Horticulture Week Custodian Award
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Congratulations to the Social Prescribing programme working in partnership with the Eden Project. The Custodian Award recognises the work for the community, with activities including walking groups for patients with diabetes, COPD or cardiac conditions and therapeutic horticulture programmes for people with anxiety and depression. There is a Walk and Talk Lunch Club for those over 65 years old to help to prevent loneliness and isolation.
Read more about the Custodian Award here. If you are interested in, please ask reception to ask you to the social prescribing list. Our social prescribers will talk to each patient individually to make sure that they link you to the most suitable activities or groups. |
Cervical screening
For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens-at-your-appointment/
For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/what-happens-at-your-appointment/
Guide to our services
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Blood Pressure Monitoring
Please find below a form that you can use to record your blood pressure readings taken at home. You can then return the form to reception. We also have a self-service blood pressure machine in the waiting room at Wheal Northey. Please feel free to use this - just remember to sit down and relax for a while before using the machine if you have been rushing around. 
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Rock My Menopause is a great new website with menopause advice: https://rockmymenopause.com
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A recent Panorama programme looked at the increasing demand for GP appointments, and the national shortage of GPs. The programme included a focus on patients and GP practices in Plymouth. This programme can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
More than 75% of St Austell Healthcare patients use the Electronic Prescription Service, which is above the national average.
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NHS App
St Austell Healthcare is now connected to the NHS App.
The app allows patients to:
You can register and verify your identity so that you can:
St Austell Healthcare is now connected to the NHS App.
The app allows patients to:
- Check your symptoms using the health A-Z on the NHS website
- Find out what to do when you need help urgently using NHS 111 online
You can register and verify your identity so that you can:
- Book and manage appointments
- Order repeat prescriptions
- Securely view your GP medical record
- Register as an organ donor
- Choose whether the NHS uses your data for research and planning
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Young person's drop in clinic
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We hold a Nurse led clinic on Mondays 3pm – 5:30pm at Carlyon Road Health Hub.
This is for young people aged 13-25 (we won't turn you away if slightly older). The Nurses will be able to give confidential advice on all aspects of contraception and sexual health, including:
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NAPC welcomes investment boost for primary care and networks
The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) has today (31 January 2019) welcomed a new five-year deal for general practice of almost £1bn with another £1.8bn to support the development of primary care networks – including primary care homes.
The ramping up of investment for primary care – which was first unveiled by the Prime Minister at the end of last year – will enable primary care homes and primary care networks in the first year to employ at least one social prescribing link worker and one clinical pharmacist with over 20,000 additional people by 2023/24 including physiotherapists, physician associates and paramedics.
Dr Minesh Patel, NAPC chair, said: “The five-year deal and this ramping up of investment for primary care marks a milestone for primary care.
“We now have 220 primary care homes across England spearheading the transformation of integrated primary care across England. These established primary care networks, serving 9 million patients, 16% of the population will now have the means to surge ahead with real momentum – to redesign their services and expand their teams based on their local population health needs.
“Within current resources, primary care homes are already making a real difference to patients – increasing patient satisfaction and reducing pressure on the wider health system, the new money will mean they can go so much further. We look forward to sharing their learning over the coming weeks and months.”
Developed by the NAPC, the primary care home model was launched three years ago and is a leading example of a primary care network – the cornerstone of the NHS Long Term Plan.
There are many examples of elements of the Long Term Plan underway across primary care homes – including a proactive population health management approach, a key characteristic of the primary care home model.
The new contract and funding will provide momentum for primary care homes, enabling existing sites to strengthen their approach and assist new emerging sites to build strong foundations to provide more personalised, multi-disciplinary integrated care closer to home.
St Austell Healthcare was one of the first primary care home sites. Initial funding as a rapid test site enabled it to work with other organisations to deliver more services including social prescribing, a visiting service for the housebound and ophthalmology.
Responding to today’s announcement, its managing partner Bridget Sampson said: “We are delighted with the new contract for primary care networks and funding. This will really help us to strengthen and expand our primary care home and work in a more integrated way with health, social care, community partners and local businesses.
“The funding will enable us to develop and meet the unique opportunities and challenges facing everyone in the St Austell area, delivering more services closer to home. This includes having dedicated mental health clinicians working as part of the practice team, delivering more outpatients clinics locally, for example for cancer care, haematology, ophthalmology as well as working collaboratively with community partners.”
Dr James Morrow, GP and Granta Primary Care Home Lead said: “This announcement of substantial real funding is welcome. Primary care already delivers fantastic value for money.
“This new resource will enable and empower primary care networks including primary care homes to better serve our populations, both as provider and integrator of care. It is vital that the funding reaches the front line. At Granta PCH, we are ready, willing and able to forge ahead with this new funding.”
Fleetwood Primary Care Home Lead Dr Mark Spencer said: “I really welcome today’s GP contract agreement announcement. There is much to be positive about regarding primary care network development and their pivotal role within integrated primary care that will benefit both residents and staff.
“The significant investment in expanding the workforce will not only give patients a wider choice of health care professionals to better meet their needs but will also significantly reduce the pressure on GP practices.
“For Fleetwood PCH this will mean an additional 15 clinicians over the next four years as well as funding for primary care home development and leadership.”
The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) has today (31 January 2019) welcomed a new five-year deal for general practice of almost £1bn with another £1.8bn to support the development of primary care networks – including primary care homes.
The ramping up of investment for primary care – which was first unveiled by the Prime Minister at the end of last year – will enable primary care homes and primary care networks in the first year to employ at least one social prescribing link worker and one clinical pharmacist with over 20,000 additional people by 2023/24 including physiotherapists, physician associates and paramedics.
Dr Minesh Patel, NAPC chair, said: “The five-year deal and this ramping up of investment for primary care marks a milestone for primary care.
“We now have 220 primary care homes across England spearheading the transformation of integrated primary care across England. These established primary care networks, serving 9 million patients, 16% of the population will now have the means to surge ahead with real momentum – to redesign their services and expand their teams based on their local population health needs.
“Within current resources, primary care homes are already making a real difference to patients – increasing patient satisfaction and reducing pressure on the wider health system, the new money will mean they can go so much further. We look forward to sharing their learning over the coming weeks and months.”
Developed by the NAPC, the primary care home model was launched three years ago and is a leading example of a primary care network – the cornerstone of the NHS Long Term Plan.
There are many examples of elements of the Long Term Plan underway across primary care homes – including a proactive population health management approach, a key characteristic of the primary care home model.
The new contract and funding will provide momentum for primary care homes, enabling existing sites to strengthen their approach and assist new emerging sites to build strong foundations to provide more personalised, multi-disciplinary integrated care closer to home.
St Austell Healthcare was one of the first primary care home sites. Initial funding as a rapid test site enabled it to work with other organisations to deliver more services including social prescribing, a visiting service for the housebound and ophthalmology.
Responding to today’s announcement, its managing partner Bridget Sampson said: “We are delighted with the new contract for primary care networks and funding. This will really help us to strengthen and expand our primary care home and work in a more integrated way with health, social care, community partners and local businesses.
“The funding will enable us to develop and meet the unique opportunities and challenges facing everyone in the St Austell area, delivering more services closer to home. This includes having dedicated mental health clinicians working as part of the practice team, delivering more outpatients clinics locally, for example for cancer care, haematology, ophthalmology as well as working collaboratively with community partners.”
Dr James Morrow, GP and Granta Primary Care Home Lead said: “This announcement of substantial real funding is welcome. Primary care already delivers fantastic value for money.
“This new resource will enable and empower primary care networks including primary care homes to better serve our populations, both as provider and integrator of care. It is vital that the funding reaches the front line. At Granta PCH, we are ready, willing and able to forge ahead with this new funding.”
Fleetwood Primary Care Home Lead Dr Mark Spencer said: “I really welcome today’s GP contract agreement announcement. There is much to be positive about regarding primary care network development and their pivotal role within integrated primary care that will benefit both residents and staff.
“The significant investment in expanding the workforce will not only give patients a wider choice of health care professionals to better meet their needs but will also significantly reduce the pressure on GP practices.
“For Fleetwood PCH this will mean an additional 15 clinicians over the next four years as well as funding for primary care home development and leadership.”
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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
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.
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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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." |
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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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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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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