s Local Primary Care GP federation.  Local Primary Care federation runs a GP extended access service that provides additional appointments at four neighbourhood GP extended access surgeries. Patients can be booked into one of the four GP extended access surgeries via the practice receptionists accordingly. Please ask at reception for more information.