News

Patient Communication Re. July Holidays

Over the last 6 weeks we have been trialling a new approach to Triage which has seen a significant increase in the number of patients we can treat each week, as highlighted by the stats recently shared on Facebook. This change has also seen an uplift in patient sentiment towards the Practice, evidenced by the results of our recent survey.  

As we approach the July holidays, much like other industries our staffing numbers will be reduced in order to accommodate Annual Leave. Whilst we have worked diligently to mitigate the impact where possible, there will be a slight reduction in the number of appointments available. Locum support will be kept to a minimum to ensure we have sufficient funding available for winter cover and to ensure a better continuity of care during this time. 

What does this mean in Practice?

From Monday 30^th June there will be a slight reduction in available appointments. This will vary day to day based on annual leave throughout the month of July.

Tuesday 8^th July – Reduced Service

Reduced services are planned for:

Tuesday 8^th July – Both sites open.

Friday 11^th July (Working from Springhill site only – Holywood Closed)

Monday 14^th July – Surgery will be closed for the Public Holiday (Out of hours will cover services on this date)

Tuesday 15^th July – Reduced service for patients who are acutely unwell or receiving end of life/palliative care. (No walk in access to surgery)

Friday 18^th July – Reduced service (Working from Holywood site only – Springhill Closed)

*We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause*

We will of course continue to be here for patients that need our help and we would not discourage anyone from contacting us.

Help us to help you:

Prescriptions – All repeat prescription requests must be submitted no later than 12pm on Tuesday 8^th July to ensure they are completed and available before the weekend.

We often hear patients telling us they didn’t know whether to call us or not. This website provides some excellent advice on when you should contact a GP, or may be able to avail of another alternative service.

A&E: Examples of when patients should attend A&E or call 999 (This list is not exhaustive):

Ø  Unconsciousness

Ø  Suspected Stroke

Ø  Heavy blood loss

Ø  Deep wounds

Ø  Suspected heart attack

Ø  Difficulty breathing

Ø  Severe burns

Ø  Serious allergic reactions

Minor Injuries: Information on the recently opened minor injuries unit can be found here. Their services include:

Ø  Injuries to upper and lower limbs

Ø  Broken bones, sprains, bruises and wounds

Ø  Bites – human, animal and insect

Ø  Burns and scalds

Ø  Abscesses and wound infections

Ø  Minor head injuries

Ø  Broken noses and nosebleeds

Ø  Foreign bodies in the eyes and nose

Pharmacy First:

Ø  Acne

Ø  Athletes foot

Ø  Diarrhoea

Ø  Ear Wax

Ø  Groin area infection

Ø  Haemorrhoids

Ø  Head lice

Ø  Mouth ulcers

Ø  Oral thrush

Ø  Scabies

Ø  Threadworms

Ø  Vaginal thrush

Ø  Verrucae

Ø  Emergency hormonal contraceptive (Morning after pill)

90% of pharmacies also offer a service for UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections) for women aged 16-64 years. 

NI PEARS (Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Service): This service is provided by most Optometrists across Northern Ireland for patients who develop sudden eye problems such as:

Ø  Red eye(s)

Ø  Pain and/or discomfort in or around the yes

Ø  Sudden reduction in vision

Ø  Recent onset or sudden increase in flashes and or floaters in one or both eyes

Ø  Suspected foreign body in the eye

Self Care:

Ø  Sexual Health 24 (www.sh24.org.uk)– STI testing, Contraception etc.

Ø  Using the right service - How to use your health services | nidirect

Ø  Childrens Symptom Checker

Upcoming Changes to Priory GP Practice CIC Appointment Booking

Notice to all Patients: 

From Monday 12th May we will be making further adjustments to our Triage system following 
feedback from Patients.

Why are we making this change? 

As a Practice we have listened to feedback from our patients regarding the challenges they have 
faced in getting an appointment, often having to call back over several days in order to even get on 
the Triage list. Our goal is to provide a quality service and rebuild patient practice relations. Whilst 
this is challenging in the current healthcare environment, we are determined to do all we can. 

What does this mean?

Our appointment lines will open from 8.30am – 9.30am each day for patients. All callers will be 
placed in a queue, so waiting times may be high depending on demand. Our admin team will 
answer the call and take details of your ailment/requirement before adding you to our triage list to 
be reviewed by the GP. The more information you can give, the better.

We will be in touch within 48 hours, with those in greatest need contacted first.

Any urgent matters arising outside of this time will be dealt with on a case by case basis as per 
current process.

General enquiries times are unaffected.

The main driver for this change is to avoid asking patients to call back and provide a better overall 
experience and access to your GP 

How appointments will be structured:

Following review by the triaging GP, your case will be assigned one of the following statuses:

1) Same Day Face to Face – Patients who are acutely unwell 
2) Urgent – To be seen within 48 hours 
3) Priority – To be seen within 5 working days 
4) Routine – To be seen within 4 weeks 
5) Signpost – Advised to attend Minor Injuries, Pharmacy First etc. 

How are we communicating this message to patients?

We are sharing information on Facebook, our Website, telephony messages and interactions with staff.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Unfortunately in recent weeks we have seen an increase in abusive behaviour aimed towards members of our team. Whilst we understand the challenges faced by patients in the current health care environment, it is never appropriate to abuse our staff.

Information on the Practices Zero Tolerance Policy can be found here

Patient Access

Our new online facility - Patient Access, is now live.

Patient Access is the quickest and most convenient way to order your repeat medications, aswell as viewing some of your medical records and updating your personal details.

You can access it via Mobile, Tablet or Desktop.

Please head to the Online Services section of our website for more information and to find out how to register.

New Clinical System

Priory GP Practice CIC has recently migrated to a new clinical system - Emis. This move is part of a province wide move away from the previous clinical system, which is withdrawing from the NI market.

Patients who have used Online Services in the past, will be aware that this system has been offline since the migration. We hope to have the service back up and running soon.

In order to regain access to the system, previously registered patients will be required to re-register for the service. The Practice will be in touch over the coming weeks to sort this. You will notice some changes to how you access our online services - these changes are dictated by the provider. More information on these changes can be found here.

Online services remains the quickest and easiest way to order your repeat prescriptions and we hope to bring some exciting new features to this channel in the coming months. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for updates on how to register.