Temperatures are rising, and the UK’s first proper heatwave is on the way, borne by a European heat plume. Sun safety is May’s focus, and this year the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) is tackling the misconception that sun protection is rarely needed in the UK.

Sun safety in the UK

According to a recent poll by YouGov on behalf of BAD, 40% of people in the UK reported at least one case of sunburn in 2022. Last summer, we saw the country’s highest recorded temperature, and most days reached a UV index of at least 3. Yet, worryingly, more than half of people under 35 confessed to ignoring sun safety warnings.

Our notoriously inclement climate means that Brits love taking advantage of sunny weather, and the survey also found that 76% said they soaked up the rays on a sunny day, and 12% went without any form of sun protection.

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, and rates continue to rise. UV radiation in the sun’s rays cause damage to the DNA in your skin cells, and this can lead to skin cancer. In the UK, almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma could be prevented by preventing sun damage, and it’s estimated that getting sunburnt just once every two years increases your risk of developing melanoma by triple.

Skin Checks Central London

Tips for staying sun safe include:

  • Cover as much skin as possible, particularly the shoulders, which burn easily. Consider wearing a hat with a wide brim to protect the head, face, ears and neck.
  • Sunglasses are a must, as UV radiation can also damage the eyes. Sunglasses with UV400 protection can filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use sunscreen – a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 or higher should be applied at least 30 minutes before going into the sun and then reapplied at least every two hours.
  • Seek shade to protect yourself from the sun, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is strongest. Although it is important to note that UV radiation can reflect off surfaces like sand, concrete or water, meaning shade doesn’t always prevent sunburn.

Skin checks at GP London W1

The good news is that most cases of skin cancer can be cured if they are detected and treated early enough. Regularly check your skin for any moles or marks that are new or are changing and make an appointment with your GP if you notice anything that is a cause for concern.

At GP London W1, we offer skin checks as part of our executive medicals. We work closely with trusted dermatology colleagues who can provide mole mapping or MOHS surgery for abnormal lesions.

To arrange an appointment, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email [email protected].

We’re delighted to welcome patients of Dr Stephanie Goodwin to our practice at GP London W1. Her practice has more recently co-existed alongside ours at 25 Harley Street, and we are honoured that she has chosen to recommend us to her patients – and joined us as a patient herself!

Choosing a practice whose values aligned with her own was important to Stephanie, and we can assure prospective patients that our focus is always on the patient first and foremost. We offer the same evidence-based, high-quality medicine, emphasising continuity of care without time constraints.

Over the years, Dr Goodwin developed a real passion for researching the latest treatments for the menopause and helping her patients manage their symptoms to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Menopause management at GP London W1

Managing the menopause is a big focus for our practice. Like Dr Goodwin, Dr Justine Setchell holds the British Menopause Society’s Advanced Certificate of Menopause Care and is on the BMS’s specialist register. Both Dr Fiona Payne and Dr Setchell have many years of experience in women’s health and menopause care. Dr Caroline Wall covers all aspects of general medical practice, from paediatrics, women’s health and maternity checks to men’s health and mental health.

You’ll also see some familiar faces, as Dr Goodwin’s medical secretaries Sally and Caroline will join our team.

As a patient of Dr Goodwin’s, your records will have been automatically transferred to our secure system unless you advised Dr Goodwin to the contrary. If you have any appointments previously arranged with Dr Goodwin, you will receive a reminder from us. Get in touch if you require any repeat prescriptions.

Our contact details

+44 (0)20 4580 1152

[email protected]

25 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QW

We look forward to meeting you in clinic!

Dr Fiona Payne at GP at London W1

Dr Fiona Payne

Dr Justine Setchell at GP at London

Dr Justine Setchell

Dr Caroline Wall at GP London W1

Dr Caroline Wall

 

 

 

 

Healthcare is changing rapidly in the UK, and nowhere is this more evident than in your local general practice. In a trend that was accelerated during the pandemic, the traditional relationship between the patient and their doctor, which is built on trust, respect and ongoing communication, has transformed as many patients will no longer see the same doctor from one visit to the next.

This loss of continuity of care can be highly detrimental to the patient, which research has borne out. Recent studies have even shed light on the correlation between an ongoing relationship with your GP and lower mortality rates.

The benefits of a long-term relationship with your GP

Establishing a long-term relationship with your GP is more than just a matter of convenience. It can lead to better health outcomes and even contribute to a longer life.

Improved understanding of medical history

When you have a dedicated GP, they become well-acquainted with your medical history, allowing them to make informed decisions and recommendations tailored to your unique needs. They can quickly identify patterns or recognise anomalies that need further investigation. This familiarity can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better care overall.

This even extends to the specialist referrals we make at GP London W1. “We can offer our patients access to all the top consultants in London,” Dr Justine Setchell explains. “But, even more importantly, our knowledge of the patient means we know who is the consultant that will suit them best.”

Enhanced trust and communication

A robust doctor-patient bond built over time fosters trust and open communication. Patients are more likely to discuss sensitive issues, adhere to treatment plans, and share valuable information about their health, leading to better outcomes in the long run.

Lower mortality rates

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice revealed that patients with increased continuity of GP care had a lower mortality risk. Individuals who had seen the same GP for more than 15 years had a 25% lower risk of death than those who saw a new doctor in the first year. They also had a lower risk of needing acute care or hospitalisation.

This confirmed the findings of a UK study from researchers at Exeter University medical school. Data from nine countries, all with different health systems, was analysed and found that patients who saw the same doctor had lower death rates.

This highlights the importance of a stable, ongoing relationship with your GP in promoting overall wellbeing and longevity, as patients are more likely to follow medical advice, particularly regarding recommended lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, it’s essential to prioritise continuity of care to ensure the best possible healthcare experience and overall wellbeing. At GP London W1, we offer patients access to their dedicated GP. However, one of the strengths of our practice is our joined-up approach. As Dr Caroline Wall explains: “We are a very close-knit team which can only benefit our patients. Our approach to medicine is the same, and we constantly share ideas or ask each other for advice. Our patients know that they will receive the same level of care whoever they see.”

To arrange a consultation at GP London W1, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email us on [email protected].

Although women over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic in the UK workforce, a recent poll by the Fawcett Society and Channel 4 found that one in ten women had left their job because of symptoms of the menopause.

In the UK, the government is taking steps to support women experiencing menopause in the workplace. Employers and occupational health services also play a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and inclusive environment for these women.

UK government’s role in supporting menopause in the workplace

Recognising the need for better support, the UK government has appointed a Menopause Employment Champion. Helen Tomlinson, Head of Talent at The Adecco Group, will perform this voluntary role, working alongside the Department for Work and Pensions, to engage with businesses, raise awareness, and improve support for women experiencing menopause at work.

“I have witnessed the transformational power that opening up conversations on the menopause can have in a workplace. By creating safe spaces by educating management and creating allies across workforces, women can be supported and empowered to manage their symptoms and thrive in work.”

How employers can support employees experiencing menopause

Menopause can bring on various symptoms. The most common difficulties affecting work performance include hot flushes, irregular periods, tiredness, mood swings, poor concentration, increased anxiety and lowered confidence. Creating a supportive work environment for employees going through menopause is essential for fostering their well-being and productivity.

Employers can take various measures, such as implementing flexible working hours, offering paid menopause leave, and providing a comfortable workplace with temperature control and private spaces. These adjustments can significantly improve working conditions for women experiencing menopause.

Occupational health services for menopause support

Occupational health services can be critical in assisting employees going through menopause. These services can provide essential support for employees navigating this challenging phase of their lives by offering counselling, information on coping strategies, and access to medical professionals.

Alongside our Occupational Health Services, managing the menopause is a key focus for our practice. Dr Justine Setchell holds the British Menopause Society’s Advanced Certificate of Menopause Care and is on the BMS’s specialist register. Both Dr Fiona Payne and Dr Setchell have many years of experience in women’s health and menopause care.

Call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email us at [email protected] to discuss our Menopause Management or Occupational Health services.