NEWSLETTER FOR THE GENERAL PRACTICE LINK OFFICE
DECEMBER 1997 ISSUE 44
CONTENTS
Regional Drug Misuse Databases
Croydon General Hospital Archives Committee
Betaxolol 0.25% suspension. (Betoptic suspension)
Since moving to our new premises just over a year ago our
workload had been rapidly increasing and along with this, our patients' demands, or so it
seems.
During busy times I would enter the reception area to be greeted by cries of "the
bells, the bells", or "there are buzzers and bells going all the time!".
What with the telephone ringing, side door bell, panic alarms, doctors' buzzers and, of
course, the disabled toilet alarm which people constantly thought was the light switch, it
was enough to drive the most calm and efficient receptionist to seek psychological help.
In addition to this, the doctors would complain to me that "the girls aren't sending
the patients quick enough", or "why don't the receptionists deal with our
buzzers immediately!".
In reality, the receptionists were dealing with a constant stream of patients presenting
themselves at the reception desk along with a constant queue of telephone calls. They were
also acknowledging the doctor's buzzer, calling for the next patient and then, after
checking the correct order of patients, calling the patient in and ensuring they knew
which room to go to. Average number of consultations were 4,500 per month and on a typical
Monday morning there would be four doctors, a nurse practitioner and two practice nurses
working simultaneously, therefore, seven buzzers sounding continuously.
It was then that I arranged a demonstration of an electronic patient call system supplied
by JAYEX. The level of IT usage in our practice is such that the EMIS computerised
appointment system can be integrated with the call system which enables a doctor or nurse
to indicate on his or her appointment screen that he or she is ready for the next patient.
A buzzer sounds showing the patient's name, the doctor and room number on an LCD display
board in the waiting room. In addition, patients can be targeted with local health
promotion issues, advise when doctors are away or out on call and promote the availability
of services and clinics whilst the patients are waiting in the waiting room.
Unfortunately, Croydon Health Authority did not have any funding available for this
financial year and my one concern was whether the sanity of our hardworking reception team
would survive another six months. I felt not, and with a bit of persuasion the doctors
agreed to purchase the call system immediately.
Within two weeks we were installed and "live". In spite of the staff having to
remind each patient when they presented to watch for their name, the difference in the
noise level and feeling of pressure was amazing.
The receptionists were able to concentrate on dealing with patient arrivals, telephone
calls and other clerical duties and the doctors were able to call patients and have them
present before them far more quickly. Of course, it did not work for about 2% of the
patients - like the man who had forgotten his glasses or the lady who could not speak or
read her name in English, but on the whole, most patients were very impressed, as were the
receptionists.
One of the doctors even commented on how the waiting room reminded him of a Betting Shop
with everyone glued to the screen waiting for their result!
Teresa Wallace
Practice & Fundholding Manager - Parchmore Medical Centre
REGIONAL DRUG MISUSE DATABASES
Since the closure of the Home Office Addicts' Index earlier
this year, there has been some confusion about the role of the nationwide Regional Drug
Misuse Databases (RDMDs). The RDMDs have been collecting information on substance misuse
for some years. Part of this information is passed on to the Department of Health and
represents the most comprehensive national figures available relating to the nature and
extent of drug misuse. The RDMD in the South Thames (West) region is called the Substance
Use Database (SUD). It receives data from all types of substance misuse agencies,
including community teams, drug dependency units, telephone helplines and GPs. Before the
closure of the Addicts' Index, this information was recorded on dual purpose forms, which
GPs could use to notify the Home Office as well as the SUD.
Since the closure of the Addicts' Index, RDMDs have seen a decrease in the number of forms
received from GPs. We think it is very important that GPs are encouraged to send
information to the RDMDs, so that we have the best possible data on drug misuse, which
will enable better monitoring of trends and planning of local treatment services. The SUD
is unique in recording episodes where alcohol is the primary substance of misuse. We can
provide agencies and GPs, on request, with a variety of data summary tables showing, for
example, the client's ethnic group, injecting behaviour and type of accommodation.
The British National Formulary recently stated that RDMDs could provide GPs with
information on a patient's prescribing history, as the Home Office used to do.This
statement is inaccurate - although the Addicts' Index database is being transferred to The
Department of Addictive Behaviour at St George's Hospital Medical School, there are
currently no plans to resume the notification procedures or to provide GPs with
prescribing information.
The Chief Medical Officer's Update (No.15, July 1997, page 6) stated that information on
the RDMDs could be obtained from local health authorities. However, we advise that GPs
contact this office for information and supplies of SUD forms. Our address, telephone, fax
and Email numbers are shown on this letter. Completed forms can be sent to "Substance
Use Database" FREEPOST, Department of Addictive Behaviour, St George's Hospital
Medical School, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0BR.
Michael Pollard
Database Officer
Substance Use Database Centre
St George's Hospital Medical School
Direct Line: 0181-725 5352
Fax No: 0181-725 2914
Email: [email protected]
Congratulations to Janette Swift, Joan Eves and Rosie
Pudner who have been involved in the Leg Ulcer Management project in Croydon. Since the
development of the guidelines and a successful training programme involving Practice
Nurses, District Nurses and Nursing Home Nurses, the project has been nominated for a
number of awards. Janette Swift was nominated on behalf of the team for Practice Nurse of
the Year awards and was one of three shortlisted in the dermatology category.
In November at the European Wound Care Conference the project was chosen as one of the 11
winners from a total of 88 submissions selected throughout Europe.
Ruth Lawler
Practice Nurse Adviser
· Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, which
leads to liver failure and cancer.
· It is usually caught by contact with contaminated surgical instruments, blood products
and by unprotected sex.
· Prevention of contracting this disease is by avoiding sexual exposure and exposure to
contaminated surgical instruments and blood-contaminated items (e.g. needle sharing,
tatooing etc).
· High risk groups of people, e.g. health workers in countries where Hepatitis B is
endemic, should be fully immunised.
· Vaccination reduces the risk.
· Personal sterile medical kits are available for people travelling abroad, as sterile
medical supplies in some developing countries are scarce.
Practice Nurse Group Committee
Taken in part from
Traveller-World Wide Health Information
A very successful evening was held as part of the Teenage
Health Promotion programme looking at improving our communications skills with teenagers.
John Coleman and his colleagues from the Trust for the Study of Adolescents provided an
excellent insight into the subject and gave us some inspirational ideas for enhancing our
communications skills with teenagers.
We would hope to develop the educational part of the scheme during 1998 and are
considering topics for further meetings. If you have any ideas or suggestions Alison
Slater or myself would be pleased to hear from you. Thank you to the participating
practices for the work on teenage health that you have undertaken this year and good luck
for 1998. Let us hope we can build on our good start and improve the services that we
offer to these patients.
Howard Cohen, Clinical Lead GP
CROYDON GENERAL HOSPITAL ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
On 4 November the first meeting took place to decide the
best ways to preserve and display the archives of this famous hospital.
I had first expressed my concerns about these archives in a "flyer" of the
December 1996 issue of Link News. Later, on 29 April 1997, I was invited to give a
presentation to the Croydon Consultants Medical Committee putting forward my views both on
the archives but also on the broader issues of "Art in Hospitals". In order to
strengthen my case I wrote a discussion document which was circulated to all members of
the committee prior to the first meeting.
The committee comprises of Mrs Jackie Brooks, Dr Nina Essex, Mr Christophe Fernandes, Mr
Keith Ford, Mr Frank McGurrin,
Mr David Southcott, Mr Michael Sutcliffe and myself.
Our main aims are to decide on the best way of displaying the most suitable items and what
to do with the rest. Following this we can then make suggestions on appropriate use of art
in the corridors, rooms and wards of Mayday. We have a wonderful opportunity of improving
the ambience of OUR hospital.
Dr Nicholas Cambridge
Chairman, Croydon General Hospital Archives Committee
As a registered charity, we are particularly keen to try to
reach men (or their wives/partners) for the following reasons.
1.We are trying to start a Peyronie's condition support group, and believe that the
opportunity for patients to join it can only be made widely available via GPs. Peyronie's
is a little known about but distressing male condition, and one which is infrequently
mentioned. Yet it may affect as many as 1 in 100 men. Our group is being formed with the
intention of mutual support, networking and possible much needed research. Anyone
interested need only let us know, and they will be placed on our mailing list to be
informed of future activities. There is no obligation upon anyone who contacts us: they
can leave the group at any time they like.
2.Our formal charity objects are to raise awareness, inform, and promote research in
connection with all health issues which only affect men. We publish four fact sheets which
are free (although we welcome donations), on Peyronie's condition and problems affecting
the prostate, testicles and penis (including impotence and erectile dysfunction). We have
a large group of "Friends of The Men's Health Trust", who also receive our
periodic newsletter, Men's Health News (ISSN 1460-4949). We would like men who may visit
their GP about a male-specific problem to know of our existence, so that they can choose
whether or not to take advantage of what we can offer and/or to support us in our aims.
Sending us a small stamped addressed envelope is the best way for them to do this,
although we welcome any form of contact (see below).
Paul Farmer
Chairman of Trustees & Administrator
The Men's Health Trust
P O Box 195, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 3NQ.
Tel: 01359 232400 Fax: 01359 231986
e-mail: [email protected]
web site:
http://freespace.virgin.net/mens.health/
BETAXOLOL 0.25% SUSPENSION. (Betoptic suspension)
Betoptic eye drops are currently the Croydon Eye Unit's first line medical agent in the management of glaucoma. The CEU is in the process of changing the prescriptions to Betoptic 0.25% suspension. This formulation has been shown to be as effective as the previous Betoptic 0.5% eye drops, whilst offering the additional safety of less absorption of drug systemically. Over the next few months the CEU will attempt to change all patients currently using 0.5% drops to 0.25% suspension and will inform GPs individually of such a change.
Mr Dilogen V de Alwis FRCS FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
The GPLO does not necessarily endorse or support any of
the positions, products or people advertised herein
LOCUM PRACTICE NURSE/S REQUIRED for Monday pm, Tuesday and Friday all day to cover
maternity leave from January 1998 for 20 weeks with a view to a permanent part-time post
thereafter. Grade F/G. Asthma/Diabetic and Family .Planning training desirable but not
essential. Knowledge of Emis System an advantage. Please apply with CV to Teresa Wallace,
Practice Manager, Parchmore Medical Centre, 97 Parchmore Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7
8LY. Tel No: 0181 251 4205.
RECEPTIONIST WITH SECRETARIAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED for a four doctor practice in Crystal
Palace for 18-23 hours per week from January 1998. The applicant should be friendly with
some secretarial and computer skills and able to work under pressure using own initiative.
Hours and salary negotiable according to experience and qualifications. Please apply to:
The Practice Manager, 60 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1DT. Tel. No: 0181 670
7117.
SECRETARY/ADMIN ASSISTANT - Computer literate. 20 hrs per week (flexible). Please contact
Fundholding Manager Simmi Pawa on 01689-841466.
EXPERIENCED PART TIME PRACTICE MANAGER (20 hours) required ASAP for a busy three doctor
practice. The applicant should be friendly, self motivated, computer literate and
experienced in finance, personnel and links. AMSPAR diploma preferred. Salary according to
qualifications and experience. Please apply to Dr. H. Gooneratne, 6 Galpins Road, Thornton
Heath, Surrey
PRACTICE MANAGER required. Please contact:-
Dr E Wilson on 0181-684 3450.
ASSISTANT PRACTICE MANAGER with secretarial duties required for a four doctor practice in
Crystal Palace for 20-25 hours per week from January 1998.The applicant should be friendly
with self motivation. Administrative and computer skills are required. Previous Health
Service experience an advantage but not essential. Hours and salary negotiable according
to experience and qualifications.
Please apply to Dr Sivathasan, 60 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1DT. Tel:
0181-670 7117.
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST required to work in busy computerised fundholding practice. Hours
will be: Monday: 2 - 7pm, Tuesday: 10 am - 5:30pm and Thursday: 9 am - 2 pm, 1 in 7
Saturdays 8:30 - 11:30 am. Previous experience preferred. Hand written applications to the
Practice Director, Friends Road Medical Practice, 49 Friends Road, Croydon, CR0 1ED.
Closing date:
PRACTICE NURSE VACANCIES. We have three new vacancies for Practice Nurses to work for all
three Practices based at Woodside Health Centre, South Norwood from 1 April 1998. A full
range of health promotion activities to be undertaken in this purpose built health centre
opened in December 1995. Applicants should hold family planning and/or asthma
qualifications.
Each post is for 17.5 hours per week to include 1 in 3 Saturday mornings. Salary - Grade
F.
PHLEBOTOMIST required from 8:30 - 11:00am (12.5 hrs pw), Mon-Fri at Woodside Health Centre
from 1 April 1998.Full training given and salary on Technical Med. Lab. Asst scale (£5.92
ph once trained). For more information and job descriptions please contact Mrs. Kate
Giddings on 0181-655 1223 or write to her at Woodside Health Centre, 3 Enmore Road, South
Norwood, SE25 5NT.
LOCUM REQUIRED for two months plus to cover sick leave. Minimum six surgeries per week.
Modern Health Centre. Well organised three partner practice. Apply in writing to Mrs Anne
Churchill, Practice Manager, Woodside Health Centre, 3 Enmore Road, South Norwood, SE25
5NT. Tel: 0181-656 5790.
PRACTICE NURSE required for Coulsdon Surgery. 11 hours per week. Contact Practice Manager
Sue Douglas on 0181-660 0193 for details.