Markfield Medical Centre: Patient Participation Group Update

Hello everyone, Whenever I talk to patients in the surgery, chemist or in the street, there are always two subjects that are raised the most, one is getting through to the surgery on the telephone and the second getting an appointment.

I would like to start by covering these two issues. Firstly, the current telephone system needs updating, we have listened to patient feedback and the PPG and Practice have been discussing this issue and are currently working together to implement a new, more user-friendly system in the not-too-distant future.

Secondly, the practice is offering almost double the number of appointments than it did a year ago. This is now possible because there is a wide variety of practitioners, not just the doctors, whose skills enable them to deal with a wide range of conditions. This is why when you ring for an appointment, the trained reception staff can direct you to the most appropriate person. This could be a doctor, a nurse prescriber, a paramedic or clinical practitioner, a pharmacist, physiotherapist, a mental health facilitator, a nurse practitioner or healthcare assistant. We also have a social prescriber whose role it is to help patients who may be struggling with day-to-day issues like financial concerns, feeling lonely, in need of a social services referral for more support in the home etc. Members of the practice team can refer you to them for help.

There are also additional appointments offered in extended access in evenings and on Saturdays.

So how many appointments are already pre booked and how many on the day are available? On average, the practice offers 275 appointments every single day. On the day appointments vary daily throughout the week but on average 130 - 150 appointments are available to book daily.

The total combined prebooked and on the day appointments during a typical week amount to 1385 appointments.

In other news the practice held a very successful “Tea and Cake Dementia Event” on the 23rd March. This was held for the surgery’s dementia patients, their family members, and carers. Various organisations were invited along including Age UK, who offer local dementia support services, the organisers of Thrive who run the singing Café and our Social Prescriber Bryonie. The practice team all brought in cakes and biscuits and helped make cups of tea during the afternoon. I also lent a hand chatting to patients and helping to gather in the surveys.

Two of the Practice nurses, Natalie and Toria, were on hand to talk to patients and hand out Dementia passports and surveys. There was a turnout of over 40 people who attended.

I am in the process of organising a ‘Cost of Living Event’ in conjunction with Hinckley and Bosworth Council to provide information which may help those caught up in the current cost of living crisis affecting so many people locally, as well as nationally, so watch this space.

Menopause Awareness Event at Markfield Community Centre: Thursday 27th April

Are you, or someone close to you, experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, palpitations, headaches, joint pain or mood swings? Would you like to learn more about the menopause?

On Thursday 27th April at the Markfield Community Centre there will be a “Menopause Awareness Event” commencing at 6pm. All are welcome although booking is advised as there are only 40 places available.

To book a place, please email: markfieldpatientsgroup@outlook. com with your name and contact telephone number.

Find out about your options, such as HRT. Be with others who may have a shared experience. Members of the PPG and social prescribers who work with the surgery will be available to chat about what they can offer to patients, as well as our patient group representatives.

Finally, if anyone who is a patient at Markfield surgery is interested in becoming a member of our patient group please email me at markfieldpatientsgroup@outlook.com and I will be happy to have a chat.

Alan, Chair of Markfield Patients Participation Group

Trinity Methodist Church Markfield

Services & Information www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 16th April

10.30 a.m. CTiM United Service

Markfield Congregational Community Church

Sunday 23rd April

10.30 a.m. Morning worship 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Sunday 30th April

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion

Sunday 7th May

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 14th May

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 21st May

10.30 a.m. CTiM Christian Aid Service

Music Cafe

Thursday 27th April, 11th May, 25th May

2.00 - 4.00 p.m.

Don’t be on your own - join us for a music-based afternoon of friendship, fun & refreshments on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month. For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607.

Every Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00

Come and meet each other on Wednesday mornings. There is no charge for the refreshments and you can “swap a book”. Just come through the main church building and you’ll find us in the back room.

Coffee Morning & Bacon Butties

Saturday 22nd April from 10.00-12.00.

Join us for a late breakfast, an early lunch, or even brunch! Or just enjoy a cuppa among friends.