1. Combs Ford Surgery Patient Information Screen August 2015

2. Telephone access– We now have a new phone system to direct patients more quickly to the relevant staff in the practice The options are;- Press 9 in an emergency Press 2 for Reception- for appointments, and results after 11am Press 3 for the Medical Secretaries for referrals and visits Press 4 for Dispensary for medication queries and reviews (this phone will be answered between 10.30-12 and 2.30-4pm) Press 5 for Finance Department Please note that you can press the extension you require at any time during the lead message

3. Missed Appointments 87 appointments were missed during July PATIENT INFORMATION

4. Due to the number of missed appointments and following feedback from patients, it has become necessary to implement a Did Not Attend Policy This is available to view on the Practice website and on the noticeboards www.combsfordsurgery.org.uk PATIENT INFORMATION

5. Patients who fail to attend twice in fairly close proximity will receive a letter. If a patient continues to miss appointments, without contacting the surgery, they may be removed from the practice list. The decision to remove will be taken on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Partners. PATIENT INFORMATION

6. If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. We can then offer the appointment to someone else. Thank you for your co-operation. PATIENT INFORMATION

7. August patient newsletter now available for the most up to date information This is your practice and we want to keep our patients informed. We will always respond to concerns or complaints but it is also good to hear when you have been pleased with our service. We welcome positive feedback; Please use the friends and family forms in the waiting room or alternatively go onto NHS Choices www.nhs.uk or Healthwatch www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.ukwww.nhs.uk PATIENT INFORMATION

8.  In the past all patients had a named GP and saw that GP only  From this summer although patients will have a named GP, they will be seen by any of the clinicians available as appropriate to their current need Patient’s GP

9. Photos of “the team” are now on display in the waiting room to help you identify your clinician or staff members. We hope this helps! Who’s who at Combs Ford Surgery

10.  Consider seeking advice from a pharmacist for minor illnesses  Allow the receptionists to make the most appropriate appointment for your condition  Please give as much information as possible How you can help your practice

11.  It is very important that patients feel able to tell the receptionists the reason for their visit to the practice  As you will see, we have many different clinicians working at the practice  This information is used to book you the most appropriate appointment  Please be assured that ALL staff at the practice sign a confidentiality policy  Nothing that is seen, heard or discussed can be repeated outside of the practice Confidentiality

12. GPs have been asked to reduce their prescribing of the following medicines ;- Restricted Prescribing List

13.  Pain killers for minor aches and pains  Soluble pain killers  Hay fever preparations  Cough and cold remedies  Lozenges, throat sprays and gargles  Treatments for minor acnes  Indigestion remedies Restricted Prescribing List

14.  Barrier creams for nappy rash  Head lice lotions and shampoos  Threadworm tablets  Athlete’s foot creams and powders  Bath additives for minor dry skin conditions  Soya milks  Sun creams for sensitive skins Restricted Prescribing List

15.  Treatments for non-serious constipation and diarrhoea  Ear wax treatments  Slimming preparations  Creams, gels and tubigrip for sprains and sports injuries  Travel medicines  Gluten Free foods Restricted Prescribing List

16. Self help and Advice leaflets are available from the Waiting Room Restricted Prescribing List

17.  Why not avoid the queue at reception and use the check in screen?  Please ask for help if needed Check in screen

18. The Practice will be closed on the following afternoons from 1pm – 6.30pm Thursday 17 th September Wednesday 14 th October Thursday 12 th November Wednesday 9 th December Call NHS 111 when the practice is closed. Practice closure for essential GP and staff training