PPG

A message from Paul Everall (Chair of the Bridport PPG):
Towards the end of last year, a Patient Participation Group was re-established at the Bridport surgery; one had been established at Maiden Newton earlier in the year. All GP practices are expected to have a PPG.

The aim of the Group is to foster an effective relationship between the staff of the practice and the patient population. We intend to help the practice in any way we can, through, for example, commenting on proposed changes to the way the surgery operates, promoting the practice at meetings and in the media, and suggesting ways in which the patient experience can be improved. I should stress that the setting up of the Group is not intended to interfere in any way with a patient's right to communicate direct with the surgery where there is a need to do so. The Group last met on 31st January and will meet again in April.

Last Month's Statistics

• 1284 Face to face appointments conducted by GPs and ANPs.
• 1528 Telephone consultations conducted by GPs and ANPs
• 3382 Nurse and HCA appointments booked.
• 5533 eConsults/triages processed.
• 6067 Reception managed and processed incoming calls.
• 2285 Prescription requests processed.
• 356 Did not attend (DNA) their appointments (or cancel them).

Feedback

We value your feedback at Ammonite Health Partnership, as it helps us improve the care and services we provide. Here's how you can give feedback:

• Contact Us Form: Visit the "Contact Us" page on our official website to fill out a feedback form and let us know your suggestions or comments.
• eConsult: You can easily submit feedback through our eConsult platform, where you can share your thoughts or concerns directly with us.
• In-Person: You can speak with our staff at the surgery or attend our Patient Participation Group (PPG) meetings to share your views (if you would be interested in joining then just ask at reception or contact us via the website).

Your feedback is important because it helps us understand your needs and make positive changes that enhance your experience with us. By sharing your thoughts, you contribute to the ongoing development of our services, ensuring we provide the best possible care to all our patients.

Why Yearly Reviews Matter for Your Health

If you have a long-term condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure, yearly reviews at the surgery are crucial to ensure your condition is well managed. Here's why they're important:

• Stay on top of your health: Conditions can change over time. Annual reviews help us adjust treatment to keep your health on track.
• Prevent complications: Regular check-ups catch potential issues early, reducing the risk of serious problems.
• Personalized care: Your needs may evolve, and a yearly review lets us tailor your treatment to your current situation.
• Ask questions: Reviews are a great time to discuss concerns and get advice about your condition and lifestyle.

Though life can be busy, scheduling your yearly review is an easy way to take control of your health. If you've been invited, please book your appointment today!

Note: You should expect the invites for these reviews to be sent out yearly on your birth-month.

Why Missing Appointments is Harmful to Your Health and Care

On average, 350 (5.7% of total appointments) of our slots (monthly) are marked as "Did Not Attend" (DNA). While this may seem like a small percentage, it adds up to a significant number of missed appointments. This can potentially result in:

• Delayed Treatment: Missing appointments can cause delays in necessary care, leading to worsening conditions and potentially more serious health problems.
• Disrupted Continuity of Care: Regular visits are key for monitoring your health and adjusting treatments. Missing appointments interrupts this important process.
• Strain on Healthcare Resources: Missed appointments prevent other patients from using the available time slots, which could be crucial for someone in need.
• Impact on the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Frequent no-shows may reduce trust and make it harder for your healthcare team to provide the best care.

Note: If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible. You can do this by calling the practice directly or using our online appointment system (if available). This helps us offer your appointment time to another patient who may need it.

NHS Health Checks & Vaccination Programs

The NHS Health Check invites adults aged 40 to 74 for a check-up every 5 years to screen for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, helping to detect potential issues early.

Active Vaccination Programs: Shingles Vaccination: Available for:

• Adults over 50 who are immunocompromised.
• All adults turning 65, and those aged 70-79.
• Aims to prevent postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Pneumonia Vaccination (PPV23): Available for:

• All adults aged 65+.
• People with long-term health conditions like diabetes or chronic lung disease.

RSV Vaccination: Protects against respiratory syncytial virus, recommended for:

• Pregnant individuals.
• Adults aged 75-79.

NHS Cervical Screening:

• Available for individuals aged 25-64.
• Frequency: Every 3 years (ages 25-49), every 5 years (ages 50-64).
• Primary HPV screening now used first, followed by cytology if needed.