Welcome to Balsall Common & Meriden Group Practice
URGENT NEWS ABOUT BLOOD
TESTS
There is a national shortage of blood bottles, which is expected to last until at least the 17th September 2021.
This is effecting every healthcare service provider.
We have therefore been told by the NHS to postpone all non-urgent blood tests.
We will:
- Review all of the required blood test to determine those that can safely be delayed.
- Advise you if we feel that you urgently require having blood take to assist your treatment.
- Add your name to a waiting list to rearrange your blood test.
- Advise you when the situation changes.
We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience.
This is something that is completely out of our control.
From 1st September 2021, the way you dispose of your medical sharps boxes is changing.
You will no longer need to bring these back to the doctors surgery. Solihull council will collect them from your home. Find out more here www.solihull.gov.uk/Rubbish-and-recycling/Sharpscollection
Do you receive a sharps collection from your doctor? Did you know that from the 1st September 2021 the way you dispose of these is changing? Find out more here - www.solihull.gov.uk/Rubbish-and-recycling/Sharpscollection
Did you know that from the 1st September Solihull Council will be collecting medical sharps boxes? Find out more here www.solihull.gov.uk/Rubbish-and-recycling/Sharpscollection
Does your Doctor prescribe you a sharps box? Did you know that the way these are disposed of will be changing from 1st September 2021. You will no longer need to take these back to the doctors surgery. Find out more here - www.solihull.gov.uk/Rubbish-and-recycling/Sharpscollection
National Data Opt Out - Update
The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.
Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice by the 1st September. However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt out process which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time::-
- Patients do not need to register a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded.
- NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone registers a Type 1 opt-out.
- The plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while we get the new arrangements up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian.
This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2020 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed. Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.
We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.
Structured Medication Reviews
We will be contacting patients to complete Structured Medication Reviews, A structured medication review (SMR) is a meeting to review and discuss your medications with a qualified member of our team.
More information is available in the Services area of the website.
COVID Information
Please go to:
· Additional Information
· COVID Information
The Urgent Treatment Centres 18 06 2021
The Urgent Treatment Centres can now only be accessed via an appointment system, booked by NHS111. Patients can no longer access a ‘walk-in’ service, without an appointment.
Please advise all patients to call 111 or visit online at https://111.nhs.uk first.
Here is an updated list of the 6 Urgent Treatment Centre’s within the Birmingham & Solihull area that NHS111 has access too:
Warren Farm Urgent Treatment Centre
Warren Farm Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B44 0PU
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 19:00
Erdington Urgent Treatment Centre
Stockland Green Primary Care Centre
192 Reservoir Road
Erdington B23 6DJ
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10:30 – 22:30
Washwood Heath Urgent Treatment Centre
Clodeshall Road, Washwood Heath , Birmingham, West Midlands, B8 3SN
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 09:00 – 20:30
Birmingham NHS Urgent Treatment Centre (“Boots”)
Lower Ground Floor, Boots The Chemists Ltd, 66 High Street , Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7TA
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00
Sunday 11:00 – 15:00
South Birmingham GP Urgent Treatment Centre (“Katie Road”)
15 Katie Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6JG.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 20:00
Solihull Urgent Treatment Centre
Hurst Lane Clinic, 62 Hurst Lane
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham B36 0EY
Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10:30 – 22:30
Find my NHS Number
To find you NHS number go to the following web address:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/?fbclid=IwAR0-xS0C2pTwNtAnt5RyjWWxwDT5nn7qH8XHODrS4QPFYUwXqDVPH51_-34
Blood Pressure Checks - Update 19.04.2021
If you have been requested to have a blood pressure check and do not have your own machine please make an appointment with a health care assistant at the practice, use the blood pressure monitor in the Balsall Common waiting room and pass the slip to reception or visit a local pharmacy (we have been informed by the pharmacy that there is no longer a charge for them to take your blood pressure).
Social Prescriber Service from Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries
The practice offers a social prescribing service (please speak to reception or your GP/Nurse if you wish to be referred).
The following video (shortcut below)will provide you with more information explaining what this service is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9azfXNcqD8&feature=emb_logo
Meriden Patients – Do You Need Help
Please see document below giving full details of the support available from the Meriden Parish Council
Meriden Parish Council Helpline Sept 2020.docx
New Patient Registrations - Proof of ID and Address
All patient registering at the practice now have to provide Proof of ID and Proof of Address before their registration is accepted by the Practice
More information is detailed in "How Do I" - "Register With the Practice"
Early Appointments now available at Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries
We now have early morning appointments a
Balsall Common - Tuesday and Wednesday 7.00am to 8.00am
Meriden - Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am
Please ask at reception
Sick Note Requests
If you require a sick note please make a telephone consultation appointment with your usual doctor to discuss this. If you have recently attended hospital (which is the reason for the sick note to be issued) the hospital should give you a sick note for the expected duration you will be away from work following the procedure, on this occasion you should contact the hospital for your sick note.
Clinical Questions or Enquiries via email
We are unable to respond to clinical questions / enquiries via email. Please make a telephone consultation with a doctor to discuss your question / enquiry.
Secretaries Answerphone - Prescription and Sick Note Enquiries or Requests
Prescription and Sick Note enquiries or requests should not be left of the secretaries answerphone. From 6 3 2018 any requests left on the secretaries answerphone will NOT be actioned. This is also detailed on the secretaries answerphone message
Text Messaging - Mobile Numbers
We are now operating a text message reminder service; please ensure your mobile number is correct and up to date on your medical records. Please speak to Reception or email balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net with your name, date of birth and mobile number to add it to your records.
Cancelling Your Appointments
If you are unable to attend your appointment please help the surgery reduce wasted appointments by cancelling your appointment
You can cancel your appointment by using the following methods;
· By telephoning Balsall Common Surgery 01676935000 or Meriden Surgery 01676 522706
· By secure email to solccg.bccancelappointments @nhs.net
· Face to Face at Reception
· In Writing
· Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk using the on line services or practice message
Please give other patients the opportunity to use your appointment if you cannot attend
Email Your Prescription Requests
Prescription requests can now be sent to the practice using the following email address:
bcm.prescriptionrequest@nhs.net
If you have any queries or comments about the Website please contact the practice at:
balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net