Surgery News

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2008   Added: 06/02/2008
Thank you for recently completing our practice survey.

In January 2008 we carried out our annual practice survey.

PLEASE ASK AT SURGERY RECEPTION FOR A COPY OF THE RESULTS.

COMMENTS NEEDING ADDRESSING FOLLOWING THE SURVEY

Some of you commented that the surgery should be open at the weekend for those patients who work full time.

There is always a doctor available for emergencies through the Morfadoc Out of Hours service which is based at Glan Clwyd Hospital, phone number 0844 811 8181. Advice can also be given by NHS DIRECT on 0845 46 47.

We have surgeries up to 6 o clock five days a week and also early morning appointments starting at 8:30 am. If you feel there would be a benefit in surgeries starting sooner at 8:00 am please let us know.

Another comment was the waiting time upon arriving at the surgery for your appointment. We do operate on an appointment basis but sometimes they may not run to time due to unforeseen circumstances for example the doctor has had to deal with an emergency.

There are however times when a patient needs longer than their ten minute appointment slot and it may not always be appropriate for the doctor to ask them to come back again to discuss their problem further. We would like to ask for your patience and understanding of this issue.

GENERAL INFORMATION

We have a new receptionist Ffion Roberts. Ffion has replaced Elmaira who left the practice to follow a career in nursing.

As most of you are very well aware there has been talk of the surgery moving to the old School site in Llanrwst. As yet this has not been confirmed, but is being considered. All three doctors have agreed to move premises but we are still waiting approval from the Welsh Assembly Government.

We would very much like your comments on moving premises, whether you think it is a good idea or not. It would also be useful to learn what we can do to change for the better in new premises as well as what we may be doing well and you may wish to stay the same. Please let us know either verbally or in writing to Enid Thomas.

Please make use of our EMIS (computer software) website for ordering repeat prescriptions and making appointments. Ask at reception for further details on how to register.



copies of letters

your right to have copies of letters
written about you by your GP
   Added: 08/05/2007
If you wish, you can choose to have copies of letters written about you. Letters are written between health professionals to share information about your medical condition. You may feel it is helpful to have copies of these letters to improve communication between the health professionals you see and yourself.

What we mean by a letter

A letter includes communication between all health professionals including GPs, hospital doctors, nurses and therapists. This may include:

Letters to GPs and other community health professionals
Details of outpatient consultations
Letters from NHS health professionals to other agencies such as Social Services or Housing

All the information in these letters should already have been discussed with you. However, it is important to remember that these letters give clinical information about your treatment and care to other health professionals. You may find therefore that some technical terms are included.

Who you can talk to if you have any questions about a letter you receive

You can talk to the person who wrote the letter. If this is the consultant, contact his Secretary to make an appointment to see him. If this is your GP, make an appointment to discuss the letter with him. You may also prefer to discuss the consultant’s letter with your GP.

Your Choices

You can choose not to have copies of letters for example if you already have the information they contain.

Choosing not to have copies will not affect the care you receive.

What to do if you decide you do want copies

Tell the Receptionist at your GP Practice, or the Receptionist or Nurse at the Outpatient Department or Ward.

Make sure we know if any of your personal details change.

Who receives copies in respect of children

Parents of children under 16 can receive copies of letters on completing a Consent Form. Young people aged 16 and 17 can decide for themselves whether they want the letters sending to themselves or their parents.

Carers and copy letters
If a patient signs a Consent Form saying that copy letters can be sent to their carer this can be done.