Noticeboard

We will no longer be offering ear irrigation, commonly referred to as "syringing", for the management of impacted ear wax as of 31st January 2019. The decision was reached on the grounds of patient safety. National guidance now reflects the risk of significant infection associated with ear irrigation, particularly in older people and diabetics. It is recommended that micro-suction should now be considered in these patients for managing impacted wax if self-care methods have failed.

We will continue to offer assessment regarding ear symptoms and to check for the presence of impacted wax. For the majority of cases we would encourage the ear care as outlined in the practice leaflet.

If it is felt mechanical methods for wax removal are required we can refer you on the NHS to the ear, nose and throat (ENT) service in Kendal, or the micro-suction service offered across Morecambe Bay Hospitals.

Should you wish to seek private micro-suction we are aware of the following services in the local area:

 The Hearing Centre, Salt Pie Lane, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2BH - Appointments Thursday’s and some availabilities Tuesday’s and Friday’s - £40 for one ear, £60 for 2 ears.

 Specsavers Lancaster - £35 per ear.

 Lakelandhearing.co.uk - Offer Micro-suction in Carnforth, Kendal, BMI Lancaster and also website mentions possibility of home visits

Check out our Ear Care Leaflet ... Ear Care Leaflet

When We Are Closed

Training afternoons

We close on 8 or 9 afternoons during the year for staff training. This enables the doctors, nurses, dispensary and admin staff to get protected time to go off to clinical updates or to complete study to keep their skills up to date. We cover a varity of topics in any 12 month period from Life Support and Resusitation, Child Protection, Confidentiality and Data Protection and Risk Managment to name a few. The dates we are closed are listed below; the surgery closes at 1pm and does not re-open until the following morning. We always put posters up to advise patients of our training afternoons and details are also given on our answerphone message. If emergency cover is required whilst we are closed, please ring 111.

2018

Thursday 19th April

Wednesday 16th May

Thursday 14th June

Wednesday 11th July

We will also be closed for bank holidays on Monday 7th May. Monday 28th May. Monday 27th August.

Our Christmas opening times will be available nearer the time.

Out of hours

clock If you have an urgent medical problem, the surgery answer phone will give you a message with the telephone number of the National Out of Hours Service which is 111.

They are open Monday to Friday 6.30pm – 8am and weekends 8am on Saturday – 8am Monday plus Bank holidays 8am – 8am the next day.

Your call will be logged by the telephonist and you will then speak to a nurse who will give you medical advice, or if necessary arrange for you to see a doctor.

You will be seen in one of our local centres in your area or in certain circumstances the doctor may visit you.

They can also simply provide you with advice on all medical matters including dentists and pharmacies.