Your Data Matters to the NHS

Following the introduction of the new General Data Protection Regulations on 25th May 2018 the NHS introduced the National Data Opt-Out Programme. It is a new service that permits patients to opt out from the use of their confidential patient information for purposes of research and planning.

Further details on this new initiative can be found by following the link below:

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out-programme/supporting-patients-information-and-resources

Greener Practice Initiative

A group of South Yorkshire General Practitioners recognise that Climate Change is a health issue as it affects the fundamental determinants of health. By working together to mitigate against its effects, we can improve the resilience of people, patients, communities and the health care system. We aim to develop and support win-win initiatives that help our local general practice community to engage in greener practice

 Please follow the link below for more information:

 www.greenerpractice.co.uk

Here at Crystal Peaks Medical Centre we are participating in the Green Impact Scheme. 

Infected Blood Inquiry

• We know that people may be concerned about their own health following recent media coverage, so we have set up a new online resource for patients and the public to find help and support - https://nhs.uk/infected-blood-support

• Since 1991, all blood donated in the UK is screened and distributed by NHS Blood and Transplant following rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

• Since testing has been introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low. 

• All blood donors are screened at every donation and every donation is tested before it is sent to hospitals. Blood services and blood safety has been transformed, not only in terms of technological advances in testing but also in the way donors are recruited and checked they are safe to donate.

• Given the time that has elapsed since the last use of infected blood products, most of those who were directly affected have been identified and started appropriate treatment. However, there may be a small number of patients where this is not the case, and particularly where they are living with asymptomatic hepatitis C

• If you are concerned about a possible hepatitis C infection, you can book a home NHS test online. The tests are free and confidential. To receive a self-testing kit which can be quickly dispatched to your home visit nhs.uk.

• Hepatitis B is also linked to infected blood, this usually clears up on its own without treatment, but could develop into chronic hepatitis B.  Patients can find out more information here - hepatitis B information

• HIV testing is also provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS.  Home testing and home sampling kits are also available.  You can find out more about HIV testing and the HIV testing services search tool on the NHS website.

• Patients who want more details about the safety of blood from donations in England can find more information here:  https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/further-information/your-safety/ 

Crystal Peaks Medical Centre  

At Crystal Peaks Medical Centre we take pride in delivering high quality care and run  clinics for chronic disease management and offer a wide variety of other medical services such as antenatal and postnatal care, minor surgery including joint injections, childhood vaccinations, contraceptive implants and coil fitting.

We have allied professionals working on site delivering counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (Talking Therapies workers), as well as physiotherapists and offering screening services for diabetic eye screening and AAA screening.

The surgery will be closed for training during the afternoon on:

Wednesday 5th March 2025

If you require a GP in an emergency, please call 111 or alternatively visit the Walk-in-Centre on Broad Lane.

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Flu Party

We received some extremely positive feedback from our childhood immunisation 'Flu Party'. The children waited for their appointment whilst colouring and listening to children's music. Following their appointment they were offered a sticker and a chocolate! Lots of happy patients. 

*Image taken with parental consent to share

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Industrial Action

We are proud of the care we provide to our patients, we scored well above average in all parameters of the National GP Satisfaction Survey- you can read the results here: GP Satisfaction Survey 2024

We are rated as Good by CQC across all parameters CQC. Throughout the Covid pandemic we kept our doors open, when many did not. We also played a significant role in the delivery of the Covid vaccination programme locally at Beighton, as part of our Townships 1 Primary Care Network.

However there has been underfunding of the NHS for many years; this is especially true of General Practice services, with funding falling even further behind that of hospital services. The number of doctors in the hospital sector has increased significantly whilst the number of GPs has fallen. As of June 2024 there were 1694 fewer full time equivalent GPs than in Sept 2015, against a record registered population of 63.4 million. This means each GP on average has an 18% increase in the number of patients registered with them. We also have a more elderly population with more complex needs. This population need more frequent appointments and more time to meet their medical needs if they are to be cared for effectively to appropriate standards.

As well as consulting patients, GPs order and process results, write and deal with correspondence from hospital and from patients, undertake home visits, liaise with other providers such as social workers and paramedics and write medical reports such as for PIP, housing, insurance, coroners reports, safeguarding reports etc. It’s well recognised that tired or worse, burned out, Doctors are prone to making poor clinical decisions and this impacts your care. It is considered by UEMO that a safe number of patient contacts is 25 per day, which obviously doesn’t include the additional work outlined above. The problem is, we have been trying to offer more and more with less and less resource. This is impacting on the quality of care we can provide to you.

As an analogy, if a school had an influx of new pupils, due to a new housing estate being built, would you expect the teachers to pay for additional teachers and teaching assistants out of their own pockets in order to maintain the current class sizes and standards? This is exactly what the Government has effectively been asking us to do in General Practice for some years now.

You may have noted that in recent years, Beighton and Westfield Surgeries have closed and recently the Owlthorpe and Hackenthorppe Practices have merged. General Practice has a very real existential crisis. We are all familiar with the terrible state of NHS dentistry provision in England- with very long waiting lists to get registered and travelling far away to obtain treatment. We do not want General Practice to go the same way, but this is a real prospect if something is not done to salvage the situation. In the last year there were 90 GP Practice closures in the UK.

Unfortunately, years of lobbying of the Government by the BMA has failed to deliver anything other than repeated real terms cuts in funding. Our colleagues in secondary care (Nurses and Doctors) have had similar concerns and it seems very unfortunate that only industrial action (which sadly inevitably impacts patients) will make the Government take notice and come to the negotiating table. Therefore, as BMA members, for the first time in the history of the Practice, we are starting limited industrial action because we want to protect the service we deliver to our patients and to put pressure on the government to fund it properly. Without this, there will be cuts in service provision which will affect you, our patients. We are reducing the number of GP appointments in line with UEMO safe working guidance. This will be increased if and when additional funding is provided for it. We would urge you to support this action- unwelcome though it may be, and do not take your frustration out on our staff, but instead, write to your MP to insist the Government comes up with the funding that is needed to replace the lost resourcing of General Practice over the past decades.

As is the case currently, when we have reached safe operating capacity, you will be advised of alternative options to obtain medical care. These include, re-direction to 111 by phone or on-line for advice, attending the Walk in Centre, attending your local pharmacist for the Pharmacy First service. If your problem is more serious you may be advised to attend your local Accident and Emergency Department at the Norther General Hospital, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Rotherham General Hospital or The Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

We thank you for reading this information and hope you will support the BMA campaign to Save Our Surgeries. You can watch the video Here

The Partners

Crystal Peaks Medical Centre

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NHS 111 - Mental Health Crisis Service

Need urgent support for your mental health? Just call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a mental health professional in Sheffield. 

Please follow the link below for more information:

Call NHS 111 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis | Sheffield Health and Social Care (shsc.nhs.uk)

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CRYSTAL PEAKS MEDICAL CENTRE

Important Notice: Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment

At Crystal Peaks Medical Centre, the safety and well-being of all patients and staff are our top priority. We are committed to creating a respectful and professional environment for everyone.

We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of sexual harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, unwanted physical contact, verbal remarks, gestures, or any behaviour that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment.

Sexual harassment of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Individuals found engaging in such behaviour may face immediate removal from the premises and further legal action.

We encourage all patients to report any concerns, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. If you experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, please notify a staff member.

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and safe space for everyone.

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Extended Access Hub - Please see our Opening Times tab for more information on Extended Access.

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Opening Times

Extended Access Hub 

Hub Opening Times