Newsletter - Summer 2023

 

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Patient Access

In June a whopping 247 appointments were wasted at the surgery. This was 247 patients that did not turn up to their booked appointments. This equates to 10 days worth of GP time. So far this year we have had 1307 appointments not attended. As you can appreciate, this can be frustrating to those that are unable to get a timely appointment, let alone the time wasted where clinicians are waiting for patients.

Remember to always cancel your appointment if it is no longer required, and we can give it to a patient who needs it. This helps us to fully utilise precious NHS resources and to continue to provide our patients with timely care.

We offer pre-bookable appointments with an array of healthcare specialists and our Patient Navigators have been trained and tasked by the Clinicians to signpost patients accordingly to the most appropriate healthcare professional, which is not always a GP. To ensure appropriate signposting, our patients will be asked about their current symptoms.

 

Patient Comments

"The GP I saw is fantastic. She is so compassionate and knowledgeable and really listens to the patient. She also summarises and involved patients in the decision making."

"Extremely kind and knowledgeable nursing staff."

"Personal, friendly and responsive consultations with an ongoing plan for a further consultation."

"The lady taking my blood was so good that I hardly noticed she'd done. A great addition to a wonderful team. Thank you for all your hard work under difficult circumstances."

"The receptionist was very friendly and helpful."

"Healthcare Assistant was very kind and pleasant."

 

Campaigns and Events

Talk to Us Month Good Care Month Psoriasis Awareness
Cervical Screening Awareness International Cat Day Friendship Day
  And many more!  

For updates on what is happening this Summer, follow us on our Facebook page.

 

Day in the Life: Nurse Manager / Advanced Practitioner

My role as a Nurse Manager and Advanced Nurse Practitioner is a busy but rewarding role. A typical week will see me not only supporting patients with a variety of conditions and illnesses, but also supporting my nursing team. I support the essential nursing team and ensure adequate availability of appointments.

I provide regular respiratory clinics for patients with Asthma and COPD. This involves not only caring for patients who are symptomatic, but also those who are due their annual review. Reviews are an important aspect of the support we provide for any patient with a long-term condition and allow us to review and amend medications, answer questions and ensure patients feel comfortable in managing their condition, so should be attended even if you feel well.

Another part of my role is supporting the urgent care provision. This can involve providing patients with advice and guidance for self-care options to safely manage minor illnesses such as colds and coughs. Such advice can also be found on the NHS website and can be a useful resource for patients if they need further support.

For other conditions, I can prescribe treatments over the phone if appropriate or refer to other clinicians, such as the pharmacy team. This allows us to ensure timely and appropriate care is provided. 

My general clinics are filled with more routine care, for those conditions that can wait a little while longer. This can involve diagnosis and treatment, referrals, x-ray requests and admin duties.

 

Summer Heat

At GRMC, we look forward to the warmer weather and longer days! Walks without wellies, pub gardens after work, Saturdays pottering in the garden. Although we are happy for the sun, we need to make sure we are staying safe whilst outside. Here are a number of ways to stay safe:

  • Cover as much of your skin as possible—especially shoulders as they burn easy!
  • Wear a hat to keep your face out of the sun.
  • Sunglasses with good UV filters are essential!Sunscreen!! SPF30+ applied generously 30 minutes before going outside and at least every two hours—don’t forget the SPF30 lip balm.
  • Shade! We all like the sun, but keeping in the shade between 11am and 3pm will protect you from the sun—just 10 minutes of strong sunlight can burn pale skin.

If you do get burnt, get out of the sun straight away, cool your skin in a cool shower, apply after-sun and drink plenty of water!

 

Winter Immunisations

Flu vaccinations will be coming to the practice again this Autumn! As well as protecting yourself against winter illness, getting your free flu vaccination at the practice helps us to gain extra funding for these vital clinics. We are grateful to everyone who supports us by accepting our invitation when the time comes.

If you’re happy to be invited via text this year, now is a great time to make sure your contact details are up-to-date.

 

Published: Jul 4, 2023