NEWS:
For any COVID related queries, including COVID Passes and where to book a vaccine, please call NHS 119
CQC ACCESS SURVEY VISIT RESULTS
The practice received an unannounced visit from CQC earlier this month to review how easy it is for our patients to contact the surgery and be offered an appointment with a health professional, please read the report in full
‘Step up to Great’ Mental Health services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
The local NHS are investing in and improving the way adult mental health care is delivered across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – and the public is being urged to have their say.
A public consultation launched on – Monday 24 May. Everyone is asked to get involved and help shape future services.
“The Covid-19 pandemic meant we had to quickly change how we worked – introducing temporary measures – to keep service users safe while continuing their care.
We want to know what people think about the proposed improvements we’ve made during the pandemic and whether we should make them permanent. We also want to talk to people about other plans to improve mental health services.”
Mental health heavily influences our whole health and wellbeing. Now more than ever before it makes sense that mental health, just like physical health, is taken care of and maintained. To do this the NHS locally is investing more in local services to dramatically improve urgent and community care and treatment to improve people’s lives.
The consultation runs until Sunday 15 August 2021. The CCGs want to know what people think about the proposals to improve mental health care.
To find out more about the consultation and what is proposed and why, visit www.greatmentalhealthllr.nhs.uk To request a copy of the questionnaire for you to fill in at home or to arrange to complete it with a member of staff, telephone us on 0116 295 0750 or email beinvolved@LeicesterCityCCG.nhs.uk
For up-to-date news on the consultation, follow us on social media:
Facebook: @NHSLeicester
Twitter: @NHSLeicester #GreatmentalhealthLLR
NEW PHARMACY REFERRAL SERVICE
Did you know…?
We are participating in a new approach to improve access for patients to GP appointments. The aim is to direct patients to the most appropriate healthcare professional, which may be a GP or a pharmacist.
If your symptoms could be resolved by a booked consultation with the pharmacist instead of the GP, you will be given a same-day referral to a pharmacy of your choice.
We think this is a good thing. Once you see how great your local pharmacist is – they are highly trained and skilled clinicians experienced in treating minor illnesses – we don’t think you’ll look back.
This will also help us to free up GP appointments for people with more complex health needs and ensure that everyone gets treated at the right time, by the right healthcare professional.
We are keen to hear what you think and will be listening to your comments and feedback about your experience of using this service.
The link below gives further information on this new service
Campaign video to end abuse in General Practice.
Please watch this video which has been made by staff from UK general practices and remember, we are always doing our best often in very difficult and challenging circumstances with limited resources.
At Dr Virmani & Dr Bedi's surgery we are very lucky with the majority of our patients showing great patience during these busy times but, sadly, our staff do still receive verbal abuse
ONLINE BOOKABLE APPOINTMENTS
We have added some appointments back onto our online service.
Presently we are only adding APPOINTMENTS for our GP's and Practice Nurse, but they can be pre-booked up to 2 weeks in advance. Please ensure that you give a reason for the call back request as our clinicians are still going to be triaging their lists. This triaging process also means that you may not get the call back at the time stated on the appointment booking.
We are also adding other appointments for our Nurse for certain "face to face" clinical services and we will add more in due course.
We will be monitoring this situation and make changes as needed.
You can access our online services via our practice website or via the NHS or Airmid Apps.

Weight Management in Pregnancy is a service recently launched by Leicestershire County Council, providing support and expert advice for Leicestershire residents pre, during and post-pregnancy.
If you are currently pregnant, you can access the service via a referral from your midwife.
If you’re planning to become pregnant 🤰, our Weight Management in Pregnancy service can advise you on how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight whilst getting all the nutrients you need.
Supporting your recovery after COVID-19
Click here for Your COVID Recovery
New! PPG self appraisal and yearly objectives
Available on the Patient Group page
LONG COVID SUPPORT
NEW Long COVID support group for North West Leicestershire
New MSK Self management app

NEW - Mental Health resources page
CLICK - to see our Mental Health resources section
Mental Health Resources for Adults & Children
** PLEASE SEE OUR NEW MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES PAGE, UNDER 'SERVICES'**
Children and Young People resource pack
Getting the right Mental Health support - Adults
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Coronavirus – Sexual health information
Public Health are continuing to run a limited sexual health service due to Coronavirus precautions.
-Contraception-
All contraception queries should call 0300 124 0102 for advice.
We are currently offering limited contraception methods in accordance with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. Patients will be offered a telephone consultation to discuss what contraception is currently available to them.
-Sexual health testing-
People aged 16+ can order a free STI testing kit online via SH:24: www.sh24.org.uk
People under 16 should call 0300 124 0102 to discuss testing options for them.
The latest service information, including how services may change over time, can be found on our website www.leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk
C-Card and Condoms
The C-Card is credit card sized card that gives people quick, easy access to free condoms.
People can find their nearest C-Card location on our website leicestersexualhealth.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 124 0102.
New Counselling Service @ Hospice Hope
Counselling Service for anyone affected by a life limiting condition in North West Leicestershire
Website: http://www.hospicehope.org.uk/
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hospicehope
Hospice Hope Interactive toolkit
Take a look at the new interactive toolkit “Hope Stories”, which has been designed to reach out to people living with life-limiting conditions in North West Leicestershire. Just follow the link > Hope Stories
Future in Mind
Please see the new Future In Mind Service User Leaflet which is aimed at signposting children, young people and their families or carers to the most appropriate place for advice, information and support.
Find out why your data matters
www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/
Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Men aged over 65 who have not already had a screening can request a scan by contacting their local AAA screening service directly on: 0116 258 6820. Please follow the link below for further information: Triple A Screening
Do you really need to see a Doctor?
Having a GP appointment may not always be necessary. There are ways to care for yourself and your family without having to visit the surgery. This practice, in partnership with West Leicestershire CCG, is promoting 'self care'.
Before you reach for the phone to try to get an appointment, please take time to consider whether there is something you can do to help yourself or your family member. We have patient education videos here > Sound Doctor
Patients can also check which service they should access with our useful guide below. Alternatively, more information is available on our Minor Illness pages
WHO CAN HELP? | WHAT TYPES OF PROBLEMS? WHY DO YOU FEEL UNWELL? | WHAT DO YOU DO? |
SELF CARE | HANGOVER, GRAZED KNEE, SORE THROAT, COUGH | KEEP YOUR MEDICINE CABINET WELL STOCKED. SEE NHS CHOICES ‘YOUR MEDICINE CABINET’ FOR ADVICE |
PHARMACIST | DIARRHOEA, MINOR INFECTIONS, HEADACHE, BITES & STINGS | YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST CAN HELP WITH LOTS OF EVERYDAY AILMENTS AND OFFERS GOOD ADVICE. |
GP SURGERY | FEVERISH CHILDREN, VOMITING, EAR PAIN, FEELING UNWELL/ILL | YOUR GP CAN OFFER URGENT APPOINTMENTS EACH DAY. IF YOU NEED A GP OUT OF HOURS, CALL 111 |
NHS 111 | UNWELL, UNSURE, CONFUSED? NEED HELP FAST? | CALL 111 |
GP SERVICES OUT OF HOURS | URGENTLY NEED A GP DURING THE EVENING OR AT THE WEEKEND | CALL 111 |
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY | CHOKING, CHEST PAIN, SUSPECTED STROKE, BLACKING OUT, BLEEDING YOU CAN’T STOP, STRUGGLING TO BREATHE | VISIT A&E AT LEICESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY OR CALL 999 FOR AN AMBULANCE |