Other Information

The practice is a dynamic organisation keen to embrace effective change and to provide a caring but cutting edge service to patients.

The BWPCT is a comprehensive team of professionals providing responsive and accessible care throughout the community and may be contacted at:

Berkshire West Primary Care Trust
57-59 Bath Road
READING
RG30 2BA
Telephone: 0118 950 3094

Internet: www.berkshirewest-pct.nhs.uk

The Other Practices in the area are:

Brookside Group Practice, Lower Earley

Burma Hills Surgery, Wokingham

Cedar House Surgery, Wokingham

Finchampstead Surgery, Finchampstead

Loddon Vale Practice, Woodley

New Wokingham Road Surgery, Crowthorne

Swallowfield Medical Practice, Swallowfield

Tudor House & Rectory Road Practice, Wokingham

Twyford Practice, Twyford

Wargrave Surgery, Wargrave

Wilderness Road Surgery, Earley

Woodley Centre Surgery, Woodley

Woosehill Practice, Wokingham

NHS DIRECT

NHS Direct is a 24 hour nurse-led telephone helpline (0845 4647 or visit NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) providing confidential healthcare advice and information on:

• What to do if you are feeling ill
• Health concerns for you and your family
• Local health issues
• Self-help and support organisations

You are encouraged to use this service.

The Health Of The Nation

The Department of Health has issued guidelines to enable everyone to lead healthier lives and these are summarised below:-

• Coronary Heart Disease And Stroke
• Walk 30 minutes a day, eg walk the last mile to and from work.
• Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
• Use reduced fat versions of spreads and dairy products. Choose fats and oils labelled ‘low in
saturates’.
• Eat fish twice a week, oily fish (eg mackerel, sardines) on one of these occasions.
• Add less salt to cooking and at the table.
• Drink no more than the recommended alcohol levels (men 21 units/week, women 14 units/week).

Cancers
• Stop smoking as soon as possible.
• Respond to invitations for breast screening and smear tests.
• Avoid excessive sun by dressing sensibly, using sunblock and staying in the shade.
• Don’t leave small children in direct sunlight.

HIV And Sexual Health
• Seek advice on contraception, including post-coital contraception.
• Use condoms.
• Limit number of sexual partners.

Mental Illness
• Talk about how you are feeling.
• Discuss emotional and psychological causes for physical symptoms.
• Do NOT feel weak or guilty if you have a mental health problem.
• Accept treatment for depression, even when the cause is understandable.
• Ask for help from the practice (or the Samaritans) if you feel suicidal

Accidents
• Never drink and drive.
• Keep medicines under lock and key away from children.
• Take care with prescribed and over-the-counter drugs when driving.
• The elderly should have regular eyesight checks.
• Keep stairs and landings well lit and free from obstruction.