Orchard Medical Practice

Super Flu

We are asking all our patients with respiritary problems and anyone who feels they require the flu vaccination to please walk in to reception or contact the surgery.

The number of people in hospital in England with a new “super flu” has jumped by 55 per cent in just one week, according to new NHS figures. An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the previous week

Patient Information – Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for Weight Loss

You may have seen recent media reports stating that GPs can now prescribe weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. While this is true nationally, in our area (Suffolk and North East Essex), GPs are not commissioned to provide these medications directly for weight loss.
Instead, the local NHS has chosen a Community Outreach service model. This means:
Access is only available through a specialist NHS weight management service (WMCOS). This is not currently operating at present.
Patients must be clinically assessed to determine eligibility.
Only those meeting strict NHS criteria (including certain BMI and health conditions) will be offered treatment.
Please do not book a GP appointment just to request Mounjaro.
Your GP will not be able to prescribe it outside of the community specialist pathway.
For more details, visit the official NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB webpage:
https://suffolkandnortheastessex.icb.nhs.uk/weightmanagement

If you'd like further information or support, please contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service): https://suffolkandnortheastessex.icb.nhs.uk/have-your-say/patient-advice-and-liaison-service-pals/