Appointment Update

One of the key findings of our recent patient survey reinforced the view that we need to move from our GP phone triage model, back to primarily offering face to face appointments.

We will be moving to the new appointment system in the coming month, but do need to prepare patients for the impact, primarily that Face to Face appointments take longer per patient, so for the same length surgeries there will inevitably be less appointments on offer, so the wait to see a GP may increase.

So please consider the following:

Not all contacts need to be with a GP, so we have told Reception staff to ask why you need the appointment. This is not triage, it is signposting based upon criteria the GPs have given them, and it is their job to ask. You may be asked to see an ANP.
Some things do not need an appointment - reception can relay messages to GPs, such as medication queries or requests for a continuation sick note, or to check if a test result in.
GPs cannot reduce hospital waiting lists, and unless a condition significantly worsens there is little a GP can do to expedite when you will be seen.
For certain conditions they will resolve with time. See below for some examples.
We have other first contact clinics you can access or may be signposted to:
- Physiotherapist
  - Practice based who will assess you and discuss referral and treatment etc
  - Penrhos self referral - forms in reception and our website
- Audiologist - for hearing issues
- Mental Health Therapist - for mental health support
- Self referral to the ICan team for mental health counselling and support
- 111+2 for 24/7 help when you need to speak to someone about your mental well-being
- Pharmacy - who can diagnose and prescribe for a range of conditions
- Minor Injury Unit in Penrhos Hospital

We know the phones can be busy so consider:

Booking HCA and some Nurse appointments on line via NHS Wales App
Ringing after 10am to book Nurse and HCA appointments or for general queries
Ringing between 2-4pm taking option 4 to ask for test results

We will monitor the impact of the changes, but please be patient. There are only so many hours in a day and GPs in the practice.

Information and links to guidance can be found on our website

Self Resolving Conditions

Earache - most get better in 8 days.
Sore throat - most get better in 7-8 days and Pharmacies can swab and advise re treatment.
Cold - most get better in 14 days.
Cough - most get better in 21 days.
Urine infections - please do not self-diagnose and drop samples off for testing. They will not be tested without a prior clinical contract.

Viral infections - antibiotics will not help. You may be asked to do a test to help distinguish bacterial and viral infections.

NHS 111

Range of information and links to check symptoms and obtain advice.

Website: NHS 111 Wales

Telephone: 111

Choose Pharmacy

You can see the Pharmacy for the following:

Acne, Diarrhoea, Nappy rash, Athletes Foot, Dry Eye, Oral thrush, Backache (acute), Haemorrhoids, Ringworm, Chickenpox, Hay fever, Scabies, Cold sores, Head Lice, Sore throat (if over 6yrs old), Colic, Indigestion, Teething, Conjunctivitis (bacterial), Intertrigo, Threadworm, Constipation, Ingrowing toenail, Vaginal thrush, Dermatitis (dry skin), Mouth Ulcers, Verruca

Mental Health

ICAN - local services and drop in centre in Amlwch once a month

Website: i CAN Mental Health

Telephone: 01407 769300, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm

Email: icanmon@ynysmoncab.org.uk

111+2 - For urgent mental health support call 111 and press OPTION 2.

The service is available for people of all ages, 24hrs/7 days a week if you need to talk to someone urgently about your mental health, or you’re concerned about a family member. The number is free to call from a landline or mobile, even if you have no credit left.

Physiotherapy

Website: Physiotherapy

Send self referral form to: Email BCU.PhysioAdminWest@wales.nhs.uk

Telephone Ysbyty Penrhos: 03000 853132

Minor Injuries Unit Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley

Website: Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley Minor Injury Unit

Tel: 03000 850022