Bristol Community Health is committed to working in partnership with local GPs. Our aim is to deliver clinically effective coordinated community care across the city. This GP hub contains a wealth of information to support you in your role.

Community nursing contacts - access your local team manager

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Latest news for practices - 23.01.15

Resources 'maximised' to support Rapid Response

In line with last week's GP briefing on the status of our urgent care services, Bristol Community Health would like to reassure all GPs and practice managers that resources have been maximised to the fullest possible extent within the Rapid Response team. The service has experienced unprecedented demand this month, with referrals currently running at 42% above January last year. 

Windows 7 upgrade to support EMIS integration - impact on GP practices

To support EMIS integration work across the organisation, an accelerated project to upgrade all Bristol Community Health-owned PCs and laptops, from Windows XP to Windows 7, is taking place between now and March 2015.

The upgrade work will affect PCs that are owned by Bristol Community Health but shared with GP Practices, and it may impact on the systems used by practice staff. Our Informatics Team will be in contact with GP practices between now and March to arrange upgrades where relevant - so please watch out for this communication.

New community pledge outlines the social value of our work

Bristol Community Health recently published its first Community Pledge, which sets out five promises that we are making to the people of Bristol in relation to the ‘social value’ our work creates. As a social enterprise and an NHS provider, our work contributes significant social value on top of the direct value provided through healthcare. For example, through our work, we get to know our patients and their families better as people, we understand their wishes and we help combat loneliness and isolation.The Pledge outlines five key promises:

• To tackle health inequalities.
• To support well being.
• To engage with and involve our community.
• To reinvest in our community.
• To contribute to environmental sustainability.

Reminder - integration of phlebotomy into community nursing teams

GP practices are reminded that, in a bid to reduce patient waiting times and offer an improved service, the phlebotomy service has now been integrated into community healthcare teams. GPs and practice professionals are encouraged to refer housebound patients requiring blood tests directly to their respective community healthcare team, rather than faxing the old phlebotomy service number. From 23rd January the old phlebotomy fax machine will be disconnected so please ensure you refer patients to your community healthcare teams as appropriate. 

Upcoming events

• Living with Diabetes Day, Wednesday 11th February, Double Tree Hotel, Bristol

Places are available for people with Type 2 diabetes at this free education day in Bristol, organised by Diabetes UK and funded byTesco. Healthcare professionals from both Diabetes UK and Bristol Community Health will provide information on local healthcare and on the practical elements of living with Type 2 diabetes, such as diet, exercise, medication, travel and driving. People can register online, or email [email protected] or call 0345 123 2399.

• Bristol Community Health MSK Conference, Friday 13 - Saturday 14 March 2015, Cadbury House, near Bristol

Bristol Community Health Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service is organising a two day conference for MSK clinicians and healthcare professionals with an interest in this area. Content will include a range of seminars and lectures provided by pioneering clinical speakers. Register your interest by contacting the conference committee today.

Bristol Community Health: in the news

• Why is there an A&E crisis and how can it be solved? Live online discussion, Guardian Healthcare Network, 13 January - Chief Executive Julia Clarke was a panellist on this live online discussion.
• Networks to drive innovation adoption feature in Clinical Services Journal, January - comment from Julia Clarke on our supported self-care work. 

The latest version of our Community Health Newspaper (Autumn / Winter) is now available to read.