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Latest News
Summer 2010
New GP For the New Year
We have recruited a new GP to take over from Dr Day when he retires. Dr Barry Tucker, who is currently working at West Bar Surgery in Banbury, will be joining us in the spring. In the meantime, we will be employing a locum GP to cover Dr Day's sessions. More details to follow later.
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Control your condition, don't let it control you
The Expert Patient Programme offers free courses for people living with long-term health conditions where you can
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learn new skills to manage your health condition
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develop confidence in the daily management of your specific condition(s)
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meet others and share similar experiences
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learn about developing more effective relationships with healthcare professionals
Two six-week courses are running on Tuesday mornings from 31 August to 5 October and again from 12 October to 16 November at The People's Church Centre, Horsefair, Banbury OX16 0AH.
For more information and to book a place call FREEPHONE 0800 988 5520 or email enquiries@eppcic.co.uk
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patients wanted for oxfordshire link
From doing outreach around Oxfordshire this summer, Oxfordshire LINk has found that making appointments at the GP surgery is a major talking point. We would like to invite members of the public with an interest in this topic to take part in a focus group to talk about GP surgeries and access to appointments.
We will look at questions like...
- How easy is it for you to make an appointment?
- What do you think of your surgery's opening times?
At the end we'll look at how best to present this information to surgeries. With our help what would you do next?
Oxfordshire LINk is an independent organisation. This is a voluntary role but all travel expenses will be reimbursed and lunch provided.
Please email the LINk at oxfordshirelink@makesachange.org.uk if you wish to take part. We look forward to hearing from you!
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CAncer care choices for young people
If you are aged between 19 and 24 and have been diagnosed with cancer you may have a choice about where you receive your care. The Cancer Care Choices website aims to guide you through some of the decisions you're able to make.
For more information go to http://www.nhs.uk/young-cancer-care/Pages/index.aspx
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ANNUAL PATIENTS' Survey
The Department of Health has published the results of its latest annual patients' survey based on questionnaires issued to a sample of the population. The results and more information about the survey can be found online at
http://www.gp-patient.co.uk/results
Thank you all those patients who took the time to complete and return the questionnaires which gave such positive responses to our services.
Please let us know how you think we can improve our services further by emailing Cropredy.surgery@nhs.net or writing to Lynne Jones, Practice Manager, Cropredy Surgery, Claydon Road, Cropredy, Banbury OX17 1FB
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Surgery Training Sessions
Occaionally the surgery closes at lunchtime for staff training or meetings. We will be closed from 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm on the following dates
19 August, 20 September, 21 October, 15 November and 16 December
And from 1.00 pm - 2.30 pm on 4 October and 8 November
We will still be answering urgent telephone calls during those times.
Thank you for your understanding
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Look after yourself in the sun
The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. These include
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older people
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babies and young children
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people with serious mental health problems
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people on certain medication
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people with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems
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people who already have a high temperature from an infection
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people who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs
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people with mobility problems
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people who are physically active, like manual workers and sportsmen and women.
What should you do? Here are some of the things that can help.
Listen to the local weather forecast so that you know if a heatwave is on its way. Keep out of the heat especially at the hotest part of the day (11 am - 3.00 pm), stay in the shade if you must go out, wear a hat and loose-fitting clothes and take plenty of water with you. Stay cool in the coolest rooms in your home and reduce heat from sunlight coming through the windows, keep windows closed when its cooler inside and open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, open the windows on the first floor and above, take cool showers or baths.
For more information about hot weather and your health, please visit www.nhs.uk
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NEW CONTACT NUMBER FOR AMBULANCE TRANSPORT FROM JUNE 2010
Patients wishing to request ambulance transport to attend hospital appointments should ring 0300 100 0015 (open from Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm). You will need your appointment letter to hand when phoning and you will be asked a series of questions to assess your eligibility .
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The End of an era
This year we will have a major change to the Practice as Dr Day retires. Below is an open letter from Dr Day to all our patients.
6 April 2010
Dear All
It is with a host of mixed feelings that I write with the news, that at the end of September this year, I shall be taking early retirement from my role as GP at Cropredy Surgery.
I have been a doctor for 33 years, and a GP for 28 of those. Having qualified in Birmingham, and done a few hospital jobs in and around the city, I got a taste of rural practice in South Shropshire, and then worked in Bristol as a partner for 12 years. I realised my dream of becoming a country GP when I moved to Cropredy 16 years ago. The rest as they say, is history!
I have been happy and fulfilled here, and with Judith Wright and the excellent team, have tried to provide relevant health care in a patient-centred and holistic way. I believe that illness is more than mechanical malfunction, being influenced by psychological and social aspects, as well as physical. There have been many changes in recent years, which, to my mind, serve to undermine this philosophy.
GPs are being forced to practise medicine by numbers, in order to hit targets and conform to protocols. There have been some improvements in the standard of care, but the concentration on the above aspects, to my mind, conflicts with patient-centred care, and the patient's welfare runs the risk of getting compromised. I have found it increasingly difficult to practise because of this, and it is for this reason, that I feel I must go.
I prefer to consider my departure as "moving on" rather than retiring, and I look forward to pursuing my interests.
I shall miss my colleagues and patients, many of whom have become good friends, but I know that Cropredy Surgery will always strive for the good of the patient, and am confident that my replacement will be of the highest calibre.
Yours sincerely
Chris Day
Dr Wright will be recruiting a new doctor over the summer ready to take over from Dr Day in October.
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SICK NOTE TO FIT NOTE
The old medical certificates or 'sick notes' will be replaced on 6 April with a different form known as a 'Fit Note'. This form will still allow the doctor to record whether a patient is fit or not fit for work but will also give a new option to show that someone is fit for some work now.
The doctor will be able to recommend a return to work with some support from the patient's employer. This help could be, for example, a phased return to work, altered hours, changed duties or adaptations to the workplace.
It may not always be possible for your employer to act on the doctor's advice and you will not be able to return to work until you have recovered. You do not need another certificate from the doctor to confirm that you are fit to work unless you have been told that a further assessment is needed.
For more information go to www.direct,gov.uk
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PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CANNOT KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT
In the last 12 months 659 appointments with the doctors, nurses and phlebotomist were missed and the patients did not let us know. That means that we were unable to offer the slot to someone else.
If you cannot come to your appointment, please tell us.
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EMIS ACCESS
An increasing number of our patients are using EMIS Access to order repeat prescriptions, book appointments online and tell us about changes of address. Soon we will be trialling a scheme to allow patients to view their own medical record using the same system. We will be contacting some of our patients who are already happily using EMIS Access to see if they would like to be involved in this trial. If you are contacted you do not have to take part and can continue to use the present range of services.
This system is not the same as the national Care Records Scheme where your information is uploaded to a national database.
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Please see our Swine Flu information page.
Advice for the Public - click here
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Anaesthesia
Are you waiting for surgery and concerned about the anaesthetic, its risks and side effects?
The Royal College of Anaesthetists has arranged for patients to be able to find information from the RCoA website www.rcoa.ac.uk (click on the link at the top of the page “for patients” then “information for patients” and choose from the list below).
Leaflets available include
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Anaesthesia explained (a detailed general booklet)
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You and your anaesthetic (a shorter version)
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Your anaesthetic for aortic surgery
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Your spinal anaesthetic
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Epidurals for pain relief after surgery
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Local anaesthesia for your eye operation
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Your tonsillectomy as day surgery
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Headache after an epidural or spinal anaesthetic
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Anaesthetic choices for hip or knee replacement
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Your child’s anaesthetic
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Your child’s general anaesthetic for dental treatment
A further range of leaflets gives information about specific risks from ‘Feeling Sick’ to ‘Death and Brain Damage’. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section for some more common questions.
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Private Screening Programmes
The following information has been recently received from Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust. Patients are free to choose whether they take up private health screening but Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust does not recommend such programmes.
When making your decision to be privately screened you should consider the following.
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Is the test effective - will it tell me whether I have a disease or not?
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Is there treatment available that will make a difference?
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Is the test a one-off or will I need to have repeat tests?
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If I need repeat tests will they recall me or do I have to remember to attend?
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Is the information that they are supplying to me correct?
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Will they inform my GP of the results?
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Will I be able to have treatment on the NHS for the condition, if detected?
More and more of these services are being offered and whilst some may be useful, to most patients they are not necessary.
If you would like more information about screening programmes, their effectiveness and why certain programmes are not offered on the NHS visit
http://www.screening.nhs.uk/policies
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August Bank holiday opening hours
The surgery will be closed on Monday, 30 August 2010.
If you need urgent care when we are closed, please ring the surgery 01295/758372 and your call will be diverted to the emergency care doctor service. You may also ring NHS Direct on 0845/4647 (see our Out of Hours page for more information).
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help during a POwer cut for priority users
If you depend on electricity for home medical care, you could register with the Priority Service Register. This service means that your electricity supplier will do everything possible to help during an emergency power cut.
You should register if you are using any medical equipment, particularly any of the following
To register you can collect a leaflet from the Surgery waiting room or, if you would just like to know, more call the general enquiry line on 0800 096 3080
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YOUR NHS NUMBER IS IMPORTANT
Everyone registered with the NHS in England and Wales has their own unique NHS number which is printed on their medical card. The ten-digit NHS number helps healthcare staff to find your health records.
All letters that come from the surgery will have your NHS number on them and so you might want to record it in a safe place.
Where will I find my number?
If you do not have your NHS number, you can be given it by the Surgery but you may be asked for proof of identity such as a passport or driving licence to protect your privacy. If you are not currently registered with a GP practice the Primary Care Trust will be able to look it up for you. You can find your local PCT by visiting www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx select ‘NHS Trusts’ and enter your postcode or alternatively call NHS Direct on 0845/4647
What about my Baby?
Babies born in hospital in England and Wales are given an NHS number soon after birth. If your baby was born at home, you will receive an NHS number when you register your baby’s birth.
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Prescription Charges fixed
Prescription charges have been fixed at ?7.20 per item for this year. Some patients qualify for exemption from charges and, from 1 April 2009, cancer patients have also been included. The following list give details of others who are exempt.
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Children under 16 years of age
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Full time students aged 16, 17 or 18
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Anyone aged 60 or over
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War pensioners with a valid certificate
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Anyone in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseekers Allowance
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Anyone with a partner in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
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Anyone with one of a range of exemption certificates
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From 1 April 2009 patients with cancer will be entitled to exemption from charges. If this applies to you, please ask for the forms at the surgery and apply for your exemption certificate after 1 February.
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Certain other medical conditions also entitle a patient to exemption.
Discounts are available for patients requiring longer courses of medicines, via "Prepayment Certificates".
For more information visit the Department of Health website.
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Chlamydia Screening
You may not know that you have it. You don't have to be examined and the test is simple, painless, totally voluntary. It is available to anyone who is a patient of the practice, sexually active and under 25 years old.
The test is available now in the practice so ask the receptionist, doctor or nurse for a testing kit and they will tell you what to do.
Year 8 girls must have their vaccine in school; it is not available from GP surgeries as the doses of HPV have been given to the school nurses. Any girls in year 8 who are not in school on the day of their vaccine session will be picked up in the 'mop up' clinics run by school nurses.
If you want to know more about chlamydia or the test go to www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk/index.htm
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Arm against cervical cancer
From September 2008, the HPV vaccine will be offered routinely to 12- to 13-year-old girls (school year 8). Over the next three years there will also be a catch-up programme for older girls aged 13-18 starting with 17- to 18-year-olds this autumn. Oxfordshire PCT has decided to deliver the vaccine via a school-based programme for the 12 to 13 year-old girls.
For more information follow this link
http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/HPV
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NEW HEALTH CENTRE FOR BANBURY
The Banbury Health Centre is the name of the new GP-led or Darzi Centre which opened at 58 Bridge Street, Banbury on 15 October. An NHS dental suite is also now open on the ground floor of the Centre.
The contract to provide the new GP led Health Centre in Banbury was awarded to Principal Medical Limited (PML), a limited company set up by a group of Oxfordshire GPs in 2004 and currently managing the out-of-hours GP on-call service for Banbury. It also provides a range of primary and community services for the NHS during the day operating from the Horton General Hospital.
Who can use the Centre?
Registered patients: people living within a five mile radius of Banbury Cross may register to use the service.
Non-registered patients: anyone can use the walk-in service including visitors and commuters to the area. Appointments can be booked or you can drop in and wait to be seen.
What are the opening times?
8.00 am ? 8.00 pm every day
What difference will it make to Cropredy Surgery?
Patients living within a five mile radius of Banbury Cross may register as patients with the practice. That could include some of our current patients if they live in Oxfordshire. Patients from counties on the Oxfordshire border will not be accepted as registered patients at the new centre. Patients frequently using the walk-in centre, and who live in the catchment area, may be invited to register there to ensure that they have continuity of care.
More information is available from Oxfordshire PCT on www.oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk you can email newhealthcentre@oxfordshirepct.nhs.uk ring 01865/336800 or write to Sarah Adair, Freepost RRRK-BZBT-ASXU, Oxfordshire PCT, Jubilee House, 5510 John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park South, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2LH
You may find out more from the BMA site at http://www.supportyoursurgery.org.uk/index.php
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Extended opening hours
Extended opening hours for GPs has received much media coverage and debate. In deciding whether to increase the hours that we open we have considered the responses from our patients in recent surveys.
In one such survey, there were 200 respondents with 85% of our patients saying that they were satisfied or very satisfied with our opening hours, 8.00 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday.
The extended opening would be one and three quarter hours a week for a surgery of this size requiring a doctor, a nurse, a receptionist and a dispenser to open for that time. Since we have only two GPs working here, when one of them was away it would be extremely difficult for the other to run an effective practice.
The other 'behind the scenes' work done by the GPs such as writing referral letters, visiting patients and reviewing laboratory results, still have to be completed even when there is only one GP here covering the work of two.
The cost of extending the hours for this surgery in staff time, additional utility bills and security, on top of the practical difficulties, has led us to decide not to open for longer hours at present. If this changes at some future point then we will of course let you know.
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The NHS Spine
One thing that is always consistent in the development of the NHS computer system is that it is constantly changing. In our previous newsletter we explained that patients who do not want their personal information to be added to the national system, may opt-out by writing to the practice manager. There are now discussions underway as to whether the system should be changed to patients opting-in so that each patient has to give his or her consent before details are uploaded.
For more information about the system please visit http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/
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NHS Constitution
The Government is proposing to introduce a set of principles and values that should guide everything that is done in the NHS. It includes a commitment to providing a comprehensive service, available to all without discrimination, and based on clinical need not the ability to pay. This is what has been described as the Constitution. There is a consultation period that ends on 17 October after which the Constitution will be finalised.
Some of the main points for patients contained in the proposed Constitution are as follows:
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Your right to drugs approved for use if recommended by your doctor, and to an explanation of all decisions made about funding your treatment
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Your right to make choices about your NHS care and to be given the information that you need to do so
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Your right to have your say in the planning and development of local services
You can find out more from www.dh.gov.uk/consultations obtain copies from www.orderline.dh.gov.uk by email from dh@prolog.uk.com, by ringing 0300 123 1002, or by post from PO Box 777 London SE1 6XH
Comments are invited to nhsconstitution@dh.gsi.gov.uk or by post to NHS Constitution Room 611aRichmond House79 WhitehallLondon SW1A 2NS
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Decided to give up smoking in 2010?
If you are thinking that this is the time to give up smoking we can help. We have three smoking cessation advisers who can give you information on the free support that you can have from the NHS.
Janet, Sue and Siobhan are our trained smoking cessation advisers at the surgery and they will be able to support you. Nicotine replacement therapy is also available on prescription.
So call 01295 758372 or ask at reception for more information.
You can also call 0800 169 0 169, visit http://gosmokefree.nhs.uk/ or www.smokefreeoxfordshire.nhs.uk to get unhooked.
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Accessing our Services Online
EMIS Access is a new way of ordering prescriptions, booking routine appointments with the doctor, phlebotomist (for blood samples) or the dispensary manager for reviews of the use of medicines (DRUMs). You can also let us know if you change your address or other contact details.
Click here to read more on this service.
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Beating the DRUM for patients' medicines
As part of our dispensing service we are offering a Dispensing Review of Use of
Medicines (DRUM) to some of our patients.
This review is a face-to-face meeting with Kate our dispensary manager and is an opportunity better to understand your medicines and their uses.
You may be invited in when you collect your medicines or you could make an
appointment with Kate at a time to suit you.
This is an extra service that we offer and not a replacement for seeing the
doctor or the nurse so you should still come along for your regular
appointments.
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Do you have a Hospital Appointment?
Patients who do not keep their hospital appointments and who do not call to
cancel, cost the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals up to £1/2million or around 37,000
appointments a year.
In an effort to contain the problem, from 1 January 2007 a new policy is to be
introduced. If a patient does not attend their appointment and does not contact
the Hospital to let them know, they will be given seven days to call to arrange
another appointment. If they do not make contact within the seven days, they and their GP will be told that the patient has been removed from the waiting list.
This will not apply to cancer patients and other urgent referrals.
Maternity cases will be offered one further appointment.
There are many appointments within the surgery that are also lost because people do not let us know that they are not coming. If we do know, it allows us to offer the appointment to someone else and cuts down the time people have to wait to see the doctor or nurse.
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Childhood Immunisations
There were important changes to the childhood immunisations schedule in 2007 intended to give young children the best protection against serious, vaccine-preventable diseases.
One significant change is the introduction of a new vaccine to protect against
pneumococcal infection. All children born after 4 September 2006 will be invited
to the surgery to receive the immunisation.
Those children who are born before 4 September are being offered the
vaccinations through our 'catch-up' system.
If you would like more details on the changes or the catch-up campaign, leaflets
are available at the surgery.
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