Welcome to Highcroft Surgery

With this website we aim to help you find all the information you need at the click of a mouse. We use it to keep you updated on practice developments and news such as results of patient surveys, health campaigns and new services.

Update on the issues with the telephone system 20/04/2021

Highcroft Surgery is aware that there are continuing issues with the telephone system which includes patients being in the call queue and then being cut off. NHIS (Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service), as the practice telephony system provider, were made aware of the issues experienced and have worked closely with the Practice to obtain a solution. Meetings have been taking place and adjustments have been made which has improved some of the issues, however, we are aware that there are issues still continuing. As such, the Practice is considering other options.

 We apologise for any inconvenience being caused and will update as soon as the issue has been resolved.

 Thank you for your patience.

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NEW PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce that Nurse Julieann Gray has been promoted as a Partner at Highcroft Surgery.

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Highcroft Surgery now offers eConsult. This is an online service that is available 24/7 and allows you to contact your GP for help and advice. It will ask you to fill out a form asking you questions about your condition, symptoms or details of a request for administrative help, such as a sick note or a GP letter. If you don’t have access to the internet or a device that would allow
you to use eConsult, please call the surgery as usual and a reception team
member will help you complete an eConsult over the telephone.

Please click here for FAQs about eConsult and click here for self-referral services available locally.

eConsults top tips for patients-

• Please try to give as much information as possible and answer the template in full.
• Select the most appropriate template for your query-otherwise you will be asked questions that may not apply to you.
• Please try to avoid using the ‘general advice template’ unless there is not another suitable template for you.
• If you have an administrative query or a follow-up query or individual piece of information to pass on to us from a previous consultation please select the “Request sick notes and GP letters, or ask about recent tests” button.
• If you have a rash or skin condition, please attach a photo to the eConsult when you submit it, as often this means we can manage your condition without having to bring you in to the surgery.

If you need some help using technology and connecting with family, friends and support networks online please click here

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Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect women from cervical cancer. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer. Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called "high risk" types of HPV. If these types of HPV are found during screening (a HPV positive result), the sample of cells is then checked for abnormal changes. If abnormal cells are not treated, they may turn into cervical cancer.

HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses. Most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It is very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Some types of HPV (called "high risk" types) can cause cervical cancer. In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems, but sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. 

Cervical screening is a choice. It is your choice if you want to go for cervical screening but it is one of the best ways to protect you from cervical cancer. You may have some light bleeding or spotting after cervical screening but the process will take no more than five minutes.

Please do not delay your cervical screening. Please fill out an online eConsult form, which can be found above, and you will be booked in with one of our friendly Nurses. Alternatively, please call the surgery on 0115 8832330 and an appointment will be made for you.

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Patient Update - April 2021

Firstly, we would like to thank all of our patients for working with us for the past year whilst we moved over to a total triage model and implemented the eConsult system.

If you would like to consult with a GP, please use our eConsult system - click on the banner above and we will be in touch by the end of the next working day. eConsult has a built in safety net to flag up critical medical problems, and in certain cases will advise the user to dial 111 or 999.

Alternatively, if you are unable to use the eConsult system, please call us on 0115 8832330 and one of our Receptionists will take some details and call you back later that day. When calling you back, the Receptionist will ask you some questions and complete the eConsult form on your behalf.

The eConsults are reviewed twice daily by a Team of Clinicians. You will then be contacted to arrange a telephone, video or face to face appointment if appropriate. You may also receive advice or sign-posted to another service if an appointment is not needed.

As we move forward, please note that we are now discontinuing the one way system and both entrances to the building can be accessed via the intercoms in place. Please press the button labelled SURGERY. The CHP button is for the Community Service Clinics on the ground floor. Hand sanitiser stations will be in place at both entrances and must be used when gaining access to the building.

We can reassure you that we are continuing to clean all surfaces and equipment throughout the day, wearing appropriate PPE and taking all the precautions as needed so that we can continue to protect both our patients and our staff.

We understand that some patients will be reluctant to come to the practice but the number of patients being seen remains quite low. At present we are limiting the number of patients into the building and keeping the waiting rooms as empty as possible. Please help us by attending at your appointment time and not too early!

We are still asking patients to wear a face covering when they attend the Practice and have included information below about how you can easily make your own. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52609777

We have installed screening around our reception desk as well as floor markings to help with social distancing and to act as a further level of protection between our staff and patients.

Please contact us if you have any worries about your health. 

We are still open and able to consult with patients that need our help.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you can do to help

1. Please read the guidance below regarding Social Distancing in order to keep you and those you care for protected

2. Please download the NHS app. This will allow you to order your medication without coming to the Practice as well as view your results online https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/the-nhs-app/

3. If you have regular medications, please make sure that you inform us who your nominated Pharmacy is. This means that we can send your prescriptions to the Pharmacy without you coming to the Practice.

We thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times.

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Urgent information about COVID-19 - Coronavirus:

Updated 20/04/2021

If you are worried about your symptoms, please use the NHS 111 online to check your symptoms.  

Please follow the link below for updated guidance provided by the NHS, including symptom checker, advice and frequently asked questions:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
  
For patients concerned that they may have coronavirus or may have come into contact with someone who has, the NHS 111 online service has created coronavirus pages that tell patients what they should do based on their particular circumstances.  These can be accessed at: 111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19

Please DO NOT go directly to your GP or another healthcare environment.

To help stop the spread, please wash your hands frequently, with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser

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Preventing spread of infection

There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment. If you are worried about your symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or another healthcare environment

• See further information and the Public Health England Blog

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Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

They are:

• Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
• Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour when possible
• Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to employer guidance for more information
• Avoid large gatherings and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
• Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
• Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
• Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as is pragmatic
• For those who are over 70, have an underlying health condition or are pregnant, we strongly advise you to follow the above measures as much as you can and to significantly limit your face-to-face interaction with friends and family if possible

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If you require a sick note

Where absence is related to having symptoms of coronavirus or living with someone who has symptoms, an isolation note can be used and not a MED3 to provide evidence of the advice to self-isolate. This can be obtained without going near a GP.

Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work. These are people who are at heightened risk of having COVID-19 or already may exhibit signs of having it but the government is stopping them from asking the GPs for MED3 forms.

The notes can be accessed via the link https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note

After answering a few questions, an isolation note will be emailed to the user. If you do not have an email address, you can have the note sent to a trusted family member or friend, or directly to your employer. The service can also be used to generate an isolation note on behalf of someone else.

There is confusion about patients who have been written to as being in the vulnerable category advised to isolate (need shielding) for 12 weeks. They are not able to obtain an isolation note unless they or a household contact exhibits symptoms but should produce the letter from the NHS (should be with them by 30 March) as proof and/or use the guidance note at Appendix A that states that GP certification is not needed.

If your employer has requested an isolation letter from your GP because you or a family member is being admitted to the hospital, please note that this is not the responsibility of the GP; however, a letter from the LMC can be provided to your employer. Please click here.

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New NHS.uk social care guide

Patients who need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability can now get information and support online. There is new guide to social care on the NHS website that contains information for people who might need social care.

Visit the Social Care and Support guide 

Extra evening and weekend appointments now available in local area

Did you know that you can now book routine GP and Nurse appointments in the evenings, at weekends and over bank holidays in your local area?  Pre-bookable appointments are available Monday-Friday, 6.30pm-8pm, plus weekends and bank holidays and you can be seen by a GP, Nurse or Healthcare Assistant.

To book your appointment, contact Highcroft surgery during normal opening hours. Please be aware that the appointment may take place at another GP Practice in the area.

If you need urgent medical advice when the surgery is closed, you should continue to call NHS 111.

When attending for appointment at Highcroft Surgery after 6.30 pm or weekends please use the buzzer which is located on the right hand side of the entrance door.

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Carers

Are you a Carer?

If you are please let us know as we may be able to help you.

You are an unpaid carer if you support a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, elderly, has poor mental health or misuses substances. You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 in this role. The support you offer may be emotional or include shopping, cooking, dealing with medication, or attend medical appointments with the person you care for. The person you care for could live with you, in their own home, or even in residential care.

It is important that you let your medical practice know that you look after someone. You can be added to the Practice 'Carer Register' and gain access to information and support; this includes access to a named Carer Champion.

A Carer Champion is a staff member at your Practice who supports carers. They are the key point of contact and the ‘voice’ for carers. Julie Corrigan and Joanne Croft are the Practice's Carer Champions at Highcroft Surgery.

As a carer, you are entitled to an annual flu vaccination and a health check. You are also entitled to a Carers Assessment, you would need to contact the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub for this (details below).

Nottinghamshire Carers Association

Nottinghamshire Carers Association works with schools, health and social care professionals to raise awareness of Carers.

https://nottinghamshirecarers.co.uk/

We are supporting organisations to identify Carers and Young Carers and offer the best support possible. Contact Nottinghamshire Carers Association on info@nottinghamshirecarers.co.uk

Nottinghamshire Carers Hub

Carers Trust East Midlands provides timely, personalised information and support for Carers via the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub to make caring for a loved one easier.

Contact Nottinghamshire Carers Hub on:

0115 824 8824 Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm You can speak to an experienced support worker who will provide a personalised service that meets your individual needs.

email: hub@carerstrustem.org 

web: www.carerstrustem.org/hub 

Nottinghamshire County Council support for Carers

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/adult-social-care/carers/support-for-carers

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Where else can you be Seen and Treated?

Please remember the Urgent Care Centre in Nottingham is funded and supported by all the Nottingham GPs and is available to all patients for urgent non-life threatening conditions.  Call them on 0115 883 8500 or visit Nottingham Urgent Care Centre website for more information. The Urgent Care Centre is open every day of the year including weekends and bank holidays between 7 am and 9 pm. You do not need an appointment, just walk in. There are also many conditions that can be treated by pharmacies. Ask your local pharmacist for advice.

Visit www.nhs.uk/choosewell for more information on choosing the right NHS service for you.

Visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ which provides a Health A-Z guide to treatment and conditions.

Visit ' Get medical help near you ' to answer questions about your symptoms and depending on the situation you'll:

• find out what local service can help you
• be connected to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or GP
• get a face-to-face appointment if you need one
• be told how to get any medicine you need
• get self-care advice