National HIV Testing Week
5th February - 11th February 2024
National HIV testing week runs from 5th February until the 11th February 2024 and encourages people across the country to test for HIV - the sooner you know your HIV status, the sooner you can get on treatment, if needed, to stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. For more information visit bit.ly/SHS-HIVTestingWeek.
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Full Online Records Access - Live from the 1st November 2023
November 2023
From the 1st November 2023, in line with changes to the NHS contract and the NHS' Accelerating Records Access Programme, all patients with online accounts will be given automatic access to view their full medical records from this date onwards. Patients will also be able to view a coded version of all previous information included within their records.
As part of this process, it is vital that patients consider the following when using your online account:
Keeping your records secure
It is your responsibility to keep your log-in details and password safe and secure. If you know or suspect that your record has been accessed by someone without your consent, then you should change your password immediately. If you are unable to do this, you should contact the Practice so that we can reset your password or remove online access until further investigation.
If you print or copy any information from your record, then it is your responsibility to keep this secure. If you are worried about keeping your record safe, then we recommend that you do not make any copies at all.
Before viewing your records, you may also want to think about the following:
All medical records contain information that may be considered sensitive to the patient. The NHS has regulations in place to help keep this secure and to help protect us all. Such sensitive information may include;
- Forgotten History - There may be something included in your record that you have forgotten about or do not wish to see that may be upsetting.
- Abnormal Results or Bad News - There may be information included within your record that you may be able to view that may be upsetting. This may be available before you have spoken to your GP to discuss fully.
- Information Sharing and Privacy - It is up to you if you wish to share information with others, including family members/friends/carers. If there is information that you do not wish others to know then it is your responsibility to keep this information safe and secure.
- Coersion - If you think that you may be pressured by others into revealing medical information against your will, then it may be best that you do not have access to this information. If so, please information the Practice so that action can be taken to help protect you.
- Misunderstood Information - Your medical record is designed to be used by clinical professionals to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Some of the information included in your record may be highly technical, added by specialists and not easily understood. If you feel that this information may cause you additional concern, you should close your record and see the GP for further information.
- Incorrect Information - If you feel that information within your record is incorrect, you should inform the Practice in writing. Please state what you feel is wrong, including as much details as possible, and any amendments you feel need adding. Once received, your request will be reviewed by a GP, who will make any changes to your record where they feel it is appropriate to do so.
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Introducing Our New Staff Members
September 2023
The Practice is very please to welcome Dr Alex Rowland to the GP team as of the 4th September 2023. His normal working days will be Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. We hope that everyone will join us in making him feel welcome at the Practice.
He will be taking over from Dr Sarah Wright who has now moved on to other roles. She will sadly missed, but we wish her all the best in her future endeavours and thank her for all her hard work at the Practice over the last few years.
We have also been joined by Will Burrow, Advanced Care Practitioner. He will be working alongside the GPs to treat a wide range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, infections, aches and pains. His normal working day will be Tuesday, based at Tramways Medical Centre.
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Closure of the Dedicated Prescription Line
September 2023
Following a review of our services, the Practice has made the decision to close the dedicated prescription line from the 2nd October 2023. This service was initially provided as a way to reduce demand on phone lines during the busiest times by asking patients to call this line. However, we now feel that these resources would be better allocated to other areas.
Instead, patients will be asked to call the Practice after 10am on a weekday. Prescriptions are also available to order via our online services at any time, and these will be processed during the next working day. If you have not yet signed up for online services, your unique username and password can be given by our Reception team.
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