Practice News

13th Feb

HOSPITAL BLOODS ARE CHANGING from 1st April 2025

Dear Patients,

We want to inform you of an important change regarding our phlebotomy (blood-taking) service at our Devon practices: Hatherleigh and Holsworthy Medical Centres. 

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to sign up for the new Hospital Phlebotomy Locally Enhanced Service (LES). Unfortunately, the funding provided does not cover the actual costs required to run the service safely and effectively within our Devon practices. 

As a practice, we must ensure long-term sustainability to continue delivering high-quality care to our patients. This is always our highest priority. We have expressed our concerns to both the NHS Devon ICB and the Hospital Trust, that we are keen to explore alternative solutions to prevent patients from having to travel to hospitals for blood tests. However, despite our willingness to work collaboratively on this issue, we have not yet received a response from them. 

As a result, from 1st April, we will no longer be able to process hospital-requested blood tests at our Holsworthy and Hatherleigh practices. Instead, all hospital blood test requests will need to be carried out by the hospital that requested them.

We appreciate that this change may be inconvenient, and we strongly encourage patients with ongoing hospital care to contact their hospital team to arrange their blood tests, as we are unable to facilitate this on their behalf.  

We have spoken to our Patient Participation Groups and will also be listening to our patients generally in regard to this change. Stratton Medical Centre remains unaffected by the decision, and will continue as normal.

If you have any questions, please speak to a team member, and we will do our best to assist you. 

Thank you for your understanding and support. Should things change, we will of course let you know.

 

Lesley Source: Practice Manager

on behalf of RCMG Partners

13th Feb

CLOSURE AFTERNOON AHEAD! Tuesday 11th March

We will be closed from 1pm on the afternoon of Tuesday 11th March for staff training. If you need urgent medical advice on that afternoon please call your usual practice number to be directed.
 
ALWAYS call 999 in a life-threatening or limb-threatening emergency.
 
Community pharmacies at Holsworthy & Stratton MCs (Boots and Avicenna) will remain open as normal. Hatherleigh Medical Centre and Dispensary will close at 12.30pm.
 
The dates of all 4 training afternoons for 2025 are available on our WHEN WE ARE CLOSED page
6th Feb

IT'S TIME TO TALK - opening the conversation about mental health

Thursday 6th February is Time to Talk Day, encouraging us to open up conversations around mental health. But how do we do that.

The Stress Management Society have some useful pointers for us...

1. Choose the Right Time and Place:

Selecting an appropriate setting is crucial for a productive conversation about mental health. Opt for a private, comfortable environment where both parties feel at ease, such as a quiet café, a park, or a private room at home. Ensure there are minimal distractions and sufficient time to talk without feeling rushed. This thoughtful approach can help the individual feel more secure and open to discussing their feelings.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions:

Encourage deeper dialogue by posing questions that require more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. For instance, instead of asking, "Are you okay?" consider, "I've noticed you've seemed a bit different lately; can you tell me how you've been feeling?" This approach invites the person to share more about their experiences and emotions, facilitating a more meaningful conversation.

3. Practice Active Listening:

Demonstrate genuine interest in what the other person is saying by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing verbal affirmations like "I understand" or "That sounds challenging." Avoid interrupting or planning your response while they are speaking. Reflecting back what you've heard, such as "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by your workload," shows empathy and validates their feelings.

4. Be Patient and Non-Judgmental:

Allow the conversation to unfold at the other person's pace without pressing for details they may not be ready to share. Refrain from making assumptions or passing judgment on their experiences. Instead, offer reassurance, such as, "It's okay to feel this way; I'm here to support you." This creates a safe space for them to express themselves openly.

5. Offer Support and Resources:

After listening, express your willingness to assist and provide information about professional resources if appropriate. This could include suggesting local support groups, counselling services, or mental health organisations. For example, you might say, "Would it be helpful for you to talk to a professional? I can help you find someone or accompany you if you'd like." Offering practical support can empower the individual to seek the help they need.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more supportive environment that encourages open discussions about mental health, ultimately leading to improved wellbeing in both our personal and professional lives.
22nd Jan

GREAT GP OPPORTUNITY

  • Are you looking for a GP role that offers a great working environment?
  • Are you seeking diversity of portfolio working, with opportunities to explore various interests within primary care or progress in your career?
  • Are you wishing to find a salaried position in a supportive forward-thinking practice?

If so, we'd like to hear from you! We have an opportunity for a Salaried GP to join our expanding multidisciplinary clinical team. We will also consider a partnership if this is of interest.

Ruby Country Medical Group is a friendly, forward-looking partnership where we work hard to ensure our team is happy and motivated, which we believe it is key to delivering good patient care.

To find out more and see all the details and benefits of working with us, click HERE

CLOSING DATE: 2nd March 2025

HOPE course
15th Jan

HOPE Programme coming to Holsworthy

Do you want to enhance your resilience, rediscover strengths, increase your ability to cope and improve your general wellbeing?

The HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) programme may be just what you're looking for.

A course will be starting in Holsworthy on February 26th aimed at people living with chronic pain and fatigue. It runs every Wednesday through to the end of April and will be being hosted at The Long House, Dobles Lane, Holsworthy - an excellent venue offering space and a relaxing environment.

Attending the HOPE Programme will support you to:

  • Feel more able to support and share your experiences with others to help you feel less isolated.
  • Feel reassured and able to recognise your own potential and enhance your happiness and quality of life.
  • Feel more confident in dealing with emotional issues such as: anxiety, anger, depression and uncertainty.
  • Increase your ability to handle stressful situations.
  • Discover how to use relaxation techniques to refresh your mind and body.
  • Learn how to make plans and achieve goals that can help you make changes for the better.
  • Use the skills from the course to improve and self-manage your life.

The course is free to attend and is weekly, 1.15pm to 2.45pm every Wednesday. There are usually 8-9 sessions run by trained HOPE facilitators, which include health and social care professionals, as well as volunteers who have been through the programme themselves and have lived experience.  Our PCN Health & Wellbeing Coach, Helen Jackson is a facilitator. Once you have completed the course you may wish to become a volunteer facilitator yourself.

There are typically between 6 – 12 people on each course to ensure everyone’s contribution, and feeling more of a group. Time on the course will be spent in discussions, fun group activities and sharing information. There will also be some suggestions and ideas to try between each session.

 
The HOPE courses are very popular and courses fill very quickly so please register your interest by using the booking form HERE

 

 
winter window
8th Jan

WINTER WELLBEING

Winter can feel like a very long season, with darker days and weather that makes going out a lot harder. It can take a lot of effort to keep away those wonter blues.

If you feel like this, have a look at Winter Wellbeing tips in the link below, brought together by Louise one of our Primary Care Network Social Prescribers. You may find some helpful advice, as well as a list of warm places to go if you need a heat top-up!

WINTER WELLBEING

There is also an EASY READ Winter Wellbeing Guide produced by Cornwall County Council available HERE