- Help to keep your baby’s airway clear…
- SAFER SLEEP WEEK – 11th to 17th March 2024Please follow the link to The Lullaby Trust for more information https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1PhjpuijdUO4sZzIDzaEHTKGCBQjJ32vdLCF6xaUxgpMPTrypjlr0Frlg
- What your kidneys do…Did you know….. Your Kidneys: Make urine Remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood Control your body’s chemical balance Help control your blood pressure Help keep your bones healthy Help you make red blood cells
- Are your kidneys okay?
- Prostate Cancer – Know the Symptoms
- Surgery closure on one afternoon each monthPlease see attached list of Protected Learning Time dates (PLT) On these dates, all surgeries in the area are closed to patients from 12.30 pm. This allows all clinical staff to attend centralised training on one afternoon a month. During these afternoons, telephones are transferred to the Out of Hours Service, for those issues which… Read more: Surgery closure on one afternoon each month
- Whooping Cough – protect your babyWhooping cough (pertussis) cases are rising and babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk. Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and many are likely to need hospital treatment as it can lead to pneumonia and permanent brain damage. *** Vaccination in pregnant women is 97% effective… Read more: Whooping Cough – protect your baby
- Carers’ Drop in – 25th April 2024
- Bowel Cancer Screening Test (FIT Test)
- We welcome feedback 🙂We welcome feedback – both positive and negative – regarding Sandy Lane Surgery. Praise is always welcome by the Team – and we thank all those who have taken the time to contact us recently regarding their positive experiences. However, constructive, negative feedback allows us to investigate concerns and to make improvements wherever possible. There… Read more: We welcome feedback 🙂
- National Diabetes Experience Survey – 20242024 National Diabetes Experience Survey From 18th March 2024, over 100,000 adults living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in England will be invited to take part in the survey. They will be contacted directly by letter and text message (if a mobile number is available for them). Three letters will be sent out… Read more: National Diabetes Experience Survey – 2024
- Signs & Symptoms of Lower GI Cancer
- Practice Newsletter – March 2024
- ‘Did not attend’ figures for February 2024Please make every effort to attend your appointment; and let us know if you are unable to attend. There is an option on our main line to leave a message informing us that you will not be able to attend. Alternatively, please email us on [email protected]; or send a message via your Patient Access Account.… Read more: ‘Did not attend’ figures for February 2024
- Are you anxious about your Smear Test?NHS Cervical Screening Programme- Support for people who find it difficult to attend cervical screening If you are anxious about attending for a ‘smear test’, ‘cervical screening’, please follow the link for more information. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-support-for-people-who-find-it-hard-to-attend/cervical-screening-support-for-people-who-feel-anxious-about-attending?fbclid=IwAR2Je2pxgpYUyCyrrH5iBIrogXkEa8asiiHTOAfnFyozRpVcdetvWovgYBM
- Friends & Family Test Results
- Viral Infections – Use of antibioticsPolite Notice Please note that antibiotic medication is used to treat bacterial infections. Viral illnesses are not bacterial and antibiotics will not be prescribed to patients who are suffering from a viral illness. *** Viruses and bacteria have a different structure and a different way of surviving. Viruses are surrounded by a protective protein coating;… Read more: Viral Infections – Use of antibiotics
- New Lichfield Dementia Carers GroupDementia Caring, with the support of the Lichfield Garrick, are starting a monthly carers group for those caring for a loved one with dementia. Carers are welcome to bring their loved one with them. The group will take place on the last Tuesday of the month (2.30-4.00pm) at the Green Room in the Lichfield Garrick.… Read more: New Lichfield Dementia Carers Group
- Used Inhalers – please read this important information
- Practice Newsletter – February 2024Copies available from our Reception Desk
- Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent People’s PanelThe ICB is keen to hear from patients and service-users registered with all GP practices across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We have been working with our third-party supplier, Direct Data Analysis, to promote the People’s Panel and increase membership, while ensuring the panel is balanced and reflective of our communities and population. We’ve already seen an… Read more: Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent People’s Panel
- UTI? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRSTThe expanded THINK PHARMACY FIRST service was launched at the end of January with patients now able to get treatment and medicines from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache for children aged 1 – 17, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections for women aged under… Read more: UTI? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRST
- INSECT BITE? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRSTThe expanded THINK PHARMACY FIRST service was launched at the end of January with patients now able to get treatment and medicines from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache for children aged 1 – 17, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections for women aged under… Read more: INSECT BITE? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRST
- EARACHE? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRSTThe expanded THINK PHARMACY FIRST service was launched at the end of January with patients now able to get treatment and medicines from their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, covering sinusitis, sore throat, earache for children aged 1 – 17, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections for women aged under… Read more: EARACHE? THINK – PHARMACY – FIRST
- Call Wait TimesOur call wait times have improved dramatically over the last few months. To illustrate this, I have collated recent information, and I will continue to do this going forward. You will notice that if there is a long wait, this is not for a long period of time. The Reception Team are able to monitor… Read more: Call Wait Times
- Lymphoedema Awareness Day
- Carers Drop in – Thursday 22nd February 2024Carers’ Drop in For patients of Sandy Lane Surgery and The Horsefair Practice. Thursday 22nd February 2024, between 11.30 am and 1.00 pm; at Springfields Health & Wellbeing Centre, Rugeley.
- Measles can be serious….
- Surgery Closed – Tuesday 13th February 2024 – afternoonPlease note that the surgery is closed to patients from 12.30 pm today. All surgeries in the local area are also closed to patients; this is to allow staff to attend centralised training. We will re-open as normal from 8.00 am on Wednesday morning, 14th February 2024. During the period of closure our telephones are… Read more: Surgery Closed – Tuesday 13th February 2024 – afternoon
- Digital prescriptions in the NHS App From 30 January 2024, patients in England can use the NHS App to view all their prescription details, order repeat prescriptions and generate a barcode that can be shown to a pharmacy for collection without a paper prescription from their GP. This functionality is being rolled out gradually and will be available to all patients… Read more: Digital prescriptions in the NHS App
- Waiting list information in the NHS AppFrom 30 January 2024, the NHS App will show patients in England an estimated waiting time for their hospital treatment at the NHS acute trust they’ve been referred to.
- New 24/7 advice line to access Hospice CareA new telephone line has been launched in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to make it easier for patients, relatives and health care professionals to access palliative and end of life care advice. The new number is now live and is 0300 561 2900 and is supported by specialist clinicians. Specialist palliative care services are provided across… Read more: New 24/7 advice line to access Hospice Care
- Polite Notice – Wednesday 31st January 2024We are experiencing a lot of sickness in our clinical team this week. The Team are attempting to cover the shortfall, wherever possible. May I request that if your problem is of a routine nature, that you contact your local pharmacy initially, who can deal with many minor illnesses. The 111 Service are also able… Read more: Polite Notice – Wednesday 31st January 2024
- Waiting List information on the NHS AppFrom 30 January 2024, the NHS App will show the mean (average) waiting time to patients referred into a speciality at NHS acute trusts. This national rollout follows a successful trial period at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who worked with NHS England to monitor progress across the Trust’s telephony system, PALS service, and local… Read more: Waiting List information on the NHS App
- Help Us Help YouThe “Help Us, Help You” campaign has been created to reassure people that they can receive care safely. Your NHS is here to see you, safely. Help Us Help You”.
- Cervical Cancer Awareness Week – 2024
- Practice Newsletter – January 2024
- Mental Health Support for VeteransThe NHS is rolling out an expanded mental health support service for Armed Forces veterans, as a survey found that more than half find it difficult to speak up about mental health issues. https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/01/nhs-expands-mental-health-support-for-veterans-with-more-than-half-saying-its-hard-to-speak-up/
- Repeat PrescriptionsFor safety reasons we are unable to accept requests for repeat prescriptions via telephone. Please do not ask the receptionist to do this as a refusal may offend. The receptionists are obliged to follow the agreed Practice Policy. There are several methods in which to request your repeat medication: ***Tick your repeat slip (provided by… Read more: Repeat Prescriptions
- Appointments are always available to book onlineIf you would like access to our online services, please speak to any member of our Team; or email us on [email protected] Online appointments don’t suit everybody, and our Team is always ready to speak to you on the telephone or at our Reception Desk. However, many patients find the facility to book GP, Nurse… Read more: Appointments are always available to book online
- Call Wait TimesOur call wait times have improved dramatically over the last few months. To illustrate this, I have collated recent information, and I will continue to do this going forward. Please share this information, as I understand that some patients still believe our wait times to be lengthy. *** Our staff will always treat you with… Read more: Call Wait Times
- Patient Access AccountIf you hold a Patient Access Account, please inform us if you change your email address and / or telephone number. If there is a discrepancy, some options on your account may not be available to you. Thank you. *** Patient Access account holders are able to book appointments on line, request repeat prescriptions and… Read more: Patient Access Account
- Staying Well this Winter Campaign
- December Practice NewsletterThis isn’t a typo Copies of our December Practice Newsletter were available in our Waiting Area throughout the month. However, I’m afraid that I failed to upload the newsletters to our Facebook and Website accounts – for which I apologise. I still feel that some of the information is still worth sharing – particularly news… Read more: December Practice Newsletter
- We are open 🙂Quite a few patients have not turned up for their pre-booked appointments so far this morning (9.44 am) May we politely request that you let us know if you are unable to attend your appointment please, so that it can be offered to another patient. We currently have no wait on our phone lines. Thank… Read more: We are open 🙂
- Start your wellness journey today…
- Polite Notice – Patient SurveyAs part of the PCN (Primary Care Network) Access Plan, a text message will be going out to all patients asking them to complete a short survey regarding accessing the practice. We would be very grateful if you would take a few moments to complete the survey, to ensure that we receive a good response… Read more: Polite Notice – Patient Survey
- Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Stay Well Winter 2023’ leaflet
- Know your Words. Know your Actions.The NHS is working hard to give people the care and treatment that they need. We know it is frustrating when people are worried for their health and they want help now.However, staff in settings throughout the NHS say they are facing a wave of anger and abuse when they go to work. There is… Read more: Know your Words. Know your Actions.
- Shingles Vaccination – Information for Patients
- Quality Improvement Questionnaire – Magnify StudyThe practice is working in partnership with a healthcare company called Optimum Patient Care to send out questionnaires as part of aiming to improve patient care. Please see attached information sheet, regarding the Study. Thank you.
- World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023WAAW is celebrated from 18-24 November every year. The theme for WAAW 2023 will remain “Preventing antimicrobial resistance together”, as in 2022. Antimicrobial Resistance is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment. It affects us all. This year, we are focusing on one simple message to encourage everyone to contribute to the preservation… Read more: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023
- Help to keep antibiotics workingPlease take one minute to watch this video by Mark Seaton, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB). We’re encouraging all patients to take any leftover antibiotics to their local pharmacy for safe disposal. This helps to keep antibiotics working. Thank you.
- Practice Newsletter – November 2023
- Flu VaccinationIf you would like a flu vaccination, and you are eligible; please contact our Reception Team to book an appointment in surgery. If you already have an appointment in surgery; please speak to your clinician, who may be able to give you the flu vaccination during your appointment. Thank you.
- DNA (Did not attend appointment) figures for October 2023The high number of DNAs (did not attend appointment) for October 2023, relates in part to patients who failed to attend their Annual Review appointments. Often, Annual Review appointments can be 30 or 40 minutes long, meaning that 3 or 4 appointment slots are lost rather than just 1. Please make every effort to attend your… Read more: DNA (Did not attend appointment) figures for October 2023
- NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP)Are you a patient whose experience has led you to develop a healthcare innovation? Do you want to learn new skills to help scale this idea? The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) is offering a 12-month pilot programme for people who have experience of a long-term health condition and are working on healthcare innovations. “At… Read more: NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP)
- Living Well Event – Wednesday 22nd November 2023
- ROADWORKS – A460 – Sandy Lane / Hednesford RoadPlease note that roadworks are being carried out this week, between the hours of 6.00 pm until 6.00 am. We understand that you will be able approach the surgery from the Hednesford direction, but will be unable to continue down towards the Globe Island.
- Feedback pleaseWe welcome feedback – both positive and negative – regarding Sandy Lane Surgery. Praise is always welcome by the Team – and we thank all those who have taken the time to contact us recently regarding their positive experiences. However, constructive, negative feedback allows us to investigate concerns and to make improvements wherever possible. There… Read more: Feedback please
- DNA (Did not Attend) numbers for September 2023The number of DNAs (Did Not Attend) appointments in September 2023 =237
- IT Issues – Friday 27th October 2023GP Practices in both North and South Staffordshire are experiencing IT issues. We are currently able to access our system, but it is working slowly, and we are prepared in the event that the system goes down completely. May we politely request that if you are contacting the surgery for a routine issue, that you… Read more: IT Issues – Friday 27th October 2023
- Find a pharmacy that offers free Blood Pressure checks:Use this service to find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks. A pharmacist can check your blood pressure for free. You do not need to see a GP. *** Please note: You cannot get a free blood pressure check if: * you already have high blood pressure * a doctor, nurse or pharmacist… Read more: Find a pharmacy that offers free Blood Pressure checks:
- Childhood Vaccination TimelineThe Childhood Vaccination Timeline below clearly sets out when to expect an invitation from the GP practice to come in for immunisation and explains what immunisations will be offered. This will help parents and carers to know what’s coming up and plan appointments into their schedules.
- Childhood VaccinationsWe want to help parents and carers understand which immunisations their children will be offered and when. With so much going on for parents and carers of young children, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to know when their children are due immunisations. Please follow the link below to watch… Read more: Childhood Vaccinations
- Having a problem with your hearing?As of 29 September 2023, people living in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who are having problems with their hearing are being given the option to self-refer into NHS audiology (hearing) services if they are eligible. staffsstokeics.org.uk/your-health-and-care/your-health-and-care-audiology-referral/
- Carers Drop in tomorrow – Thursday 25th October 2023For Sandy Lane Surgery and The Horsefair Practice carers. Please spread the word.
- Are you eligible for the Covid and Flu vaccination?We have appointments available tomorrow, Thursday 26th October 2023. Please contact us if you would like to be allocated an appointment for either, or both vaccinations.
- We are delighted to announce the following additions to our TeamDr Serena Johal, Salaried GP. *** Katie Crutchley, Advanced Nurse Practititioner. As an ANP, Katie is qualified to deal with all minor illnesses; rashes; lumps; urinary track infections; injections; cervical screening; etc. *** Taiyla is a qualified Registered General Nurse. In addition to holding clinics in surgery, Taiyla is also undertaking additional training in Practice… Read more: We are delighted to announce the following additions to our Team
- Breast Pain Clinics
- October is Lupus Awareness Month
- Carer’s Drop in – Thursday 26th October 2023
- Practice Newsletter – October 2023
- FEEDBACK 🙂We welcome feedback – both positive and negative – regarding Sandy Lane Surgery. Praise is always welcome by the Team – and we thank all those who have taken the time to contact us recently regarding their positive experiences. However, constructive, negative feedback allows us to investigate concerns and to make improvements wherever possible. There… Read more: FEEDBACK 🙂
- COVID CLINIC – HILLSPRINGS SURGERYPLEASE NOTE – IF YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND FOR COVID VACCINATION THIS SATURDAY (23RD SEPTEMBER 2023) THE CLINIC WILL BE HELD AT: HILLSPRINGS SURGERY Your text will have mentioned ‘Sandy Lane Surgery’ because you are registered with Sandy Lane Surgery, and the text has been sent by our staff. HOWEVER, THE COVID CLINICS… Read more: COVID CLINIC – HILLSPRINGS SURGERY
- STOPTOBERWe are drawing closer to the start of the annual STOPTOBER campaign. Please speak to any member of our team if you would like advice to help you stop smoking; alternatively search STOPOBER on the internet.
- Concessionary Bus PassStaffordshire County Council in partnership with the Department of Transport are promoting concessionary bus travel for older and disabled people who live in Staffordshire. Concessionary bus travel can support the wellbeing of older and disabled people. *** Please take a look at the information sheet below, for details of who can apply for a concessionary… Read more: Concessionary Bus Pass
- Weight Management DrugWe are receiving a lot of calls following the recent approval of the use of Wegovy treatment for weight management, by NICE (The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence) *** To confirm, GPs are not authorised to prescribe this medication. *** The medication is only available via Tier 3 Weight Management Services, in conjunction… Read more: Weight Management Drug
- If you have received a text to allow you to book your Covid vaccination, the text will state that your vaccination will take place at: Hillsprings SurgeryPlease note: If you have received a text to allow you to book your Covid vaccination, the text will state that your vaccination will take place at: HILLSPRINGS SURGERY. The text will also state ‘Sandy Lane Surgery’ because you are registered with Sandy Lane Surgery. To confirm: Covid Clinics are held at HILLSPRINGS SURGERY, Springsfields… Read more: If you have received a text to allow you to book your Covid vaccination, the text will state that your vaccination will take place at: Hillsprings Surgery
- We welcome feedback…We welcome feedback – both positive and negative – regarding Sandy Lane Surgery. Constructive, negative feedback allows us to investigate concerns and to make improvements wherever possible. There are several ways to provide feedback:- Via NHS Choices:https://www.nhs.uk/…/gp-surgery/sandy-lane-surgery/Y02354 By direct email to the Practice on [email protected]. By completing a Suggestion / Comments form; available from our… Read more: We welcome feedback…
- Fortunately, the majority of our patients treat our staff with respect.However, there is a minority of patients who still believe that it is appropriate to be rude and disrespectful towards members of our Team – particularly our receptionists. We understand that often patients are distressed and anxious when they make contact with us; and we take this into consideration. However, rudeness towards staff will not… Read more: Fortunately, the majority of our patients treat our staff with respect.
- Thank you for treating us with respect. We are here to help you.
- Would you like to book an appointment with a GP?Patient Access saves a call to our Reception Team. Appointments are available through the usual methods: * By coming into surgery, * By ringing our appointment booking line, * By booking appointments online via PATIENT ACCESS. Registration for PATIENT ACCESS is very simple; please speak to any member of our Team who will be able… Read more: Would you like to book an appointment with a GP?
- Polite Notice – Phone LinesWe are receiving a lot of calls this morning from patients querying their appointment for Covid/Flu Vaccination. May we ask that you avoid our phone lines between 8.00 and 10.00 am each morning if you have a routine query, to ensure that patients with an urgent need are able to get through to us to… Read more: Polite Notice – Phone Lines
- COVID + FLU VACCINATION CLINICSSome of our eligible patients will have received a booking link via text message; to allow you to book an appointment for the Covid + Flu vaccinations. AS STATED IN THE TEXT, PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE CLINICS WILL BE HELD AT SPRINGFIELDS HEALTH & WELLBEING CENTRE. More dates will be added in due course. Thank… Read more: COVID + FLU VACCINATION CLINICS
- THE ROLE OF THE PARAMEDIC / URGENT CARE PRACTITIONER IN GENERAL PRACTICECarl is our Paramedic / Urgent Care Practitioner at Sandy Lane Surgery. Please watch this video to find out more about the role of the Paramedic/ Urgent Care Practitioner Often, it is more appropriate for patients to be seen by a clinician within the Extended GP Team.
- Are you an unpaid carer?Thousands of people in Staffordshire support a loved or friend with their day-to- day care and support needs. Please let us know if you are a carer. Once coded onto your medical record, we will invite you for an annual Carer Health check. Please speak to any member of staff, or email the surgery on… Read more: Are you an unpaid carer?
- Help shape support for carers in StaffordshirePeople in Staffordshire are being invited to have their say on how unpaid carers should be supported over the next five years. Thousands of people in Staffordshire support a loved or friend with their day-to- day care and support needs. Being a carer can be a rewarding experience – but everyone needs help sometimes. Many… Read more: Help shape support for carers in Staffordshire
- THE ROLE OF THE FIRST CONTACT PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN GENERAL PRACTICEGurj is our First Contact Physiotherapist at Sandy Lane Surgery. Please watch this video to find out more about the role of the First Contact Physiotherapist. Often, it is more appropriate for patients to be seen by a clinician within the Extended GP Team. More videos will be posted over the next few days.
- AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY CLOSUREThe surgery will be closed on Monday 28th August 2023, re-opening at 8.00 am, on Tuesday 29th August 2023. During this period our telephones will be transferred to the Out of Hours Service. If you require medical advice over the Bank Holiday please ring 111. For minor injuries please attend the Minor Injury Clinic at… Read more: AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY CLOSURE
- Don’t miss the early signs of a heart attack
- Don’t miss the early signs of a heart attack
- Appointment Booking InformationWe have received recent anonymous feedback regarding our appointment system. The patient was understandably frustrated that they required 4 separate appointments. They stated that ‘There must be a better way’. As our Team compromises many different clinicians who specialise in different fields, on occasion several different appointments will be required. For example; 4 separate appointments… Read more: Appointment Booking Information
- The role of the Practice Pharmacist in General PracticeYvonne and Martin are our Practice Pharmacists at Sandy Lane Surgery, supported by Sher and Sanah. Please watch this video to find out more about the role of the Practice Pharmacist. Often, it is more appropriate for patients to be seen by a clinician within the Extended GP Team. Additional videos will be posted over… Read more: The role of the Practice Pharmacist in General Practice
- The role of Social Prescriber in General PracticeDebbie Hill is our Social Prescriber at Sandy Lane Surgery. Please watch this video to find out more about the role of Social Prescriber. Often, it is more appropriate for patients to be seen by a clinician within the Extended GP Team. Additional videos will be posted over the next few days.
- Cancellation LineWe are pleased to report that we have created a dedicated cancellation line on our telephone system. Should you need to cancel an appointment, please ring 01889 572057, and select Option 4. You will then have the facility to leave a message with the details of the appointment to be cancelled. This is not an… Read more: Cancellation Line
- FeedbackWe welcome feedback – both positive and negative – regarding Sandy Lane Surgery. Constructive, negative feedback allows us to investigate concerns and to make improvements wherever possible. There are several ways to provide feedback:- Via NHS Choices: https://www.nhs.uk/…/gp-surgery/sandy-lane-surgery/Y02354 By direct email to the Practice on [email protected]. By completing a Suggestion / Comments form; available from… Read more: Feedback
- Alcohol Awareness Week – 3rd to 9th July 2023Please use the link below to find information regarding alcohol use, and links to support to reduce your intake. https://alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week-1
- DNA (Did not Attend)Please make every effort to attend your appointment. Thank you. The number of DNA appointments in June 2023: 177
- Vaccinating against MMRPlease consider vaccinating against MMR, if you haven’t already done so. Contact the Practice for more details. Thank you.