Practice News

Update on NHS App and MyCare

South Brent Health Centre recommends patients use the NHS App to access their GP records, prescriptions, appointments and other GP-related information.

Patients may also be invited by Derriford Hospital to use MyCare, a separate app linked to the hospital's new electronic record system. MyCare gives patients access to information about their hospital care, including test results, appointments and clinical records. Some patients can also choose to share access with a family member or carer.

The NHS App and MyCare serve different purposes. The NHS App remains the main way to view GP records, while MyCare provides more detailed information about hospital services. Patients can choose whether or not to use MyCare.

Any hospital tests or results shown in MyCare remain the responsibility of the hospital team that requested them. Patients with questions about these results should contact the relevant hospital service rather than their GP practice.

South Brent Health Centre does not manage the content or functions within MyCare and has no control over how hospital information is displayed. We are also unable to influence whether NHS, hospital and referral information is combined into a single app.

Patients Know Best (PKB) is an optional service that can be linked to the NHS App. It allows some patients to view information shared by hospital and community services, such as clinic letters, care plans and test information.

Derriford Hospital previously used PKB to share some patient information, but patients are now being encouraged to use MyCare for access to their hospital records. Patients do not need PKB to access their GP records through the NHS App. Whether patients choose to use PKB, MyCare, the NHS App, or a combination of these services is entirely their choice.

Patients experiencing issues with the NHS App should contact the NHS App support team directly here. The practice is always happy to help with access problems and general guidance, but technical issues and feedback about app features or design are best directed to the app providers.

For support with MyCare, patients can contact the MyCare Helpdesk on 01392 404664, email rduh.mycarehelp@nhs.net, or send a message through the MyCare app.

Urgent Appointments

We have updated the way we book urgent appointments. All urgent requests will now be reviewed (triaged) by a clinician to ensure patients with the greatest need are prioritised appropriately.

If you need an urgent appointment, please speak to our reception team, who will send you a link to complete a short questionnaire (or complete it with you over the phone if you are unable to access online services). This helps us understand your symptoms and urgency.

A doctor will review your request and:

• Arrange an appointment within an appropriate timeframe
• Guide you to a more suitable service if needed

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

NHS Health Check

As we get older, we have a higher risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Your FREE NHS Health Check can spot early signs and help prevent these happening to you, which means you'll be more likely to enjoy life for longer.

Everyone aged 40 to 74 who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or has certain risk factors will receive an invitation once every five years to receive support and advice to help them reduce or manage their risk of:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia

Weekend appointments

This surgery works in collaboration with other GP surgeries in the area to provide routine care outside of normal surgery hours. Speak to the surgery team for information or to book a weekend appointment at your local Enhanced Access hub.

Check Your Blood Pressure

Your local pharmacy can check your blood pressure, or you can check it yourself at home with an easy to use monitor. These monitors can be collected from over 50 libraries, run by Libraries Unlimited across Devon. 

Check Your Blood Pressure - One Devon

Cervical Screening Results on NHS App from September

Cervical Screening Results on NHS App from September

From September, NHS England plans to start sending results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme directly to patients via their NHS app.

Patients who receive a negative test result will be notified by an NHS app notification. If the NHS app notification has not been read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent to the registered address.

Any abnormal results will continue to be delivered by letter.

We would encourage everyone to download the NHS App and enable notifications.

Mounjaro Injections

  Based on recent news please see our update on Mounjaro Injections for weight loss here

PROTECT Study

Research aiming to understand how the brain ages and how we can prevent dementia - Join us today!

Are you eligible?

• Aged 40 or over
• Access to a computer and the internet
• Live in the UK
• Speak English

What is involved?

• Register at www.protectstudy.org.uk
• Give your consent
• Complete brain testsw and questionnaires from home
• Provide a DNA sample from home