StrepA / scarlet Fever
- There has been much media coverage of the higher than usual rates of infections in younger children, particularly StrepA infections that cause Scarlet Fever. It is important to note that there are various infections circulating at the moment and the vast majority require no medical intervention. That said there is understandable concern among parents and we would encourage anyone with concerns about their children to seek help as appropriate.
A very good source of helpful advice to parents on a wide range of health issues affecting children can be found here. There is an associated App which is also very good, and a handy pocket resource.
Specifically in relation to StrepA/Scarlet Fever the advice is as follows:
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Who we are
Welcome to Burn Brae Medical Group, one of the longest established Medical Practices in the UK, much older than the NHS itself. We are based in Hexham, Northumberland and our catchment area covers approximately 200 square miles.
Why register with us
We are a recipient of the highest quality award in UK General Practice, namely the Quality Practice Award, which we have held since 2007. We remain one of the few Practices to make it through the five-yearly accreditation process twice.
What we do
We offer a GP led service backed up by a full complement of nursing and administrative staff and the surgery is based in modern purpose-built premises on the Hexham General Hospital site.
How to register
Registering with the practice is straightforward. Simply ask at reception and you will be provided with a GMS1 form to complete and sign or download it below. The form is used to trace your medical records so you will need to provide information such as name, address, date of birth as well as details of your previous GP. We will also ask you to complete a new patient questionnaire. Since the registration form MUST be signed we do require the original to be posted or handed in at reception rather than sent electronically. Once these forms have been returned, the registration process happens very quickly, though it can take a number of weeks for your medical records to be sent to us.
We accept patients onto our list from Hexham and the surrounding areas. You can enter your postcode to check if you live in our catchment area.
Out of Area Patients
We are able to accept Out of Area patients. These are patients who live outside of our catchment area and could receive most of our services except notably home visits. However, we have a Practice Policy that defines who we are able to accept and who we may decide at any time should no longer be registered as an out of Area patient. It it important that current or prospective Out of Area patients understand and accept this policy. If you would like to register with us as an Out of Area patient you will need to complete both the GMS1 form AND return the signed Out of Area application (see below).
Opioid medication used to treat pain can be effective in the sort term but carry risks. See the information leaflet for more.
The NHS Digital Weight Management programme offers free, online access to weight management services for those who have a BMI greater than 30 and who also have diabetes or high blood pressure, or both. The BMI threshold will be lower at 27.5 for people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, as we know people from these ethnic backgrounds are at an increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI.
The programme is an accessible and onvenient way to help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. You will only be able to access this programme if you have a smartphone or computer with internet access.
More information is available in the attached leaflet. If you wish to be referred to the service please complete complete an e-consultation and ask for "administrative help" and request a referral. If you have any queries about the referral of the programme please book a telephone appointment with a Practice Nurse.