News:


Appointments
HeartWood Medical Practice operates advanced access which gives patients the chance to speak to or see a clinician on the same day. By phoning on the day you will be offered a choice of an appointment with a doctor, nurse, or a telephone consultation.  Appointments are available to pre-book in advance aswell.
Out of Hours
If help is needed out of hours, please ring 01283 818100 and you will automatically be put through to Derbyshire Health United.
Cancelling your Appointment
If you are unable to attend an appointment with one of the doctors or nurses, please telephone or use the link at the bottom of this page to cancel your appointment.
By giving us as much notice as you can you are helping us to make sure that someone else is given your slot.

Home Visits
If a home visit is required, please make your request between 8.30am and 11.00am. Details will be then given to the duty doctor, who will then contact you by telephone.

Please do not request a home visit unless you or the patient are too ill to come to the practice. Remember, a doctor can see five patients at the surgery in the time it takes to attend one home visit. Please use the service responsibly.

In the event of a life threatening emergency, such as severe chest pain, extreme shortness of breath or collapse dial 999 to call an ambulance immediately.

NHS Direct may be contacted as a source of medical advice from healthcare professionals tel: 08454647.

 

PPG meeting 12th March

Patient Participation Group Meeting

Friday 12th March 2010, at 1.30pm

 

 

I would first like to thank all PPG members for attending the meeting on 12th March.  This is the first time we have met since the merger.  I do apologise for this but as you can appreciate it has been an extremely busy time at the practice.

 

 

Actions

 

Dr Bryant

 

As you are aware, Dr Bryant has been on long term sick leave, due to severe arthritis in her knee.  She underwent a total knee replacement, on 20th January 2010, and is hoping to return to work towards the end of April.

 

 

 

A Successful PPG

 

A successful PPG involves regular communication between staff and patients.  It is an opportunity for us to explain to patients why services have been set up in a particular way and why certain procedures are carried out.  This information will then be cascaded to patients, via newsletters and copies of minutes.

 

 

 

Appointments

 

Problems have been identified in making both

pre-bookable and emergency appointments.  However we are now trying to ensure we have four clinicians on duty at all times.  Concerns were also raised regarding the continuation of GP care.  Understandably so with the amount of locum cover used over the past months.  We are interviewing for two full time GP’s and an advanced clinical practitioner, who will triage appointments for GP’s.  Several training issues have been noted!

 

 

Minor Ailments Scheme

 

Training for all members of staff, including GP’s and locums.  Promote the service with leaflets and add information on the website and newsletter.

  • Training arranged for 14th April, with the Practice Pharmacist, for all staff, including GP’s.
  • Following training session, information will be posted on website and newsletter.

 

 

Prescriptions

 

Too many prescriptions are being lost.  When patients only order two items on repeat, all four are issued.  This is another training issue.  Comments will be put on the staff bulletin and training will be arranged.  It was suggested that all pharmacies should fax through a list of repeat prescriptions that they wish to collect.  This will free receptionists and prevent queues, especially during busy periods.  A form of barrier was also suggested to organise long queues.

  • Training to be given on 14th April, also noted in staff bulletin.
  • Shani to contact all local pharmacies asking for faxed requests daily for repeat medication.
  • Shani to look into purchasing a barrier for queues.

 

 

Self Check In Board

 

As discussed we have purchased a self check in board to relieve the congestion on reception.  However due to the practice being part of a LIFT building, certain procedures need to be carried out before it is fitted.  Hopefully this will be sooner rather than later.  PPG members offered to come to the surgery to inform patients how to use the board for the first week.

  • Shani to contact PPG members for volunteers when board is fitted.

 

Health Awareness Days

 

 

We are hoping to arrange health awareness days, with information on healthy eating and diabetes.  A plant sale was also discussed; however we do have to take in consideration the fire service plant sale.

 

 

 

 

Dental Service

 

Concerns were raised regarding the withdrawal of NHS services at the dental practice.  Three local dentists will be taking on NHS patients.  Names and contact details are currently being taken at the dental reception.

 

 

 

Car Parking

 

Major issues of car parking were raised.  The PCT promised to look into the issue at the public meeting.  Nothing has been done.  The flower beds need removing to create more spaces, also there is only one doctor on call space.  Why do health centre staff park in the car park?  Heartwood staff have arrangements off site.  It was suggested that Gill Farrington be contacted to look into the issue, as it is an accident waiting to happen – major risk due to poor parking on kerbs.

  • Shani has emailed the PCT, but still awaiting a reply.
  • Shani to ring Gill Farrington to see if she can help.

 


 


 

Newsletter.

Mr Naish has kindly offered to write an article for the practice newsletter on the Royal Derby Hospital.

 

 

Social Car Scheme

Graham Tomlinson mentioned the need for more voluntary drivers for the Social Car Scheme. It only costs 40p per mile and is a door to door service.

 

 

·        Shani to put details on the practice website and also include in the next newsletter.

 

The next meeting will be held in June, as we have decided to meet every three months, the date to be confirmed.  All members will be invited by letter.