Melksham’s GPs’ year of challenge and change

MELKSHAM’S GP surgeries have experienced a year of change and challenge in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Adapting their services to keep patients and staff safe; introducing new technology; and rolling out the Covid-19 vaccination to over 17,000 patients so far – it has been a year like no other for the town’s GP surgeries.

Speaking to Melksham News, the Melksham and Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network (PCN) – which consists of the three GP practices Bradford on Avon & Melksham Health Partnership, Giffords Surgery and Spa Medical Practice – has shared its Covid-19 journey.

Before Covid-19

They said, “Before Covid-19, our PCN was working on recruitment of the wider clinical team to enhance patient services across the three practice sites. Little did we know what was to come!”

During Covid-19

“General practice went through a paradigm shift around how we communicated with patients as well as keeping them and our staff as safe as possible. 

“Across the PCN we moved to a model where all patients’ initial contact was by phone whilst caring for those who found this difficult due to mental health, deafness or other difficulties communicating remotely.

“We rapidly embraced new digital tools enabling us to text and receive photographs from patients.

“Practices rearranged their working space to keep patients and staff safe. Clinicians worked harder than ever covering colleagues who were shielding, unwell or self-isolating due to Covid.  

“We have become adept using technology at home to keep general practice running, whilst keeping safety at the forefront of our minds and judging that risk has not always been easy to navigate

“The PCN united at a rapid pace to set up our Covid vaccination centre at Spencer’s, Melksham. 

“Our hard work enabled us to be one of the early centres rolling out the Covid vaccination to our patients as well as vaccinating our housebound and vulnerable patients in nursing homes. 

“We have recruited hundreds of volunteers to help us run the service, both clinical and non-clinical. 

“Over 17,000 patients across Melksham and Bradford on Avon have now received a vaccine whilst routine care in general practice has been delivered largely without interruption. We are so very grateful to all the volunteers, retired clinicians and those helping as extra to their day job for their enthusiasm and commitment.”

Post Covid-19

“Moving forward to post Covid, it’s fair to say we are tired! Many of the team have sacrificed leave and worked extra to keep services running. 

“As a result we are mindful of the significant mental and emotional burden on our staff has been. 

“Rising demand whilst managing patients whose secondary care journey has been delayed remains a challenge.  We continue to work hard to ensure both the vaccination centre continues at pace as well as offering the very best to our patients. 

“We feel positive, spring is in the air and the vaccines are being delivered. 

“The pandemic has brought benefits as well as difficulties; many changes are here to stay. We anticipate a significant proportion of patient care will continue to be delivered remotely whilst maintaining that all important doctor-patient relationship. 

“69% of patients now consider self-care as their first option which is a huge help to your GP surgery. 

“Our PCN is stronger than ever and continues to take general practice to a new level utilising a broader skilled group of clinicians at scale.

“We thank our patients for their understanding during this pandemic, which has allowed us to innovate, making general practice more efficient and fit for the future.

“As we go forward please continue to follow government guidelines around Covid, we are not out of the woods yet. 

“Help us to help you by keeping some basic kit in your home (e.g. blood pressure machine, thermometer), take responsibility for your reviews and follow ups and be aware we are a large multi-disciplinary team who will look after you based on your problem and their expertise.

“We hope the rest of 2021 brings our patients better times enjoying family and maybe the odd trip away!”