Practice News
Making Your Kitchen Dementia Inclusive
Ask For ANI
Help Us Stop The Spread
We’re seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the community, so please help us to help you and your loved one by not visiting our hospitals if you are showing any symptoms of a virus. Thank you.
Coffee Afternoon
Shopmobility
Missed Appointments in June 2024
In the month of June we had 90 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 148 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 6 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
What is Carers's Allowance
Did You Know?
GPs and their teams are exhausted and losing morale.
No matter how many hours we work, we still can't see all the patients that need our care.
This is why you struggle to see you GP.
General Practioce is being broken. We know you dereve better than this.
GPs Are On Your Side.
Check Your Skin
Did You Know?
If general practice recieved a fairer share of NHS funding we could:
- Train and hire more GPs
- Deliver the services you require
- Make it easier to get the appointments you need
This is why you struggle to see you GP.
General Practioce is being broken. We know you dereve better than this.
GPs Are On Your Side.
Is Gambling Always On Your Mind?
Armed Forces Practice
Brannam Medical Centre are proud to be an accredited Veteran Friendly GP Practice and to support our veteran community this Armed Forces Day.
As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice we:
- Have a clinical lead for veteran health, who is supported by the whole Practice to improve veteran health services.
- Ask patients ‘Have you served in the Armed Forces?’ to help identify veteran patients
- Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
- Undertake regular training and development to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant and better understand the needs of veteran patients
If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so we can make sure we understand your health needs.
Did You Know?
In the last 5 years GP practoces have lost funding worth over £660 million.
We're not allowed to use the poor funding we have to recruit more GPs or more practice nurses.
This is why you struggle to see you GP.
General Practioce is being broken. We know you dereve better than this.
GPs Are On Your Side.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Women For Women
Please come and join EDP Drug and Alcohol Services fortnightly online ZOOM Group for Women on Thursdays 2-3pm. Every Woman is welcome.
Log in Details -
Meeting ID: 677 1994 1382
Passcode: 684971
New Chill Course
Preventing Dehydration in Older Adults
Hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration - read more about the signs of dehydration, and how you can help monitor and prevent it here.
Free Condoms For Summer
Do you know you can get FREE condoms and lube delivered in discreet, letterbox-friendly packs if you live in Devon or Torbay? Order online here today!
Morning After Quick Calculator
Dr Tolhurst's Next Adventure
Am I A Carer Or Young Carer?
Piano Player Wanted
Age Concern Barnstaple and North Devon are looking for a volunteer who could play the piano at their monthly music group - an Old Favourites Sing Along. If not can you pass on to anyone you know that might be interested?
Carers Coffee and Chat
Sunday Board Game Hour
Blood Donation
The Carents Room
Nordic Walking is Back!!
Missed Appointments in May 2024
In the month of May we had 80 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 182 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 7 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Devon Maternity Voices
Devon Maternity Voices is an opportunity to share your experience of maternity care in Devon to help promote better care and improve services.
Pandas Foundation (Pre and Post Natal Depression Advice and Support)
Feeling Lonely?
NEW Patient Self-Referral Service
Are your books looking for a new home?
If you have any books at home which you don’t need anymore, we would love to take them off your hands.
Our book table in reception is looking a bit empty now and we are asking for any donations of books to help us raise money for our charity.
Women's Drop in Service
Encompass Southwest Women's drop in service in Barnstaple and Bideford. This is a great opportunity to connect with other women who may be experiencing similar issues or just come along and enjoy a hot drink with others every Tuesday 2-4pm at The Voice, Barnstaple.
Charity Bike Ride
We couldn't be anymore proud of our Practice Nurse Andrea, our Practice Manager Susie and their friend Hannah for their fantastic achievement completing the Ford Ride London 2024 on Sunday riding 100 miles for a charity close to Andrea's heart Cancer Research UK. We hope you have all fully recovered and think you are absolute super stars.
Cake and Plant Sale
Age Concern Barnstaple
Head & Neck Cancer Support Group
Keep Up To Date With Your Vaccinations
Reading Well in Dementia
Rise in Cases of Whooping Cough
- coughing that lasts for a few minutes
- difficulty breathing after coughing
- thick mucus that may make you vomit
- a distinctive 'whoop' sound (although babies and adults may not 'whoop')
For more infomation on the symptoms and vaccination please click here.
The Penguin Sports Foundation
The Horizon Plan
NHS Talking Therapies
Dementia Awareness Week
Whooping Cough On The Rise
National Nurses Day
We would like to celebrate our amazing colleagues on Nurses Day. Here's some of our team, but we'd like to say a big thank you to each and every nurse who goes above and beyond, works extra hours and puts their patients first
Park Yoga
Missed Appointments in March 2024
In the month of February we had 72 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 154 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 5 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
RCGP Active Practice
COVID Spring Vaccine
Are You Supporting a Young Person Struggling With Self-Harm?
Pharmacy First
Drop-in Cervical Screening
Missed Appointments in February 2024
In the month of February we had 59 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 123 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 5 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Fundraising Launch
Keep Up To Date With Your Vaccinations
North Devon Surf Therapy
Behind Closed Doors
Think Pharmacy First
Award Winners!!
PATIENT REFERENCE GROUP (PRG)
This is a small group of patients who volunteer to help ensure that Brannam Medical Centre provides the services patients need. The group meet quarterly to discuss planned health service developments, health promotion initiatives and to provide the opportunity to raise any issues which are of concern and/or will help to improve the standard of care offered by the practice.
If you are interested in joining our group please contact Sarah on 01271 329004.
Virtual HOPE Programme for Carers
The Virtual HOPE Programme is available to anyone over the age of 18, living in Devon. This is a FREE six week online programme specifically aimed at carers who would like to find new coping strategies to help improve their own physical and emotional wellbeing.
This course will allow you to connect with other carers. Take this time for yourself to prioritise your wellbeing, increasing your sense of control and your resiliense.
The programme will be delivered on Microsoft Teams starting Friday 1st March.
For more infomation please call - 01803 320696/320600, email - hope.devon@nhs.net or visit HOPE Devon
Sign up here
The Hangout
New Telephone System
Please note that we have had a new telephone system installed.
Please bear with us as your query may take longer to deal with whilst we get used to the new technology.
Dental Pain
Telephone Calls in January 2024
In the month of January we were open for 30 days.
In the time we were open we received 14,676 calls, which is an average of 489 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments in January 2024
In the month of January we had 83 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 188 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 7 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Measles Cases Rising in England
Viewing Your GP Health Records
Half Day Closure
Our half day closing last Thursday proved very valuable for our staff. They were taken through an emergency scenario lead by our Advanced Care Practitioners. A huge 'thank you' to Lin, a very valued member of our Patient Participation Group who helped with the scenario.
Goodbye to Dr Coberman
HIV Testing
Accessing Your Prescriptions via the NHS App
Mindfulness Group
LiveMind is a four-session mindfulness-based course aimed at people who have experienced mental health difficulties in the past and are looking to manage and maintain their wellbeing.
Two groups will be starting in February. For more details please click here.
Nourished Drop-in Sessions
- From pregnancy until 5 years
- No need to have a problem
- Skilled support available if needed
- Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, combi feeding
- Starting solids & fussy toddlers/eaters
- Free refreshments
- Stay & play
- Meet others
- Relaxed & friendly
NHS Talking Therapies
Are you worried about your cervical smear?
Cervical screening can help stop cancer before it starts. If you missed your last one, book an appointment with us now.
- We will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable. If you’re nervous, you can get in touch before, or speak to us at the appointment to let us know you’d like support.
- If you’re nervous and need more time for your screening, ask the receptionist for a longer appointment when booking. You can also bring someone you trust to the appointment, such as a friend or family member.
- During the appointment you can ask for a private space to undress from the waist down, as well as a sheet to cover you. You can also wear a long top or dress during the screening.
- All our cervical screenings are performed by a female nurse or doctor, but you can request this when you book.
- You can bring your favourite music or podcast to listen to during your appointment if this helps put you at ease.
Maternity Triage Service
Recycle Your Empty Blister Packs
Superdrug Barnstaple will recycle your medicine blister packs.
No bulk drop off's please. They don't have a collection box in store but you can hand them over to their staff on the tills.
Get Help Accessing Online Doctors Services
Carers Break Fund
Cuppa At The Castle
Sad Farewell to Dr Shuhaiber
List Closure
From the 1st of January 2024 Brannam Medical Centre will be capping their practice list and are therefore unable to take any new registrations.
Due to our increasing list size, we feel that continuing to take on more patients would jeopardise our ability to provide safe care to those already registered at the practice.
Please see our website for more information.
You can find details of other practices at www.nhs.uk or ask a member of staff for assistance.
Thank you.
Telephone Calls in November 2023
In the month of November we were open for 22 days.
In the time we were open we received 14,552 calls, which is an average of 662 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments in November 2023
In the month of November we had 102 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 212 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 8 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
How Often Do You Stretch?
Stay Well This Winter
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Your Health Matters
Understanding the Signs of Dementia
Dementia is progressive - signs and symptoms may be relatively mild at first but they get worse with time. While dementia affects everyone differently, it can be helpful to think of the progression in three stages. Click here to find out more - Alzheimer's Society
Hobbies and interests after suffering a stroke
Your Health Matters
At many GP surgeries, there is a range of health professionals who can help you.
The reception team is trained to help people get the right care or service for their health needs.
Your general practice team is here to help you.
Type 2 Diabetes - Know Your Risk
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Telephone Calls in October 2023
In the month of October we were open for 22 days.
In the time we were open we received 15,350 calls, which is an average of 698 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments in October 2023
In the month of October we had 78 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 157 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 6 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Patient Communications Survey
Farewell to Dr Carlino
Stop For Life
Digital Devon
Save Money On Your Prescriptions
Protect Other From Norovirus
Rock My Menopause
Steady On Your Feet
Find Your Little Big Thing
Meet Your Community Pharmacy Team
Find out about all the things a community pharmacist and their team can do to help you meet your healthcare needs here. Community pharmacists work alongside your GP to help you and your family stay healthy.
Missed Appointments in September 2023
In the month of Septmeber we had 94 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend. We also had 180 nurse and phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 7 days of missed appointment time. Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange, so we can offer the appointment again.
Telephone Calls in September 2023
In the month of Septmeber, we were open for 21 days.
In the time we were open we received 14,671 calls, which is an average of 699 telephone calls into the practice a day.
What is Sepsis?
Autumn COVID-19 Booster
Recycle Your Empty Blister Packs
Superdrug in Barnstaple will recycle your medicine blister packs. No bulk drop off's please. They don't have a collection box in store but you can hand them over to their staff on the tills.
Sexual Health Awareness
Let’s Talk About Testicular Cancer.
Sexual Health Awareness
Sexual Health Week raises awareness of sexual health to help empower everyone to make informed choices about contraception, consent and relationships. Devon Sexual Health services are free, confidential and non-judgemental. See their website for more info: https://devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk
Telephone Calls in August 2023
Due to the Bank Holidays we were open for 30 days in August. In the time we were open we recieved 15,519 calls, which is an average of 517 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments August 2023
In the month of August we had 78 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend. We also had 217 nurse and phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 7 days of missed appointment time. Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange, so we can offer the appointment again.
Barnstaple Elder Day
Elder Day is a day when Barnstaple takes extra care of our older residents on the 1st Wednesday of every month 10am-3pm
Telephone Calls in July 2023
In the month of July we were open for 21 days.
In the time we were open we recieved 14,048 calls, which is an average of 669 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments July 2023
In the month of July we had 88 GP face to face appointmetns where patients did not attend. We also had 187 nurse and phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 7 days of missed appointment time. Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Mental Health Crisis?
If you need mental health support in Devon (excluding Plymouth), rather than going to A&E, contact the First Response Service, which provides 24/7 expert support. Call: 0808 196 8708
North Devon Ring & Ride
Better Health - Healthy Steps
Let's Talk About STIs
What's On at The Fern Centre
The Fern Centre is a specially designed building to help bridge the gap in care supporting patients’ holistic needs to promote wellbeing during their cancer journey.
Find out what's happening at the Over and Above Fern Centre in August ⇒ What's On For August
GP Patient Survey
Thank you to all the patients who completed the patient survey. Please click here for the results......
Missed Appointments June 2023
In the month of June we had 126 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
We also had 239 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 9 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Float to Live
MMR Vaccinations
Apply For The Carers Break Fund
We Are Now on Instagram!
Happy Retirements
Cervical Screening Tips
Cake and Plant Sale
Health for Kids
This is a website for advice and support for both children and grown-ups, or parents can visit https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/ to start an online chat with the school nurse service.
www.healthforkids.co.uk
Health for Teens
If you're a teen that would like confidential health advice and support click here
Telephone Calls in May 2023
Due to the Bank Holidays we were open for 20 days in May.
In the time we were open we received 14,259 calls, which is an average of 713 telephone calls into the practice a day.
Missed Appointments May 2023
In one week we had 30 GP face to face appointments where patients did not attend.
In the same week we had 52 nurse & phlebotomy appointments where patients did not attend.
This is more than 2 days of missed appointment time.
Each missed GP appointment costs the NHS an average of £30 per person (Source: NHS).
If you are unable to attend your appointment please call the surgery to cancel or re-arrange so we can offer the appointment again.
Chair Yoga
Hayfever Treatment Starts At Home
Fire Safety For Carers
If you care for a family member or are a professional care worker, this advice will help you keep the person safe. Click the link here to learn about risks and what to do about them, including their free home safety visit service.
Shingles
Want Free Condoms?
Sexually transmitted infections are on the increase in the South West. The best prevention is to always wear a condom. If you're under 25, you can order FREE condoms here.
Skin Cancer Awareness
NHS App
Want Free, Confidential and Non-Judgemental Sexual Health Advice?
Frame Running Club
Let us Introduce you to the HOPE Programme
Do you want to enhance your resilience through these difficult times, rediscover strengths and increase your ability to cope?
The Devon HOPE Programme are launching courses across North Devon to support people who are living with long-term health conditions. Specifically aimed at people who are experiencing anxiety & depression, fibromyalgia, stroke survivors, chronic pain, Multiple Sclerosis, and various other long term conditions.
For more information please email j.cotton@encompass-sw.org.uk
Safe Spaces Locations
Exeter Inflatable 5K
Nordic Walking is Back!
Join Vista Wellbeing CIC for this new course, aimed at complete beginners or those who would like to brush up their technique in order to get the most from their walks. Nordic Walking is great for taking pressure off the joints, improving posture, increasing range of movement and improving cardiovascular endurance. 10.30am every Friday for 12 weeks, meeting at the stone semi-circle between the bowling club and the skate park in Rock Park, Barnstaple. They provide the poles and the specialist instructor, you just bring yourselves. Please contact Vista Wellbeing beforehand to secure your place.
Sleepstation
Mixed Netball Charity Event
Christians Against Poverty
Help At Home
Parking at Brannam Medical Centre
Unfortunately, we have had numerous occasions of ambulances not being able to gain access to the surgery for emergencies due to cars blocking the roads outside the building.
Can we kindly ask everyone coming into the Surgery or to LLoyds Pharmacy to please use the car park at Belle Meadow (next to surgery).
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
Ways of Contacting Patients
Please be aware we may contact some of our patients via text message using a service called AccuRx. Through this, we may ask you to book various appointments via an attached link or ask you to complete some questions through a 'Florey' to help us monitor, manage and update your medical records.
To send these messages we ask that you ensure we have your current contact details. If you prefer for us not to send you any text messages please contact Reception.
Thank you!
The Freedom Centre
GPs from within our Primary Care Network (Fremington, Brannam, Litchdon & Queens Medical Centres) are a part of this service and run weekly GP Outreach Clinics from within the Freedom Centre to help improve the patient’s access to our healthcare services.
The Penguin Sports Foundation
Happy Retirements
We are syaing a fond farewell to 2 of our brilliant GPs - Dr Jackie Tolhurst is retiring after 9 years as a Partner here at Brannams and Dr Iain Stewart after an impressive 21 years as a Partner at Brannams. We wish them both a wonderful and enjoyable retirement. Thank you for all your hard work you have given to us!
Prescription Turnaround
Please note that turnaround is now 5 WORKING DAYS. Unfortunatley, we have had to extend this from 3 working days due to extra workload and staffing.
Thank you for your understanding
Books with Brady
Talkworks for the Deaf Community
Women Only Drop In
Questions About Diabetes?
Are you or someone you love looking for diabetes advice? Call Diabetes UK helpline on 0345 123 2399 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk
Group A Strep (GAS)
Health for Under 5's
Devon Connect
Facemask Requirements at NDDH
Barnstaple Primary Care Network Manager Wins at National Awards
Sharon Bates, the management lead for the Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care Network (PCN), has won the Practice Managers Association (PMA) PCN Manager of the Year. For more details please click here.