The Calverton Practice Newsletter – August 2025

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Recently the NHS issued guidance on the first group of patients to get access to weight loss injections (Mounjaro). We have received guidance now from our Integrated Care Board (ICB) with strict rules which we can’t overrule. In essence to be considered for Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), people must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 and have at least four of the following five health conditions:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep)

• Abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

BMI is your height weight ratio (online calculators are easy to use) and to see if you may be eligible a full assessment will be done through a local weight management service. Once again these are not our rules and unfortunately, we can’t make exceptions. More information can be found on – https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/2025/06/23/ information-about-who-may-beeligible-for-weight-loss-injectionson-the-nhs/

Next, I am delighted to report that Dr Hopkinson is now back at work after his recent surgery. He will be resuming his steroid joint injection clinics in due course, but we may be referring some patients to the local Musculo-skeletal service if demand exceeds our capacity to deliver these appointments. Also, our first point of contact physio Mr Langridge will be starting to do some joint injections soon which will also improve access to our service.

Less good news though is that Dr Wight will be taking some time off for a surgical procedure in August. How long she will be off is yet to be determined but I will keep you posted in future articles.

Next, a plug for the Newark Urgent Treatment Centre. It’s based at Newark Hospital, and I believe is often quieter than the one in Nottingham (by the BBC studios) and Mansfield (at the entrance to Kings Mill Hospital). It is open from 8am to 10.30pm (last patient admitted at 9.30pm) and is suitable for minor burns or scalds, minor head injuries (no loss of consciousness), skin infections or animal bites, eye infections or minor eye injuries and suspected broken bones, sprains and strains (an x-ray service is available). Remember pharmacists can also advise on and treat some minor injuries plus allergies, constipation, headaches, cold and flu symptoms and earache.

Plus, a reminder to cancel appointments you can’t make. Our figures for June are still not good with a total of 219 appointments with GPs, nurses, health care assistants and phlebotomy going to waste.

Finally, this month we say a fond farewell to Dr Sana Ali who has completed her GP training journey. I am sure you will join me and all in the practice in wishing her all the very best for her future career.