Reduction in pre-bookable GP Appointments in October 2024
Due to our clinical pharmacist & some GPs annual leave we will have reduced capacity for "pre-bookable" GP appointments in October. We have to manage the priority medications management work for our patients which will temporarily transfer to the GPs whilst the pharmacist is away. We will return back to normal in November and we ask patients to kindly bear with us during this time.
Autumn/Winter Vaccinations 2024/25 (Flu, the new RSV and Covid Boosters) (revised 24 Sep 24)
Winter Flu Vaccinations
NHS England directed all primary care GP Practices to start vaccinating for Winter Flu from Thursday 3 October (previously it was September). We have open week day clinics with the Practice Nurses and have set up the 2 X Saturday Flu clinics on 5 and 12 October at the Surgery, as run in previous years.
We sent out mobile phone SMS invitations to all flu cohort patients. Staff will be contacting those who don't have registered mobile phone numbers to assist them with their flu vaccination bookings. The link in the SMS message allows patients to make online bookings direct into the booking system.
RSV Vaccinations
The new RSV vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) introduced by NHS England is live now. This is for 75 to 79 age group patients and pregnant women (28wks) and helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. It must be given apart from the Flu vaccine, not at the same time. Mobile phone SMS appointment invites with a booking link have been sent to all patients in these 2 cohort groups.
Covid Boosters available from 3 October 24
The latest Covid booster vaccination is available for those patients in the appropriate cohorts listed below - please call 119 to book your next Covid vaccination appointment and you will be offered an appointment at the closest pharmacy/other healthcare centre delivering the vaccinations. We have some limited pre bookable appointments at the Brentwood GP hub, so please contact the reception team. The GP hub (ACE) will as usual, deliver these to care homes and housebound patients as normal - ACE hub staff then get in touch with housebound patients to book their visit appointments direct.
- residents in care homes (older adults)
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk / vulnerable / immunosuppressed groups
Please note, there has been a minor software error that incorrectly sent a small number of RSV appointment invitations to some patients under the age 75 or females that are not pregnant - if you have received such an appointment, please disregard the message and invitation and accept our apologies if you received such an invite.
Medical Students from ARU (Chelmsford) and London Medical University's (updated 24 Sep 24)
From September 2024 we will be hosting Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Imperial College London (ICL) & University College London (UCL) Medical Students (year levels 4 to 6). Mostly the students will be on 4 week placements supervised by our GP Partners. This is part of their mid to latter Medical Training before they specialise and move into their chosen career paths. This is similar across a number of GP Practices in Mid and South Essex.
Patients will be asked if they are happy to have their consultation with the Medical Student present in the room. On some occasions, the Year 4 students will lead the consultation with assistance from the GP and the Y5s and 6s will see patients on their own, supervised later each session by the GP Partners.
Important Surgery Dates
Monday 30 September - 1200 ICB Quality Assurance Visit again by the Mid & South Essex Integrated Care Board
Friday 25 October - ICB Infection & Prevention Control Audit by the Mid & South Essex Integrated Care Board
Free and Low Cost Activities in the Brentwood area (new 21 Aug 24)
Please see below a PowerPoint slide set giving details of free activities for patients and families in the Brentwood area. This has been forwarded to us and all the Brentwood PCN GP Practices and we hope all find it useful.
Free activities in the Brentwood area Summer 2024
NHS/ICB "Time to Learn" (TTL) sessions - next on Tuesday 1 October 2024 (rev 11 Sep 24)
We will be closed from 1300 to the end of the day on the first Tuesday of each month for Mid & South Essex NHS ICB "Time to Learn Training" sessions.
These once a month, half day training sessions are to allow the full practice team to meet for formal training events and to receive the latest NHS and ICB healthcare updates. This is Mid & South Essex ICB policy, operated across all GP Practices in the wider area.
We ask patients with urgent medical needs on these afternoons to please use the NHS 111 or Pharmacy First services in the first instance. We open as normal at 0800 the next day.
Blood Pressure (BP) at home Calculator (new 1 Aug 24)
https://rutherfordmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/patient-information-resources/blood-pressure-calculator/
A blood pressure (BP) test is a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low. BP is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body.
Blood Pressure Chart
High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on your arteries and organs, which can increase your risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) isn't usually as serious, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people.
A BP test is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because most people won't have any obvious symptoms. Having a test is easy and could save your life.
We have a great calculator (see the weblink above and below, used by a number of Primary Care GP Practices) for our patients who are able to take their own BPs at home and calculate their 'average BP'; patients can then send/hand to the surgery at the reception desk. This wont suit all patients but it will assist those who can take and calculate at home and provide to the Surgery.
If you have any queries please speak to a member of the reception team or your GP/Nurse when next visiting the Surgery
https://rutherfordmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/patient-information-resources/blood-pressure-calculator/
Patient Reference Group (PRG) - Next Meeting Wed 16 October 2024 at 1900 (updated 11 July 24)
The Patient Reference Group (previously known as the Patient Participation Group) meets 4 times a year, with Surgery GPs & the Practice Mgr to present updates on all major issues relating to the Surgery as well as reviewing how we are doing. It also gives the group a patient voice to how and what we do. Our members are able to spread the message across the local CM4 community and the various forums they link into to help us all achieve the best outcomes for all patients.
We welcome new members who are new or current patients to join the group from all ages groups and you are most welcome to attend a meeting to listen in and hear first hand without any commitment at all (just contact the Surgery staff before the next meeting date to let us know).
Record of the recent PRG Meetings
For those interested patients, the record from the previous 3 meetings are available to read/review below:
PRG Minutes from the meeting held in October 2023
PRG Minutes from the meeting held in January 2024
PRG Minutes from the meeting held in April 2024
PRG Minutes from the meeting held in July 2024
GP Referrals to Hospitals/other healthcare organisations (new 2 Jul 24)
All patients must be aware that even with digital communications it takes some hours/time for GP referrals to reach their intended destination, Hospital or other healthcare organisation outpatient department. Therefore we ask patients to be patient and give at least a minimum of 24hours to check on their referral with the end destination.
Our Medical Secretary team work fast to get urgent referrals to their intended destinations. From then on it is the responsibility of the relevant hospital department team to process the new referral and load it into their system; this can take some time.
We understand patient frustrations and anxiety but please be aware that we cant chase this during the initial 24-36 hours and it is usually then up to the patient to communicate with the referring hospital.
We also kindly ask that patients use the information provided on their referral letters to contact the respective hospitals if they have further enquiries.
Vita Minds Mental Health Support Services (updated 18 Jun 24)
The Vita Minds Mental Health Support Group have updated their information on accessing their services for patients wishing to discuss help and support.
Vita run a service for talking therapies, where we can refer you as the patient to Vita (via their website filling out the on line form) or you the patient can self refer via the website
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/basildon-and-brentwood/
where a chat bot appears and you can access into the service or alternatively you can call Vita on 01268 977171. They also have free podcast’s that can be listened in the hub on the website. These could again help anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, low mood, sleep, menopause.
https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/news/podcasts/
Repeat Medications (new 15 July 24)
Some handy hints for Repeat Medications and Prescribing - we have a 3 working day/72 hours turnover time for all repeat medications, so please get all requests to us in good time before you run out of your medications.
Please use the green printed slip, given with your most current medications for your next request for repeat meds. For those who may have mislaid their green printed slip, you can download the attached slip to complete and place in the box in reception or hand to the staff at the reception desk.
Repeat Medications Request Slip
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccinations (new 23 May 24)
Pertussis is the whooping cough vaccine, routinely given as part of the: 6-in-1 vaccine, for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. 4-in-1 pre-school booster is for children aged 3 years 4 months.
NHS England also recommends Pertussis vaccinations for pregnant women. The best time to get vaccinated is between weeks 16 and 32 of your pregnancy. You may be offered the whooping cough vaccine after your mid-pregnancy scan, usually performed between 18 and 20 weeks. If you have not been offered it, please ask your midwife or contact us your GP practice
Online Registrations for new patients (new 15 May 24)
Please go to the New Patients tab above to see the link for the new online patient registration service plus other useful information for new patients and the boundary catchment area etc.
Appointment capacity with GPs & Clinical Staff (revised 7 May 24)
We very much understand frustrations caused when trying to book some new GP appointments. We try and plan GP & Nursing rotas some weeks in advance with annual leave, courses/training etc all taken into account to offer the best balance of appointments that particular week/month. We are aware some patients wish to see a particular GP and in some cases you may be asked to wait a little longer for their next available appointment.
The new housing developments now on stream are resulting in us receiving an average of 20 plus new patient registrations each week, adding the existing high demand. Also a contributing factor are the high number of weekly hospital discharges from secondary care requiring follow-up appointments. Regrettably this all equates to massive demand versus the limited capacity that we can offer. The PCN support all Brentwood group practices with allied health professionals offering MSK, physio and mental health services but again these are limited and shared across our local area.
Bennetts Community Tea Dances for 2024 (new 1 May 24)
All patients and those in our community are warmly invited to attend any of the regular Tea Dances being held this year at the Nightingale Centre, Pastoral Way, Warley. They are held each forth Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and the full list of dates and other information is contained in the flyer below. These events are inclusive for all adult SEN and are also Dementia Friendly.
Tea Dances at the Nightingale Centre Warley 2024
Help for MSK Sufferers (new 11 Apr 24)
https://www.getubetter.com/
We have been informed of a new App that is available to all patients who are suffering from (or have close family/friends) musculoskeletal pain and issues.
The link attached from "GetUbetter" gives much more information and how to download onto smartphones and tablets. Patients can self refer and be interactive with the organisation where it gives a lot of very useful info on why you are on a waiting list, how to manage pain whilst in the referral system and a lot of other useful good resource to help with getting the best possible outcomes in this common area of healthcare. We highly recommend you have a look at this and the app functionality and what is can do to help those suffering from MSK issues.
Friends & Family Test (FFT) (updated 3 August 24)
FFT data comes to the Surgery via mobile SMS responses received from those patients who respond to the "auto generated" SMS messages, sent 2 hours after each patient's GP/Nurse appointment. This message asks the patient about the level of care/service received during their appointment and also asks the patient to score the service from "V Good, Good, Not Good nor Poor, Poor to V Poor." It also asks the patient if they would recommend this Surgery to their friends & family.
Data collected for August 24 reports:
- 94,5 % of respondents reported the care/service received was Good or Very Good.
- 4 % reported neither Good nor Poor
- 1.5 % reported it being poor with a further 1% reporting Very Poor (mostly due to the time of a booked appointment to actual time of seeing the GP or Nurse).
We are never complacent with this data or any other feedback. It is updated monthly & we review the findings each month at GP/staff meetings to ensure we continue to provide the best service possible, working on the negatives including time in waiting rooms pre-appointments. This data is also reported to NHS England at the end of each month.
We do receive a few "poor" or "very poor" responses from those patients who end up having to wait a bit longer for their appointment. On some occasions and due to no fault of the previous patient or GP/Nurse, some appointments run late due to any number of complex issues. We ask all patients to kindly bear with us and the appointment ahead of theirs. We work hard to keep to scheduled appointment rotas but on some occasions there may be a wait involved. We apologise for this.
Finally if you do experience a really poor experience or problematic appointment/delay, put some ID info on your response so we can look at the actual appointment issues you have reported; we will then review and get back to you.
We do not monitor/respond to any Social Media posts/comments. We do monitor/respond to NHS Choices comments and take all feedback, comments and complaints seriously, in line with NHS MSE ICB guidelines.
All complaints should be forwarded to the Surgery in written form addressed to the Practice Manager (see the front home page notice re complaints).
Shingles Vaccinations (updated 1 Mar 24)
Reminder to all those patients who should have and need their Shingles vaccinations to please contact the Surgery to book in with one of the Nursing Team. Those eligible are:
- Individuals who are severely immunosuppressed - from age 50
- Immunocompetent individuals who have not previously received shingles vaccine - in age groups 70 to 79 (see note below)
(Those turning 65 and 70 years of age from 1 September 2023 (and then turning 65 and 70 years of age from 1 September in subsequent years ie 2024))
Pharmacy First Service (launched 31 Jan 24)
https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/launch-of-nhs-pharmacy-first-advanced-service/
Pharmacy First is now live in England and at our local pharmacy, Shadforths (Ingatestone). Please open the link above to read about the new service which allows patients to discuss and get treated for 7 main conditions listed below with the age range for treatment of these conditions:
Acute Otitis Media – 1 to 17 years
Impetigo – 1 year and over
Infected insect bites – 1 year and over
Shingles – 18 years and over
Sinusitis – 12 years and over
Sore throat – 5 years and over
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections – Women 16-64 years
Florence, the lead Pharmacist at Shadforths updated the Patient Group at the January 2024 meeting that she and her team were receiving training and preparing to take on this new service with the core aim being to add wider acute healthcare availability within the local community. In time and with patient participation in this programme it should free up some GP appointments so we can work with the more severe and longer term conditions - please do use this service where possible.
Patient and Staff Safety - Face Masks/Coverings (updated 1 May 24)
We continue to ask ALL patients with flu and/or respiratory/chest conditions/coughing symptoms to wear face masks or coverings when attending the surgery - this is to protect you as well as the GPs and staff - we are again now experiencing higher than normal patient numbers presenting with these conditions and we want to make the Surgery as safe as possible for all - thank you.
Dementia & Alzeimers (revised 6 Feb 24)
The staff met Mark Neville, the Essex lead for Dementia & Alzeimers at the training session on 6 Feb 2024. He briefed and updated the Surgery team on all things Dementia. Our own Dementia Champion (and staff member) Jackie M, will be working with Mark and his team refreshing/updating Dementia awareness in the Surgery and how patients and their loved ones can get advice, help and resources for sufferers.
The Ingatestone and Fryerning community is supported with a Memory Cafe known as "Thingamajig Cafe" based at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Forest Drive Chelmsford CM1 2TS. It is open on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 1300 to 1530. All are welcome and their contact number is 07956 855038
https://www.ingatestone-fryerningpc.gov.uk/memory-cafe-for-people-living-with-dementia/
Travel Vaccination Clinics (updated 10 Sep 24)
Our Surgery based travel vaccination clinics reopened in December 2023. Patients need to print and complete the "online form" attached here and then present at the Surgery where the staff will then initiate the process to have you booked in for the appropriate vaccination(s).
Patients must kindly understand that this is not classed as "core NHS" work. We need as much notice for these vaccinations as possible and we are unable to drop other "core NHS" programmed work to fit these in. In the event we are unable to get you booked in pre your travels, some patients may have to find alternative providers.
Please note we have limited weekly appointments for this service so please book ahead to avoid issues close to any travel dates.
Travel Vaccinations Form (to print off, complete & take to the Surgery)
Safe Surgeries Accredited (new 7 Aug 23)
New Folly Surgery is proud to be accredited as a "Safe Surgery" part of the Doctors of the World, Safer Surgeries mission. Their aim is to establish a network of Primary Care organisations that work with those new patients, registering from non-UK countries without any documentation/identification and assisting them through the process and requirements to formally register for healthcare services.
Proud to be a Safe Surgery Safe Surgery Declaration Aug 23
Missed Appointments - August 2024 (revised: 2 Aug 24)
We report on missed or "did not attend (DNA)" appointments each month, to hopefully reinforce the message to phone or contacting the Surgery to cancel any appointments no longer needed. We fully understand that the phones are busy, especially 0800 to 1000 each morning but do please ring the Surgery or make contact to cancel your appointment.
In August 24, 39 GP appointments were not attended - this number rose slightly and reflects all GP appointments missed without prior notification/cancellation; these appointments could have been offered to those unable to get appointments.
Please ring the Surgery to cancel all appointments that are no longer required - thank you!
Relationship Circle - New Listening & befriending service for women of all ages (new at 18 Jul 23)
Relationship Circle, a new Brentwood based listening & befriending service for women is now taking referrals for those in need of support or suffering from the effects of marriage disharmony, infidelity, separation/divorce, troubled teenagers, extended family issues, financial issues, employment, health issues and for those with a low risk of domestic violence and abuse. This organisation formed in May 2023 will offer a volunteer mentoring service matched to the issues being reported with the aim to assist, support and help steer that person away from their reported issues.
Relationship Circle Flyer July 23
Please contact direct: email: contact@relationship-circle.org // whatsapp: 07879 010400
Blood Pressure Testing at New Folly Surgery - Online Bookings
We would like to invite patients to use the online booking system to book your Blood Pressure checks (in the Surgery waiting room) from 19 June 2023. When booked, you can then attend the Surgery at the given date and time (bypassing the front desk) going to the rear of the main waiting area. Clear instructions are posted next to the machine. You should then do the test twice to produce the best "resting" reading. The machine will then print out the reading for you to hand out to the reception staff; this will then be checked by one of the clinicians and in the event of any adverse readings, you will be contacted my one of the staff to discuss your blood pressure further.
To access the online booking system please go to the main website homepage, then to the menu pages and then to appointments page - you can then access the online booking system.
PLEASE NOTE: THESE ONLINE APPOINTMENTS ARE ONLY FOR SELF SERVICE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTS AND NOT ANY OTHER TYPE OF APPOINTMENT
For those patients who do not have access to "online bookings", you will need to visit the Surgery and speak to a member of staff to obtain your new login and password - this will then give you at home/remote access to "online bookings".
We hope this new service is helpful to all our patients with testing their Blood Pressure, which is a vital indication of your current state of health.
Hearing Tests via Boots Hearing Care & Specsavers Opticians (new at 19 June 2023)
All patients should be aware that they can access hearing tests at both Boots and Specsavers. For more information please contact your local branch of both organisations or use the following links:
www.bootshearingcare.com
www.specsavers.co.uk/hearingtest
Social Prescribing for our patients and local community (new: 2 Mar 23)
Some of our patients will have heard about Social Prescribing but for those who are new to this subject, it is for non-clinical, non-urgent support for patients within our GP Practice and patient community. We would like to draw your attention to what it can do for you or your family and how you can access it and our own designated Social Prescriber, Sanah.
Also of interest it is National Social Prescribing Day on Thursday 9 March 2023 - there as posters up in the Surgery.
Social Prescribing Information 2023
Local Chelmsford/Brentwood/Basildon Radiology Services (new: 28 Feb 23)
All patients requiring walk in or non-referred Radiology services should check and use the information from this up to date contact sheet below.
New MSK Musculoskeletal Self Referral Service - "For Aches becoming Pain" (new: 21 Feb 23)
All patients should be aware of a recently introduced Essex based Musculoskeletal "Self Referral" Service for those with aches turning into real pains.
Please open this flyer below that gives all the information, a contact number and QR Code to scan in order to book a Self Referral appointment.
South Essex MSK Self Referral Service 2023
Our local Community Hub (new at 7 Feb 23)
Do you feel you need extra help and support, perhaps after being discharged from hospital? Get in touch with your local Community Hub for support with things such as:
shopping, support with energy costs, collecting prescriptions and your wellbeing etc. Please see the flyer below with all the information and local contact details
Community Hub information Feb 2023
Brentwood Primary Care Network (PCN)
New Folly Surgery is a member practice of Brentwood PCN. The PCN consists of a group of 8 Practices/Surgeries who work together to deliver equitable health care services. The PCN also supports each practice where required with temporary services, extended hours and mass vaccination programmes eg Covid 19 and boosters etc. Their Mission statement is below:
Brentwood PCN’s vision is to deliver the highest standards of care with equality, dignity, and respect to our patient population. Our aim is to create a system where member practices work closely together in collaboration with health and social care, voluntary sectors, community groups and local people to deliver inclusive and personalised care.
We strive to consistently review and improve our services whilst remaining respectful of, and responsive to, the needs of our patients.
Talking Therapies Services for patients with Long Term Conditions (LTCs) Brentwood/Basildon (new at 6 Feb 23)
We would like to signpost the latest local Talking Therapies services for any patients struggling with the mental side of dealing with LTC’s.
Patients can self-refer for FREE to this service in the normal way - please see the flyer below with all the relevant contact information (phone, website, chatbot on the website & fill out the form on the website) or patients can scan the QR code that will take you straight to the website.