West Walk Surgery
Patient Newsletter
Winter Edition 2015
21 West Walk, Yate, Bristol
01454 272200
www.westwalksurgery.co.uk
Charities of the year
We are proud to announce that our charities of the year for 2015 are
Age UK and the Carers Support Centre. We have worked closely with
both charities for many years and know of the good work they
undertake. To raise funds, we are bringing in our old books and asking
for a donation to our charities – if you have any old books which you no
longer need and would like to donate them to our book sale, we would be grateful if you could
bring them in so we can sell them. We hope that patients will support us in raising vital funds
for these two worthy causes. We also hope to undertake other fundraising activities
throughout this year. Watch this space for further details!!!
Patients who did not attend
We would like to say ‘thank you’ to all of our patients who are
conscientious about cancelling appointments when they find they are
unable to attend. Unfortunately in January 140 patients did not turn
up for their appointment with the doctor, 85 appointments with the
nurse and 60 blood appointments were missed; this amounts to more
than 3,420 missed doctor appointments per year - which we could
offer to other patients had we been notified in advance.
Appointments may be cancelled via our website www.westwalksurgery.co.uk or by telephoning
01454 272200
Clinical research
Current studies include CANDID which is trying to find which
symptoms are best at predicting lung and bowel cancer; FAST which
is aiming to discover if increasing certain inhalers reduce flare up’s of
asthma; CONSENT is assessing how patients prefer to give consent
for clinicians to access their medical records and to take part in
research studies; YP FACE IT is seeking adolescents with any
appearance altering condition to see if they may benefit from on-line
support courses; PANDA is studying whether antidepressants in mild
depression are beneficial; and BATHE is looking to see if emollients added to the bath help in
childhood eczema.
New studies are always coming up and if you would like any further information about any of
these studies or would be interested in taking part, please contact reception or arrange a
telephone consultation with Dr Davies, our research lead at the surgery. Please keep an eye
on our new waiting room notice board (coming soon) for further details.
West Walk Surgery
Patient Newsletter
Friends and family test
You may have noticed in our waiting rooms that patients are being asked
“would you recommend us to your friend and family?” The Friends and
Family Test is an important feedback tool that supports the fundamental
principle that people who use NHS services should have the opportunity to
provide feedback on their experience. This has been used in secondary
care since 2013. It asks patients one simple question offering a range of
responses. When combined with a second question of “if we could change one thing about the
care or treatment to improve your experience, what would it be?” it provides a mechanism to
highlight both good and poor patient experience. So, answers on a postcard……..!!!
When we get things wrong
We are only human and will make mistakes from time to time. A large
part of what makes medicine a profession is being open about mistakes
and trying to learn and improve from them. We actively encourage our
patients to let us know if they feel we have let them down or could do
things better. Ideally we would like to know face-to-face about a
problem, as from our experience, an open and honest discussion could
often allay most worries.
However if you feel we still haven’t answered your concerns, or feel unhappy talking about it,
then please write to the practice manager. The formal complaints procedure is available
through the website and at the front desk.
And of course, it’s always good news to hear from patients when we get it right too! Why not
visit the NHS Choices Website if you feel you would like to leave feedback about the
surgery. www.nhs.uk.
Staffing update
This month we say goodbye to Catherine Scott our Nurse Practitioner
who is leaving us to take up a role in Southmead Hospital. She will be
replaced by Louise Pearce who is returning to us after a year’s break.
To compliment our training practice role we have taken on an
apprentice who will be learning all aspects of the administrative side of General Practice. We
hope to be able to support our new apprentice and to give them the skills required to take on
a future role in NHS administration.
Virtual patient involvement group
Following on from the success of our Patient Involvement Group we are
looking to set up a “virtual group”. This will allow us to involve patients
who are not able to attend the surgery for quarterly meetings. If you
would like to join, please complete a form at reception. Your details will
not be passed on to any third parties but remain confidential in the
practice.
West Walk Surgery
Patient Newsletter
Carers support centre
We are working closely with the Carers Centre to introduce a ‘volunteer’ who
will offer advice and assistance to carers by holding a monthly drop in
session. We will publicise this more when dates are confirmed but wanted to
advise patients of this exciting development.
EMIS access
Have you registered for EMIS Access yet? This facility enables patients
to book and cancel appointments on-line, order repeat medications and
allows partial access to your medical records. To register for this service,
please complete the form available on reception.
Contact details
If you move house or change your telephone number please advise
reception of your new contact details. This is so if we need to speak to
you urgently, we can ensure there are no delays. Forms are available on
reception for patient’s convenience – many thanks
Chlamydia campaign
If you are between the ages of 15 and 24, did you know you can pop into the surgery at any
time and collect a free Chlamydia testing kit? They are located in the toilets and waiting
room. Alternatively you can always ask your doctor/nurse at your appointment. It is a
straightforward test which can give you peace of mind or simple medication can be
prescribed if necessary to treat this unpleasant infection.
Free NHS health checks
Have you had your free NHS Health Check yet? The Health Checks are a
Government initiative being offered to patients between the age of 40 and
74. During the test, our Health Care Assistant will take various blood
tests and a short medical history and advise you of changes you can make
to improve your health and wellbeing if required. Please see reception to
book an appointment.
West Walk Surgery
Patient Newsletter
Our doctor team and their normal working days
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Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Dr
Andrew Moncrief - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Nicola Lloyd-Powis – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Robert Palmer – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Harriet Delap – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Rebecca Fowler – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Cyril Kamya – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Samuel Davies – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Helen Pyke – Tuesday, Wednesday,
Rosemary Ginns – Thursday and Friday
Our doctors rotate the on-call clinician, the Coalpit Heath doctor and our extended hours
surgery.
Useful numbers to help you
Age UK
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alzheimer’s Society
Care Forum
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
CRUSE Bereavement
Diabetes Education (local)
Domestic Violence Unit Thornbury
Macmillan Cancer Support
National Dementia Helpline
NHS Smoking Helpline
Pregnancy Advisory Service
Relate
Samaritans
Social Services (South Glos)
South Glos Drugs Project
Southmead Hospital
St Peter’s Hospice
The Carers Support Centre
United Bristol Healthcare Trust (BRI)
0117 929 7537
0117 926 5926
0117 961 0693
0117 965 4444
0844 826 9688
0117 926 4045
0117 959 8970
0117 945 5984
0808 808 0000
0845 300 0336
0800 022 4332
0845 300 8090 (Marie Stopes)
0117 942 8444
0845 790 9090 / 0117 983 1000
01454 868 007
0800 073 3011
0117 950 5050
0117 915 9400
0117 965 2200
0117 923 0000