News 2011 Newyddion 2011 - ARCHIVE
Surgery Closing Times for the Festive Season (14/12/11)
Both Surgeries Closed:
Saturday 24/12/11 to Tuesday 27/12/11 (inclusive).
Saturday 31/1/11 to Monday 2/1/12 (inclusive).
"Shropdoc" will provide cover at these times.
Surgery Closed for Powys Wide GP Training (25/11/11)
As part of a training initiative by Powys Local Health Board, surgeries at Builth and Llanwrtyd will be closed on the afternoon of Tuesday 29th, November.
Surgeries close at 1pm and will open again on Wednesday morning.
All neighboring GP practices will be shut too.
This is to allow for a group training session which should lead to improved patient care.
If you need to contact a doctor during this time then telephone Shropdoc on:
08444 06 88 88
For medical emergencies dial 999.
QR Codes (9/11/11)
We are now starting to use QR Codes (abbreviated from Quick Response code) on our stationary and website.
QR codes are a quick way of transferring information to your mobile device.
A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can store any sort of information but commonly contains data such as contact information, web addresses, emails and sms text.
The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.
You need a camera phone and an appropriate application such as Qrafter.
Scanning the QR code puts the information directly on your phone for future use.
The bar code on the left will take you to a map showing where Builth Surgery is located.
See our location pages.
Reception Team Vital in Repeat Prescription Process (4/10/11)
New study finds that receptionists used their knowledge and experience to make a computer-based repeat prescription process run safely.
"With electronic records and computer systems in most GP practices, patients assume that issuing these prescriptions is a simple, automated process.
But this study, in which researchers spent 395 hours directly observing the work of receptionists and other administrative staff, found repeat prescribing to be a complex, technology-supported social practice, requiring collaboration between clinicians and administrative staff."
Emergency Surgery Only - Wednesday, October 26th (19/10/11)
Only one doctor will be available for consultations on Wednesday, October 26th.
On this day we will therefore be holding emergency surgeries only.
We would appreciate if all patients could avoid walk in surgeries that day except if unwell.
Nurse appointments and Llanwrtyd Wells morning surgery are not affected.
Thank you for your help and support.
Surgery Closed for Powys Wide GP Training (16/10/11)
As part of a training initiative by Powys Local Health Board, surgeries at Builth and Llanwrtyd will be closed on the afternoon of Thursday 3rd, November.
Surgeries close at 1pm and will open again on Friday morning.
All neighboring GP practices will be shut too.
This is to allow for a group training session which should lead to improved patient care.
If you need to contact a doctor during this time then telephone Shropdoc on:
08444 06 88 88
For medical emergencies dial 999.
Dr Jane Jansen-Bowen (10/10/11)
We are pleased to report that Dr Jansen-Bowen is making a full recovery from a recent illness and should be back in Surgery this November. All of us continue to wish her well.
We do recognise that this has been a difficult time for patients. We pride ourselves on continuity of care and when a doctor is absent it can be disruptive.
A big thank you to all our patients for your understanding and support.
Flu Clinics for 2011 (8/9/11)
Wednesday, 12th October - Builth 10.30 am and 2pm
Friday, 14th October - Builth 10.30 am and 2pm
Monday, 17th October - Llanwrtyd 9am
Friday, 21st October -
Builth 10.30 am and 2pm
Flu Clinics
Priority is given to the elderly and those with chronic illness such as heart disease & breathing difficulties.
Orthopaedic Assessment Service (6/8/11)
A new orthopaedic assessment service here at Builth Surgery is proving popular with patients. The service, organised by Powys LHB, has been running for several months. It uses the skills of an advanced orthopaedic physiotherapist - Jan Lawrence, to assess the needs of patients who would previously have been referred directly to an Orthopaedic Consultant.
Referrals to Hereford Hospital have reduced significantly over the last 4- 6 months and in June 2011 no Builth patient had to attend the Wye Valley NHS Trust for a general orthopaedic assessment.
Powys LHB intends to begin a similar service in the Knighton and Presteigne area from this month.
Powys LHB "Choose Well" Webpage (29/7/11)
Powys Local Health Board have launched a "Choose Well" webpage
that will help you decide if you need medical attention if you get sick.
It explains what each NHS service does, and when it should be used.
Practice Meets with Architects (15/7/11)
This afternoon the Practice had a useful and informative meeting with the architects and constructors responsible for the new Builth Project.
The architects are Stride Treglown and the constructors are Keir Ltd.
We voiced patient concerns over single rooms but were informed that pretty solid regulations are already in place and that new builds required them at 100%.
We did think that the new Cynon Valley Hospital, Mountain Ash will have only 50% single rooms so we'll look into this further.
The architect has worked on a number of projects and assured us that the technology is there to monitor patient movement to ensure safe care. Isolation is an issue but will be addressed further in terms of possible glass walls, common areas and more opportunity for patients to mix.
We look forward to further involvement.
Are Single, Ensuite Rooms Right for the New Builth Project? (15/7/11)
Attending various community meetings over the last few weeks we have been surprised by local residents lack of enthusiasm for single en suite rooms in the new Builth Project. Concerns over safety and isolation seem to be at the fore.
Safety: concerns were raised over difficulties with observing ill patients and the impact on nursing time.
Isolation: more day rooms and community spaces do not seem to alay concerns - many spoke of the poor use made of day rooms in hospitals generally and often immobile patients being reliant on staff to get there in the first place.
Our main concern is safety and the probable need for increased staffing levels for a facility with all en suite single rooms. However, such rooms are thought to promote patient independence and mobility. Also they can give more flexibility for admissions (as gender does not need to be taken into account). We do recognise their benefit in situations such as terminal care.
Studies into hospital design do not show any conclusive evidence that placing patients in single rooms has an impact on infection rates, length of stay or patient satisfaction. However studies do report patients have a strong preference for single-bed rooms in hospitals rather than four-bed rooms but these rooms may require more nursing time and are not suitable for all patients.
Hospital design - Safe and cost effective options (2011 - pdf).
The system of en suite single rooms is currently used at the new Aneurin Bevan Hospital in Ebbw Vale. We aimed to visit this facility to see how it works in practice but our request has been refused. However, good information on the hospital set up is provided here: Development bulletin (2010 - pdf).
At the Practice we currently favour a compromise. Of the 12 acute GP beds - 4 single en suite rooms and 2 four-bed rooms which could have moveable partitions if required. NHS legislation may be a factor here and currently we understand that this states single rooms should be no less than 50% in any new build.
We welcome further discussion.
Practice Meets with Hospital Friends to Discuss Project Bed Concerns (12/7/11)
Tonight Dr Richard Walters and Dr Jane Jansen-Bowen met with Hospital Friends to discuss concerns regarding the proposed cut in GP beds at the new Builth Project.
The Friends agreed to fully support the Practice in striving to maintain 12 acute GP beds.
In addition, concerns were raised about proposals for the new Builth Project to have en-suite rooms.
There was also dismay at the possible loss of another service - the mortuary and Chapel of Rest.
The Practice plans further community meetings.
BACH Meet to Discuss Project Bed Concerns (7/7/11)
The Practice has been informed that BACH (Builth Against Closing Hospitals) will be holding a meeting next week to discuss Project bed concerns.
BACH advises members to get in touch via the usual channels.
Practice Meets with Community to Discuss Project Bed Concerns (22/6/11)
Tonight, invited representatives of the Builth & Llanwrtyd communities met with doctors at the Practice to discuss concerns at the proposed cut of 6 acute GP beds from the new Builth Project. Further meetings are planned.
Guests included councillors, county councillors, Friends and voluntary sector representatives.
The meeting was chaired by Dr Richard Walters and the Practice gave a joint presentation detailing both their concerns and vision for the Project. This was followed by a question and answer session.
The following points were made:
We are excited and committed to the Project
We have been excluded from discussions on acute GP bed numbers
This is a key area of the Project and as the sole clinicians involved in running it would have expected a direct approach from the LHB and PCC to seek our views.
We have serious concerns regarding the proposed cut in acute GP beds
6 acute GP beds is too few to provide a viable service.
We have already worked hard to ensure admissions are appropriate.
We already work closely with Social Services to prevent admissions where possible.
"When I was ill I couldn't get in".
Powys County Council and Powys LHB have differing needs
The needs of the community must come first.
This is clearly stated at Stakeholder meetings.
We are working with PCC and the LHB to address the cut in GP bed numbers
The Builth Project remains a fantastic opportunity for our community
We appreciate all the hard work and time given by representatives of different sectors, including PCC and Powys LHB.
*GP Presentation on Bed Numbers 22/6/11 (.pdf 400KB)*
No Doctor's Note To Cover School Exam Absence (10/6/11)
In line with recent guidance from "OFQUAL", the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator, we will not be providing notes to cover absence from school examinations due to sickness.
A note from your doctor is not expected, required or taken into account.
Surgery Closed for Powys Wide GP Training (23/5/11)
As part of a training initiative by Powys Local Health Board, surgeries at Builth and Llanwrtyd will be closed on the afternoons of Thursday 26th May and 16th June.
Surgeries close at 1pm.
All neighboring GP practices will be shut too.
This is to allow for a group training session which should lead to improved patient care.
If you need to contact a doctor during this time then telephone Shropdoc on:
08444 06 88 88
For medical emergencies dial 999.
Builth Wells Community Support Update Community Car Travel Costs (20/5/11)
Builth Wells Community Support has a Community Car scheme which exists mainly to provide transport for hospital and other healthcare appointments. Other journeys may be provided at their discretion.
It is for people who do not qualify for hospital transport, who cannot drive themselves and do not have family and friends who are able to drive them to their appointment.
From 1st April 2011, the charge for all journeys will be 25p per mile, minimum charge is £2.50.
The charge is based on the return journey from the passengers home (irrespective of whether the passenger returns in the car).
For full details see their webpage
GPs Express Concerns to Local Health Board Over the Proposed Cut in Beds (12/5/11)
The Practice has written to Powys Local Health Board to express concerns over the Builth Project proposed bed cut.
The following points were raised:
• The suggested loss of six GP beds would be, presumably, at the expense of providing six nursing home beds. We feel that the local community and ourselves were led to believe that the new facility would offer the same level of service as the current hospital and a similar number of GP beds would be included in this. We have no direct interest in any proposed nursing home beds as they will not necessarily be used by our patients, although we are aware of the possible benefits to the county.
• We have genuine concerns that reducing the number of GP beds by half will make the new unit unviable. Furthermore, we feel this reduction would call into question the previously stated aims of the Builth Project in providing a suitable replacement for outdated facilities at Builth Cottage Hospital.
• The twelve beds at Builth Hospital have been nearly fully occupied over recent months and occupancy has not dropped below six since last year. We foresee no change in the number and type of admissions.
• To give the Project the best chance of success we need flexibility in bed numbers in order to work effectively with rapid response and reablement teams. As such, we anticipate no beds being available for these acute community interventions and also terminal care, DGH transfers, OOH admissions and overflow admissions from neighbouring hospitals. We would be overly restricted in our ability to manage patients where care in the community is unavailable or inappropriate in the short term - this might severely compromise patient safety. This will potentially also necessitate more of our patients being treated out of area thereby increasing the strain on neighbouring hospitals and ultimately increasing cost to the Powys Health Board.
• Social Services work hard with limited resources. Community care is not new and is already working well in the Builth area with good examples of acute admissions being prevented. Improving social and community services will not replace six beds in Builth.
Full letter (.pdf)
SHROPDOC Tel: 08444 06 88 88 (28/4/11)
Tonight we are experiencing problems with our phone system and calling the Surgery may not put you directly through to SHROPDOC over this long Bank Holiday weekend.
If you need a Doctor out of hours then telephone SHROPDOC direct on 08444 06 88 88
Royal Wedding: Friday 29th April - CLOSED
Saturday 30th April - CLOSED
Sunday 1st May - CLOSED
Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May - CLOSED
Surgery Closing Dates for Easter and the Royal Wedding (11/4/11)
Good Friday 22nd April
- CLOSED
Saturday 23rd April - CLOSED
Easter Sunday 24th April - CLOSED
Easter Monday 25th April - CLOSED
Royal Wedding: Friday 29th April - CLOSED
Saturday 30th April - CLOSED
Sunday 1st May - CLOSED
Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May - CLOSED
Practice Position Statement - Health & Social Care Centre in Builth Wells (7/4/11)
Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice continues to be involved in the development of the new Integrated Health & Social Care Centre at Builth Wells and appreciates the progress made by the Board.
However, we do have major concerns with regard to the proposed reduction in GP beds from twelve (at Builth Cottage Hospital now) to six at the new unit. This concern was highlighted at the recent Stakeholder meeting of March 22nd.
The Practice considers this large reduction in beds questions the worth and viability of the new centre as a replacement for facilities at Builth Cottage Hospital which are considered to be no longer fit for purpose in the long term.
At Builth Cottage Hospital a number of beds are occupied by patients who have no prospect of early discharge because of a variety of medical and social problems. Effectively only a small number of beds are ever available for acute admissions, unfortunately meaning more patients are admitted to Hereford or Abergavenny. Reducing bed numbers from twelve to six would compound this further and it would be unlikely that a local, acute bed would be available when actually needed. In particular we would regret not having a bed readily available should one be required for the palliative care of a patient and to allow closer access for their loved ones at such an important time.
The Local Health Board aware of our concerns and we will update the information that we have as matters progress.
Morning After Pill Now Free in Wales (1/4/11)
Emergency contraception can now be obtained without charge from pharmacies across Wales.
Community pharmacists in Wales can also give the "morning-after pill" to under-16s, if clinically appropriate.
BBC News
report
Sister Pat Jones Retires (31/3/11)
Pat retires today after over ten years as a Practice Nurse here at Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice.
She has taken up numerous challenges including asthma and COPD management and the introduction of spirometry. She has been at the forefront of our podcast drive and throughout has been cheerful, chatty and personable - exactly what you would want in any caring professional.
On behalf of patients and staff alike we wish Pat all the best for retirement and thank her for allowing the Surgery to be part of her wonderful career.
Kooth.com - Free Online Counselling for Children and Young People (18/2/11)
It is staffed by appropriately qualified and supervised counsellors. It can help with issues such as anxiety, bullying and bereavement.
It is funded and organised by local agencies through the Powys Children and Young People's Partnership. Over 1,500 young people have registered so far. It is available during the day, evenings and weekends. 63% of young people are using it outside office hours.
At a recent meeting with the Children's Commissioner young people said how much they valued the service, but that more people needed to be aware of it.
Emergency Surgery Only -Tuesday, March 1st (5/2/11)
Essential computer maintenance work will take place on Tuesday, March 1st.
On this day we will therefore be holding emergency surgeries only.
We will have no computer access during the day and will not be able to process repeat prescription requests.
We would appreciate if all patients could avoid surgery that day except if unwell.
Routine appointments and tests should be deferred.
Thank you for your help and support.
Surgery Closed for Powys Wide GP Training (4/2/11)
As part of a training initiative by Powys Local Health Board, surgeries at Builth and Llanwrtyd will be closed on the afternoon of Thursday 10th February.
Surgeries close at 1pm.
All neighboring GP practices will be shut too.
This is to allow for a group training session which should lead to improved patient care.
If you need to contact a doctor during this time then telephone Shropdoc on:
08444 06 88 88
For medical emergencies dial 999.
Women Urged to have Regular Smear Tests (26/1/11)
In Wales, all women aged between 20 and 64 should take advantage of the free NHS cervical screening test, offered every three years.
The test is carried out by our Practice Nurses and is very effective at preventing cervical cancer.
Cervical Screening Wales Advert on YouTube
Builth Project Gets The Go-ahead (6/1/11)
Health Minister Edwina Hart has approved the case for a new integrated health and social care centre in Builth Wells.
The new Assembly Government-funded development will cost no more than £4.9million and will be designed to replace Builth Wells Community Hospital.
The new purpose-built facility will include:
• 12 new en-suite rooms for health and social care
• Faster access to social care services to provide a rapid response care service for people in urgent need at home
• Working with the third sector to provide 'hospice at home' services.
It is expected that the new development will be completed in December 2012. The preferred location for the development is at the Brynhyfryd Care Home site at Builth Wells.
BBC News report
Take Part in a National Flu Survey? (5/1/11)
The Flu Survey is an online tool that uses information provided directly from the public rather than through GP's and hospitals like other measuring methods.
This is particularly important when monitoring the spread of flu as many people with flu-like symptoms do not contact their GP or any other medical service.
If you would like to assist Influenzanet (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) with their research you can take part by registering on their web site:
http://www.flusurvey.org.uk/accounts/register/