PPG Newsletter - April 2025

Planning ahead – why do it?

None of us particularly wants to think about becoming unwell and possibly facing the end of our lives but there are good reasons to do so.

Despite the fact that 100% of us will die, in the UK around half of the adult population have not made a will. Doing so can make a massive difference to your loved ones, and talking about your wishes can be really helpful. Many charities hold special make a will events, and it is important to use the services of a solicitor to avoid costly complications after you die.

There are many resources available to help with documenting your wishes, including a tool on www.advancecareplanning.org.uk Try having a chat to your friends and family, starting with something a bit light-hearted such as your favourite song to be played at your funeral can help to open a conversation. Writing your wishes down can really help healthcare professionals as well, and there is no reason to wait until you are unwell. We all live our lives differently so understandably we will all face the end of our lives differently, and we can sometimes assume our loved ones will know what is most important to us, but that often isn't the case. As examples, what will happen to your pets, what about your social media accounts?

Where can I find more information?

Dying Matters is a campaign run by Hospice UK, and it aims to work with organisations, decision makers and the public to make things better for people who are dying or grieving. www.hospiceuk.org/our-campaigns/dying-matters

Kathryn Mannix is a palliative care doctor who has a lot of resources on her website www.kathrynmannix.com including an excellent short video, “Dying is not as bad as you think”.

 Rowans Hospice in Purbrook can help people who are affected by life-limiting illness and their loved ones, and support can be given by their Living Well Services without a referral to The Hospice. www.rowanshospice.co.uk/care/

Books (and more) to help you explore the culture of death and dying

How to talk about death and dying

Surgery Closure Poster

Unfortunately, due to essential road works, diversions are currently in place on the A3. It may take longer to get to the surgery so please consider this when attending for an appointment. The car park is still accessible, but you may need to ask one of the workmen to allow you through.

We are conscious that some patients registered with us may be affected by current events in Afghanistan. Horndean Surgery is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners as one which specialises in the care of military veterans and their families. All the team have been trained in the care of military veterans and their families. If recent events have affected you and you wish to seek help, please come forward.
Thank you

Read here

I wanted to let you know that for a number of reasons, mainly personal, I will be cutting down my sessions in the surgery to one day a week with the plan to retire in 2022. I joined the surgery in 1996 having spent 6 years in the army. The surgery at the time was considered 'in danger' and so to be leaving you in such good shape makes me very proud. I have loved my time as your GP and wish you all the very best for the future. The pandemic will come to an end and the world will recover so even in those dark days to come try and stay positive. With best wishes, Mark

England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

The NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.

“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.

“As restrictions are lifted in many places on Monday everyone has a part to play in helping to control Covid by getting vaccinated and acting responsibly.

“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”

Health Minister Jo Churchill said: “Face coverings have played an important role in healthcare settings, helping protect vulnerable patients, staff and visitors by limiting the spread of this deadly disease and this guidance remains in place.

“We expect patients, visitors and NHS staff to continue using face coverings and maintain social distancing in all healthcare settings as we cautiously lift restrictions on Monday.

“I urge everyone to play their part and think of those more vulnerable than you when visiting your local hospital or GP surgery.”