Hi!
Welcome back to the Horizon Healthcare patient newsletter. Here we will keep you updated on what’s happening at the practice, community events and initiatives and important health information.
What’s new?
We are currently looking for a Volunteer Customer Service Assistant to join our reception team. This role is perfect for someone who is enthusiastic about providing excellent service and supporting our patients and visitors. If you would like to apply, please reply to this email with your CV and a short cover letter.
We also encourage you to explore the new NHS England volunteering website. This platform makes it easy to find and apply for health-related volunteering opportunities in your area, including roles like the one we have available. It’s free, user-friendly, and designed with accessibility in mind.
The NHS Blood Pressure Campaign: Get Checked!
NHS Pharmacy First is a service that allows you to get health advice and treatments for acute illnesses right from your local pharmacy without needing to see a GP first. This aims to make it easier for you to receive care quickly and efficiently, freeing up GP appointments for more serious health concerns.
South Asian Heritage Month
We are proud to support South Asian Heritage Month from 18 July to 17 August. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of South Asian communities. For more information, visit the South Asian Heritage website.
How you could get involved:
What’s on the Horizon?
Over the next month you can look out for:
- July 31 – MindSpace Summer Evenings at Markeaton
- August 2 – DCCT Active Recovery walking group
We’re also launching a fortnightly lunchtime walk alongside Derby County Community Trust. These walks will run biweekly from Monday 26th August until Monday 21st October, from 12 – 1pm, so keep an eye out!
Planning is also underway to start a weight management programme for eligible patients. If you are eligible, you will be contacted with more details.
Addressing missed appointments
We need your help to improve our services and ensure timely care for all patients. In June, 266 appointments were missed. That’s 66 hours of clinical time wasted.
When appointments are missed, it not only affects the individual patients but also limits our ability to offer those time slots to others in need of care.
You can help by cancelling any appointments you can no longer attend. Either via phone or on our website
Join our patient participation group (PPG)
We believe in working together with our patients to improve our services. Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) is a vital part of this effort, providing a platform for patients to share their insights and feedback.
The PPG is a group of patients who meet regularly to discuss and influence the way services are provided at Horizon. Members have the opportunity to suggest improvements, share experiences and help to shape the future of our practice.
We welcome patients from all backgrounds, ages and experiences. You can register to join our PPG by emailing direct to ddicb.horizon.ppg@nhs.net
As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, we want to extend our thanks to all of our patients for your continued support and trust in Horizon Healthcare.
We hope you found the information in this newsletter helpful and informative.
See you next month,
The Horizon Healthcare Team