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Stay well this winter
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Healthy Cornwall
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Improving access to GP services
We are participating in a national pilot to offer evening and weekend appointments.
St Austell Healthcare in now providing routine nurse and pharmacist evening appointments until 8pm at the Carlyon Road Health Hub and Saturday GP appointments from 9am-4pm at Wheal Northey and some nurse appointments on a Saturday morning.
Please contact us by phone 01726 75555 to book an evening or Saturday nurse/pharmacist appointment, and if it’s a GP appointment you want please mention to your GP that you would like to be seen on a Saturday.
We are taking part in a national scheme to help people who may find it difficult to see a healthcare professional during the traditional surgery opening hours of 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday. Once the benefits of this service have been assessed it may result in longer opening hours being available on a more permanent basis.
Your views on this service are important.
As we are keen to hear your views you are likely to be asked to complete a short survey at the end of your consultation. Completion is optional and the results are anonymous, but they will help us to plan future services.
We are participating in a national pilot to offer evening and weekend appointments.
St Austell Healthcare in now providing routine nurse and pharmacist evening appointments until 8pm at the Carlyon Road Health Hub and Saturday GP appointments from 9am-4pm at Wheal Northey and some nurse appointments on a Saturday morning.
Please contact us by phone 01726 75555 to book an evening or Saturday nurse/pharmacist appointment, and if it’s a GP appointment you want please mention to your GP that you would like to be seen on a Saturday.
We are taking part in a national scheme to help people who may find it difficult to see a healthcare professional during the traditional surgery opening hours of 8.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday. Once the benefits of this service have been assessed it may result in longer opening hours being available on a more permanent basis.
Your views on this service are important.
As we are keen to hear your views you are likely to be asked to complete a short survey at the end of your consultation. Completion is optional and the results are anonymous, but they will help us to plan future services.
BBC coverage of Social Prescribing
BBC’s Holding Back the Years programme features the Social Prescribing project:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bqhyn7
Watch from 15:20 minutes. Visit the Social Prescribing page on our website to learn more about the project.
BBC’s Holding Back the Years programme features the Social Prescribing project:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bqhyn7
Watch from 15:20 minutes. Visit the Social Prescribing page on our website to learn more about the project.
Age UK Services
Stay well this winter
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The science behind flu
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NHS Leaflet - What happens when you are referred by your GP to see a specialist?
St Austell Community Hospital direct contact numbers
Audiology – 01872 253747 – patients should contact this number to make any appointments. At St Austell Community Hospital they do not provide a walk in service. However, Audiology at Treliske do have a walk in service; Monday –Friday where patients can been seen with any hearing aid problems, without having an appointment. St Austell Community Hospital can provide a limited selection of batteries & tubing at reception.
Podiatry – 01872 221 435 – patients need to contact this central booking line but patients should be made aware that this line is not permanently manned due to staffing shortages. They also have an email address – podiatry.enquiries@nhs.net.
Family planning – 01872 255044 – patients should contact this central booking number to arrange appointments for both Treliske and SACH.
Emergency dentist – 0333 405 0290 – patients should call this for emergency dental issues only. They do not provide a walk it service; it is by appointment only.
Audiology – 01872 253747 – patients should contact this number to make any appointments. At St Austell Community Hospital they do not provide a walk in service. However, Audiology at Treliske do have a walk in service; Monday –Friday where patients can been seen with any hearing aid problems, without having an appointment. St Austell Community Hospital can provide a limited selection of batteries & tubing at reception.
Podiatry – 01872 221 435 – patients need to contact this central booking line but patients should be made aware that this line is not permanently manned due to staffing shortages. They also have an email address – podiatry.enquiries@nhs.net.
Family planning – 01872 255044 – patients should contact this central booking number to arrange appointments for both Treliske and SACH.
Emergency dentist – 0333 405 0290 – patients should call this for emergency dental issues only. They do not provide a walk it service; it is by appointment only.
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Blood in pee? Tell your doctor.
The NNT website provides quick summaries of evidence-based medicine. It has been developed by physicians and provides:
- A rating system to evaluate therapies based on their patient-important benefits and harms
- A system to evaluate diagnostics by patient sign, symptom, lab test or study.
Two Year Old Funding
Do you have a two year old?
If so, then you could be eligible for a free early education place. Your 2 year old could access up to 570 hours of early learning funding, used at ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rated childcare providers.
For further information about chamges to 2 year old funding please visit Care & Support in Cornwall.
Do you have a two year old?
If so, then you could be eligible for a free early education place. Your 2 year old could access up to 570 hours of early learning funding, used at ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rated childcare providers.
For further information about chamges to 2 year old funding please visit Care & Support in Cornwall.
eConsult
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eConsult provides another method for patients to contact their GP practice.
You can fill in a secure form online at anytime and this will be sent to the surgery. One of our staff will contact you by the end of the following working day. It gives me time to think what I want to say, at a time that suits me and doesn't waste my time or the GPs when I really just need advice or information. |
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Summer health advice
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Reducing NHS spend on prescribed medicines
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There is a national initiative to reduce NHS spend on prescribed medicines for minor self-limiting conditions so that it can be re-invested in other NHS services.
Over-the-counter products currently prescribed include remedies for dandruff, indigestion and mouth ulcers. The NHS each year spends:
If patients were to self-care for these three conditions alone, it would save the NHS £17.5 million allowing funds to be diverted to other areas. |
Visit the NHS England website to find out more about this initiative, including a list of 33 minor health concerns which have been identified by a national joint clinical working group as either self-limiting or suitable for self-care.
Self-care information is available from your local pharmacy, NHS Choices or the Self-Care Forum.
Self-care information is available from your local pharmacy, NHS Choices or the Self-Care Forum.
Diabetes Education sessions
The Diabetes Education sessions are held once a month on a Wednesday evening at Wheal Northey. Patients can ask reception to be put on the waiting list for diabetic education, and will then be sent out a letter when a session becomes available.
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Diabetic Education - patient feedback
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"I attended the diabetic information session on Tuesday 7th February at Wheal Northey. I just wanted to say thank you so much to the diabetic team. Not only did I find it extremely helpful and informative, but also inspiring. The team were empathic, kind and down to earth - could not have been better..."
"Having attended tonight's diabetes awareness group at Wheal Northey, run by Esther Gray. I wanted to provide my feedback from the experience. When I first arrived I was a bit sceptical about what to expect. Everything that I tend to enjoy eating, seemed to be on "The List" of bad foods. I arrived with this in my mind. I was pleasantly surprised about how informative tonights session was about the condition. I was given some very useful print outs about good and bad foods in regards to diabetes. Esther was very helpful in answering the questions that I asked about food choices. I came away from the group in good knowledge that I can make better choices, but at the same time still be able to enjoy most of the foods that I like. I came away feeling that I can control the condition and not let it control me.
Thank you Esther. A very professional, passionate lady who clearly knows her subject. Great Group." |
"I am writing to give my thanks to yourself and indeed all the Diabetic Team. I must however raise you Esther to the top of the woodpile and my reasons are as follows. Your delivery at the Diabetic meeting on 7th February at Wheal Northey was pitched just right for me. I felt your friendliness and your control and authority. You had a concise and measured voice and a touch of humour.
The information which you and Hayley Burgoyne gave was good and relevant to my needs and levelled to the point that I could take on board and digest. All the delivery and information motivated me to an inspirational frame of mind. This has never been achieved by any other Diabetic nurse over the many years I have been treated for Diabetes. In recognition of your caring work I will reward you and myself with a better improvement in my health. I wish you and the team further success in your tasks. Thank you from a lighter and less mmol/I patient." |
Blankets for the homeless
There is a collection basket in reception at the Wheal Northey site.
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Cornwall Healthy Weight
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January – March 2018 Highlights
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Singing for lung health group
We are very excited to be working with Cymaz music who are starting a Singing for lung health group at Wheal Northey surgery.
The group is for patients with any form of lung condition or breathlessness.
The group is for patients with any form of lung condition or breathlessness.
Fitness referral scheme changing lives in St Austell
"A GP Referral scheme to help St Austell residents with a range of medical problems is being hailed a “huge success”, with many seeing a dramatic improvement in their conditions." Read more about the referral scheme...
PSA testing and prostate cancer
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Requests for advice on the use of Cannabis Oil (CBD)
We are getting a number of enquiries from patients regarding the use of CBD oil which is now available as a health supplement over the counter. Unfortunately we are unable to support the use of this product as we feel that there is a lack of robust evidence of both effectiveness and safety.
As CBD oil is a classed as a health supplement, the product is not subject to the same stringent requirements for monitoring, effectiveness and safety that would be the case for licensed medicines. There is also a lack of robust evidence of safety, especially with long term use, and very little data available on the safety of CPD oil when used in conjunction with other medicines.
There is a lot of research going on at present into the potential benefits of CBD oil but we feel at present that we do not have sufficient data on whether the product is safe and/or effective for our patients, especially if used in place of or alongside routinely prescribed medicines.
As CBD oil is a classed as a health supplement, the product is not subject to the same stringent requirements for monitoring, effectiveness and safety that would be the case for licensed medicines. There is also a lack of robust evidence of safety, especially with long term use, and very little data available on the safety of CPD oil when used in conjunction with other medicines.
There is a lot of research going on at present into the potential benefits of CBD oil but we feel at present that we do not have sufficient data on whether the product is safe and/or effective for our patients, especially if used in place of or alongside routinely prescribed medicines.
How the NHS works and how it is changing
Patient Participation Group funds bladder scanner
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St Austell Healthcare’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) raised more than £6,500 to purchase a bladder scanner. The scanner will allow some urinary conditions to be diagnosed and treated at Carlyon Road Health Hub, and is making a difference to patients requiring a scan and preventing hospital admissions.
The PPG held raffles, made and sold cards and also received donations and support from St Austell Brewery, the Freemasons of Cornwall and Cuddra WI, and Cornwall and town councillors for St Austell. Richard Pears, Cornwall councillor for Mount Charles commented: This was a fantastic effort by the PPG group, which has resulted in the provision of a much needed new medical resource for our community." Read more from NHS Kernow news...
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Sandra Francis (PPG Chair) presents the scanner to Dr Alistair James.
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Inspirational and dedicated urgent care nurse Sharon receives top award
Photo courtesy of Kate Stanworth.
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Congratulations to Urgent Care Matron Sharon Evans for being given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse. The title indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership. I am very humbled and honoured to be recognised for the work that I do. The most important and rewarding aspect about my job is providing a high standard of patient care and making a difference. When a patient leaves my consultation room with a smile and says thank you, I know that I have made a difference for that individual.” Read more from NHS Kernow news...
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NHS Quicker
Use the new NHS Quicker app or website to access up to date information about local services and waiting times.
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Diabetes walking group
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Heart of Cornwall Health Walks coordinated by St Austell Healthcare and the Eden Project have been benefiting patients by providing exercise and social interaction.
David from Polgooth commented: I am diabetic, I’m not the walking police or a fitness fanatic but I think this is way forward. It has changed my outlook and we‘re changing other people’s outlooks. It’s not “just about moving your feet, it’s about moving your lips and I’ve lost weight – quite a lot in fact." |
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National GP Patient Survey results
A July 2017 survey of patients across the country has identified a decline in patients' experience of GP services.
Key issues identified included the time taken to get a GP or hospital appointment and the minimal use by patients of online services.
Read a brief analysis of the report by The King's Fund, which identifies a 15% overall increase in consultations in recent years as a factor in GP access difficulties. This increase includes a 28% increase in consultations with people over the age of 85, who are more likely to have multiple health conditions.
The government has focused on improving access to GP services with measures such as extending opening hours in the evenings and at weekends, and encouraging new approaches such as telephone and online triage.
Fundraising by Cuddra Women's Institute
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Sandra Francis of the St Austell Healthcare Patient Participation Group (PPG) met with the Cuddra WI to give an update on the recent fundraising appeals to be acquire a bladder scanner. This is particularly important for patients who have limited mobility or are housebound and for whom a hospital visit would be stressful. The ladies were very generous in their personal donations, which were passed on to the PPG. |
The primary care home model is ‘a strong catalyst for collaboration’
The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) developed the primary care home model as an innovative approach to strengthening and redesigning primary care. It is featured on the NHS Five Year Forward View as part of the plans to transform primary care over the next two years.
An evaluation of the primary care home model has shown that it has aided collaboration between organisations in health and social care, and redined relationships between GP staff and wider primary care community teams. The model has promising signs of success. Read more about this evaulation on the NAPC website.
An evaluation of the primary care home model has shown that it has aided collaboration between organisations in health and social care, and redined relationships between GP staff and wider primary care community teams. The model has promising signs of success. Read more about this evaulation on the NAPC website.
Winners of Primary Care Innovation Award
On Friday 7th October 2017 Dr Stewart Smith, Paul Hughes and Bridget Sampson attended an event in Exeter to celebrate the achievements in primary care across South West England and share examples of how primary care is responding to the many challenges being faced. We received the award for creating a sustainable solution which averted service failure and £5,000 towards practice development. |
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St Austell Healthcare is a fantastic example of how a crisis situation was turned around due to a practice handing back its contract and as a result a sustainable model of primary care has been developed. There are multiple examples of innovative ways of working including different skill mix, a new model for acute care and flexible working to encourage recruitment of salaried GPs. This significant change has been done in consultation with the public and in a relatively short space of time (2 years). The new model has had national recognition for its innovative approaches." |
Patience of a Saint Award
Mr Scott Bennett of Duchy Health Charity, Nurse Jayne Cavendish & Dr Clare Taylor
St Austell Healthcare was presented with the ‘Patience of a Saint Award’ at the Cosgarne Hall New Year Honours Ceremony.
Cosgarne Hall is a hostel for homeless people in St Austell currently supporting over 40 residents. The Hall is very often the last place of refuge for homeless people in the locality who have issues with drug and/or alcohol dependency. The hostel has a surprising high number of female residents, many of which are extremely vulnerable with a history of domestic violence and abuse.
It was therefore a big honour to be given the Award at the ceremony. Our staff were praised for their positive attitude and patience dealing with Cosgarne residents, especially during their first early days when some residents take a little time to ‘settle down’ to a more structured life at the hostel.
Many of the residents at Cosgarne have chaotic drug and alcohol use issues, mental as well as physical health problems, often as a result of sleeping rough.
At the Awards ceremony it was wonderful to hear of the real personal success stories at Cosgarne, the range of activities and projects that go on there, as well as local people supporting the charity in so many ways.
St Austell Healthcare has always supported Cosgarne and we all feel very proud for being recognised as going the extra mile for their residents.
If anyone wants to see our Award, it is now proudly displayed at the Park surgery!
Cosgarne Hall is a hostel for homeless people in St Austell currently supporting over 40 residents. The Hall is very often the last place of refuge for homeless people in the locality who have issues with drug and/or alcohol dependency. The hostel has a surprising high number of female residents, many of which are extremely vulnerable with a history of domestic violence and abuse.
It was therefore a big honour to be given the Award at the ceremony. Our staff were praised for their positive attitude and patience dealing with Cosgarne residents, especially during their first early days when some residents take a little time to ‘settle down’ to a more structured life at the hostel.
Many of the residents at Cosgarne have chaotic drug and alcohol use issues, mental as well as physical health problems, often as a result of sleeping rough.
At the Awards ceremony it was wonderful to hear of the real personal success stories at Cosgarne, the range of activities and projects that go on there, as well as local people supporting the charity in so many ways.
St Austell Healthcare has always supported Cosgarne and we all feel very proud for being recognised as going the extra mile for their residents.
If anyone wants to see our Award, it is now proudly displayed at the Park surgery!
Improving healthcare podcast
Dr Stewart Smith provides a podcast on Improving healthcare: step by step.
The podcast details how the three GP practices in St Austell merged and took on a failing practice. It also explains how this changed the way General Practice services are provided in St Austell, with the creation of the Acute Care Hub.
The podcast details how the three GP practices in St Austell merged and took on a failing practice. It also explains how this changed the way General Practice services are provided in St Austell, with the creation of the Acute Care Hub.
Opthamology based at St Austell Healthcare
Some glaucoma and macular eye clinics are based at St Austell Healthcare, providing a local venue for Royal Cornwall Hospital patients.
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