As you may already be aware, there is currently a national shortage of blood bottles.  This means that all GP practices are affected and we are taking steps to prioritise their use.  This means that we are only making appointments for blood tests which are deemed as URGENT by a clinician and this is expected to be in place for at least the next 2 weeks.  An update will be issued when we receive further information from NHS England.

We understand that this is likely to cause frustration and concern but it is something which is completely out of our control.

The dispensary will be closing at 4pm on Friday 17th September due to staff shortages.

We have been informed today by Seqirus who manufacture the flu vaccines, that our delivery will be delayed due to road freight challenges.  This means that we will have to reschedule our flu vaccination clinic for 2nd October to a date to be notified.

We appreciate that this will cause inconvenience and hope that patients will understand this is totally out of our control.

Thank you.

You may have heard through the news about the new data extract from the NHS starting from September.

You can opt out of having your data shared by completing the forms on the link below which also has more information about this.

If you do not opt out then your data will be automatically uploaded.  Please note that this is not endorsed in any way by Willingham Surgery and we are legally obliged to share your data unless you have chosen to opt out.

https://digital.nhs.uk/…/general-practice-data-for-planning…

This page has the links to both opt out forms:

https://medconfidential.org/how-to-opt-out/

Patients who have had both Covid-19 vaccine doses will be able to demonstrate their Covid-19 vaccination status via the NHS App from 17th May 2021.  Those without access to the App can request a letter from the NHS by calling 119 from 17th May 2021.

https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-traffic-light-list-ahead-of-cautious-return-to-international-travel?fbclid=lwAR1xZr0cm68x99a1EprXajLQ3SEgeyH-bBwpKKq0Tf9fX5W_olT6B7Tf30Q

We have had an increased number of patients ordering routine repeat medication via the AskMyGP platform.  We generally try to assist with these requests when made but would prefer you to order via the SystemOnline platform (on the website as a link).  You can also use the NHS app or Airmid app to do the same job.

The reason is that when you use AskMyGP, the request comes in as free text and our staff have to transcribe that against your repeat lists.  Quite a few drugs have very similar names so this process is potentially open to error.  When you order by ticking the box on the SystemOnline platform, the request is automated into our clinical system and simply requires approval.  Hence there is much less margin for error/confusion and the request can be processed much quicker.

Many thanks for your support as ever.

Dr Lane

The IMP group of GP Practices has now ceased to offer Covid vaccinations.  Any patient who has yet to receive a vaccine should contact either 119 or the NHS website.

Due to the Covid situation and staff absence, could we please ask that patients do not contact the surgery if necessary, until after 5 working days have elapsed since ordering their prescription.

Thank you.

Branch surgeries are closed until further notice. Please order in the usual way. If you would like your prescription delivered to you, please call the surgery after ordering.