Welcome to Churchwood Medical Practice
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.
New telephone system
As many of you are aware, we have now installed a brand new telephone system across our three sites. This system enables us to monitor the telephone calls to help us understand the volume of calls we receive every day and the waiting times our patients' experience. This will help us to improve our staffing solutions to deal with the busiest periods effectively.
Please note that all incoming and outgoing calls will be recorded for quality and dispute purposes.
COVID Vaccination Update
As per todays' media announcement, the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been reviewed and is absolutely safe to use. The kings' vaccination centre team are working hard to deliver vaccines on a daily basis and we have a great guide attached below to help you with your visit when you are invited for your vaccine.
A guide for your visit to the Kings Vaccination Centre
Repeat prescriptions
We would like to remind patients that our repeat prescription turnaround time is 72 working hours (this excludes weekends and public holidays).
Thank you.
Transport service to the vaccination centre
HEART has just launched our new free transport service for people struggling to get to their vaccination centre.
HEART volunteer drivers have all vaccinated themselves and are trained in cleaning their vehicles to make them as safe as possible for people to travel in. While the organisation does not ask for money for the service it does request people respect it as a service for those who need it.
It is only available for those with a booked vaccination appointment. Drivers will also wait nearby to then take people home once they’ve had their jab.
To request vaccination transport people can either visit www.hastingsheart.com and fill in a simple help request form or call 01424 235290 and request a call-back.
Messages are picked up throughout the day and HEART aims to respond to everyone requesting help within 24hrs.
Pause in Covid vaccinations
We have been notified that the vaccination programme in Hastings will be paused next week. However, there is a drive to identify patients over 70 years old who have NOT received their first vaccination to attend the centre on Saturday 20th Feb between 09:30 - 18:00 - No prior appointment will be required.
All patients under 70 will need to wait for a formal appointment. Click here for the Observer article
Patient Access Users
- If you are an online 'Patient Access' user, you will now be required to re-activate it as your unique patient number will change. For information on how to re-activate, please follow this link: Click here.
- You DO NOT require a registration letter if prompted by the system, proof of I.D will not be required either.
- Please note: At the point of choosing a location, the postcode you will need to search for is TN34 3DW (Hastings Old Town Surgery)
- If the system causes any issues with re-activating your account, please ensure that you have selected Hastings Old Town Surgery as your main practice (this is purely a formality as we are using one account across our three sites).
- The verification process can take up to a maximum of 7 days.
- If you are still experiencing problems, please call the surgery and we will send you a linkage key to reset your account.
- Please be aware that if you receive a linkage key from us, please follow the instructions on the Patient Access platform when prompted as we are unable to assist you through the process.
We thank you for your patience and support during this time and we apologise for any inconvenience it may cause you.
Please be aware of Covid-19 Vaccination Scams
As many of you are aware, recently there have been a number of people who have fallen victim to scams relating to the vaccination programme. We have a toolkit to assist you with identifying scams and helping to raise awareness within your community. Please click the link below to find out more.
Covid-19 Vaccination Programme FAQ's
Please
click here for a comprehensive guide to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the current vaccination programme.
Attention carers
If you are a registered carer and would like support, care for carers have arranged some activities and support tools to help you during these times, please visit their Facebook page to find out more:
https://www.facebook.com/careforthecarers/
Normal services will resume on Thursday 28/01/2020
We have now completed all necessary tasks as per Public Health Englands' advice and the surgery is once again secure and operational.
We apologise for the disruption today, however, the safety of patients and staff is imperative during these current circumstances.
Thank you again for your patience today.
⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ URGENT NEWS
Due to a COVID-19 compromise at Churchwood Medical Practice, the surgery will be closed today (27/01/2020) whilst we implement PHE advice and work towards making the surgery COVID secure.
We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. Our telephone line will be operational, but at a reduced capacity, so please expect long delays.
We will keep you updated throughout the day.
Merge Day Reminder
Our practice merger has finally arrived, please read below for what to expect:
- Please do not contact the surgery on Friday 22nd January or Monday 25th January unless it is an urgent matter.
- If you do not use our online services, nothing will change for you and your services will continue as normal.
- If you currently use our online services, after our merge you will be required to re-register for online access as your unique patient number will change. For information on how to re-register please follow this link https://support.patientaccess.com/registration/practice-merges-and-patient-access. The postcode you will need to search for is TN34 3DW (Hastings Old Town Surgery)
We thank you for your patience and support during this time and we apologise for any inconvenience it may cause you.
Survey for fathers
Across Sussex consideration is being given to engaging fathers to ensure that key health messages are reaching fathers in order to promote the health and wellbeing of families and their children and ensure their inclusion in their babies life from conception onwards.
If you are a father, please take a moment to complete the survey in order to help us improve in developing services.
A short video explaining the COVID-19 vaccination process
If you have any queries, please email: sxccg.vaccineenquiries@nhs.net
Patient access online (Merge Day)
Our practice merger is fast approaching (22nd-25th January) and we need to remind you of a few things:
- Please do not contact the surgery on Friday 22nd January or Monday 25th January unless it is an urgent matter.
- After our merge you will be required to re-register for online access as your unique patient number will change. For information on how to re-register please follow this link https://support.patientaccess.com/registration/practice-merges-and-patient-access. The postcode you will need to search for is TN34 3DW (Hastings Old Town Surgery)
- Please put in your prescription request early to enable us to ensure you have your medication before our merge.
We thank you for your patience and support during this time and we apologise for any inconvenience it may cause you.
COVID-19 Vaccination programme
The phased roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is continuing across Sussex.
As we roll out vaccines, we’d like to remind people of 3 things:
1. The NHS will contact you when it’s your turn, so please do not contact us beforehand.
2. Please act on your invite when it comes.
3. Remember Hands, Face, Space. It will save lives and help the NHS
Click here for more information
Are you a carer looking for support?
Do you currently look after someone who couldn't manage without your help?
It could be a friend, family member or neighbour who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction could not cope without you.
Care for the Carers is here for you!
We are excited to announce a new project being run with Care for the Carers and your GP surgery to make sure you are supported in your caring role.
We can help with:
. Talking to a support worker about your situation, any concerns you have and what might help to improve things for you.
. Providing information, guidance and putting you in touch with others that can help you.
. Getting support from other carers through carers groups.
. Taking part in free activities such as cookery classes and wellbeing sessions.
. Getting emotional support, such as counselling.
. Helping you to complete CRESS to ensure a plan is in place in case of an emergency and you are not able to be there for the person you care for.
. Registering you with Care for the Carers so that you can receive our free magazine, newsletter, carers card and ongoing support and advice.
What do you need to do next?
. Let your GP practice know that you are a carer so that you can be added to their Carers Register to help make sure you get support and information.
. You can ask your GP surgery to refer you to Care for the Carers or you can contact Care for the Carers directly by phone 01323 738390, text 07860 077300, email info@cftc.org.uk or via our website: www.cftc.org.uk.
Flu Vaccinations
We currently have flu vaccines available for the over 65 community, please get in touch if you would like an appointment.
Merger Approval
Dear patient, with great pleasure, we are happy to announce that our merger application has been officially approved by the Clinical Commissioning Group. We have attached a document below informing you of what the process will be, key dates to remember and some frequently asked questions.
Important information
Christmas opening hours
As we are fast approaching the festive holiday period, we would like to announce some key dates to minimise disruptions in your healthcare.
Thursday 17th December – Organisation training afternoon (urgent GP service only)
Monday 21st December – Prescription request deadline
Closed - 25th December
Closed - 28th December
Closed - 1st January
Please remember to get your repeat prescription requests submitted in time!
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
A national mass vaccination public campaign is being planned by NHS England and it will commence shortly in Hastings and St Leonards. The most recently published advice is that vaccines should first be given to people aged over 80 and health and social care workers (cohort 2), before being rolled out to the rest of the population in the order of age and risk. Patients meeting the second cohort criteria will be contacted directly. We are currently working with other GP practices in the area and the Clinical Commissioning Group regarding a local vaccination programme and will publish further communication once we know more. In the interim, we’d be grateful if you do not contact the practice to enquire about the vaccine. Many thanks.
Dr Chiuia's formal retirement from the partnership
We are writing to notify you that Dr Chiuia is sadly leaving the partnership and therefore, Hastings Old Town Surgery. His formal leaving date is 31st March 2021.
We are very appreciative for all the hard work that Dr Chiuia has done for the partnership over the years, and he will be sorely missed by patients and colleagues alike. He has played an integral role in the practice and has provided exceptional patient care, he will be very difficult to replace. We should like to wish him the best of success in all his future endeavours.
We are currently reviewing our GP resource and in the process of recruiting, and we will update patients in due course. For updates and further information please visit the news section on our website.
We should be grateful if you do not call the practice to discuss this, but refer any queries to Email: esxccg.churchwoodpractice@nhs.net
Attention
If you are having trouble retrieving hospital results, follow up appointments and other hospital-related issues, please contact PALS below and they will be able to help you.
Please do not contact the surgery as we are unable to help with these queries.
Apologies for any inconvenience, however, these matters cause safety issues when not dealt with through the correct channels.
CQ PALS esh-tr.PALSH@nhs.net 0300 131 5309
DGH PALS esh-tr.PALSE@nhs.net 0300 131 4784
Visiting the surgery safely
Thank you for your patience and support over the last few months – it is much appreciated. To ensure that we can continue to operate and keep you and our staff safe, we would appreciate it if you could familiarise yourself with our Covid-19 operating procedures:
- Please do not attend the surgery unless you have an appointment or made an arrangement with our reception team.
- Please note that we will issue prescriptions and Fit Notes electronically to reduce the number of people needing to visit the surgery.
- If you do not manage your repeat prescriptions electronically, please use post boxes at each surgery for repeat prescription requests.
- We are still operating a ‘locked door’ policy. As such, a member of the team will meet you at the door and you will be escorted to and from your appointment.
- Patients will be required to wait outside until their appointment time and when the lobby area is free. So please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible.
- Patients are required to wear a facing covering when attending the surgery/appointment. We would be grateful if you can provide your own mask when attending any future appointments. If you are unable to wear a mask, you will be given a visor. Any mask exemptions must be authorised by your GP prior to arriving at the surgery.
- Patients are kindly asked to attend alone. If you do require a carer to accompany you, we must be notified at the time of booking the appointment.
- We ask that only one parent and carer accompanies a child/infant.
- We have limited the number of seats in the waiting areas to reduce the volume of people waiting at any one time.
- Reception staff wipe down seating areas, reception desks, door handles and surfaces hourly using a disinfectant.
- We have extended our appointment times to allow us to wipe down and clean consulting rooms after each patient.
- For any other queries, please contact us via telephone, email, engage consult (online) or register with us for online access.
Thank you for your understanding.
Repeat Medication Requests
Dear patients,
If you require repeat medication from the surgery, please make the request via email or a handwritten request. This helps to eliminate any potential errors caused by verbal pronunciation.
Thank you.
Hastings & Rother Healthcare Merger Proposal Engagement
We would like to thank everybody who participated in our merger proposal engagement. Please click the document below to view the full summary.
Please visit: Station Plaza Health Centre 1st Floor
Station Plaza
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 1BA
01424 464750 Patient Freephone Number: 0808 1681282
The winter is coming ! This might make it tricky to know when you or children should go to work /school. Please follow this advice to help make those decisions. Please be aware surgeries CAN NOT arrange testing in any way. Also, we cannot provide any letters for schools/nurseries/work to say you haven’t got COVID only a negative test is acceptable.
Do contact us though as you would normally if you feel you or your child is unwell enough to need medical input.
Would you like to become part of our "patient participation group?" We are looking for motivated patients to join our PPG group and help improve the way that we operate our surgery. If you would like to become a member, please email us on:
esxccg.churchwoodpractice@nhs.net
***
Everything you need to know about cervical screening:
Cervical screening, or the “smear test”, is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer but catching any changes early can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer kills two women every day. Regular screenings can help reduce that number, which is why it’s so important you attend your screening when invited.
Our nurses are trained to do all they can to put you at ease during your appointment and are on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have. However, whether you attend your screening or not, is ultimately your choice.
Dear patients,
As part of a national infection control scheme, we are kindly asking all patients attending appointments to wear a face-covering when entering the surgery.
If you forget to bring a face covering, please ask a member of our team who will be able to assist you.
Thank you.
AN ESSENTIAL DIGEST of all the lines of HELP
available in HASTINGS during Covid 19:
Hastings Covid-19 Community Support Hotline
Do you or does someone you know need help?
Residents of Hastings and St Leonards, or their friends, family or carers, can contact Hastings Borough Council on a special helpline: 01424 451019, open 9am – 5pm Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4.30 pm Friday. More info and an online form for non-urgent enquiries is available here:
Hastings Emergency Action Response Team
Visit the Hastings Heart website to ask for help with shopping, collecting medications, posting mail, dog walking or other errands and support:
www.hastingsheart.com
Hastings Foodbank
Hastings Foodbank and the other social action projects run by King’s Church are still open! If you are facing financial hardship and need to be referred to the foodbank, or if you’re pregnant and in need and would like to be referred to Baby Basics, please contact Hastings Borough Council’s Covid-19 response number.
We are also fundraising at this time so that we can get food, toiletries, nappies and other essentials:
Feeling isolated, anxious or lonely and need someone to talk to?
CONNECT IN is HVA's Telephone Befriending Service. If you know someone who would benefit from having someone to chat to, visit
Hastings Relief Fund
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to the Hastings Relief Fund so far. Many local residents have been supported by charities and community initiatives that have responded rapidly over the past few weeks, for example with food deliveries to the doorstep, or a friendly telephone call to someone who is isolated. You can find out more and donate to the Hastings Relief Fund here:
Funding for charities and other community initiatives
Last week the Government announced additional funding for charities and other community initiatives, to enable them to continue to provide vital support to people affected by the coronavirus pandemic or to set up new services to support their vulnerable clients at this time. You can find out about the Government’s announcement, and other sources of funding,here:
Care For the Carers
Care for the Carers are still here for carers and working hard to keep you connected with their services and one another. Their Carers Hub is open virtually and as a carer, you can access information, advice and guidance by contacting in the usual way, 10am-5pm Monday-Friday (except Bank Holidays). You can get in touch as follows:
• Call us on: 01323 738390
• Text: 07860 077300
Beware of scams!
We are aware of a few reports of scams, with unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic. Please be as vigilant as ever, and if you have any concerns please contact the relevant organisation directly, and follow the Police’s Action Fraud’s advice:
coronavirus-scam-costs-victims-over-800k-in-one-month
Coronavirus Advice
Our coronavirus resources news page has been updated with the latest information on keeping safe, supporting others and useful information for groups and organisations, including easy-read guidance on how to support those most likely to get poorly from coronavirus.
Coronavirus Street Based Response
Looking for street based support in your area? Sam Kinch and the Heart of Hastings team have been working to log street-based community support in Hastings and St Leonards. You can now view local support available across the town on Google Maps. Find out more here:
Groups & Organisations
Is your group or organisation seeking new volunteers to support your current provision? Or are you looking for volunteers as part of new plans you are putting in place? If so, please let us know by emailing:
Foodbanks
The latest information about Foodbanks in Hastings & St Leonards is available on our website:
Wellbeing Support
There are a number of mental health support and wellbeing services available locally and nationally including Southdown, Hastings i-rock, Samaritans and more. Follow the link to our news page below for more information and contact details:
Clinical Triage
To help us to better manage our appointments, we are implementing a new system called Clinical Triage. Anyone calling the surgery for an appointment will be asked by a member of our trained receptionist team for some details about their call. The details of your call will be shared with the GP carrying out the Clinical Triage and will be used to help us to best deal with your issue. As NHS employees, all staff working in the surgery are bound by a duty of confidentiality and will only provide this information to the GP.
The GP will review the information you have given to the receptionist and either call you back / send you a text message / book you an appointment or arrange / organise what is most appropriate to meet your needs. For example, if your issue is that you require medication, the GP will organise a prescription on your behalf. The GP may also organise for you to have an appointment with a member of the clinical team which may be a GP, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, a Paramedic Practitioner, a Clinical Pharmacist or a Physiotherapist depending on your issue.
We realise that there is a high demand on the telephone lines and are looking at innovative ways to manage this. We have started a text service called AccuRx which allows us to inform you about your appointments and results etc. This is a new service that is different from our other text messaging service MJOG which we use to send our patient reminders. It very important that we have your correct mobile phone number as we will send you a text unless you have notified us to the contrary. If you change your mobile number, please contact the surgery as soon as possible so that we can update your details.
We are also looking into online consultations and Patient Access to assist you to book your appointments and will continue to explore new ways of working to ensure that we are able to manage our patient appointments are effectively as possible.
Restrictions on Over the Counter medications
The CCG have released an updated list of over the counter medications that they will ask GPs to restrict prescribing unless related to serious/long term illnesses.
More information will be provided however for now, click on the icon for a list of medications and conditions that GPs will be limiting their prescribing for.
OTC medications and conditions
Community Wellbeing Service (East Sussex)
Is your mental and emotional wellbeing affected by the pressures of daily life? The Community Wellbeing Service provides ‘Social Prescribing’ to help you find practical solutions to life challenges. We work in partnership with GPs to provide tailored support to improve mental health and wellbeing.
The service is commissioned by, and works in partnership with, Hastings and Rother Clinical Commissioning Group and East Sussex County Council.
Find out more here
The NHS Friends and Family Test
The NHS friends and family test (FFT) is an important opportunity for you to provide feedback on the care and treatment you receive and to help us to improve services. Your answer is voluntary, but if you do answer, your feedback will provide valuable information to celebrate good practice, and identify opportunities to make improvements.
If you would like to participate in the NHS Friends and Family Test, please complete the simple questionnaire available in the practice and post it into the Friends and Family Test collection box in the reception area.
We have also registered our practice with iWantGreatCare to provide an online version of the Friends and Family Test. The link to the iWantGreatCare website can be found by selecting "Friends and Family Test" on the right hand side of this home page under "Further Information".
Alternatively you can access NHS Friends and Family Test survey on the iWantGreatCare website directly at:
https://www.iwantgreatcare.org/gpsurgeries/churchwood-medical-practice
Once on the website you will need to select "Review this surgery"
Monthly Newsletter Archive:
April 2018 - April Newsletter
June 2018 - June Newsletter
August 2018 - August Newsletter
September 2018 - September Newsletter
October 2018 - October Newsletter
November 2018 - November Newsletter
December 2018 - December Newsletter