SUMMER 2014 It’s been a busy and hectic 18 months for everyone working hard to look after you since the NHS Health and Social Care Act became operational on April 1st 2013 – and the Randolph Surgery has been riding the waves too - on your behalf. We’ve waved goodbye to some old faces and enjoyed introducing some new ones: A big WELCOME to: Ella - our Practice Administrator Valerie, Zeynib and Jade – receptionists Aria – Health Care Assistant (who takes all the blood tests and blood pressures, and offers NHS Health Checks) Sahar – our Clinical Coordinator Mo – assistant to Ella and Sahar Maxine Carter – has stepped up to become Head of Reception. We also welcome Dr Aba Carboo and Dr Fleur Navey (both experienced GPs) and Afodia Maisanda and Jo Ross – our two highly experienced nurses. And FAREWELL to Rose, who has worked as a Practice Nurse at the Randolph Surgery longer than anyone. She is moving up to Wolverhampton to be nearer family in September. And also nurse AnnMarie, who moved back to Scotland earlier this year. Rapid Access GP Telephone Service: Where else can you get such quick access to a doctor in the NHS? This Randolph Surgery service tops the bill as far as our patients are concerned and we’re very pleased to be able to continue offering it. You’ll get a call back within 2 hours, and it’s often much quicker than that. If you want or need rapid advice from a GP, choose a time to log a call when you know you can receive one back within two hours. Appointment system: Keeping you out of hospital! Same Day or advance appointments? The Randolph Team does its absolute best to keep you out of hospital – unless you really need to be there. You have a choice – book ahead to see a particular doctor - or if it’s more convenient – call in the morning around 8am for a first come first served Same Day appointment. If these appointments have all been taken - the receptionist will offer to put you on the Duty Doctor call back list – it’s to make sure we’re offering you as safe a service a possible. Parents of children under the age of five will always be put through to the Duty Doctor to ensure the best decisions can be made about how and when to prioritise their children’s’ needs. Need to see a GP at the weekend in Maida Vale? There are two walk-in centres open on Saturdays and Sundays for patients who require urgent care. 1. North West London Medical Centre (56 Maida Vale) 84pm 2. 3rd Floor Medical centre (165 Lanark Road) 10-6pm Flu vaccination clinics 2014/15 We are offering two Saturday morning clinics in October for patients who qualify for a flu jab: th th Saturday October 11 and 25 October 2014 (9am to 1pm). Our Rapid Access GP Telephone Service is one way we do this – the Duty Doctor will give you telephone advice, or an appointment to see a GP (on the same day or at another time), a nurse, or advise you to attend a walk-in centre in the local area – whatever is most appropriate. We’ve also established Care Plans for our most vulnerable and elderly patients. For those patients on the register, your “responsible GP” is working hard with community nursing services and social services to ensure that we’re all working together as a coordinated team to keep you safe at home. Randolph Surgery Patient Participation Group: This group meets every two months on a Monday evening to discuss anything that’s important for patients. Everyone is welcome. If you want more information about how you can make a difference and get your voice heard – please ask about the next meeting from Maxine Carter (Head of Reception) or go to www.randolphsurgery.org And finally…. If you have any feedback for us – please make it as constructive as possible and tell us who you are – we really would like to know how we can make things even better.