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We wanted to let you know that we are finally connecting our systems to offer joined-up health and care records, which will enable better, safer care and treatment for all our patients. 

As a GP, it is difficult to provide joined-up care with so many seperate systems for handling patient information. These were not connected, meaning that you often had to repeat your story each time you received care at a different organisation, or with a different health professional. The Shared Care Record means up-to-date records will be immediately available to professionals caring for you as a patient, when you need direct care. 

It will mean, for instance, a doctor in a hospital, or a paramedic who attends a 999 call will be able to confidentially access the same crucial information that we can at the Practice, such as details of any allergies and current medications, bringing protentially life-saving benefits. 

Robust security measures are in place to protect your health information and all staff must follow the law on keeping your information confidential. 

The Shared Care Record is not the same as the General Practice Data for Planning and Research Directions (GPDPR), which is a national NHS Digital initiative to use GP practice data for research and planning purposes. 

The Shared Care Record is a local initiative to share information with organisations directly involved in your care to ensure that you receive prompt and appropriate treatment when you need it.

For more information, please visit: https://herefordshireandworcestershireccg.nhs.uk/health-services/shared-care-record

MASK POLICY

Although the national restrictions on mask wearing have now been lifted, our staff and patients are still required to wear a mask at our surgery, unless they are exempt from doing so. 

We are working tirelessly to follow infection prevention and control protocols at our practice, and mask-wearing remains an essential part of this - helping to limit the transmissin and protect our most vulnerable patients. 

We're also continuing to follow social distancing measures, so please keep an eye on the signs around our surgery and maintain a two metre distance from others. 

If you're unable to wear a mask, please let the team know when you arrive,  and the clinician will make an appropriate decision based on your circumstances to ensure you receive treatment in the safest possible way. 

The Current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes, known as the GPDPR, has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and to change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data. Currently, the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt-out form and return this to the practice by 1st September. However, this extract will not be taken until NHSD changes the way it will take the data and respect the patient's choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt out process:

• Patient's do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded. 
• NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out, enabling you to opt out at any time. 
• The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months whilst NHSD get the arrangments up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian. 

We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data. 

Working in partnership with GPs across South Wocestershire, we now offer Improved Access telephone appointments at evenings and weekends. These appointments are offered by practices across the county, so you may speak to a GP, nurse or other clinician from a different practice - but we hope this service will allow you to access primary care outside of our regular opening hours. 

You can pre-book your appointment by calling our regular appointment line during our opening hours. Alternatively, you can call 01905 969864 to book an appointment from 8am-6:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am-1pm Saturday & Sunday.