Health Centre news
Amble Health Centre
Goodbye to staff
This spring sees several members of Coquet Medical Group leaving after a combined total of over 50 years of service at the practice.
Receptionists Sandra Atwell retired in February after nearly 24 years’ service and Wendy Boyd will be retiring in March after 17 years’ service.
Practice Nurse Moya Mason, will be retiring after seven years and Kay Clarke, District Nurse will also be retiring in March.
Dr. Ryan Whitehouse will be leaving to join a GP practice nearer his home.
A spokesperson for Coquet Medical Group said “We will miss them all very much and would like to thank them for their loyalty and dedication over the years and wish them every happiness in their new lives.”
The practice is busy recruiting and will announce new staff when they have been appointed.
Online facilities
Patients already have the opportunity to to book, view, amend, cancel and print appointments online. In addtition patients can order online, as well as viewing and printing a list of repeat prescriptions or medicines and appliances.
The health centre plans to offer patients facilities to view online, export or print any summary information from their record, relating to medications, allergies and adverse reactions, subject to availability. A spokesperson said “We will publicise and promote our online services to our patients through our website, waiting room leaflets, posters and the Patient Participation Group by 31st March”
New Registrar
GP Registrar Dr Simone Nagiah will be joining the practice for six months from the beginning of February.
GP Appointments
We are aware that increased demand has resulted in the perception that it is more difficult to get an appointment.
We have a working group constantly reviewing and trying to adapt our strategy to ensure that all our patients can be accommodated in a time frame that meets clinical needs.
The practice offers a range of appointments, including:
• Telephone consultations – some matters can be dealt with effectively over the telephone. This includes routine as well as more urgent problems. If a face-to-face consultation is then required, this can be arranged.
• Same day “on call” appointments for problems that require rapid assessment.
• 24-48 hours appointments – released daily for people that need more immediate access.
• Longer term appointments – to review chronic problems. Early and late working day and Saturday morning appointments are available for those that find access through the week difficult.
Unfortunately, there are still problems, and to tackle this, more doctors and nurses than ever before are employed. Changes behind the scenes to get the balance right will continue.
Diabetes
The practice is working in partnership with Diabetes UK to establish a support group. We are looking for volunteers to take on the roles of chairperson, treasurer and secretary.
A meeting will be held in April at the Parish Hall, Dovecote St. with Christine Fox from Diabetes UK and representatives from Coquet Medical Group to outline the plans. All diabetic patients will be contacted with further details.
