Portcullis Surgery

Portcullis Lane, Ludlow, SY8 1GT

Telephone: 01584 872 939

https://florey.accurx.com/p/M82043

We are closed. Call 111 for urgent advice out of hours.

Covid Vaccine updates

Update 16.3.2022
Save the dates: for dates for Spring Boosters and Vaccination Clinics for 5-11 year olds
Please do not call us, we will call or text you.
NHS England is now advising our PCN to go ahead with our plans for the next stage of the Covid Vaccination program which are:
1. An extra spring dose is advised around 6 months after the last vaccine dose for:
  • adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults
  • individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in in the COVID 19 healthcare guidance Green Book

2. Offer 1st vaccines to all 5-11 year olds.

In order for you to plan ahead potential future dates of Covid booster clinics are as follows:
5-11 year old clinics (invitations will be sent by text starting this week please do not call us we will call you)
Saturday 2nd April AM at Ludlow Hospital Physiotherapy 
Wednesday 6th April 15:30-19:30 at the Ludlow Mascall Centre
>75s and immunosuppressed that are six months from last booster (We will be calling and sending out texts to eligible patients from the 6th April onwards please do not call us we will call you)
6-26th April Spring Booster Vaccination Clinics in all Ludlow Residential and Nursing Homes (in the process of being booked)
Saturday 30th April AM or all day at Ludlow Mascall Centre 
9-13th May Portcullis housebound patients (visits to individual homes will be booked in this week, we will call and arrange the time of your visit)
Saturday 7th May AM or all day at Ludlow Hospital Physiotherapy 
Saturday 14th May AM or all day at Ludlow Mascall Centre
Saturday 28th May AM or all day at Ludlow Hospital Physiotherapy
Saturday 2nd June AM or all day at Ludlow Hospital Physiotherapy
Saturday 25th June AM or all day at Ludlow Mascall Centre 
We will update you as soon as we receive more information regarding further local clinics. Don’t worry you will get an invitation when you are due (six months from last vaccine)
Please send us or update your a mobile number for yourself, your child or your loved one so that we can send you a text with the invitation for your vaccine. We do accept proxy mobile phones see the link below for more information.
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/update-your-details-for-better-communication-with-the-practice/
Proxy mobile numbers
We do accept parent mobile numbers for sending invitations to children 5-11 years of age.
We also accept mobile numbers of sons and daughters or NOK of older patients in order to send the invitation for the vaccine booking. Please note that if you choose this option then any future information or invitations from the practice will be sent to this proxy mobile and you will need to send us a signed consent form for your relative for all future texts.
The consent form is on the website on the link
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/update-your-details-for-better-communication-with-the-practice/
Update 9.3.2022
Dear patients
Walk in clinic for Covid Vaccines cancelled until further notice
Due to staff sickness we regret to inform you that we have been forced to cancel our Friday WALK IN clinic for boosters until further notice.
Please do not turn up this Friday or any other Friday as a walk in patient without a booking as you will be sent away. We apologise for the inconvenience caused
Spring Boosters for over 75s or at risk groups
We will soon by starting to invite patients for their Spring Boosters that will be due in April/May (6 months from their last vaccine), please do not call us for information about these vaccines, we will call you.
Patients who still need their 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose
We are still carrying out this service, but this service will continue as a BOOKED ONLY service NOT A WALK IN CLINIC and will be ONLY for registered patients of Portcullis surgery or the Southwest PCN (Church Stretton, Clun, Bishops Castle, Craven arms or Ludlow Station Drive).
If you are a registered patient at our practice and need a 1st, 2nd or are overdue a booster vaccine you can email or call us to book in an appt for a Covid vaccine. If you are a registered patient at another practice in the Southwest PCN and need a 1st, 2nd or are overdue a 3rd booster vaccine you can email or call us your own practice and they will book you in to our booked clinic.

 

 

Update on Statistics for Boosters 20/12/2021

Dear patients

we would like to remind all eligible patients that there are a number of walk in and booked clinics in Ludlow over the next few weeks.

Please book your booster as soon as your eligible or turn up to the walk in clinics.

Tuesday 21st December at Station Drive Surgery 17.30-18.30 hours Walk in clinic for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) but NOT BOOSTERS

Wednesday 22nd December at Station Drive Surgery 18.30-20.00 hours Walk in clinic for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) PLUS BOOSTERS TOO

Wednesday 22nd December BOOKED CLINIC at Church Stretton Surgery 15.30-18.30 hours for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) PLUS BOOSTERS TOO please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net if you would like to be booked in

Wednesday 29th December at Station Drive Surgery 17.00-20.00 hours Walk in clinic for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) PLUS BOOSTERS TOO

Wednesday 29th December BOOKED CLINIC at Portcullis Surgery from 17.00 hrs FOR ASTRA-ZENECA BOOSTERS ONLY (patients with severe allergies who cannot have Pfizer vaccine) please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net if you would like to be booked in for an AstraZeneca booster vaccine

There are other walk in clinics all over the Shropshire during Christmas please follow the link for your options

https://stwics.org.uk/our-priorities/covid-19-vaccination-programme/walk-in-clinic-times

After Christmas we are now booking the following clinics

Saturday 8th January BOOKED CLINIC at Ludlow Hospital 08.00-12.00 hours for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) PLUS BOOSTERS TOO IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD AN INVITATION TEXT ALREADY, please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net if you would like to be booked in

Sunday 9th January BOOKED CLINIC at Ludlow MASCALL CENTRE 09.00-13.00 hours for 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose (immunosuppressed patients) PLUS BOOSTERS TOO IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD AN INVITATION TEXT ALREADY, please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net if you would like to be booked in.

Our statistics as a practice are looking very good so far (see below) but there is room for improvement!

If you are 3 months from your last dose and not booked in already then please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net and we will book you in

STATISTICS FOR PORTCULLIS PATIENTS

Residential and Care home 98% Boostered x3 doses
Over 80 92% Boostered x3 doses, 98% x2 doses
75-79 years 92% Boostered x3 doses, 96% x2 doses
70-74 years 92% Boostered x3 doses, 96% x2 doses
65-69 years 92% Boostered x3 doses, 96% x2 doses
60-64 years 84% Boostered x3 doses, 93% x2 doses
55-59 years 84% Boostered x3 doses, 93% x2 doses
50-54 years 76% Boostered x3 doses, 88% x2 doses

Learning disabilities 84% Boostered x3 doses, 91% x2 doses
16-64 with underlying conditions 79% Boostered x3 doses, 90% x2 doses

45-49 years 62% Boostered x3 doses, 82% x2 doses
30-39 years 48% Boostered x3 doses, 77% x2 doses
18-29 years 39% Boostered x3 doses, 72% x2 doses

16-18 years 3% Boostered x3 doses, 51% x2 doses, 79% 1 dose
16-18 years 3% Boostered x3 doses, 51% x2 doses, 79% 1 dose

12-15 years with specific conditions or household contacts 30% x2 doses, 65% 1 dose
12-15 years without specific conditions or household contacts 1% x2 doses, 60% 1 dose

Well done Ludlow! Keep on booking your booster when you are due, Fantastic effort!

Update 12/12/2021
Dear patients
We have just heard the news at the same time as yourselves, from the Prime Minister that he is launching an “Omicron Emergency Boost” and that everyone eligible aged 18 and over will have the chance to get their booster before the New Year.
Eligible adults will be 18 and over and have had their second Covid vaccine at least 3 months ago.
We will be having emergency meetings on Monday in order to discuss potential options for the PCN.
We can assure all our patients that any, extra, vaccinations clinics offered by Portcullis Surgery, will be in addition to current services and therefore, not affect or cause any cancellations to our appointments.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL US ASKING ABOUT THE BOOSTERS.
WE AS ALWAYS WILL CONTACT YOU IN ORDER TO OFFER YOU THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
In the meantime please check Facebook or our website for any news or information.
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery
Important Update Friday 17th November
Covid Booster Clinic Information
We will be running a large booster vaccine clinic on Sunday 21st (950 doses) at the Ludlow Mascall Centre. All clinics this week are fully booked.
Please help us by arriving on time to your appointment. Please do not arrive early to your appointment as this only causes queues and delays. The normal waiting times are 10-15 minutes if everyone turns up on time.
Due to traffic safety concerns particularly centred around the nursery, we have made the decision that the car park at the Centre will be used ONLY as a drop off or pick up point for patients who have mobility issues. On a Sunday there may also be a limited amount of parking for blue badge only patients
We would ask all other patients to park in the nearby car parks that are 5-10mins away and walk over to the Centre. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience.
Save the dates:
Please do not call us, we will call or text you
In order for you to plan ahead potential future dates of Covid booster clinics are as follows:
Saturday 20th November at Ludlow Hospital (540 doses- FULLY BOOKED)
Sunday 21st November at Ludlow Mascall Centre (950 doses FULLY BOOKED)
Saturday 27th November at Church Stretton (450 doses- FULLY BOOKED)
Sunday 28th November at Ludlow Hospital (580 doses- FULLY BOOKED)
Saturday 4th December Ludlow Hospital (450 doses-FULLY BOOKED)
Saturday 11th December Ludlow Hospital (450 doses-last remaining spaces)
Booking texts and invitations coming out soon
Sunday 12th December at Ludlow Mascall Centre (950 doses- booking will start soon)
Sunday 9th January 2022 at Ludlow Mascall Centre (950-doses booking will start in December)
We will update you as soon as we receive more information regarding further local clinics. Don’t worry you will get an invitation if you are due or if you don’t wish to wait and are overdue please feel free to book in any of the other local centres who are available on the national booking centre.
There are also walk in clinics in some areas you can access
FLU CLINICS
Currently there is no spare flu available for either over or under 65 year olds-we have a waiting list, if you wish to be added to the waiting list please email us on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net. Please do not call us EMAIL US
We will call or text you once we receive more stock.
Update on boosters and flu 7.11.2021
BOOSTER CLINICS
Please remember that you are only eligible for a booster if you are >50 or under 50 and have an underlying condition AND have had your second vaccine more than 182 days ago.
Please do not call us we will call you or text you.
You will now be receiving your invitation text from the practice earlier as NHS England has now given us permission to invite you once you are five months from your second dose, HOWEVER PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST BOOK FOR A DATE THAT IS SIX MONTHS SINCE YOUR SECOND DOSE OF VACCINE once you receive your invitation.
Please do not call us we will call you or text you.
Save the dates: in order for you to plan ahead potential future dates of Covid booster clinics are as follows:
Saturday 13th November at Church Stretton FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 13th November at Ludlow Hospital FULLY BOOKED
Sunday 14th November at Ludlow Hospital FULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 17th November at Ludlow Mascall Centre (LAST SPACES LEFT)
Saturday 20th November at Ludlow Hospital (LAST SPACES LEFT)
Sunday 21st November at Ludlow Mascall Centre (FULLY BOOKED)
Saturday 27th November at Church Stretton (due to be booked)
Sunday 12th December at Ludlow Mascall Centre (booking will start soon)
Sunday 9th January 2022 at Ludlow Mascall Centre (booking will start in December)
FLU CLINICS
Currently there is no spare flu available for either over or under 65 year olds-we have a waiting list, if you wish to be added to the waiting list please email us on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net. We will call or text you once we receive more stock.
Once again, please do not call us we will call or text you.
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery
03.11.2021 Update on Covid Boosters and Flu
Our clinic today (03/10/2021) at the Mascall Centre for Covid Boosters is FULLY BOOKED.
We will be vaccinating approximately 450 patients today and predict we will be very busy.
Please help us by coming on time to your appointment but please DO NOT COME earlier than your allotted time if possible, as this only causes delays and queues.
There is some available, car parking space at the Mascall Centre, however, we wish to also remind you that there is also ample parking at the Galdeford car park and Smithfield car park which are only 5-10minutes walk away.
If you are able to, please park in the nearby car parks so that the parking at the Mascall Centre can be prioritised for our more elderly and less mobile patients.
FLU ONLY CLINIC DATE
We will not be offering flu for either Under 65s or over 65s today at the covid booster clinic. Most of our stock is already allocated.
All patients who still need the flu will be added to the waiting list and called back at a later date. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please send an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net and we will call you as we get fresh supplies.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Under 65s ONLY Monday 8th November evening-currently being booked, please send us an email to portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net if you wish to book an appt for FLU only
Over 65s Currently there is no spare flu available-we have a waiting list, if you wish to be added to the waiting list please email us on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net
SAVE THE DATES
Please remember that you are only eligible for a booster if you are >50 or under 50 and have an underlying condition AND have had your second vaccine more than 182 days ago. You will not be invited until these criteria are met.
Please do not call us we will call you.
Save the dates: in order for you to plan ahead potential future dates of Covid booster clinics are as follows:
Wednesday 3rd November at Ludlow Mascall Centre FULLY BOOKED
Sunday 7th November at Ludlow Hospital FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 13th November at Church Stretton FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 13th November at Ludlow Hospital FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 14th November at Ludlow Hospital FULLY BOOKED
Saturday 20th November at Ludlow Hospital (in process of being booked)
Sunday 21st November at Ludlow Mascall Centre (in process of being booked)
Sunday 12th December at Ludlow Mascall Centre (in process of being booked)
Once again, please do not call us we will call you.
Many thanks
5.10.2021 INVITATIONS FOR COVID BOOSTER CLINICS (PLUS FLU) VIA TEXT
 
We are delighted to annouce that we will start inviting patients using the AccuRx texting system today and over the next coming weeks.
 
When we are ready to invite you, once we determine that you are due your booster 6 months after your second dose, you’ll receive a text with a link that looks something like this:
 
accurx.thirdparty.nhs.uk/r/uniquecode
 
Please be patient we will be texting patients in small groups so don’t worry if you have not had a text and please try not to call us at this busy time. We will make sure we invite you all.
 
Once you get your text, you will be asked to imput your date of birth and then asked to select a location.
 
There will be three delivery sites offered:
 
Ludlow Mascall Centre.
 
Physio Department, Ludlow Hospital and
 
Health and Wellbeing Centre in Church Stretton
 
You are welcome to choose a day or site most convenient for you however we would recommend that most Ludlow Portcullis patients book in the Ludlow Mascall Centre as this centre is run by Portcullis Staff and has the following advantages:
 
  • Portcullis patients can get both the Covid Booster Vaccine and Flu jab together in this centre only.
  • We are also taking the opportunity of giving you a questionnaire to fill in as you leave, this questionnaire has useful information that we need from our patients. Thankyou for filling in the questionnaire and handing it in to the practice or emailing it to us at a later date.
  • Patients from other practices such as Station Drive, Bishops Castle, Craven Arms, Church Stretton, The Meadows Clun patients can book in this centre but we can only give them the Covid Booster vaccine alone, they will need to book their flu vaccine with their own practice in their own local centre.
 
For full instructions on how to book using AccuRx please read the following instructions we have prepared on our website
 
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/guide-to-booking-your-invitations-for-covid-vaccine-via-text/
 
If you have any problems using the system please send us an email to portcullis.management@nhs.net and we will get back to you.
 
Please try and avoid calling the practice at this busy time.
28.9.2021 UPDATE ON COVID BOOSTER AND JOINT COVID BOOSTER AND FLU CLINICS FOR HOUSEBOUND PATIENTS AND PATIENTS WHO ARE DUE THEIR BOOSTER 6 MONTHS AFTER THEIR SECOND DOSE
 
We will soon be starting to send out letters and texts in the next week or so to all our patients to invite them to book their Covid Booster with or without their flu jab at our vaccination centre, this may be at the practice or at the Ludlow Mascall Centre.
 
PLEASE DO NOT CALL US AT THE PRACTICE UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DO SO. WE WILL CALL YOU.
 
If you recieve a text from the practice please click on the link (see below for the photo) and follow the instructions to book your appointment.
 
If you recieve a letter, please call the practice on the number provided in the letter to book you Covid and flu jabs.
 
Dates for the FIRST eligible groups will be on Wednesday 20th October and Sunday 24th October. YOU MUST BE 6 MONTHS POST YOUR SECOND DOSE TO BE ELIGIBLE.
 
We will also start calling and sending letter to our housebound patients and book them in for a visit for their joint Covid and flu jab soon, these visits will be starting from Sunday 24th October onwards. Please note that each visit will need a 15minute observation time by the clinician.
 
PLEASE DO NOT CALL US AT THE PRACTICE UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DO SO. WE WILL CALL YOU.
16.9.2021 Covid update Third dose vaccines and Booster vaccines and update on flu vaccines
Yesterday we held a very successful clinic for third vaccines for immunocompromised patients and their household members.
There will be further clinics offered over the coming weeks.

THIRD DOSE VACCINES FOR IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS

SW Shropshire PCN is now offering clinics for immunosuppressed patients who require a third vaccine. Our first clinic was held yesterday and was very successful with more than 100 patients receiving their third dose vaccine.

The JCVI has published eligibility criteria and we are working with the whole local system to ensure that everyone who requires a third vaccination is notified. Please do not call the practice to enquire about this vaccine at this busy time. WE WILL CALL YOU.

Specific advice for patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

The timing of the dose can be adjusted to when immunosuppression is at a minimum (e.g. before starting chemotherapy).

Therefore, patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy should seek advice from their consultant or nurse specialists in order to determine the best timing for their third vaccine.

You should then email the practice to let us know when is the best time for your vaccine on portcullis.management@nhs.net

This information is sourced from NHSE, the JCVI:

The booster campaign will be delivered alongside existing requirements to:

Offer an evergreen offer to those who have not yet had their first or second dose.
Vaccinations for 12-15 year olds (including those who are at higher risk) and
Third doses as part of the primary vaccination course for immunosuppressed individuals.

The vaccination of 12-15-year-olds will be done in schools and that will be starting later this month. Parents will receive more information about this shortly.

BOOSTERS

The timing of 6 month boosters will be at least SIX MONTHS after the SECOND DOSE.

For the vast majority of our patients this will be no earlier than mid October. Please do not call the practice to enquire about this vaccine at this busy time. WE WILL CALL YOU or text, email you or post you a letter

FLU VACCINES

We apologise for the delay in flu vaccines we are now hoping to start this campaign soon as a joint campaign with the boosters. Please do not call the practice to enquire about the flu vaccines at this busy time. WE WILL CALL YOU.

The detailed information about third dose vaccinations for immunosuppressed patients is given following the link below

The detailed information about third dose vaccinations for immunosuppressed patients is given following the link below
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/a-summary-of-third-dose-guidance-and-eligible-groups/
The detailed information about the 6 month Booster campaign information is given following the following link:
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/booster-guidance-and-eligible-groups/

Update 8//9/2021 COVID CLINICS IN LUDLOW FOR TEENAGERS AT PORTCULLIS AND STATION DRIVE SURGERIES

If you are aged 16 – 17 or 12 – 15 WITH an underlying health condition AND have previously been invited for COVID-19 vaccination, you can book into the following clinics:
Friday 10 September afternoon – Station Drive Surgery (pre-booked and walk in)
Wednesday 15 September – Portcullis Surgery (prebooked)
If you have not received a text invitation from us, and you feel that you have an underlying health condition that makes you eligible, please call the surgery 01584 872939 from 2-5pm any day and we can book you in.
Station Drive also offer a walk-in service on Tuesdays 5 – 8pm no booking necessary
Covid Vaccine update 18.8.2021 Covid vaccination clinic for both teenagers aged 16-17 and eligible 12-15-year-olds
Portcullis is pleased to report that our Covid vaccination clinic for both teenagers aged 16-17 and eligible 12-15-year-olds this morning went very well and was fully booked.
 
Below is Mr Max Beniams with his father Mr Mark Beniams following his vaccine administered by our ANP Amanda Robinson.
 
There will be further clinics in the coming weeks for Pfizer vaccine.
 
Station Drive Surgery is offering a clinic this Saturday morning, August 21st, at Ludlow Hospital, for:
– ALL 16 and 17 YEAR OLDS, and
– eligible 12-15-year-olds (those who are clinically vulnerable or live with an adult who is immunosuppressed and at increased risk of complications from Covid-19)
 
Clinics are open to any patients registered at any
of the following surgeries (the South Shropshire PCN):
• Station Drive Surgery
• Portcullis Surgery
• Bishops Castle Medical Practice
• Church Stretton Medical Practice
• Craven Arms Medical Practice
• The Meadows Medical Practice
 
If you are 16 and over and still have not had your 1st dose of Pfizer please email us at portcullis.surgery@nhs.net or call us on 01584872682 from 2pm to 5pm to book your appointment or put yourself on the waiting list.
 
Alternatively you can also go to any of the walk in clinics available in Shropshire.
 
The closest clinics are in Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Centre – Shrewsbury Sports Village, Sundorne Road SY1 4RQ
 
Pfizer Clinics (1st and 2nd doses) for 16 and over
 
Wednesday 18th August, 8am-6pm
Thursday 19th August, 8am-6pm
Friday 20th August, 8am-6pm
Saturday 21st August, 8am-6pm
Sunday 22nd August, 8am-6pm
Wednesday 25th August, 8am-6pm
Thursday 26th August, 8am-6pm
Friday 27th August, 8am-6pm
Saturday 28th August, 8am-6pm
Sunday 29th August, 8am-6pm
Monday 30th August, 9am-4pm
 
For all the available dates please follow the link below
 
https://stwics.org.uk/our-priorities/covid-19-vaccination-programme/walk-in-clinic-times
 
We can assure you that there will be a vaccine available for every eligible patient in the next weeks.
Covid Vaccine update 13.8.2021 
Portcullis is pleased to announce that we are now taking bookings for this WEDNESDAY 18TH AUGUST (morning session) for registered patients of Portcullis Surgery for Covid vaccination clinics for both teenagers aged 16-17 and eligible 12-15-year-olds.
This will be for the Pfizer vaccine ONLY.
Please call 01584872682 from 2pm to 4pm today to book your appointment with us. Further times and dates for bookings will be announced shortly.
This is the only clinic we have planned in August for the moment and numbers are limited but further dates will be announced most probably for early September.
We can assure you that there will be a vaccine available for every eligible patient in the next weeks.
South West Shropshire Primary Care Network, which is made up of six practices (Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Church Stretton, Craven Arms, Portcullis and Station Drive surgeries in Ludlow) have now been given the go ahead to offer vaccination clinics for both teenagers aged 16-17 and eligible 12-15-year-olds in their practices. We shall advertise clinics and contact patients as vaccine and clinic slots are available to us.
Many thanks
Update on Vaccination Rates 22/7/2021 We still need more young people to attend for their vaccine!
 
Statistics of uptake for the vaccine for Portcullis patients that are over 50 are excellent with vaccine uptake between 90-100% in all cohort groups 1-9.
 
However in the cohort groups for younger patients vaccine rates though higher than they were are still not over 75% which is minimum we would like to see.
 
Cohort 10 (40-49 year olds) now 83% (previously 80%)
 
Cohort 11 (30-39 year olds) now 78% (previously 73%)
 
Cohort 12 (17-29 year olds) now 73% (previously 68%)
 
Cohort 13 (vulnerable 12-17 year olds) we still have no information yet on when this program will start but will update you as soon as we find out.
 
IF YOU ARE NOT YET VACCINATED AND OVER 18 OR 18 BEFORE 1ST JULY YOU CAN STILL BOOK AN APPOINTMENT CALL 119 OR BOOK ONLINE
 
If you are 18 or will be 18 before 1 July 2021 you can now book your Covid-19 vaccination on the national sites. You will need to travel to Shrewsbury, Telford or Oswestry.
 
You can book online or call 119
https://www.nhs.uk/…/coronavir…/coronavirus-vaccination/
 
WALK IN CLINICS FOR OVER 18 YEAR OLDS AT OSWESTRY, TELFORD AND SHREWSBURY -NO NEED TO BOOK JUST TURN UP FOR YOUR JAB!
 
For most upto date information follow the link
 
https://stwics.org.uk/our-priorities/covid-19-vaccination-programme/walk-in-clinic-times
 
“YOUNG BRITONS. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU. JOIN YOUR COUNTRY’S VACCINATED ARMY!
IMPORTANT UPDATE 19/7/2021 Covid-19 vaccine for children 12-17 years of age who are vulnerable
 
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children aged 12 to 17 with
 
severe neurological conditions,
Down’s syndrome,
immunosuppression or multiple or severe learning disabilities should receive two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
 
This recommendation extends to 17-year-olds who are within three months of their 18th birthday,
and children as young as 12 who live with an immunosuppressed individual.
 
Please read the information on our website regarding the latest research on Covid 19 vaccines in children. If after reading the information you would like your child to be considered for the Covid-19 vaccine please fill in the form below and we will review the information and identify your child on our GP records. We have no information yet about when this program will start or who will be carrying this program forward.
 
We politely remind you that ideally you should not phone us about the vaccine program as the phone should be kept clear for urgent calls if possible.
 
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/covid-19-vaccine-for-children-12-17-years-of-age-who-are-vulnerable/
Update 6/7/2021 Second dose Clinics for under 40s
Dear patients
Some of you may have received texts already asking you to rebook your appointment for your second dose Pfizer clinic.
This is in line with National Guidance which has changed and all vaccination sites have been advised that 2nd dose vaccines should not be given sooner than 7 weeks & 6 days.
If you have not had a text already patients who are booked into clinics on 10th, 11th and 17th July will be receiving a cancellation text over the next day or so.
When you use the auto-generated link to rebook your appointment, please do make sure that you choose the clinic which is 8 weeks since you’re first dose.
If you turn up to a clinic and it is not 8 weeks then you will be asked to re-book.
If your first vaccination was on:
23rd May book into 17th July clinic
29th May book into 24th July clinic
30th May book into 25th July clinic
12th or 13th June book into 7th August clinic.
We realise that having to cancel and re-arrange appointments is not ideal and can be frustrating, but we really do appreciate your patience and understanding.
South West Shropshire Primary Care Network
UPDATE 22/6.2021 IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR OUR 18-39 YEAR OLDS THAT ARE NOT YET VACCINATED AND UPDATED INFORMATION ON WALK IN CLINICS THIS WEEK
WHY SHOULD YOUNG PEOPLE bother with the vaccine?
LONG COVID
Long Covid, is a life-changing condition that is even now not properly understood. However, what is apparent is that it can affect younger folk, and leave them with a life-changing condition, possibly far into the future.
VARIENTS AND MUTATIONS
A virus evolves to survive and seek new hosts as fast as it can. The vaccine is your friend, even if it is only partially effective against new mutations.
Real world data iis showing that the vaccines are effective on the Indian or delta variant, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was 94 per cent effective against hospital admission from the delta (Indian) variant after one dose, rising to 96 per cent after two jabs. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was found to be 71 per cent effective against hospital admission after one dose, rising to 92 per cent after two jab
VACCINE PASSPORT TO TRAVEL
Unless you want to spend the rest of the best years of your life holidaying exclusively in the United Kingdom – plus the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, or only countries that do not require a passport and never see the rest of the world – then you’ll be needing a vaccine passport; and for that you need a vaccine.
NIGHTCLUBS AND FESTIVALS
If you want to go out and boogie all night you need to get the vaccine as otherwise all nightclubs will be subject to frequent outbreaks of the virus and will be subjected to lockdowns and closures
“YOUNG BRITONS. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU. JOIN YOUR COUNTRY’S VACCINATED ARMY!”
Last, you will be doing your bit for your generation (and yourself) by helping ensure there won’t be any more lockdowns. If vaccination rates slump too low, then fresh waves of Covid are more likely – and so are depressing lockdowns to try and control any outbreaks.
Any jab must surely be preferable to that, mustn’t it?
TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT CALL 119 OR BOOK ONLINE
If you are 18 or will be 18 before 1 July 2021 you can now book your Covid-19 vaccination on the national sites. You will need to travel to Shrewsbury, Telford or Oswestry.
WALK IN CLINICS FOR OVER 18 YEAR OLDS AT OSWESTRY AND SHREWSBURY -NO NEED TO BOOK JUST TURN UP FOR YOUR JAB!
SHREWSBURY BOWL CENTRE
The NHS will be running walk-in 1st dose vaccination clinics for Pfizer and Astra Zeneca at the Shrewsbury Bowls Centre, Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4RQ from Sunday this week
For people aged 40 and over (Astra Zeneca 1st and 2nd doses)
Sunday 20 – Tuesday 22nd June inclusive 8.30am – 1pm
Sunday 27th June 8.30am – 1pm
For 18-39 year olds Pfizer 1st doses ONLY will be offered
Wednesday 23rd June 8.30am – 1pm
Sunday 4th July – 8.30am – 7pm
OSWESTRY
The walk-in vaccination clinics for people aged 18-39 are continuing this week at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Oswestry.
These are first dose appointments only and no appointment is needed; they can just turn up whenever is convenient for them during the opening times. The dates and times are below:
Tuesday, 22nd June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Wednesday, 23rd June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Thursday, 24th June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Friday, 25th June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Saturday, 26th June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Sunday, 27th June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Wednesday, 30th June, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Thursday, 1st July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Friday, 2nd July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Saturday, 3rd July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Sunday, 4th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Monday, 5th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Tuesday, 6th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Wednesday, 7th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Thursday, 8th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Friday, 9th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Saturday, 10th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
Sunday, 11th July, 8am to 5.30pm. Vaccine available: Pfizer (age 18-39)
“YOUNG BRITONS. YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU. JOIN YOUR COUNTRY’S VACCINATED ARMY!”
UPDATE 24/5/2019 IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING VENUE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR THIS COMING SUNDAY 30TH MAY –
Due to unforseen circumstances, we have had to change the venue of our Covid-19 clinic for this Sunday (30th May) to the Ludlow Community Hospital (please do not go to the Ludlow Mascall Centre). The time of your appointment will be the same, only the venue has changed.
We are hoping to text all patients to let them know individually over the next coming days but need your help to share this message as widely as possible so that everyone attends the correct venue (Ludlow Community Hospital)
We are sincerely sorry for any inconvenience caused by the change of venue
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery

 

Update of Covid Vaccine Program 16/5/2021 IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR 30-39 YEAR OLDS

As you may be aware the government has advised that all under 39 year olds should be offered the Pfizer vaccine as a 1st choice (unless they have a history of severe allergies).
We are pleased to announce a date for a Phizer vaccine clinic for 30-39 year olds on Sunday 23rd June in the Health and Wellbeing Centre in Church Stretton. We are texting all our patients in this age group today. If you have not received a text please update your records on our website in order to receive an invitation text or send us an email to let us know how to contact you to book you in for your appointment.
All clinics are being run by the SW PCN for the benefit of all patients in South-west Shropshire. Our staff will be helping to run the clinics in Church Stretton.
Patients who have had severe allergic reactions and therefore cannot have Pfizer will be contacted by the practice to be offered an alternative vaccine in the next few days
TRANSPORT TO CHURCH STRETTON
We realise that this may be a bit of drive from Ludlow however we would like to point out that there is a large council car park opposite the Centre which is very convenient for parking.
In addition Church Stretton is easily accesible by public transport from Ludlow though times of trains and buses are very limited on a Sunday. .
Link to the Mayfair and the Health and Wellbeing Centre: https://www.mayfaircentre.org.uk/
It is our understanding that free transport will be provided by the council if you need it by contacting the council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 and selecting option 0.
The following information regarding transport may all be useful.
Train times from Ludlow to Church Stretton are posted on the National Rail Website.
The Minsterley 435 bus runs frequent trips from Ludlow to Church Stretton. For details of their timetable please follow the link below:
There are also a number of Taxi Firms offering Transport
Annettes Taxis 01584 878787
Wolfcar private hire 01584 856690
Teakys taxis 01584 879478
Andy’s Private Hire 07966 954047
Ashford cars Ludlow 07968 890696
T J & sons private hire 01584 875978/ 07592 483278
.
Many thanks
Portcullis
Update 28.4.2021 Second doses
If you had your first Covid-19 vaccination 11 to 12 weeks ago, you should make sure you receive the second part of your vaccination to get maximum protection. The first dose of both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine offer good levels of protection, but everyone needs the second part of their vaccination to get maximum protection from COVID-19
In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, the vast majority of people who have their 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are having it within 12 weeks of their first dose. Thankyou for your trust and confidence in the vaccination program
Please come forward for the second part of your vaccination when you are contacted or if you have an appointment booked.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, everyone should have their second part of the vaccination IN THE SAME PLACE where they had the first part of the vaccination
If you received your first part of your vaccination in a hospital hub or through a GP service, you will be contacted to receive the second part. You do not need to contact the NHS.
People will be contacted to arrange the second part of their vaccination if they don’t already have an appointment booked.
If you have had your first Covid-19 vaccine more than 12 weeks ago (3 months ago or more) and you DO NOT HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ALREADY OR have NOT been contacted, please do the following
People who had first part of their vaccination at a hospital site, they should contact the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital booking line on 0345 678 9011.
For people who had appointments at Telford International Centre, Ludlow Racecourse and Shrewsbury Bowling Centre or a community pharmacy made via the national booking system, should call 119 or go to www.nhs.uk
For people whose first vaccine appointments was at Portcullis Practice please email us and let us know, you should only call us if you have no other way of contacting us.
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/how-to-request-an-appointment-on-email/
For people whose first vaccine appointments was at the Mayfair Centre please email us and let us know, you should only call us if you have no other way of contacting us.
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/how-to-request-an-appointment-on-email/

Update 22/4/21 Covid-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

We are having excellent uptake of second jabs from our patients. Thankyou for your support and trust. Given the risk of serious illness posed by the Covid-19 virus, especially to our older population, the second dose is strongly recommended and maximises the effectiveness of the vaccine both for you and your community.

CHURCH STRETTON SECOND DOSE CLINICS

Second Dose Clinics start again at Church Stretton today 22nd April, organised by the Primary Care Network in the Southwest area for patients who booked their 1st dose appointment at the Mayfair in Church Stretton.

There will be appointments this week from Thursday 22nd -Sunday 25th April

We are aware that some patients have had their appointment time and date changed compared the dates and times given on their vaccine card that they were given at the time of their 1st appointment at Church Stretton and that this has caused some confusion and we apologise if this has caused any inconvenience.

Letters have gone out confirming the time and date of your appointment. If your appointment has not been confirmed either in writing or by a phone call from the practice, please don’t turn up to the vaccine hub at Church Stretton.

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE COVID VACCINATION PROGRAM THEN PLEASE EMAIL US IF POSSIBLE.

You can request what you need by using the form below. It takes less than a minute to compete and send.

We will email or call you back with advice or an appointment time.

Please only call us if your problem is urgent or if you have no possible other way of contacting the practice.

The racecourse is now taking bookings for 1st dose Covid Vaccines over 45s on 119 or online.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Thank you for all your support and we are very proud to be able to deliver this vaccination programme to our population in SW Shropshire.


Update 14.4.2021 2021 Covid-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

 
We are pleased to report that today was the last day of our second dose Covid vaccine clinics at our nursing and residential homes in Ludlow and we have now completed all our priority one patients at Churchill, Four Rivers, Alexandra Hours, Four Rivers and Glenview Homes.
 
We would like to thank all the staff and residents in the homes for their support and trust in the vaccination program.
 
Given the risk of serious illness posed by the Covid-19 virus, especially to our older population, the second dose is strongly recommended and maximises the effectiveness of the vaccine both for you and your community.
 
CHURCH STRETTON SECOND DOSE CLINICS
 
Second Dose Clinics start tomorrow at Church Stretton organised by the Primary Care Network in the Southwest area for priority two patients (patients over 85 years of age) who booked their 1st dose appointment at the Mayfair in Church Stretton.
 
There will be appointments this week Thursday 15th-Sunday 18th April and also next week from Thursday 22nd -Sunday 25th April.
 
We are aware that some patients have had their appointment time and date changed compared with what was written on their vaccine card following their 1st appointment at Church Stretton and we apologise if this has caused any inconvenience.
 
Letters have gone out confirming the correct time and date of your appointment. If your appointment has not been confirmed either in writing or by a phone call from the practice, please don’t turn up to the vaccine hub at Church Stretton. Please wait first for us to contact you or if you are unsure send us an email to confirm your appointment.
 
Please only call us if your problem is urgent or if you have no possible other way of contacting the practice.
 
PORTCULLIS SURGERY APPOINTMENTS ON SATURDAY 17TH APRIL
 
On Saturday 17th April we will also be carrying out second Covid-19 Vaccines at the practice plus home visits for all our >80s patients. All appointments at Portcullis practice are at the time you were given originally and have not been changed.
 
A small number of patients appointments have been brought forward but if this has occurred, we have contacted all these patients and confirmed their appointment time. All home visits have also been confirmed by the practice as some are also being done earlier than planned previously.
 
IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENT OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE COVID VACCINATION PROGRAM THEN PLEASE EMAIL US.
 
You can request what you need by using the form below. It takes less than a minute to compete and send. We will email or call you back with advice or an appointment time.
 
https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/how-to-request-an-appointment-on-email/
 
Please only call us if your problem is urgent or if you have no possible other way of contacting the practice.
 
Thank you for all your support and we are very proud to be able to deliver this vaccination programme to our population in SW Shropshire.
Update 13/4/2020 Great news for our Over 45s bookings for Covid-19 vaccinations are being taken now on the national sites!
Please share this message.
You can book online or on 119 or
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
at the racecourse. We don’t mind where you book your vaccine. Just book!

 

Status Update 11th April: STEP 2 LOCKDOWN EASING on 12th April

These past few months have been tough and many of us have felt very lonely, socially isolated and missing our loved ones.
Ludlow Businesses are opening up again tomorrow and welcoming customers and many of us want to support these business to get back on their feet and for the town to look forwards to a brighter future post lockdown.
We would recommend the Ludlow Guide for a list of local businesses.
While we’re desperate for some sort of normality to resume, lots of people are still anxious about a post-COVID future.
The important thing of course is to take things at your own pace and speak to your friends and family about how your feeling, it is normal to feel anxious about the next steps.
It is important we take things slowly and continue to take precautions, wash hands, meet friends outdoors and continue to wear facemasks.
In order to reassure you a little we do want to share with you that the data is looking excellent in Ludlow as well as the entire country.
DATA FOR COVID CASES IS LOW
As you can see from the photos shared the rate in Ludlow currently is of 0-2 cases in the last week and our rate per 100,000 is practically zero.
In the second photo shared you can see that most areas in the UK are currently experiencing rates of less than 50 cases per 100,000 population. In Shropshire the rate is 11.8 per 100,000 which is extremely low.
VACCINATION RATES ARE EXCELLENT
Vaccination rates in Shrophire for the over 50s are also excellent. The statistics at the moment for Portcullis Practice are as follows.
Priority One Patients (Nursing and Residential Homes and Staff)
100% uptake for 1st dose, 50% completed for 2nd dose
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds
98% uptake for 1st dose, 2% declined
Priority Three Patients >75 year olds
99% uptake for 1st dose, 1% declined
Priority Four Patients >70 year olds plus all shielded patients 18-69 year old
98% uptake for 1st dose, 2% declined
Priority Five Patients >65 year olds
97% uptake for 1st dose, 2% declined
Priority Six Patients All patients 18-69 years old with a medical condition
93% uptake for 1st dose, 6% declined
Priority Seven Patients >60 year olds
93% uptake for 1st dose, 7% declined
Priority Eight Patients >55 year olds
91% uptake for 1st dose, 1% declined
Priority Nine Patients >50 year olds
90% uptake for 1st dose, 1% declined
We would like to thank our patients for your trust in the vaccination program as your acceptance rates have been truly exceptional.
HOW CAN YOU GET HELP IF YOU ARE HAVING SOCIAL ANXIETY?
Now, more than ever, your mental wellbeing is a top priority.
We would just like to remind you that we have a range of services available to you at Portcullis to help you if you are struggling.
Counsellors
You can book a telephone appointment with our counsellors Mary and Siri. There is no need to see a doctor or clinician beforehand. Simply call reception and ask for an appointment with a counsellor.
Care Coordinator
You can book a telephone appointment with Judith our care coordinator to discuss any issues regarding care and social care you may have.
Social Prescriber and Motivational Coach
Katie Hanson is our Social Prescribing Advisor and she can support you to improve your health and wellbeing. She will spend time listening to your main concerns and help you to connect with further support, groups and activities that can help support you with your goals.
For more information about mental health resources visit our website

 

Update 7.4.2021 Aztra-Zeneca

We understand that some of you may be concerned by the statement published today regarding AZ and the possible slight increase of a rare blood clot disorder in younger people .

The current evidence is that 2nd dosages of the vaccine should be given with the SAME vaccine as before. (MHRA 7/4/2021) “all those who have had a 1st dose AZ should be offered a 2nd dose AZ irrespective of age”

If you have already had a 1st dose of AZ and are concerned about your second dose please send us an email to the duty manager portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net and we will endeavour to answer your questions and if needed book you a telephone appt with a Dr to discuss this however we would like to state that there are NO reports of blood clots after a second dose of AZ at all so this is reassuring.

We are awaiting further guidance regarding any further 1st dose AZ in younger people so please do not call us to ask us questions about this as we will update you all as soon as we have any further information.

Many thanks Portcullis Surgery

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-jcvi-statement/jcvi-statement-on-use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-7-april-2021

 

Update 28.3.2021 Covid-19 Vaccines

During April we will be focusing on delivering 2nd dose vaccines to our lovely patients in the 1st cohorts of the vaccine program but we are also allowed to continue booking any remaining Cohorts 1-9 patients throughout April also.

If you are in Cohort 1-9 we urge you to call the practice ANYTIME and we will book you in at soon as we can fit you in with any remaining spare doses of vaccine. If you unsure about whether you want the vaccine or not please ask to speak to a Dr so we can discuss your concerns with you and help you make a decision. If you decide to go ahead we may ask you at short notice to attend a clinic at a nursing or residential home, at the practice or the Mascall Centre depending on where we have any extra spare doses of vaccine.

The planned clinics for this month so far are as follows:

Wednesday 31st Covid-19 Vaccines second dose at Churchill House Nursing Home.

Thursday 1st April we will be carrying out a small clinic to use up our remaining soon to expire vaccine with second doses of high risk patients at the practice.

Wednesday 7th April we will be carrying out second Covid-19 Vaccines at Four Rivers Nursing Home.

Saturday 10th April we will be carrying out second Covid-19 Vaccines at Vision Homes and Glenview Residential Homes.

Wednesday 14th April we will be carrying out second Covid-19 Vaccines at Alexandra House Residential Home.

During Thursday 15th April -Sunday 18th April we will be assisting the wonderful team at the Mayfair Centre to carry out second dose vaccines for all over 80s patients booked there for the entire South west Shropshire area and sending clinicians and admin to help with this mass clinic. We would like to thank Church Stretton Practice for organising these clinics.

Saturday 17th April we will also be carrying out second Covid-19 Vaccines at the practice plus home visits for all our >80s patients followed by further clinics for our >70s second doses.

Following this date we also hope we will be given the go ahead to then resume with the rest of the cohorts 10-12.

If there are any spare doses left at the end of each of these sessions (due to patients who do not attend or due to an open vial that must be used) we will always use the spare doses and call patients to attend at short notice. The order of priority for calling patients on the standby list is as follows:

1. Any patients in cohort 1-9 who has not attended yet for their 1st dose, this includes paid and unpaid carers.

2. Any high risk patient who we would benefit from a slightly earlier second dose (subject to approval by relevant authorities)

3. Any patient in Cohort 10 registered who is at higher risk due to the medical conditions or due to their profession or place of work.

If you are a critical worker in cohort 10-12 or have certain medical conditions that may put you at risk, please continue to fill in the form for the standby list in case we have open vials to use at the end of a vaccine clinic as we will never throw any vaccine away! Many thanks

Standby list for critical workers in the under 50s group (Phase 2)

Update 24/3/2021 Important 

Good news! We have discussed the problem of our expiring vaccine with the CCG that cannot be returned. We have explained that we have fully evidenced that we have invited everyone from Cohort 1-9 for the covid vaccine at least twice.

Therefore we have now got permission to book a limited number of vaccines for this Friday afternoon’s vaccine clinic with our previously cancelled Cohort 10 patients.

If you were cancelled at short notice on Saturday and are in Cohort 10, we would appreciate if you would call us so we can book you in for your Covid vaccine. Please do not call us if you were not cancelled or are not in cohort 10 as you will not be booked as a priority.

Spaces are limited and are on a first come first served basis. Many thanks for your patience and understanding and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

Portcullis Surgery

Update 20.3.2021

We are very pleased to report that we vaccinated another 230 patients today. We have a final mop-up clinic for Cohorts 1-9 patients on Friday afternoon and have 77 vaccines left.

Unfortunately due to the recent government announcement we have to strictly adhere to these groups for any remaining vaccine booking. If you have not yet booked elsewhere and are in cohort 1-9 call the practice ANYTIME from Monday and we will book you in at once so long as you are in an eligible cohort.

Once this supply runs out we may not have further supplies sent to us for 1st vaccines until May.

During the month of April we will be focusing on 2nd vaccines for all our nursing homes aswell as our over 80 year olds.

If you are a critical worker in cohort 10-12, please continue to fill in the form for the standby list in case we have open vials to use at the end of a vaccine clinic as we will never throw any vaccine away!

https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/standby-list-for-critical-workers/

Many thanks Portcullis Surgery

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE 18.3.2021. Please share!

As a result of the recent government announcement we would urge all patients in cohorts 1-9 to book your Covid vaccination. We still have plenty of spare capacity THIS SATURDAY at the Mascall Centre. This may be your last chance to book your 1st covid vaccine clinic until May.

Please call us ANYTIME today or tomorrow to book your appointment if you are in cohort 1-9 (anyone over 50 years old or anyone under 50 with a health or eligible condition)

Many thanks Portcullis Surgery

Update 16/3/2020

Over 50s bookings taken now. Please share this message.

We are still booking in patients from cohort 6 (patients under 60 with a health condition) aswell as cohort 7 (over 60s) and cohort 8 (over 55s) but we are now inviting all over 50s to book in to our clinics.

All patients in cohort 1-9 have now been texted and many are being called if they do not have a mobile.

If you are over 50 years old and not yet had a text or call from us, you can now book in for your covid vaccine at the Mascall Centre ideally by emailing the practice on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net or calling the practice between 5-6pm only.

We don’t mind where you book your vaccine. Just book!

We are hoping to start the next group soon and are waiting for confirmation from the PCN and CCG in order to start inviting the next cohort (priority group 10 over 40s) but are currently not allowed to invite this group for vaccinations other than for last minute spare vaccine.

Please update your details especially your mobile phone so we can text you.

https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/update-your-details-for…/

Many thanks Portcullis Surgery.

Update 11/3/2020 Over 55s bookings taken now.
Please share this message.
We are still booking in patients from cohort 6 (patients under 60 with a health condition) aswell as cohort 7 (under 60s) but still have spaces for next week’s clinics so we would now like to invite all patients from cohort 8 (under 55s) to book in to our clinics next week.
All patients in cohort 1-8 have now been texted and many are being called if they do not have a mobile.
If you are over 55 years old and not yet had a text or call from us, you can now book in for your covid vaccine at the Mascall Centre next week ideally by emailing the practice on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net or calling the practice between 5-6pm only.
Many thanks Portcullis Surgery.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE Update 8/3/2020 
LAST CALL FOR ALL PATIENTS IN COHORT 6 (PATIENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 60 WITH A HEALTH CONDITION)
All patients in cohort 6 have now been texted at least twice we have also been calling all patients without a mobile. If you have been missed and think you are in cohort 6 please call the practice between 5-6pm or email the practice on portcullis.dutymanager@nhs.net.
Please note that we will be moving on to cohort 7 and 8 next and you may miss your opportunity if you do not respond in the next 48 hours.
Many thanks Portcullis Surgery.

Update 28.2.2021

Britain is on course to cover all priority groups by mid-February, with the rollout then being expanded to 65 to 69-year-olds, before working down the age groups until all over-50s have received a first dose.

We have just received the latest figures for Shropshire today that are amazing!

Over 80 years            99.6 %

Age 75-79 years        100%

Age 70-74 years        95.6%

Under 70 years         23.1% (7th out of 42 healthcare partnerships)

We would like to congratulate all the healthcare workers who have

contributed to this work.

A huge well done to all our patients for their trust and confidence in the vaccine program

Update 26.2.2021
All patients over the age of 64 who are not already booked elsewhere are now able to book their appts via 119 or via their website. https://www.nhs.uk/…/coro…/book-coronavirus-vaccination/
We are having mixed messages regarding 119 and their service regarding Covid Vaccination appointments for 60-63 years olds (Cohort 7).
We have been informed that all patients over the age of 60 will be receiving their national letter invitations in the next week, some have already received them, others have not.
Some have been able to book with or without a letter, others have not.
We would advise all cohort 7 (patients 60-63) that if you have not had a letter yet to wait until Tuesday, if you have not had a letter by then you should be able to book anyway by phoning 111.
We are unable to book cohort 7 yet as the practice still has cohort 6 to book and these patients are not eligible to book via 119. So if you do get a letter please book if possible on the national system via 119 at the Racecourse as this will be your quickest route to get an appointment.
If you already have an appointment at the practice or at Church Stretton please keep this appointment as we have already allocated you a vaccination which cannot be wasted.
Please do not call the practice if possible unless you have an urgent medical problem
Many thanks
22.02.2021
We are receiving a high level of calls and emails regarding cohort 6 and the new shielded group.
Who is in cohort 6? Why have I been called and not my husband/wife? I am a carer for my disabled child when can I have my vaccine? I have had a letter to let me know that I am shielded why did I not get this letter earlier and why am I shielded now and not before.
We would recommend that you see the following excellent video by Dr Ben Allen, which may help you understand who is shielded now and why and also who is being prioritised for cohort 6 and why.
Please be patient as mentioned before WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH VACCINE TO INVITE ALL OF COHORT 6 THIS WEEK. Unfortunately national teams have not been allowed to invite cohort 6 yet so you may have to wait a while for your invitation.
Do not worry if you have not been invited yet.
If you still have a question please send us an email and we will answer your query as soon as possible but please be patient we are dealing with a high volume of requests.
If you feel your BMI is over 40 and that this may not be registered in our records please fill in the following form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Specifically regarding Covid-19 Vaccination for unpaid carers
Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Councils and our Carers Support Centres are working hard to support the NHS, to ensure that all unpaid carers of clinically vulnerable people can receive a Covid-19 vaccination.
All carers who receive carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, someone who has a severe mental illness or whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill – are eligible.
Carers may be invited either by the national booking system, their GP or contacted by their local authority (council) for a vaccination appointment. If you are contacted, it is important that you take advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated to protect yourself and the person that you care for.
To be invited for a vaccination as a carer of someone who is clinically vulnerable, you will need to be registered as a carer with your local authority (council) or on your GP record.
To register, carers can call their local Carers Support Team/Carers Centre who will also provide free advice, information and support for carers of all ages: For Shropshire your Carer Support Team (Shropshire Council) can be contacted on 01743 341995 or by email Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk
You can also fill in the form at our practice website so we can consider you to be registered as a carer in the link below:

 

Status Update 19/2/2021

As mentioned earlier in the week the next delivery of vaccine for the SWPCN is Thursday 25th February and we estimate that we will only have enough vaccine for about a third of the patients in cohort six.

This delivery date and numbers are the same for all practices in the South west PCN.

Portcullis practice has now started inviting HIGH RISK patients within Priority Six Cohort group for appointments to Church Stretton for Friday 26th and Saturday 27th February. We will also invite a small number of patients to our practice on Saturday 27th February as well as covering any housebound patients within this cohort.

The texts of invitation to Church Stretton will look like the photo below. They are not a scam. We will only ask for a DOB to confirm your details, nothing else.

If you are a priority six patient and do not get an invitation from our practice either by text or phone call in the next few days you may have to wait until the next delivery.

If you receive an invitation letter for the race course or any other National Centre we would recommend that you go ahead and BOOK your appointment at any location you are happy to travel to. Do not wait for an appointment from the practice as we may take a while to invite you due to lack of vaccine supply.

Status Update 16/2/2021
Another successful day at the Mascall Centre with a great team. In the photo ANP Joy, ANP Amanda and admins Yvonne and Siri.
We want to be open and transparent with you and share our statistics with you on a regular basis.
Our statistics so far as follows:
Priority One Patients: 100% completed
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds 100% Completed
Priority Three Patients >75 year olds 100% Completed
Priority Four Patients >70 year olds plus all shielded patients 18-69 year old 100% Completed
Priority Five Patients >65 year olds 95% completed
Small amount of patients on waiting list for next week or home visit
Priority Six patients will be the next cohort to be booked.
Unfortunately our next delivery will not be arriving until Thursday 25th February and we estimate that we will only have enough vaccine for about a third of the patients.
This delivery date and numbers are the same for all practices in the South west PCN. We are making enquiries about the possibility of this delivery being increased but there is no guarantee we will be given more vaccine any time soon.
If you are a priority six patient therefore and you receive an invitation letter for the race course or any other National Centre we would recommend that you go ahead and BOOK your appointment at any location you are happy to travel to.
Do not wait for an appointment from the practice as we may take a while to invite you due to lack of vaccine supply.
Please fill in the form below if you are happy to travel or be contacted at short notice form and we will let you know if there is any spare vaccine in Church Stretton or other locations as soon as we know.

Waiting list for patients who “able to travel” or are “happy to travel at short notice” for the Covid 19 vaccine

 

 

Update 10/2/2021

We are now booking a limited number of over 65 appointments for next weeks clinic at the Mascall Centre as well as continuing to book any remaining over 70 year olds and clinically shielding (clinically extremely vulnerable)

If you are over 65 you may receive a text to book at the Ludlow Mascall Centre. The text message you will get is shown in the photo all you need to do is follow the link. You will not be asked for any personal details.

For more instructions on how to book at the Mascall Centre follow the link below

Booking appointments for the Ludlow Mascall Centre

If you are over 70 or shielding and have not yet booked an appointment you can call our dedicated telephone line to book your appointment 01584 872682 at the Mascall Centre. If you are housebound we will book you a visit.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUR PRACTICE LINE AS THIS MUST BE KEPT FREE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE UNWELL.

Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery

Update 8/2/2021
Are you aged 70 or over or shielding (clinically extremely vulnerable)?
 
We think we have contacted most if not all of you already but there may be some of you that have have been missed. If so we would like to hear from you as we can book you in to our covid vaccine clinic at the Mascall Centre this week.
 
PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUR PRACTICE LINE AS THIS MUST BE KEPT FREE FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE UNWELL.
 
We are now opening a dedicated telephone number for Covid vaccination bookings for any patients in priority groups 1-4 who have not yet had their Covid vaccine or have not yet been booked for a covid vaccine.
 
If you are over 70 years old or shielding (clinically extremely vulnerable) and not not yet received your invitation for a Covid vaccination please call 01584 872682 and we will book you at the Mascall Centre or visit you if you are completely housebound.
 
Please note we are unable to book appointments for anyone under the age of 70 unless you are extremely clinically vulnerable or shielding at this time.
 
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery
Status update 4/2/2021
We want to be open and transparent with you and share our statistics with you on a regular basis.
Our statistics so far as follows:
Priority One Patients: 100% completed Nursing and Residential Homes Learning Disability Homes Care Home Staff
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds
Housebound 100% Completed All Portcullis appointments 100% completed Over 80s patients in Church Stretton 99% booked
10 patients still need booking due to their current health conditions
Priority Three Patients >75 year olds
Housebound 60% Completed 40% awaiting a booking Portcullis appointments in progress 90% booked Over 75s patients in Church Stretton or Race course 95% booked
**Only 72 patients in this cohort left and they are all being currently booked for Mascall Centre
Priority Four Patients >70 year olds plus all shielded patients 18-69 year old
Housebound 60% Completed 40% awaiting a booking Portcullis appointments in progress 90% called or texted Over 75s patients in Church Stretton or Race course 90% booked
** Only 100 patients in this cohort and they are on the waiting list for Mascall Centre
Please fill in the form below if you are happy to travel or be contacted at short notice form and we will let you know if there is any spare vaccine in Church Stretton or other locations as soon as we know https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/waiting-list-for-patients-who-are-happy-to-travel-at-short-notice-for-the-covid-19-vaccine/
STATUS UPDATE 2/2/2021
We are delighted to announce that we now have confirmed delivery of vaccine for our next clinic at the Ludlow Mascall Centre and will be running our first clinic there next week.

How do I book an appointment?

We will send you a text you on your mobile and you will be asked to book online on our Accurx System.

If you are concerned that we do not have a mobile number for you please complete a return through our website and we will up date your records.

If you do not have a mobile phone DO NOT worry a receptionist will call you.

Please understand that we may need to cancel and re-book your vaccination appointment at short notice if despite confirmend delivery dates, there is a hold-up with the weekly delivery of vaccine or we don’t get as much as expect. This is a national problem and out of our hands. If that is the case, we shall always contact you and offer you another appointment.

For more information about how to book on the Accurx system please visit our website

Booking appointments for the Ludlow Mascall Centre

STATUS UPDATE AND BREAKING NEWS! 27/1/2021
We have now confirmed that the Mascall Centre has been approved to be the Portcullis Vaccination Centre for our patients. We are delighted with this news and we hope the majority of our clinics can be held in this centre once the majority of our vaccine delivered is Astra-Zeneca.
Until such time we will have to continue asking our patients to travel to Church Stretton, please bear with us and thankyou for your patience and support.
Another busy day spent booking in the last patients for their Covid vaccinations.
We want to be open and transparent with you and share our statistics with you on a regular basis.
Our statistics so far as follows:
Priority One Patients:
Nursing and Residential Homes- Completed 100%
Learning Disability Homes- Completed 100%
Care Home Staff -Completed 100%
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds
Please note if you are a health care workers or a carer you now need to speak to your employer to book your vaccine (this is the instruction we have had from NHE today)
Priority patients for Portcullis appointments
Housebound 100% Booked
Severe allergy patients 100% Booked
High risk Shielded patients (>80 years) 100% Booked
Other priority groups 100% Booked
Over 80s patients nearly 100% booked
Our appointments in Portcullis are now 100% booked
We are so grateful for your support and kind comments and look forward to seeing you all either at Church Stretton or at Portcullis or in your home in the next 7 days!
If you are a paid carer or healthcare worker Please fill in the happy to be contacted at short notice form and we will let you know if there is any spare vaccine in Church Stretton as soon as we know
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery
STATUS UPDATE 26.1.2021
Another busy day spent booking in patients for their Covid vaccinations.
We would like to especially thank our amazing practice manager Rachel Shields and patient liason manager Angela Martin who have been calling patients non-stop all day and managed to complete out appointments for priority 2 today. Well done!
We want to be open and transparent with you and share our statistics with you on a regular basis.
Our statistics so far as follows:
Priority One Patients:
Nursing and Residential Homes- Completed 100%
Learning Disability Homes- Completed 100%
Care Home Staff -Completed 100%
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds and health care workers (health workers now need to speak to their employer for an appointment) 
Priority patients for Portcullis appointments
Housebound 100% Booked
Severe allergy patients 100% Booked
High risk Shielded patients (>80 years) 100% Booked
Other priority groups 100% Booked
We have 15 patients we have not been able to reach so if you have missed our calls please call at the practice and ask the receptionists to book you in.
Our appointments in Portcullis are 98% booked
We would like to thank the 261 wonderful patients who have agreed to travel to Church Stretton for their vaccine.
You are amazing and thanks to you we have been able to book all our shielded, housebounds and frail and vulnerable patients at our practice. Thankyou!
We are so grateful for your support and kind comments and look forward to seeing you all either at Church Stretton or at Portcullis or in your home in the next 7 days!
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery
STATUS UPDATE 25/1/2021
We have had a very busy day today at the surgery booking in patients for their Covid vaccinations.
We would like to thank Dr Ezeamii, Dr Anderson, Dr Walters, Dr Targett, Dr Beanland and our ANPS Amanda, Joy and Kate who have been calling patients non-stop all day includng through their lunchbreak. Thankyou!
We want to be open and transparent with you and share our statistics with you on a regular basis.
Our statistics so far as follows:
Priority One Patients:
Nursing and Residential Homes Completed 100%
Learning Disability Homes Completed 100%
Care Home Staff Completed 100%
Priority Two Patients >80 year olds and health care workers
Priority patients for Portcullis appointments
Housebound 60% Booked
Severe allergy patients 100% Booked
High risk Shielded patients (>80 years) 95% Booked
Other priority groups In progress
% appts booked in Portcullis overall 60% booked
40% of appointments still available to be booked
Patients booked for Church Stretton appointments
80-85 year olds 60% booked
% appts booked for Church Stretton appointments 40% booked
60% of appointments still available to be booked
We will be calling the rest of our 80-85 year olds aswell as our >85 year olds tomorrow and offering them appointments.
Please don’t worry if we have not called you we are working through a long list of patients.
If you can travel to Church Stretton or are able to get a lift to Church Stretton please do accept an appointment at this venue as this will allow our older more frail and vulnerable patients to be able to access appointments at Portcullis.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL US WE WILL CALL YOU THANKYOU
Many thanks
Portcullis Surgery

 

BREAKING NEWS COVID VACCINE UPDATE 23/1/2021

The vaccine delivery date is now confirmed for Wednesday 28th January for the South-west PCN and all the vaccine will be delivered to Church Stretton which is our local hub for the SW PCN.

The South-west PCN is made up of both Ludlow practices as well as Church Stretton medical practice, Craven Arms, Clun and Bishops Castle.

About 50% of our practice’s fair allocation of vaccine will be Astra-Zeneca vaccine which can be delivered from our practice building. The other 50% of the vaccine will be Pfizer vaccine, this vaccine is more delicate so it can only be delivered from Church Stretton at the Health and Wellbeing Centre.

This percentage share is the same for all practices in the PCN and in both Ludlow practices.

There is enough vaccine for all Cohort 2 patients so please rest assured if your are over 80 years old you will be offered an appointment this week by our practice. We will start calling all our Cohort 2 patients (over 80s and health and social care workers) from this Monday.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL US WE WILL CALL YOU.

Our walk through vaccination clinic at PORTCULLIS PRACTICE will be on Saturday 30th January ONLY and we will be giving priority for Astra Zeneca vaccine to the following groups:

1. Patients who are housebound

2. Patients who have an epipen or a history of severe anaphylactic reactions

3. Patients who are shielded or extremely frail or clinically at risk

4. Patients who have a severe learning disability.

5. Patients who suffer from severe agorophobia or any other severe mental illness which would not allow them to get to Church Stretton.

6. Patients who have insurmountable difficulties getting to Church Stretton.

All other patients in Cohort 2 will be asked to arrange transport or use public transport to go for their vaccine in Church Stretton as this is where half our vaccine will be delivered from. Clinics in Church Stretton will run daily from Thursday 28th January onwards and will run from 8am in the morning to 8pm at night.

Thank you for your support and for following the guidelines to stay safe.

Please understand that we may need to cancel and re-book your vaccination appointment at short notice if despite confirmend delivery dates, there is a hold-up with the weekly delivery of vaccine or we don’t get as much as expect. This is a national problem and out of our hands. If that is the case, we shall always contact you and offer you another appointmen

On Monday 1st February the hub at the Ludlow Racecourse will also open and we expect that invitations will go out to all patients who have not yet been vaccinated in priority 2 to be invited to this hub. We welcome this additional capacity and many of our Doctors and nurses will be working in this hub in addition to working in our local clinics and at our Church Stretton hub. We sincerely hope that all this extra capacity will mean that South west Shropshire will hit the target set by the goverment of vaccinating all patients in priority groups 3 (over 75s) and 4 (over 70 plus shielded patients of any age) by the 15th February. We hope that all of you will be swiftly invited in early February for your Covid vaccination at either our practice or at the Church Stretton hub or at the Ludlow Racecourse Centre.

We know things have been slow so far but we are very hopeful that there is a definate change in the air. Above all we can reassure you that we will do everything we can to get a jab into your arm as soon as possible. Dr Targett and Dr Beanland are fully committed to working every weekend if we have to in order to get you vaccinated. Our wonderful staff are also fully committed. Our wonderful retired GPs Dr Boog-Scott, Dr Nik Farnell, Dr Bev Farnell, Dr Yarham and Dr Colebrook are all fully committed to working extra shifts at all locations too. Together we will make this happen for you rest assured you will get your jab!.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE PRACTICE WE WILL CALL YOU OR SEND YOU A LETTER WITH AN INVITATION. THANKYOU!

WE WILL ALWAYS UPDATE YOU ON OUR WEBSITE AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

For more information on the different hubs https://portcullis-surgery.co.uk/covid-vaccination-sites-in-south-west-shropshire/

 

News about Ludlow Racecourse 22.1.2021

Good news for all our patients we can confirm that Ludlow Racecourse will indeed be opening on Monday the 1st February and would like to thank Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for health, Dean Carroll for releasing the information early inspite of NHE refusal to do so. We would only like to correct one comment by Councillor Andy Boddington if we may:

“This Ludlow Racecourse will be run by Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Local GPs will not be involved. Vaccination in Ludlow surgeries and those across south west Shropshire will follow.”

This is incorrect. Both Dr Beanland and Dr Colebrook are already booked in to work in the Racecourse as Clinical Vaccinators in the same way as they have already been volunteering in other hubs run by the CCG such as Shrewsbury and Ludlow. We are very proud of our contribution towards this centre and we are aware of many other GPs and nurses from Portcullis who will be working at this centre in order to make sure it is a great success.

We would also like to add the vaccinations at the practice will also be starting at some point in the coming week once our vaccine delivery date and supply is released to us. We are hoping to start booking patients to our practice clinic starting on Monday.

We are all looking forward to helping the vaccination program at Portcullis, at the Racecourse and at the Church Stretton in the coming weeks and making the vaccination program in Southwest Shropshire a huge success!

Covid Watch 121: Ludlow Racecourse Vaccination Centre to open at beginning of February as National Health England condemned for secrecy

Message to all our patients and update 22/1/2021
Thankyou for all your kind messages, and emails of support yesterday in response to our post which has now been removed from Facebook.
We are very sorry that letters of invitation have not yet been sent out yet by our practice but we still do not have confirmation from the CCG regarding the date of vaccine delivery and the numbers of vaccine that each practice in our PCN will get given so we cannot in good conscience start booking patients yet for a vaccine that we have no certainty about.
We hope to get confirmation at some point today regarding vaccine delivery and we will start calling our patients in Cohort 2 and sending letters out to our patients in Cohort 2 on Monday to invite them for their vaccination.
It is most likely that our first vaccination clinic will be at the practice on Saturday 30th January but we will let you all know on Facebook regarding any further details and invite all our over 80s to this clinic as soon as we get confirmation.
Once again many thanks for your support
Dr Beanland and Dr Targett
Update 21.1.21
To all patients of Ludlow and the surrounding areas:
We at Portcullis surgery are deeply saddened by recent developments with respect to the Covid-19 vaccinations.
Our amazing practice team has been working tirelessly to support you throughout the pandemic. We have been brought to tears this week because of the way some of our team have been treated. They have been shouted at, verbally abused; called liars, incompetent and useless. This is shameful behavior and such actions must stop.
We feel we have no choice but to make some facts made clear to all the people of Ludlow:
1) The Portcullis surgery team were the ONLY local practice to push to sign the government contract to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations in Ludlow when it was first offered in December. After six weeks of delays, the South-West Shropshire PCN finally agreed to sign the government contract and there is now the hope of Southwest Shropshire no longer being the poor relation to much of the rest of the country.
2) We have been informed unequivocally that Covid-19 vaccinations CANNOT AND WILL NOT START in LUDLOW before Wednesday 27th January. This information was given to us four days ago on Monday 18th January. Therefore anyone who has an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination before Wednesday 27th January should contact their provider to confirm if they should keep this appointment or if it needs to be rebooked. It is the policy of Portcullis surgery not to book patients appointments for a vaccination before we have confirmed supplies.
3) The Portcullis team will continue to work tirelessly for our patients, we understand the worry and frustration around Covid-19 and the need for rapid vaccination but please understand that Covid-19 vaccination IS NOT ARRANGED BY ANY SINGLE GP PRACTICE but through the South-West Primary Care Network (PCN). The vaccine must be shared evenly and fairly between the 6 GP practices that make up this network and each practice will contact those at greatest risk to attend for vaccination as soon as its delivery is confirmed.
Given all of this we ask you to trust that we are working harder than you know to get the vaccine into your arm.
PLEASE DO NOT call or contact us asking when this will be because the answer is this, ‘We will contact you as soon as we can book you to be vaccinated’ and this message will not change.
Also, please do not abuse any of our staff who are only doing the best that can be done in difficult circumstances. This is not acceptable and could not be less deserved.
With regards
Dr Beanland and Dr Targett,
Partners at Portcullis

 

Update 20/1/2021

Our practice is working hard in order to help plan and help staff the Covid Vaccination campaign at various locations.

It is important that patients and their relatives do not call the GP surgery as our staff are dealing with extremely high volumes of calls as well as going out to carry out vaccinations in people’s homes, as well as staffing the hubs. Additional calls with questions about the vaccination program will mean patients wanting to get through to the practice who are ill and need to speak to a Doctor may not be able to get in touch with us in a timely manner.

Thanks to all our patients for continuing to be so supportive of our endeavours when we know that everyone is so keen to get their vaccination as soon as they can. We will call you or send you a letter as soon as it is your turn.

Where can I get my Covid Vaccination and how will I be invited to attend my appointment?

Patients in Ludlow will soon be able to access Covid Vaccinations from a number of locations.

  • Home visits to Nursing and Residential Homes (nearly completed)
  • Home visits to Private Homes (starting soon)
  • Walk-Through Clinic at the practice (starting in February)
  • Walk-through Clinic at the Mascal Centre (tbc awaiting approval by CCG)
  • CCG Vaccination Centre at the Ludlow Race Course (0pening in February)
  • PCN Hub at the Health and Well-being Centre in Church Stretton (tbc opening very soon!)

For more detailed information please follow the link:

Update on Covid Vaccine 15/1/2020
It is likely that >80 year olds and others in Cohort 2, will start getting called/texted/sent a letter at somepoint in the next week or so when we get vaccine deliveries confirmed. At this point we will reinstate a specific telephone line for all appointment bookings at the surgery. Please do not worry we will advertise this as soon as we get confirmation.
The location of where you will get the vaccine is as yet unconfirmed but there will be a number of hub locations to choose from including a hub in Ludlow Racecourse as explained by Phillip Dunne in an interview yesterday, a hub also possibly in Church Stretton and finally also a supply of vaccine delivered at our practice at some point from the 25th January onwards. We will let you know once we have confirmation of this.
In some locations the vaccine may be Pfizer and in others it may be the Astra-Zeneca, please try and accept the earliest appointment you get offered even if you have to travel, when we call you. Both the Astra-Zeneca and Pfizer vaccines have been extensively researched and are safe and effective.
Please look at this excellent video about Covid vaccine safety. For more information about vaccine safety please visit our website.
<iframe width=”400″ height=”500″ frameborder=”0″ src=”https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av-embeds/55281633/vpid/p0917mb3“></iframe>
Breaking News 13/1/2021 6pm
We are delighted to announce that the South-West PCN under the leadership of Dr Finola Lynch and with the support of the CCG has now agreed to sign the national contract for the national COVID vaccination programme.
This has already begun with Care Homes in Ludlow and surrounding areas and their staff and will be completed by next week.
After that all practices in this area will begin to work our way down through the cohorts.
At the moment we have no additional information to provide with regards to dates, times or how patients will be called but it is hoped that we will know more by next week.
We will pass on any additional information as we have it but would like to thank everyone for their patience.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE PRACTICE WE WILL CALL YOU! ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED TO OUR WEBSITE AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
For the most uptodate information keep on looking on Facebook or on our website
Update on Covid Vaccines 13/1/2020
We are aware of an interview in BBC Shropshire this morning where it has been suggested that pharmacies may be rolling out the vaccine in Shropshire before GPs. We wish to reassure our patients that this is not the case. Our practice is working with the CCG who are leading with the roll out in Southwest Shropshire of the Covid vaccine and we have been reassured by them this morning that there is no suggestion this may be the case in Ludlow or in the surrounding area.
On the contrary a hub in the Ludlow area is due to open shortly as previously mentioned and we expect GP practices also to be able to give the vaccine in our surgeries very soon. As soon as we get confirmation we will let you know.
We are very sorry that a centre has not yet been opened in our local area and apologise for the delay but please be patient, good news is imminent.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE PRACTICE ABOUT THE VACCINE WE WILL CALL YOU AND WE WILL KEEP YOU UPTODATE ON OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE.
This morning we will be busy vaccinating patients in Four Rivers Nursing Home with a team led by Dr Robert Colebrook, ANP Kate, ANP Amanda Robinson and our medical student Shiroo. We also wish to thank our practice manager Rachel Shields for all her hard work in helping organise the vaccination programme. 
Update on Covid Vaccines 11/1/2021
The NHS has this weekend announced the opening of seven large vaccination centres throughout England. The centres are capable of delivering thousands of the life-saving jabs each week and provide an additional option to the local sites across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
We are aware that some patients in Shrewsbury and other areas in the county have been sent invitation letters offering them appointments in large vaccination centres. Letters have gone out to those over 80 years who have not had their vaccination yet with an invite to attend a large vaccination site if they live within 45 minutes from the site.
If you have received a NHS booking letter and would rather have a local appointment you do not need to follow the link in the letter, call 119 or take any further action. We will contact you or the local booking centre will contact you via phone/text/email to book an appointment or via a letter with a local appointment.
As you aware In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, several sites are already delivering vaccinations across the county to those people. They include the hospital hubs at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt in Gobowen and the local vaccination sites at Bridgnorth and Malinslee, Telford.
We are very sorry that a centre has not yet been opened in our local area and apologise for the delay. We will continue to work with local practices and the CCG so we can get approved to provide the vaccine to our patients in Ludlow by our practice staff. This has always been our wish. We are determined that we will offer the vaccine locally and we will continue to work hard in order to make this happen. We hope to have good news for you very soon.
In the meantime we will continue to vaccinate our local care homes and will be vaccinating Four Rivers Nursing Home and Alexandra Residential Home in the next week.

 

Update on Covid Vaccine 10/1/2021

It is important to state that this historic campaign is unfortunately not under our control or leadership.

Local GPs and GP surgeries in Southwest Shropshire have opted out of leading the vaccine program and only opted to participate in the vaccination rollout therefore all vaccine delivery and distribution of Covid vaccine will be led in this area by the CCG (Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group) under their management team.

GPs will also be providing clinical care to their patients as usual but may reduce routine clinical care at times to accommodate for participating in vaccine delivery as locums or volunteers working for the CCG. Depending on their capacity, they will be helping to vaccinate patients in care homes, on home visits and helping ensure vaccination of each age group cohort is achieved in our area. Many pharmacies are also expected to deliver vaccinations.

The majority of the vaccinations will be given at the following locations run by the CCG. It is anticipated that all will be operational before the end of January.

Vaccination Centres:

Telford
​Shrewsbury (RSH) – currently operational and run by the CCG with assistance from Shrewsbury PCN and SATH.

Local Vaccination Services:

Ludlow
​Bridgnorth – currently operational and run by Southeast PCN for SE PCN patients only.
Whitchurch
​Market Drayton
Oswestry (RJAH) – currently operational and run by the CCG in partnership with the North Shropshire Primary Care Network and RJAH for N.Shropshire PCN patients only.

Other locations are being considered.

The ambitions are to provide a vaccination site within 40 minutes travel time for everyone nationally and a shorter travel time in Shropshire. Arrangements for transport for those without a vehicle are being examined. If you are housebound or at risk from travel, a home visit will be provided.

Portcullis would have preferred the local GPs and the local SW PCN to have been at the lead instead of the CCG. The South-East PCN covering Bridgnorth and the surrounding areas for example, is leading the campaign in their area and have already lauched their main vaccination hub in Bridgnorth which is fully operational for SE patients only.

Unfortunately we were unable to garner sufficient support for our proposal from other practices in the SW PCN so therefore any questions regarding distribution and availability of the vaccine need to be directed to Shropshire CCG and not to local practices.

Our hands are tied, because we cannot be approved to receive deliveries of the Pfizer vaccine or the Astra-Zeneca vaccine as an individual practice only a group of practices can be approved to have a contract to order and deliver the vaccine, so therefore we must wait for the hub in the South-west to be set up by the CCG and for vaccine to be offered to our area by the CCG.

The Oxford/Astra Zeneca has now been approved which is very welcome news as this vaccine can be stored in normal fridges for upto 6months and can be managed by individual practices in a similar manner to the annual influenza vaccine.

The practice will continue to make enquiries with the CCG, PCN and the BMA regarding the possibility of deliveries of this vaccine being made available to individual practices such as Portcullis in order for us to start our vaccination programme as a practice rather than a group of practices however the latest information is that permission for single practices to receive vaccine deliveries is unlikely to be given and that the contract remains a group of practice or PCN contract only.

If we are given permission to deliver the vaccine independantly of the CCG and the PCN and have any news we will post it on this forum as well as on our website immediately. As soon as the CCG offers us confirmation of vaccine supplies as part of their campaign we will let you all know. Please do not call the practice or email us as our hands are tied and we feel equally frustrated by the slow start in this area.

Once we get given vaccine supplies by the CCG our staff are committed to get the vaccine out to our patients as quickly as possible, working 7 days a week if needed, to ensure our patients are protected from this virus without any further delay.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUR PRACTICE REGARDING THE COVID VACCINE

We need the lines to be free for sick patients.

Information about Shropshire CCG and PCNs and the vaccine campaign led by the CCG can be found following this link: https://www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk/

Update on Covid Vaccine 30/12/20

There is still no news to report on the Shropshire CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) led Southwest hub but it is unlikely to be set up until at least mid January. We know many of you will be disappointed by this update but as we have said on numerous occasions our hands are tied because we cannot be approved to provide the Pfizer vaccine as an individual practice only a group of practices can be approved, so therefore we must wait for the hub to be set up and for vaccine to be offered to our area by the CCG.

Please do not call the practice for an update, our lines are very busy after Christmas and we cannot cope with additional calls regarding the Covid vaccine.

As soon as we have more information we will post it.

The Oxford/Astra Zeneca has now been approved which is very welcome news as this vaccine can be stored in normal fridges for upto 6months and can be managed by individual practices in a similar manner to the annual influenza vaccine.

The practice will be making enquiries today to the CCG and PCN regarding the possibility of this vaccine being made available to individual practises such as Portcullis in order for us to start our vaccination programme as a practice rather than a group of practices. If we have any news we will post it on this forum as well as on our website immediately.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OUR PRACTICE REGARDING THE COVID VACCINE

We need the lines to be free for sick patients.

Many thanks Dr Beanland on behalf of Portcullis Practice

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55280671

Update on 6/12/2020

The Shrewsbury Royal Hospital has been selected as one of the first ‘hospital hubs’ in the country for Covid-19 vaccinations along with 49 others. From this week, the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital hub will begin by vaccinating the over 80s, care home workers and NHS workers who are at higher risk as identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Other vaccination centres will be rolled-out in the coming weeks and months as further supplies of vaccine come on stream. For the moment some of our staff will be volunteering at the hospital hub helping with delivery of the vaccine in their spare time.
The first tranche of vaccine deliveries will be landing at hospitals on Monday in readiness and will be administered by a simple injection in the upper arm. This will work much like the annual flu vaccination programme, where people who are eligible will be “called” for their vaccination.
As vaccines become available, we will let you know who should come forward, how to book and where exactly to go to receive your vaccinations.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE PRACTICE TO ASK ABOUT THE VACCINE YOU WILL BE CALLED.
We would like to thank and congratulate at this stage all the many scientists and researchers who have made it possible for the NHS to reach this initial step at the beginning of this historic national vaccine campaign.

Update on 23.11.2020

Following clinical trials, a Covid-19 vaccine developed by the University of Oxford in collaboration with AstraZeneca has proven to be effective. While the preliminary data suggests that the vaccine prevents 70% of infections, it could prevent up to 90% of infections, depending on how the vaccine is administered. There were no hospitalisations or severe cases of the disease amongst those who received the vaccine. Crucially, the vaccine can be easily administered in existing healthcare systems, as it can be stored at fridge temperature (2-8 °C). The full safety data and findings will need to be peer reviewed before a vaccine can be approved for use.
If approved, up to 3 billion doses could be manufactured in 2021. The vaccine will be provided on a not-for-profit basis for the duration of the pandemic, and in perpetuity to low- and middle-income countries.
The UK government is supporting the development and fair distribution of a coronavirus vaccine through the COVAX facility. This ensures we have the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine for people in the UK as soon as one becomes available, as well as supporting access in poorer countries.
For information look up the following link:

https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2020-11-23-oxford-university-breakthrough-global-covid-19-vaccine?fbclid=IwAR0vAwU86lLIH63q86Z5XWqFD8-wju9f_trGQoJ2y9hLEI5nJqxcDy1Qi8k

Update on 18.11.2020

Last week, Pfizer and BioNTech published preliminary data showing the vaccine offered 90% protection against Covid-19 and there were no safety concerns. This has been followed by impressive data on another vaccine, made by US company Moderna, suggesting nearly 95% protection.

The coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech appears to protect 94% of adults over 65 years old.

As a practice we feel this data is very encouraging and would strongly recommend our patients to be prepared and ready to attend for their COVID vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them particularly in the over 65 year age groups. 

More data released from their ongoing phase three trial suggests it works equally well in people of all ages, races and ethnicities.

Although the full trial data has yet to be published, the companies say there have been no serious safety concerns. But they did notice headaches and fatigue in about 2% of volunteers given the vaccine.

In the trial, 42% of all participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and 41% are aged between 56 and 85 years old.

The trial, which is testing people at 150 sites in the US, Germany, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina, will collect data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for another two years.

References

BBC News 18.11.2020

Local Delivery of Vaccine will probably start at some point in December or January

PLEASE DO NOT CALL US FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE VACCINE AT THIS STAGE WE WILL CONTACT PATIENTS AS SOON AS WE KNOW ANY NEWS.

It is likely that the vaccine will be delivered from local sites in the Southwest Shropshire area.

Portcullis is working with local practices and the CCG to discuss plans for local delivery of the vaccine which are more complex than usual due to the nature of the vaccine.

We are certainly keen on a GP-led approach as we feel the GP practices in the area are experienced in the delivery of mass vaccine campaigns such as the influenza vaccine.

Priority groups for the COVID vaccine are as follows:

This interim ranking developed by the JCVI of priorities is a combination of clinical risk stratification and an age-based approach, which should optimise both targeting and deliverability. A provisional ranking of prioritisation for persons at-risk is set out below:

  1. older adults’ resident in a care home and care home workers
  2. all those 80 years of age and over and health and social care workers
  3. all those 75 years of age and over
  4. all those 70 years of age and over
  5. all those 65 years of age and over
  6. high-risk adults under 65 years of age
  7. moderate-risk adults under 65 years of age
  8. all those 60 years of age and over
  9. all those 55 years of age and over
  10. all those 50 years of age and over
  11. rest of the population (priority to be determined)

The prioritisation could change substantially if the first available vaccines were not considered suitable for, or effective in, older adults.

JCVI group in charge of covid priority groups

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