Practice Newsletter: November 2024

 

Notice of Building Works

We would like to inform you that building works will begin on 11th November 2024 to improve our premises. 

The project includes:

  • Extending the premises to add four new consulting rooms 
  • Levelling the paving outside the surgery for easier access Installing automatic doors at the entrance to enhance 
  • accessibility 

To minimise impact, most of the work will be conducted at night however, you may experience some disruptions during the day. 

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding. These enhancements will allow us to serve you better, with additional consulting rooms, and improved 
access for all our patients. 

Thank you for your cooperation and support. 

 

Medical Reports to Social Services and Housing Departments 

Please note that we are unable provide letters or medical report to support your application for housing or social care. If you are applying for housing or social care, you need to complete a self-assessment form in the first instance. This form, available from the Council is usually all that is necessary for most applications. If the Council needs further information from us, they will contact us directly with your written consent to ask for special information which they require for your application. Therefore, there is no need for you to ask us for a letter.

 

Cancer Screening 

Have you received a letter inviting you for Bowel, Smear or Breast Cancer Screening? Do not ignore it. Please call the number stated on your invite letter. Alternatively, contact the surgery by phone for further advice

Covid Vaccinations

If you are housebound and eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, our staff will also administer it during their visit for your flu jab. This ensures you stay protected against both flu and COVID-19 in one convenient appointment.

 

Flu Season 2024/2025

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from Flu.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you: 

  • Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025) 
  • Have certain long-term health conditions
  • Are pregnant
  • Live in a care home 
  • Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance 
  • Live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
flu-vaccination-new

 We still have some flu vaccines available. If you have received an invitation to book your flu vaccination, please book your slot at the Surgery via the link on the text you receive.

Book an appointment by completing a request form or simply walk in

 

PPG Meeting in November

The next PPG meeting will take place on Thursday 7th November 2024 at 11am via Teams. 

We will be providing an update in terms of what we have been doing to improve the way we provide our services, and also receive your feedback. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day. To receive a Teams invite please message us.

 

Regular Blood Tests

If you take methotrexate or azathioprine you will already know about the importance of having regular blood tests either at the GP practice or hospital. If these medicines are prescribed by the GP but you have blood tests at the hospital, we will require a copy of your results as this information is not always included in hospital letters. GPs are required to ensure that up-to-date records of blood tests are in place before prescribing to ensure you are taking these medicines safely. If you are housebound and unable to send/or do not have anyone to bring your blood test results in, please complete a request form

 

Facts and Figures

Here are some facts and figures about our activities in October:

  • 5278 incoming calls
  • 4610 calls answered (87.3%)
  • 667 telephone appointments
  • 10087 appointments offered
  • 469 Blood tests
  • 3691 prescriptions issued
  • 213 Home Visits
  • Friends and Family Test: 98.6% of patients surveyed rated our services as very good or good.
a gp
 

Wasted Appointments

It is important that you cancel if you are unable to attend your GP or nurse appointment. We have made it very easy for you to cancel your appointments. You can cancel by calling the surgery and, when prompted, enter your date of birth or, by following the prompt on our reminder text. We are only able to offer your unwanted appointment if you cancel.

In September, of the 10087 appointments we offered, 471 (4.66%) people who booked, did not show up and failed to cancel. 

 

Practice Closure

We will be closed for staff training at 12:30pm on Tuesday 19th November 2024 and reopen at 8am on Wednesday 20th November 2024. If you need urgent medical assistance which cannot wait until the surgery reopens, please contact SELDOC who will be providing GP cover on 07483 155 397.  

For chest pain or collapse please dial 999. 

Should you need to see a doctor when we are closed, you can call 111 for advice.

Regards,

Antonia

Published: Nov 5, 2024