The Calverton Practice Newsletter – May 2025
MP Visit and Workload Pressures
I am delighted to report that after several false starts we finally welcomed the new MP for Calverton to the surgery. Michelle Welsh came over as engaged, keen to act as an advocate for her constituents and interested to hear our concerns regarding the current funding for primary care. She has promised to contact us again and appears happy that we contact her regarding future issues we face. Unfortunately, the much heralded new 10-year plan for the NHS is awaited and much may hinge on this.
We are acutely aware that many of our patients are struggling to access the help they need, and this is reflected in a full (often to bursting) triage list each day. Within all this we are still attempting to maintain a safe level of working for all our staff. At times this means we will ask you to use other options to access help or advice.
We recognise that Calverton is not particularly near any of the local walk-in centres, A&E is often full to bursting and phoning 111 does not always resolve a question. None the less we do have to ensure the care we give is safe and sustainable and appreciate the support from patients in this regard.
One thing which would really help us is if patients could cancel appointments they no longer need or can’t make. In the past month 64 GP appointments, 76 Nurse appointments, and 44 blood test appointments were not attended. These combined with other clinical appointments that were not attended brings that total to 245 appointments in March. There are several straightforward ways to cancel an appointment – this can be done via the text message reminders that are sent out, or by pressing 0 when telephoning the surgery. This bypasses the call queue and goes to a secure voicemail for you to leave your details so that the appointment is cancelled. Even cancellations at very short notice free up time for emergencies to be booked in.
Also, a reminder that some of our patients will be offered a Spring Covid 19 booster vaccination. This includes patients aged 75 and over; residents in a care home for older adults; patients aged between 6 months and 74 with a weakened immune system and at risk of severe illness. Patients who turn 75 between 1st April and 17th June (the duration of the vaccination campaign) can also have the jab. NHS England should be contacting those eligible directly however those eligible can book directly on the NHS website, on the NHS App or by phoning 119. Please do not contact the surgery as we are not offering this service.
Finally, we welcome back Dr Ruth Baker after her maternity Leave.
Phil Rayner, The Calverton Surgery