You should dial 999 if any examples of the symptoms listed below are present!

• sudden severe central chest pain - this might be a heart attack

• unexpected severe difficulty breathing when someone collapses or becomes unconscious

• if a person has a fit or convulsion (unless fits are normal for the person and you are happy with what to do)

• when you think someone might have had a stroke, this may be sudden loss of movement or sensation down      one side of the body, sudden inability to speak normally or sudden loss of vision as if a curtain is being closed      in front of the eyes

• a fall which has resulted in someone being unable to get up or put weight on a limb

• an injury which has resulted in  bleeding which has not stopped when applying pressure

This list does not cover everything if you think someone is seriously ill and needs medical attention immediately, please call 999.

Macmillan cancer information and support service

Offer people affected by cancer access to good quality, comprehensive and appropriate information and support. This includes people who:

• require information about cancer

• have a cancer diagnosis

• are looking to reduce the risks of cancer

• are a carer or relative of someone with cancer

• are healthcare professionals

You can talk to them on 01723 356060 or visit them at : Pickering Library, The  Ropery, Pickering from 10.30 to 12.30 on the following dates in 2011: 14 June; 19 July; 20 September; 18    October; 15 November; & 20 December.

Bowel Cancer Awareness

Although someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes in the UK, public awareness of the disease and its symptoms is poor, and many people delay visiting their GP when they have concerns.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Bleeding from the back passage or blood in your stools

• A change in your bowel habits lasting 4 weeks or more

• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

• Unexplained weight loss

• A pain or lump in the abdomen

If you have any concerns, make an   appointment to see your doctor.

Buying your holiday essentials

You can purchase First Aid Kits, containing bandages, wipes, scissors etc, from our dispensary. Prices start from £3.50. Flight Socks are available from £8.00. See dispensary staff for details

EMIS Access

This is a simple, easy way for you to make an appointment or request your repeat prescription. You can book, view or cancel appointments on line regardless of the time of day. You can make requests for your repeat prescriptions without having to visit the surgery.

To register for this service, please contact our computer co-ordinators on 01751 471294 or 01751 471295 to arrange a time when they can issue you with the details to create an account.