Video Group Consultations (VGC) have proved popular across the country enabling patients to discuss their health conditions with around 6 to 8 fellow patients with a similar diagnosis. They also enable patients to discuss their conditions with a clinician for longer than a usual chronic disease appointment, which would normally be scheduled to last around 10-20 minutes. In a group video consultation a clinician will be present for around 60 minutes.

Process 

If you would like to attend a Video Group Consultation, the surgery will make contact with a facilitator who will provide you with a copy of the patient agreement. This enables you to give your full consent to what is outlined in the document.

If you consent to the patient agreement, a list of dates for the next VGC relevant to your condition will be provided.

Once a date has been found when you can attend, arrangements will be made for relevant observations to be completed. This is so that the most up-to-date results can be obtained prior to the VGC. As stated in the patient agreement, the results will be shared with the rest of the group during the VGC.

You will receive a link for Microsoft Teams via email. You will need to click on this link at the time outlined by the facilitator. Where possible the surgery will signpost patients to support with technical issues and difficulties.

Everyone participating in the VGC will be asked to confirm their identity by confirming the last 4 digits of their contact number.

At the beginning of the consultation, patients will be encouraged to set ‘group understandings’. These are basically the ‘rules’ agreed at the start of the session, for example what is acceptable to discuss or what should not be disclosed in the group. These will help with the group dynamic. Participants will also be asked to think of any questions they have for the clinician.

The clinician will answer the common questions before having one-to-one consultations with everyone whilst everyone else is on mute and listening. This enables shared learning. The clinician will suggest medication changes, referrals and signpost to other services where appropriate.  As outlined in the patient agreement, attendees are asked not to discuss what was mentioned during the VGC outside of the meeting. After the clinician has spoken to everyone individually they will then provide educational content, if applicable.

Lastly, the facilitator will summarise what has been discussed, identify individual goals and update care plans.

Age UK’s trained foot care team would love to help you look after your feet.

You can self refer to the Primary Care Urgent Eyecare Service (NHS service) by calling one of the following opticians, who will provide you with advice/appointment as appropriate:

• BBR Optometry, Hereford, 01432 265030
• Vision Express, Hereford, 01432 342433
• Boots Opticians, Hereford, 01432 352860
• Specsavers Opticians, Hereford, 01432 353464
• Specsavers Opticians, Ross-on-Wye, 01989 564460
• Scotts Opticians, Ross-on-Wye, 01989 567244
• Ashton & Daniels, Ross-on-Wye, 01989 562173

The above are providers based in Hereford and Ross, there are other providers further afield also, see link below.

Private Work Fees

Some services provided are not covered under our contract with the NHS and therefore incur charges. Examples include the following:

• Medicals for pre-employment, sports and driving requirements (HGV, PSV etc.)
• Insurance claim forms
• Prescriptions for taking medication abroad
• Private sick notes
• Non-NHS Travel Vaccinations
• Vaccination certificates
• Firearms Certificates

The fees charged are based on the British Medical Association (BMA) suggested scales and our reception staff will be happy to advise you about them along with appointment availability.

Please note we do not undertake passport countersignature.

We use a processor, iGPR Technologies Limited (“iGPR”), to assist us with responding to report requests relating to your patient data, such as subject access requests that you submit to us (or that someone acting on your behalf submits to us) and report requests that insurers submit to us under the Access to Medical Records Act 1988 in relation to a life insurance policy that you hold or that you are applying for.

iGPR manages the reporting process for us by reviewing and responding to requests in accordance with our instructions and all applicable laws, including UK data protection laws.  The instructions we issue to iGPR include general instructions on responding to requests and specific instructions on issues that will require further consultation with the GP responsible for your care.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault in the last 28 days please call 0808 178 2058 or visit www.theglade.org.uk Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives. WMWA works for a world that is free from domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, where everyone can live without the fear and reality of all forms of violence, abuse and discrimination.

West Mercia Women’s Aid believe that every person has the right to live their lives free from abuse. Although they predominately work with women affected by domestic abuse they also have specialist services & support for men across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) also work with men across the whole of West Mercia.

Previously known as Let’s Talk, Herefordshire Healthy Minds support people who are experiencing difficulties such as stress, anxiety, low mood and depression.  To access the service you must be aged 18 or over and registered with a GP in Herefordshire.  Self-refer by completing the online self-referral form anytime, or call 01432 220 507 between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Contact Turning Point for alcohol and drug addiction advice and support, for patients and their families. Call 0300 555 0747 or visit https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/herefordshire.

The Healthy Lifestyle Service provides 1-2-1 stop smoking support for Herefordshire residents and those registered with a Herefordshire GP practice. The 12 week programme offers face to face behavioural support and the use of pharmacotherapy.

Please call 01432 383 567 or find out more here.

If you are newly pregnant, you can enter your details on a secure website that will send a referral straight to the Herefordshire community midwifery team. You don’t need to contact the surgery or make an appointment with a GP – the midwifery team will tell us about your pregnancy. However, if you have any urgent concerns about your health during early pregnancy, please do contact us for advice.  Patients planning a pregnancy or who are in the early stages of pregnancy are advised to take folic acid, please speak to a pharmacist at your local community pharmacy for further advice.

The best time to fill in the online form is when you are 6 to 7 weeks pregnant. A maternity support worker will then phone you to arrange your first appointment with your midwife (called your booking appointment), which usually takes place when you are 8 to 10 weeks pregnant.

If you need support filling in the online form, you can ask someone else to do the form for you, for example your partner or a relative. If you are having problems with getting online, or understanding the form, please ring the community midwifery office on (01432) 372965.

Self-refer your pregnancy to Hereford SPA