Get the latest advice about coronavirus from nhs.uk
Please also see our COVID-19 information page
We will be using this website to keep you informed of all the latest news and events happening at the practice. We hope this helps improve your experience of our services.
We are dedicated to providing you with a friendly, caring , safe and efficient family health service.
Even if you enjoy good health, you will probably need our services at some time. This website tells you the way we run our practice and the full range of services that are available to you.
We work from two surgery premises, our main surgery is Hulme Hall Medical Group - Cheadle Hulme. We also have a branch surgery Hulme Hall Medical Group - Handforth.
Both surgeries have ramps for wheelchair access. Please inform the receptionist when you make your appointment if you require any assistance into the surgery from your vehicle and they will be pleased to help you.
We want to make you aware of significant pressure we are facing. This is the culmination of a number of factors, including doctor sickness & a number of clinical staff having to self-isolate. Due to these circumstances, we are asking patients who don’t need to be seen urgently to consider contacting the practice at a later date.
Due to an overwhelming number of calls, we have very limited availability for GP appointments. We are politely asking our patients requesting an appointment with their GP to call back next week if it is not of an urgent nature. To help reassure our patients concerned on not being able to seek GP appointment, we would like to advise that the Local Pharmacist do offer expert advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets as well as treatments for minor ailments and allergies. If you need more urgent medical attention, but it's not a life-threatening situation, you can go to an urgent treatment centre, also known as a walk-in centre or minor injury unit.
Conditions that can be treated at an urgent treatment centre include sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries, cuts and grazes, bites and stings, minor scalds and burns, ear and throat infections, skin infections and rashes, eye problems, coughs and colds, high temperature in child and adults, stomach pain, being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea and emergency contraception. If you're not sure what to do NHS 111 can help if you need urgent medical help or you're not sure what to do. They will ask questions about your symptoms so you get the help you need.
If you need to go to A&E, NHS 111 will book an arrival time. This might mean you spend less time in A&E. This also helps with social distancing.
You can get help from 111.nhs.uk or call 111. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Parents have 3 more dates to book vaccinations for 12 to 15 year olds
The latest vaccination programme for 12 to 15 year olds who missed out on their COVID vaccinations still has 3 dates available, with the next session this Saturday, 27 November
The session on Saturday, 27 November, is expected to be popular with its all-day opening hours from 9:30am to 3:30pm. It will be held at Westmorland Primary School, Brinnington, SK5 8HH. This session will also offer vaccinations to eligible adults.
There are 2 further sessions, which can also be booked online:
Thursday, 9 December, at St Peter’s Church, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA from 4pm to 8pm
Monday, 13 December, at Life Leisure Houldsworth, Reddish, SK5 7AT from 4pm to 8pm
Where possible please book in advance, but alternatively you can just walk-in on the day.
Covid and Flu Vaccinations for Individuals who have a LD and Challenge:
Please find enclosed Information on the Covid and Flu Programme which the Community Learning Disability Team is offering and how to refer.
Please note that this is only for Individuals with a Learning Disability who have difficulty accessing their Gp. Due to their behaviour, anxiety’s etc.
If you identify as an individual in need, please submit your request for a vaccine by 13th December at the latest as there are time limits on accessing the programme. Individuals can be referred by the GP, family or support provider.
In addition if you know of any other individuals who would benefit from accessing this programme please contact the Community Nurse on 0161 217 6029
If you are a patient of Hulme Hall Medical Group who is eligible for a vaccine and have not received an invite as yet please drop in the surgery during 9am and 12pm.
Please be aware, if you need to contact us to cancel and appointment, our phone lines are extremely busy; If you do have internet access, please help us to keep the lines free for our most vulnerable patients and follow the link: Flu Booking to contact the practice.
Child immunisation update for Hulme Hall Medical Group patients
Children between the ages 6 and 12 who have missed their flu vaccination at school, please telephone 03333583397, press option 1 then option 6 to rearrange.
Please do not ring the practice as we are unable to help.
Thank you
Dear Patients,
It is with mixed emotions that we are announcing Dr Shipstons retirement from active practice, effective September 2021 after 30 years with Hulme Hall Medical Group. She has been a much valued partner, friend and colleague and has provided quality care to families across the Handforth and Cheadle Hulme areas for many years.
If you have been cared for primarily by Dr. Shipston, rest assure we remain committed to continuing to provide quality care for you and your families.
Please see below her official retirement letter:
Dear Patients
After 30 very very happy years working at HHMG, I have decided to now take my retirement.
I will be retiring at the end of September 2021.
I have been very lucky and privileged to work in a practice with amazing colleagues and lovely patients
I will be sad to leave, but plan to enjoy my retirement with James, (playing golf of course) and seeing our lovely daughters more.
The partners are starting to look at my replacement(s) and I'm sure will inform you all as this proceeds and as you all know, this practice is staffed with the most knowledgeable and caring physicians. I highly recommend remaining with the practice for your families future medical needs.
I will forever cherish the relationships I have established with my patients and sincerely appreciate the trust and loyalty that has been established over the years.
I wish everyone continued good health and all the best in the coming years.
Sincerely
Dr Alison Shipston.
Dear Patient
We want to make you aware of significant pressure that we are facing. This is the culmination of a number of factors including doctor sickness as well as a number of clinical staff having to self-isolate. Due to the above circumstances it may be that if you have an urgent need, & you require a face to face appointment, that we may ask you to attend another practice base. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Throughout the pandemic we have strived to make the surgery as safe as possible for all our patients and staff. We will continue to do so going forward.
From the 19th July nothing will change at the surgery - patients will need to still wear a mask, socially distance and use hand sanitiser in the surgery and staff will continue to wear PPE. We do understand that it can be frustrating but we know that when people come to us they are sick and vulnerable (and some cannot receive the covid vaccinations due to medical reasons) so we feel it would be wrong to not take these small precautions that can protect people.
In terms of opening up, as many of you know, we have never been shut and in fact have consulted with much higher numbers of patients than we did pre-covid (face to face, by phone, by e consult and by video), not counting vaccinating 90% of the adult population twice in the last 6 months. 💉
Hulme Hall Medical Group has come so far in trying to minimise the impact of Covid and we are sure you understand that we need to keep the surgery as safe for ALL patients as we can. 😷
Stay safe and fingers crossed for the football! ⚽ 🤞
The purpose of the data collection is to support the provision of General Practice data for health and social care purposes including supporting local, regional and national planning, policy development, public health, commissioning, and research.
More information, please click the link to watch a video explaining The Purpose of Research data collection
Your data sharing mattters
To help answer your concerns, a National Data Sharing presentation has been organised for next week, 22nd June - 6:30pm by the Stockport Local Medical Committee.
Patients are welcome to join the meeting however will be limited to 300 participants on a first come first serve basis.
Patients wanting to understand more on data sharing options, please see the instruction on the poster, if you would like to attend.
NHS Digital has issued a Data Provision Notice for Planning and Research. This means we are required to share your information with them unless you tell us not to. To opt out, click the link Opt Out form complete the form before 23rd June 2021
For Cheshire East residents only - We are aware of an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Handforth area. This is a contained outbreak and we are carrying out additional testing in the area. A mobile testing unit is available for residents without symptoms to call along and get tested without an appointment. This is based at:
Handforth Youth Centre,
Old Road, Handforth,
SK9 3DA
and open daily between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Regular testing is important in containing any further outbreaks. Other testing sites in Cheshire East may be nearer to you, please check using gov.uk or search on the NHS Test & Trace App
Vaccination Programme Update:
We would like to remind members of the public calling about issues relating to:
Booking or changing a COVID vaccination appointment
Questions about the Covid Vaccination programme
should contact the NHS Covid Vaccination Booking Service by dialling 119 and selecting the appropriate option for that service.
If you are calling regarding issues related to:
Needing to request an NHS COVID Pass hard copy letter
Questions about the NHS COVID Pass
Report technical issues with the NHS COVID Pass
then you should contact the NHS Covid Pass Service by dialling 119 and selecting the appropriate option for that service.
The vaccine roll out has been really successful in Stockport with more than 82% of people receiving their first dose and 60% receiving their 2nd dose. Our younger people are also taking up the vaccine quickly, which is great news.
Special thanks goes out to all the staff and Volunteer Marshalls dedicated to providing the vaccines and ensuring patients arrive and move about the centres safely. Many going beyond their role in keeping the lines of queuing patients entertained with songs, dances, and banter!
We urge you to go and get your vaccine from the pop up clinics if you have not had your jab yet – local NHS have just released an 8 week schedule of where the pop up clinics will be, details about how you can access the Stockport vaccination options or you can call 01614269910
Pop Up Vaccination Clinic Returns to Stockport Town Centre
Mersey Square, Stockport Town Centre, is the venue for the Covid-19 vaccination pop up clinic this Thursday, 22 July, and Friday, 23 July, from 10am to 4pm. No appointment required.
The mobile vaccination unit will be located outside Superdrug in Mersey Square, SK1 1SP, offering first and second AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccinations to anyone 18 years of age and over, subject to eligibility and assessment.
It is the second dose of the vaccine which offers maximum protection. Anyone who has had their first vaccination eight weeks ago, or more, is now urged to come forward for their second to protect themselves, their families and their friends.
Covid Vaccination Passports for travel and leisure are available via the NHS APP. The NHS APP is free to download to your mobile phone and you can access your Covid vaccination history there. You can sign up to this service yourself and can also order you repeat medication on the app. You will need your NHS number to sign up to the app and you can get this yourself at nhs.uk
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SURGERY REGARDING THIS AS THE STAFF CANNOT HELP.
If you cannot access the NHS APP please call 119 to obtain a letter of confirmation.
Help us make it safe for everyone by having the vaccination when it is your turn. #doyourbit
If you had your 1st Covid vaccination 77 days ago or more and have not received your 2nd, please contact the site or GP practice that gave you your 1st vaccine.
2nd vaccination dose FAQ's and guidance
You can now book your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination using the NHS England service
Appointments can be booked following the link below for nhs.uk or by calling 119.
Booking Covid-19 vaccination through NHS England
If you run out of medicine outside of your GP surgery's normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few ways to get an emergency supply quickly, even if you're away from home. Please follow the link below:
Out of hours Pharmacies for prescription and medicines
If you need to see a doctor but can’t get to your local practice you may be able to be seen outside of normal practice hours.
Call 111 and if appropriate, the advisor will be able to schedule you an appointment with a GP – it may not be your usual one – at a local venue. If you could be better treated elsewhere, they will be able to direct you to the best place to suit your needs. 111 is free to call at all times.
If you are affected by a mental health issues over the bank holidays and are not already known to local mental health services, or call 111. If you are a service user already, you can access services via your Community Mental Health Team or the out of hours GP service.
If you or someone you are with finds themselves in a life-threatening situation call 999 and ask for an ambulance. You will be taken to most appropriate place for your needs which in some case may not be your nearest hospital.
COVID Vaccinations
Working with our neighbouring practices we have started to offer COVID vaccinations inviting our patients to the Manchester Rugby Club. Please don’t contact the practice directly about your vaccination as patients will all be contacted strictly in priority order as the vaccine becomes available. We have no control over the quantity of vaccines or the risk group you have been placed in.
We have made your appointments for your two doses of the COVID vaccination. If you have a mobile phone on your records, you will receive two text messages confirming the dates, time and venue. Those of you without a mobile phone will be contacted verbally by our booking team. Unfortunately we cannot offer choice of date, time or venue.
See answers any questions relating to the covid19 vaccination programme
We know this is a confusing time for many and we have taken several calls from carers concerned about their priority for a Covid-19 vaccination. SignPost Stockport for Carers have raised this issue with Public Health Stockport. The Director of Public Health has assured it is being looked at a Greater Manchester-wide level to remove ambiguity and inconsistencies.
The government’s guidance clarifies that unpaid carers who are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer contracted COVID should be included in priority group 6.
It is currently unclear how other carers (those not receiving Carer's Allowance, for example, will be prioritised).
Our Practice operates in Cheadle Hulme and Handforth which sometimes causes confusion to our patients who live in the Cheshire East area with what services are available from some organisations, particularly support for carers.
SignPost Stockport for Carers offer their services for those who live in the Stockport area and unfortunately unable to assist carers outside of the Stockport boundary.
Cheshire East Council has launched a service that offers support to thousands of carers, including unpaid carers, across the borough during the current Covid-19 crisis.
Register for Support in Cheshire East
Register for Support in Stockport
As the mass vaccination programme starts in Stockport, to seek advice and support on how be prioritised as a carer, and how vaccinations are being rolled out across the borough, SignPost Stockport for Carers are there to help.
We are recommending carers who live in the Stocport area to register with SighPost for a Connecting Carers Card, a form of photo ID, proving that they are an unpaid carer.
They can then inform us that you are an unpaid carer, registered with Signpost and that they have a form of ID to prove this.
Lockdown has been awful for all of us and we worry particularly about our babies and parents, many of whom have suffered, are suffering behind doors, isolated and feeling very alone.
As we begin to see a way out of this pandemic, more than ever, we want to reach out to families and connect you to the following helpful resources:
Tameside and Glossop early attachment service
Stay well and keep safe.
Our message to victims and survivors of domestic abuse
We know that if you are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse you will know what being isolated and frightened will feel like. You might be worried about self-isolating with someone who is harming you. We’ve created this to help you think about what you might do over the coming weeks to stay safe.
You are not alone in this.
You are a survivor, equipped with the knowledge, strength and tools that help keep you and your family safe every day.
Below are some things you can think about if this is happening to you. Remember that you are an expert in your own situation and only take on advice that feels safe and relevant to you. It is important to try and think about the things that may change or make you more unsafe, especially thinking through now how you might get help if you need it. We also know that, like everyone, you could be worried about contracting the virus and the NHS website can give you advice around this.
Always remember that the abuse you are experiencing is not your fault.
General points to consider
Self-isolation means different things in different countries but usually it means only leaving the house for essential reasons. Unfortunately, this means you and the person harming you could end up spending more time together in the same space.
Also, we talk about Idva/Idaa in this guide but instead you may have a social worker or other professional that you trust. Think about who this trusted person is for you. Below are things you might want to think about:
Support from family, friends and neighbours
Family, friends and neighbours can be another way to get support that you need.
-Can you FaceTime or call someone you trust? Can you talk to them about what you areexperiencing and what your concerns are? Do you have a code word/phrase to let someoneknow that it is not safe to talk or to ask someone to phone the police?
-Could you set up with someone you trust a check in call so you know that someone willcontact you at certain times of the week?
Self-care
How can you look after yourself?
-As much as possible stick to usual routines. Maintaining basic self-care like eating,showering, sleeping and exercising can all help your mental health.
-Take whatever breaks you can, walk around any outside space you might have, read amagazine, get the kids involved in an online exercise class.
General safety planning
Do you have a personalised safety plan?
-Think about what needs updating or changing because of what is happening now.
-It is ok to tell your specialist worker that the person harming you is living in the property, theywill not judge you and can better help you think about your safety.
-Can an Idva/Idaa or specialist domestic abuse worker help you do this?
-If you can’t see or speak to them are there other professionals you trust and can talk to?
-Do you have a supportive employer? Can you talk to them about what is happening?
-If you can, download phone apps which will help you. The Brightsky app will help you findservices and the Hollie Gazzard app turns your smartphone into a personal safety device.
-What is the usual pattern of abuse? E.g is it worse when the kids are around or not around?
-This might help you think about times when things might be calmer.
-What are your main concerns and worries?
These are the things you need to share with your specialist domestic abuse worker,trusted professional and if you need to ring 999 for help, the police.
-Will the person who is harming you be out of work or working from home?
-Will your family income be affected? How could this affect things?
-Does the person harming you use drugs and/or alcohol?
-How could their use change and what could this mean?
-Do you know how they might respond to self-isolation?
-Think about whether this might increase the sexual violence/ coercive control/physical abuse
-Do you think there is software on your IT? Any listening devices? Cameras in the home?
-How will this change the way you might get help?
-Do you know what your options are if you want to leave? Or what your options are if you wantto stay but want the person harming you to leave? The Idva/Idaa or specialist domesticabuse worker can help you think this through.
Safety planning suggestions:
-Have you talked your Idva/Idaa through the layout of your house so you can think about anyplaces of safety?
-If you had to leave in an emergency do you know where you would go? Remember manyshops/restaurants/pubs will be shut.
-If someone you trust is doing is your shopping for you could you write a message on theshopping list asking for help?
-Have a bag packed ready and if you can, leave this at a trusted friend/family/neighbor’shome:
-This should contain medical essentials, important documents includingpassports/driving license. Maybe the service you are in touch with could keep copiesof these documents?
-Have a code word/sign to signal you are in danger – set this up for family and friends to letthem know by text/FaceTime/skype. The code will need to alert them to contact the police ifyou are in danger.
-Teach the code to children who are old enough to understand what you are asking of themand why.
-Have a little bit of money hidden away in case you need this to leave.
-Do you need a separate mobile which you can use just to call for help? The service you arein touch with may be able to supply this.
-If there are times you know you can talk, share this with your specialist worker and agree howyou will reach each other.
-Use the fact that there are no online shopping slots available to go to the shop and speak tosomeone.
-Now would be a good time to consider whether there is someone else you could move in withe.g. a vulnerable family member who will need your support. Consider that you will be selfisolating for long periods.
-Silent calls to police – dial 999 – then 55 if you can’t talk – see here.
Children
−The person harming you may use child contact to further control and abuse you. If you havecourt orders in place which are not being followed please contact your solicitor or the police toenforce them.
−If you have children living between two family homes this counts as ‘essential travel’according to the Government.
−For my guidance with here is more guidance about child contact orders during the crisis
Resources
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
Telephone and email
If you are not in immediate danger, the following numbers might be helpful:
England: Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Scotland: Scotland’s 24h Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Northern Ireland: 24h Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
Wales: Freephone: 24h Life Fear Free Helpline: 0808 80 10 800
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 help@galop.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 info@mensadviceline.org.uk Karma Nirvana,
UK Helpline for ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage: 0800 5999 247
Victim Support National 24 hour Supportline: 0808 1689 111
Websites and useful guides Accessing information online may feel like the best option for you at this time. If you do access any information online you may need to delete your browser history or use ‘private browsing’ as a way to hide your searches.
•SafeLives guide to staying safe online
•Women’s Aid guide to private browsing
•Guide to technology safety
•Making a safety plan, Women’s Aid
•The Survivor’s Handbook, Women’s Aid
•Guidance on economic abuse during COVID-19, Surviving Economic Abuse
•Karma Nirvana
•Chayn
Live chats and survivor forums
•Women’s Aid Survivors Forum
•Women’s Aid Live Chat
•Victim Support Live Chat
Samaritans can also be a source of support to you if you are generally feeling low and would like to talk to someone. They are a non-judgemental listening service that will not give advice or pressure you in any way.
You can still sign up to our Patient Access Online System to Access your appointments, view blood results and medical records in real time.
Dear Patients
The Flu vaccination season has arrived and this year is especially challenging. We have gone to great lengths to ensure we can vaccinate everyone who is eligible safely.
If you are eligible ( generally this is patients who had a vaccine last year) we will be contacting you by text with your appointment time over the next few weeks.
All our Flu appointments are at Handforth which has been specially adapted for safe vaccination. We made this decision on safety grounds as we can keep patients separate and operate a one way system. We apologise that for some this is more inconvenient but urge you to accept your appointment. Adult appointments will be all day Monday to Friday. We will be arranging childrens’ clinics on some Saturdays.
The government have promised vaccination for all adults between 50 and 65 who do not normally receive a Flu vaccine. The government have not yet provided details on how this is to be organised but it is likely to happen after November. We will provide more details when we are able. For now, during September and October, we will be concentrating on those who normally get a Flu vaccine each year.
When you attend please arrive at your appointment time. Enter Handforth through the main door if the entrance is clear of other patients, and you will then be directed to one of two rooms. You will have your vaccination and then leave Handforth via a rear door. We regret we cannot do other tasks such as blood tests during these Flu clinics.
Because the Flu clinics are challenging to run we are having to operate a reduced service in other areas- especially nursing and blood test appointments. Please do be supportive of us as we juggle the demands on our staff.
Many thanks
Dr Hastings
Please see a video we have prepared rearding the Flu clinics.
Our Practice Champions are now starting to contact patients that have been on a shielding list.
They will also help any patient needing assistance to register for online services.
The champions can help, listen and signpost a patient to the appropriate support service.
Please contact the practice using the online servive link if you or a family member would like a telephone call from one of our Practice Champions.
Self Care Coordinators help you manage the things in life that may affect your health and wellbeing, If you need someone to talk to who can explore options for you that will help you work towards your goals, book an appointment today. See the Wellbeing and Selfcare Services poster for further details.
If you are in crisis please contact Stockport Mental Health Access and Crisis Team 0161 419 4678
If you are immediate danger contact the police.
The Samaritans - Free calls anytime 116 123
The Sanctuary – Self-help services (6pm -1am) 0300 003 7029
GPs and patient volunteers to work together on Hulme Hall Medical Group’s exciting new project to tackle loneliness and help people look after their health. See the Practice Community Champions document for further details.
The impact of bereavement through suicide is devastating - for family - for friends - for the community.
The Suicide Bereavement Information Service has been set up to help answer your questions, whether it is seeking advice on immediate issues that need addressing or making you aware of ongoing support services.
Please see the Suicide Bereavement poster for further details.
Have you recently been referred to the hospital and wondering why you have not heard anything? This document provides a list of numbers for the Hospitals that you can call to find any information regarding this.
You can get the help you need from a variety of services which you can access without seeing a GP. See our Self Referrals page for details.
We are changing the way we share information about your health and care to help improve individual care,speed up diagnosis and treatment and deliver better local services. See the Say YES Poster for further details.
111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It's fast, easy and free. Call 111 and speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals.
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