PHARMACY FIRST IS A NEW SERVICE
PATIENTS CAN WALK IN OR BE REFERRED TO BY THE PRACTICE.
PHARMACY FIRST CAN PROVIDE ADVICE AND MEDICATION, EVEN ON PRESCRIPTION .png "Pharmacy services")
Zero Tolerance – Abusive or Aggressive Behaviour
Our staff come to work to care for others, and it is important for all members of the public and our staff to be treated with courtesy and respect. They are doing a difficult and stressful job, particularly during the current pandemic when many of our usual services are restricted or cancelled.
In line with the rest of the NHS and to ensure this is fully observed, we have a Dignity at Work and Zero Tolerance policy. This means that aggressive or violent behaviour towards our staff or any member of the public within our Practice premises will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Anyone giving verbal abuse to members of staff, either in person or over the telephone, will be sent a letter from the Practice Manager advising that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Any future violation of this policy will result in the removal from the Practice patient list. There will be no appeal process.
We feel sure that you will understand that proper behaviour is absolutely necessary for our staff and patients and that non-observance will not be accepted.
The video below gives details of abuse some GP practice receptionist teams have experienced first hand, in their own words. By sharing this we would like to highlight the issues faced by some of our GP Practice colleagues elsewhere but also to be thankful that in contrast our patients are generally gracious and courteous when speaking to our team. We are always trying to help, including when signposting patients to the most appropriate healthcare resource, and we thank our patients so much for being kind to us as it helps us to help you.
Although most of our patients might find it unthinkable, our staff team have had to deal with some similar comments and abuse thrown at them both over the phone and face to face. This is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to call it out when it occurs. It is not in anyone's job description to be abused or threatened in the workplace.
Surgery closure: The surgery will be closed on 9th October at 12.30pm for training purposes. If you need urgent advice call 111.
To help your surgery, please don’t forget there are many services available for you, depending on your condition. These include:
Self-care – This is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as hangovers, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts or sore throats. Many of these can be treated at home, simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
Pharmacy – Pharmacists can give advice on and treat a range of symptoms. They can support you with things such as diarrhoea, earaches, painful coughs, sticky eyes, teething and rashes.
NHS 111 – You can access 111 online or via the telephone. This is for any urgent but non-life threatening health concerns. They will be able to signpost you to the relevant service and provide advice where appropriate, or book you in to an Urgent Treatment Centre.
A&E / 999 – You should only attend A&E or dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties and severe chest pain.
If you are now eligible for your COVID-19 booster please book it as soon as you can. It is vital as many people as possible get boosted as soon as possible. Please do not ring the practice regarding your boosters, instead visit https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/coronavirus-vaccination-in-northamptonshire.aspx or call 119 to book an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic near you. You can also find out more about who is eligible, how the vaccine is given and other frequently asked questions.
Notice from Northampton General Hospital
If you are a patient at Northampton General Hospital and have any questions or queries about an outpatient appointment, when your planned operation is expected to take place, or if you want to cancel or rearrange an appointment with the hospital, please contact their Outpatient Contact Centre on 01604 545555. We do not have access to the hospital booking system and will not be able to provide you with the information you need. That number again is 01604 545555. Thank you for your support
Non Prescription Medication
The Government has published a list of conditions for which medication will no longer be available on prescription. Full details can be found at this website.
http://www.networks.nhs.uk/networks/news/quick-reference-guide-to-over-the-counter-items-not-to-be-prescribed-in-primary-care
Data Collection
The practice is obliged to allow a collection of patient data for NHS Digital. This will be in the form of patients' NHS numbers. Please see the full notice on the information sharing page (Link below).
If you wish to opt out of this collection please notify the surgery so that we can record your wishes.
REGISTRATIONS
We are currently accepting requests for registration from individuals and families living in our catchment area (this includes people currently registered elsewhere at other local GP practices). Our catchment area is as follows:
Bellinge, Ecton Brook, Great Billing, Little Billing & Rectory Farm.
To register please use the form on the New Patients page (link at the top of this page).
Travel Immunisations - Important Information
Due to unforeseen circumstances we are currently unable to offer a Travel Advice & Vaccination Service to our patients, which we have, up until recently, provided for our patients convenience even though it is not part of NHS contracted services.
For more detailed information on how to access your vaccination history and options for vaccinations please go to the Travel Immunisation section under the 'Clinics & Services' tab at the top of the page.
Telephone System
Our telephone system operates between the following hours:
Mornings from 8am until 11am or until we reach capacity for that session.
Afternoons from 2pm until 4pm
The afternoon session is intended to deal with urgent problems and you may be asked to wait until the next morning if you agree that your problem can wait.
Telephone lines will be closed between 1pm - 2pm
Outside of these hours urgent medical advice can be obtained from the 111 service.
Electonic Prescription Service
The easiest and most effective way to order your prescription is via the NHS App, this can be downloaded on to your mobile phone or computer, alternatively you can follow the link provided
Log in - NHS App Online (service.nhs.uk) Please allow 7 working days for you prescription to be fully processed
Our CQC Rating is: GOOD
Give feedback on care - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)
(Site updated 25/09/2024)