Newsletter February 2024

 

Anima - the fastest way to get the care you need

Making it easier to book an appointment

We want to put an end to the 8am rush for appointments and to make it much easier for you to get the help you need. That’s why we are making changes which will make getting an appointment easier and fairer.

What is changing?

We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of our patients. At the moment some of our appointments are given out on a “first-come, first-served” basis to those who can contact the practice each morning at 8am. It’s definitely not the best way of doing things.

That is why we are introducing a new booking system which will get you the help you need more quickly and conveniently. To make this happen we are introducing a new system called “Anima” and putting in place a specialist team of health professionals whose job will be to improve the process of getting an appointment at the practice.

How will things change for me?

You will have some new ways that you can book an appointment with us through our website but, don’t worry, you can still telephone us or visit the practice if that is what you would prefer. The biggest benefit is that these changes will mean there will be no more “morning rush” to queue on the telephones or queue at the surgery. No matter what time you contact us all our appointments will be prioritised by our clinical team based on medical urgency.

Other changes will include:

  • More ways for you to request an appointment
  • Your case will be assessed by our clinical team who will decide the best plan for you
  • If you care for others, you can complete an online request for them quickly and efficiently
  • You can easily log in to see the status of your request and the outcomes of your current and past appointment requests
  • You will be asked questions without medical jargon
  • You don’t need to discuss any medical issues over the phone - you can send an online request helping to improve confidentiality
  • The system is easier to use if English is not your first language, if you are deaf, or have hearing difficulties
  • Sometimes a GP is not the best person to help you with your medical concern. Our clinical team is made up of lots of different specialties and the new system will offer you the best – and earliest appointment for your individual needs
  • If you do not need to be seen urgently, you will be able to easily choose the most convenient appointment from those available
  • You will get a text message and email to keep you updated about your appointment times.

When will the new system be launched?

From Monday 4th March 2024. As with any new system we may experience teething challenges, but we aim to keep those to a minimum. See more information on Anima

Do I need to do anything?

You will need to register to use Anima

By clicking the link, you can set up an account by using an email address and creating a password. You will then be asked to verify your email via the link sent. Then simply enter your own details (Name, DOB, Sex, Postcode, Telephone Number, GP practice and NHS number if known). Once an account is created you can then submit you request to the practice from 4th March 2024.

View further information and frequently asked questions about Anima

 

Pharmacy First

From today, patients do not need a GP appointment or prescription to get treatment for sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, or an uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.

Instead, they can go to their local pharmacy where they can speak to a pharmacist, who can provide advice and treatment if appropriate. This may be an over-the-counter medicine or a prescription-only medicine, depending on the clinical needs of the patient.

If the patient needs additional support, the pharmacist will refer them to a GP or another healthcare provider. No appointment is needed, and most pharmacists offer a private consultation room for confidential discussions about patients’ health concerns. 

 

DNA Rates - January 2024

In January, we offered 6963 appointments, of which 4.9% were DNA'd (Did Not Attend). By clinician type, this breaks down as:

  • Physios - 9.6% DNAs
  • HCA Appointments - 9.2% DNAs
  • Nurse Appointments - 8.5% DNAs
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioners - 5.1% DNAs
  • Pharmacists - 3.2% DNAs
  • Paramedic - 3% DNAs
  • GPs - 1.9% DNAs

If these patients had let us know that they were unable to attend their appointment, we would have been able to offer and rebeook these appointments for other patients who needed them.  If you are unable to attend, please cancel your appointment 24 hours in advance either by phone or online – thank you.

Published: Feb 1, 2024