In common with many other surgeries, from the 29^th of July we will be introducing an online contact form.  We call this ‘online triage’.

You will still be able to telephone the surgery.  But this new method will make more efficient the process of booking appointments and getting you the right care.  And it will free up the lines for patients who are vulnerable or do not have internet access, and also for requests for nurse appointments which will still be by phone.

What this means for you

Instead of ringing the surgery, you will be able to fill in a short form on your computer, tablet or smartphone.  There’s one form if you want to make contact about a medical matter, and another one if you have an administrative query.  If you do phone, our receptionist will ask the same questions that are on the form.

All the medical forms will be looked at by the clinical team.  They will read what you say about your medical condition and decide next steps.  You will then hear directly from the practice by phone, text, or email (you can say which you prefer).

All forms will be reviewed by the responsible team within 48 hours. 

The information you put on the form will be kept confidential in the same way we do with your medical records.

These new arrangements do not affect the existing methods of getting help, including 999 for any emergency and 111.

The form will be available on the NHSApp and from a link on our website and can be used between 7am and 4pm weekdays.  There’s a video showing how the new system works Patient Flash Demo: How to submit a medical request in Patient Triage (youtube.com).  We have also developed the below  FAQ guide - ACCURX Introduction and FAQs.pdf

The patient group did a survey of some patients to prepare for online triage. They can be reached at jhs.patientsgroup@nhs.net

Thank you for your patience during the initial stages of introducing the new system.

Dr Mallard-Smith and Partners

• The surgery will be holding Flu clinics from September and will be in contact with eligible patients to book appointments once we have delivery confirmation dates. 

• Health Awareness Day event at Elgiva in Chesham on Saturday 20th July, 1-5pm.  Free + open to all.

  • talk to GPs, physios, psychiatrists + dentists about any concerns you may have
  • get free blood pressure checks, training of defibrillator use and CPR
  • get MMR, HPV, tetanus, polio, diphtheria and meningitis ACWY vaccinations
  • attend short talks eg understanding cancer, fitness + exercise, women’s health
  • more info Walk-In, Free, Health Awareness Day | Chesham Town Council
• NEW See below information RE Zero Tolerance and Behaviour. THE PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS OVER THE TELEPHONE DUE TO PATIENT SAFETY ISSUES, UNLESS YOU ARE KNOWN TO US AS HOUSEBOUND. PLEASE SIGN UP TO THE NHS APP / ONLINE SERVICES ACCESS TO ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS AT YOUR LESUIRE. FOR THOSE UNDER 18 PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REQUEST DIRECTLY TO THE PRACTICE - JOHNHAMPDENSURGERY@NHS.NET 
• NEW We are not offering the Covid-19 spring booster vaccine. However, there are other ways to arrange a vaccine:
• You can call 119 free, and someone will help you book an appointment. Or, you can book online using this link: Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Local pop-up clinics and offers can be found here, more dates added regularly: Covid-19 spring boosters 2024 - Stay Well (staywell-bob.nhs.uk)
• Housebound patients will be contacted in due course by a local visiting service commisioned by our commissioning group.If you are housebound and have not been contacted please contact our reception team to discuss. Remember:If you are aged 75+, or are at high risk due to being immunosuppressed, you don't have to wait for an NHS invite to book a Covid-19 spring booster vaccine: You can book now using the above telephone number and link.
• NEW Compassionate cafe starting at Gt Missenden library every last Wednesday in the month (10-11.30) for anyone affected by any type of loss.  Trained volunteers will be there.  See renniegrovepeace.org/our-care-and-support., or call 01923 330330, or email compassion@renniegrovepeace.org
• NEW Visit your local pharmacy for help with seven minor conditions which used to require a GP appointment. Pharmacists have been backed by Government and the NHS to provide a new ‘Pharmacy First’ service, see video below / poster below. This new service will support patients access minor illness support without the need to speak to the GP. Find the service at a pharmacy near you: https://bit.ly/3vPV09F.
• NEW We are pleased to annouce that a new 'talking cafe' will be running from The Pantry at 51 on Prestwood High Street, supported by our Social Prescribing team. This will run every 3rd Wednesday of the month and first session will be on the 21st of February. 
• NEW Please see below information on signing up to NHS app and a guide video on how to do this.
• NEW Download the latest NHS App update.The NHS App has been redesigned to make it simpler and easier to access NHS services.Some items have moved within the App, but all the health services you need are still available. Your settings will remain the same before and after the update too. The new, user-friendly version of the NHS App will start to be available from December 11th, making it easier to:

order repeat prescriptions 

book appointments 

access 111 Online

view your GP record

and much more…

Need some help using the NHS App? Use the in-app Help feature or visit nhs.uk/nhs-app for guidance.

• NEW Please DO NOT EMAIL MEDICAL QUERIES / INFORMATION TO THE PRACTICE. The email address should only be used to communicate prescription requests to the practice and where instructed to send something approved by a member of our team. If you have a medical enquiry or wanting to share information with us please contact the practice by phone on 01494 890900 and our team will support how this can be done in line with practice procedures. By emailing you risk your enquiry not being responded to - thank you in advance.  

Policy Reminder for Patient Behaviour

Dear Valued Patients,

We hope this message finds you well. We'd like to take a moment to remind everyone of our practice's zero-tolerance policy regarding inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour towards our staff.

We have recently noted an increase in unfortunate incidents where dissatisfaction has been directed towards our receptionists. We understand that health matters can often evoke strong emotions, but it is crucial to remember that our receptionists and staff are here to assist you. They follow the protocols and guidelines set by our partners and medical team, and their main goal is to ensure your experience with us is as smooth and positive as possible.

We kindly ask for your understanding and respect when interacting with our team members. It is essential to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all parties involved - patients, doctors, and administrative staff. Negative behaviour will not be tolerated, and continued instances may result in re-evaluation of the provided services.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in maintaining a respectful and courteous atmosphere within our practice.

Thank you for your understanding,

John Hampden Management Team