MUNRO MEDICAL CENTRE NEWSLETTER SPRING 2024
Welcome to the Practice Newsletter. In it you will find some useful information, especially if you are not able to use a computer. However, there are references to important websites and it might be useful if you have a friend or relative who could gain access to the relevant information for you.
New Phone System
The practice is installing a new phone system to improve patient access. One of the key improvements is a call back facility. During particularly busy times, when there is a queue on the phone lines, patients will be given the opportunity to receive a call back from the practice, without losing their place in the queue. The system will automatically call the patient back when they reach the top of the queue. If the patient is unable to answer this call, the system will try twice, and then a text message will be sent to the patient if they are calling from a mobile phone, notifying them that the practice has tried to call them, and request the patient calls the practice again.
As previously, all phone calls (incoming and outgoing) will be recorded, and will also be able to record all calls from our branch surgery in Pinchbeck. The cancellation line will still be available for patients who wish to leave a message to cancel their appointment, rather than having to wait to speak to a Care Navigator.
The options will be changing, so please listen carefully to the full message when you call the practice.
Covid Vaccination
The Spring Covid Vaccination Programme has been announced. All patients over the age of 75 are eligible (or turning 75 before 30 June 2024), and patients who are immunosuppressed. If you think you are in any of these categories, please contact the surgery to book your appointment.
Childhood Immunisation
Measles is circulating in the community. Are your children fully protected? If you are unsure whether your child is missing some of their vaccinations, please contact the practice, or submit an eConsult request for us to get back to you.
Clinicians
Dr Marcus will be staying with us to continue his final year studies in GP training. We shall welcome Dr Akesokan to the team as part of their GP Training. Dr Akesokan is a qualified doctor, who is undertaking additional training to become a GP
Sadly, Dr Chidera will be moving on in April. We wish her well for the next stage of her GP her training.
One of our experienced Healthcare Assistants is currently undertaking her Nurse Associate Apprenticeship, this will give her the opportunity to expand on her skills and take on new tasks within the practice.
Reception
If you want simple advice from your doctor, self help information or an administrative request (such as a sick note or test result) You can submit an online query via the eConsult banner on our website. This is a very effective way of communicating with the practice. Please give it a try!
Dispensary
Secretaries
Private Referrals
You should contact the Private Provider directly to book an appointment, you may not need a referral from your GP. If you have Private Medical Insurance, you should check with your insurer before you proceed. If the private provider requires medical information this can be provided by supplying copies of hospital letters or by sharing your medical records via the NHS app online medical records system. Alternatively, you can make a SAR request to obtain a free of charge printed summary of your medical record. There is no charge to either the patient or the insurer for the provision of a letter.
If a private provider requests more information from the surgery, this can be provided, following consent, and the cost of preparing the report can be charged to the private provider.
NHS App
During your next visit to the GP surgery, speak to reception about accessing new entries to your GP health record on the NHS App.
View consultation notes, letters, and test results at the touch of a button, and also order your repeat prescriptions
Travel Vaccinations
If you require vaccinations for travel, please contact the practice to complete the necessary documents at least six weeks before you travel, this ensures that sufficient time is allowed to check which appropriate vaccinations are required for your destination and subsequent appointments can be arranged . Dr Adesokan will be joining us for
Primary Care Network (PCN)
There are a variety of roles working for the Spalding Primary Care Network based in the Practice. When you contact the practice for an appointment, you might be signposted to one of these clinicians if it is more appropriate.
First Contact Physiotherapists – Frist contact practitioner physiotherapists are qualified autonomous clinical practitioners who can assess, diagnose, treat and manage musculoskeletal problems and undifferentiated conditions. Where appropriate, they are also able to discharge a person without a medical referral. First contact practitioner physiotherapists working in this role can be accessed directly by patients, or via referral from other members of staff. They can establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan to streamline pathways of care
Physician Associate – Physician Associates provide first point of contact care for patients presented with undifferentiated, undiagnosed programs by utilising history taking, physical examinations and clinical decision making skills to establish a working diagnosis and management plan in partnership with the patient (an their carers where applicable)
Senior Mental Health Care Practitioner – Senior Mental Health Practitioners are Registered Mental Health Professionals that are embedded with the PCN’s multi-disciplinary team as the first contact people presenting with mental health and emotional difficulties. They work alongside other PCN professionals, including GP’s, nurses and other practitioners, providing early and timely assessment to ensure the right information, advice and support if provided at the right time.
Clinical Pharmacist – They will work closely with other members of the practice in ensuring that patients with chronic disease get the maximum benefits from their medicines as part of a shared decision making consultation. They will undertake structured medication reviews to proactively manage people with complex polypharmacy, especially the elderly, people in care homes, those with multiple comorbidities, frailty and people with learning disabilities or neurodivergent
Mental Health Practitioner – Support adults whose needs cannot be met by local talking therapies, but who may not need ongoing care from secondary mental health services. They bridge the care between GP’s and the hospital. They are able to prescribe and arrange onward referral as appropriate.
GP Assistant – General Practice Assistants (GPAs_ form part of the multidisciplinary team within primary care, and provide a support role, carrying out administration tasks, combined with some areas with basic clinical duties
Health and Well Being Coach – Health and Wellbeing Coaches play a critical role in engaging patients and use health coaching techniques to support them to take an active role in their health and well being.
Friends and Family Test Results for February 2024
Friends and family test results demonstrate our patients rate their overall experience as ‘very good’. We appreciate all feedback received, it enables us to listen and learn from your views, to enable us to shape the future of your local practice.
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
You may be aware of our “friends of the surgery” group. (PPG). We are currently trying to re-establish this after the covid pandemic. The group is currently “virtual” receiving a copy of the quarterly practice newsletter and advised of any upcoming changes to the services offered and their feedback is welcomed. If you think you might be interested in getting involved in the group, please email [email protected]
The next edition of the Practice Newsletter will be available in Summer 2024.