MEASURES have been put in place to improve access to GP appointments at a Deeside doctors surgery.

The Leader previously ran a special report highlighting the difficulty some have faced to access a GP in recent months.

Rob Smith, BCUHB’s area director for north east Wales, has provided reassurance that there are no plans to close the St Mark’s Dee View GP Surgery in Connah’s Quay, while setting out some of the practical steps that are being taken to address its current difficulties.

“We have no plans to close the practice, and we are taking a range of actions to improve the service,” he said.

“These include upgrades to telephone and clinical computer systems, intensive efforts to recruit GPs and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and extending the availability of Urgent Primary Care Centres at Mold and Wrexham.

“I understand how frustrated and concerned many patients are at the current situation and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding as we work to improve the situation.”

Upgrades to the telephone and clinical computer system:

Mr Smith says that the practice is currently using an “outdated telephone and computer system” which makes it difficult to attract locum doctors, receive remote support from neighbouring practices, and manage call volumes from patients.

He continued: “COVID-19 restrictions have delayed the introduction of new systems, but we are working at pace to get these up and running as soon as is practicably possible.

“A new telephone system is due to be installed by September. This will make it easier to manage demand, prioritise calls and provide clear messaging to inform callers where they are in the queue and what alternatives might be available.”

The director adds that the health board is working to upgrade the clinical computer system to the more widely used service.

He said: “It will also ensure that staff from neighbouring practices can access patients’ medical history and provide additional support when St Mark’s is experiencing high demand.

"This work will be completed by the autumn.”

Recruitment and Staffing:

A big issue identified in our Leader special report was staffing concerns.

Mr Smith says: “Since taking on the practice in 2019, recruitment for medical staff has been especially difficult. Recruitment of GPs is a problem across the UK,

“In recent months, while demand has increased by around 20 per cent, staffing levels have been adversely impacted due to sickness, COVID-19 isolation and difficulties recruiting.

“We are continuing to prioritise the recruitment of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and GPs, and during August, we will also have significantly improved GP availability, compared to previous weeks.”

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Urgent Primary Care Centres:

Finally, patients are urged to remember that Urgent Primary Care Centres (UPCC) based at Mold Minor Injuries Unit and Wrexham Maelor Hospital are continuing to alleviate pressure on GP surgeries across Flintshire and Wrexham, including St Mark’s

Mr Smith said: “Originally established in late 2020 to tackle winter pressures, the centres’ availability has been extended into the summer months in an effort to create more capacity to support GP surgeries and reduce unnecessary attendances at Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s Emergency Department.

“The service is not a walk-in centre. Instead, practices, including St Mark’s refer patients to the UPCC.”

Help us to help you:

If you need medical help, there are many avenues you can consider that may be quicker than waiting for a GP.

Mr Smith said: “There are a number of ways that patients can help us to help them. This includes contacting us online for support where possible, using the E-Consult service on our website.

“This will enable patients to be pointed to the most appropriate clinician or service in the timeliest way.”

To access the service, go to https://stmarksdeeview.webgp.com/.

People are also being asked to consider the Community Pharmacy where appropriate

The area director said: “Community Pharmacy staff can provide expert advice and guidance about treating common ailments, conditions and their symptoms.

“Some pharmacies, such as Morrisons in Deeside, are open outside of usual hours and into the evening.”

You can find your nearest community pharmacy on the health board website at https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/health-services1/where-do-i-go/.

As another alternative, people can call the 111 line for free access to urgent out-of-hours care and round-the-clock medical support and guidance.