150 Missed Appointments:

• If you fail to attend a scheduled appointment, you deny another patient the opportunity to consult with that GP. 
• In an attempt to try and resolve this problem the practice has developed the following policy.
• If you fail to attend 2 consecutive appointments without informing us we will write to ask that you show consideration by notifying reception at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend an appointment.
• If you fail to attend consecutive appointments we may have to consider asking you to register with an alternative GP practice.

The practice will be closed on Friday 12th July 2024 and will run an emergency only service on Monday 15th July 2024. The practice will reopen on Tuesday 16th July 2024.

Please ensure medications are ordered in a timely manner and please allow 72 hours for prescriptions to be delivered to the chemist.

• Emergency Hormonal Contraception: This service provides Sexual Health Advice including risks of STls and how to get tested, emergency contraception and if clinically appropriate 3 months’ supply of desogestrel bridging contraception, safe-guarding, and signposting. The service is available to women and young people aged 13 years and above. Further details (including a providers list) are available at Pharmacy First Service: Emergency Hormonal Contraception – Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website (hscni.net)
• UTI service for female patients aged 16 to 64 years: This service facilitates the assessment and treatment of women aged 16-64 years presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated LUTI. Further details are available at Pharmacy First Service: – Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in women aged 16-64 years – Business Services Organisation (BSO) Website (hscni.net) – Resources include: Training materials for GP practice staff and GP flowchart outlining the exclusion criteria (attached for convenience)
• Everyday Health Conditions: The box below outlines the conditions available and a protocol for GP practice reception staff is available on the PCI at Pharmacy First Service: – Receptionist-Protocol-everyday-health­-conditions.pdf

The following numbers for May 2024:

• 1,213 Appointments booked in the Treatment Room
• 150 Appointments booked and not attended by patient
• 2,338 Daily triage slots actioned by a clinician
• 2,265 Hospital letters actioned by Practice Staff
• 6,500 Prescriptions requested
• 11,524 Incoming Telephone Calls to the Practice
• 16,444 General Administration Tasks
• 66 Home Visits by a GP
• 3,371 Face to Face Surgery Consultations
• 830 Triage Telephone calls to patients
• 4 minutes 51 seconds Average Patient waiting time on incoming telephone lines
• 3,092 patient results reviewed

How to access travel vaccinations:

• Patients are required to attend a specialised travel clinic (none available within MBS).
• Any vaccines available on NHS will be advised by the clinic and the patient should receive a written copy of same
• Documentary proof of NHS vaccines is required and this should be left into reception. Please allow 72 hours for completion of script.
• Once a prescription has been issued, this should be taken to the Pharmacy
• After the prescription has been fulfilled, patients should contact the surgery to arrange an appointment with our Advanced Nurse Practitioner to administer the vaccines.

A message in regard to pressures facing GP surgeries throughout NI.