Important Notice: Eaton Bank Road Closure

We have been informed that Eaton Bank, the connecting road between Duffield and Little Eaton, will be fully closed from 9th September until 24th November 2024. This closure will significantly affect travel times for those heading to or from Little Eaton.

Patients who usually travel along this route should plan for additional travel time to ensure timely arrival for their appointments. The detour route is considerably longer, so please account for this when planning your journey.

For further updates and detailed information on the closure, you can visit one.network.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

A new vaccine is available from September 2024 for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.

Eligibility for the RSV vaccine

Everyone turning 75 years old on or after 1st September 2024.

For the first year of the programme, the vaccine is also being offered to those already aged 75 to 79 on 1st September 2024 as part of a national catch-up programme.

Patients will primary be invited by either SMS text message or email, with a booking link attached to book the appointment (similar to flu and covid clinics). For those without this technology, letters or phone calls will be made to offer an appointment.

Your Voice Matters!

We value your feedback and invite you to participate in our Patient Participation Group (PPG) Survey. This is your chance to share your experiences, ideas, and suggestions to help us improve the care and services we provide at our practice.

Why Participate?

• Make a Difference: Your input directly influences the decisions we make.
• Improve Services: Help us identify areas where we can enhance your experience.
• Be Heard: Your opinion matters, and we want to hear from you!

How to Participate: The survey is quick and easy to complete. Simply COMPLETE SURVEY HERE, follow the QR code below or ask for a paper copy at reception

Deadline: The survey will be closed once we have received 200 completed forms.

Thank you for helping us to serve you better!

Did you know that you don’t always need to see a GP or consultant to access some referral services? Self -referral is an option that can make it easier and faster for you to get help, rather than seeing your doctor.

You can register for most of them online. Click on the service you’re interested in, and find the help you need easily.

 Please be aware, the availability of self-referral services varies across Derby and Derbyshire.

https://joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/self-referral/self-referral-for-patients/

We have had lots of enquiries about the recent change to guidance for the shingles vaccine. The age criteria has recently been reduced for healthy patients – please follow the link below to see when you will be eligible.

SHINGLES VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY POSTER

For those patients who are severely immunocompromised, you will be eligible from the age of 50 years – if you feel you fall into this category and haven’t been called, please contact the surgery to discuss.

The Patient Participation Group (PPG) have created a handy poster for patients to use. Click on the poster to enlarge or print.

There are many clinicians available to book at Appletree, so we have created a leaflet to help aid patients with the most appropriate clinician for their problem.

Like all other GP surgeries, we are not an unlimited service. At a time of unprecedented pressure and workload, and with a shrinking workforce, we must follow recognised guidance on maintaining safe working practices so that we do not put the safety of our patients or the welfare of our staff at risk.

You may be referred to this section of the website as part of our processes, but you are also free to use any of the information provided below at any time.

Appointments

The reception team are trained care navigators and will signpost you to an appointment with the most appropriate clinician. Below are some of the appointment types or signposting advice the reception team may give you:

Pharmacy First

The Department of Health and Social Care have announced that they are introducing the HRT PPC to reduce the cost of HRT prescriptions.

This service will be available as of 1st April 2023.

For more information on this service, please follow the link below

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc

UHDB have released some guidance to patients on the steps that they need to take to ensure that they’re seen by the right NHS service for them, depending on their needs.

This includes advice on what patients should do if they’ve been to see their GP and been referred to hospital but haven’t yet had an appointment confirmed, as well as what they need to do, should their symptoms get worse before their appointment date.

This guidance can be accessed on the UHDB website here

More information can be found on our support/self-referral page, along with other services that may be helpful.