PARKSIDE FAMILY PRACTICE
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP
NEWSLETTER
December 2013
No.9
APPOINTMENTS NEWS!
One of the most talked about topics at the Patient Participation Group meetings is that of appointments. Much has been
suggested and tried over the years. The following is the latest procedure for making appointments:
All patients requiring a ‘SAME DAY’ consultation with a GP will be phoned back by the Doctor who will assess the need for
an ‘urgent’ appointment. If it’s considered necessary a face to face appointment will be made for the same day. If it is felt the
matter can be dealt with by the Doctor over the telephone, he or she will advise, prescribe or refer as necessary.
No changes have been made for routine appointments made in advance. Current waiting times for this type of appointment is
approximately 10 to 12 days. Choosing a specific Doctor could mean a wait of up to one month.
The demand is outstripping availability, which is frustrating for both patients and Doctors. The Practice is working hard to
maximize Doctors appointment times. Your understanding and consideration would be appreciated when trying to book.
NEW WEBSITE
We have launched a new website at www.parksidepractice.co.uk
At present, there is a software issue regarding appointments and prescriptions online and this is currently in the hands of our
software supplier. In the meantime, patients are able to register to use the system ready for when the fault is corrected. To do
this, patients should telephone, email or speak to a receptionist to say they would like to register for online access. The practice
will produce a registration letter giving 'how to do' instructions and any necessary codes or passwords. This letter will need to
be collected in person by the patient themselves and picture ID ( passport/photocard driving licence) must be produced before
the practice will release the letter.
From the website you can book appointments (not same day) or request repeat prescriptions.
There is also lots of information regarding Staff, opening times, news and notices and of course, the Patient Participation
Group page.
We hope you find it useful and find the information you need. If you feel there is something we should include on the website
please feel free to let us know either at reception or at the next PPG meeting.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
With the Winter season upon us we thought it might help to offer a few suggestions to make it as enjoyable and
painfree as possible TAKE CARE ON THE ICY PAVEMENTS. BLACK ICE CAN BREAK BONES!
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COOK MEATS THOROUGHLY, FOOD POISONING IS NO FUN
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DON’T LEAVE THE LEFTOVERS TOO LONG BEFORE USING
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WRAP UP WARM INDOORS AND OUT, LOTS OF LAYERS ARE BEST.COUGHS AND SNEEZES
REALLY DO SPREAD DISEASES, USE A PAPER TISSUE THEN BIN IT!
WISHING YOU ALL A WARM, SAFE AND HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON AND NEW YEAR.
NHS CHOICES WINTER FRIENDS
Support the NHS Choices Winter Friends campaign and sign the pledge to look in on an older
friend or neighbour this winter. More information can be found on this and other NHS Winter
advice online at http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Winterhealthhome.aspx
If you are thinking of signing the NHS Choices Winter Friends pledge to look in on
an older friend or neighbour this winter or are already signed and wondering what
to do next? Here are answers to some of the common questions people have
about the pledge.
How do I find someone who needs help?
If you have a neighbour who you think might need some help but you don't know them
very well, why not take this opportunity to call in on them? There are lots of benefits to
being part of a close-knit community and knowing your neighbours even if they don't
need any help.
There are also more formal ways you can go about helping an older person through a
charity or local volunteer group.
The following organisations are all involved in helping older people and have
opportunities for volunteers.
Independent Age: Volunteer (www.independentage.org.uk)
Contact the Elderly: Become a volunteer (www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk)
Royal Voluntary Service: Get involved (www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk)
Friends of the Elderly: Volunteer with us (www.fote.org.uk)
Age UK: Befriending services (www.ageuk.org.uk)
The Silver Line: Volunteering for the helpline (www.thesilverline.org.uk)
You could also contact your nearest Volunteer Centre who should be able to tell you
about volunteering opportunities in your local area.
OPENING TIMES
KNIGHTWOOD – MON-FRI 8am to 12.30pm AND 3pm to 6pm
EASTTLEIGH HEALTH CENTRE – MON-FRI 8am to 12.30pm AND 1.30pm to 6pm
SATURDAYS (Eastleigh only) 2nd Saturday in every month 8.30 to 10.30am pre-booked appointments only.
(During the closed lunchtime period we can give out repeat prescriptions but are unable to make appointments)
You can contact our surgeries by telephone during opening hours on:
EASTLEIGH HEALTH CENTRE
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Appointments: 023 80612843
Other calls and Emergencies: 023 80612032
KNIGHTWOOD SURGERY
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Appointments and Enquiries: 023 80255118
Appointments Only: 023 80271724
OUT OF HOURS
Dial 111 for non-emergency assistance. In the event of an emergency dial 999 or go to your local A&E.