NEW self referral portal

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/

Shingles Vaccination

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.

Summer 2023 Newsletter

To view our latest newsletter, please click on the leaflet below

PPG Handy Guide

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.

Appointments – How it all works!

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:

Offer you an urgent appointmentUrgent on the day appointment with a GP
Book you an appointment in advanceRoutine Face to Face appointments
Offer you a telephone appointmentRoutine telephone appointments
Offer you can appointments at the Extended Access HubEvening and Saturday appointments
Advise you to ring 111
Advise you to attend an Urgent Treatment Centre
Offer you an appointment with an alternative clinician
Guide you to one of the Self Referral or Support services
Refer you to the Pharmacy First Service – you can self-refer or the receptionist can do this for you.

Pharmacy First

Waiting for your hospital appointment

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.

DVLA and ‘fit to drive’ support

Please see our support page for information on DVLA ‘fit to drive’ requests

NHS Digital – update

The data held in the GP medical records of patients is used every day to support health and care planning and research in England, helping to find better treatments and improve patient outcomes for everyone. 

For more information about how data is used, and how to opt out if you choose to, please see our page General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR).