Have you ever wondered about how health services in town work or are you worried about certain health conditions?

Dr Dan Bunstone, GP at Chapelford Medical Centre, has all the answers to those burning questions.

The way prescriptions of ordering repeat prescriptions at some GP surgeries in town is changing. How things will change and what I need to do differently?

"We are working with seven GP practices in our area to monitor and control medicines more closely, reduce wastage and use our limited resources as efficiently as possible.

"Our NHS needs everyone to work together to make sure only medicines that are needed are requested.

"We have looked at areas around the country and have seen that when patients order their own prescriptions this is safer and reduces waste.

"Over-ordering, stockpiling and unused medicines cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds every year.

"This is money that we believe can and should go to provide vital health services.

"As part of this, the way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing.

"This will mean that pharmacies that dispense for the pilot sites will not be able to reorder repeat prescriptions for patients and patients will be required to order them directly from their GP practice from their go live date.

"Patients are advised to speak to their pharmacy about collection and delivery options.

"Vulnerable patients, such as the elderly, or those with learning difficulties and disabilities or additional medical needs will be asked to contact their GP for further support.

"We are asking you to order your medicine directly from your practice from its go live date, rather than allowing your repeat prescriptions to be ordered on your behalf by your local pharmacy.

"If you already order in this way, you will not be affected by the change.

"From your practices’ go live date, they will only accept repeat prescription requests from you, your carer, or a family member or friend and not from your local pharmacy.

"Your prescription will need to be ordered using one of the following options.

"Ordering online is easier than you think and we at the practice will help you to set this up, meaning you can order 24/7.

"For further details on how to access online ordering please speak to your practice drop off or post to us the tick slip - this is the right-hand side of your prescription - selecting only the items you need.

"If you don’t have your slip please put your request in writing listing the medications you require.

"Unfortunately, your practice is unable to take prescription requests over the phone.

"If you feel you or someone you know may need support ordering your repeat prescription or you are a carer for someone who might need help, please contact their GP practice."

There has been a lot of coverage of sepsis in the media recently. Are there any symptoms I should be looking out for and what should I do if I suspect I or a family member has it?

"Sepsis is a relatively rare but serious complication of an infection. Sepsis can be triggered by an infection in any part of the body.

"The most common sites of infection leading to sepsis are the lungs, "urinary tract, tummy and pelvis.

"In children under five sepsis symptoms include a mottled, bluish or pale complexion, lethargy; their body is abnormally cold to touch, rapid breathing and a rash that does not fade when pressed and fit or convulsions.

"If your child has any of the symptoms listed, is getting worse or is sicker than you’d expect - even if their temperature falls - trust your instincts and seek medical advice urgently from A&E or dial 999.

"Early symptoms of sepsis in older children and adults may include a high temperature or low body temperature, chills and shivering and a fast heartbeat or breathing.

"In some cases, symptoms of more severe sepsis or septic shock develop soon after.

"These can include feeling dizzy or faint, a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation - diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, severe muscle pain severe breathlessness, less urine production than normal, cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin and loss of consciousness.

"Severe sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies.

"If you think you or someone in your care has one of these conditions, go straight to A&E or call 999.

"If sepsis is detected early and hasn’t affected vital organs yet, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics.

"Most people who have sepsis detected at this stage make a full recovery.

"Almost all people with severe sepsis and septic shock require admission to hospital.

"Some people may require admission to an intensive care unit.

"Because of problems with vital organs, people with severe sepsis are likely to be very ill and the condition can be fatal.

"However, sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated quickly, and in most cases leads to a full recovery with no lasting problems.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout March. With the symptoms often being quite subtle, should I go straight to my doctor if I have any of them?

"The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly early on.

"They're often the same as symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or pre-menstrual syndrome.

"The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are feeling constantly bloated, a swollen tummy, discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area, feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite and needing to pee more often or more urgently than normal.

"Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include persistent indigestion or nausea, pain during sex, a change in your bowel habits, back pain, vaginal bleeding – particularly bleeding after the menopause – feeling tired all the time and unintentional weight loss.

"You should contact your GP if you've been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks or you have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won't go away – especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer as you may be at a higher risk.

"It's unlikely you have cancer, but it's best to check.

"Your GP can do some simple tests for ovarian cancer to see if you might have it.

"If you've already seen your GP and your symptoms continue or get worse, go back to them and explain this."

Have you got a question for Dr Dan? Email adam.everett@nqnw.co.uk with your health query.

We regret that Dr Dan cannot talk about individual cases. All advice provided is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for face to face medical advice.