Practice News - Introduction and Stop Press

This section has selected items of news from the practice and the Health Centre - many if not all of the items may also appear in our occasional newsletter available from reception when in production. You can comment to the practice by clicking HERE, we'll be pleased to hear from you.

Online Prescribing - An Introduction
Patient Group - Latest
Focus on - Carers
Ways to Walk
Practice Closed - Dates and Times

ONLINE PRESCRIBING - AN INTRODUCTION

On Tuesday 3 February 2009, we introduced our new on-line repeat medication ordering service. Access is through the "Prescribing" link on the menu above, where you can submit a request for repeat medication items that already appear on your repeat prescription list, instead of telephoning us. This is a short guide to using the service, which is still provided by reception in the normal way. Please therefore remember to allow the normal 2 working days between submitting your request and the issue of your prescription form the surgery. Please also read the section carefully before submitting a request.

When you enter the new "Prescribing" section, you will see some notes giving you information and instructions. They are very easy to follow, and there is a word about security of your information. We ask you for some basic personal details which are:

You may then request up to 12 items from the blank list, giving the name and strength of the medication you want. If you need more than 12 items, you must submit a second request. ALL item(s) must be on the repeat medication list already approved by your GP and printed on your last prescription.

You then choose to where you wish your prescription to be distributed (from a "drop down" list). The choices are:

You may then add a comment in a free text box, but this is NOT to be used to request special or additional medication not on your list.

You then "submit" your request, and we will do the rest. EASY! We look forward to serving you more efficiently by the introduction of this new service.

DID YOU KNOW YOUR PRACTICE STAFF ARE WONDERFUL?

By the Practice Manager. Everybody knows that the practice clinicians provide a service that is second to none. Not everyone maybe appreciates how hard the support work is to make all this happen, and as YOUR Practice Manager as well as the admin ladies' administrative boss I want the ENTIRE world to know that I think the world of them, and I'm sure I don't tell them enough! Thank you ladies, you do wonderful work often under extreme pressure, and thanks to everyone who has and does show appreciation and ply us at Christmas and other times with goodies and cards - we're very grateful.

PATIENT GROUP - LATEST

PATIENT GROUP

Their main objectives are to:

The patient group as at January 2010 are:

At their last meeting on 12 November, the group discussed the latest Scottish GP access survey, the swine ‘flu vaccination programme, the NHS Ayrshire and Arran “Centre of Excellence” for GP practice quality improvement, and the major computer changeover to a new clinical system in August 2010.

...if there’s anything you want the group to discuss or investigate please let the Practice Manager know by clicking HERE. Also...

DO YOU HAVE AN HOUR TO SPARE AT ABOUT MIDDAY ABOUT EVERY 4 TO 6 MONTHS?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP OF PATIENTS WHO MEET HERE TO HELP GUIDE OUR ORGANISATION?

DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR SERVICE?

WHY NOT TEST DRIVE THE GROUP MEETING IN MAY? CALL BOB ON 01294 219060

WE NEED MORE INPUT TO THE PATIENT GROUP FROM EVERYONE BUT ESPECIALLY FROM YOUNG PEOPLE — ASK TO SPEAK TO BOB

Contact Bob the Practice Manager by clicking HERE.

FOCUS ON - CARERS

North Ayrshire Carers Centre provides information, support and advice to unpaid carers. Carers are people who care for a family member, friend or neighbour, who needs help and cannot cope on their own because of an illness, drug or alcohol misuse, disability or the effects of age. You may not recognise yourself as a carer but without your devotion, your relative or friend may have difficulty living in the community. If you are feeling isolated or stressed, find it difficult accessing information and advice, please contact us for help. We can offer:

Our contact details are as follows:

North Ayrshire Carers Centre
172-176 High Street
IRVINE
KA12 8AN
Tel: 01294 311333
Fax: 01294 311492
Email: CLICK HERE

Opening times are Monday – Friday, 0900 (9.00 am) – 1630 (4.30 pm)

WAYS TO WALK

Monday’s walking group from the Health Centre, assisted by the “Ways to Walk” scheme, is still growing fast and assisting all those recommended for gentle exercise to participate in an organised activity. You can still apply to join at the desk (it’s free!) or if in doubt ask your GP. The members are enthusiastic and sociable and it’s a great health boost and local learning experience about the Bourtreehill area. Pedometers from “Paths to Health” are also keeping track of the walkers, other patients and staff!

PRACTICE CLOSED DATES AND TIMES

We will be closed in 2010 for training from 1230 (12.30 pm) in the afternoons of:

Tues 2 February, Tues 9 March, Thurs 15 April, Tues 22 June, Weds 25 August, Thurs 11 November, and in 2011 (so far) Tues 8 February and Weds 9 March.

Please note especially that not all our training days will fall on a Tuesday.

The practice also expects to be closed on the following public holidays:

Good Friday 2 April, Easter Monday 5 April, Early May Bank Holiday Monday 3 May*, Late May Bank Holiday Monday 31 May, Race Weekend Friday 17 September, Race Weekend Monday 20 September*, Christmas Public Holidays Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December, and (2011) Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 January.

* On these 2 dates limited NHS services are expected to run in the Health Centre, but the practice will be closed.

Check your medicines and ensure you have enough for all closed periods!