Welcome to Brook Medical Centre Online
We are pleased to report that our phone lines are up and running again with the fault rectified. Normal service is resumed and we would like to thank you for your patience.
Our CQC Rating is: GOOD
Give feedback on care - Care Quality Commission (cqc.org.uk)
Our Mission Statement:
"To help you to be well for the longest time and to preserve your dignity at life’s end."
YOUR HELP PLEASE WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Northamptonshire CCG are undertaking a review of Phlebotomy (Blood Test) Services and would welcome the thoughts of patients that use the service.
Please complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7TM825R by 20/7/22, this should take less than 5 minutes. Thank you for your time.
Zero Tolerance – Abusive or Aggressive Behaviour
Our staff come to work to care for others, and it is important for all members of the public and our staff to be treated with courtesy and respect. They are doing a difficult and stressful job, particularly during the current pandemic when many of our usual services are restricted or cancelled.
In line with the rest of the NHS and to ensure this is fully observed, we have a Dignity at Work and Zero Tolerance policy. This means that aggressive or violent behaviour towards our staff or any member of the public within our Practice premises will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Anyone giving verbal abuse to members of staff, either in person or over the telephone, will be sent a letter from the Practice Manager advising that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Any future violation of this policy will result in the removal from the Practice patient list. There will be no appeal process.
We feel sure that you will understand that proper behaviour is absolutely necessary for our staff and patients and that non-observance will not be accepted.
The video below gives details of abuse some GP practice receptionist teams have experienced first hand, in their own words. By sharing this we would like to highlight the issues faced by some of our GP Practice colleagues elsewhere but also to be thankful that in contrast our patients are generally gracious and courteous when speaking to our team. We are always trying to help, including when signposting patients to the most appropriate healthcare resource, and we thank our patients so much for being kind to us as it helps us to help you.
Although most of our patients might find it unthinkable, our staff team have had to deal with some similar comments and abuse thrown at them both over the phone and face to face. This is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to call it out when it occurs. It is not in anyone's job description to be abused or threatened in the workplace.
Abusive Patient video
Surgery closure: The surgery will be closed on 22nd February at 12.30pm for training purposes. If you need urgent advice call 111.
Staff changes.
We are delighted to welcome Michele Cooper as Operations Manager and Heather King as Deputy Operations Manager.
We wish both every success in their respective roles.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus prevention measures.
In line with Govenment advice and the rest of the NHS, we will continue to apply social distancing rules and face covering advice for people attending the surgery
To stop the spread of COVID-19
If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus including a new continuous cough and or a high temperature, loss of sense of taste or smell, you are advised to stay at home for 10 days. Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice. If you live with other people, they should also stay at home for at least 10 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
If your symptoms are serious, or you get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.
For the latest COVID-19 advice please visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
As a practice we must continue to follow the strict infection, prevention and control measures to limit the risk of the virus to you as patients and to our staff. This means that where possible our staff and clinicians will remotely triage and assess your needs before determining if a face-to-face appointment is required. If your needs can be met safely via the telephone or video consultation then this will take place. If a clinician feels you require a face-to-face appointment then this will be arranged.
This to protect you, and our staff, so that we can continue to offer advice and healthcare.
To help your surgery, please don’t forget there are many services available for you, depending on your condition. These include:
Self-care – This is the best choice to treat minor illnesses and injuries such as hangovers, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts or sore throats. Many of these can be treated at home, simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest.
Pharmacy – Pharmacists can give advice on and treat a range of symptoms. They can support you with things such as diarrhoea, earaches, painful coughs, sticky eyes, teething and rashes.
NHS 111 – You can access 111 online or via the telephone. This is for any urgent but non-life threatening health concerns. They will be able to signpost you to the relevant service and provide advice where appropriate, or book you in to an Urgent Treatment Centre.
A&E / 999 – You should only attend A&E or dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency such as severe bleeding, breathing difficulties and severe chest pain.
If you are now eligible for your COVID-19 booster please book it as soon as you can. It is vital as many people as possible get boosted as soon as possible. Please do not ring the practice regarding your boosters, instead visit https://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/Pages/coronavirus-vaccination-in-northamptonshire.aspx or call 119 to book an appointment or to find a walk-in clinic near you. You can also find out more about who is eligible, how the vaccine is given and other frequently asked questions.
LONG COVID
Breathing Space and ‘Kicking Back at Covid’ Long Covid support
Breathing Space and Kicking Back at Covid https://www.northamptonshire-carers.org/Event/breathing-space-long-covid-group-feb-05-21
- Long Covid services provide support to anyone in Northamptonshire with:
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and *related conditions
- persistent breathing / lung problems after having COVID 19 (‘Long Covid’)
- an unpaid caring role for someone with the conditions above.
Notice from Northampton General Hospital
“If you are a patient at Northampton General Hospital and have any questions or queries about an outpatient appointment, when your planned operation is expected to take place, or if you want to cancel or rearrange an appointment with the hospital, please contact their Outpatient Contact Centre on 01604 545555. We do not have access to the hospital booking system and will not be able to provide you with the information you need. That number again is 01604 545555. Thank you for your support
Non Prescription Medication
The Government has published a list of conditions for which medication will no longer be available on prescription. Full details can be found at this website.
http://www.networks.nhs.uk/networks/news/quick-reference-guide-to-over-the-counter-items-not-to-be-prescribed-in-primary-care
Data Collection
The practice is obliged to allow a collection of patient data for NHS Digital. This will be in the form of patients' NHS numbers. Please see the full notice on the information sharing page (Link below).
If you wish to opt out of this collection please notify the surgery so that we can record your wishes.
REGISTRATIONS
We are currently accepting requests for registration from individuals and families living in our catchment area (this includes people currently registered elsewhere at other local GP practices). Our catchment area is as follows:
Bellinge, Ecton Brook, Great Billing, Little Billing & Rectory Farm.
To register please use the form on the New Patients page (link at the top of this page).
Travel Immunisations - Important Information
Due to unforeseen circumstances we are currently unable to offer a Travel Advice & Vaccination Service to our patients, which we have, up until recently, provided for our patients convenience even though it is not part of NHS contracted services.
For more detailed information on how to access your vaccination history and options for vaccinations please go to the Travel Immunisation section under the 'Clinics & Services' tab at the top of the page.
Telephone Consultation System
The practice has for many years operated a telephone consultation for initial consultations. This service is manned by both GPs and experienced Advance Nurse Practitioners. Many of the telephone calls we receive can be safely dealt with over the phone. After speaking with a clincian you may be offered either a video or face to face consultation if the clinician considers it necessary to deal with your problem.
Our telephone consultations operates between the following hours:
Mornings from 8 o'clock until 11 o'clock or until we reach capacity for that session.
Afternoons from 2 o'clock until 4:30 or until we reach capacity for that session. The afternoon session is intended to deal with urgent problems and you may be asked to wait until the next morning if you agree that your problem can wait.
You can also request a doctor triage via the LIVI app which is very easy to download onto your mobile phone. This is an additional service which we provide you with and is completely free of charge.
Telephone lines will be closed between 1pm - 2pm
Outside of these hours urgent medical advice can be obtained from the 111 service.
For full details follow the link to latest news at the top of the page.
Electonic Prescription Service
For full details follow the link to latest news at the top of the page.
SystmOnline enable you to order repeat prescriptions, book a telephone callback and view your record on-line or via an App. Please contact reception for more details about registering for this service.
(Site updated 03/10/2023)