Newsletter No.10 Spring 2009

SURVEY OF THE DISPENSARY SERVICES AND FACILITIES 2008

Further questions posed by patients and answers:

Q: Can we order more than 1 month's supply? I am on lifetime medication and collect monthly.

A: The DOH and the PCT recommend that routine repeat medication should be issued on monthly prescription to avoid extensive wastage of resources and medication.

Q: Why are some medications difficult to obtain and yet are available at a pharmacy?

A: The dispensary orders medication from national wholesalers but does not have the extended buying facilities of some of the High Street pharmacy chains. Drugs can become in short supply through manufacturing or distribution issues, or simply peaks and troughs of demand. The dispensary team endeavour to source supplies from our regular suppliers and will only provide a prescription as a last resort.

Q: Why is there a 3 day waiting time for collection of medication?

A: Medications have to be ordered, delivered, unpacked and checked into stock before being dispensed and second checked for accuracy in advance of going on the shelf ready for collection. The team dispenses over 2,000 items per week - the 3 day lead time for repeat medications allows for a fair and efficient systems giving a standard level of expectation for all patients. It allows the team to manage as far as possible the substantial fluctuations in demand and workflow.

PATIENT GROUP CHANGES

Welcome to Brian Cobb, who has agreed to join the Group. Two members have resigned this year and below is a current committee list.

Sheila Golightly, Chair	Castlemorton
Sheila Millichap, minute secretary	Corse
Brian Cobb	Corse Lawn
Jane Evans	Staunton
Sally David-Bond	Corse
Tegwen Harrison	Redmarley
Judy MeCarthy	Bromsberrow
	Elizabeth Wilkins - Newsletter Editor

The dispensary has carried out an audit of returned medications. Over a 12 month period 600 items were returned equating to a value of £7,500. 18% from deceased patients, 30% due to changes in medication and the remaining 52% either not used or out of date. This wastage highlights why medication is only prescribed monthly as the surgery could make better use of this money. No medication can be re-used once it has left the dispensary - even if unopened.

NB It is essential that anyone prescribed antibiotics MUST finish the whole course unless advised otherwise by a GP.

SUGGESTION BOX

The Group is exploring the possibility of a free Heartstart UK course being run in the area.
Also the possibility of opting into the Lion's Club 'Message in a Bottle' scheme.
If anyone is interested in either of the above, please write your name and address or phone number and post in the Suggestion Box so that we can assess numbers. Thank you.
We have received a number of comments on the music played in the surgery but as each suggestion wanted something different we cannot justify asking for any changes at present.
Walk In Surgeries
The change to the appointment system had overwhelming support when it was started but for urgent clinical needs a same day appointment is always available.
Request that Trade & Chemical names be written on prescriptions
This information is given in the patients' leaflet supplied with all medications.
It has been pointed out to us that the seat in the disabled toilet will not stay up unless held due to the padded cushion at the back. There is another toiled opposite the entrance to the nurses rooms for those who find the disabled loo seat a problem!

Surgery Staff Changes

Welcome to Louise James who joined the reception team last October.

PATIENT SURVEY 2008

	PERCENTAGE RATING FOR GOOD TO EXCELLENT
	2006	2007	2008
AREA REVIEWED
Satisfaction with Receptionists	93%	85%	87%
Opening Hours	70%	57%	60%
Availability of Doctor of Choice	40%	30%	28%
Availability of any doctor	60%	50%	48%
Waiting times	70%	61%	63%
Telephoning the Practice	62%	50%	50%
Telephoning the Doctor for advice	52%	47%	45%
CLINICAL ISSUES
Continuity of Care	65%	62%	57%
Doctors' Questions	94%	87%	89%
Doctor listens	93%	95%	91%
Patient put at ease	95%	94%	94%
Patients involvement	92%	86%	87%
Explanations	90%	90%	91%
Time given	80%	86%	87%
Patience shown	87%	90%	88%
Care and Concern shown	87%	88%	91%

Rachel's Spring Message

Rachel’s Spring Message SPRING INTO SPRING WITH LOTS OF EXERCISE Shape up and lose those extra pounds put on during the winter months Encourage your friends and family to join you as this makes it more challenging and fun EXERCISE referrals available from the Practice Nurses This is a 12 week induction programme at Newent Gym. There is a small charge Over 50? - call Age Concern Gloucestershire on 01452 422660 for their local taster sessions, often free For further local exercise classes see the patients notice board in the lobby

SPRING INTO SPRING WITH LOTS OF EXERCISE

Bob Crockett It is with great regret that we report the sudden death of Bob Crockett, a Founder Member (and only man until this year) of the Patients’ Group. Bob was our Vice Chairman, and we have benefited greatly from his professional expertise and advice on many matters. He has been a tireless advocate at Group and Regional Health Service meetings for improvements to the services offered locally to patients. Since the Group has been present at the yearly flu jab sessions he has acted as our very efficient Car Park Attendant, supplying and placing the ‘Entrance’ and ‘Exit’ signs and ensuring the free flow of traffic throughout the sessions. He will be sadly missed, not only by us, but for his many services to the local community, particularly Staunton & Corse Primary School. We extend our sympathy to Pat and his family.