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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.” 1 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 2 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 3