Missed Appointments

During August there were 173 missed appointments where patients did not attend or cancel booked appointments.  This equates to over 37 hours (equivalent to a clinician not seeing any patients for over 4.5 days).

Almost 4% of these missed appointments were booked on the same day!

Please ensure you cancel appointments where necessary.  If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason please let us know as soon as possible (or click here) as this can be used by other patients and helps to reduce the overall waiting time for routine appointments.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Consent

Do you ask relatives or friends to collect copies of clinic letters or test results?  If so, please ensure you provide us with your consent at the time of your request.  This can be done verbally or in writing.  We are unable to release these documents without it.  This does not apply to blood test forms or prescriptions.
Don't forget you can obtain this information via the NHS App along with many other aspects of your medical record.  Log in - NHS App Online

Pharmacy First

Our local pharmacies have taken on treatment of the following conditions and should be your first point of contact if you have any of these problems:

• Sinusitis,
• Sore throat or earache (children aged 1-18 years)
• Infected insect bites
• Impetigo
• Shingles
• Urine infection (women aged 16-65 years)

They are able to prescribe antibiotics when needed with the normal prescription charge.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

Access some of your hospital and mental health information online using Patient Knows Best

Patients are now able to use Patients Know Best (PKB) to view parts of their hospital or mental health record online.

PKB is a free, secure online platform that’s being used by:

· Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

· Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

· And many other NHS organisations around the country

It allows patients to see some of the information held by these NHS Trusts, such as:

· Upcoming hospital or mental health appointments

· Appointment letters (for some services)

· Test results, such as radiology reports

· Hospital discharge summaries

It’s designed to help patients stay informed and involved in their care. Some services also offer additional features, such as messaging, questionnaires, and information libraries.

Accessing your GP health record via PKB

Patients also have the option to link their GP health record to their PKB account. This is the same information that is already available through the NHS App.

To do this, you’ll need to actively request access through your PKB account. The process is managed entirely by PKB, not the GP practice. Linking your record is completely optional and won’t affect the care you receive from us.  Read more about adding your GP health record to your PKB account. 

Need help or have questions?

Please note: Patients Know Best is not managed by GP practices. We’re not able to help with queries about hospital records or technical issues.

If you need support using PKB or have questions about your hospital or mental health information, the best place to start is with the Trust providing your care:

· Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

· Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

You can also find step-by-step guidance in the PKB Patient Manual, which includes help with things like logging in, using the portal, and sharing your record.

How to register and access your PKB account

You can access PKB in two ways:

· Through the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet · By visiting the PKB website at https://my.patientknowbest.com and clicking ‘continue to NHS login’

Once you log in, if information is available for you, it will appear automatically in the NHS App under sections like:

· Hospital referrals and appointments

· Messages

· Test results and imaging

Notifications and privacy

When new information is added to your record, you’ll receive an email from no-reply-uk@patientsknowbest.com. If you’ve enabled notifications in the NHS App, you may get alerts there too.

You remain in control of your record. You can:

· Choose who can see your information (e.g. family members, carers, healthcare professionals)

· Decide whether to share your full record or just selected parts

· Update your sharing preferences at any time

We hope this information is helpful. As Patients Know Best is managed by local hospital and mental health trusts, please contact the relevant NHS organisation directly if you have any questions about your record or need support. You can also find helpful guides in the PKB Patient Manual.

Breast Screening

MSK

Do you have a joint or muscle problem?

Please use the FREE local getUBetter app approved by your clinicians in Thurrock Essex. It is provided alongside your NHS care and offers local tips, advice, and exercises tailored to you and your stage of recovery. • Instant access • Easy to use • Safe and effective Your healthcare professionals cannot be with you 24/7, but getUBetter can.

Why is self-care important?

Most musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions can be treated at home and will get better without the need for a specialist appointment. getUBetter gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to improve your MSK health and lifestyle

What is getUBetter?

getUBetter is a safe and effective way to help you self-manage your injury or condition at home, work, and on the move. The app covers a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions… Back Back & Leg Neck Shoulder Elbow Wrist Hand Hip Knee Ankle Foot Upper Limb Tendinopathy Lower Limb Tendinopathy Sprains and strains …and is designed to help you trust your recovery, live and work well.

Who is getUBetter for?

Anyone 18 or over who needs help with a joint or muscle problem.

What will I get?

• Instant and 24/7 support • Easy-to-follow exercises • Support to recover, live, and work well • Help when waiting • Advice on when to seek help • Approved by your clinicians • Access to local treatments and services • Support before and after surgery

What are the next steps?

1. Download the getUBetter app You can download the app through this link https://app.getubetter.com/request-access/1/43feaeeecd7b2fe2ae2e26d917b6477d

2. Create your account Enter your postcode, select your GP practice, and enter your details to create your account.

3. Choose your condition Select your condition and follow your personalised and targeted recovery pathway. If you need further help getting started, watch our videos or get in touch with one of our team: contact@getubetter.com

Dementia

See the attached list of Dementia friendly groups and support available within Thurrock
Dementia Friendly Groups & Support in Thurrock

Facebook

To keep up to date with Practice Information please join the Chafford Hundred Medical Centre Facebook Page.

Volunteers Wanted for Patient Group

Interested in becoming involved with the practice Patient Participation Group?  Please see the Patient Participation Group page for more details.