Stay Informed July 2024 

Welcome to our Bi-Monthly Newsletter

Message from the Practice Manager

Firstly, thank you all once again for your support in the last couple of months, and the lovely positive and constructive feedback you have sent.

This month has seen us upgrade to a new telephone system which is Cloud based, this offers us lots of additional features the favourite being:

• ‘Call Back’ this allows patients to request a call back from the surgery without losing their place in the queue.
• It has a real time visual report so that the reception team can monitor the demand and react appropriately.
• An advanced reporting feature helps us develop our Rota’s to address demand reducing call waiting times.

Our local Fylde and Wyre GP Quality Contract this year features heavily on ‘Frailty’, ‘Respiratory’ and ‘Structured’ Medication Reviews’.

Frailty:

A protocol has been developed that runs through a medical record and taking in various factors it will Grade a persons frailty, our job is to contact the patients identified and offer a comprehensive health Assessment which aims to identify any help or support they may need, and also ensure any health problems are ‘nipped in the bud’. The clinic offers advice, guidance, investigations, treatment and onward referrals if needed.

Respiratory:

To help in the ‘Winter Pressure’ period September to January we have been asked to provide extra appointments for Asthma and COPD patients who are experiencing problems that will affect their respiratory system to reduce admissions to hospital. We have employed another ANP for three days, so this extra capacity is spread throughout the week Mon to Fri 8.00am to 18.30pm to support this initiative.

• Utilisation has been positive of the 120 that were available - 66 were used acutely and 27 of those had follow up appointments to continue to support the patients to full health, with GP, Pharmacist, Specialist COPD  nurse.
• Additional we offered 65 proactive assessments with our Pharmacist and 32 with a specialist COPD nurse.

Structured Medication Reviews:

A comprehensive review of all medications. It is a shared discussion led by patient's individual needs, preferences and circumstances. The idea of which is to make sure all medications taken are safe, effective and appropriate.

Best Wishes,

Jenny Naden, Practice Manager

Social Prescribing Team - Wyre Integrated Network PCN

The WIN social prescribing team offers fortnightly drop in sessions at Poulton Library and at Thornton Library. Here, they are available to offer advice on various issues you may be having or just for a quick chat! Why not pop in to meet the team and see what they all about?

Drop in sessions

10am to 12pm

• Poulton Library: 23rd July
• Thornton Library: 16th and 30th July

Lancashire & South Cumbria GP Appointments

• Our receptionists are here to help! Please help them by discussing your needs. You may not always need to see a GP.
• Patients will be offered an appointment with the right clinician within the right time frame-based on clinical urgency and need.
• Aggressive, violent or threatening behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated #BeKind.
• Practice self-care prior to contacting NHS services for your minor illness.
• We have no control over hospital waiting lists or follow up appointments.
• Tests ordered by the hospital will be followed up by the hospital.
• We are working as hard as we can to meet your needs.

We are grateful for your patience and support

Fantastic men's support groups

We are very lucky to have several fantastic men's groups in our area. If you would like more details please contact Hope Community Hub or Fleetwood Town FC.

• Men's Monday at Hope Community Care Hub. Come for a brew and a chat with pool, darts, books, puzzles and games. Every Monday 10am to 12:30pm.
• Talking Men - Men's Support Group at The Verona Hall, Thornton. Every Thurs 6-8pm.

Friends and Family Test Feedback

Dehydration

Babies, children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration during periods of hot weather.

Visit the NHS website for symptoms to look out for and what to do next.

Published: Jul 19, 2024