THE CARE NETWORK

The Care Network is the local carers centre for Bath and North East Somerset.

We can help you find the services you need, the benefits you are entitled to and the information you want.

What do we provide?

• A dedicated Carers Line 01761 431389 (9-11am Monday to Friday, 1- 3pm, Monday to Thursday).
• Home visit from a Carers Support Worker
• Regular quarterly newsletters with news, views and ideas
• Advice and support with Carers Assessments, care planning and hospital discharge meetings
• Information, advice and support about taking a break
• Signposting to other organisations and services
• Opportunities to meet with other Carers
• A voice in developing local services

For more information, support or advice contact us at:

The Care Network
1 Riverside Cottages, Radstock, Bath BA3 3PS

Office Line: 01761 431388 Carers Line: 01761 431389

Email: carerssupport@thecarenetwork.co.uk

Website: www.thecarenetwork.co.uk

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Happy 60th Birthday to NHS General Practice!

This year, the NHS is celebrating its 60th birthday. For 60 years local GP surgeries have been providing the personalised care that you and your family need close to home by people who know you and your health.

But we are very worried that new Government plans to change the way in which GP services are provided will put at risk the comprehensive, high-quality patient care that your local surgery provides.

The Threat to your Surgery!

Most NHS GP practices are independently run by local GPs on behalf of their patients. However, the Government is now encouraging commercial companies to run GP surgeries. These companies are accountable firstly to shareholders not patients. Commercial companies are likely to be offered short-term contracts. This could lead to a higher turnover of doctors who may not know you and your long-term health needs. This is bad for patients.

Please go to your surgery and sign the petition before Friday 6th June 2008 or for more information and to register your support online
click here

CHEWS HEALTH

Chews Health is now starting on Wednesday 7th May at 12:30 pm at Chew Magna Baptist hall.

Chews Health involves a 10 week nursing team led program with a focus on achieving weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Each participant will be given a Chews Health folder containing supportive information and guidance to achieve health goals and a pedometer to monitor personal levels of fitness activity.

If interested please contact Anne Yeats or Becky Wych at the Surgery.

Please click here for more information about Chews Health.

Checking in for appointments

During April, patients into the practice will notice a few changes in the waiting room, including a green patient information folder, containing details of the services we offer, and support networks across Bristol and Bath.

In addition to this, the practice is installing an Automated Patient Check in System. This means that if you are attending to see a GP or nurse, rather than waiting for a receptionist to become free, patients are able to log in on a dedicated screen to advise the doctor that you have arrived. It is a very simple and safe system offering patients the choice of how to let us know that you have arrived for your appointment. From late 2008, patients will also be able to re-order medication via the same automated system.

Also new for the practice in April will be the installation of Life-line television. Life-line TV is supported by the Department of Health and the Primary Care Trust and is a television service which aims to deliver local and national health related information for patients, their families and carers.

Patient Group Meeting

The last patient group meeting took place on Tuesday the 13th of March at Chew Stoke Methodist Hall in Chew Stroke, Agenda items included feedback from the 2007 patient survey, update regarding the status of the planning application for a potential new surgery building and general Q&A session. The meeting was well attended by representatives from across the Chew Valley area.

The practice has gone through a period of many changes and it was reported that there may not be another PPG meeting until the autumn, enabling opportunity for reflection. Practice Manager Diane Dawson will be on maternity Leave during the summer. Sally Orchard Assistant Practice Manager will be providing members of the patient group with updates and e-bulletins, any queries that members of the group or potential members may have should be directed to her.

A copy of the presentation delivered at the Patient participation Group Meeting is available here.

ONLINE SERVICES

We are now offering online appointment booking and repeat medication ordering.  Please click here for more information on how to register for this service.