Combs Ford Surgery

Patient Information Screen August 2015

Telephone access–

We now have a new phone system to direct patients more quickly to the relevant staff in the practice

The options are;-

Press 9 in an emergency

Press 2 for Reception- for appointments, and results after 11amPress 3 for the Medical Secretaries for referrals and visitsPress 4 for Dispensary for medication queries and reviews (this phone will be answered between 10.30-12 and 2.30-4pm)

Press 5 for Finance Department

Please note that you can press the extension you require at any time during the lead message

Missed Appointments

87 appointments were missed during July

PATIENT INFORMATION

Due to the number of missed appointments and following feedback from patients, it has

become necessary to implement a Did Not Attend Policy

This is available to view on the Practice website and on the noticeboardswww.combsfordsurgery.org.uk

PATIENT INFORMATION

Patients who fail to attend twice in fairly close proximity will receive a letter.

If a patient continues to miss appointments, without contacting the surgery, they may be

removed from the practice list.The decision to remove will be taken on a case

by case basis and at the discretion of the Partners.

PATIENT INFORMATION

If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason, please let us know as soon as

possible. We can then offer the appointment to someone else.

Thank you for your co-operation.

PATIENT INFORMATION

August patient newsletter now available for the most up to date information

This is your practice and we want to keep our patients informed. We will always respond to concerns or complaints but it is also good to hear when you have been pleased with our

service.

We welcome positive feedback; Please use the friends and family forms in the waiting room or alternatively go onto NHS Choices www.nhs.uk or Healthwatch www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk

PATIENT INFORMATION

In the past all patients had a named GP and saw that GP only

From this summer although patients will have a named GP, they will be seen by any of the clinicians available as appropriate to their current need

Patient’s GP

Photos of “the team” are now on display in the waiting room

to help you identify your clinician or staff members.

We hope this helps!

Who’s who at Combs Ford Surgery

Consider seeking advice from a pharmacist for minor illnesses

Allow the receptionists to make the most appropriate appointment for your condition

Please give as much information as possible

How you can help your practice

It is very important that patients feel able to tell the receptionists the reason for their visit to the practice

As you will see, we have many different clinicians working at the practice

This information is used to book you the most appropriate appointment

Please be assured that ALL staff at the practice sign a confidentiality policy

Nothing that is seen, heard or discussed can be repeated outside of the practice

Confidentiality

GPs have been asked to reduce their prescribing

of the following medicines ;-

Restricted Prescribing List

Pain killers for minor aches and pains Soluble pain killers Hay fever preparations Cough and cold remedies Lozenges, throat sprays and gargles Treatments for minor acnes Indigestion remedies

Restricted Prescribing List

Barrier creams for nappy rash Head lice lotions and shampoos Threadworm tablets Athlete’s foot creams and powders Bath additives for minor dry skin conditions Soya milks Sun creams for sensitive skins

Restricted Prescribing List

Treatments for non-serious constipation and diarrhoea

Ear wax treatments Slimming preparations Creams, gels and tubigrip for sprains and

sports injuries Travel medicines Gluten Free foods

Restricted Prescribing List

Self help and Advice leaflets are available from the

Waiting Room

Restricted Prescribing List

Why not avoid the queue at reception and use the check in screen?

Please ask for help if needed

Check in screen

The Practice will be closed on the following afternoons from 1pm – 6.30pm

Thursday 17th SeptemberWednesday 14th OctoberThursday 12th NovemberWednesday 9th December

Call NHS 111 when the practice is closed.

Practice closure for essential GP and staff training