**SWINE FLU **

The Governments swine flu helpline and website have now closed down. Patients who believe they may have swine flu should stay at home & telephone their GP for advice on 523525. If appropriate the GP will issue a prescription for anti-virals.

The following local chemists are authorised anti-viral (Tamiflu/Relenza) Distribution Centres:

Lloyds, Pyle Street, Newport

Boots, High Street, Newport

Siddys, High Street, Newport

On no account should patients with flu-like syptoms attend the surgery

 ** DR SHANTI KAKURLA**

We have a new lady GP at the surgery bringing our total of female GPs to four. Shanti has been working as a GP in Hythe (Kent) and has now joined us as a three-quarter time partner taking Dr Mobbs patients following his retirement.

 **NEWPORT DROP-IN SERVICE**

This is our Young Persons Sexual Health Clinic that runs every Wednesday between 3.30pm & 6.30pm.The Nurse run Clinic offers advice on all aspects of Sexual Health  for the Under 25s & is open to all Island Residents not just those registered with this Practice. It is totally confidential. No appointment necessary, just turn up on the day. If you would like further information please contact Glenda Morey on 523525.

**EXTENDED HOURS**

The surgery is open for patients with pre-booked appointments only on Monday & Thursday evenings 6.30pm to 8pm & Saturday mornings 8am to 10am. Normal Reception (picking up/dropping off Prescriptions, making appointments etc) is not be available during these extended hours. Patients requiring emergency care after 6.30pm weekdays & at weekends should continue to contact the Island Out of Hours Service through the Island Healthline on 0845 6031 007

** DOCTORS LISTS**

The following Doctors lists are open to accept new patients:

Dr Kakurla, Dr Clarke, Dr Lemm, Dr Louay & Dr Whelan

Would potential new patients please note, because of increasing pressure on our lists, it is Practice policy not to accept patients already registered with one of the other Newport practices (Medina Healthcare, West St & Carisbrooke Health Centre).


**ISLAND HEALTH LINE**

The island has its own helpline for patient enquiries when the surgery is closed.The number is 0845 6031 007, patients should call this number instead of NHS Direct if they require Out Of Hours treatment


**STAFF DEVELOPMENT**

Advance notification that we, along with all other Practices on the island, will be closed on the afternoon of Thursday 25th March 2010. Cover will be provided by the Island Out Of Hours Service who can be contacted on 0845 6031 007

**FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT**

Our Freedom of Information Act publication scheme is available for viewing and download at www.foi.nhs.uk/practice,then click on the link for Dower House Surgery

**AND FINALLY,if you have any comments on our website the Practice Manager would be delighted to hear from you. Last update 11th February**