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Amherst Patient Participation Group Autumn 2024
About us
Members of Amherst PPG are once again helping the Practice to run the annual vaccination clinics.
We are a group of volunteers from among AMP’s patients who contribute to the Practice by representing patient views.
Amherst News
The practice newsletter – is produced by the PPG, and through its pages we also promote health initiatives and the efficient use of NHS resources.
We meet regularly with practice manager Ravi and Dr Kansagra to provide a vital link between Amherst’s patients and the staff who look after them. And we have a voice within the Sevenoaks Primary Care Network and Kent and Medway NHS.
We have recently created a PPG Facebook page so as to broaden and speed up our communication with patients – comments are turned off! (see below).
We are setting up “How to” IT sessions to help those patients who may struggle with new technology and apps (see below). You may have spotted the dedicated PPG noticeboard at Amherst, and don’t forget to check the practice website regularly – you’ll find links there to plenty of services to help you.
We do want to hear from you!
But do please remember that personal health matters or service issues must always and only be raised directly with the Practice.
Please join us on Facebook!
We're not all fans of Facebook, but it is a brilliant tool for getting information out to a lot of people, all at the same time. So Amherst PPG has created its own Facebook page, and will use it to share invitations to health talks and pass on updates to services being delivered in our community. If you use Facebook, please ‘follow’ us so that you and your family can benefit from these initiatives.
Comments will be turned off, so it won’t become a talking shop!
NHS Digital is here to stay
We hear a lot about the pressures facing the NHS – and you can help. If you have access to online technologies please use the NHS app or website. You can set up an account which is linked to your patient records.
This will enable you to contact the Practice via the Accurx triage system. You can also request repeat prescriptions and check your blood test results.
You will need to ensure you have notifications switched on. Your NHS account is simple and convenient to use, will save you time and free up practice staff to assist those without online access. You can find help and support to solve your IT problems in the story, right.
Pharmacy First – it’s a win-win
Using Pharmacy First at your local community pharmacy means you will almost certainly get treatment for specified conditions more quickly than waiting for a GP appointment.
And you will free up precious time for the clinicians at AMP to help those patients who have complex needs, and those who may be more unwell.
Everybody benefits.
The pharmacist can treat these common conditions – and provide you with a prescription – without your needing to contact Amherst.
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16-64)
- Sinusitis (patients 12 years and over only)
- Sore throat (5 years+)
- Ear ache (1-17 years)
- Infected insect bite (1 year+)
- Impetigo (18 years+)
- Shingles (18 years+)
Your local pharmacy can also check your blood pressure, as well as provide contraception services. NB: If you submit an online medical request to the Practice via Accurx about one of the conditions listed, please be aware they may direct you to Pharmacy First.
Bewildered by Apps and IT?
Brush up or learn new digital skills with PPG member Simon Bull.
Do you need help with IT access to NHS services? PPG member Simon Bull can help you during organised training sessions at Amherst.
To find out more, you can contact him via our email or leave a message for him at reception.
In addition, Digital Kent: IT help for patients, funded by the NHS Kent & Medway Integrated Care Board, targets IT inequalities among patients, providing digital support and skills, hardware and connectivity to use NHS online health services.
You can find out about their comprehensive services on their website here.
You can also email them here: digitalinclusion@kent.gov.uk or phoning: 03000 410 950.
Published: Oct 23, 2024
