StrepA / scarlet Fever
- There has been much media coverage of the higher than usual rates of infections in younger children, particularly StrepA infections that cause Scarlet Fever. It is important to note that there are various infections circulating at the moment and the vast majority require no medical intervention. That said there is understandable concern among parents and we would encourage anyone with concerns about their children to seek help as appropriate.
A very good source of helpful advice to parents on a wide range of health issues affecting children can be found here. There is an associated App which is also very good, and a handy pocket resource.
Specifically in relation to StrepA/Scarlet Fever the advice is as follows:
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Who we are
Welcome to Burn Brae Medical Group, one of the longest established Medical Practices in the UK, much older than the NHS itself. We are based in Hexham, Northumberland and our catchment area covers approximately 200 square miles.
Why register with us
We are a recipient of the highest quality award in UK General Practice, namely the Quality Practice Award, which we have held since 2007. We remain one of the few Practices to make it through the five-yearly accreditation process twice.
What we do
We offer a GP led service backed up by a full complement of nursing and administrative staff and the surgery is based in modern purpose-built premises on the Hexham General Hospital site.
How to register
Registering with the practice is straightforward. You can register online or visit the Practice and ask to register. We accept patients onto our list from Hexham and the surrounding areas. You can enter your postcode to check if you live in our catchment area.
Out of Area Patients
We are able to accept Out of Area patients. These are patients who live outside of our catchment area and could receive most of our services except notably home visits. However, we have a Practice Policy that defines who we are able to accept and who we may decide at any time should no longer be registered as an out of Area patient. It it important that current or prospective Out of Area patients understand and accept this policy. If you would like to register with us as an Out of Area patient you will need to complete and return the signed Out of Area application (see below). This is in addition to the registration process.
Opioid medication used to treat pain can be effective in the sort term but carry risks. See the information leaflet for more.
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers free, online access to weight management services for those who have a BMI greater than 30 and who also have diabetes or high blood pressure, or both. The BMI threshold will be lower at 27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.
The programme is an accessible and onvenient way to help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. You will only be able to access this programme if you have a smartphone or computer with internet access.
More information is available in the attached leaflet. If you wish to be referred to the service please complete complete an e-consultation and ask for "administrative help" and request a referral. If you have any queries about the referral of the programme please book a telephone appointment with a Practice Nurse.
Our mass vaccination clinic allow us to vaccinate large numbers of people in a controlled and socially-distanced way. To keep these clinics running smoothly and safely it is vital that patients come prepared. So please note the following points about how these clinics will run.
- Please check our website prior to setting off. Any last-minute notices will be posted on the home page.
- Only patients with a booked flu vaccination appointment should attend. Vacination is by appointment only.
- Please wear a face covering in line with current guidelines unless you are exempt
- Please arrive at your appointment time - not early or late.
- You will be met at the entrance by a member of staff and will wait outside until we are ready for you.
- The handwash sinks will not be in use on the day, instead hand gel will be provided and can be used on entry and exit
- Our reception desk will not be in use. On entry there will be a table on your left with staff on hand to check you in.
- A one-way system around the waiting room will be in operation, with social-distancing signage in place while you wait for your vaccination.
- If you have a similar appointment time to your spouse/partner you can stay together and be vaccinated at the same time.
- It is really important that you dress appropriately for your vaccination. You will need to easily bare your upper arm for vaccination. We cannot vaccinate through clothing.
- You will be called forward to a vaccination station to receive your vaccination.Your flu vaccine will be given into your upper arm so that needs to be uncovered ready for vaccination before you reach the vaccination station
- There is no need to wait in the surgery after your vaccination.
- Staff will direct you to ensure social distancing on exit from the building.
All staff will be wearing appropriate PPE and we will be closely following the guidelines provided by NHS England.
It is important to note that whereas traditional flu vaccination clinics are held behind closed doors in a consulting room the mass vaccination clinics will be held within the waiting room and if you are not comfortable with that arrangement please book an alternative clinic appointment. If you have a history of fainting when being vaccinated or you know you can't stand in a queue for example then consider an alternate clinic.
Our team will be working hard all day to deliver a safe and speedy vaccination clinic with minimal queuing. While we have planned the clinics as best we can we appreciate your patience if there are any unforeseen hold-ups on the day. Our previous mass vaccination clinics have run very efficiently with patients typically entering and exiting the building in under two minutes.
Sometimes when you or your family are unwell, you may not need to make an appointment to see your GP (family doctor). Your local community pharmacist is a trained medical professional who can provide free advice on the best treatment for a wide range of illnesses and minor ailments.
As well as free medical advice, your local community pharmacy can now also provide free medication for some illnesses and minor ailments under a scheme called Think Pharmacy First. Think Pharmacy First allows people who receive free prescriptions to go straight to their pharmacist to receive treatment without needing to visit their GP to get a prescription first.
The scheme is available to adults who are entitled to free prescriptions on the grounds of low income and their children along with all people aged 60 or over.
Burn Brae Medical Group is delighted to collaborate with Tyne Green Parkrun and become an official ‘Parkrun practice’. We hope that many of our patients alongside our staff will get involved with this fantastic weekly event - whether you run, jog, walk, push a buggy or help to marshal.
The event is held every Saturday at 9am at Tyne Green in Hexham. If you optionally sign up online you will be able to print off a barcode to log your time and track your progress.
