We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work. We would also like to use analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics.
Let us know your preference. We will use a cookie to save your choice. Before you make your choice you can read more about our cookie policy.
Hi Welcome to the first edition of Horizon Healthcare’s patient newsletter. Here we will keep you updated on what’s happening at the practice, community events and initiatives and important health information.
This month we’re excited to kick off with a note from our Practice Manager, Tina Hall:
“Hello and welcome to the first edition of our online newsletter, we hope you find the information interesting and useful. I have been asked to provide you with some insight around our current practice priorities. Over the last year we have facilitated workshops involving all our staff team – focusing on looking at our phone data and developing a structured triage model, which involved the re-structure and training for our patient coordinators. We have also introduced an online triage system to help patients access care digitally. On top of this, we’ve developed a system of reminding patients of appointments and allowing online cancellation, introduced new specialty clinics, recruited more GPs, advanced practitioners and nurses and we’re now providing more appointments, among other things. Soon we will be introducing a new website with improved functionality, and we will be dedicating even more time to our patient participation group (PPG) by launching a digital platform for them to give input and make suggestions. Thank you for reading our first edition. I hope you enjoy it. Your continued support means a lot to us, and we’re excited to keep you informed about all the developments at Horizon.”
What’s new?
This month, we’re excited to share some recent improvements to our call handling system, which were designed to give you a better experience. After a great deal of hard work from our back-office team we’ve been able to increase our phone queue capacity and remove the message that previously advised patients to try again later if the queue was full. Instead, patients now receive an engaged tone which has reduced the total number of dropped calls. These changes have resulted in a lower total number of calls, higher number of connected calls and an increase in availability for our call handlers. This all means you’ll have a smoother experience if you need to ring us during the 8am rush.
The NHS pharmacy first campaign: Quick advice for acute illnesses…
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. Pharmacies can help you with a range of conditions including: Coughs, colds and sore throats Minor skin conditions Indigestion and heartburn Headaches and earaches Allergies and hay fever
SANDS awareness month
At Horizon, we recognise the importance of raising awareness about important issues affecting our community. This month, we are dedicating our efforts to support SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) awareness month. Stillbirth and neonatal death are devastating experiences that affect thousands of families each year. Raising awareness helps in providing much-needed support to grieving families and in funding research that aims to prevent these tragedies in future. How you could help: Donate: Contributions to SANDS can help to fund vital support services and research. Volunteer: Your time and effort could make a significant difference in the lives of those affected Share: spread the word about SANDS and its mission to help break the silence around baby loss
Speaker’s Corner
In this month’s Speaker’s Corner, we’re honoured to share Kelly’s heartfelt story of resilience and healing, supported by SANDS. “When Alice was stillborn in 2013 my world stopped. I seemed to lose myself, my confidence, and my ability to engage in normal life. Although I had been given leaflets and websites to look at, it was my mother who took the first step and reached out to Sands on my behalf. The thought of sitting in a room full of strangers filled me with anxiety, however, the local group leader put me at ease. She reassured me that I didn’t have to say anything if I didn’t want to, that I could simply sit and listen until I felt ready. I met other parents and grandparents, each sharing their grief and stories of milestones giving me the courage to eventually share my little girl with the group. A couple of years later, after receiving training from Sands, I became a befriender and was able to provide support to others experiencing loss. I also participated in midwife training sessions to discuss baby loss, attended national meetings to discuss awareness campaigns and organised fundraising events for my local Sands group and the national organisation. I will forever be grateful for their compassion and care. Sands helped me not only survive but thrive.”
We need your help to improve our services and ensure timely care for all patients. In May, 320 appointments were missed. That’s over 79 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.
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
