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EAST IPSWICH PRIMARY CARE NETWORK

Orchard Medical Practice is part of the East Ipswich Primary Care Network (PCN).  We work closely with Ravenswood Medical Practice and Dr Solway, Mallick & Roy Practice.  We jointly employ and share a number of staff who work across all three practices, currently those staff  employed by the PCN, consist of Paramedics, Pharmacists and Social Prescribers - By working together closely we aim to learn good practice from each other to Improve our services and access to healthcare for the 36000 patients that live locally and are registered with our practices.  

The long term objective is to continually improve and develop our teams in a way that only working at scale can achieve.  This means for you the patient, that we aim to have a wider range of expert practitioners within our teams enabling you to consult with the most appropriate person.  

As the PCN develops we will keep you updated as to any significant changes that may affect the way our services are delivered.

Accessible Information Standards Policy

The Accessible Information Standard aims to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are given information they can easily read or understand.

Please inform practice staff if you have any communication support needs eg use of British sign language, large print documents, easy read letters, hearing loop.

You can consult the policy here.

If you or your carer has any requirements to ensure we can communicate effectively please do let us know.

Accessible Formats

There are a number of websites that can provide access to sign language interpreters/translators, speech to text reporters. These include NRCPD, Sign Solutions and World Lingo. To assure the quality of information in alternative formats we will check that companies used are members of the UKAAF UK Association for accessible formats or offer their own assurances of quality. We will use Easy Health to assist with communicating with patients.

The Royal National Institute of Blind (RNIB) are able to transcribe documents to a braille format for patients.

We just want to thank you for your lovely feedback

https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/health/patient-survey-reveals-positive-experiences-at-ipswich-gps-9152328

IMPORTANT UPDATE

From the 1st May we are moving in line with other practices locally and will NO LONGER take prescription requests over the phone - We ask that requests are made by using the

  • On Line services, you can ask reception on how to sign up for this
  • or via the NHS App, this really is the simplest option
  • or if you prefer your chosen pharmacist can request your medication on your behalf.  You will need to speak to and set up an arrangement with your chosen pharmacist for this option.

Pharmacy Referral Scheme

On the 31st March the practice will participate in the local pharmacy referral scheme - there are many things that a pharmacist can assist you with for example Hay Fever, Bites, Stings, Athletes Foot and Sticky Eyes etc - In future when you call the practice with problems such as those described above we may refer you to a local pharmacy rather than deal with the problem in the surgery.  Pharmacists are very well trained and capable of dealing with this type of problem, if they feel that you need further intervention or specialist treatment they will refer you back to the practice and an appointment will be made for a clinician to either call or see you as necessary.

At the end of May 2019, Orchard Medical Practice will be taking over the management of Dr Solway and Mallick Practice.

This means that both practices will use the same reception desk located the front entrance of the building and staff from both practices will be able to book appointments and access information related to patients registered with both practices.

Whilst things might look a little different at reception, this will not change your ability to book appointments and see your doctor in the usual way.

Staff from both practices are trained in maintaining confidentiality and will work together to ensure that your health record remains secure and will still only be accessed by or shared with staff that need it for your care.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Andrea Clarke who will be happy to speak with you. You can find the Privacy Policy below for Orchard Medical Practice and On Dr Solway & Dr Mallick Practice website.                      

To view our practice leaflet please click here: Practice leaflet


Medical Equipment Every Home Should Have

 In order of importance:

  1. Thermometer 
  2. Blood pressure monitor (upper arm only)
  3. Pulse oximeter

Available from high st chemists and on-line

 Other than the essential thermometer, there are two pieces of medical equipment that we recommend for the home: a Blood Pressure Monitor and Pulse Oximeter. These three machines together will give the vital information needed to help your doctor advice you should you become ill.​ 

Self Referrals

Did you know you can self-refer to a number of services without seeing your GP?

These include, physiotherapy, podiatry, quitting smoking, getting active, losing weight, sexual health, contraceptives, anxiety/stress/low mood. Visit our self-referral page to find out more: Self-referrals

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