We have had a number of patients enquiring about the sharing of their medical records been sold, this is not true. For information regarding this please follow this link:

General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) - NHS Digital

Patient Appointments

You may have seen in the media that "Patients have won the right to Face to Face appointments".  We at Royston Group Practice would like to assure our patients that we have always been, and will continue to offer, face to face appointments for patients where required.

Due to the nature of the pandemic we have had to limit access to the practice in order to make the building 'covid secure'; a waiting room that could previously hold a large number of patients can now only hold a small number if they are to socially distance properly.  We also have a duty of care to protect not only our staff, but patients who may be more vulnerable to the consequences of catching covid.  We are aware that although restrictions are easing in England, there are still increases in infection rates in certain strains of the virus.

No correct guidance has yet been released to practices on what is required, and until such guidance is issued the practice will continue to operate as it has been.  We are currently encouraging patients to phone the practice in the first instance rather than just walk in, and patients will be triaged by a member of the clinical team.  Face to face appointments will continue to be offered where required.

We thank you for your continued support.

*PLEASE NOTE*

Royston Group Practice staff receives abuse on a daily basis, this is now more than once a day. This negatively affects their mental health. We have a zero-tolerance policy to abuse and aggression. If you telephone the surgery and are abusive to a member of our staff, this could result in your call been terminated. Please treat our staff with respect. Although we understand your frustration, please do not take it out on our receptionists. Thank you!

Coronavirus

If you have received a letter from the national booking system about a vaccination appointment and have any questions about this, please contact the number on the letter. The practice does not have any information on the centres and is not able to book appointments for patients at these venues.

If you would prefer to have your appointment at our local service, you do not need to do anything – we will contact you as soon as an appointment is available.

Vaccination Invitation Letters from the National Booking System

If you are aged (75) or over, and have not yet had a vaccination, you may get a letter from the NHS national booking system inviting you to make an appointment at a large scale centre like Sheffield Arena.

These are being sent to people who live within 45 minutes of one of the centres that has been opened, which might be in a different area to where you would normally receive your healthcare.

Please note that you do not have to book an appointment at one of these centres if it is not convenient for you to get there. You can choose to wait for an invitation from your local GP practice. Please do not contact your local practice about an appointment until you receive an invitation from them.

We are letting you know about a very useful website called Germ Defence which was created by a team of doctors and scientists to give you advice that has been proven to reduce the spread of viruses in the home. It can help you plan how to protect yourself and members of your family from infection by COVID-19 and ‘flu.  

 It’s easy to use and only takes 10 minutes - just click on this link: 

 www.germdefence.org

 (If this link does not open when you click on it, please copy and paste it into your web browser.)

 Please pass details of the Germ Defence website to your friends and family.

There’s a button at the bottom of the Germ Defence website for sharing by social media.

ROYSTON GROUP PRACTICE PATIENTS: PLEASE READ

When you are requested to attend the surgery for future appointments we kindly request that patients attend their appointment alone wherever possible, and that you wear a face covering (mask, or scarf for example) at all times. If a patient feels that a mask is too uncomfortable a face shield can be provided. If a patient refuses or does not want to wear a mask then a telephone consultation will be offered. We have a duty of care for the protection of both staff and patients.

If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus you must not attend your appointment.  

COVID-19 VACCINATION`S

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PATIENTS WILL BE CONTACTED TO HAVE THEIR COVID-19 VACCINATION WHEN THIS IS AVAILABLOE FOR YOU TO HAVE, THE VACCINATION IS CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE ACROSS BARNSLEY AND IS BEEN GIVEN BY AGE STARTING WITH PATIENTS OVER THE AGE OF 80.

Due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic and following government guidance, we are suspending all routine appointments. We will be managing urgent and emergency patients only.

ALL DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE TRIAGED BEFORE ANY FACE TO FACE CONSULTATIONS AS THESE WILL BE LIMITED TO AVOID SPREADING THE VIRUS.

IF YOU HAVE: 

• SORE THROAT
• COUGH
• HIGH TEMPERATURE

YOU MUST NOT COME TO SURGERY.

YOU MUST NOW ISOLATE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SPREADING THE INFECTION IN LINE WITH NHS AND GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE.

If you consider your symptoms an emergency, you will be offered a telephone consultation after speaking with a receptionist. If you have been in contact with someone who has had a recent foreign travel, or with a confirmed case of coronavirus, you MUST NOT COME TO SURGERY. YOU MUST INSTEAD CALL 111 OR GO TO 111.nhs/covid-19

*PLEASE ALSO NOTE*

WE DO NOT ISSUE SICK NOTES OR LETTERS FOR EMPLOYERS FOR COVID-19. YOU MUST FOLLOW GOVERNMENT GUIDENCE ON THIS

Please wash your hands with warm water and soap regularly. 

The following appointments will still be going ahead for the time being and maybe subject to change, and as long as you are not displaying any symptoms.

Practice Nurse 

• Depo
• Smears 
• B12 (Only when due)
• Prostap injections
• 6 week baby checks
• Post natal checks
• Baby immunisations (Baby’s still need to be covered) 
• INR checks 
• Blood Tests
• Diabetic reviews

Things not being actioned are routine 24hr blood pressure, ear syringing. Etc

PRESCRIPTIONS - 48 HOURS NOTICE WILL BE ADHERED TO DUE TO LARGE VOLUMES OF PRESCRIPTIONS BEING REQUESTED. 

• Paper requests for repeat prescriptions are not been accepted, again to avoid the spread of the virus. 
• If you are not registered for Electronic Prescribing Service (EPS) please contact the surgery to nominate your chosen pharmacy to collect from.
• Online access 
• Tel prescription line on 01226 700400 FOR 70 YEARS & OVER ONLY ANY TIME OFF THE DAY
• TO ORDER YOUR REPEAT PRESCRIPTION YOU CAN CHOOSE THE ONLINE SERVICE, TO DO THIS YOU MUST TELEPHONE THE SURGERY AND REQUEST THIS OR YOU CAN POST YOUR REQUEST IN THE PRESCRIPTION BOX PROVIDED JUST INSIDE THE RECEPTION AREA.

Remember to use the hand sanitiser provided when entering the building. Please remain courteous to our staff at all times. Any incidents of verbal or physical abuse will result in a zero tolerance warning being issued.

We understand it’s frustrating and confusing for people but please bear in mind that it’s also frustrating and confusing for NHS staff as well due to guidelines constantly changing. This is a very challenging time for us all and we would appreciate your co-operation during this period of uncertainty.

Please encourage family and friends to follow us on Facebook, this is the quickest way we can update you with the latest advice. 

Our priority is the health and safety of all our patients and staff. 

Thank you.

*PLEASE NOTE*

On behalf of all our GPs, nurses and reception team, I’d like to thank you for your support during these busy times. We are working hard to answer your call as soon as possible, so thank you for your patience as your wait may be longer than usual this week.

 TONI YOUR PRACTICE MANAGER

SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS

WE NOW HAVE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATIONS IN THE SURGERY FOR THE 65 & OVER`S AND THE 16 TO 65 AT RISK GROUP. THESE ARE BOOKED ON AN APPOINTMENT BASIS ONLY, PLEASE CONTACT THE SURGERY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH THE NURSE ASAP.

WE ALSO HAVE THE NASAL SPRAY FOR THE FLU SEASON FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 & 3 YEARS OR AT RISK CHILDREN UP TO 16 YEARS.

*PLEASE NOTE FOR PATIENTS 50 YEARS TO 65 YEARS NOT AT RISK*

ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT MAY WRITE TO YOU TO LET YOU KNOW YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR YOUR FLU VACCINATION, WE DONT HAVE THESE IN STOCK AT THE MOMENT, ONCE THEY ARE RELEASED TO US WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT, WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS COULD BE THE END OF NOVEMBER.

Announcement

My Best Life

Are you lonely, socially isolated, struggling with housing or money problems and do not know where to turn. The 'My Best Life' service may be able to help.  My best life was started in April 2017.  The two major benefits for people referred to the My Best Life service will be an improvement in their health, wellbeing and quality of life and a reduction in social isolation, exclusion and loneliness; with a special focus on improving mental health and wellbeing, the scheme will enable people to manage their own health, improve social networks and develop their self-confidence. 

We would like to draw your attention to the Friends and Family test, which is under the “Have your Say” tab on this website.  We have recently implemented this short survey with a view to obtaining more patient feedback, so we can constantly monitor how we are doing.   

If you are able to spare a couple of minutes, we would really appreciate your input.

Thank you in advance.

Staff Announcement

Cancellations

 We are currently dealing with an increasing demand for appointments, yet are still experiencing a high volume of DNA's (did not attend).  

Could you please ensure that you contact us as soon as possible when you are unable to attend in order that we can allocate your appointment to someone else.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Conditions for which Prescribing is Restricted

At the end of May 2018, NHS England announced that certain medications would no longer be routinely available on prescription.  A full list of the conditions this affects is given below:

1. Probiotics
2. Vitamins and minerals
3. Acute Sore Throat
4. Infrequent Cold Sores of the lip.
5. Conjunctivitis
6. Coughs and colds and nasal congestion
7. Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic dermatitis – infants)
8. Haemorrhoids
9. Infant Colic
10. Mild Cystitis
11. Mild Irritant Dermatitis
12. Dandruff
13. Diarrhoea (Adults)
14. Dry Eyes/Sore (tired) Eyes
15. Earwax
16. Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
17. Head Lice
18. Indigestion and Heartburn
19. Infrequent Constipation
20. Infrequent Migraine
21. Insect bites and stings
22. Mild Acne
23. Mild Dry Skin
24. Sunburn
25. Sun Protection
26. Mild to Moderate Hay fever/Seasonal Rhinitis
27. Minor burns and scalds
28. Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
29. Mouth ulcers
30. Nappy Rash
31. Oral Thrush
32. Prevention of dental caries
33. Ringworm/Athletes foot
34. Teething/Mild toothache
35. Threadworms
36. Travel Sickness
37. Warts and Verrucae

If you have any queries around this, please speak to your GP.

Working Win Trial 

SYHA have recently launched a new Trial aimed at getting people back into work following long term sickness.  If you are interested in learning more about it or taking part, please look at the Working Win webpage by following the link below.  You can self refer, or speak to one of the GP's next time you visit the practice.

 https://www.workingwin.com/category/health-led-trial

Staff Training Closures

We are closed on the following dates for staff training 2022:

• Wednesday 19th of January from 12pm
• Wednesday 16th of February from 12pm
• Wednesday 16th of March from 12pm
• Wednesday 27th of April from 12pm
• Wednesday 18th of May from 12pm
• Wednesday 15th of June from 12pm
• Wednesday 20th of July from 12pm
• August NO EVENT (Open as Usual)
• Wednesday 7th September from 12pm
• Wednesday 21st September from 12pm
• Wednesday 19th October from 12pm
• Wednesday 16th November from 12pm
• Wednesday 7th December from 12pm

Have your say  - Join our Patient Reference Group

The next meeting for the Patient Reference Group meeting will be held on  

If you would like to come and join in with this meeting please let a member of the reception team know so we can arrange for you to attend 

Extended Hours:

We have appointments for our patients on Thursday Evenings between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. which will all be pre bookable.

Named Accountable GP

All patients will have a named accountable GP who will be responsible for patients' overall care at the practice. This does not stop you from seeing any other GP or Nurse Practitioner in the practice. Where a patient wishes to see a particular GP, they may have to wait longer to see their preferred practitioner. We will inform patients of their accountable GP opportunistically when patients contact the surgery. If you wish to know who your named accountable GP is, please contact the practice on 01226 700400.