News

Call Back

Introducing Our Call Back Facility! (Starting 8th January 2025)

 
We’re excited to offer a Call Back service at our GP surgery, making it easier than ever for you to connect with us without waiting on hold.
 
What is it?
 
When our phone lines reach a certain number of calls, you can choose to receive a call back instead of waiting. Simply follow the prompts, and we’ll call you back as soon as it’s your turn.
 
Why use it?
 
✅ Save Time: No more waiting on hold—carry on with your day while we queue for you.
✅ Convenient: Receive a call when it’s your turn, ensuring you don’t miss out.
✅ Efficient: Our system keeps your place in the queue, so your call will be answered just as quickly as if you stayed on the line.
 
How to use it?
 
1️⃣ Call our surgery as usual.
2️⃣ Follow the prompt to request a call back.
3️⃣ We’ll ring you back when your turn comes up!
 
Let us take the hassle out of connecting with us. Your health and time are important to us!
 
*Please be aware that the call back service will attempt to reach you only once. If you miss the call, you will need to contact the surgery again.*

Published on 24th Dec 2024

Pharmacy Opening hours over Christmas and New Year 2024/25

 
Please click the below link for the opening times of local pharmacies over the festive period.
 
Cardiff and Vale Christmas and New Year 2024 - 2025v2.pdf

Published on 17th Dec 2024

New Facebook Group

The surgery have set up a private Facebook group for patients. This is your go-to platform for the latest updates, health information, and community campaigns. Here, we’ll share helpful tips, NHS and local health initiatives, clinic updates, and ways to support your wellbeing.

Please note, this page is not monitored for medical queries or appointment bookings. If you need assistance, please contact the surgery directly.

Follow us to stay informed and connected with your health!

Published on 18th Nov 2024

New Phone System

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new phone system, designed to improve your experience when contacting the practice.

Key Features:

  1. Call Recording:

    • For training and quality assurance, all incoming and outgoing calls will now be recorded.
    • Recordings will be stored securely and only accessed when necessary, in line with GDPR guidelines.

  2. Daily Dashboard:

    • We’ve introduced a live daily dashboard to provide real-time updates on our phone system activity, including:
      • Current queue lengths.
      • Estimated waiting times.
      • Call volume trends.
    • This helps us improve transparency and manage demand effectively.

Thank you for your patience and co-operation as we continue to enhance our services. If you have any feedback about the new system, please let us know.


Published on 1st Nov 2024

Influenza Vaccination Programme 2024/25

 

Starting in September, our practice will be offering the flu vaccine to all eligible patients. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of the free vaccination provided by our GP Surgery and local pharmacists. Pontprennau Medical Centre has procured the appropriate flu vaccines for our eligible population, tailored to different age groups. If you are also eligible for a shingles or pneumonia vaccination, these can be arranged simultaneously, and your medical record will be updated accordingly.

We have pre-ordered flu vaccines for the eligible groups listed below. Clinics will be scheduled both during and outside our regular hours to accommodate everyone and ensure maximum community protection.

Key Information:

  • RSV Vaccine Introduction: The RSV vaccine will be available for those 75 and older and pregnant patients at 28 weeks or more. Therefore, flu vaccines for adults will commence in October, with a focus on vaccinating children in September.

Eligible Groups for Flu Vaccination under the NHS Programme:

  • Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024
  • School-aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive)
  • People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
  • People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025)
  • All adult residents in Welsh prisons
  • Pregnant women
  • Carers of individuals whose health or welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
  • Frontline health and care workers
  • People experiencing homelessness
  • Household contacts of the immunocompromised

This year, all school-aged children will receive their vaccinations through the school immunisation service. Please do not contact the surgery to book these appointments; the schools will send letters to parents.

Appointment Booking:

  • Patients enrolled in the surgery’s SMS service will receive a text invitation with a link to book an appointment.
  • Patients not enrolled in the SMS service will receive an invitation letter by post.
  • We request that you avoid calling the surgery to book flu appointments unless absolutely necessary to reduce phone line congestion.

Housebound Patients:

Housebound patients will be contacted and visited by a team member, so there is no need to call unless your status has changed, and you can come to the surgery for your vaccination.

What to Expect During Weekend Flu Clinics:

  • Arrive at your specified time slot.
  • You will be directed to a consulting room for vaccination (several clinicians will be on site).
  • Car park access will be limited during Saturday clinics; please avoid driving if possible and reserve parking for disabled badge holders or those with limited mobility.
  • Be prepared for possible queuing; inform staff if you have difficulty standing for long periods.
  • While you have a booked appointment time, we cannot guarantee the vaccine will be administered exactly at that time.

For more information regarding the flu vaccine, please visit: About the vaccine - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)

 

 

Published on 1st Sep 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination

 

From 1st September 2024, Pontprennau will be offering the RSV vaccination to eligible patients.  RSV is a common winter virus which for most people will cause mild illness, such as a cough or cold.  However, babies under one year of age and older adults are at risk of becoming very unwell.

The vaccine will be offered to patients turning 75 and patients who are pregnant from 28 weeks gestation from September.  Further into the year patients aged 75-79 will be offered the vaccination.

We strongly encourage you take advantage of this free vaccination.

A booking link will be sent to eligible patients via SMS and patients will be able to book an appointment at a time to suit.  Alternatively, you can call the surgery on 02920 739999, please be aware that our admin team will confirm eligibility and may turn you away if you are not suitable for the vaccine.

 

For further information regarding the RSV vaccine, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-information/

 

 


Published on 1st Sep 2024