Practice news
Upcoming events, changes to the practice or interesting health related news articles will be posted here. If you would like to see any of the practice newsletters that we have published please click here. There is also a live news feed from the health pages of the BBC on the right, click on any story that interests you for further information.
Patient survey.
August 9th, 2012 by Dr Wheeler.All GP practices nowadays have their patients regularly surveyed to see how they feel about the service they are getting.
You can download our latest survey report here.
We are pleased to see that the vast majority of those surveyed seemed to be very happy with their treatment and access in North Uist.
One surprising result however was related to the question as to whether a patient “Could see or speak to a doctor or nurse within 2 working days”. Although we seem to be doing better on this than the average practice it does strike me as odd that 5 or 6 patients felt that they had to answer this question with a ‘no’.
To the best of my knowledge no patient has ever been been told here that they would not be able to see or speak to a nurse or doctor within that timeframe. Doctors respond to requests for phone calls every day – even those of a non urgent nature, and appointments are often available at very short notice. In cases were patients need more urgent intervention they will always have the option to see or speak to a doctor on that day – without exception.
if any patients feel that this is incorrect then please contact me by email or in person to describe the particular situation which they experienced.
There is also a space on these surveys for general comments and we take these very seriously. Our last survey for example highlighted issues with car parking and we then instigated the line painting programme which seems to have led to some improvements to traffic flow.
Comments this year were very positive in general – but a few people raised issues regarding confidentiality problems at the front desk. This is a common issue in small rural practices – but certainly one which we should try our best to remedy. We are trying to action this – so far we have come up with a few ideas and are waiting on the health board getting back to us on making some physical changes to the waiting area.
Thank you everyone who took part in the survey. If you have any feedback that you want to bring to our attention at any time please contact us here.
Strike information.
June 20th, 2012 by Dr Wheeler.In case anyone had concerns about the upcoming strike by the BMA due to take place today I would like to reassure you that there won’t be any strike action in North Uist.
Bayhead surgery is back.
May 23rd, 2012 by Dr Wheeler.I know that some West side residents have been disappointed at the lack of a community clinic in their area since the Taigh Ceilidh was taken out of use last year.
I had been working with our patient participation group to try and look at alternatives for some time when it became apparent that there might be accommodation available in the Old School house next to Paible primary.
As such I wrote last October asking when we could start doing surgeries there…. unfortunately it has taken till now to get permission!
It is sorted out now – so, if you would like to be seen in this surgery please phone and make an appointment asking specifically for the Bayhead clinic.
It runs every fortnight on a Thursday afternoon – with appointments starting at 14:30. If you have medication you would like to pick up then please order at least 48 hours in advance and indicate that you would like to get it from there (between 14:20-and 14:30 preferably).
The room provided is unfortunately not for our sole use so we are not able to put in an examination couch / other equipment etc. As such the service is limited.
Blood tests can be taken, limited examination is possible. But if you have a complex physical problem you may be better / may be asked by the doctor, to make an appointment in Lochmaddy instead.
The first Surgery was done on the 17/5/12, so the next will be on the 31/5/12, then fortnightly thereafter.
I hope the community find this service helpful and continue to support it.
December PPG meeting.
December 13th, 2011 by Dr Wheeler.The North Uist patient participation group has had another meeting. The minutes can be downloaded from here.
December Newsletter.
December 1st, 2011 by Dr Wheeler.Our latest newsletter is available for picking up in the practice. You can view it online here.
