Weight loss drugs – information for patients
You may have seen media coverage about a new drug which is expected to be made available to a limited number of patients over the coming year, from specialist services (not from GPs)
NICE – the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which advises the NHS on use of medicines – is expecting to approve Mounjaro (also known as Tirzepatide) for some patients from March 2025.
It is expected that this will initially include only people who have the most serious need for this medication, based on body mass index (BMI) and having at least one obesity-related health problem. It will be provided along with extra support and advice to help patients improve their diet and exercise, which is vital to maintaining a healthy weight in the long term. It’s important to bear in mind that medicines are not the only way to improve your weight, fitness and health, and for many people they are not the best option.
Our specialist weight management services offer a wide range of support to help patients find a sustainable solution to weight problems. We are working to urgently expand these services, as we know waiting lists are currently longer than we would all like. Our GP practices are currently receiving a high level of enquiries about weight loss drugs.
Urgent – do not buy unregulated medicines
The NHS is warning people in our region about serious dangers from people buying unregulated medicines such as ‘skinny jabs’, often from online sellers.
Unregulated sellers, often operating online, bypass vital consultations with GPs or pharmacists, leaving you vulnerable to serious harm, including life-threatening consequences. Taking prescription-only medication without proper advice from a GP or pharmacist is extremely dangerous. Counterfeit drugs are often expired, diluted, or may not even be the medicine they are advertised as. This can cause harmful side effects, react badly with other medicines you’re taking – or even be fatal. There’s also a serious risk of taking too much medication by mistake.
Tragically, several people in the UK have already died after taking unregulated drugs purchased online.
Unregulated sellers, often operating online, bypass vital consultations with GPs or pharmacists, leaving patients vulnerable to serious harm, including life-threatening consequences.
If you feel you need help, please talk to a GP or pharmacist who will be able to advise you a safe way to meet your needs.
Weight loss drugs: For those who cannot offer this yet:
We understand that the media is reporting that Mounjaro is now available under the NHS; however, not all areas are able to offer this service at this time. As we are in an area where this service is not yet available, unfortunately we cant help with queries or requests for this at the present. Once this service does become available, it will only be for:
- Patients over 18, with a BMI of 40+, or 37.5+ if your from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background and have four or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
Thank you for keeping our lines clear for those who need urgent medical help.
Pharmacy First
You don’t always need to wait to see a GP for some common minor conditions. Pharmacies can offer advice and guidance for conditions that don’t require a prescription, and many pharmacies have specially trained Pharmacists who are now able to diagnose and treat a number of minor illnesses.
Vaccinations:
If you’re turning 65, or are aged 70-79, or are 50 and over, with a weakened immune system, you’re likely to be eligible for a free shingles vaccination. Shingles is an unpleasant illness that can have serious complications, and vaccination improves outcomes and reduces the severity of any outbreak.
Respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) vaccination
The NHS now offers respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations from 1 September 2024 to older adults aged 75-79, and to individuals from 28 weeks’ pregnancy to protect their baby. This is a one-off vaccination & can be given at any time (but not on the same day as your flu vaccination). please book an appointment with one of our nurses for this.
Accessing your GP-held records via the NHS app or NHS website
As your GP practice, we have been asked to provide you with, no later than 31 October 2023, access to your full medical record going forward via the NHS app (and NHS website) if you have a suitable NHS login.
Your GP medical record contains consultation notes based on conversations between you, your GP and their team: medicines prescribed to you; all test results including hospital investigations; allergies; vaccines; and your medical conditions along with documents that may have been sent from local hospitals, clinics or other agencies, e.g. the police. There is likely to be sensitive and personal information within your medical record.
We are supportive of providing you with access to your record, but we wish to do this safely and make you aware that this is happening so that you can opt out, if you so wish. You may wish to speak with us first to understand what it is that you will see, and the risks which may be involved in having such confidential data either on your smartphone with the NHS app installed, or online if other people might have access to that information through your devices. If you are in a difficult or pressured relationship, for example, you may prefer your records to remain accessible only to those treating you, with them not appearing on your smartphone or online. The Government has been clear that if a patient does not wish to have access, then we do not have to provide it. This is one reason why we have asked if you wish to opt out, or have it switched off for the time being.
It’s important to remember that these documents may, at times, contain information that could be upsetting, especially if they contain news of a serious condition. It can also be a cause for worry seeing results online when it isn’t clear what the results might mean, and no one is available to ask, as can be the case during the evening or at weekends, for example.
Sometimes people with a mental health condition might prefer not to see documents that remind them of difficult times in their life. Letters from mental health teams sometimes go into detail about past events, and great care would be needed in deciding whether you would want to see these letters. It is possible for individual items to be hidden at your request, and your GP would be happy to talk about any concerns you may have.
Requesting access – what do I need to do?
The easiest way to get access is to create an NHS login through the NHS app. Although, you can also access your GP records via the internet on a computer, the first bit is easiest if done through a smartphone. If you don’t have one, you may have a family member or friend you trust who can help you. You can also ask your practice receptionist, but you’ll need some proof of who you are, e.g. a passport, driving license or household bill.
Travel Vaccination
We no longer provide overseas travel advice. We recommend that those travelling abroad check with their travel company or with a local travel clinic regarding vaccinations at least 8 weeks prior to travelling. Some, but not all, vaccinations may be available on the NHS from the surgery. These will only be given by our nurse if we have written information from a registered travel clinic specifying which vaccinations are advised.
NHS App
If you’re new to using the NHS App and you’re not sure how to access the information, there is lots of information around to help you. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
Did you know that using the NHS App can help you access lots of information about your health?
- Request repeat prescriptions
- Check the status of your prescriptions
- See upcoming appointments
- View your health records
Please copy and paste these links to your browser
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/nhs-app-help-and-support/
Babies:
If you have a baby under six months of age, it can be really difficult to know whether you need to make a medical appointment, or whether you can safely look after your baby at home. The Lullaby Trust built an app to help parents of young babies to know the difference.
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/baby-check-app/
New Mental Health crisis text message support rolls out across our region
People in the North East and North Cumbria who find themselves in crisis can now access urgent support by text message, thanks to a new partnership between region’s NHS and a national mental health provider.
Anyone in the North East and North Cumbria who is experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges can use the service by texting the word CALMER to 85258 at any time of the day or night (24/7) to receive free, confidential, text support.
The partnership is designed for people who may prefer to seek support via text message and provides immediate and anonymous support for those who are waiting for further help.
Hay Fever
Hay fever causes itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, a headache or pain around the sides of your head or forehead, loss of smell and feeling tired. there are ways in which you can reduce the effects of hay fever.
If your sneezing more than talking lately, you’re not alone! Hay fever (AKA allergic rhinitis) can really make the warmer months difficult. Here are some tips to help you cope during peak pollen season:
- Wear Sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Keep windows closed during high pollen times
- Shower and change your clothes after being outside
- Antihistamines can help – talk to your GP or pharmacist if your struggling.
Childhood Immunisation
If your child is due immunisations after 1st July 2025, there will be a change to the timetable as the national schedule goes through the first phase of changes; the second will follow in January 2026.
Your baby will no longer receive the Hib/MenC vaccine at their one-year appointment
The second dose of MenB will be brought forward to 12 weeks
The first dose of PCV13 will be moved to 16 weeks
Find the schedule here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/routine-childhood-immunisation-schedule
If you’d like more information, please speak to the Practice Nurse or your Health Visitor.