Antimicrobial resistance awareness
Raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
On Monday 7 April, the UK Health Security Agency will be launching a new pilot campaign focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This will be the first public awareness initiative in England since 2017 and it aims to re-engage younger adults with AMR and build support for the behaviours that will help keep antibiotics working.
3 Key Messages
The campaign focuses around 3 key messages:
- Do not take antibiotics for colds and flu
- Do not save antibiotics for later
- Take antibiotics as directed by your healthcare professional
Do not take antibiotics for colds and flu
You should not take antibiotics for the flu or a cold because they are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones.
Do not save antibiotics for later
You shouldn't save leftover antibiotics for later because doing so can contribute to antibiotic resistance, potentially making future infections harder to treat, and may not be the correct antibiotic or dose for a new illness.
Take antibiotics as directed by your healthcare professional
As directed and prescribed by your healthcare professional, you need to take the full treatment to kill the disease-causing bacteria. If you don't take an antibiotic as prescribed, you may need to start treatment again later. If you stop taking it, it can also promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant properties among harmful bacteria.
Always consult your healthcare professional first for advice regarding the responsible way to take antibiotics safely. This will benefit both you and your family into the future.
Our PCN Mental Health Practitioner
East Basildon PCN provides children and young people with a mental health practitioner to support them in a variety of ways.
We currently have a mental health practitioner who will be available to children and young adults throughout our PCN, and her name is Precious Akenzua.
Precious is here to provide mental health support by offering:
- Pyschoeducation, advice and signposting to other services.
- Specialist mental health consultation and advice for primary care colleagues.
- Assessment for young people up to 18 who might require further exploration to understand their mental health needs.
- Low-intensity, evidence based interventions for problems such as low mood, mild to moderate emotional difficulties, anxiety, stress related issues and sleep difficulties.
Taking accurate blood pressure measurements
Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for managing cardiovascular health. This blog post explores the benefits of managing blood pressure more aggressively, the challenges with current measurement methods, and the potential for continuous monitoring devices.
The importance of monitoring your blood pressure
A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is healthy, or if it’s high or low. Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body. The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension, which means your blood pressure is too high and your heart is working harder when pumping blood around your body.
Checking your blood pressure regularly and sharing the results with your GP practice can help your GP to understand your blood pressure. Your GP can then offer you advice and support to avoid serious problems, such as heart attacks, strokes and other health conditions.
Watch our instructive video below and find other helpful resources to manage your blood pressure.
Alternatively you can ask your GP for more information.
Protect your family. Contact the Surgery to book your Flu Vaccination today!
Online Services
Please contact the surgery to register for online services such as appointment and repeat prescriptions.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
ChildLine 0800 1111: Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
MIND: Mental Health Support with specific advice on ‘Coronavirus and your wellbeing’. www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds: Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing. Specific advice on managing self-isolation and anxiety about coronavirus. https://youngminds.org.uk
ICON: Babies cry: You can cope. http://iconcope.org/
SafeLives: Specific resources for domestic abuse and COVID. http://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domesticabuse-and-covid-19
IRISi interventions: irisi.org/iris/find-your-local-iris-site/
ESCB
https://www.escb.co.uk/safeguarding-children-during-coronavirus-covid-19/temporary-changes-to-services-within-essex/
https://www.escb.co.uk/safeguarding-children-during-coronavirus-covid-19/general-information-and-advice/
https://www.escb.co.uk/safeguarding-children-during-coronavirus-covid-19/resources-for-families/
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