Online consultations with a GP are a form of remote healthcare service that allows patients to consult with their doctor via the internet, rather than in person. All four of the practices within Cross Gates PCN currently use PATCHs as the platform for online consultations and this can be accessed via the individual practice websites.

Online consultations offer a number of benefits for patients and healthcare providers. For patients, online consultations can provide greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility, particularly for those with mobility issues or who find it difficult to call the surgery because of work or caring commitments. Patients can also avoid the need to travel to a healthcare facility, which can save time and reduce costs.

Sick Notes can also be requested via PATCHs.

However, it’s important to note that online consultations have some limitations compared to in-person consultations. For example, some aspects of physical examinations may not be possible during an online consultation, and some patients may feel more comfortable seeing a doctor in person. Additionally, online consultations may not be appropriate for certain types of medical issues, such as emergencies or complex medical conditions.

The pharmacist medicine management service is a healthcare service offered by our pharmacists to help patients manage their medications effectively. The service typically involves a review of a patient’s medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, to ensure that they are being taken safely and effectively.

The pharmacist medicine management service can be particularly useful for patients who are taking multiple medications, as it can help to reduce the risk of drug interactions, adverse effects, and medication errors. The service can also help patients to better understand their medications, how to take them, and what side effects to look out for.

The pharmacist medicine management service typically involves the following steps:

• Medication review: The pharmacist will review the patient’s medications to identify any potential issues, such as drug interactions, duplications, or adverse effects.
• Patient education: The pharmacist will provide the patient with information about their medications, including how to take them, what to do if they miss a dose, and what side effects to look out for.
• Medication reconciliation: The pharmacist will work with the patient and their healthcare providers to ensure that all medications are recorded accurately and that any discrepancies are resolved.
• Medication management plan: The pharmacist will work with the patient to develop a personalised medication management plan that takes into account the patient’s health goals, lifestyle, and other medications they may be taking.

Overall, the pharmacist medicine management service is designed to improve medication safety and ensure that patients are taking their medications as intended. By working closely with patients, pharmacists can help to prevent medication errors, improve medication adherence, and promote better health outcomes.

The Healthy Minds service offers a brief mental health intervention (including developing coping skills and healthy living habits) and signposting to onward support where necessary. It is for patients experiencing low-level mental health issues such as depression/low mood, anxiety, sleep difficulties, panic attacks, stress, bereavement and isolation.

The mental health practitioner will provide:

• Prompt assessment of the patients mental and emotional health needs

• Enabling strategies to manage mental and emotional health

• Support to access other mental health services as needed

We offer a single appointment, mainly by phone, and usually within a few working days of referral – with the possibility of a follow-up session or re-referral if needed. All patients from our four practices can be referred by any member of staff in the practice, or by self-referral on request at reception

Social prescribing helps people to address concerns in their life that are having a negative effect on their physical and mental wellbeing. It could be debt problems, housing issues, loneliness… or anything else. It’s tailored to the individual and connects them to services that help them feel better and live healthier lives. Social isolation, emotional issues or wellbeing concerns can cause all sorts of conditions including anxiety, depression, stress and many more conditions. Practices in Cross Gates PCN offer social prescribing through Linking Leeds.

Linking Leeds is available to individuals who are referred by their GP or other healthcare professional. Once referred, individuals are connected with a Linking Leeds Navigator who will work with them to identify their needs and preferences and link them with appropriate community-based services and resources. These may include:

• Social activities and groups, such as exercise classes or art therapy programs
• Practical support, such as assistance with housing or financial advice
• Volunteering opportunities or community service projects
• Mental health support and counselling services
• Support groups for individuals with specific health conditions or concerns.

The Linking Leeds service aims to empower individuals to take an active role in managing their own health and well-being by providing them with access to a wide range of community-based resources and support services. By addressing the underlying social factors that contribute to poor health outcomes, Linking Leeds aims to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities in Leeds.

Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) are collaborative forums established within GP practices to encourage active patient engagement and involvement in the planning and development of primary healthcare services. PPGs aim to create a partnership between patients and healthcare providers, fostering better communication, understanding, and responsiveness to the needs and preferences of the patient population.

The role and activities of PPGs may vary, but they commonly involve the following:

1. Representing patient voice: PPGs provide a platform for patients to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the services provided by the GP practice. They act as a collective voice for patients, ensuring that their perspectives are taken into account in decision-making processes.
2. Collaborative planning: PPGs work alongside healthcare professionals to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the quality and delivery of primary healthcare services. They may participate in discussions regarding practice policies, appointment systems, waiting times, access to services, and other relevant topics.
3. Feedback and evaluation: PPGs gather feedback from patients regarding their experiences with the GP practice. They may conduct surveys, focus groups, or other means of collecting patient opinions. This feedback is then shared with healthcare providers, helping them evaluate the effectiveness of current services and identify areas that require attention or improvement.
4. Health promotion and education: PPGs may organize health promotion events, workshops, or campaigns to raise awareness and educate patients on various health topics. These activities aim to empower patients to take an active role in their own health and well-being.
5. Patient information and communication: PPGs assist in improving communication channels between the GP practice and its patients. They may contribute to the development of patient information materials, newsletters, or online resources to ensure that patients have access to relevant and accurate health-related information.
6. Community engagement: PPGs may extend their involvement beyond the GP practice and engage with the local community. They may collaborate with other community organizations or participate in health-related initiatives to promote better health outcomes for the broader population.

PPGs can have a positive impact by facilitating patient-centred care, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership, and improving the overall quality of primary healthcare services. They provide an avenue for patients to actively contribute to the shaping of healthcare provision and enable healthcare providers to deliver more responsive and patient-focused care.

We are looking for patients registered across our four member practices that would be willing to be part of a PCN PPG. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of then please contact your surgery to register your interest.

Leeds Community Cancer Support Service are a team of specialised Macmillan nurses and support staff working in the local community to support people who have a cancer diagnosis. Hospital teams usually concentrate on treating cancer and patients tell us that they’d also like some support closer to home to help them regain control of their lives. This happens at different points depending on the person, but usually after the first round of treatment is completed. This service is available for patients over 25 years old who have a cancer diagnosis.

What they offer:

We will listen to you about what matters to you. We’ll help you to set your goals – however big or small – and make sure you get the right support to reach them. What does your ’good’ look like? What support do you think you need to get? What do you want from your future? This will be your personal care plan and it will be unique to you to help you live your life well with and beyond your cancer

We will support you to:

• Help you reach your goals and what matters to you
• Get clear information and advice when you need it, in the way you need it
• Move forward with your life
• Review your personal care plan at any time
• We will work closely with health and care colleagues to find information and support that will help you. It could be an activity class, healthy eating advice, dealing with fatigue, rebuilding relationships, trying new hobbies, volunteering with a charity.

We are here to help you with what matters to you.

Referral information

Referrals can take place at any point from diagnosis and our Care Coordinator team work with practices to identify and contact patients that may benefit from support from the Community Cancer Support Service usually around one year from the initial diagnosis.