Friends of Parkwood Surgery

Friends of Parkwood Surgery Newsletter - August 2024

View from the FPS Chair - Yvonne Metcalf

This summer has brought about huge changes in the political landscape nationally and more locally for the residents of Dacorum. The NHS has been an ongoing topic and I was struck by the former Chancellor’s comments in his acceptance speech that his hope for the next 5 years is that the new government will tackle the major issues in the NHS, something which, in his words, his outgoing government had been unable to do. We, I’m sure, are all well aware there is no quick fix but we have to enter this new era with some hope that there will be improvements which will filter down to a more local level and hence our surgery.

In FPS, communication with the surgery has remained our focus. We have not been able to meet with the management team in this last month, but we now have a date in August and a schedule for meetings in the future.

We see there have been changes in the surgery. For some time now, we have fed back patients’ concerns about how complaints are dealt with. There is now a designated complaints person in the surgery so we hope this will improve. There have been some practical changes, CCTV in reception being one, which we hear is for the benefit of both staff and patients.

In talking to fellow patients, the major issue is still the availability of appointments. I have heard confusion about what is routine and urgent, and more general worry that medical concerns are not being dealt with in a timely manner because of the lack of appointments .

I have also heard praise for the sensitivity of the reception staff dealing with difficult issues and comments recognising that the processes which patients find so troubling are (quote) ‘ not their fault’.

As a committee and representative of all patients of the surgery, we meet monthly. We are always pleased to hear from you about your experience of the surgery so that we can feed issues into the practice. We have a Facebook page and a website where the minutes of our meetings are posted. Do get in touch with us but remember we are not able to deal with medical matters or specific complaints.

I hope you have an enjoyable and healthy summer.

Logo of Parkwood Surgery - a green filigree tree with the words 'Parkwood Surgery' next to it

Feedback from the surgery

As your committee, we regularly put forward your queries, concerns and feedback to the surgery management. Here are some of the top concerns you’ve raised with us, and the responses we’ve received from the surgery.

Issues with getting an appointment

This remains a concern for many patients. The surgery is aware of the issues and looking at how things can be changed to improve it. Staffing has been a problem in recent months, with some staff leaving and newly recruited staff joining. It is hoped that this will settle down soon. There has also been a change to the way on-the-day appointments are being triaged to try to process these more quickly.

The new telephone system

The new system has now been in place for about 6 weeks. Changes patients may have noticed are that, at busy times, it now offers a callback option whereby you can hang up and maintain your place in the queue; the surgery will then call you back when it’s your turn. Caller ID displays should also now show it as Parkwood Surgery calling, rather than a withheld number.

Communication methods

Another frequent query from patients is how many communications take place via methods that not all patients are comfortable using, such as text messaging and apps. If this applies to you or someone you know, please contact the surgery as they can make changes to the way they contact you for things such as cancelling appointments due to staff illness.

Ear syringing

Some patients have expressed disappointment that ear syringing is no longer offered by the surgery. In fact, ear syringing is no longer conducted by the vast majority of GP surgeries, as it is perceived as too dangerous due to the possibility of perforating the eardrum. Some referrals are made for microsuction earwax removal, a safer procedure; if you think this is something you require, speak to the surgery. Alternatively it is available privately at places such as Specsavers and Boots.

Flu clinics

The ‘flu vaccines are due to arrive into the surgery during September, with dates for clinics to be arranged soon. Administering vaccines like these provides vital funding for the surgery and so, if you are able to, please consider using the surgery instead of your local pharmacy; it makes a difference!

And the annual plea: if you can walk to the surgery on ‘flu clinic days, please do! The car park and Parkwood Drive itself can become very congested on these days so the more we can avoid parking in these areas (unless mobility needs prevent this), the better.

What’s been happening with FPS?

Hertfordshire and West Essex Engagement Forum

Several members of the FPS committee have joined this free Facebook page to find more ways of engaging with local NHS health services. It’s open to all, although as it is a private Facebook group, you will need to wait for approval to join.

Check out the minutes of our meetings

The minutes from FPS’ monthly meetings, including our most recent July meeting, are available here. We hope this will improve the transparency for patients so you can see your concerns and queries are being raised.

Knit and Natter Group

The Knit and Natter group continues to meet on Tuesdays from 2-4pm at the Community Hall on Great Sturgess Road. If you’d like to come along to it, or know someone who would like a chat and some company, please contact Val on 01442 255449.

Want to stay up to date?

One easy way to keep up to date with FPS’ events is to follow us on our Facebook page. Every time we update the website, we’ll post a link there!

Unsubscribe from FPS communications

If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving communications about FPS, you will need to contact the surgery to ask for this note to be placed on your file. FPS does not hold any data on patients other than that provided directly by them, such as emails sent to the FPS mailbox.

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week

1st-7th August marks World Breastfeeding Awareness Week. Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days.

Support is available from several sources, including your health visitor:

The NHS website has information and tips.

You can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

Hertfordshire Family Centre Service runs many groups, including a free drop-in Infant Feeding Social Group at St George’s United Reform Church in Hemel Hempstead every Friday from 9:30 – 10:30am (map below).

Cycle to Work Day

1st August is Cycle to Work Day, when we are all encouraged to ditch our usual commute and take up a more active, more environmentally-friendly method of travel.

The scheme is promoted by the Cycle Scheme, which many employers sign up to in order to subsidise the cost of cycling equipment for employees. Find our more here.

Can’t cycle or want to brush up on your skills? Hertfordshire County Council offers a range of training and lessons for different levels of cyclists, including adults