Category Archives: Uncategorized
National blood test bottle shortage
There is currently an international shortage of blood bottles, affecting blood tests both in the hospital and in the community and primary care. As a result of the shortage, all doctors have been told to suspend non-essential blood tests. Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems will still get one, but in some cases, where it is safe, you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date or your appointment may be rescheduled. Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when tests will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will re-book your test as soon as we can. If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally. University Hospital Southampton and our GP Surgeries are working together to support the management of this incident across Southampton. Thank you for your ongoing support.
General Practice Data Extraction
You may have heard in the news that the government intend to extract data from GP surgeries for planning and research purposes.
This has now been delayed until September due to concerns about the lack of publicity and explanation about what is being proposed. See the BBC News Website for more background on this.
Patients have the right to opt out of this data extraction. Please see the NHS Digital website about the opting out process which involves completing this form and returning it to us at the surgery so that the correct opt-out code can be added to your notes to prevent the data extraction. Please do not contact the surgery about this as we are receiving multiple calls and it is affecting our ability to respond to patients who may need urgent medical attention.
*** Further update August 2021 ***:
Due to widespread concerns expressed by GPs, NHS Digital has postponed the data extraction further with no new date set yet.
Please wear a mask when you come to the surgery
In line with government advice we are recommending that patients and other visitors to the surgery wear a face covering. Young children and those who are unable to tolerate a mask are not required to wear one.
Please see the government website for more information.
Please do not contact us to request an exemption from mask wearing for any reason. You are able to print your own exemption card from the government website here.