The most recent Firs House Surgery monthly newsletter updates residents on practice staffing changes, service updates, ways in which patients can feedback and more. For the benefit of residents who do not receive this, HI HUB summarises some of the more salient points below:
Have your say
The surgery would like to hear from residents, keen to join its Patient Participation group (PPG).
The group, drawn from the local community, meets with practice staff every eight weeks to discuss patients’ experiences – both positive and negative – with the aim of improving the surgery’s offering. Previous topics include the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, advances in cancer research and diagnosis, and falls prevention.
The surgery can be contacted here. Alternatively anyone interested in participating can leave a message at reception to find out more.
Vaccines update
Residents who are eligible for a COVID Spring booster vaccination will be contacted soon and invited to a Saturday clinic at Firs House.
Those eligible for the booster include those aged 75 years or older; over 18 and severely immunosuppressed; and those resident in older people’s residential care.
Pharmacy First
H&I residents can access treatment for common illnesses at local pharmacies through a national UK service called NHS Pharmacy First.
Local village pharmacies in Station Road, Impington and High Street, Histon can dispense advice and prescription-only treatments for seven common conditions, without a GP appointment. These conditions include earache, impetigo, shingles, sore throat, sinusitis, infected insect bites and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
It is hoped that increasing the number of residents accessing care outside of a GP setting will lead to faster treatment, free up GP time, and allow pharmacists to manage conditions with self-care advice and appropriate medicines.
Staffing changes
Firs House Surgery team is welcoming Dr Helen Butler and Dr Laura Blazy, who will be working at the surgery until October 2026, covering the maternity leave of Dr Aoife Searle. In addition, a new GP registrar, Dr Senturk is now employed full-time at the practice.
Closure afternoon
Firs House Surgery will be closed from 2pm on Wednesday 18 March for Protected Learning Time; with appointments available during the morning only on that day. Additionally, from 2pm the phone lines will be closed.
In the case of urgent issues that cannot wait until Thursday 19 March, patients are urged to contact 111 or 999 in the case of a life-threatening emergency.
Find out more about Firs House and its services by visiting the practice website.
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