Following the recent announcement by the Coalition Governement regarding the devolving of power to GPs and their practices. Primary Care will face immense change over the coming months and this will undoubtedly affect our patients. We will endeavour to keep our Patients informed either by posting updates on our website, notices in the surgery or our quarterly newsletters.

 Your General Practice and the Family Doctor is Under Threat

GPs provide personal, holistic, care to patients who are unwell or who think they are unwell and also provide extensive, screening and disease prevention services for most major chronic illnesses. GPs often get to know and care for their patients, not just through an illness but through generations.  

The government is taking steps which doctors believe will harm patient services. It is encouraging commercial companies to set up healthcare services in place of traditional GPs, called APMS services. Many family doctors are concerned that if this happens, company profits will come before your needs and strike at the heart of the holistic continuity of care that has been the hallmark of General Practice since the start of the NHS

The services you get from your local general practice are some of the best in the world. Many other countries are looking to copy our local health services because they set high standards and are good value for money. Your family doctor is always trying to improve patient care. Every year a nationwide survey tells doctors how you feel about their work and the great majority of people value their local doctor’s practice and the role it plays in their local community, and are very happy with the services that they receive. 

If you are concerned about the future of your family practice please log your concerns at  http://www.supportyoursurgery.org.uk/

 Web Based Appointment Booking

The Stokes Medical Centre is implementing web based appointment to make it easier for you to make your appointment. This will include GP appointments, Nurse Appointments for Health reviews  and Blood and Blood Pressure monitoring.

Before you can start booking appointments on-line with The Stokes Medical Centre, you will need to register your details with the practice, so that you can be provided with a unique login, username and password. Please ring or come into the Practice to register.

NOTE: your personal information is kept safe and secure when using Appointments Online.

This is simple to do – simply follow the instructions below.
To register:
1. At your practice, ask to register for Appointments Online.  You will be given a unique username and password – along with details of how to gain access to the website.
2. On your computer, using your internet browser and the URL provided, go to the practice website.
3. Login – using the username and password with which you have been provided.  Note: for security purposes, if the information is not accurately entered, you will not be allowed access.
You can now start using Appointments Online!
Once logged in, you can book, view and cancel appointments.
When you book an appointment this way, you will receive confirmation immediately.  There is no need to confirm it by phone or email – just make sure that you arrive promptly on the day!
Further information
Should you have any questions or comments about using Appointments Online, you should contact the reception staff at your practice; they will do their best to be of assistance

You will log in here