Starting 17th January 2023, for further information please ring Peggy at the Arc Healthy Living Centre's on 028 686 28741.
Breathe Easy:
Fermanagh & South Tyrone
Meeting | Third Tuesday of the month, from 2-4pm |
Location | ARC Healthy Living Centre, 122 Sallys Wood, Irvinestown, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh , BT94 1HQ |
Contact | BLF Direct 03000 030 555 or Peggy at the ARC 028 686 28741 |
More about the group
Breathe Easy groups provide support and information for people living with a lung condition, and for those who look after them.
Groups achieve this by holding a regular meeting, usually monthly. People can meet and to talk to others, share their experiences and learn from each other. Regular speakers can also share information about living with their condition and coping with the emotional aspects of having a lung condition.
They also raise awareness locally about lung conditions, their group and the British Lung Foundation.
Every group is different, but many make sure there are lots of opportunity to have fun and socialise – and perhaps have the odd day out.
Why GPs no longer do 'letters of support'
In common with other GP practices in the UK, the GPs at this surgery no longer do 'letters of support' that are occasionally requested by patients, or their representatives.
The reasons for this are:
1 There is no need - most applications for certain benefits/appeals etc already gather this information from the GP record, so there is no need to duplicated this in an unofficial capacity. Other forms such as those related to housing/adaptions are not appropriate for GPs to complete as they have no qualifications in these areas.
2 There is no advantage - such letters are often not even looked at, and when they are, carry little or no weight in statutory bodies’ decision making - despite what people's perceptions often seem to be!
3 GPs workload does not allow for them - no-one can be unaware that GPs workload is at an unsustainable level, and thus non-essential activities must be stopped. To ensure the core GP work of seeing and treating ill patients continues, such time consuming optional work must be stopped.
4 The contract under which GPs work means they are under no obligation at all regards such requests. This is often not understood by patients or their representatives.
We understand some may be disappointed with this; nonetheless it is an ESSENTIAL move to ensure we continue to meet our primary function. If you were told by an agency to ask for such a letter please given them a copy of this note.
THE DOCTORS