We remind readers that they should no longer be asked to phone back another day or time when phoning to arrange a GP appointment.
In March this year the government and NHS England imposed the GP contract after negotiations with the BMA broke down.
The new contract specifies that practices must not ask callers to call back another day. Instead they must be offered an "assessment of need".
The Care Quality Commission inspects health and social care providers, local authorities etc.
It makes assessments under 5 headings and for each of these there are multiple "quality statements" to consider as shown in the table.
We have made a response to the NHS Change Consultation feeding in to the Government's 10 Year Health Plan. We were asked to answer 5 questions:
We have received a letter from Dr Elizabeth Johnston, lead GP of the University Health Centre, explaining the reasons for closing the Whitley Villa branch surgery on Christchurch Road, near Kendrick Road. Please see below for Dr Johnston's letter.
We expect the closure to be completed, but if anyone wants us to pass on views relating to it please use the "Send a message to RPVG" link on our home page.
The constitution of Reading Patient Voice Group was last revised at the Annual General Meeting on 22 November 2023. It can be accessed through the link below.
The BOB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West) Integrated Care Board meets on 19 Nov 2024 from 13.30 to 16.30. Please find agenda papers below.
Reading Patient Voice Group will hold its Annual General Meeting at 6pm - 8pm on Wednesday 20th November 2024 online via Teams and in Committee Room 1, Reading Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading.
Please click here to join the meeting
Please see below for the agenda and papers.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital's sexual health clinic, the Florey Clinic is out and about with its sexual health bus - here seen in Broad Street on Friday 25th October 2024 offering testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
In Autumn 2024 appropriate groups are being offered vaccination for RSV (another respiratory disease which can be more serious for infants and older people) and for flu and Covid-19 (offered together).
RSV vaccination is offered to those from 75 to 79 and 80 or over on 1 September 2024 until 31 August 2025. Also in pregnancy from 28 weeks onwards.
Flu and covid-19 boosters are offered at GP surgeries and pharmacies to those who:
Building Berkshire Together meets on line for an update at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 6 Nov. As this will be after the Budget announcements there may be new information on the hospital rebuilding programme and what it means for the Royal Berks.