Urine Sample Testing

Please note that urine samples cannot be dropped off for testing without telephoning the surgery beforehand. You will be advised which surgery is available to accept samples on that day.

Sedatives for Fear of Flying

New Forest Central Medical Group have taken the decision to no longer prescribe sedatives for fear of flying. This policy decision has been made by the GP Partners and is adhered to by all prescribers working in the practice.

The reason for this can be found below:

1. Benzodiazepines (like diazepam) are sedatives, which means they make you sleepy and more relaxed. If there is an in-flight emergency, they impair your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and react to the situation. This could have serious safety consequences for you and your fellow passengers and crew.
2. Sedative drugs can make you fall asleep, however when you do sleep it is an unnatural non-REM sleep. This means you won’t move around as much as during natural sleep. You can then be at increased risk of developing a blood clot (DVT) in the leg or even the lung. Blood clots are very dangerous and can even prove fatal. This risk is even greater if your flight is greater than four hours.
3. While most medications like these are sedatives, sometimes they can cause agitation and aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally. This could impact your safety as well as that of other passengers and could also get you into trouble with the police.
4. According to the prescribing guidelines which doctors follow, Benzodiazepines are not licensed for use in phobia. Your doctor would be taking a significant legal risk by prescribing against these guidelines. 
5. Diazepam and similar drugs are illegal in many countries. They may be confiscated, or you may find yourself in trouble with the police.
6. Diazepam stays in your system for quite a while. If your job requires you to submit to random drug testing, you may fail this having taken diazepam.

We appreciate that a fear of flying is very real and frightening. A much better approach is to tackle this properly with a Fear of Flying course run by the airlines and we have listed a number of these below.

Easy Jet – www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com Tel: 0803 8131644

British Airways – www.flyingwithconfidence.com  Tel: 01252 793250

Virgin – www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk  Tel: 01423 714900

You may find other options by typing ‘Fear of Flying courses’ into your usual internet search engine

Phlebotomy Booking

You can now book your blood test appointment at the hospital online. Click the link below for further information:

Changes to adult blood test (phlebotomy) services.pdf

Access to New Forest PCN Services

The New Forest PCN has been comissioned to provide PCN Network Services to our patients. For more details on the services they provide and how to access them (including Social Prescribing, Physio and Medicines Management) please click the link below.

Network Services | New Forest PCN

New Service for Urgent Eye Care

The CCG has commissioned an urgent eye care service, provided by local optical practices for patients in our area. The aim of this service is to provide access to urgent eyecare within Primary Care. The service will provide initial contact, telephone triage, remote consultations and where necessary face to face assessments. See the leaflet below for more details.

Urgent Eyecare Service Leaflet

Do you know your NHS number?

Your NHS number is a 10 digit number, like 111 222 3333. You should find it on correspondence you receive from the NHS.

Although you do not need to know your NHS number to access NHS services, it can be useful to know.

You can find out your NHS number by using the service linked below.

Find your NHS number - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Cervical Screening Campaign

Everything you need to know about cervical screening:

Cervical screening, or the “smear test”, is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer but catching any changes early can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer kills two women every day. Regular screenings can help reduce that number, which is why it’s so important you attend your screening when invited.

Our nurses are trained to do all they can to put you at ease during your appointment and are on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have. However, whether you attend your screening or not, is ultimately your choice.

If you’re due to have a cervical screening, you’ll receive an invite letter in the post. Don’t ignore it, book your cervical screening here today.

 If you missed your previous appointment or are unsure if you are due a screening, please contact us and we will book you an appointment if you’re due.

Staff Changes  - August 2023

Retirement Announcement

Dr Mark Orton, who has been a GP at New Forest Central Medical Group for over 24 years, has decided its time for him to hang up his stethoscope and retire as a GP as of 12th September 2023. We will miss him hugely, but wish him well on his new adventures during his well-earnt retirement.

Partnership Announcement

Dr Fitzsimmons is pleased to announce that Dr Royston and Nina Hammond will join him and become partners, as of 1st July 2023. We look forward to working together with both our staff and patients to secure the long-term future of the Practice.

Dr Nathan Trim

Dr Trim has decided to step down from Partnership and pursue opportunities outside of the NFCMG. He has enjoyed working with the staff and patients of Brockenhurst and Sway and wishes the Partnership the very best for the future.

Dr Matthew Davies

Dr Davies has decided to step down from the Partnership with effect from 1st July 2023. Instead he will stay with the Practice as a salaried GP working 5 sessions a week.

Connect to Support Hampshire

www.ConnectToSupportHampshire.org.uk is a website commissioned by Hampshire County Council to help people make informed choices about care and support that helps them to maintain their independence within their community.

Get Hampshire Walking Campaign

We’re supporting the Get Hampshire walking campaign. We are spreading the word about the benefits of walking to help patients lead healthier and more active lives.

It’s not difficult – a few extra steps, using the stairs and not the lift, getting off the bus a stop early will all help.

Walking can also help you get out more, meet new people and improve your social life.

Click here to find out what you can get involved with in your local area:

www.westhampshireccg.nhs.uk/Gethampshirewalking

Accessible Information Standard

This standard is being implemented by all NHS Organisations, with the aim of establishing a framework and set a clear direction such that patients and service users (and where appropriate carers and parents) who have information or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss receive information that can be easily read and understood, as well as appropriate communication support.

Please see the leaflet below for more details:

Accessible Information Standard Leaflet

Patient Information - Your named GP

All patients registered at the practice are allocated a named GP.

Your named GP is responsible for the overall care you receive at the practice. If you are unsure who your named GP is, or would like to change your allocation please contact a member of our patient services team. This does not restrict who you can see at the practice - you are free to consult with the clinician of your choosing.