Ear Syringing
We are committed to providing best practice and high quality medical care to our registered patients. Ear syringing is no longer considered to be the first line treatment for the clearing of ear wax and it is not a funded service within the NHS for General Practice.
Current guidelines are that ear drops should be used to soften the wax which will then enable the natural movement of the wax from the ear. We also suggest the use of ear wax removal systems such as the Otex wax removal systems. See the link below.
https://www.otexear.com/range/express-combi-pack
This should be available from any pharmacy. The link provides help and information on use.
If this is not working we can offer syringing as a last resort
Breast cancer: Menopausal hormone therapy risks 'bigger than thought'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49508671
As you might be aware, there has been information regarding HRT highlighted by social media and in the national news. The information below may help you understand the risks and benefits taking these medications.

New Staff
The practice is delighted that we now have a full compliment of General Practitioners. As you may or may not be aware our two newest members of staff are Dr Eloise Mair and Dr Graeme Taylor. There has been some confusion when patients have been booking into to specifically see one of the Dr Taylors. Please clarify with reception on booking which Dr Taylor you will be seeing.
Flu Vaccine
Its flu season again. The practice has vaccines in stock. Please contact reception to make an appointment.

Attend Anywhere Video Consultations
Where appropriate, you can have a consultation online via a video call. Video calling is as convenient as a phone call, with the added value of face-to-face communication. It can save you time and money, and brings your care closer to home/
Full user information can be found here Attend Anywhere
CLICK THE ATTEND ANYWHERE LOGO TO ENTER THE WAITING ROOM
Only do this if you have been given a video consultation appointment by a clinician.

Welcome to our new GPs
Scotlands GP crisis has deepened with one-in-three practices reporting a vacancy, the British Medical Association claims. Last year the BMA found that almost a fifth of practices surveyed had at least one vacancy for a GP but the figure has since risen from 17 to 28 per cent. Despite these worrying figures the practice is delighted to announce we have managed to recruited two new Doctors. Dr Vicki Thomson and Dr Alasdair MacGregor have joined the practice. We welcome them to the team and look forward to working with them both.

Gardening is good for you!
Did you know your doctor can now prescribe you gardening.
REAP are building and cultivating a new therapeutic organic food garden at Maryhill Medical Centre in Elgin. Gardening sessions with a variety of tasks take place twice a week. Patients can get a referral form from staff at the Medical Centre. If you’re not a patient at Maryhill, you can email the Grow Elgin Project Manager Alasdair Taylor at alasdair@reapscotland.org.uk and ask for joining instructions. The first session was 28th August 2017 and activities continue every week – do come join us!
If you would like to be referred to the REAP therapeutic garden. please fill out the form bellow and hand it into the practice.
REAP REFERRAL FORM
ANNUAL FLU IMMUNISATIONS
The annual flu vaccine helps protect against the strains of flu virus that are likely to be circulating each winter flu season, which lasts from October to March.
Who should get the flu vaccine immunisation?
Anyone with a health condition, people aged 65 or over, pregnant women are eligible for free flu immunisation
Please contact reception to arrange an appointment to have your flu jab.
Mental Health and Wellness Centre
A new mental health resource is available in Moray. If you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing mental distress or finding it hard to cope then contact the Mental Health and Wellness Centre.
The centre is located at 30-32 Batchen Street in Elgin. The contact number is 0844 625 1 625
More information about what the service can offer and opening times can be found by clicking the link below

SPIRE
SPIRE
From May 2017 we will improve the way we use information from GP patient records. These changes will help to plan and improve health and care services in Scotland.
MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE
Scotland set to face major GP shortage by 2020
We have been hearing about the shortages within General Practice and we at Maryhill Group Practice are feeling the pressure as well. The national shortage of GP's has affected the waiting times to see a GP for a routine appointment. We have expanded our Duty Care Team and in doing this have created increased capacity for acute medical problems. Two new Doctors will be joining the practice in August, this will hopefully help alleviate the current situation. We thank you for your patience. We are actively trying to recruit new GP's.
Chronic Medication Service (CMS)
Are you on repeat regular medication ?
You may be a suitable candidate for the Chronic Medication Service (CMS).
How CMS works:- Your GP would issue you with a SERIAL prescription rather than a standard repeat prescription.
Serial prescriptions last for 24, 48 or 56 weeks and your Pharmacist will dispense it in instalments (either every 4 weeks, 8 weeks or longer, depending on your GP’s instructions).
Having a serial prescription does not stop you making an appointment with your GP in the usual way.
If you feel you are suitable please speak to your preferred community pharmacy who will discuss registration with you.
Coming soon: Vision Online
Vision online will replace the current online prescription ordering system. Patient services works faster, is easy to use and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets as well as your computer.
Watch this space.
