Ash Surgery Newsletter

No. 11 Summer 2025

Update 

We recently employed a nursing associate who will be supporting our clinicians with more routine appointments for blood tests, ECGs, Blood Pressure measuring and more.  Stephanie Andrews recently qualified as a Nursing Associate in October 2024 so is fairly new to Primary Care. 

Message from Stephanie:  This is my second week at Ash Surgery.  Everyone in the Team has been incredibly welcoming and helpful making my transition smooth.  I love to travel whether it be in Europe or somewhere more exotic.  I also like to unwind in Spa hotels and often enjoy pamper weekends away.  Ash is a lovely village and I very much look forward to getting to know our patients, their families and providing Holistic Nursing Care. 

Welcome to the Surgery, Stephanie!

As well as Stephanie joining us we have a nurse doing her nurse placement with us - Mercy Cartey.  So, from time to time, you may see Mercy observing one of our clinicians during their clinic. 

Anima  In the Autumn, we will be moving to a new online consultation platform called Anima.  With our new system we aim to improve our online consultation process which will be accessed via our website and the NHS app.  Nearer to launch, more information on the use of Anima and tool aids will be on the website, https://www.ashsurgery.nhs.uk  So keep checking the website for more details - and, of course we'll let you know through the Autumn Newsletter.

Kofo MacGregor-Gauthier

 

One of the faces you see, and whose voice you hear on the phone, is well established - that of Michelle Gault.  We asked her to tell us a bit about herself ..........

Michelle Gault 

I've lived in Ash for 20 years and have worked at the Surgery for the past 10 years.  I started as a receptionist and later trained to become a Health Care Assistant.  

I've enjoyed both roles, but I especially value my work as a Health Care Assistant, as it gives me the opportunity to provide one-to-one care and build meaningful connections with patients.  

I'm married and have a teenage daughter who keeps life interesting!  When I'm not working I enjoy cycling, and take part in the Pilgrim's Hospice charity ride each year.  

I also enjoy walking our dog, especially along the beautiful coastline at Sandwich Bay.  There's something grounding about the open sky, the sea breeze, and the rhythm of the walk that makes everything feel a little more balanced. 

We know what you mean, Michelle.  And we also know how much you enjoy your work.  You once told this writer, when you were taking a blood sample, that the vein in his arm was so clearly visible it was a phlebotomist's dream.  There's nothing like having sweet dreams - especially if they're about blood vessels!

 

Wanted - Computer genius! 

If you've looked at the Practice website recently you'll have noticed that it needs some serious updating.  Are YOU the man or woman for the job?

Building - or editing - a website is not within the scope of your average day-to-day computer user.  But we're told, its not impossible.  You don't have to be a genius - as suggested above - nor do you need a first class degree from Oxbridge. 

So if you can do it, or perhaps, you'd like to acquire a new keyboard skill, please do get in touch via the usual surgery number - 01304 812227

 

Satisfaction Survey 

The Practice is always looking for ways to improve the service and we look for the help of patients in doing this.  It would be very much appreciated if you could scan this QR code to access a short survey providing the Surgery with feedback. 

 

Stop Smoking!

If you are interested in giving up smoking, we do have a smoking cessation advisor at the surgery who will be able to help to self-start your journey to giving it up and advise on steps that you can take to achieve your goal.

For more information, please call the surgery and our receptionists will pass on your details to our smoking cessation advisor who will contact you directly to make an appointment. 

 

Goodnight!

In our last Newsletter we talked about giving your brain frequent rests during the working day.  We even advocated taking brief naps provided that your boss is on the same wavelength! 

We thought a good follow-up this time would be an assessment of the value of a proper sleep during the night. 

Sleep is one of the most vital yet often underappreciated functions of the human body.  It's more than just a time to recharge - it's a dynamic, active process that plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of health and well-being. While we might think of sleep as a passive state, the brain is remarkably busy during these hours, processing information, consolidating memories and regulating hormones.  

Humans cycle through several stages of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.  Each stage serves a unique purpose.  Deep sleep restores the body, helps with tissue growth and repair, and strengthens the immune system.  REM sleep, on the other hand, is believed to be essential for learning, memory and emotional processing - it's also when most dreaming occurs.

Prioritising sleep isn't indulgent.  It's one of the most effective things you can do to support your overall health - and it doesn't cost a thing.  So tonight, when your pillow calls, answer it.  Your brain, body and soul will thank you. 

 

Autumn Flu/Covid Clinic

We may have enjoyed the sun and warmth of this summer's heatwaves (and, who knows, there could be more to come!) but winter will, all too quickly be upon us.  This is advance notice that the Surgery will be providing clinics for both Covid and Flu in the Autumn.  These will be pre-bookable and as soon as they're available, the Practice will alert eligible patients.  You might like to check the website for details in August/September. 

 

Health Checks

It doesn't appear to be generally known that patients who aren't in the bloom of youth can have a health check - even if they seem to have no immediate problems.  Anyone over 40 can make an appointment in the usual way.  Of course nobody likes to admit that youth may have flown!  But, at least, be grateful that antiquity hasn't yet arrived!  Simply call the Practice number and ask. 

 

111 Service Survey 

NHS Kent & Medway and NHS Sussex are working together to review and improve the NHS 111 service and would really value your help. 

NHS 111 is a free service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It offers advice and support for urgent, non-emergency health issues, whether accessed online or by phone.  To ensure the services works well for everyone, they're asking people who have used it to share their experiences. 

The survey takes just 15-20 minutes and is completely confidential.  Feedback will help to:

• Understand what people think of the NHS 111 service 
• Identify any challenges or barriers to using it
• Learn how the service can be improved

Survey link:  www.haveyoursayinkentandmedway.co.uk/nhs-111