General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDfPR)
The data in patient’s medical records at GP practices is used every day to support health and care planning and research in England, helping to find better treatments and improve patient outcomes for everyone. NHS Digital has developed a new way to collect this data, called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection.
NHS Digital has engaged with the British Medical Association (BMA), Royal College of GPs (RCGP) and the National Data Guardian (NDG) to ensure relevant safeguards are in place for patients and GP practices.
NHS Digital will not collect patients’ names or addresses. Any other data that could directly identify patients (such as NHS Number, date of birth, full postcode) is replaced with unique codes which are produced by de-identification software before the data is shared with NHS Digital.
Further information about the service can be found here.
As a patient, you have the right to opt out of your data being used in this way. This collection will start on 1st September 2021 so if you do not want your data to be shared with NHS Digital please register your Type 1 Opt-out with your GP practice by 20th August 2021.
To download the opt out form, click here.
You can email your opt-out form to us but it must be signed.
If you have any further queries, please contact Sabrina Maines-Blatherwick or Kate Graddock at the surgery.
eConsult
What is eConsult? Watch the video link below to see what eConsult is about and how to do it.
E-Consults are available Monday – Friday, 8.00am until 6.00pm.
Online consultations are as easy as 1, 2, 3 …
Online consultations are a quick and simple alternative to visiting your GP practice.
Here’s how to you can consult with your GP online, in three easy steps.
1. Click the blue square below for eConsult or download the NHS app
2. Fill out the form - it is simple and only takes a few minutes.
You can use it to:
• Ask about an existing condition or new symptoms (it’s important to include as much information about your symptoms as possible as this helps the clinician decide the next step)
• Get information about your condition and how to treat yourself
• Discuss a test result and request sick notes.
3. Get a quick response
Once you've submitted the form, we will normally let you know the next step by the end of the next working day. This might be advice on what to do next or we may decide you need a face-to-face appointment. If you want to consult online but don't have access to a device or the internet, a staff member will be happy to help you fill it out on your behalf over the phone.
Quick E-Consult Links:
Online Services
To access your online account to book appointments, request repeat prescriptions and access your medical record then click below:
Bideford Minor Injuries Unit
Bideford Minor Injuries Unit is currently closed. The unit has been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. This was to allow the highly skilled minor injuries unit staff to be redeployed to the emergency department at North Devon District Hospital where extra space and staffing was needed to provide a COVID safe service.
In line with national requirements, COVID-19 infection control guidelines are still in place at North Devon District Hospital therefore there is an ongoing need for the additional space and staffing in the main emergency department.
For more information please click the link below:
https://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/2021/06/update-on-minor-injuries-services-in-northern-devon/
Face Coverings
We ask that patients visiting the practice must wear a face covering before entering the surgery, to prevent any further spread of COVID-19 and keep our patients and staff safe. This includes children if they are able.
Wearing a face covering is an added precaution that may have some benefit in reducing the likelihood that a person with the infection passes it on. Evidence shows a face covering can help in reducing the spread of droplets; it stops them from leaving the mouth and nose area and reduces the size of area in which they spread.
Contaminated droplets can also be picked up from surfaces by touch and subsequently from touching the face. It is important people refrain from touching their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing. Regular hand washing remains an important action and do not enter the building if you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
Exemptions to wearing face masks
Some patients may not be able to manage a face covering due to a disability or certain medical conditions. The Clinicians are not able to provide a letter or certificate to exempt patients from wearing a face covering.
For guidance on how to get exemption documents and how make to make your own mask click on the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
Coronavirus Advice
What to do if you have the following symptoms
Stay at home if you have:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
- a loss or change in smell or taste
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
Read the advice about staying at home
How long to stay at home
- if you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
- if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms
If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.
Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
To protect others, do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Stay at home.
NHS111
Use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Check if you or your child has coronavirus symptoms
Find out about the main symptoms of coronavirus and what to do if you have them.
Self-isolation and treatment if you have coronavirus symptoms
Advice about staying at home (self-isolation) and treatment for you and anyone you live with.
Isolation sick notes for work issued by NHS 111
Sick/fit notes for any Covid-19 will be issued via NHS 111 and not via GP surgeries. Please do not ring us for a sick/fit note if you have to self-isolate for 7 or 14 days or have the virus.
Testing and tracing
Information about testing for coronavirus and what to do if you're contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
People at high risk
Advice for people at higher risk from coronavirus, including older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women.
Social distancing and changes to everyday life
Advice about avoiding close contact with other people (social distancing), looking after your wellbeing and using the NHS and other services during coronavirus.
COVID-19 support recovery service
'Your COVID Recovery' helps you to understand what has happened and what you might expect as part of your recovery.
GOV.UK: coronavirus - guidance and support
Government information and advice.
Links to more information about coronavirus
Links to government advice, information for health professionals and advice for other parts of the UK.
Every Mind Matters
Advice, tips and practical steps to help you cope during lockdown
Stay Well at Home Isolation Pack
Guidance on social distancing, tips to manage anxiety and plan a balanced daily routine.
Volunteer Support
Dedicated telephone line and online form from North Devon Council for vulnerable residents in need of support
Beware: Covid-19 Scams
Trading Standards information sheet on scams relating to Covid-19. Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Scam Aware.
Intercom Trust
Intercom Trust are an LGBT+ charity based across the South West that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ people (as well as their friends and families). They are able to provide help and support to anyone that is struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity and they recognise the difficulties that many isolated or vulnerable LGBT+ people face accessing services, especially during these challenging times.
If you are aware of anyone that may benefit from the support of Intercom Trust or you would like to refer someone directly to their service, please follow this link: https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/help/referral
Their helpline is also open from 09:00 - 16:00 (Monday to Friday) and can be reached on 0800 612 3010.
Inhaler Users
Fremington Medical Centre is absolutely committed to doing what we can to help the environment and to be part of the solution to the climate emergency we are facing.
Approximately 73 million inhalers are used in the UK every year.
Landfill disposal of inhalers is harmful to the environment both in material waste and in greenhouse gas emissions as the residual gas from canisters is released into the atmosphere.
If every inhaler user in the UK returned all of their inhalers for one year this could save 512,330 tonnes of CO2eq, this is the same as a VW Golf car being driven around the world 88,606 times.
The only environmentally safe way to dispose of inhalers is through thermal treatment, such as incineration. This won't happen if people just pop their inhalers in the bin at home.
Instead, can we encourage all of our patients, wherever possible to please return their used inhalers to pharmacies so that they can be destroyed safely.
Samaratins
AccEPT Clinic
The AccEPT Clinic is an NHS funded psychological therapies service in Exeter offering Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for adults who have had depression in the past and are looking for ways to stay well. MBCT is a nationally recommended treatment for recurrent depression, and we are a centre of excellence in the UK, running for 12 years now. We are the main local provider of MBCT serving the Mid, East and North of Devon, as well as being a centre for high-quality research and training in MBCT in the UK. The Service is free to all patients in the NEW Devon catchment area and patients can either be referred by their GP or you can direct patients to refer themselves. We run groups regularly throughout the year so referrals are always open. In usual times we run face to face groups in Exeter, East, Mid and North Devon but currently our courses are online via Zoom.
For further information, visit the website:
AccEPT Clinic | AccEPT Clinic | University of Exeter
Breastfeeding
Fremington Medical Centre is proud to be breast feeding friendly.
People have the right to breastfeed anywhere, but we want new parents to feel relaxed, welcomed and supported if they choose to feed their baby whilst with us.
If you would like some privacy whilst you feed then please let one of our team know who will do their best to provide you with a private area.
Breastfeeding can have its challenges, as can lots of aspects of being a new parent. If you want to find out more about what support is available, please ask our reception team or the clinician you have an appointment with on the day.
Talkworks
Talkworks are running regular, free, one-off workshops called "TALKWORKS for challenging times".
This workshop has been developed as a result of the current COVID-19 situation (although is not specifically about Covid) and covers strategies for wellbeing. It is a 2 hour workshop which covers things like worry, managing routines and sleep. It may also be a useful space for people to reflect and consider whether the service can support them in other ways, and has been a useful opportunity for many people to go on and book a one-to-one assessment with one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.
For more information visit: NHS Sleep and Wellbeing Workshops | TALKWORKS (dpt.nhs.uk)
Physiotherapy
(Site updated 16/07/2021)