Patient Newsletter for November 2023

Perimeno – what now?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause where you have symptoms of menopause but your periods have not stopped. And it’s something we help women with day in, day out in general practice.

Perimenopause ends and you reach menopause when you’ve not had a period for 12 months. Perimenopause typically begins in your mid-40s, but can start as early as your mid-30s. Each woman experiences it differently.

Some of the big signs and symptoms to look out for are anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. If this sounds like you or someone you know and you’re struggling, know that help is available. Contact the surgery for an appointment and check out help and support on the NHS website.

Pancreatic cancer: would you know the signs?

Every day, 28 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK. It’s the 10th most common cancer and sadly, it’s one of the toughest to diagnose and treat as many are picked up too late. So take 60 seconds to watch this video from Pancreatic Cancer UK about the symptoms to look out for and come and talk to us if you have any concerns. Every extra person that knows what to look for could mean another life saved 💜

Downloaded the Tudor Lodge App to your phone yet?

From 01 December, making an appointment with Tudor Lodge is changing. Using the Tudor Lodge App or visiting our website to book appointments and send requests will be the main way to contact our practice. And best of all; it’s the fastest way too.

New NHS contract requirements that came out over the summer mean GP practices must take steps to provide patients with an appropriate response each time they contact the practice and in a timely manner.

To make sure that all patients are dealt with fairly and to make sure our team can manage this requirement safely, we’ll ask you to fill in our online form regardless of whether you choose to do this yourself or phone the surgery for a care navigator to fill it in for you.

If you’re reading this on a smartphone, save time and head to your app store now and search “Tudor Lodge Health Centre”. Download the app for free and use it the next time you need to contact the practice!