This is a record of previous news articles on the website. Please click on news to see the latest news.
084 Numbers Banned 22nd October 2009
The use of phone numbers that charge the public or patients a premium rate to contact the NHS are to be banned in England, Health Minister Mike O`Brien announced today.
The announcement follows a recent public consultation on the use of 084 numbers in the NHS. Almost 3,000 members of the public responded, demonstrating the strength of feeling on this issue.
Read More
FLU VACCINATIONS AT PENNYGATE MEDICAL CENTRE 17th September 2009
The flu season is fast approaching. If you are over 65 or in an `at risk` category we strongly recommend you attend for your FREE flu immunisation.
Appointments for flu vaccinations will be available from 28.9.09 and every week throughout October at the following times please contact the receptionist to arrange an appointment:
Day |
AM sessions
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PM
sessions
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Monday
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11.30-12.30
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5-6
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Tuesday
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11.30-12.30
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Wednesday
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11.30-12.30
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Thursday
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11.30-12.30
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Friday
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11.30-12.30
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5-6
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Further sessions will be arranged in November subject to patient demand.
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination there will be a £10 charge.
exercise class pennygate medical centre withdrawal of funding
service withdrawn from 31 may 2009
27th May 2009
It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that despite the enormous success of our innovative exercise class which the practice have been providing for the benefit of our patients since 1st April 2008 on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Ashton Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust have withdrawn the funding for the service with effect from 22nd May 2009 as a result the exercise classes will cease with effect from 31 may 2009.
The practice have been and will continue to work diligently to find a solution to this problem in order that the exercise class is not discontinued indefinitely.
Many thanks to all patients who made the effort to complain - the PCT have been sent the attached evidence [exercise_class_evidence.pdf pdf file (350 kb)] which shows that the service is successful and we await the outcome of an appeal we will keep all patients informed of any progress.
Mumps, Measles and Rubella Immunisation Sessions. 14th September 2008
Immunistaion available for
- 14-24 year olds
- Children and young people born between 31 March 1985 – 31 March 1995
who have not had a completed course of mumps, measles and rubella vaccine MMR (two doses)
Please speak to the receptionist to book an appointment
Quality And Outcomes Framework For GP Practice 1st September 2008 The surgery is proud to announce another year of excellent quality achievement For more details just click on the link and type in the surgery post code WN2 2QG to see the results:
www.qof.ic.nhs.uk
Lymphoma Association 10th February 2008
Raising awareness of this important disease. Please view the website for information regarding symptoms and treatment.
www.lymphomas.org.uk/
Steps to Heath 10th July 2007
We are pleased to announce the arrival of Jonathan Wareing who is based within the surgery. Jonathan is an Activity Referral Officer working for the Active Living Team for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. A referral by your GP/ Practice Nurse/ Health Professional will allow you to access the Steps to Health scheme.
CHECK YOUR WEIGHT, HEIGHT AND BODY MASS INDEX 15th June 2007
We now have in the surgery easy to use scales which record your height, weight and body mass index - just call in the surgery. If after using the scales you find you are overweight and would like some help please book a routine appointment with the nurse or doctor who will discuss the most appropriate action for you.
Private Medical Notes 14th May 2007
We have added information regarding obtaining Private Medical Reports - please see the private medical reports page.
Medical Certification 18th March 2007
We have added information on obtaining sick notes - please see the medical certification page.
Quality And Outcomes Framework For GP Practice 23rd October 2006
The surgery is proud to announce an achievement of 1041.59 quality points out of a maximum of 1050 in the year ended 31 March 2006. For more details just click on the link and type in the surgery post code WN2 2QG to see the results:
www.qof.ic.nhs.uk
Try Our Free Self Monitoring Blood Pressure Machine 1st October 2006
High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. Most people are unaware that they have high blood pressure as there are usually no symptoms.
If you have not had your blood pressure checked in the last twelve months please feel free to use our new self monitoring blood pressure machine.
It is easy to use and there is a step by step guide in our confidential interview room.
If you would like to check your blood pressure today please feel free to use the equipment in the surgery.
Book, rearrange or cancel your routine appointment anytime day or night. Telephone 0844 477 1844. This is an easy to use 24 hour fully automated system.
It works by detecting spaces in the doctors diaries and allows the patient to choose the appointment time which suits them best by pressing a button on their touch phone. Patients can make, rearrange or cancel doctors appointments around the clock .
Surgery Invest In Phone Technology So Your Calls Can Be Answered More Quickly 17th August 2005
As a patient, you may have experienced some problems when trying to contact our surgery by phone. This is a common problem at GPs’ practices across the country, particularly during the peak hours of 8.30am and 10.30am when patients may wish to phone in to make an appointment, speak with a member of staff about a medical emergency or simply obtain a test result.
As a practice, we are always striving to improve the service that we offer our patients. After investigating ways in which we can make it easier for you to contact us, we have taken the step of installing a brand new state of the art phone system. This will have many benefits for our patients but does mean that our phone number will change to 0844 477 1844 as of Monday 5 th September 2005.
To make this period of transition as easy as possible, there will be recording of the new number when the old number is dialled for the foreseeable future.
What you will hear when you call
We have recorded a new greeting and a new options menu, so you can choose which department or service you wish to be transferred through to. Once you choose the service you require, you should be put straight through. The menu is kept to a minimum of options to maintain a balance of simplicity and efficiency.
How you will benefit
The new phone system is comprised of a new switchboard with more lines which make it easier to get through and speak with the relevant member of staff. You should not hear the engaged tone which means that you will no longer need to go to the time, trouble and expense of redialling. At busy times, you may be held in a short queue, although you will be informed of your place in the queue.
Wherever you are calling from, the calls are charged at a lo-call rate which is the same as BT’s standard daytime rate of 4p for the first minute of your call. The cost of calls from a mobile phone remains the same. As call handling will be more efficient, you may well find that you spend less time on the phone, making it cheaper to call us.
TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS
With effect from 1 September 2003 the Doctors have agreed in order to increase patient access that telephone consultations for follow up issues will be included on our appointment booking system. The telephone consultations are not for advice or new problems but for follow up discussion of an existing condition.
- Telephone consultations are direct replacements for appointments which would otherwise have been booked face-to-face appointments. They are not a "second class appointment" - they are preferable for some patients with appropriate needs. They allow us to improve the choices for the patient, so increase the number of patients who can have appointments booked in a surgery (2 telephone instead of 1 face-to-face). Survey results of 100 patients confirmed that only 2% were not satisfied with their telephone consultation.
- Telephone consultation bookings will be available at the end of each doctor's surgery. When booking is made doctors will aim to telephone patients within 40 minutes of this time, as sometimes surgery commitments overrun and doctor could be called to an emergency. Receptionists will check the given contact number and patients must ensure that they will be available to take the call at that contact number within the time specified. If the delay exceeds this time our reception staff will contact you.
PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR RECEPTION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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