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๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ

@BenAllenGP

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Sheffield GP. Build high performing teams, partnering with public, for โฌ†๏ธ quality & experience. Open to challenge! Views my own

Sheffield
https://t.co/JVaA545RpG
Joined November 2020
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
10 months
๐ŸŒŸOur GP surgery is making BIG improvements despite national pressures๐ŸŒŸ โฌ†๏ธContinuity/ Satisfaction/ Access โฌ†๏ธMorale & Retention ๐ŸŒŸFirst the data ๐ŸŒŸThen the reproducible principles that improve ANY organisation๐ŸŒŸ ๐ŸŒ„Another General Practice is Possible ๐Ÿ‘ญCulture is key! 1/9
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Between 8-10am we had 178 requests for appointments. Average size practice (8500) 4 GPs and a PA on a Monday (well staffed practice) Incredible reception team. Need is simply unmeetable.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
A patient walked in to our surgery. ๐ŸŒŸBecause our receptionist knows red flags for cancer, she brought it straight to me & we saw her straight away๐ŸŒŸ They are not clinically responsible. But the more knowledge & autonomy they have, the more they can help flag up priority patients
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸWhen you send patients to another service, please don't tell what they will get when they get there๐ŸŒŸ Eg See GP 'because you NEED antibiotics' Go to A&E 'because you NEED a scan' Let's allow the service decide what they need when they get there! Part of the job Makes it easier!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
Why isn't a 5yr trained pharmacist allowed to change medication from a tablet to a capsule when availability changes? Or if they don't have 50mg, give 2 X 25mg? Instead they have to interrupt GPs to represcribe. We could offer more appointments with this! #GPcrisis #PharmTwitter
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 months
Dr: 'From carefully listening to & examining you, I can say that you have a virus Unfortunately antibiotics won't help' Patient: 'You don't understand It's been 2 weeks The cough is really bad I know antibiotics will work So you going to leave me like this? What a waste of time'
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
๐ŸŒŸGP receptionists save lives๐ŸŒŸ -Patient requests prescription -She notes an issues with his speech she suspects is new -Instead of dealing with prescription, tells GP -F2F same day. Urgent CT. โŒThey are NOT Drs โ™ฅ๏ธBut their experience & care when working WITH Drs is pricelessโ™ฅ๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
GPs care for you on ยฃ3/week To manage 90% of NHS contacts we have 9% of NHS budget. GP numbers are going down, the needs of the population are going up. Only 10% want F2F. We deliver 50%. If we're slow to answer the phone, we're sorry. Please join us bringing this up with your MP
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Do you order medications by NHS app? Great opportunity to send some love to the remarkable people who have vital administrative roles in GP surgeries ๐Ÿ˜˜
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Left for work feeling a bit hopeless. Cycled 30 mins ๐Ÿšด Arrived at work feeling hopeful. I wonder what happened? Morale of the story?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
'If you do not answer the video call, we will assume you no longer need this appointment & we will DISCHARGE you from our service' This communication, culture & practice shouldn't belong in NHS. So sad๐Ÿ˜ฅ ...And this is children's mental health. So sorry this is happening ๐Ÿ˜ž
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
10 months
Would it help GP surgeries if pharmacies do blood pressures for us? Now we get consultation requests FROM pharmacies because ASYMPTOMATIC people not on medications have LOW blood pressure It CREATES work for questionable benefit. If you can't manage risk, don't take readings?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
General Practice can just be so brutal. Most days I'm hopeful & optimistic. But too much of the reality of day to day General Practice is just too busy, too rushed, too many decisions, shortcuts, hours & sacrifice. No Friday feeling. Just defeated. I hope some people benefited
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
How should Secondary Care colleagues get hold of a GP if they need to discuss our patients on the day? Calling the surgery is not a solution, with lines often jammed. To respect their time, and enable better communication channels, we need some better solutions. Thoughts?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
11 months
Can we ban the term 'routine bloods'? Tests can't be routine. They're done for a reason, chosen in light of the differential diagnosis or specific monitoring needed. 'Routine' is not a reason.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Are Face to Face GP appointments most popular? Are we delivering what people want? See graphโฌ‡๏ธ The left shows what is REQUESTED at our practice The right shows what we DO You can see the movement from left to right ๐ŸŒŸPhone most popular ๐ŸŒŸWe see DOUBLE F2F those who request it
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐Ÿ’ฅHow misunderstood is the reality of GPs if even our own staff don't realise?! I had my secretary shadow my GP on call last week (looking for opportunities to improve). Her main reflection 'I knew GPs were busy, but I had no idea that the pace of the work was as rapid as that!'
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
5 months
๐ŸŒŸGeneral practice is shift work๐Ÿ‘ No-one expects a staff nurse who works shifts to do a 5 day week. GP work is often 8am-7pm Emails, study, & improvement work often outside of these hours ๐ŸŒŸ3 days IS full time๐ŸŒŸ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Thrilled to be Sheffield Clinical Director for Primary Care! My focus is for our teams to grow in capacity, resilience, joy & hope. Enabling โฌ†๏ธ patient access to great care. So much potential! We need creativity, inspiration & connections from in & outside NHS. Who can help us?!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
The most underrated skill in modern professional life? ๐ŸŒŸTouch typing๐ŸŒŸ In the world we live in, it's similar to not being able to write. It should be standard at school. It could save many of us HOURS a week. ๐Ÿ™„ I'm trying to convince myself to learn
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
A hated being a Dr for the first 8 years. ๐Ÿ˜ฌCould have quit any time๐Ÿ‘Ž ๐ŸŒŸNow I love being a GP๐ŸŒŸ GP partner 2-3 days a week. Leadership/ Management/ Chairing 2-3 days a week. Training students. Its VERY tough at times. โค๏ธBut I wouldn't swap it for anything!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Let's give some love to our GP practice managers!โค๏ธ ๐ŸŒŸDedicated, uncomplaining, dynamic ๐ŸŒŸAt the heart of enabling patient care ๐ŸคฏTargets, HR, finance, leadership, recruitment, meetings, politics, PCNs, emails++, nurturing. Quietly keeping the wheels on LOST without youโ™ฅ๏ธ ThankU!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
@Keir_Starmer Dear Keir. I'm a GP & a Clinical Director for Primary Care. I wrote a reflection on @wesstreeting 's piece in the FT. There's a mix of good ideas, risky ones & some that expose a lack of grasp of the complex reality. Always willing to work together on this.
@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
A thread response from a GP if you're listening @wesstreeting You're right about workforce being central, esp Primary Care โฌ†๏ธTraining, agree ๐ŸŒŸRETENTION matters more. Not hearing this from you The NHS needs a more compassionate culture. Your language doesn't fill me with hope 1/7
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Most people answer emails when they are at work. GPs only answer emails when they are NOT at work #GPcrisia
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
There is a valid, important debate about the role of PAs & AAs. Let's be mindful that it is not THEIR fault. Largely caring & compassionate people who got a job wanting to make a difference to patients like the rest of us.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
If a patient is too anxious to have an MRI, and the radiologist thinks sedation would be helpful, is it a GPs job to prescribe it? Is this a reasonable thing for them to send back to us? Or should the radiology department be doing this themselves. They are doctors too?!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Women goes to pharmacy for dry eye. She's told to speak to a GP because she's pregnant. Why?! Pharmacists have had very extensive training Surely they're as capable as we are to make a decision like that? (Not a dig at our amazing pharmacist colleagues! Just don't understand)
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Great receptionists save lives. Request phone call, late Friday for cough. ALSO requesting methotrexate... My receptionist thought to point this out. @pnknsxy69
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸCashier tells me Tesco is kinder employer than council & NHS๐ŸŒŸ Tesco provide tea & coffee Lunch too sinceโฌ†๏ธcost of living Profit motivated, yet appear more compassionate? ๐Ÿ˜ NHS class it as wasting 'patient' money on staff โค๏ธNurturing staff is HOW you get any job done wellโค๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Married for 15 yearsโค๏ธ We're a team๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿคโ€๐Ÿง‘ I would not be who I am, or achieved what I've achieved in this time without her support๐ŸŒŸ She leads on home schooling our kids & now fostering babies๐Ÿคฑ Had some v tough years๐Ÿ™„ But 15 years on, it's honestly the best it's ever beenโค๏ธ
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๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
The same patients who can make their Specialist appointments at the hospital can't manage to see their Generalists at the surgery (which is less of a journey). And want a home visit. So why is that exactly?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
There are FAR too few GPs. The Solution? Those who emerge thriving will be the ones who delegate every process that doesn't need a clinician. And who have a team who simplify the job of the clinician at every step. The non-clinical staff change everything. This can be done NOW
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
โ˜๐Ÿผ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
What should GPs do with patients saying 'I didn't understand my hospital Dr' Or 'Explain this letter'? (NOT a dig! We all get misunderstood. Many patients think its a GPs job to clarify hospital communication) I want to redirect patients back to consultant secretary๐Ÿค” Thoughts?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
It makes you wonder what happened...
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
The reality of saying 'No' in #primarycare 'If you don't prescribe antibiotics I'm going to kill myself. I'll make sure everyone knows it's your fault' 'I will end that Drs career' Hours of threats, 2nd opinions complaints & exhaustion. @pkonline84 @GLGAMR @AntibioticResis
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
10 months
โญI'm stepping down from my ICB leadership roleโญ My strengths haven't especially lined up with the NHSE/ ICB approach. I'm disappointed I've not achieved more for teams & patients of Sheffield. ๐Ÿ˜ฌI have no new work lined up yet ๐ŸŒ„A thread of the journey & what's next 1/7
@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Thrilled to be Sheffield Clinical Director for Primary Care! My focus is for our teams to grow in capacity, resilience, joy & hope. Enabling โฌ†๏ธ patient access to great care. So much potential! We need creativity, inspiration & connections from in & outside NHS. Who can help us?!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
So... GP surgery's are back open tomorrow๐Ÿซฃ If you're working, how are you feeling? One colleague is off sick๐Ÿ˜ฌ Feeling very nervous. All we can do is the best we can do. See lots of people & prioritise poorly ones. โค๏ธHopefully lots of kindness going in all directions โค๏ธ๐Ÿคž
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
178 requests resolved today (3 GPs, 2 Physician Associates, 2 trainees) + >100 blood tests, dozens letters, prescriptions + home visits. ALL unwell people seen. The whole team work like clockwork, due to years of development but still SO challenging. Staff & patients happy โค๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
So... GP surgery's are back open tomorrow๐Ÿซฃ If you're working, how are you feeling? One colleague is off sick๐Ÿ˜ฌ Feeling very nervous. All we can do is the best we can do. See lots of people & prioritise poorly ones. โค๏ธHopefully lots of kindness going in all directions โค๏ธ๐Ÿคž
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
๐ŸŒŸDo clinicians know costs of treatments they request?๐ŸŒŸ -Request comes to prescribe drops -ยฃ300/Month -I find equally good alternative for ยฃ10 -Emailed specialist. They had no idea -Very happy with alternative. Will change their practice ยฃ3500 saved/ Patient/ Yr Easily missed...
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
๐ŸŒŸSelf taking BP readings without decent education is crushing General Practice๐ŸŒŸ โฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธ Abnormal, single, self taken blood pressure readings generating consultations are going through the roofโฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธโฌ†๏ธ I've lost count how many this morning. All of no consequence.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Want to know which books GPs are recommending to their patients all over the country? I've asked 1000s & made a list. From mental health to menopause. From gastrointestinal problems to grief. Hours of wisdom from experts, waiting for anyone.
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Books recommended by GPs

Practice Website for Birley Health Centre

birleyhealthcentre.co.uk
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Hospital consultant 'If you can't do urine sample now, just pop it to your GP'. Implication 'GP will dip it & write to us'. GPs absorbing the millions of extra tasks that are not ours TAKES hours. We can't do it anymore ๐Ÿ˜ซ (Consultant otherwise fantastic, thank you!) #GPcrisis
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŽ‰I'm going to have a Geriatric Registrar shadowing me as GP oncall this Friday๐ŸŽ‰ ๐Ÿ‘We'll learn a lot from each other ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿคโ€๐Ÿง‘Different culture & approach ๐ŸŒŸIt would be interesting for a GP to join a consultant ward round๐ŸŒŸ See what questions, challenges & opportunities we'd offer?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
A thread response from a GP if you're listening @wesstreeting You're right about workforce being central, esp Primary Care โฌ†๏ธTraining, agree ๐ŸŒŸRETENTION matters more. Not hearing this from you The NHS needs a more compassionate culture. Your language doesn't fill me with hope 1/7
@wesstreeting
Wes Streeting MP
@wesstreeting
1 year
Only radical thinking can find a cure for the NHS. After five prime ministers and seven health secretaries, we can see that the longer the Conservatives are in power, the longer patients will wait. My @FT piece on Labourโ€™s argument for NHS reform ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
I can do 26 face to face a day (my preference), or 40 that start remotely and I bring in around 10 that need it. Demand for appointments is 50+. (Not Inc bloods, letters, visits). Does the media want F2F on demand or more appointments!!? That's the choice until we have more GPs!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
I'm a Director for Primary Care in Sheffield. I don't control GP surgeries. Nor do I want to (a risk in 'salaried' models) NHSE style 'control' is an illusion ๐ŸŒŸWe need to create the conditions for great work๐ŸŒŸ Control doesn't do it. Autonomy, relationships & influence is better.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
10 months
@HelenBevan We did similarโฌ‡๏ธ Sit in circle Everyone writes their name on top of A4 paper Pass to left Receive from right Write something positive to the person whose name is on the top Fold over Pass on Eventually you get your paper back ๐ŸŒŸThis was the highlight of some people's year๐ŸŒŸ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
@iowmillie Every time I order meds for my son on the NHS app I send some random encouragement in the 'other comments'. You never know who will get it. Definitely a great idea Millie
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Leaving after what is actually a fairly typical Monday. We certainly need more GPs. General Practice needs a government who aims to support us rather than monitor & shame. Hunts report here โฌ‡๏ธ โค๏ธIt's all about our patients. That why we come to workโค๏ธ
@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸStunning important document on the 'Future of General Practice'๐ŸŒŸ ๐Ÿ‘Real listening & pragmatic recommendations p39-45 summarisesโฌ‡๏ธ 'In crisis' Continuity++ Scrap QOF/IIF Pensions Premises Recruitment Fund for deprivation Simplify access to NHS Develop reception teams Fund OD IT
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
You can see tests results from your GP on @nhsapp But it is NOT the job of GPs to tell patients results of tests done by hospitals. @NHSDigital should know this We are in a #gpcrisis This carelessness contributes to less appointments & frustration. It's not OK. PLEASE sort it!๐Ÿ˜ซ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Two favourite traditions at our GP surgery ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธFriday 8-830am run from the surgery with a few colleagues ๐Ÿบ๐Ÿน๐Ÿท Friday 630pm for a drink after work with receptionist, GPs, PA & pharmacist ๐ŸŒŸWe push together to finish together (A target time helps, even if I don't always manage)
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
โ™ฅ๏ธPatient led menopause supportโ™ฅ๏ธ I encouraged a patient at our surgery to grow peer support regarding #Menopause ๐Ÿ˜Š240 on a local Facebook group โœจ30 women want to arrange a community space to enable group GP support ๐Ÿ’ฅ Community initiated & owned โ™ฅ๏ธA model for the futureโ™ฅ๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
โค๏ธI love doing home visitsโค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‘ŽI don't love doing them at 730pm because there is not a moment to spare in the day. ๐Ÿ‘ŽI don't love that the threshold for visiting has had to go up so high. ๐ŸŒŸ Housebound people are often those who need us most. We need โฌ†๏ธ workforce & +ve culture.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Primary Care is not a Secondary Care protection service We see millions of people every day, delivering high quality,holistic, complex care, managing clinical risk at incredible value Secondary care WOULD collapse without us We urgently need adequate resources for BOTH reasons
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
Do you want to know how patients are requesting to be seen in Aug/ Sept in an average income practice Sheffield? Face to face is NOT what most want. We have to ASK people to come in. Phone (Light blue) 55% Email (dark blue) 37% F2F (red) 7%
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
๐ŸŒŸIf someone asks to help you in life, sometimes the answer should be 'Yes!'๐ŸŒŸ ๐Ÿ˜ฅOur family struggling at the moment โ™ฅ๏ธA neighbour asked if there was anything they could do... โœ…Replied 'Yeah, dinner would be amazing'. ๐Ÿ‘ญThankful for good people! ๐Ÿ’ชFind it hard to say 'yes'?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 months
๐ŸŒŸIt consumes 1๏ธโƒฃGP appointment just to ask for 1๏ธโƒฃhospital appointment to be more urgent๐ŸŒŸ 1000s of patients are directed from hospital administrators to GPs. Please, hospital teams, discuss with admin staff 1๏ธโƒฃPrioritise 2๏ธโƒฃApologise 3๏ธโƒฃDon't ask GP to reorganise Thanks if you have!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸPlease don't pitch Doctors against patients. We're on the same side as patients๐ŸŒŸ It's why we come to work. The tone of your recent communication risks undermining the positive culture we need to support & retain the workforce. We're here, and keen to work with you Wes. 7/7
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸDoes high same day GP access drive OVER TREATMENT๐ŸŒŸ We do 95% same day. Patients love it. But much minor illness, mental health & other symptoms self resolve 1-2 weeks. We see AND treat before. Great for urgent problems. Unnecessary same day access โฌ‡๏ธtime for proactive care๐Ÿ™„
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 months
โญ๏ธShould DC summary have 'Actions for GP' or 'Suggested Actions'?โญ๏ธ I wouldn't admit a patient saying 'Actions for consutant: CT scan' Whoever is responsible decides I certainly want their ideas But being TOLD a plan creates a false sense we have to, inc medicolegally Thoughts?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 months
๐ŸŒŸFailure story๐ŸŒŸ A patient of ours has a yoga centre in our area She was willing to put on a free session for patients We put on our Facebook (1000 people) 2 registered Both cancelled Maybe we could do differently Maybe not worth doing โœ…We need to share our success AND failures
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
I hated F1/ F2 & GP training๐Ÿ˜ฃ Disliked every job๐Ÿ˜ญ Considered quitting every year Thought I'd done the wrong job Something clicked in ST3 with support of my GP trainer @ralanshirley 6 years of thriving, progress & loved it ever sinceโค๏ธ Sharing in case encouraging! So worth itโ˜€๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
A really common mistake with prescribing in hypertension is that when we give extra tablet, patients think they are to be taken INSTEAD. (In most other situations that is right). We need to be really clear if we are ADDING or SWAPPING @rpharms #pharmacist #hypertension
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
25 days
โญ๏ธDo you follow @HelenBevan 's thought leadership? Here is something you may not knowโญ๏ธ What you MAY know is that she's curious, forward thinking, a great communicator, dynamic& one of the leading experts in the NHS on change & improvement Something less obvious from social media?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Quick request of secondary care: 'Please don't ask a patient to contact a GP to prescribe something you think they need based on your assessment. Please either prescribe or ask us to.' (Asked humble in light of all the ways I may unknowingly make your lives more difficult.) โ™ฅ๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
โ™ฅ๏ธA shout out to managersโ™ฅ๏ธ Thanks for keeping the wheels on! ๐Ÿ‘ญRecruitment & looking after us ๐ŸŒŽRetaining an overview ๐Ÿ’ฐAdmin. Help us work to budget ๐Ÿ“ˆLeadership roles ๐Ÿ˜žUnder appreciated ๐Ÿ˜ทPatients don't get care without you โ™ฅ๏ธGreat managers = Great organisationsโ™ฅ๏ธ Thank you
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 months
๐ŸŒŸSuccessful General Practice could be about reducing people's dependency on the health system through individual & community self reliance. ๐ŸคจYet success is being measured in the number of short appointments we deliver... ๐Ÿ˜ฌWhich is kind of the opposite...
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 months
@DrGoblin3 @PulsePCN This is hilarious ๐Ÿ˜‚ I've just looked it up. I'm down to be speaking but nobody has asked me.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
On call yesterday, I felt the benefit of PCN ARRS roles! Two paramedic visits Two 1st contact physio's One for our mental health nurse. Pharmacist in the background. Managed every request same day until 1pm, then all urgents until 6pm. Out 630pm๐Ÿท Thanks to those supporting GPs!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
5 months
๐ŸŒŸSnuggly, sparkly walk with the #foster baby this morning ๐ŸŒ„ Massive thank you to @SheffieldFoster & our wonderful #socialworkers They have such a tough role & have been very good to us. We need more #fostercarers ! @fosteringnet @TACTCare @fosterrotherham @SHSCFT
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Can we show our appreciation for Care Workers?โ™ฅ๏ธ They do such an important but undervalued job๐ŸŒŸ Helping the most vulnerable people with independence, company & keeping well๐Ÿ‘ Tough hours, rushed & poor pay๐Ÿ˜” We must value EVERY part of the Health & Social Care team. Thank Youโ™ฅ๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
'I'm assuming everyone has read the minutes'
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
Branded painkillers, with ๐ŸŒŸadverts ๐ŸŒŸ& shiny packaging with lightening bolts โšก are EXACTLY THE SAME as the ones you get for 19p๐Ÿ’ช It's only the active ingredients that matter (eg Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) Stating the obvious? Well they're still in business &ripping people off๐Ÿ’ฐ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
'You're useless' 'You lot are pathetic' 'If I die it's your fault' I'm sickened by the way some speak to us on phone (usually receptionists) & online. Often small inconveniences in otherwise exceptional care (in tough circumstances) Frustrated? We're human beings doing our bestโ™ฅ๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
๐ŸŒŸ10 ways to detoxify your Twitter feed!๐ŸŒŸ Is X bad for your mental health? Want it to be a more positive space? Have you got tips to share? What you SEE is affected by how you use. Healthy debate & joy is still possible. Below are my tips. ๐Ÿ‘ญShare this thread & your own tips!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
One reason our NHS is failing? We try to manage complex problems as if they are simple (top down targets & outcomes) ๐ŸŒŸWe need approaches that enable our systems to actually produce results๐ŸŒŸ A ๐Ÿงตof the solutions in this SUPERB talk @tobyjlowe โฌ‡๏ธ 1/11
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Radical Models of Commissioning - Toby Lowe

Toby Lowe (Senior Lecturer in Public Management & Leadership at Newcastle Business School) describes how cutting-edge commissioning is about nurturing relati...

www.youtube.com
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
10 months
๐Ÿ‘ญI want to work in heart of teams who want to improve, but don't know how. ๐Ÿ“ˆThere is SO much unreleased potential & joy in the NHS โ™ฅ๏ธThis is the hope that IS in our sphere of influence ๐ŸŒ„So the journey to make this my role begins! Ideas would be welcome! 7/7
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
6 months
Fantastic thread by a GP receptionist who is sharing what their work is really likeโฌ‡๏ธ If you don't work in GP, it will be fairly illuminating. Thank you for all you doโ™ฅ๏ธ We need the whole team to support our patients.
@gp_recept10n
GPPracticeReceptionist
@gp_recept10n
6 months
So yesterday as โ€œonly a receptionistโ€ in #TeamGP I received a call from a concerned mum regarding her young baby I identified red flags spoke to Oncall and got baby seen and baby needed admitting.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
4 months
I'm usually on here sharing improvement stories & ideas. The 'highlights'. But recent months have been tough & felt hopeless (mostly a home situation). 'Highlights' are few. That's life sometimes. I never want my positive, hopeful posts to suggest to be the full picture.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸDoes anyone else working in the NHS feel like this today?๐ŸŒŸ If so, you're not alone. Your best is what you have. Make the difference where you can. Everything else is not on you. โค๏ธThank you for caring โค๏ธ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
๐ŸŒŸCan hospital staff text patients?๐ŸŒŸ Can anyone working in secondary care, who is able to send texts (& get replies back?) from patients please share how! It is a primitive yet crucial form of communication that should be standard. Primary Care can. Our hospital friends can't.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Can't comment on @OperoseHealth However I'll defend #PhysicianAssociates Our PAs are remarkable & an excellent addition to our team. Also necessary nationally given the GP crisis that's been allowed to develop. Yes, their training is shorter They do need to work in a team 1/3
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Branded painkillers, with ๐ŸŒŸadverts ๐ŸŒŸ& shiny packaging with lightening bolts โšก are EXACTLY THE SAME as the ones you get for 19p๐Ÿ’ช It's only the active ingredients that matter (eg Paracetamol, Ibuprofen) Stating the obvious? Well they're still in business &ripping people off๐Ÿ’ฐ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Is it ok for GPs to ring patients at the weekend like they would in the week? Or late into the evening (and how late?) *This is a separate question to whether we should be doing this. There are many reasons this may happen. I'm curious about social expectations/ norms.
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
๐Ÿค— 'I know how you feel' ๐Ÿ˜ No. You probably don't ๐Ÿค— It sounds empathic to say ๐Ÿ˜ It doesn't always sound empathetic to hear Just because you've had a similar sounding life experience doesn't mean you know what someone is feeling โ™ฅ๏ธAlternatives anyone? Eg'How is that for you'?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Can we agree that wearing coats on video calls is now acceptable? When you're sat all day you need warmth! Given the energy situation, it's helpful if we can be relaxed and people layering up! I wore one all yesterday ๐Ÿ™„
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸGP contract changes 23/24๐ŸŒŸ From targets to 'back to basics' ๐Ÿ“ˆSignificant goals on access & patient satisfaction ๐Ÿ˜ฌNo more new funding (?Yet) ๐Ÿ’ฅ Repurposed targets towards these goals โœ…Rights goals? โŒSet up to fail? ๐ŸงตA thread: Summary, opinions & questions 1/13
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
@EdTurnham @TomPMarshall @mancunianmedic @doctor_katie @ClareGerada @dave_dlt @MinalBakhai This thread relates to recent politician's suggestions. โ˜‘๏ธ However, observe the contrast in the tone, nuance, reason & competence of these arguments โ˜‘๏ธ Then observe contrast in the engagement from everyone, including clinicians. ๐ŸŒŸYou can make your points without making enemies๐ŸŒŸ
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Here's a story from a family affected by a long wait for a GP to confirm the death of their mother. Hopefully we can create a culture of more diverse roles being able to do this, creating more possibilities for a positive experience. The thread below makes me thinks it's possible
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
Many health professionals can confirm death. So why does it tend to be responsibly for on call GP? Often leading to delays for the family or less appointments for unwell people. Sometimes when a nurse is even with the family.. Has anyone changed this norm?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
@mancunianmedic Presumably this notice doesn't apply to a Band 8? They can just stroll in, walking straight through the band 7s huddled around their fridge, and place their (labelled & dated) 1 pint milk straight in without a word?
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
7 months
Thanks again Dave for sharing your story so honestly of the often sadly brutal reality of trying to offer care in General Practice. Similar to many people's story of working in Primary Care.
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GP burnout: 'I was left feeling like a husk of a human'

A support service for NHS staff reports a 77% rise in doctors seeking help for mental health issues.

www.bbc.co.uk
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
Pick a different solution! In my experience, DNAs are not wasteful. This implies that a DNA leads to 10 minutes thumb twiddling. This NEVER happens. We are at 100mph all day A DNA means 90mph for 10 minutes. It's a non issue.
@dr_irfan_malik
Irfan
@dr_irfan_malik
2 years
Out of all the major issues in General Practice - missed appointments is not one of them (in our practice)
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
2 years
What's the impact of 'Telederm' on GP? A 3 min appointment now takes 15 min (photos, emailing etc) Quick & convenient for Dermatologist & patients. ?ยฃ120 for the Derm appointment? ยฃ120 for a whole YEAR of GP care. Unfunded overwhelmed GP work enabling shortcuts elsewhere ๐Ÿ˜”
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
3 years
Certainly no criticism of Pharmacists here. Your following professional protocols. But these protocols are undermining your ability to BE professionals, whilst increasing demand on the whole system. Sorting it would be a great way to increase capacity of both stretched services!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
As tomorrow is 1st day back for GP surgeries... โค๏ธPlease remember to be EXTRA kind to GP receptionistsโค๏ธ They do really important, challenging work. There will be 1000s of phone calls. GP surgeries couldn't do what we do without them. Everyone.... Please be kind to them!
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
8 months
๐ŸŒŸAre antibiotics for insect bite reactions becoming the new 'viral chest infection' consultation?๐ŸŒŸ I see them all face to face People don't want to leave without antibiotics, despite being clinically unnecessary Often saying 'They worked last time'
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
๐ŸŒŸWhat do people think about GP receptions being staffed by Health Care Assistants?๐ŸŒŸ Eg Set up a formal health care training scheme. Professionalise the role. โฌ†๏ธStandard of training & standing in society โฌ†๏ธAbility to support practices to manage the challenges in Primary Care
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@BenAllenGP
๐ŸŒŸBen Allen GP ๐ŸŒŸ
@BenAllenGP
1 year
This situation is unbelievableโฌ‡๏ธ A pharmacist, whose job is managing medications, can't change the strength of syrup (even though same dose) We're talking about them prescribing antibiotics themselves! But they're not allowed to do this most basic task. PLEASE can we sort this?!
@UmerAyyaz91
Umer Ayyaz
@UmerAyyaz91
1 year
@BenAllenGP Stock levels constantly changing and massive variance up and down the country. 5yr+ dose is same as adult dose for amoxicillin. But big issue is pharmacists still can't amend Rx. We had loads of 125 amox suspension but we had to send back to OOH or GP as we couldn't switch
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