PPG: Newsletter Jan 2023

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

Our surgery is once again officially outstanding!

Just before Christmas the surgery received the news that for the second time running, they had achieved a CQC rating of Outstanding. Only the 2nd practice in the whole of 2022 to maintain this rating. The inspectors particularly praised the implementation of our patient signposting service which was introduced in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, and has been developed and adapted over time.

The inspection team also praised the way in which the practice was engaged with other local services and were active in working collaboratively to develop services that met the needs of our local population. Examples included the development of LGBTQ+, veteran, safeguarding and mental health services.

Jo Wadey wrote

‘To get outstanding once is exceptional, to maintain it, is a rarity.

This is completely down to the committed and hard working staff that we have, and also our patient groups that work with us closely and support us. Thank you to all our patients for your ongoing support. We know we are not perfect, but we are committed to continue to put our patients at the heart of everything we do.’

 

When you phone the surgery this is what happens.

  • There is a duty team of clinicians, who take it in turns to sit in with the receptionists.
  • The receptionists take initial details from you, then put up their hand when they are ready to pass them on to the duty clinician in the room.
  • This happens instantly, while you are on the phone, and the decision on every call is made by the clinician.
  • You may be given instant advice, may be referred to a specialist member of the team or it may be decided that you will be seen by a GP.
Facts

Did you know:

Our receptionists handle around 350 calls a day but it has been as many as 1000!

 Remember: You don't always need to see a doctor. Our paramedics and nurses are highly skilled and can deal with many problems.

 

Huge congratulations to all involved.

We have also recently received the Gold Pride In Practice award. The award is a benchmark for excellence in LGBT healthcare.

This award is a significant mark of achievement.

Pride in practice

 

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Some staff and PPG members (Photo from article in Sussex World)

Education events

Education events have now restarted with talks by Dr David Stokes and Dr Alison Corney.

The next evening will be on 23rd March 2023 from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Dr Joe Chalkley will be looking at the topic of Ears, Nose and Throat.Some staff and PPG members (Photo from article in Sussex World)

 

Spotlight on: Dr Joe Chalkley

"I’m one of the newest GPs to St Lawrence. Having worked as a Doctor for 2 years in Cambridge, then moving to Worthing to complete my final junior Doctor training, I was thankfully placed at St Lawrence as a Registrar. I’ve now been working here as a salaried GP since September - of course it’s a challenging job at times, but who wouldn’t want to work at the best surgery in Sussex?

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My professional interests include ear, nose and throat problems and men’s health. I particularly enjoy being part of the busy Duty team, both supporting our brilliant receptionists with telephone calls and helping patients with same day issues. I am also trained to undertake micro-suction (removing wax from ears) and certain joint steroid injections.

From a more personal perspective, I got married last year to my amazing wife Emily who works as a Haematology/Oncology Ward Sister in Brighton. Most of my free time at the moment consists of a variety of dodgy-DIY jobs in our new house, but when I get the chance, I enjoy playing golf, snooker and socialising with friends and family. In my school years, I was part of the ‘Magic Circle’ up in London and therefore can be prone to doing a few after dinner card tricks…"

 

Future events for you to put in your diaries.

  • Wednesday 17th May 2023 – Following a brief AGM, Jon Akehurst will give us an insight into the role of a Paramedic Practitioner.
  • Thursday July 13th 2023 – Community open day – More details to follow . It will be great to once again hold a larger event.

 

Bookstall

There is the bookstall in the surgery waiting room.

  • We ask for a minimum donation of £1 for hardbacks and 50p for paperbacks.
  • Donations of books are always welcome.

 

Finally, thank you for your continuing support

We look forward to meeting many of you during the year.