A new system has been introduced for contacting Haddenham Medical Centre
If you have a problem and you think you need to consult with a GP, a pharmacist, a physiotherapist or another of the attached staff at HMC, a new online contact system was introduced Tuesday 16th May which you can complete from a computer or a mobile phone.
The online contact method uses the AccuRx system which HMC has used successfully for some time to send text messages to patients. Staff chose this system as it is very simple to use with just a few questions for patients to explain your problem without the need to go through a long list of online questions.
All patients are requested to complete this form themselves if they can. Dr Howcutt has explained that "by completing the form yourself, you will free up time in our receptionist team so that they can help people who cannot do the form and they can also support other patients quicker."
"All the requests for appointments will then be assessed in the practice to determine the best member of the team to help and how quickly an appointment might be needed.
The online form can also be used for administrative queries such as requests for sick notes, letters, questions about referrals, or requesting copies of test results."
"There will be links to the online form on the practice website, the HMC Facebook page and sent directly to patients for whom we have a mobile phone number."
"We will continue to try to deal with all urgent requests on the day but once we are fully booked, you may be directed to another service."
"We will offer booked telephone appointments for routine issues in the future up to six weeks. If you need to be seen, have further tests or treatment, these will be arranged during the phone call. If these appointments are fully booked and we are unable to offer an appointment, we will start a waiting list for appointments and let you know when we can offer one."
Contacting Nurses:
If you need an appointment with one of our nursing team, such as for an NHS vaccination, cervical smear, dressing of a wound, chronic disease management clinic or a blood test requested by your GP, please contact the practice by phone in the usual way: .
Help with the online system
At the most recent Patient Participation Group meeting, held on Wednesday 31st May, it was clear that some patients were anxious about the new online system, and felt that more explanation was required.
Brian Rogers has compiled a useful User Guide on behalf of the PPG which is designed to help.
You can see (and download) this User Guide by clicking on the PDF on this page.
Please note:
If you need urgent attention you should still telephone the Medical Centre
You can no longer make appointments via Patient Access or NHS App
A Patient's Comment
All change like this can create a degree of anxiety for many. Here's a response from a Haddenham-based patient who wishes to remain anonymous:
" I had a health issue last week and needed to speak to a Doctor. I had read about the new online request system so instead of phoning I located the form on Haddenham Health Centre website and found it very straightforward to fill in. I was able to attach photos and explain the problem. A GP called me within an hour and a half and prescribed medication. My symptoms worsened so I completed the online form again 3 days later and I had a call from a Doctor within 5 minutes, who prescribed stronger medication. The whole process was very efficient and I would like to thank the Health Centre for their very prompt response."
