Welcome

Like and share our page on Facebook!

Training dates- Surgery closed on dates below

Please read guidance on self care and Opiod prescribing

Patient Self care - prescribing- Doncaster CCG

Opiod prescribing guidelines - CCG statement

Vaccination Update- 08/06/21

AMP group practice will now be offering vaccinations in house at our Mexborough site for our patients. We are the first practice in Doncaster to gain this approval! Vaccinations will be for OVER 40s for their first dose OR anyone who has already had their first dose and is due for their 2nd dose (minimum 8 weeks from the first dose)

Fit note requests

DO NOT contact the surgery for your vaccination status. 

GP's cannot provide letters showing your COVID-19 vaccination status. 

proof of vaccination status will be available from MAY 17th through the NHS app

Struggling to get to your COVID-19 Vaccination appointment?

Latest Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine Guidance 09/04/2021

• Everyone who has had the AstraZeneca vaccine should still have a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, irrespective of age, unless they have had a blood clot or have an existing risk of thrombosis (blood clotting)
• People aged 30 and over or who have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease should still be offered the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. The benefits in protecting them against the serious consequences of COVID-19 outweigh any risk of this rare condition.
• People aged 18-29 who do not have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 disease will be offered an alternative Covid-19 vaccine where available. (This has been recommended as a precaution as people under 30 are at less risk from Covid-19 and not because they are considered to be at particular risk of developing the rare blood clot.)
• People under 30 can still choose to have the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine if this will mean they can be protected more quickly and they have been made aware of the guidance.

COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting pamphlet

AstraZeneca Vaccine protection stats

NEW Vaccine Update 22/ 3/21

• National booking is now open for all aged 50 and over and teams are maximising  coverage of cohorts 1-9. Patients invited outside these cohorts is stated as only permissible in exceptional circumstances. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE SURGERY WHEN ITS YOUR TURN

Some patients have not been reached yet as some numbers are not obtainable as changed but the practice has not been informed and in other cases no response has been received.

• A reduction in the supply of vaccine has been notified from 29th March 2021 for a period of 4 weeks a letter has been sent to vaccination sites about how to manage this situation (ie by closing unfilled slots in April for first doses)

• There is currently no contract in place to vaccinate below cohort 9, cohort 6 remains the current priority .

Further Government Guidance:

Starting the pausing of shielding arrangements from 1 April 2021.

• The home delivery service by community pharmacies and dispensing practices has been commissioned from 16th March to 30th June for anyone living in England notified by Test and Trace that they need to self isolate. They are only eligible for the service during the 10 day isolation period and first port of call should be family or friends.

Covid Vaccine Update 05/02/21

We have now invite all patients in cohorts 1-4.  These are:
1. residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
2. all those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
3. all those 75 years of age and over
4. all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals

If you feel you are in one these groups, and have not had your 1st Vaccine, please telephone the practice after 2.30pm.

There are plenty of appointments next week for you, please remember that phone lines will by busy with acute medical problems.

ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS- 02/02/21

All GP surgery sites remain OPEN, however due to the heavy snowfall, and some staff are having difficulty getting to the sites, some face to face appointments may be cancelled. 

Register for online services- Accessible 24/7 to book appointments.

we have increased our online availability by 200% by increasing appointments for:

Charlotte O'Reilly -Musculoskeletal specialist practitioner - joint pain, back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis

Rachel Dean - Practice Psychiatric Practitioner - psychiatric conditions such as depression, low mood

How to access online services:

step 1: come into the surgery with photo ID

step 2: fill in the forms to receive your username and password

step 3: Access the online platform for booking appointments and login via your username and password. 

250% increase in staff answering the phone in the morning

Following your feedback in 2019 and 2020, we have now invested in new telephone systems and software and a huge number of care navigators at the practice. 

The software provides daily information to the telephone HUB leaders everyday. The average waiting times for December 2020 and the first week of January 2021 is between less than 30 seconds to 12 minutes. we are also happy with the feedback that you are providing with the ongoing independent patient survey showing that you are pleased when the telephone system states your number in the queue. 

please keep giving us your feedback! 

AMP Practice shortlisted for 'Practice of the Year'

We are proud that our team has been shortlisted for this national award for work done locally . We believe this may be the only practice selected from South Yorkshire.

This is the 2nd Award as we won the Runners up
“GIO healthcare award “ in Summer on work done locally but shared nationally & across EU .

Prof Kumar has been on BBC again yesterday morning and booked for another on Sunday afternoon, on current work done locally & nationally  .

We are keeping our fingers crossed
Meanwhile, can our team Offer you the “Seasons Greetings “ and wish for better tidings in 2021 !

COVID-19 Vaccine information:

You may be aware that the practice has been working hard, making preparations to administer the vaccine to members of the public. As per government guidelines, the following priority will be given for the vaccine. you will be contacted centrally first and then by the practice. 

click the links for more info :

COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults

COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait

Free flu jabs are still available for those who haven't had them!

Anyone over the age of 50 who has not had their free flu vaccine please contact the surgery to obtain a vaccine - late night appointments are available

URGENT- FOR ALL SICK NOTES/FIT NOTES

You no longer need to contact the surgery by telephone to request a sick/fit note from our surgery.

Please either

1) download and print this form (see below) and complete. please drop off the printed copy in person at the surgery

2) OR alternatively download the form from below and fill it in electronically via your device and simply email us the completed form to the following email address:

donccg.askern-medical-practice@nhs.net

MED3 request form- click here to download

URGENT-NEW 2021- FREE FLU JABS FOR OVER 65s and SHIELDING patients 

PLEASE RING US TO BOOK

1)we are offering priority for flu jabs for ALL over 65s 

2) following this patients of ANY age who fit into the following categories can book in for a flu jab free

• people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age)
• pregnant women
• people living with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
• children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
• children in primary school
• children in year 7 (secondary school)
• frontline health or social care workers

if you are NOT SURE THEN RING US as we have your health records, and we can see if you are eligible or not

3) later on in the year we will be asking 50-65's to come in and have flu jabs.

PLEASE RING US TO BOOK

please ring us also if you have any doubts

GO National Awards- Finalist for excellence in public services

Community Surgery Update- Services resumed. 

We are glad to announce that community surgery and joint injections have now resumed. However we are operating on a limited service only due to government guidelines (which are continuously being updated) which we are adhering to. Services have been resumed adhering to strict national guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and patients. 

Anita Jackson Retirement- 34 Years in the NHS

It is with great sadness that we announce the retirement of Anita Jackson who has worked at Askern Medical Practice GP surgery for the past 34 years. During this time she has led the reception team and worked tirelessly to serve the community. During perhaps one of the most difficult periods for the GP practice and community in the early 2000's where there where no doctors, limited staff and no manager (the surgery was run by Doncaster PCT, 12 miles away) - she singlehandedly held the practice together. 

Her kind and joyful presence will be missed by not only the staff but also the patients who visit the surgery. We wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter in her life.

'I have worked within the NHS for 34 years, the past 17 years being with the Askern Medical Practice working alongside Professor Vijay Kumar  & Team from 2003 -  the practice formerly known as The Spa Surgery.

What a change I have encountered over those years!  From hand writing repeat prescriptions and running drop-in surgeries, sometimes not knowing how many patients would turn up to see a doctor, to learning a computer programme and printing prescriptions and booking appointments amongst other things.

Attending TARGET training sessions were always very interesting where we looked forward to meeting other practice teams along with some incredibly good training.

As Senior Receptionist I had lots of duties and responsibilities, too many to mention. The main ones being in charge of our team but most important of all to provide a friendly and efficient service to our patients.  I have also been a Fire Marshall and amongst other things most recently, was appointed Gypsy/traveller champion.

I have worked with some remarkable reception staff that I have mentored in their training.  I am lucky to have worked with them as they have remained my friends.

Of course there has been some stressful times during my time with AMP but the happy times outweigh them.  For instance our annual Christmas party where we got together with our branch surgeries and had such a good time, eating drinking and dancing. 

I have made several attempts to retire but always changed my mind knowing that I would miss my colleagues, doctors and our lovely patients, some of whom would come to me for advice or just a little chat.

Askern Medical Practice has been and always will be a major part of my life and as I embark on a new chapter, I am leaving with the fondest of memories.'

Anita Jackson

Community Surgery Update- Services to resume soon. 

We have received great demand for our community surgery and joint injections service which had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. We anticipate our services to resume soon, however we are waiting for further guidance. We shall keep you informed of updates. 

72nd Anniversary of the NHS 

This weekend, to mark the NHS’s 72^nd anniversary, NHS organisations and staff will be taking the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ back to everyone who has supported them so far to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Sunday 5 July, the day the NHS was founded, the whole country is invited to come together at 5pm and applaud all those who have volunteered or helped keep the NHS and its staff going, and the commitment, courage and sacrifice shown by so many.

During these times of uncertainty across the UK, extraordinary people are making extraordinary things happen. Nationwide, nurses, doctors, carers, GPs and other healthcare and key workers are isolating from family and friends, re-training, re-deploying, volunteering and even coming out of retirement to join the effort to help tackle this pandemic – supported by members of the public who have been volunteering and donating food and other items.

Some face to face appointments will resume- Face mask/Covering mandatory for ALL patients

The practice will resume some face to face appointments for blood tests and cytology. Please can all patients make sure they are wearing either a mask or a face covering for their face to face appointment as this is mandatory. 

Supporting Gypsy, Roma and traveller month

It’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month! Once again we celebrate the culture, history and heritage of these communities.   

During the pandemic we have been working hard to make sure that our traveller communities are supported through initiatives. 

- there have been texts sent to the community
- Vulnerable patients in that BAME community assessed and supported
- Social prescribing referrals done
- Regular & upscaled proactive care in place

Please see the following article for more info on Gypsy and traveller history- 'raising a family differently'

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/cornwalls-traveller-gypsy-past-what-4220367

Prospective Medical students:

If you are an A level or GCSE student who is interested in a career in medicine, click here for more information regarding life in general practice - the interactive platform is run by the royal college of General Practitioners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0AWrj1EmDY&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BsRnI1C8G8&feature=youtu.be

Alert- possible cervical screening text messaging scam

We are aware of a possible scam. Some women are being contacted by text message, claiming to be from the call and recall service to advise they are overdue for screening. The message asks them to call a mobile number and provide personal details.

 These messages are NOT from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

 The Action Fraud Line has been contacted.

If you are unsure please call the practice to check if you are due for your cervical screening. 

mental health awareness week

With everything that is going on right now, it's more important than ever that we think about our wellbeing. Even if you are working remotely right now, Mental Health Awareness Week is still a great opportunity to share wellbeing tips and resources. Despite being physically apart right now, we can still share our personal experiences and offer each other support. 

From virtual fundraising ideas to help bring your team together, and finding fun ways to pass the time, we also have a vast range of information and tips which you can share with your colleagues on how they can continue to take care of their mental health during the pandemic.

https://mind.turtl.co/story/mindwork-april-2020/page/4?utm_source=MIND%20(THE%20NATIONAL%20ASSOCIATION%20FOR%20MENTAL%20HEALTH)&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11492472_JadeBolton_Comms_Mind@Work_23042020&dm_i=CZC,6UBNC,184NPM,RFFGO,1

Chronic diseases peer support groups

COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing

Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What is social distancing?

Coronaviruses can be spread when people with the virus have close, sustained contact with people who are not infected. This typically means spending more than 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person, such as talking to someone for instance.

click the link for more information: 

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/03/04/coronavirus-covid-19-what-is-social-distancing/

vvk

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – 5 things you can do to protect yourself and your community

In recent weeks cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been seen in an increasing number of countries across the world and we expect to continue to see more cases here in the UK over the coming days and weeks.

The UK has well-established plans to deal with outbreaks of infectious disease and everyone can play an important role in making these plans work, slowing down the spread of coronavirus.

click the link for more information:

https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/03/04/coronavirus-covid-19-5-things-you-can-do-to-protect-yourself-and-your-community/

vvk

Zero Tolerance Policy to Abuse:

Following an incident at the medical centre - We know that #coronavirus is a distressing time for us all. This message is only aimed at a small minority, but please can everyone treat and respect #NHS staff in ways they would like to be treated themselves.

NHS Doncaster CCG has zero tolerance of violence and aggression from members of the public towards NHS staff. We appreciate incidents are extremely rare and the vast majority support the NHS.

Please help us by staying at home and thank you for your continued understanding.

http://www.doncasterccg.nhs.uk/coronavirus-zero-tolerance-towards-violent-and-aggressive-behaviour/?fbclid=IwAR21s4Y4oGZFONUrZN_WN8HdbPSJLl8G2qZcze85AxuFGlb-Q2Ui_wZD7UE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Shielded patients list

NHS Digital has published the shielded patients list (SPL), which is enabling partner organisations across government to support and protect those who need shielding at this time.

for more information regarding the shielding of patients please click the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

Son of one of our Site Managers:

Our very own superhero -  the NHS 'We stay at work for you. please stay at home for us!'

Urgent

If you suspect that you have a chest infection please stay at home and ring the surgery for a telephone consultation due to the COVID-19 

If you suspect you may have COVID-19:

• Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next (it’s a few simple questions and then tells you what to do).
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

In Scotland, call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours. In Northern Ireland, call 0300 200 7885

AMP GROUP PRACTICE - MISSION STATEMENT

We strive to deliver SAFE, high quality compassionate CARE to all our patients.

We are committed to work in a supportive courteous manner, in partnership with our patients.

We take a proactive approach to the NHS and General Practice, whilst remaining RESPONSIVE to the needs of our diverse practice population.

We are proud of our well trained, WELL-LED and highly motivated Primary Care Team who are here to help.

We will always do our best to provide an EFFECTIVE service.

CORE VALUES

Putting patients at the heart of everything we do

Quality – Providing high standards of care

Equality – We operate within an ethical framework through openness and transparency

Compassion – Caring about our patients.

Staff – Our practice team is committed to teaching, learning and professional development

6 National award winners

2 NHS awards in leadership

CARE FOR LIFE 

Please see Below our Chaperone Policy;

Chaperone Policy

We are confident that our website will provide clear and concise help and give our patients the information they require in an easy and convenient format. It has been designed with the patient’s needs at the forefront of everything, from checking surgery times to letting us know what you think of us.

Serving You

Our dedicated team are here to treat those minor ailments that occur as well as providing specialist management of long-term conditions and clinics covering a wide range of healthcare issues. The technology also means you can now do a lot of things from the comfort of your home such as order a repeat prescription or cancel an appointment.

Partners in Care

Once registered, patients and healthcare professionals work together to ensure the most appropriate care is provided. This partnership philosophy extends even further and our active patient group exists to make sure that patient needs and the practice offering are always heading in the same direction.

Access

The practice provides a disabled ramp and access to the waiting room and further comfortable access into the consulting rooms.

There is a toilet for disabled and wheelchair users. Should any disabled person require further assistance please ask at reception.

We are proud of our Diversity , Truly Reflecting British society today and Following languages are spoken by Clinical & Administrative staff :

1- English
2- Hindi
3-Tamil
4-French
5- Nigerian Pidgin
6- Urdu

Latest News

We held our first Fibromyalgia support group at our Askern Medical Practice on 10th February 2020.  Further meetings will be held throughout the year, please feel free to join in.

Free NHS Health Checks

If you're aged between 40 - 74 years old, with no history of diabetes or heart disease, please contact the surgery to see if you are eligible. If you are, we will offer you a free NHS health check with one of our trained Health Care Assistants.

Target Development Sessions Dates - The surgery will be closed on the below dates for the afternoon for training in line with other Doncaster Practices between 12-6pm:

22^nd April 2020

13^th May 2020

10^th June 2020

8^th July 2020

16^th September 2020

14^th October 2020

11^th Nov 2020

13^th Jan 2021

10^th Feb 2021

17^th Mar 2021

Medical cover available on ringing the surgery 

latest Patient Participation Group meeting- 17th December 2019

Thank you to all the patients who came to our latest PPG meeting this December. We had a fantastic turnout.

All staff training on Sepsis / Cardiac resuscitation November 2019

Reflection on week with AMP Healthcare

I was lucky enough to be able to spend a week with the staff across medical practices in Denaby, Mexborough and Askern. This was a great opportunity to improve my understanding of primary care provision, and see the potential for primary care to tackle the challenges currently facing health care providers. I was struck by the innovative procedures and practices provided across the practices. This included seeing minor surgeries, which included the removal of moles, skin tags, and providing therapeutic injections for a variety of conditions. Minor surgery in primary care is a cost-effective way of providing patient care, and was popular with patients, providing care close to home.

The friendliness and enthusiasm of all types and seniorities of staff was especially wonderful to see. Admin staff, practice managers, GPs, practice nurses, and healthcare assistants all shared a passion for providing high quality patient care. It was helpful to see the key role admin staff play in managing the patient’s journey, helping to book or cancel patients, keeping records up to date, and directing patients to the services most applicable to them.

Particular highlights of my week included the chance to see baby immunisations, where staff were comforting and supportive of the patient and parent; and seeing the provision of cervical smears, where clinician’s sensitivity and skill ensured patients felt supported and at ease. I saw first-hand the provision of patient choice, and the personalised relationships between the patient and clinician built over many years, enabling high-quality care.

Philippa West – NHS Graduate Management Trainee

Askern Medical Practice are proud to announce, That WE are now proud members of the GP'S for Veterans Health Network. Please contact the surgery for further information.

Alzheimer's week

This week is Alzheimer's week and the practice is working with Alzheimer's society to support carers and patients with Alzheimer's. We held our first successful Alzheimer's forum today at our Conisbrough site with our specialist from the Alzheimer's society. The practice was support by our expert patient panel

November 2017 Staff Education Afternoon

December 2017 PPG Meeting

2017 Overview

Awards At Primary Care Surgical Association- Tralee,Rep. Of Ireland 2017

Teaching Slovenian Healthcare Students On iInovations In Healthcare- February 2017

Learning And Supporting Gypsies and Travellers In The European Union - February 2017 - Maribor

Supporting A Move From Soviet Model Of Healthcare To A British Model- Almaty, Kazakhstan, Central Asia - May 2017

Setting Standards In Community Surgery In The UK On Patient Safety- Coventry- May 2017

Our Practice International Contribution In Setting Standards In Community Surgery- PCSA - Republic of Ireland - October 2017

Welcoming Kazakastan PHD Doctors- Supervising Thesis- Teaching British Healthcare

 

Non-Medical support for the local community

Askern medical Practice - Doctors helping students from comprehensive schools to enter medical school

The practice have been forefront for many years in supporting students from perhaps disadvantaged backgrounds who are aspiring to study medicine. We altruistically offer time, effort and coaching for the students to help them obtain a place to study medicine. The practce has got a high success rate. The intention is to bring back Doctors to work in their own areas particularly this part of South Yorkshire which is very deprived and a hard to recruit area.

RECENT CANDIDATE...

Michael Clarke Aspiring Pharmacist, Work placement

In November 2016, I was lucky enough to be invited to a work placement at all three of Professor Kumar’s Surgeries. During the period I was on placement I got to observe how a vast team worked together in a tight knit community and had the opportunity to spend time with every member of this essential team that provided a wonderful service to this local community of Askern Mexborough and Conisbrough.

My time at the surgery allowed me to observe how all of the healthcare professionals worked closely to the benefit of the community providing the best healthcare possible. I feel this was of great use to me as I am personally following a career path in to pharmacy role. I am currently in my last year of A-Levels, progressing in to university in the not too distant future. This was not only a educational placement but also offered me the opportunity to witness first-hand how best to deal with patient interaction, gain individual skills thus being something I can adapt and implement as I endeavour on my pharmacy career.

While providing excellent care to the community, Mr Kumar also relieves the NHS waiting lists by offering the facility to preform minor operations at some of his practices, another great experience I got to observe. My time throughout the placement was thoroughly eye opening and the knowledge gained invaluable from  the short period of time spent. It has also lead me to have a vast amount of respect for the work that goes into planning and providing the best care possible which is essential to the wider community.

I would also like to make a special mention to all the staff members, Such as the reception staff and the nurse’s that work tirelessly behind the scenes to allow for such a smooth operation to be carried out, as this would not be possible without their efforts, which also alongside the great work of professor Kumar allow for excellent care to be provided.

This work placement inspired me to follow a career path in to the medical route amongst the community. I hope that in the near future, as the pharmacy role is ever evolving, I am able to work side by side with professor Kumar again, Not only as a student but as a working healthcare professional, allowing for the continuation of his great work and dedication.

Deepthi Balaji

What joy it brings me to post about my two-week observership at the Mexborough and Askern Medical Practices, during my time in the UK! Having come from India, the opportunity to observe at the Medical Practices was a fantastic eye-opener to how Primary Care in the UK works.

I was thrilled to be able to sit in with the GPs and Nurse Practitioners during their consultations and get a glimpse of the types of cases that are dealt with in Primary care as well as the follow up care for the patients. I particularly enjoyed feeling comfortable enough to ask questions, both medically related and generic ones, to the medical personnel in between consultations.

The exciting hands on experience in the reception really helped me appreciate the administrative roles of staff; I got to assist with making QOF recalls, doing some coding and scanning and even helping to manage repeat prescriptions! Being present in a clinical meeting was another surreal experience that helped me understand how various issues were raised and dealt with by the team, both medical and administrative, at the practice. – The snacks provided were much enjoyed, too!

It was such a privilege to not only be observing here but also included as one of the amazing team, in the short time that I was there. I was delighted to talk about my experiences gained here, in my medical school interview and am very excited to be off to Liverpool to study medicine, in September! A huge and hearty thanks to all my lovely friends at Mexborough and Askern Medical Practices for helping me get one step closer to my dream!