Practice News

Important Update: NHS Weight Loss Medication Availability

We would like to inform our patients that Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a newly approved weight loss medication, is not currently available for prescription in Coventry and Warwickshire.

While this medication has been approved nationally for a select group of eligible patients, it cannot be prescribed by GPs in our area at this time.

A new local NHS obesity service is currently being developed and is expected to launch later in 2025. Once the service becomes available, we will provide patients with clear guidance on eligibility and access.

In the meantime, if you are looking for support with weight management, please contact the practice to learn more about existing lifestyle programmes and local support services.

Further information is available at:
www.happyhealthylives.uk/weight-management-drugs

🌟 Improving Access to Cancer Screening – Support for All Our Patients

At Copsewood Medical Centre, we’re committed to helping all our patients live healthier lives by ensuring equal access to cancer screening services.

Cancer screening saves lives – but not everyone finds it easy to attend or understand what’s involved. That’s why we’re sharing a new support pack developed by Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (CWICB), packed with helpful links, videos, and advice tailored to different community needs.

🩺 What’s Included in the Pack?

The resource covers:

• Breast, Bowel & Cervical Cancer Screening – Understand the process, who should attend, and how to get support if you're worried.

• Support for the LGBTQ+ and Transgender Communities – Breaking barriers and making services inclusive.

• Help for Rural and Farming Communities – With links to Macmillan and FarmWell.

• Support for Refugees, Asylum Seekers & People with Learning Disabilities – Including easy-read and BSL-friendly guides.

• Materials in Different Languages – For those who speak English as an additional language.

These resources include videos, online tools, and downloadable leaflets to help patients prepare and feel supported.

👉 Access the full pack and links here: Happy Healthy Lives – Cancer Services

📞 Need to Speak to Someone?

We understand that sometimes, speaking to someone directly helps. You can also contact one of the local Macmillan Information and Support Centres:

📍 University Hospital Coventry:

• Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm

• 📞 024 7696 6052

• 📧 lindsay.randall4@uhcw.nhs.uk

📍 George Eliot Hospital:

• Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm

• 📞 024 7615 3201

• 📧 julie.hunt3@geh.nhs.uk

📍 Warwick and Stratford Hospitals:

• Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4pm

• 📞 01926 495321 ext. 8214

• 🌐 SWFT Cancer Services

💬 Let’s Break Barriers Together

Our goal is to ensure every patient at Copsewood Medical Centre has access to cancer screening and the support they need — no matter their background, identity, or personal circumstances.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team if you need help booking or understanding a screening appointment.

💧 Staying Safe in the Heat: Important Advice for Patients During the Heatwave

With the current heatwave, it’s important to be aware of how extreme temperatures can affect your health or that of someone you care for. Certain people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, and we want to help you stay safe and well. Please take a moment to read the advice below.

🌡️ Who Is Most at Risk?
Some groups are particularly vulnerable in hot weather:

Older adults – especially those over 75, living alone, socially isolated, or in care homes.

People with chronic or severe illness – such as heart conditions, diabetes, breathing problems, kidney issues, Parkinson’s, or serious mental health conditions. Many medications can make it harder to manage heat, so extra care is needed (see below).

Those less able to adapt to heat – including people with Alzheimer’s, disabilities, or those who are bed-bound. Babies, young children, and people who drink excessive alcohol are also at higher risk.

Environmental and occupational risks – such as living on top floors, being homeless, or working/being active outdoors during hot periods.

🌿 Simple Ways to Stay Cool and Well
These steps can make a big difference:

Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day when the sun is strongest (usually 11am–3pm).

Open windows once it’s cooler outside than inside – ensure this is safe for your household.

Cool the air by spraying water on plants and around windows (avoid slippery surfaces). Check for local water restrictions.

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

If going outside, wear light, loose cotton clothing, a hat, thin scarf, and sunscreen. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

Reduce physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Take cool showers or baths or use a damp cloth on your neck and back. Splash cool water on your face and clothes.

Eat cool meals like salads and fruit with high water content.

Drink plenty of fluids – water or fruit juice is best. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and fizzy drinks.

If you have carers or find it hard to drink on your own, make sure your fluid intake is monitored daily.

💊 Medicines and Heat: What to Know
Certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness. If you take any of the following, be extra careful and consult your pharmacist or GP if unsure:

Medications causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
(e.g. diuretics, some antibiotics, codeine)

Those reducing kidney function
(e.g. NSAIDs, sulphonamides)

Medications affected by dehydration
(e.g. lithium, digoxin, some epilepsy medications)

Drugs that affect sweating or body temperature regulation
(e.g. anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, some antihistamines, certain Parkinson’s drugs)

Those that lower blood pressure or alertness
(e.g. beta blockers, antihypertensives, sleeping tablets, some painkillers)

If you're worried that your medication may increase your risk in the heat, please don’t hesitate to contact the practice.

🧊 Look Out for Each Other
Please check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family members regularly. Ensure they are staying cool, hydrated, and know how to stay safe in the heat.

If someone becomes confused, dizzy, excessively sweaty or stops sweating, or collapses during hot weather, call 111 or 999 immediately – they may be suffering from heatstroke.

Stay cool, stay safe, and please reach out if you need help or advice.

Your GP Practice Team

Update: ADHD Assessment Referrals for Adults Aged 25 and Over

Dear Patients,

We would like to inform you of an important change affecting ADHD assessments for patients aged 25 and over.

Following updated guidance from NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), GP practices are no longer permitted to refer patients aged 25 and over for NHS ADHD assessments. This is a system-wide decision that applies across all GP surgeries in Coventry and is outside the control of Copsewood Medical Centre.

What This Means

If you are aged under 25, we can still refer you for an ADHD assessment via the NHS, where appropriate.

If you are aged 25 or over, you will unfortunately not be eligible for a GP referral for ADHD assessment on the NHS at this time. In addition, the Right to Choose pathway is no longer available for adults over 25 in this region.

Alternative Options

For patients aged 25 and over, you may consider the following:

• ADHD Foundation – www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
  Provides resources, education, and support for individuals and families affected by ADHD.

• ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) – www.addiss.co.uk
  Offers information and self-help tools.

• Private Assessment Services
  Some patients opt for private ADHD assessments. If you choose this route, please ensure the provider is GMC-registered and, ideally, recognised by the NHS should onward care be needed.

We remain available to discuss your symptoms and offer general advice, guidance, or support with symptom management if needed.

Raising a Concern or Complaint

If you wish to raise a concern or express dissatisfaction with this change, you can contact the local NHS commissioners:

Coventry and Warwickshire ICB – Patient Experience Team
📧 Email: cwicb.contactus@nhs.net
📞 Phone: 02476 324 324
🌐 Website: www.cwicb.nhs.uk

You can also raise complaints via the NHS Complaints process or contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for further support.

We understand this change may cause frustration and thank you for your understanding. We will continue to update our patients if alternative NHS referral pathways become available.

Copsewood Medical Centre

📢 Practice Closure Notice – Easter & Upcoming Bank Holidays

Dear Patients,

Please be advised that Copsewood Medical Centre will be closed on the following dates due to Easter and Bank Holiday observances:

Good Friday – Friday, 29th March 2025

Easter Monday – Monday, 31st March 2025

Early May Bank Holiday – Monday, 5th May 2025

Spring Bank Holiday – Monday, 26th May 2025

We kindly ask all patients to ensure any repeat prescriptions are requested in advance to avoid delays during the closure period.

For urgent medical assistance while we are closed, please call NHS 111, or in an emergency, dial 999.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a safe and healthy holiday period.

Warm regards,
Copsewood Medical Centre Team

Important Notice: Submission of Clinical Samples

We have noticed that clinical samples are being posted into our practice letterbox. Please be aware that this letterbox is for letters and correspondence only.

All clinical samples must be handed directly into the surgery. A designated drop-off box is available inside the reception area for this purpose.

📍 Drop-off Location: Inside the reception area
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Please ensure you visit the surgery during opening hours to drop off your samples safely.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Copsewood Medical Centre

Copsewood Medical Centre Awarded the Disability Awareness Badge!

🌟 Copsewood Medical Centre Awarded the Disability Awareness Badge! 🌟

We are proud to announce that Copsewood Medical Centre has been awarded the prestigious Disability Awareness Badge, recognising our commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible healthcare environment for all our patients.

🏅 What This Award Means
The Disability Awareness Badge highlights our dedication to supporting patients with disabilities, ensuring equal access to healthcare, and promoting a welcoming and supportive environment. This achievement reflects:
✅ Accessible Facilities: Step-free access, accessible toilets, and clear signage to support easy navigation.
✅ Inclusive Services: Adjustments for patients with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
✅ Staff Training: Our team has completed disability awareness training to enhance patient support.
✅ Communication Support: Services such as large print materials, BSL interpreters, and easy-read information.

💙 Our Ongoing Commitment to Inclusion
At Copsewood Medical Centre, we believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone. This badge marks a milestone in our continuous journey to break down barriers and ensure every patient receives the care and respect they deserve.

We are always striving to improve. If you have any suggestions on how we can better support patients with disabilities, please share your feedback with us.

🙏 Thank You to Our Patients and Team
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the valuable input from our patients. Together, we continue to make Copsewood Medical Centre a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.

💙 Copsewood Medical Centre – Caring for All, Together.

Sharps Bins Disposal Service

🗑️ Safe Disposal of Sharps Bins – Important Information for Our Patients

If you use sharps (such as needles, syringes, or lancets) at home, it’s essential to dispose of them safely to protect yourself and others from injury or infection. Once your sharps bin is full, you can arrange a collection with your local council.

🚮 How to Dispose of Sharps Bins
In Coventry, sharps bin collections are managed by the City Council, and you must book a collection through their website.

📅 Step-by-Step Guide to Book a Collection:
Visit the Coventry City Council website: Coventry City Council – Sharps Collection (or your local council if outside Coventry)
Complete the online form to request a collection.
The council will confirm a collection date – please ensure your sharps bin is securely closed.
Leave your sharps bin at the designated location on the agreed day.

🗑️ Important Notes:
Only fully sealed, official sharps bins will be collected.
Do not place sharps in household bins or recycling bins.
This is a free service for residents.

💡 Why Dispose of Sharps Correctly?
✅ Safety: Prevents injuries and reduces the risk of infection.
✅ Environmental Protection: Ensures safe, eco-friendly disposal of medical waste.
✅ Legal Compliance: Proper disposal follows local health and safety regulations.

❓ Need Help?
If you need support with booking your collection, please contact our reception team.

Stay safe. Dispose responsibly. Thank you for helping keep our community protected.

Flu Vaccinations 2024/2025

🌟 Get Ready for the 2024-2025 Flu Season – Book Your Flu Vaccine Today! 🌟

Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this winter. The annual flu vaccine is the best way to stay healthy and reduce your risk of serious illness.

Why Get the Flu Vaccine?
✅ Protect Your Health: Reduces your risk of catching the flu and developing serious complications.
✅ Shield Your Loved Ones: Helps prevent the spread of flu to vulnerable family members.
✅ Stay Healthy Through Winter: Minimises time off work or school due to illness.
✅ Safe and Effective: Updated yearly to match the latest flu strains.

Who Is Eligible for a Free NHS Flu Vaccine?
In line with NHS guidelines, the following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine in the 2024-2025 season:

Adults aged 65 and over (by 31 March 2025)
People aged 6 months to 64 years with certain long-term health conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, heart disease)
Pregnant women
Children aged 2 or 3 years (on 31 August 2024) – via GP surgery
School-aged children (Reception to Year 11) – via school vaccination programme
Frontline health and social care workers
Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Residents of long-stay care homes

📅 How to Book Your Flu Vaccine:
You can book your flu vaccination appointment through:

Online Booking System – Quick and easy to schedule your slot.
Phone: Call our reception team at [Phone Number] to book.
In-Person: Speak to our reception staff when you visit the surgery.

🗓️ Don’t Delay – Book Early to Stay Protected!
The flu season starts in autumn, and it’s best to get vaccinated early for maximum protection.

Together, let’s keep our community safe and healthy this winter!

If you have any questions or need advice, please contact us.

RSV Vaccination

RSV Vaccinations From the 1st September 2024,

We will be offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination to eligible patients. RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and can lead to severe respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and vaccination is a good way to boost protection. Eligible patients to receive this vaccination are those:

• Aged 75-79 after or on 1st September 2024

• Who turn 80 on or after 2nd September 2024, who will be able to have the vaccine up until 31st August 2025.

• Pregnant women, between 28-36 weeks pregnant.

This is not a seasonal vaccination programme, like flu. A single RSV dose is expected to give good protection for a few years and we’ll be offering this throughout the year. Please see the link below for more information.

RSV Patient Info Link.pdf

We will be inviting eligible patients in for their vaccinations via text, letter, and phone.

Bank Holiday 2024/2025

Monday 26th August 2024 (August Bank Holiday)

Wednesday 25th December 2024 (Christmas day)

Thursday 26th December 2024 (Boxing Day)

Monday 1st January 2025 (New Year Day)

Practice Training Days 2024/2025

Closed on:

Wednesday 9th October 2024

Wednesday 20th November 2024

Wednesday 25th January 2025

Wednesday 26th February 2025

Patient Panel Meeting – March 2024

We recently held our Patient Panel Meeting in March 2024, providing an opportunity to discuss key updates, gather patient feedback, and work together to improve our practice.

During the meeting, we covered several important topics, including:

✔️ Updates on practice services and staffing
✔️ Patient feedback on appointment availability and access
✔️ Plans for improving communication with our patients
✔️ Upcoming NHS policy changes and their impact on primary care

Meeting Minutes & Actions

We have documented the key discussion points, decisions, and action items from the meeting to ensure transparency and accountability. You can review:
📌 The full meeting minutes – Patient Panel Group Meeting Minutes.docx
📌 The presentation slides – Patient Panel Meeting.pptx

We greatly appreciate the input from our Patient Panel members, and we remain committed to acting on your feedback. If you have any further suggestions or would like to get involved in future meetings, please contact us.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement!