Global shortage of blood bottles - Suspension of online bookable blood test appointments (as of 23/08/21)
There is currently an international shortage of blood bottles used for taking samples and clinicians working in GP practices, hospitals, community and mental health trusts and ambulance trusts have been asked to suspend non-essential blood tests.
Our clinicians are working together to be more efficient. We will ensure we don’t waste blood bottles and that we don’t duplicate tests which have already been done. We are being thoughtful about which tests are ordered and prioritising those tests which will have an immediate impact on the diagnosis or treatment.
Our clinicians and their teams are working hard to prioritise our blood tests and we appreciate your patience whilst we put in place systems to manage this difficulty safely.
We would like to reassure all our patients that this disruption in supply should not affect any essential blood tests and any tests that are delayed will be rescheduled as soon as possible. We are working closely with NHS England to follow their guidance. We will continue to provide you with updates regarding this and thank you for your support.
The collection of GP Data for Planning and Research in England has been deferred from 1 July to 1 September 2021. More information about how your data is being used by NHS Digital and how to opt out is available here General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) - NHS Digital. We hope you find this information useful and that you will choose not to opt out of sharing your data.
Your GP practice is supporting a national research study of households to assess how we can stop Covid-19 spreading in our communities. To find out more and sign up visit: https://www.ucl-virus-watch.net
Electronic prescriptions poster
GP Online Service
Have you tried out the new facility for online health advice via Patient Access. Patients can check symptoms and be signposted to web-based information about their condition. The Online Health Advice feature gives access to a wealth of medical information including articles and videos.
By filling in a simple health enquiry form, patients can read information on how to treat their symptoms and what to do next. The form will then come through to the surgery who will review the information provided and respond within 48 hours. If the information provided by the patient indicates an urgent need for medical attention, they will be directed appropriately.
How does it work?
- Sign into or register for Patient Access at www.patientaccess.com
- Search for your symptoms or condition and select the results that match
- Read through the relevant health information and guidance tailored to your results
- Once you’ve read the advice, if you still need help, submit the details through the online form and a relevant staff member at the surgery will review it
- They will then advise if you need to contact elsewhere (999, NHS 111 or your pharmacy) based on your symptoms.
Please contact the surgery if you are eligible and have not yet received your flu vaccination for this year.
Over half our population is affected by the menopause, so let’s talk about it more!
Sarah Jackson is our practice lead nurse on this subject, if you would like further advice on this please contact our reception team to book an appointment with her. https://rockmymenopause.com/
Prescribing of over the counter medications is changing.
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns. Instead, over the counter medicines are available to buy in a pharmacy or supermarket in your local community. The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need. Please help the NHS to use resources sensibly. Please find attached a leaflet with more information attached here and a link to an easy read leaflet here..
Patient Alert – All Accu-Chek Insight Insulin Pumps - Risk Of Alarm Failure
GP Online Service
We are currently testing out this new facility for online health advice via Patient Access. Patients can check symptoms and be signposted to web-based information about their condition. The Online Health Advice feature gives access to a wealth of medical information including articles and videos.
By filling in a simple health enquiry form, patients can read information on how to treat their symptoms and what to do next. The form will then come through to the surgery who will review the information provided and respond within 48 hours. If the information provided by the patient indicates an urgent need for medical attention, they will be directed appropriately.
How does it work?
- Sign into or register for Patient Access at www.patientaccess.com
- Search for your symptoms or condition and select the results that match
- Read through the relevant health information and guidance tailored to your results
- Once you’ve read the advice, if you still need help, submit the details through the online form and a relevant staff member at the surgery will review it
- They will then advise if you need to contact elsewhere (999, NHS 111 or your pharmacy) based on your symptoms.