The practice was recently nominated for the 1999 Lundbeck / Depression alliance award for best practice in the treatment of depression. Though we didn't actually win we are quite proud that our practice has been recognised in this way
Edna our practice nurse for many years has just left the practice to go and live on the Costa Del Sol, and who could blame her! We would like to express our thanks to her for many years service to the community. Our new practice nurse is Nuala. I'm sure all patients and staff would like to welcome her to the surgery community. We look forward to working with her for many years to come.
There are big changes about to happen to the practice. Click on the link below for the full story.
As you will no doubt know if you have read the link above, we are in the process of combining the surgery with the GP unit at St. Catherine's Hospital. One of the ways we have begun to work closer together is by sharing the responsibility for the Saturday morning emergency surgery, so you may well be meeting Drs Dow and/or Harrand before the actual move takes place. Likewise we will be holding some Saturday morning surgeries up at the GP unit.
We are currently participating in a clinical trial concerned with the management of mechanical back pain in the community. We have, in conjunction with the Physiotherapy department at St. Catherines, the Back Pain Rehab unit at Clatterbridge and Wirral Hospita;'s Orthopaedic department, formulated a new way of managing this problem to prevent long tem disability in the community. Published data suggests that the best way of dealing with back problems is to continue daily activities as much as possible, in conjunction with exercise programmes and suitable pain relief. We are being assisted by both local trusts in this project.
The respiratory clinic is now up and running with the help ho GlaxoWellcome. Our respiratory nurse will help explain your inhalers and how they should be used and will show you what to do when things take a turn for the worse. Appointments can be made now.
Sue, our benefits advisor has now started work. If you wish to have advice on social security benefits, please do not hesitate to make an appointment to see her. Appointments can be made through reception or through the Birkenhead Citizens Advice Bureau. Home visits can be arranged if necessary. In the last quarter the scheme helped 188 patients of which 69% have had their income supplemented as a result. The scheme has to date resulted in additional benefits in the region of £30,000 to the community. The workers have close links with local housing associations, Wirral Alcohol Service,Phoenix House Drugs Rehabilitation Centre, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Wirral Carers Network
We recently received or annual practice profile from the health authority. It contains lots of interesting information (if you like that sort of thing) about our practice population , admission rates etc compared to the Wirral Average and the locality. To see some of the info click on the link below.