If you have any COVID-19 Symptoms please arrange a PCR Test via 119 or the link below.
IF YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US AND YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OR ARE AWAITING A PCR RESULT DO NOT come into practice – please call us and we will change your appointment to a telephone slot.
A lateral Flow test is not to be used if you have symptoms – it is a simple way to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but who may still be spreading the virus.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 have not changed – they are:
- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, even if they’re mild:
- Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if you have COVID-19 as soon as possible.
- Stay at home and do not have visitors (self-isolate) until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test. Check if people you live with need to self-isolate.
TELEPHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE
We are upgrading our telephone system, which will mean better access for you all.
Unfortunately we have to change our number.
From 10.00am on 18th November the NEW PRACTICE NUMBER will be changing to: 0191 625 7340.
Please keep a note of this – we will have a message or diversion on our system nearer the time.
Thank you for your cooperation.
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRACTICE
In light of the negative press General Practice is currently facing we would like to draw your attention to some figures for HMG.
The amount of appointments the government says we should have available per week 350.
The amount of appointments we have available are averaging 500+.
This week (20-24th Sept) we have had 612 appointments available.
In the month of September to date (23rd) we have had 11093 incoming calls answered.
We have ran a fully face to face service since July.
We have continued with postnatal and 6 week baby checks, childhood immunisations and chronic disease checks throughout. We have used the telephone and video triage model as requested by the Government at the height of the pandemic BUT have always brought patients in for a face to face when required.
We are now busier than ever and there is no let up.
We have staffed the Covid Hot Hub clinics when they were open and are still staffing the Vaccine clinics as well as continuing with usual practice.
We have suffered some of the worst abuse in the 24 years I have worked for the NHS and staff are feeling it.
Please remember staff are carrying out the DOCTORS ORDERS.
If we say no to something it is because there is a valid reason.
If the phones are busy – its because we’re dealing with one of the 11 thousand plus calls coming into practice.
Please be mindful staff are humans too!
#BEKIND
Throughout the pandemic we have strived to make the surgery as safe as possible for all our patients and staff. We will continue to do so going forward.
From the 19th July nothing will change at the surgery – patients will need to still wear a mask, socially distance and use hand sanitiser in the surgery and staff will continue to wear PPE. We do understand that it can be frustrating but we know that when people come to us they are sick and vulnerable (and some cannot receive the covid vaccinations due to medical reasons) so we feel it would be wrong to not take these small precautions that can protect people.
In terms of opening up, as many of you know, we have never been shut and in fact have consulted with much higher numbers of patients than we did pre-covid (face to face, by phone, by e consult). On top of this we have worked hard, along with our volunteers to get as many patients vaccinated as possible. We are still offering appointments for Covid vaccinations if you still need one.
The community has come so far in trying to minimise the impact of Covid and we are sure you understand that we need to keep the surgery as safe for ALL patients as we can. #DOYOURBIT
Please don’t be offended when the administrative staff ask why you’re calling.
The admin staff are members of the practice team and it has been agreed they should ask patients ‘why they need to be seen’. Admin staff are trained to ask certain questions in order to ensure that you receive the most appropriate medical care from the most appropriate health professional at the most appropriate time.
The administrators are asked to collect brief information from patients to help:
– doctors prioritise house visits and phone calls
– ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care
– direct patients to see the nurse or other health professionals rather than a doctor where appropriate.
Admin staff, like all members of the team, are bound by confidentiality rules:
– Any information given by you is treated strictly confidentially.
– You can ask to speak to the receptionist in private, away from the reception desk (if you happen to be in surgery).
– However, if you feel your issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is, then this will also be respected.
Thank you for your cooperation.
“LOST” appointments
In the last month we have had a total of 90 DNA’s (patient that did not attend their appointments)
We continue to experience complaints with regards to appointment availability however we cannot control this when people continue to make appointments and just don’t turn up.
We ask that if you are unable to make your appointment PLEASE either ring, text or email us then we can offer the slot to someone else. Thank You.
DECEMBER 2020
Our clinical and admin staff are helping to deliver the COVID vaccination programme off site over the next few months starting this week.
We are sure you are aware of the importance of this vaccination campaign especially in the first few weeks when our very vulnerable patients are being vaccinated.
We are therefore at times operating with reduced staffing levels.
Please be patient and bear with us during this extremely busy time.
We will contact patients when booking appointments for the Covid vaccine please do not phone us as available appointments change daily.
Thank you for your continued support
Please see our CORONAVIRUS page for further details.
Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic the surgery has remained open and provided additional capacity to our patients through digital solutions.
We were also open over the bank holiday weekends.
We are now able to reflect on the past 5 months and wanted to share some of the data with you.
The data gathered is from March 1st to September 1st 2020 for our 5010 patients registered with us.
- 8166 Appointments made
- 3136 Face to face
- 162 Video consultations
- 42 E-consultations
- 530 Emails
- 87101 Calls
- 39 Home visits
- 2368 Test results
- 230 Fit notes
- 360 Referrals made
- 150,013 Items prescribed
- 406 “High risk Covid” social calls
We continue to be here for you when you need us.
*****
From Monday 6th July we have the ability to see patients in our usual surgery setting – HOWEVER – It is not business as usual.
We are to continue with the current clinic system of telephone and video consultations in the first instance and the clinician will then decide whether you need to be seen.
Don’t arrive early for your appointment.
We have limited seating – this is to comply with social distancing so we ask that when you come for your appointment please don’t arrive too early – we don’t want you waiting around any longer than necessary.
Try NOT to be late.
If you are more then 10 minutes late for your appointment you will be asked to re-arranged.
We request you use a mask or face covering.
From 1st June, we will be asking anyone attending the surgery for a face to face appointment, to wear a face covering. If you don’t have a mask or scarf, a tea towel or similar held over the mouth and nose will suffice. If you attend with nothing you will we be given something to cover your mouth and nose.
This is a practice requirement for your safety as well as ours and is non negotiable.
Please sanitise your hands on arrival.
Please be aware that we will ask you to sanitise your hands on arrival to the surgery. This is for your safety as well as ours.
Please arrive on your own unless you are bringing a child or require a carer for medical reasons.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do….
Stay alert
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
- cover face – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces
- make space – stay at least a metre away from people not in your household
If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
Anyone can spread the virus.
PLEASE SEE OUR CORONAVIRUS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Urgent care services in Sunderland are changing
Patients in Sunderland will be able to access NHS urgent care services more simply and closer to home after 1 August 2019.
From 1 August 2019, the best way to access NHS urgent care services will be to contact your GP practice or local pharmacy, or call NHS 111 when they are closed.
Urgent care is for minor injuries or illnesses which need medical attention the same day, but are not serious enough for the Emergency Department.
From 1 August 2019, these will be the main urgent care services for patients in Sunderland:
- GP practices – collectively providing extra appointments in evenings, weekends and bank holidays. These can be booked through your GP practice, at one of five locations around Sunderland, Washington and Houghton.
- Pharmacists – local pharmacists are highly trained and provide free, confidential advice on minor illnesses from sickness and diarrhoea to hay fever.
- Urgent care centres at Pallion, open 10am-10pm Monday to Friday; 8am-10pm weekends and bank holidays, no appointment needed.
- NHS 111 – if you have an urgent need which is not life-threatening, NHS 111 health advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you get the right medical attention for your needs.
To find out more, please visit www.sunderlandccg.nhs.uk.
SUNDERLAND EXTENDED ACCESS SERVICE (SEAS) |
As you may be aware for some time we have had the ability to offer access to a GP outside of core hours. Please see below for more details.
We are working on our Emergency Department visit numbers. We consistently use the ED at a higher rate than other practices even with increased appointment and telephone access. We are using data to try and help us understand why this is happening and to try to encourage our population to utilise other services before using the ED such as your local pharmacy etc.
Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group have a very informative “Look After Yourself” booklet which is a great starting point in a guide to self care.
Please help us to save NHS resources by choosing the right service for your illness.
CQC Inspection Outcome:
We are delighted to announce the practice has been awarded an overall rating of GOOD in all areas following our recent CQC inspection. We rated outstanding in the responsive to long term conditions category.
Where to get the right care
HYLTON MEDICAL GROUP
Welcome to our new website which has been developed to provide the latest and useful information to the patients and visitors. We hope you find the website user friendly and it’s easy for you to locate the desired information.
Please take a look around and see how this new website can make things easier for you and let us know if you have any comments or suggestions via our online form.
Hylton Medical Group
We aim to deliver excellence in medical practice and patient care. Ensuring the clinical, professional and personal development of each team member, working with people we serve through good communication and patient education, whilst managing human, financial and structural resources efficiently and effectively.
We try to preserve the values of traditional general practice whilst making the most of the opportunities afforded by the present GP Contract and other developments in the Health Service and in particular;
To maintain a professional but patient-friendly, caring environment within the group and all its activities
To develop an integrated team approach to the delivery of patient care and services, also to encourage a similar approach to the decision-making process within the group
To provide a framework and culture that will ensure clinical, professional and personal development of both team and individual
To provide clinical services based on population needs, and are of the highest quality with local accessibility wherever possible
To be proactive in the delivery of health education, working in partnership with patients
To work in partnership with SCCG and DoH to support development and delivery of services which work towards the health improvement of the practice population
***MANDATORY TRAINING UPDATES***
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SURGERY AND ALL OTHER SURGERIES IN SUNDERLAND ARE CLOSED ONCE A MONTH ON A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FOR MANDATORY TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF
Please ring the surgery on 111 and you will be directed to the Out of Hours Services for medical emergencies and advice.
GP ONLINE SERVICES
How can I start using GP online services?
Follow the steps below to sign up for GP online services:
1. Tell your GP practice that you would like to start using their online services
2. A member of the practice will then ask you to fill in a short registration form
3. You will have to provide photo ID and proof of address. If you do not have any ID then either a member of staff will have to confirm your identity or you may have to answer questions about personal information in your GP record
4. Once you have signed up, you will receive a letter with your unique username and password and a link to where you can log in