Download Brechin Health Services Community Update 4

Brechin Health Services
Community Update
Issue 4, 8 August 2016
For all the latest information about services at Brechin Health Centre, visit the website at
www.brechinhealthcentre.co.uk. You can also read all the community updates issued on
Brechin Health Centre on NHS Tayside’s facebook page www.facebook.com/nhstayside or
follow NHS Tayside on Twitter @nhstayside
If you want to share your feedback about services at the health centre, speak to staff at the
centre or contact the Feedback Team on 0800 027 5507 or email [email protected]
Recruitment and Services update from Dr Michelle Watts, NHS Tayside Associate
Medical Director
“As we described in the last update, GP staffing levels at the practice are improving as we
move through August. We are also continuing with our efforts to recruit to the health centre,
with some success.
“I am delighted to announce that a new GP, Dr Penny Lockwood, will be joining the practice
on a part-time basis from 1 October and we look forward to welcoming her to the health
centre.
“We are also finalising the appointment of an advanced nurse practitioner, with a further
nurse practitioner post being advertised. This will provide three advanced nurse practitioners
in Brechin who are highly trained and provide a very complementary role to that of the GPs.
“Our multidisciplinary team in the centre continues to expand. Last week, a mental health
and wellbeing nurse started working in the practice two days per week to support the
practice in the management of patients with mental health and wellbeing concerns. As a
member of the community mental health team, the nurse can help with concerns such as
anxiety, stress and depression. This service will run initially for a six-month trial period.
“Medicine for the Elderly clinics are planned to begin at the end of August to support the
assessment and review of our frail elderly patients, for whom issues such as polypharmacy
(multiple repeat medications) and falls can be major issues and pose risks to their health.
“We are also caring for the health of our practice team, encouraging them to look after their
own health as well as that of the patients. Following feedback from a staff session, a
Healthcare Chaplain is now attending the practice fortnightly to offer support and a listening
ear to all staff.”
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Investment in the health centre
NHS Tayside is committed to providing healthcare services from the current health centre
and is investing in improvements to the building and its infrastructure.
Over the coming weeks, a new phone system will be installed in the health centre which will
help us deal with calls more efficiently. We are improving the interior of the building which is
benefiting from a fresh coat of paint. We will also be carrying out minor repair works and
improving access to the centre by repairing the asphalt at the main entrance.
Information events
Following on from the successful open day held by the Practice Participation Group in April,
we are planning a series of patient information events at the health centre over the coming
weeks.
We are finalising topics, dates and times, but the events will cover issues such as chronic
pain and dementia. We will keep you updated as plans progress.
Communicating with our patients
We want to share news about Brechin Health Centre with as many of our patients as
possible so, as well as sharing information in updates like these, we’d also like to come out
and meet our patients face-to-face.
If you are a member of a local community group and would like to hear from practice staff or
a member of the Brechin Health Centre Practice Participation Group about what’s happening
at the health centre, please get in touch with Rhona Guild on 01307 474889 or
[email protected] and we’d be delighted to come along to one of your meetings.
How to access GP and other healthcare services at the health centre
There are many health services provided at Brechin Health Centre by nursing staff and
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and there is no change to how they are running. For your
routine nurse and clinic appointments at Brechin Health Centre, please call 01356 624411 in
the usual way. You can also go to the practice to drop off and collect prescriptions.
Please do not present in person at the health centre if you want to see a GP.
 Please call the practice on the normal number 01356 624411 with any general
practice related enquiries, including if you want to be seen by a GP.

You will then be triaged. Triage means assessing need and it is a tried and tested
way in which we can manage our patients’ health needs effectively.

Triaging all phone calls into the practice allows the practice staff to manage demand
and means more issues can be dealt with on a patient’s first phone call. It also
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means people may not have to take time off work for issues that can be dealt with by
phone.

A receptionist will gather basic information to ensure the most appropriate clinical
member of staff handles the request or will address any non-clinical requirements
e.g. booking nurse appointments.

When the member of the clinical team calls the patient back, they may be able to
handle the request on the phone, they may signpost the patient to a range of
services, or invite them into the practice to be seen.

The call back may come from a ‘withheld’ number, so please stay near your
phone and be sure to answer calls if you are waiting for a call back.

As normal, emergency calls should continue to be passed to Scottish Ambulance
Service on 999.
Where else can I access healthcare support and advice?

The Minor Illness and Injuries Unit, which is operating from Brechin Health Centre
until the end of August, is able to treat a wide range of minor injuries and arrange
x-rays for suspected broken bones (open daily from 9am to 4.30pm).

Your local community pharmacy can offer advice and treatment for minor illnesses
such as sore throats, coughs, colds and upset stomachs. There are many over-thecounter medicines available without obtaining a prescription.

Opticians can provide advice for eye problems and refer you to hospital, if required.

If you think you need to see a GP when your practice is closed, call NHS24 free for
advice on 111.

For general health information, visit NHS Inform www.nhsinform.co.uk or phone 0800
22 44 88 to speak to a health advisor (8am - 10pm everyday).
Coming up
In the next update we will discuss:

Further recruitment and service information

More details about information events
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