Noticeboard

A Spring Covid Booster is available for anyone over the age of 75 as at 30th June 2024. Also eligible are patients who are classed as Immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment. Eligible patients have already been contacted, but if you feel you are eligible please contact us on 07596 031081 during surgery opening hours.

The surgery will be closed on Monday 6th May and also Monday 27th May. In an EMERGENCY, please ring Dalriada Urgent Care on 028 2566 3500.

SHINGLES VACCINES: Eligible patients: aged 65 (as at 1st September 2023), Date of Birth: 02/09/57 to 01/09/58; patients who are aged 70 (as at 1st September 2023) Date of Birth: 02/09/52 to 01/09/53 and patients aged 50+ who are classed as Immunocompromised due to medication, treatment or medical condition. Patients aged 71-79 who have not previously been vaccinated, remain eligible for the vaccine. We have vaccines in stock if anyone eligible would like to receive one, please contact reception to arrange an appointment.

When requesting prescriptions, please remember that the surgery is closed weekends and Bank/Public holidays, therefore requests for repeat prescriptions will not be actioned until we re-open. You should allow at least 2 working days for processing of weekend requests, and up to 3 working days for requests made when the surgery is closed for longer than the weekend.

We have a Physiotherapist, Mental Health Practitioner and a Social Worker based in the practice who may be a first point of contact for patients.

We are aware of ongoing errors when requesting prescriptions via our website. Our clinical supplier is aware of this issue as it is affecting practices nationwide. If you experience this error, try again later, or, ring 028 7083 5419 which is our automated mailbox for prescription requests. This matter is out of our control and we thank you for your patience.

The Department of Health has developed a “My Waiting Times NI” webpage. This is an information webpage hosted on the HSC website: https://online.hscni.net/my-waiting-times-ni/

Patients in Northern Ireland can access the current average waiting times for outpatient assessments for elective care services within each Trust. The webpage will be updated every month to ensure that users have access to timely, standardised waiting time information. FAQs have also been developed and linked on the webpage to improve the users’ experience and understanding of the information provided.

We have recently implemented some changes in the way the practice operates. Between 9am and 2pm daily (with the exception of Wednesday which will be 9am - 11.30am),we will deal with requests for routine appointments and patient enquiries. After this time we will only be accepting emergency calls, calls from other Healthcare Professionals, and providing test results.

Did you know if you are registered for online services, you can request repeat prescriptions AND book GP appointments through our website? Contact reception for further details.

We have introduced a text messaging service to contact patients, message will state "from your GP surgery". If you do NOT want us to contact you by this method, please contact reception.

For everyday health conditions such as: Acne, Athlete's Foot, Diarrhoea, Haemorrhoids, Headlice, Groin Infection, Threadworms, Vaginal Thrush, Earwax, Mouth Ulcers, Oral Thrush, Scabies and Verrucae you can obtain advice and FREE treatment from your local pharmacy under the "Pharmacy First" scheme. You do not need to contact the surgery.

For young people aged 11-19 a new Text-a-Nurse service has been launched. This is a secure, confidential and anonymous service which 11-19 years olds can contact for advice on: emotional health and wellbeing, stress and anxiety, self-harm, alcohol and drugs, body image, smoking, bullying, sexual health, Covid-19 related worry and general health issues. Service is available Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm during both term time and school holidays. Contact number for Northern Trust area is: 07480 635 982

For information on Corona Virus, visit www.pha.site/coronavirus

Public Health Agency, 12–22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS. www.publichealth.hscni.net

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW

Thank you for your participation in our recent survey. We are delighted to announce that 98% of patients surveyed are extremely likely or likely to recommend us. We will endeavour to action any suggestions where possible. Sincere thanks for all the kind comments.

Summary Care Record

There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.