Bridge End Surgery

Data for Planning and Research update

A letter was sent to practices from Jo Churchill, the Minister for Primary Care and Health Promotion, outlining the criteria that will strengthen security for the GP data collection programme. It sets out the tests that must be met for the GP data collection to proceed and means a move away from the fixed start date of 1 September. The letter can be read here.

Back Pain

Use website for patients who suffer from back pain Back Pain video

Over the Counter Medication

The table below shows the guidance that we are required to follow regarding a number of Self Care issues and how patients can purchase over the counter (OTC) medications for that.

Calling all men of the North East

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) are a weakening in the aorta that can swell and rupture causing fatal internal bleeding. They usually don’t have symptoms  and are most common in men aged over 65.

AAA screening is a free NHS national programme that invites men in the year they turn 65, to attend a quick and painless 10 minute ultrasound scan.

You will receive your invitation through the post when you’re eligible. Please DON’T ignore it.  It could save your life!

If you need to rearrange your appointment give us a call on: 0191 445 8747

For more information visit: QE Gateshead website https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/services/aaa/

Watch our AAA Video: https://fb.watch/7tORZvND2n/

Chronic Pain

There is a useful source of information to help people who suffer from chronic pain at the Live Well With Pain website available at Live Well With Pain website

ICON is all about helping people who care for babies to cope with crying

ICON is a resource to help people who care for babies to cope with crying - there is a website full of information and this includes Parents advice and explains the crying curve

* I – Infant crying is normal

* C –Comforting methods can help

* O – It’s OK to walk away

* N – Never, ever shake a baby

Painkillers don't exist

Pain medication like codeine, morphine and tramadol can be dangerous if taken for a long period of time. Always ask your GP for a follow up appointment to review your health. Find out more about the dangers of pain medication here: painkillersdontexist.com #PainkillersDontExist

There are over 55,000 prescriptions for opioids and gabapentinoids every month across County Durham and Painkillers are not the only option for persistent pain use the link https://painkillersdontexist.com/ for more information.

Cancer Care

CDDFT and the North East  Cancer Alliance have produced a patient information video for the 2WW pathway and is available on the following link:  Cancer care video

Used inhalers

We would encourage that patients return used inhalers to local pharmacies for disposal by incineration or recycling and any blister packs can also be recycled at certain pharmacies waste recycling pharmacies.

Self Help leaflet

We have a new leaflet that explains approaches to self help around lifestyle changes and it can be accessed Lifestyle_changes

Extended Access Service

With effect from the 1st September 2017, there is an extended access service, running Monday to Friday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday. Please just ask Reception staff for details.

Both GP and Nurse or Health Care Assistant appointments are available.

This is an extension of the GP service that runs as normal throughout the day, and is aimed firstly for those people who, for example, work and find it difficult to get to see a GP or Nurse or Health Care Assistant during the day.

This poster offers more information

Extended GP access

There is no longer a Health Visitor service operating out of the practice, following a review by the provider, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, patients can now attend the community clinic every Friday at Bullion Children Centre from 09.30-11.30.

Further information is on the Facebook page for CLS Health Visitors. 

Welcome to Bridge End Surgery

Do you need help managing your healthcare? or do you want to help a family member manage their healthcare?

If you're both patients at Bridge End, you can  have access to online GP services on their behalf or similarly they can apply on your behalf. 

NHS App and Prescription Ordering

Did you know you can manage repeat prescriptions from in the NHS App? You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you'll be away from home or you are moving home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app. 

You can also order your prescription at any time that suits you. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP surgery opens.

It’s easy to use, and there is a quick guide here NHS_App.pdf, if you hit a snag, you can go to ‘Help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp. Find out more about the NHS App at: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp

Telephone System and Appointment Update

• Call Queueing: When calling, you’ll hear a message telling you your position in the queue. Once the phone rings, you’re the next person to be answered. Please don't hang up at this point.

• Callback Option: If you prefer not to wait on the line, you can use a callback feature, which allows the service to call you back at your spot in the queue.

• Face-to-Face Appointments: Available if that is what you prefer.

• Online Consultation for Non-Urgent Help: You can submit requests anytime, and you'll typically get a response within two working days.

• Minor Health Concerns: For non-urgent matters, you can visit a local pharmacy for advice.

• Urgent Issues: For urgent care or out-of-hours services, you can contact NHS 111, either by calling or visiting their website at 111.nhs.uk.

  

If you need to order a prescription, please use online services, such as the NHS App or leave a request in our post box. We also have a box to leave any samples you have been asked to provide. The booking of appointments online has also been suspended in line with NHS guidance.

---

Online Consulting

The online consulting tool Accurx can be used to contact us about a medical, administrative  or prescription issue by clicking either of the logos below. You will be asked a few short questions and we will get back to you within 2 working days.

Please do not use this online form for urgent or emergency requests. The submitted forms will only be read during office hours ththe forms will not be read on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) or on bank holidays.  They will not be read Monday-Friday between the hours of 1700 - 0900. Please contact 111 during out of hours or 999 if this is an emergency.

---

Keeping You Informed

Through this website we hope to improve our services to all our patients and enable you to find the information required at the click of a mouse.  You can order repeat prescriptions online, download registration forms, change your name and address, provide feedback using the Friends and Family Survey Test and much more.  You can find out information about medical conditions and diseases through our patient information leaflets as well as keep up to date with all the latest practice news and developments.

---

Access

Our building has suitable access for disabled patients. All the patient areas including the waiting room, the consulting rooms and the toilets, have wheelchair access. If you require one, there is a wheelchair available at reception. There are designated disabled parking spaces in the car park.

Car Parking

Please ensure if you use the car park and have to block other vehicles you leave your name and number plate with the Reception staff.

CQC Report We were inspected by CQC on 22 March 2015 and the findings can be accessed on the CQC website.	Veterans Accredited  We have a number of extremely useful pages for military veterans now that we have become accredited view here	Carer Friendly Employer Award - County Durham We have been recognised as a Carer friendly organisation by Durham County Council

Opening Hours

The surgery is open at the following times 

Telephones are transferred to the Out of Hours service at 18:00 each evening.

Accessibility

• Braille translation service
• Disabled parking
• Disabled WC
• Induction loop
• Signing service available
• Step free access
• Wheelchair access

Protected Learning Time

The surgery, like all others in Chester le Street and across Durham, we close one half day every month, from noon for practice learning time to share best practice and better develop our services. All practices in North Durham now have their training on the same day to allow for joined up training and it is now the third Thursday of the month.