Welcome to the new website for 'Probably' the best GP practice in North Lincolnshire.
At this practice you will never be asked to speak to a triage nurse in order to arrange an appointment. Nor will you have to ring on the day in order to arrange an appointment. Nor will you have to see a nurse practitioner when you want to see a doctor. -Or have to see a succession of trainee GP's!
At this practice you can book appointments in advance. You can also just turn up (if your problem is urgent) to open access surgery every weekday mornings 9-10.30 and you will be seen (bring a book!). You can see a doctor outside normal working hours. You can also see the same doctor for regular care of long term conditions.
Why? This is because we are a fairly small practice that has been established for a long time, and has a long tradition of mutual respect between doctors and patients. We are big enough to have a variety of skills and special interests, but small enough to know most of our patients, and our patients families. We have a fewer patients per GP than most practices, because we want to do a good job that satisfies us and this usually satisfies our patients. We have 2 male and 3 female GP's which is about the same split as our patient demand. We are happy to be old fashioned, but we are quick to use new technology if it helps us and our patients. For example - making appointments and requesting prescriptions online is much better than by phone.
At this practice your records are stored on our computer and can not be seen by doctors and staff at other practices in the area. All the doctors have their own 'special interests', which means that we can provide a lot of services such as coils and minor operations that other practices have to refer patients for. Our building is old and a bit inconvenient, but it is beautiful and has character. Practices like ours are becoming rarer, as doctors are moved into big purpose built white elephants which cost a fortune and have no soul.
Climate change will probably not affect middle aged doctors and office staff too badly, but it will be a big problem during our children's lifetime and an enormous problem during our grandchildren's. The NHS is a massive carbon dioxide emitter. Please try to minimise your carbon emissions, by asking if you really need to travel to the surgery or outpatients. Where it is reasonable please use our new telephone appointment service, and if you do need to come to the surgery consider walking or cycling.
News
NHS reforms - GP's are in charge - and other misunderstandings!
Blair tried to make the NHS better with a huge increase in funding and by creating a market in operations etc. Most experts agree that the extra money helped a lot, but that the market wasted a lot of money and generally has been a failure. Now the Conservatives, who have been funded by some private health providers, are trying to make it even more open to private hospitals, but with no extra money to deal with the increased demand that comes from medical technology and the population growing older. They somehow expect that a tiny number of GP's will be able to keep a tight rein on overspending hospitals more effectively than the PCT's and Health Authorities which have failed to do this. After 18months in power - everyone is realising that this is a really stupid idea.
Low dose aspirin is back on the recommended list for prevention!
Randomised trials have proved that low dose dispersible aspirin 75 mg daily is an effective means of preventing several forms of cancer. It is now recommended that most people should take this dose daily for at least 5 years from age 55.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common, and it matters.
In summer we need at least 30minutes every other day of midday sun on our faces and bare arms to get enough Vitamin D. Sunscreen blocks Vitamin D production completely. In winter we use up our stores. It is found in fish, but not enough to make much difference. Deficiency leads to all sorts of problems - muscular pains and weakness, and possibly Diabetes and Cancer. It is now recommended that unless you are a real outdoor freak, you buy supplements. 10mcg =400u daily for children and young adults, 25mcg or 1000u for over 65's and possibly 2000u for housebound elderly.
NHS health checks for age 40-74
You may soon be invited to attend one of these checks. A Noctor (ie non- doctor) will measure your blood pressure, weigh you, and discuss your bad habits, and may measure your blood cholesterol. You will then be told your risk of developing Heart disease or stroke in the next 10 years. What you will not be told is that, apart from detecting high blood pressure, these risk assessments are very poor (especially in women) at predicting who is likely to develop disease, and that there is not much evidence that anything much can be done about it, apart from stopping smoking.
Online appointments and repeat prescriptions.
You can now request repeat medication and make appointments via the internet 24/7. Please register at reception for this very convenient service.
Cancer screening review
Despite the views of Cancer charities, a lot of experts are now questioning the value of Breast screening, and the programme is now under official review. Prostate cancer screening by blood testing (PSA) is not recommended as it doesn't save lives.
Repeat Prescriptions
Do you need to re-order your medication? Visit our prescriptions page and complete the online form. Find out more
Like To Register?
New to the area and would like to join our practice? We would be happy to help you. Fill in our registration forms and come see us. Find out more
Disabled Facilities
Both surgeries have access for wheelchairs, toilet facilities and car parking spaces for disabled patients. At the Brigg surgery disabled patients are welcome to park in our rear car park (reserved for staff and disabled patients) and use the back door, which is operated by a buzzer system at the right hand side of the door.