Patient News
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.
How to get the flu/covid vaccine
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you will be invited by text message to book your appointment online at St. Mark's Hospital. If you are also due a COVID booster you will be offered that at the same time. There is no need to book two appointments.
You may be invited for a flu jab if you are:
- are 65 years of age or over
- are pregnant
- have certain medical conditions
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Or have a serious long-term health condition, including:
- conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
- diabetes or Addison’s disease
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
- problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
- a learning disability
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.
Frontline health and social care workers can also get the flu vaccine through their employer.
When you should have the flu vaccine
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.
This may be later than you have had the vaccine before, but it means you will have the best protection when flu is most widespread.
Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024, including if:
- you are pregnant (especially if you are near to your due date) – it is important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
- you are due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger
External Websites
- Flu and the Flu Vaccine – NHS
- Children’s Flu Vaccine – NHS
- Flu Vaccine FAQ’s – NHS
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.
How to get the flu/covid vaccine
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you will be invited by text message to book your appointment online at St. Mark's Hospital. If you are also due a COVID booster you will be offered that at the same time. There is no need to book two appointments.
You may be invited for a flu jab if you are:
- are 65 years of age or over
- are pregnant
- have certain medical conditions
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Or have a serious long-term health condition, including:
- conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
- diabetes or Addison’s disease
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
- problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
- a learning disability
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.
Frontline health and social care workers can also get the flu vaccine through their employer.
When you should have the flu vaccine
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.
This may be later than you have had the vaccine before, but it means you will have the best protection when flu is most widespread.
Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024, including if:
- you are pregnant (especially if you are near to your due date) – it is important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
- you are due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger
External Websites
- Flu and the Flu Vaccine – NHS
- Children’s Flu Vaccine – NHS
- Flu Vaccine FAQ’s – NHS
Take control of your health and access medical care quickly and easily.
For non-urgent conditions or general health queries, submit via our online form.
Patients are now able to refer themselves to a Pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as:
- Cold or Flu symptoms
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Skin / Rash issues
- Hay Fever
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and can offer clinical advice and medicines for all sorts of minor ailments, with a same day consultation at a time that suits you.
Please complete the digital triage on the link below to see if your condition is appropriate for self-referral.
Take control of your health and access medical care quickly and easily.
For non-urgent conditions or general health queries, submit via our online form.
Patients are now able to refer themselves to a Pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as:
- Cold or Flu symptoms
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Diarrhoea
- Skin / Rash issues
- Hay Fever
Pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and can offer clinical advice and medicines for all sorts of minor ailments, with a same day consultation at a time that suits you.
Please complete the digital triage on the link below to see if your condition is appropriate for self-referral.
Raising your awareness is the first step in keeping yourself safe and secure from potential fraudsters
Websites
Scam websites are fraudulent sites designed to deceive users for various purposes, including financial gain, identity theft,
or malware distribution. These sites often impersonate legitimate businesses, organisations, or government entities to gain
users’ trust and exploit their personal information or device vulnerabilities.
Social Media, Messaging Platforms and Apps
All of these can be used to facilitate fraud. The scammer often creates fake profiles, becomes friends with innocent people, and
then sends spam messages or links that lead to malicious sites. Scammers can also learn a lot about you from details you
share on your social media accounts. They create quizzes or posts designed to deceive you into sharing personal information,
which they use to try and guess account passwords or target you with other scams.
DO
- Use strong passwords, with a number of capital letters, numbers and special characters.
- Set up two-factor authentication.
- Secure your personal information.
- Stay informed on the latest cyber threats.
- Be careful with links and new website address.
- Check the senders email address before clicking on any links within an email.
DO NOT
- Respond to messages asking for personal or financial details.
- Click on links or attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.
- Open email from people you don’t know.
Please click here to view the entire leaflet.
Raising your awareness is the first step in keeping yourself safe and secure from potential fraudsters
Websites
Scam websites are fraudulent sites designed to deceive users for various purposes, including financial gain, identity theft,
or malware distribution. These sites often impersonate legitimate businesses, organisations, or government entities to gain
users’ trust and exploit their personal information or device vulnerabilities.
Social Media, Messaging Platforms and Apps
All of these can be used to facilitate fraud. The scammer often creates fake profiles, becomes friends with innocent people, and
then sends spam messages or links that lead to malicious sites. Scammers can also learn a lot about you from details you
share on your social media accounts. They create quizzes or posts designed to deceive you into sharing personal information,
which they use to try and guess account passwords or target you with other scams.
DO
- Use strong passwords, with a number of capital letters, numbers and special characters.
- Set up two-factor authentication.
- Secure your personal information.
- Stay informed on the latest cyber threats.
- Be careful with links and new website address.
- Check the senders email address before clicking on any links within an email.
DO NOT
- Respond to messages asking for personal or financial details.
- Click on links or attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.
- Open email from people you don’t know.
Please click here to view the entire leaflet.
If you have been contacted by the NHS saying you/your child may not be up to date with their MMR vaccinations but you think they are, please be assured, we are aware that data held nationally may differ from what is held locally and NHS England continues to work with NHS services delivering vaccinations to ensure that patient records are as up to date as possible. If you are satisfied that you/your child is up to date for MMR vaccination and other childhood vaccination and the general practice are satisfied that the practice record is complete, then no further action is necessary.
If you have been contacted by the NHS saying you/your child may not be up to date with their MMR vaccinations but you think they are, please be assured, we are aware that data held nationally may differ from what is held locally and NHS England continues to work with NHS services delivering vaccinations to ensure that patient records are as up to date as possible. If you are satisfied that you/your child is up to date for MMR vaccination and other childhood vaccination and the general practice are satisfied that the practice record is complete, then no further action is necessary.
Antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest threats facing us today.
Why it is relevant to you:
without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, even chemotherapy and animal health all rely on access to antibiotics that work.
What we want you to do:
It is important to remember that antibiotics do not treat or prevent viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19. To slow resistance we need to cut the unnecessary use of antibiotics. We invite the public, students and educators, farmers, the veterinary and medical communities and professional organisations, to become Antibiotic Guardians.
Call to action:
Choose one simple pledge about how you’ll make better use of antibiotics and help save these vital medicines from becoming obsolete.
click on the link below and find out more about the initiative.
Antibiotic resistance remains one of the biggest threats facing us today.
Why it is relevant to you:
without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, even chemotherapy and animal health all rely on access to antibiotics that work.
What we want you to do:
It is important to remember that antibiotics do not treat or prevent viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19. To slow resistance we need to cut the unnecessary use of antibiotics. We invite the public, students and educators, farmers, the veterinary and medical communities and professional organisations, to become Antibiotic Guardians.
Call to action:
Choose one simple pledge about how you’ll make better use of antibiotics and help save these vital medicines from becoming obsolete.
click on the link below and find out more about the initiative.
IMPORTANT UPDATE - COVID BOOSTER VACCINATION AUTUMN 2023
Following the advice from the Secretary of State for the department of Health and Social Care, NHS England have been instructed us to bring the Covid 19 Vaccine Programme forward due to the possible rise of the new BA.86 Covid variant.
The Maidenhead Primary Care Network will be providing Covid Vaccinations from Saturday 16th September 2023 at The Desborough Suite, located behind the Town Hall.
We will begin inviting patients who are in cohort to book their appointments shortly via text message. There is no need to call your surgery to book your Covid vaccination unless you need to update them with your current mobile number.
Eligible patients for the Covid-19 Autumn Booster vaccination are as follows
∙ All adults aged 65 years and over
∙ Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
∙ Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are housebound contacts of people with immunosuppression
∙ Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers
∙ Frontline health and social care workers, including staff working in care home for older adults
It has been recommended that we co-administer the Covid Booster with the seasonal flu vaccine and patients of Linden Medical Centre will be offered both vaccines, subject to availability. There will be no need to book separate appointments.
Further information can be found at: Covid autumn booster vaccine 2023: Everything you need to know - Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre (blog.gov.uk)
IMPORTANT UPDATE - COVID BOOSTER VACCINATION AUTUMN 2023
Following the advice from the Secretary of State for the department of Health and Social Care, NHS England have been instructed us to bring the Covid 19 Vaccine Programme forward due to the possible rise of the new BA.86 Covid variant.
The Maidenhead Primary Care Network will be providing Covid Vaccinations from Saturday 16th September 2023 at The Desborough Suite, located behind the Town Hall.
We will begin inviting patients who are in cohort to book their appointments shortly via text message. There is no need to call your surgery to book your Covid vaccination unless you need to update them with your current mobile number.
Eligible patients for the Covid-19 Autumn Booster vaccination are as follows
∙ All adults aged 65 years and over
∙ Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
∙ Persons aged 12 to 64 years who are housebound contacts of people with immunosuppression
∙ Persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers
∙ Frontline health and social care workers, including staff working in care home for older adults
It has been recommended that we co-administer the Covid Booster with the seasonal flu vaccine and patients of Linden Medical Centre will be offered both vaccines, subject to availability. There will be no need to book separate appointments.
Further information can be found at: Covid autumn booster vaccine 2023: Everything you need to know - Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre (blog.gov.uk)
A networking event to help you discover your services.
We want to hear your ideas.
A chance to talk to organisations in your area
On: Monday 3 July 2023, 5pm to 7pm
At: St Mark’s Crescent Methodist Church, St Mark’s Crescent, Maidenhead, SL6 5BQ
Free refreshments and goodies
No booking! Just turn up – it’s free!
A networking event to help you discover your services.
We want to hear your ideas.
A chance to talk to organisations in your area
On: Monday 3 July 2023, 5pm to 7pm
At: St Mark’s Crescent Methodist Church, St Mark’s Crescent, Maidenhead, SL6 5BQ
Free refreshments and goodies
No booking! Just turn up – it’s free!
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
After 1 July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
There are two ways people can make a complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacies:
o They can complain to the healthcare provider: this is the organisation where they received the NHS service, for example a GP practice, a dental practice, a community pharmacy or an optometry practice or
o They can complain to the commissioner of the service: this is the organisation that paid for the service or care they received.
After 1 July 2023 if people want to make a complaint about primary care services to the commissioner, the way to do this is changing. Rather than contacting NHS England, people will contact the Complaints team via new contact details below:
South East Complaints Hub
NHS Frimley ICB
Aldershot Centre for Health
Hospital Hill
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 1AY
Phone number: 0300 561 0290
Email address: frimleyicb.southeastcomplaints@nhs.net
As each email received is so important to the team, an acknowledgement to all complaints will be sent as soon as possible.
Information governance regulations mean that the emails sent to the old email address after 1 July, cannot be automatically forwarded and the inbox will not be accessible. People will therefore receive an automatic response, asking them to resend their email to the new address.
Members of the public with ongoing complaints received after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the Complaints team based in the South East Complaints Hub, hosted by NHS Frimley ICB will now be handling their complaint with confirmation of their case handler. We would like to reassure you that the current team and case handler will remain the same as the staff move organisation.
Members of the public will still be able to make a complaint to the provider. This is NOT changing. There is also no change for people wishing to make a complaint for specialised services, health and justice, screening and immunisations and Continuing Healthcare.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
Please click the link below to download the NHS App.
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
The getUBetter MSK app is provided free of charge by Frimley Health & Care ICS for registered patients at GP Practices. It can be accessed on a Smartphone or on the Web, and guides you day-by-day through a sequence of exercises, tips, and support to help you recover from a range of new, recurrent or long term conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Back and leg pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Soft Tissue Lower Limb pain
- Hip pain
You can self-refer to the app by clicking on this link
Please use an email address that is unique to you and select the condition you need help to manage. We will then send you an email with all the information you need to get started.
You can download the getUBetter MSK app to your Smartphone for easiest access, or you can use the Webapp.
If you develop another condition, select your new condition from within the app and it will be added to your account.
Dr Streeter De Diego, local GP, Paediatric Doctor & Clinical lead Frimley Healthier Together, talks through what to do if you're worried and when to seek help.
Dr Streeter De Diego, local GP, Paediatric Doctor & Clinical lead Frimley Healthier Together, talks through what to do if you're worried and when to seek help.
The Emergency Departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park hospitals are currently experiencing an increasing level of demand which is likely to continue throughout this weekend. Please only attend if you have severe symptoms or suffering from a life-threatening condition. Check out our Know Where To Go guide for advice on how to get the help you need quickly and close to home. Remember, if it’s less than an emergency, call 111.
The Emergency Departments at Wexham Park and Frimley Park hospitals are currently experiencing an increasing level of demand which is likely to continue throughout this weekend. Please only attend if you have severe symptoms or suffering from a life-threatening condition. Check out our Know Where To Go guide for advice on how to get the help you need quickly and close to home. Remember, if it’s less than an emergency, call 111.
All surgeries in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead (WAM) will be closed for staff training on the following dates:
Wednesday 5th January 2022
Thursday 3rd February 2022
Tuesday 15th March 2022
The practice will close at 12.30pm and re-open at 8.00am the following morning.
At all times when the practice is closed, medical advice and assistance is available by calling 111 or 999 in a life threatening emergency.
All surgeries in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead (WAM) will be closed for staff training on the following dates:
Wednesday 5th January 2022
Thursday 3rd February 2022
Tuesday 15th March 2022
The practice will close at 12.30pm and re-open at 8.00am the following morning.
At all times when the practice is closed, medical advice and assistance is available by calling 111 or 999 in a life threatening emergency.
You can now book appointments at St Marks Hospital online. Click here to be redirected to the booking website.
Please note that they can only carry out blood tests that have been electronically authorised by a doctor. Please do not book an appointment unless you have been instructed to do so by the surgery. Thank you.
You can now book appointments at St Marks Hospital online. Click here to be redirected to the booking website.
Please note that they can only carry out blood tests that have been electronically authorised by a doctor. Please do not book an appointment unless you have been instructed to do so by the surgery. Thank you.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Advice in your region:
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | Ireland
Get the latest NHS information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
GOV.UK: coronavirus – guidance and support
Government information and advice.