Spring / Summer Newsletter 2023

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DNA – Did not attend

We are experiencing a high number of patients who book appointments, but unfortunately do not attend (DNA).  As a Practice we try to help patients with their appointment bookings by sending out confirmation text message when booked and a text message reminder the day before.  However, to give an idea of the numbers, in December 10 hours of GP time was wasted, 5.5 hours of Nurse Practitioner time and 57 hours of Practice Nurse time.  This amounts to a lot of appointments not used.  Given the media pressures on the struggles to obtain appointments, it is frustrating to see such a high number of appointments wasted.  Because of this we are attempting to tighten up on our DNA procedures.  Should you not attend for your appointment, you may receive a telephone call asking you why.  This will help us identify any problems such as IT issues in  text messages not being sent, cancellation messages not reaching us etc.  However, if we see a pattern with any patient routinely not attending, letters will be sent which ultimately may end in the patient being deregistered.  We want to avoid this if at all possible, but it is unfair on other patients who desperately need the appointment.  Please help us by letting us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend your appointment.  We appreciate the telephones are busy and therefore you can also contact us online.  Thank you for your help.

PPG - Patient Participation Group

We now have over 40 members of our PPG who meet quarterly in St Augustine's Parish Hall.  We have had two meetings so far which have been very well attended with a great response and helpful suggestions.  In January, Vikki our Advanced Nurse Practitioner attended and updated the group on the role of the Nurse Practitioner and to reassure the members that their role is similar to that of a GP.  The NP's can refer, prescribe and issue sick notes.   The group felt the information given was extremely helpful to them and reassuring.  We are always wanting to welcome new members and you do not have to attend the meetings if you do not wish, you can remain in contact by email only.

Surgery news

We are to have the automatic doors at the front entrance replaced shortly.  These will be much more up to date and will open automatically as you approach them.  It will mean some slight alterations to the front of the entrance, but we hope it will make life a lot easier for you when entering and leaving the building.

We have had to remove the post which the car park barrier closed to, due to damage by patient vehicles and delivery drivers.  We will keep an eye on the car park at weekends to see if we have any further problems to decide on a replacement or not.

Social Prescribing Team

Primary Healthcare Darlington Ltd have a social prescribing team based at Forsyth House, Darlington. They offer a free social prescribing service for children and families, care leavers and adults aged 18+ who would like support with managing long-term conditions such as pain, diabetes, weight management, low mood or anxiety.

They can connect you to groups, activities and services that can help you with housing issues, food or fuel poverty or if you are lonely and socially isolated. They can also help with organising small aids and adaptions for the home and much more.

To see if you could be eligible for our service, leave a message on our team answerphone and someone will get back to you: 01325 952577 select option 2.

Travel Vaccinations

We are happy to see you for travel advice and to administer any NHS travel vaccinations you may require.  However, we do need to see you at least 6 weeks before travel.  If you ask for these appointments at short notice, we may not have availability and will then refer you to a private travel clinic.  To help us with this, we would ask all patients to complete a travel risk assessment form first, which is available on our website.  Complete the form, hand it in and our nursing team will assess if you require any further or updated vaccinations.  Please remember vaccinations given without the 6 week notice, will have little or no effect to help protect you.

Musculosketal service (MSK)

This service brings together specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) clinicians to assess, diagnose and manage your condition at health centres and GP surgeries in your local community. They treat MSK conditions involving bones, soft tissues, muscles, joints, ligaments.

To self-refer, please call 01325 728 988 and a member of their Referral Management Centre will help arrange your appointment.

Your initial appointment will most likely involve a telephone assessment by a physiotherapist. They will ask questions about your condition and your general health in order to make a provisional diagnosis, provide instant treatment advice and reassurance and plan your care accordingly. Following the telephone assessment, the clinician will advise on the best course of action for you and your condition including:

• Detailed self-management advice and exercises
• A further appointment face to face in a physiotherapy clinic for further assessment
• Our groups and/or educational seminars and gyms
• A referral of your care to a better placed service in the local community. 

Published: Feb 17, 2023