New Online Services

Now that we have a new clinical system we are able to provide new and improved online services. To register for these services you will need to contact reception at the Medical Centre and they will grant you access to "SystmOnline" and print you a username and password.

Click on the button on the home page "access to appointment system" which will take you to your log on page.  Once logged on you will arrive at your "home page" on SystmOnline which gives you the opportunity to book appointments, cancel appointments, view past appointments, view future appointments and order repeat medication.

Please note, you are still able to phone in or call in to book an appointment.

Appointments

Click on the relevant tab on your "home screen".  If you wish to book an appointment, you will see a list of the appointments available, along with the GP's name.  Select the appointment you would like to book and follow the instructions on screen.  If you have registered for text message reminders, you will receive an appointment reminder the day before your appointment.

There are limited appointments available at the moment for online booking, however once patients start using this system we will increase the number of appointment slots available.

Repeat Medication

The repeat medication link will show you exactly which medications are on repeat, the dosage, quantity and when they are next due. To request a prescription for any medication just tick the box of the drug you require and submit your request.

We appreciate that registering for a new service may be an inconvenience for you, however the system will allow us to provide additional online services and the repeat prescription service is much "safer" as the information is taken directly from your clinical record.

Is your information up to date?

Do we have your information up to date on our records?  To help us keep your information as current as possible please use the forms on the website.  On the home screen please select

"help us keep your clinical record up to date" and

"please tell us if your name, address or telephone number has changed".

If you are asthmatic and would like to update us with your current condition please select the link at the right hand side of the home screen "asthma review".

You can update basic clinical information and personal contact details using these forms.  Your help is appreciated.

It's not a 999 emergency.  But you need medical help fast?

There is now a 111 number to call.

What is 111?

It is a new NHS telephone number being introduced to help make it easier for you to access local health services.  You can now call 111 when you need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency.

You will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best.  That could be A&E, an Urgent Care Centre or Minor Injuries Unit, an out of hours GP, community nurse, emergency dentist or a late opening pharmacist.

You can ring the 111 number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

There is a typetalk service (18001 111) for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Why should I use it?

NHS 111 is a fast and easy way to get the right help - wherever you are, and whatever the time.

It can also help us free up 999 and local A&E departments so that they can focus on emergency cases.

How does it work?

111 will get you through to a team of highly trained advisers, who are supported by experienced nurses.  They will ask you questions to assess your symptoms, and give you the health care advice you need or direct you to the right local service.  The NHS 111 team will, where possible, book you an appointment or transfer you directly to the people you need to speak to.

If NHS 111 advisers think you need an ambulance, they will immediately arrange for one to be sent to you.

Calls to 111 are recorded.  All calls and the records we create are maintained securely, and will only be shared with others directly involved in your care.

When do I use it?

You should use the NHS 111 service if:

• You need medical help fast, but it is not a 999 emergency.
• You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service.
• You don't know who to call for medical help or you don't have a GP to call; or
• You require health information or reassurance about what to do next. 

For less urgent health needs, you should still contact your GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

If a health professional has given you a specific number to call when you are concerned about your condition, please continue to use that number.

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, continue to call 999.

For more information please visit www.nhs.uk/111

Sabbatical Announcement

As part of the sabbatical programme I will be taking an extended break from Newport Pagnell Medical Centre this year.  I shall be away from the practice from 6 May until the end of July.  During this time it will not be possible to make appointments with me and I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Patients will be able to make appointments with any of the other doctors at the practice.  Dr Shalin Parikh, who many of you have met, will be doing more locum sessions with us to make additional appointments available.

Family planning/women's health clinics will move to Wednesday's until my return, and be provided by Dr Sharon Rose Mukanganwa and Dr Mohri

Dr Karen Holowka
April 2013