Unused or unwanted medications, including controlled drugs, can be taken to your pharmacy for disposal. We do not have the facilities in the surgery to dispose of medications.

This morning we have experienced a lot of abuse from patients.

We have offered people pre booked appointments, Patchs appointments and appointments with our improving access service, but some people are still shouting at staff as they want to have an appointment today.

This is totally unacceptable.

We can only offer what we have available. And what is most appropriate.

When we are at capacity we do ask patients to contact 111. 111 will have a clinician triage your call and they will let us know if you require same day attention, or whether it will wait for another appointment.

We will refer patients to the pharmacy for certain complaints (or you can attend a Pharmacy). They can prescribe for certain conditions or offer medical advice.

We do not to take abuse. If you are abusive you may be asked to register elsewhere.

We did 220 appointments yesterday, and all the associated paperwork, prescriptions, and referrals.

Our phone system is being replaced very soon. We are aware that it is not fit for purpose and cannot cope with the amount of incoming calls. It will be replaced as soon as we can.

Let’s Talk About Fit for Work Notes!

Dear Patients,

At Hillcrest Surgery, we’re here to support you through every aspect of your health journey, including understanding important topics like Fit for Work notes.

What are Fit for Work notes?

Fit for Work notes, previously known as sick notes or medical certificates, are documents that confirm your inability to work due to illness or injury. They’re crucial for ensuring you receive the support you need during times of ill health.

How can you get them?

Many people believe that you contact our GP surgery to obtain a Fit for Work note. However, for short-term sickness absences (lasting less than seven days), you are required to organise your own Fit for Work notes.

For short-term sickness absences, you can use this link to make a claim online: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/fill-online/statutory-sick-pay-employer-notification

Why organise your own Fit for Work notes?

By taking control of your Fit for Work notes for short-term sickness, you can make the process more straightforward and manage your health more effectively. This empowers you to focus on your recovery without any unnecessary delays.

For further guidance on Fit for Work notes, you can refer to this link provided by the government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-fit-note-a-guide-for-patients-and-employees/the-fit-note-guidance-for-patients-and-employees

We understand that dealing with illness can be tough, and our goal is to make things as easy as possible for you. By arranging your own Fit for Work notes when needed, you’re taking proactive steps towards your well-being.

If your illness persists beyond seven days and you need further support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our surgery.  Beyond seven days, the GP can issue a Fit Note. You will need an appointment with the GP for this to happen.  We’re here to provide the assistance and guidance you require on your journey to recovery.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Best wishes,

The information shared is a collaborative effort between Hillcrest Surgery and the Patient Participation Group (PPG). We value your feedback to improve our services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hillcrestppg@gmail.com with any comments or suggestions you may have.

Important Information Regarding Hospital Discharge Letters

Dear Patients,

At Hillcrest Surgery, we prioritise your well-being and aim to provide you with the best possible care. As part of this commitment, we want to inform you about the process regarding hospital discharge letters and how it impacts your ongoing care.

When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be provided with a discharge letter. This letter contains essential details about your hospital stay, including any treatments or procedures you underwent, medications prescribed, and recommendations for follow-up care.

It’s important to understand that while a copy of this discharge letter is sent to our GP surgery, there can sometimes be delays in its arrival. It may take up to 14 working days, and occasionally longer, for us to receive this information from the hospital.

In situations where you have been advised to see your GP promptly or if you feel the need to schedule an appointment sooner, it would greatly assist us if you could bring a copy of your discharge letter with you. If you’ve received a bundle of papers from the hospital and are unsure which document is the discharge letter, please bring all papers with you to your appointment. This ensures that we have complete information about your treatment and can provide you with the appropriate care.

It’s important to note that if your discharge letter recommends follow-up treatment, tests, or assessments by your GP, we will act on this information once it is received. However, due to potential delays in receiving the letter, there may be a gap between your discharge and our receipt of the information. During this period, we encourage you to take an active role in your healthcare by contacting us if you have any concerns or if you’ve been advised to follow up with your GP.

By taking control of your healthcare journey and keeping us informed, you empower yourself to receive timely and comprehensive care. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact our reception team.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

The information shared is a collaborative effort between Hillcrest Surgery and the Patient Participation Group (PPG). We value your feedback to improve our services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hillcrestppg@gmail.com with any comments or suggestions you may have.