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.

Telephone service outage due to planned maintenance work 22nd November

We have been informed that due to some maintenance work that will be taking place on Virgin network tomorrow ( 23/11 ) at Mapperley there will be a loss of phone service at Highcroft Surgery that should only last for up to 40 minutes at some point between 9 am and 3 pm.

As part of our business continuity planning, all incoming calls will be temporarily delivered via the new back up mobile phones during this service outage.

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 Covid - 19 Booster Vaccinations 

Highcroft Surgery is now offering Covid vaccination boosters. These are given at 6 months after your second Covid vaccination. We will be giving a Pfizer booster irrespective of whether your first course was a Pfizer or AstraZeneca Vaccination. These clinics will usually run on Saturdays. Due to the logistics of Pfizer vaccines, we will be administering flu vaccines on different days. It is not a problem however if you get a flu vaccination on the same day as the Covid booster. We will send you a text inviting you to the clinic when your booster is due. Please ensure your mobile number is kept up to date. You will then be able to book your appointment via your phone message.

Our next Covid booster and Flu clinic is on Saturday 4th December 2021

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New Telephone System Installed ( 8/10/21 )

We are pleased to announce that the new Surgery telephone system installation has now been completed. Please save the Surgery phone number : 0115 883 2330 in your contacts so that if we call, you would know it's your Surgery. Please continue to use online services e.g eConsult and the NHS App wherever possible such as for ordering repeat prescriptions online, as this is still the fastest way.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the new telephone system, please feel free to write to us by clicking on this form.

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  New GP joins Highcroft Surgery

We are pleased to announce that Dr Shah has joined our team from the 2nd August 2021 as one of our Salaried General Practitioners.

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As per NHS England guidance, from the 19th July 2021 face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place at Highcroft Surgery so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend for advice, care and treatment.

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New Facebook page 

We have a new Facebook page for the Surgery. For up-to-date news please check out our Facebook page. If you Like our page, news items we post will show on your Facebook feed, keeping you up-to-date. You can also access eConsult online consultation system by clicking on the ' Book now ' button.

Visit us on Facebook

https://facebook.com/HighcroftSurgery

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NHS Digital extract of GP data and registering your Type 1 Opt-out Preference

The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.

Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice by the 1st September 2021. However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt out process which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time:

• Patients do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September 2021 to ensure that their GP data will not be uploaded
• NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out
• The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while the new arrangements get set up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian

This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2021 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed. Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.

We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.

The data held in your GP medical records is shared with other healthcare professionals for the purposes of your individual care. It is also shared with other organisations to support health and care planning and research. For more information please see: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information

If you do not want your personally identifiable patient data to be shared outside of your GP practice for purposes except your own care, this is known as a Type 1 Opt-out. 

The Type 1 Opt-out online form can be found at: www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters

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Update about the telephone system 01/08/21

We have found that our current telephone system sometimes automatically hangs up on patients who are waiting to get through to the surgery. This phone system is maintained by Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service NHIS and funded by Nottingham & Nottinghamshire CCG and who are responsible for making sure that it is working properly. After many audits, reports, training and investigation into the issues with the phone system, we have put systems in place to help with our call flow. This allows you to press 1 to speak to a receptionist, press 2 to speak to a prescription clerk, (hours open between 10am and 12pm) and press 3 to speak to a secretary, (hours open between 1pm and 3pm). Whilst this has helped with reducing the number of unanswered calls, it unfortunately, has not resolved the issue. As such we are pleased to announce that we will be investing in a new phone system which will be in place in October 2021. This new system has unlimited telephone lines, will prevent automatic hang ups and allow patients to queue until the call is answered. We hope with our new provider we deliver the level of telephone access that is expected.

In the meantime, if you experience any issues with the current telephone system, please complete the feedback form by clicking here or call the CCG patient experience team on 0115 883 9570. We can share this feedback with our telephone service provider  Nottinghamshire Health Informatics Service ( NHIS ) and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire CCG.

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Update to the eConsult system

Highcroft Surgery has amended the eConsult availability time from 24 hours a day on weekdays to be available from 6:30am to 6:30pm every weekday if needing to contact your GP. This will commence from the 6^th July 2021. eConsult has been switched off after 6:30pm during the weekdays and on the weekend as there are alternative medical providers available during this period including NHS 111, online NHS 111 and the NEMS Out of Hours Service. The eConsult service is still available 24 hours a day for self-help, pharmacy advice and to access local self-referral services. 

We aim, to deal with majority of eConsults submitted before 4 pm on the same working day and we will respond to other eConsults submitted before 6.30 pm, by the end of next working day.

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Highcroft Surgery offers eConsult. This is an online consultation service that is available between 6:30am and  6:30pm Monday to Friday 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 frequently asked questions about eConsult. Please note that there are several clinics that patients can self-refer to. 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 don’t have access to internet or a device that would allow you to use eConsult, you should speak to a member of reception team who can help to complete an eConsult over the telephone.
• If you have any feedback about our eConsult service please feel free to complete and send us a feedback form by clicking here.

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.

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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