THE way patients ask for medical support in Wellington is changing in the New Year as the town’s largest GP surgery switches to an online system.

Wellington Medical Centre said from January 2 patient contact should be via an online form, which could be found through a link on its website or via the NHS App.

A GP would then review all medical queries received and take a decision on what response was needed within three days, unless the inquiry was deemed to be ‘urgent’. 

Members of the centre’s patient participation group (PPG) were told the move was intended to save people time waiting on the telephone.

However, the PPG heard the centre’s telephone lines and front desk would remain open as usual for patients who did not want to use online access.

PPG chairman Veronica Tatnall said a drop-in event to help people understand how to use the NHS app was so successful that the medical centre’s car park filled to overflowing and cars were queuing along Mantle Street.

Mrs Tatnall said 175 people attended the session, resulting in some having a lengthy wait, and between 75 and 100 people were signed up to the app on the day.

A second drop-in app event was now being planned for January 18 which would be self-booking with the medical centre contacting patients.

The January session would be targeted at the over-50s with two or more medications.

The PPG was told online access to GPs would be available from 8 am on weekdays but would not be available at weekends, while the telephone lines would be open from 8.30 am during the week.

Long term conditions, medicals, blood tests, and annual reviews could still be booked through the practice’s patient service advisors.

PPG members heard the practice was still experiencing difficulty recruiting GPs, an issue which seemed to be a problem across the Westcountry as doctors leaving training wanted to go to the cities.

There were still 16 GP vacancies being advertised in the local area along with other practice staff, which Mrs Tatnall said was ‘a worrying situation’.

The loss of the on-site Boots pharmacy was discussed by the PPG which agreed raising a protest petition would not be worthwhile because the planned closure would definitely happen on February 17, 2024.

The PPG agreed there was a need for a pharmacy on-site and it was decided to register an objection with the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) which awards rights for pharmacies to operate.

Somerset Cllr Andrew Govier told members he believed there was ‘money and a contract’ awaiting any NHS dentist who wanted to open in Wellington, but finding suitable premises for a practice was proving difficult.

PPG members heard mental health workers had previously been provided by the primary care network and the centre hoped to have one in place in January.

Shingles eligibility was discussed because there were concerns the latest advertising campaign was proving difficult for some people to understand.

The criteria was that anybody aged 64 years before September 1, 2023, would be eligible on their 70th birthday.

Anybody who turned 65 next year would be eligible on their birthday, and all 70 to 79-year-olds were already eligible now, while 80-year-olds should have had the vaccination by now.

There was a poster in the medical centre reception which explained the criteria, and also in Wellington’s public library, or the patient service advisors could help.

The PPG was told an adult social care neighbourhood team was connected to the practice, but there was as yet no direct contact with it.

Mrs Tatnall said a charity bingo event was held recently in Wellington Rugby Club and a cheque for £250 was received, for which she thanked Sharon and all the helpers on the evening.

The Welly Hopper patient transport service was now fully operational for people who found it difficult to reach their appointments in Luson Surgery, Wellington Community Hospital, and Wellington Medical Centre.

People needed to be registered as a patient with either of the surgeries to use the service, and volunteer drivers would collect and return them to home.

The charge was a modest 50p per mile with a minimum charge of £1.50 and the service could be booked by calling between 9 am and 1 pm 07704 682139 on Mondays, 07704 682143 on Wednesdays, and 07704 682139 on Fridays.