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Patient Participation Group Newsletter
Issue No.22 - Summer 2024
Staff Changes
Julie McGowan, our Advanced Nurse Practitioner, is leaving us on 31st August. She has given the practice 26 years of loyal service and I am sure you would like to join us in wishing her a very happy and healthy retirement. We are delighted to announce that we have been joined by Dr Mike Hopkins, and we wish him a very warm welcome.
Anima - The New Triage System
On 7th March, Lonsdale Medical Centre launched Anima, a new one-stop online consultation and appointment booking system. We have around 7200 patients at Lonsdale – 3306 are currently registered to use Anima, with 72 people registering in the past 7 days! We receive, on average, over 1000 requests each month, with the majority being resolved on the day.
Registering and Accessing Anima
Patients must register to use Anima and will have two options ‘Use Anima with NHS Login’ or ‘Continue without NHS Login’ where will be asked to fill out some details and set a secure password. Please register here.
You can access Anima by using the same login information you use to access the NHS app. If you are yet to register for an NHS login, you can do so by heading to the NHS website. If you do not have an NHS login, or do not want one, you can register for Anima without it by visiting our website and clicking on the Anima banner.
Once you have registered, click to submit a medical or admin query. Then answer a few simple questions. The more information you give us, the better we will be able to help you. You can submit medical requests such as requests for blood tests, GP appointments and repeat prescriptions. You can also submit admin requests for things such as Subject Access Requests and fit notes. You will receive a response within 3 working days. Please monitor your phone, email inbox, Anima account during your stated available time as you will be contacted through one of these channels. You can also track your request on the Anima dashboard.
Patients with no internet access
For patients with no internet access the reception team are always happy to help and requests can be submitted over the phone using the Anima form. These requests will be triaged according to clinical need in the same way as an Anima request, so patients may not be booked in straight away. A receptionist will call patients with the outcome of their request and book will book the necessary appointment.
For urgent medical queries and emergencies, please continue to call 111 or call 999.
Every Mind Matters
Every mind matters is a campaign and digital resource designed to empower people to look after their mental wellbeing and support that of others. It focuses on promoting mental wellbeing as well as addressing the four most commonly reported, subclinical mental health concerns: anxiety, low mood, stress and trouble sleeping.
The programme offers a range of evidence-based self-care actions and free resources designed to help people take care of their own mental health and prevent common concerns from escalating into mental health disorders.
Available on the website is a free, NHS-approved Mind Plan. By answering five short questions people get a personalised mental health action plan, providing more practical tips to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control. People also can join a 4-week programme where they can get reminders, swap in news tips and are encouraged to make looking into their mental wellbeing part of their everyday routine. In addition, email programmes focused specifically on 'easing your anxiety' and 'putting your sleep first'.
Think 'Pharmacy First'
Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess and treat patients for earache, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
Community pharmacy teams are highly-skilled, qualified health professionals who have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need. Patients don't need an appointment and private consultation rooms are available. Pharmacy teams can also signpost to other relevant local services where necessary. Pharmacists have always helped patients, families and carers in their communities stay healthy and are well placed to offer treatment for health conditions.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care. Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team. For more information visit the Pharmacy First website
Missed Appointments
In the past three months:
19 missed GP appointments.
14 missed blood tests.
2 missed Advanced Nurse Practitioner appointments – 15 minutes each.
8 missed Nurse appointments – 2 of which were 20 minute slots.
How are we doing?
We would be grateful if you would complete a feedback form after your appointment. These can be found in the waiting room or are available from reception.