Welcome to the October 2022 edition of Gillan House Surgery’s Newsletter which follows a recent face-to-face meeting of the Surgery’s Patient Participation Group (PPG). The meeting discussed a wide range of issues but most important was the need for patients to take full advantage of vaccinations and screenings being offered by the NHS.
Gillan House News
A new GP, Dr Nivedita Bose, has joined the Practice on a part-time basis and although Dr Ameena Rahman had now left she continues working at Gillan House as a locum. The Practice is also still seeking another GP to be a partner.
No progress has been made with the Gillan House building improvement project which first requires the digitising of patient records. A reply is awaited to the PPG’s letter to the North Central London Integrated Care Board about the availability of support for the digitising programme.
Screening and Vaccinations
Gillan House is currently focusing on patients aged 25 to 64 who are being encouraged to undertake cervical screening, and on patients aged 50 and over who are asked to respond to the current NHS bowel cancer screening programme. This has become a priority for the Surgery. Equally important is the need for patients to respond to the NHS invitation letter to undergo breast screening. The first invitation is made to patients between the ages of 50 and 53, and thereafter every 3 years until the age of 71.
The Surgery is also running a programme of polio booster injections for 1–9 year olds, and is directly contacting patients eligible for pneumonia and shingles vaccinations. Covid and Flu booster injections are being offered to Gillan House patients at The Woodberry Practice although new NHS guidance states that there should be a 28 day interval between a Covid and a Flu injection. Patients are asked to take full advantage of vaccinations being offered particularly as we are now approaching autumn and winter.
Extended Access – update
New arrangements came into effect on 1 October 2022 for obtaining medical assistance outside normal opening hours. This service is available at the Woodberry Practice from 6.30pm – 8.00pm each weekday evening and 8.00am – 8.00pm on Saturdays. Patients wishing to take advantage of an extended access appointment should speak to a member of the Gillan House Reception team during normal working hours.
Key Performance Indicators
As part of its inspection and reporting arrangements the Care Quality Commission looks at a Surgery’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These show to what extent a Surgery identifies and treats certain specified conditions, and comparisons are made with other providers. Gillan House KPIs are available at: https://www.gpcontract.co.uk/browse/F85701/21
Patient Access
A considerable amount of GP time could be saved if Gillan House patients were to use Patient Access. This is a website which provides information about a range of GP services as well as giving access to a patient’s health records. But a particularly useful facility is the ability to order repeat prescriptions which would then be available for collection at your chosen local Pharmacy. There is a link to Patient Access at the top of the Home page of the new Gillan House website. Patients will need a password in order to log into Patient Access and this is available from the Gillan House Reception.