All staff past and present and our patients, we are sad to say Dr Astle worked her last day at Bentham medical practice yesterday! But don’t worry there is still chance to come and say goodbye! Why not call into the Bentham surgery for some coffee and cake (or tea) between 11am and 2pm Sunday 13th August to say farewell

On the 17th June Bentham medical Practice will be offering the Spring Covid Boosters to patients over 75 and patients who are immunosuppressed. Please contact reception if you are eligible and would like to book

We currently have vacancies in our professional, highly motivated and busy team for a number of people on permanent contracts and for maternity cover.  Opportunities for full time and part time posts.   The roles will involve dealing with patients face to face, over the phone and electronically, making appointments, ordering prescriptions and dealing with patient enquiries and issues.  Administrative duties will cover all ‘back office’ duties such as document handling, secretarial work and financial administration.  Key requirements include:

• Previous similar experience desirable but not essential
• Roles may suit people with previous accountancy and/or secretarial skills and experience but not essential
• Good IT skills
• Excellent communicator
• Friendly and positive attitude
• Confident
• Caring and dedication to patient service
• Team worker
• Ability to work under pressure

Working hours: full or part time/job share.

Must be prepared for flexible hours between 8:00am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday

Salary based on experience.

We are looking for people who can start between April and summer.

On the 22nd April Bentham Medical Practice will be holding a Covid clinic for the Spring Boosters. Currently these are available to book for the over 75’s and patients who are immunosuppressed. please contact reception if eligible.

Natasha Darcy:

I am an Associate Psychological Practitioner at Bentham Medical Practice. I work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at this practice.

My job role is to help people who are struggling with their mental health. The idea is to intervene when there are early signs of mental health deterioration to try and prevent worse mental health difficulties in the future. This is a part of a mental health prevention and promotion strategy, discussed in the NHS 5 year forward view. I carry out short term 1:1 face to face, telephone or video call appointments at 45 minutes each (4 sessions and a follow up).

I can help people with mild to moderate mental health difficulties such as low mood, sleep issues, stress, worry and others.

I also take part in community work a half day a week.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Psychology at Edge Hill University. And a Postgraduate Diploma Associate Psychological Practitioner at University of Central Lancashire.

In my spare time I enjoy walking in the countryside with my partner and shetland sheepdog as well as swimming occasionally. I am also currently trying out weighted hula hooping! When I can I like to attend mental health conferences and annual walks for charity including the Morecambe Bay Walk and for the Rotary Club where I live in Lancashire. I enjoy reading any sort of book related to mental health and am currently reading “Mum can you lend me twenty quid” – Elizabeth Burton Phillips MBE. It is about the impact of drugs/addiction.

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If you feel you may benefit from some sessions with Natasha, please contact us on 015242 61202 to speak with a GP who can refer you to her.

Western Dales Pharmacy Technician- Closing date is Friday 28th April

Western Dales Primary Care Network is a collaboration of three practices; Bentham Medical Practice, Lunesdale Surgery and Sedbergh Medical Practice.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and well organised Pharmacy Technician to work alongside and support our pharmacy teams in practice with the day to day demands and aligned with the delivery of the PCN DES and IIF requirements. Pharmacy technicians will complement the work of the clinical pharmacist and practice teams by using their pharmaceutical knowledge to help patients to get the best from their medicines by switching medications to agreed and approved protocols, improving repeat prescribing processes in primary care, including the promotion of repeat dispensing and online ordering, minimising clinical risk whilst reducing wasted medicines. This role will be under the supervision of the Clinical Pharmacist and will be part of a wider PCN/Practice team.

For further information or to apply, please email [email protected]

Sleepstation is a clinically validated sleep improvement programme that’s free to access for NHS patients in this area. Their expert sleep team provide personalised guidance and one-to-one support. Most people see positive changes in their sleep within 3-4 weeks.

Sleepstation’s team of sleep coaches, doctors and sleep experts will help you understand what’s causing your sleep problems and give you all the support you need to get better.

Access the website for more info at www.sleepstation.org.uk

Patient’s can self reefer to the service at https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/start-now/