We have been forwarded this document from Psychiatry UK (the main recent provider for ADHD diagnosis and treatment titration) regarding the ADHD medication shortages. We have made every effort to conserve ADHD treatment for patients established on the medicines, but as the stock issues persist and worsen this has become increasingly difficult, and is consuming significant Pharmacy, GP, and medicines management time.

The document below contains the significant phrase that for many patients, the recommendation when a medication is out of stock is that “treatment is paused”. They advise there should not be a withdrawal problem aside from the return of previous ADHD traits and symptoms. This will be a stressful time for those of you who waited a long time for diagnosis and treatment and finally feel things are going well on the medication. We will continue to support you in every way we can:

Dr Mercer, Jan 2024

We would be very grateful if patients could take a moment to complete a very quick survey regarding access. This is to help us review and improve the access to appointments.

Just click on the link https://www.wirralpatientsurvey.co.uk

Many thanks for taking the time to complete this.

Try the NHS App

If you’re a patient at our practice, you can use the NHS App to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.

It doesn’t replace existing services. You can still contact us in the usual ways.

But, once you have verified your identity in the app, you will have easy, 24/7 access to a growing range of health services and information. You can: 

• order repeat prescriptions
• access NHS 111 online
• find NHS services
• view your health records
• book appointments
• and much more… 

If you have any problems using the NHS App, you can select ‘help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.

These Health Checks are, as they have been, available for booking.

What is an NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health. It can tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• stroke

During the check-up you’ll also discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions and dementia.

If you’re over 65, you will also be told the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for.

Book today to avoid delay (eligibility criteria apply)

Who is the NHS Health Check for?

The check is for those are aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing conditions:

• heart disease
• chronic kidney disease
• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• atrial fibrillation
• transient ischaemic attack
• inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
• heart failure
• peripheral arterial disease
• stroke
• currently being prescribed statins to lower cholesterol
• previous checks have found that you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years

How will the NHS Health Check help me?

You will have your individual cardiovascular risk (risk of getting conditions related to the heart or circulation) calculated and explained to you.

While the cardiovascular risk levels vary from person to person, everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and some types of dementia.

At your NHS Health Check you will be given advice on how to prevent them.

Your NHS Health Check can detect potential health problems before they do real damage.

Read More on the NHS Website, or Contact the surgery to find out more and Book your Check.

Pros and cons of the NHS Health Check – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Along with all other National Health Service providers, have been instructed to review and reduce our prescribing of GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic, Trulicity and Rybelsus) in line with this National Patient Safety Alert from NHS England and the Department of Health & Social Care.

“There are very limited, intermittent supplies of all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Supplies are not expected to stabilise to meet full market demand until at least mid-2024.”

You may have an issue getting your usual prescription from the pharmacy. We have been tasked with the “Actions Required” in the red alert box on the PDF document below. The surgery will be contacting you shortly to discuss your individual case and whatever management plan will suit you best until supplies are readily available again and the Safety Alert withdrawn.

Thank you for your understanding.

Dr Mercer
02/AUG/2023

PATIENT NOTICE –

PATCHS WILL REPLACE ECONSULT ON 13 FEBRUARY 2023

We’re pleased to announce that we will be going live on 13^th February 2023, to a new online consultation tool called PATCHS. The ICB have selected PATCHS for Wirral wide Practices to replace of our previous online consultation service to improve the experience for our patients. PATCHS was chosen after feedback from patients who use eConsult as a tool to contact their GP surgery.

The new online consultation service offers a secure, simple, and flexible way for patients and carers to contact their GP practice – it will not replace face to face appointments, it is simply a signposting tool, to ensure our phone lines are kept as accessible as possible for our most vulnerable and poorly patients. This should not be used for life threatening emergencies when you should contact 999 or visit A&E.

By registering you will have easy access to a range of services from your computer or smartphone, including:

• Anything non-urgent that you need to contact us for:
• GP consultations
• Fit/sick note
• Repeat Medications and prescriptions
• Health advice
• Access to any of our services/health professionals

How to use PATCHS

1. Register in PATCHS. Access PATCHS through the banner from our home page. If you don’t have an account yet, click on “Register as a patient”. You will need to fill in you details (name, DOB, gender, address, telephone number and email address) and set up a password.
2. Submit your request. Select the type of request and answer 4 simple free text questions with as much detail as possible. The more information you give us, the better we will be able to help you.
3. If you are submitting a prescription request, please name the medication (you can list all medications that you require within one PATCHS request)
4. Wait for us to contact you. Please monitor your emails, as we may send a message to you. We may also give you a call during your stated available times.

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR PATCHS IN PLENTY OF TIME TO USE IT – ECONSULT WILL BE PHASED OUT AND YOU WILL SHORTLY BE UNABLE TO USE IT TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES.

NON-REGISTRATION MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN YOU RECEIVING THE SERVICE YOU REQUIRE.

For more information on PATCHS you can visit their website.

Here are some links to further information related to data sharing:

https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/