Hello!
We are so pleased to see the uptake of the flu jab has been high this year. For those of you who still haven’t managed to have your injection please get in touch with our reception staff.
I am sure many of you are aware, as the winter creeps in so do the numerous bugs that are flying around. Consequently, this can put pressure on all healthcare services, including Exmoor Medical Centre, and we continue to try to meet our demand and prioritise our care as effectively as possible.
How can you help us to help you?
Firstly, consider whether your query requires seeing or speaking to a GP, or whether your question can be answered by another member of the team….
In an effort to try to deal with your queries as efficiently and effectively as possible our reception staff are asked to enquire about a patient’s concern when they request an urgent appointment with a GP. We understand that not everyone may wish to divulge their reasons, but where possible we would ask that you do. In providing this information you can help the doctor deal with your need in the most efficient way possible. Where there is a need for a doctor’s appointment that day, you will often find the doctor will need to phone you back to ensure you are seen at the most appropriate time in the most appropriate place.
Sometimes you may not necessarily need to speak to a doctor and may find other members of the team helpful….
Do you have a query about medication? Do you need a new medication that has been advised by a consultant at the hospital or you would like to request a medication that is not on your repeat prescription?
- Speak to our dispensers…
- they will be able to access your records to see if a GP has seen and prescribed according to a consultants letter – and if they haven’t received or processed that request the dispensers can prompt the GP to do so.
- They can identify if you have had a medication before that is not on your repeat prescription and ask the GP to prescribe it. Again they ask for more information to help the GP process this request. If the GP feels they need to speak to you the surgery will be in touch to arrange this.
- You may be due a medication review – you may not always need to see a GP for this – it may be worth asking the dispensers if you need to come in or whether the GP has enough up to date information regarding your health to be able to update your medication from your notes.
Do you have a query about a referral? Are you struggling with booking your hospital appointment? Would you prefer to be referred privately?
- Speak to our medical secretaries….
- They will be able to look up relevant information and support you with queries around your referrals.
- They can communicate directly with the GP on your behalf to arrange an alternative referral or discuss your query and get back to you on the GPs behalf.
Do you need information about groups, services and micro providers in the community?
- Speak to our receptionists…
- They will be able to direct you to the appropriate place, give you useful phone numbers and advise you on where you can access the help you need
Do you need to request a home visit?
- We ask that you speak to our receptionists prior to 11am that day if it is at all possible. This enables the GPs to phone when needed and plan lunchtime visits as efficiently possible
- We ask that home visits are only requested for housebound patients.
Do you need to find out about blood test results?
- Our receptionists are able to discuss blood tests with patients or those with written consent in place to discuss a patient’s record on their behalf. We request that you phone after 3pm for results as the mornings are usually very busy for receptionists arranging appointments.
Have you heard about our Talking Cafés?
- We are so fortunate now as part of the West Somerset Living Better Project to have a Talking Café taking place in Dulverton Library every Friday between 10am – 12pm. This is a great place to meet people and also access local services and resources. These cafés have been a success in Minehead and we are now very lucky to have this in Dulverton. Please feel free to go along and see what it is all about!
That’s enough of the information overload and now on to a fond farewell to our Nurse Louise. She will we greatly missed by so many and we wish her well… We now welcome our new nurse, Clare Hendy, who is now settling in as a much valued team member…
Best Wishes,
Kelsey
Exmoor Medical Centre 