Neighbourhood Pharmacist First Service

Our local Pharmacists are important members of  Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing services, In recent years NHS policy has called for  greater use of their knowledge and experience in guiding patients. In addition to providing vaccination and prescription and over the counter medicines for common conditions, nearly all can now prescribe treatments for common conditions (including earache,sore throats, uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and contraceptive pills. NHS England also  introduced a "Community Pharmacist Consultation Service".  Close to our hospital these pharmacies offer this service:

Boots, and Health and Beauty, Gerrards Cross

Richard Adams and Vantage Chalfont St Peter

Sparks, Chalfont St Giles

Pharmacies also offer "Safe Spaces" where people can talk about difficult issues such as domestic violence in a secure and confidential setting. Further information is provided on the Hall Practice web site at https://www.thehallpractice.co.uk/  There are of course many other pharmacies across South Bucks.

The intial problems to be attended by pharmacists incuded

Acute otitis media* 1 to 17 years

Impetigo 1 year and over

Infected insect bites 1 year and over

Shingles 18 years and over

Sinusitis 12 years and over

Sore throat 5 years and over

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections Women 16-64 years

Of course many patients call their GP because they don't know the cause of their problem - but don't worry the pharmacist will  refer you to your GP if necessary.


News Update Pharmacy First

This year the range of problems that can be addressed by your local pharmacists was extended to include

Low-frequency episodic migraine in adults.

Rhinitis and hay fever, in children.

Ifection of the outer ear, in adults.

Moderate acne in young people and adults.

Skin and soft tissue infections and scabies.

Neighbourhood Health in South Bucks

 Policy objectives for the NHS set out in the current Ten Year Plan include the provision of integrated community health and care services. These are intended to bring together Primary Care (GPs and other services such as Pharmacy) Community Care (such as District and School Nursing and Mental Health Support), social Care (including Home and Residential Care and Discharge Care) and Community Support (including Patient and Carer Groups and Befriending). The aim is to improve health and wellbeing by providing services based on community needs and Personal Care Plans to prevent illness and injury and reduce the need for hospital care.

This approach has been enthusiastically adopted by the Buckinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, the County Council and our Health and Care Providers, They have identified 7 Neighbourhoods to be served by local teams. In our area this includes the catchment areas of the Chalfonts and South Bucks Primary Care Networks, with a local integrated care team led by Natalie Judson. These serve the area surrounding our hospital, where many local Community Health and Wellbeing services are based to support the varied needs of the communities of Gerrards Cross and the many villages in our neighbourhood.


Dementia Awareness Talk  Monday 14 September 2 pm at C and GX Wellbeing Hub

  • All of us older Friends of the Hospital must know one or two  people with signs of impending dementia and perhaps worry  abourt our own memory loss. Sally Blackden who is a renowned dementia specialist with over 24 years of experience in the field will help us understand these issues. She is the founder of Chalfont Dementia Support and has been involved in various educational and community initiatives to raise awareness and support for individuals living with dementia. Her work includes hosting events, providing training for volunteers, delivering insightful presentations on the latest research and practical advice for caring for dementia patients. 

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Talk by Visiting Angels on Health and Nutrition Friday 28th August, from 10:00 – 11:00

Visiting Angels Buckinghamshire  provide home care and dementia support. Their team have expert knowledge and practical experience in managing your own nutrition and caring for others. -Their talk will cover practical advice and simple ideas around good nutrition and hydration to support health, wellbeing and independence.

Update of Community Wellbeing Hub Activity

Integrating Care, Nurturing Wellbeing& Empowering Futures


Our Hub now has an active schedule of community activity for health and wellbeing. This includes Meet Up Mondays bringing health and care staff together to provide fully integrated services.

Tuesday Mental Health Support, Bucks Mind.

Wednesday  Talking Therapies Clinic

Thursday Rape and Sexual Abuse Therapies

Friday Chatter and Natter get together  Cafe 

Afternoon Sexual Health Clinics providing advice, support and free condoms.



Future events include:

A Stand at GX Classic Car Show 10 Aug

Dementia Awareness Talk by Sally Blackden 14 sept

NHS Wider Workshop Session supporting Our Neurodivergent Staff 17 Sept

Buckinghamshire Community Safety Team Drop in  17 Sept

Health Coaching Sessions  from 5 Oct  

Training and Working Together

Our community wellbeing hub iprovides space for  members of the wider health and social care workforce to train and wrk together with local  community groups to provide integrated Neighbourhood support for whole person health and wellbeing. Current planned events include:


Support for SEND Families 18 May 13;--14;00

A training session led by Lucy Jones of FACT Bucks Patient Carer Forum.


Support for Neurodivergent Staff 8 June 14l00- 15;30

A training discussion for staff

Welcome to Our Chatty Cafe

Our hub will be open for a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly chat every Friday from 9:30 till 11:30. We hope this will  be of particular interest to those living alone or new to our community to get to know one another and enjoy a social cuppa.


Volunteering Opportunities

As part of The Chatty Cafe Scheme which is a national initiative to reduce loneliness by getting people chatting. We offer a Chatter & Natter table in our venue and need  volunteers to help set this up and host the session. Do you enjoy speaking to new people? Could you spare 1-2 hours a week to help promote and host the table? If so, please let staff know you are interested and apply online here:thechattycafescheme.co.uk/volunteer 
Chat Health is now live in Buckinghamshire and has replaced the Health Visitor duty/advice line. Please message 07312277363 and one of our experienced team will aim to respond to your message within 24 hours between the hours of 9am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you are a Professional wishing to speak with a member of the Health Visiting Team, please call 01296 838000. Please note this telephone number is for Professionals only and all Parents/Carers are asked to use the Chat Health service.

ChatHealth 

ChatHealth is a messaging service that connects you with qualified health professionals in your area. You can send a message anonymously and get confidential, friendly and discreet advice  You can find an online version at  https://chathealth.nhs.uk/ 

But you may prefer to use the local ChatHealth telephome health  advice service now live in Buckinghamshire which has replaced the Health Visitor duty/advice line. Please message 07312277363 and one of their experienced team will aim to respond to your message within 24 hours between the hours of 9am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). 

 

Health for Under 5s

Provides information and advice for families with young children from pregnancy to starting school. Advice and support includes physical and mental health guidance for happy family life, breastfeeding and nutrition. The site also helps you find support services and community groups near your home. For example many local libraries in S E Bucks  host parent and child support groups who share experiences. Visit the site so chat and search at https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/

Using the Joy App to Improve our Health and Wellbeing

Please join us at this meeting meeting at the BCW Hub to discuss how the NHS approved Joy App can healp to put you in touch with local community organisations and groups to improve your health and wellbeing. The Joy app on your computer or phone can provide a market place for local groups and services. It can help you find local social groups and can be used by Social Prescribers to introduce you to a range of options for your  support and enjoyment.

Join us on Monday 23rd March from 10:00am - 13:00pm. As this is a drop-in session there is no requirement for people to sign up or confirm attendance prior to the event. 

To find out more about the Joy App or even to try it out search  https://www.thejoyapp.com/products/joyconnect-prevention-at-scale 


 

Health and Wellbeing Updates

The Gerrards Cross Voice is the Town Council newsletter distributed to residents, we understand that a new Parish Council Newsletter is planned for Chalfont St Giles and many other local villages have online newsletters and social media groups sharing information on local community developments. It has been suggested that these might share a quarterly Health and Wellbeing update giving news of developments which to support our neighbourhood health and wellbeing. Perhaps leaders of local Primary and Community Health Services could suggest a brief summary to include in such local news outlets. This might also build on the work of our local GP Practices who each publish more detailed news updates for their patients.

Carer's Cafe

A new Carers Café at Mulberry Court in Gerrards Cross is set to open on Thursday February 26, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. This monthly event is free to attend and aims to support carers by offering activities and discussions on various topics, including dementia care and wellbeing. The café will also provide a welcoming space for families to connect with the community. Mulberry Court Care Home is located at Gold Hill E, Gerrards Cross SL9 9DL telephone · 01753 886613

Preparing for Care

Our new Community Hub for Welbeing will host an event to gather your views on how best we can prepare for our long term care.  Buckinghamshire County Council  is running the event at our Chalfonts and GX hospital on the 23 February from 10:30 to 12:30. It will be an oportunity to share your views on the sort of guidance and advice we need for financial planning, opportunities to improve our health, independent living, community support for affordable care and other issues raised by our health and wellbeing as we get older. To participate use the QR code or  contact 

ascforums@buckinghamshire.gov.uk 

Lets Work Together to support Health and Wellbeing 

There are several ways you and your organisation can make use of the new Buckinghamshire Community Wellbeing Hub:

• Co-locate your services: Use our accessible rooms as a base to deliver your health, wellbeing, or social care services directly within the community.

Run events, workshops, or activities: The hub provides flexible space for community events, training sessions, wellbeing workshops, information sessions, and more.

• Offer support groups: Whether you run peer support groups, condition-specific groups, carers support, or community meetups, the hub can provide a welcoming environment for people to connect.

• Collaborate with other partners: The hub is designed to bring together health, social care, and VCSE organisations. By working alongside others, you can share learning, strengthen pathways, and create more coordinated support for residents.

• Provide opportunities for students: We welcome partners who can offer placements, volunteering, job shadowing, or training opportunities to local students developing skills in health, care, and community work.

For more information please email Elouise Waring at  e.waring3@nhs.net  

Age Concern GX Plus Information Centre

A new information centre has been opened at 8 Market Place Chalfont St Peter offering advice and support from Monday to Fridays from 9am to 2 pm. 

Age Concern GX Plus also offers access to Ear Wax removal, Chiropody Services,  Yoga and Chair Exercise classes, Lunch and Coffee Clubs, Knit and Natter Groupsa drawing club, Jigsaw Games and talks, for all ages. Their web site is at https://ageconcern-gxplus.co.uk/ or phone 01753 917 241

Buckinghamshire’s Healthy Libraries 

This campaign brings together Public Health and Libraries to promote health and wellbeing in local communities. Whether you want to learn about healthy eating, find ways to look after your mental health, or connect with other people in your community, there are many ways that libraries can support you with your health and wellbeing

For example in South Bucksd the Gerrards Cross Community Library offers: Chat and Cuppa, and Children’s Craft sessions on Monday, Children’s Storytime and Painting on Thursdays and Bounce and Rhyme and Storytime on Fridays. Similar events are offered at Community Libraries in Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles Little Chalfont Farnham Common and Iver Heath. 

To discover more opportunities to volunteer  and improve health and wellbeing at your local library see https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/campaign/healthy-libraries/ 

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The Friends Gardeners

A Team of Friends has long helped keep the Gardens  in order . We recently sorted out the gardens behind the Reception desk and cleared the windows of the Physiotherapy clinics from overgrowing plants. We were thanked by the staff for letting new light into their rooms. 

The Friendly Flowers

To give the Centre a welcoming atmosphere in the reception areas the Friends for many years have contributed financially for the flowers. These are kindly arranged by the Gerrards Cross Flower Club

Ultra Sound Clinics 

The X-Ray suite at the Hospital, funded in part some 60 years ago by the Friends,  has not been in use for many years.  We now hear that it may be replaced by an Ultrasound facility. While this is perhaps best known for showing your unborn baby, it has many other uses from examining your heart, liver, kidneys and other organs in the tummy and pelvis, as well as other conditions that can be assessed through the skin, such as muscles and joint problems or varicose veins . Where more complex examinations are required the Amersham Hospital Community Diagnostic Centre will be used. We will provide more details on this service when available.

News Update UltraSound services are now available see Current Services - Clinics

Just One Thing

There are lots of tips on how to improve your health and wellbeing on Michael Mosley's Radio 4 series Just One Thing Podcast click on the link to find it. 

Walking Football

A great way for older men and women to keep fit is to join a Walking Football group. There are many in our community including at the Chalfont Leisure Centre in St Peter and at the Evreham Sports Centre in Iver Heath. Recently one of our local walking footballers, Steve Sheil vsrried out a survey on the benefits for health and wellbeing. 

Park Runs

And for anyone interested in keeping fit, try "Park Run".  This is a free event that is held in many of our parks and spaces including for example Black Park near Slough where you can join a run every Saturday morning ant 9 am. There are also Park Runs in Wendover Woods and Rickmansworth Aquadrome. To find out more click the link.  You will also find fun running groups meeting at the Gerrards Cross Memorial Hall

PS dont worry if your not a very good runner the events are open to people of all ability and you could just walk it.

Simply  Walk

BOPAG (Bucks Older Persons Action Group) supports walking groups across the County through Simply Walks. Our local group meets on Gravel Hill every Friday morning for a walk (and lots of chat) from 10:30 -11:30 . To find out more click on the link.