As we move into the winter months, we would like to share some important information about the services available to you and how you can access the right care at the right time.
Winter Pressures and Self-Care
Winter is traditionally a very busy period for NHS services due to an increase in seasonal viruses and other illnesses. Where appropriate, we encourage patients to make use of self-care resources for minor illnesses. We will provide a link to the NHS website, which contains advice on managing many common conditions at home.
Community Pharmacy and Pharmacy First
Your local community pharmacy can provide advice and treatment for many common illnesses without the need for a GP appointment. Most patients can simply walk in and speak to a pharmacist.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess and treat a number of common conditions and, where appropriate, may be able to supply prescription-only medications, including antibiotics, without you needing to see a GP first. We will include further information and links about these services.
Common symptoms a pharmacist can help you with (PDF)
Our Wider Practice Team
Many patients are unaware of the range of healthcare professionals available within our practice. In addition to our GPs, we have several highly skilled clinicians who are experts in their respective areas:
- Advanced Care Practitioners including advanced nurse practitioners, physician associates and paramedics who can assess and manage a wide range of minor illnesses and health concerns.
- Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners who can see patients directly for new musculoskeletal problems, treat them, arrange investigations where appropriate, and refer for further treatment if required.
- Podiatry Services which can assess and manage a range of lower limb and foot-related conditions.
- Mental Health Practitioners who can provide assessment and support for patients experiencing new mental health concerns.
- Health and Wellbeing Coaches who can support patients with lifestyle changes, weight management and improving general wellbeing.
- Listening and Guidance Practitioners who can provide emotional support and counselling.
Feedback from patients who have accessed these services has been extremely positive, and in many cases these clinicians can provide faster access to the most appropriate care.
Contacting the Practice
To help us provide the safest and most efficient service possible, we ask patients to submit requests as early in the day as they can, ideally before midday.
All clinical requests are reviewed by the duty GP through our triage system. Urgent problems are prioritised, and routine issues will be directed to the most appropriate member of the team and offered an appointment within a timescale appropriate to the condition, which is often within 1-2 weeks.
When submitting a request, please provide as much information as possible and, where practical, complete the form yourself using your own words. All information is treated confidentially and the more detail we receive, the better we can assess your needs and ensure you are directed to the right service. A link to our online consultation form will be included.
Winter Hub Service
During the winter period, additional appointments are available through the Winter Hub based at High Oak Surgery. This service can assess patients with infections and other acute illnesses that require face-to-face assessment when treatment through self-care or community pharmacy may not be sufficient.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. By working together and making use of the wide range of services available, we can help ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care throughout the winter months.
The Practice Team